Best of Myanmar 2026

Best of Myanmar 2026
Small group tour ( start from 4 person ) starting in Mandalay and ending in Yangon.

The trip starts in Mandalay, the cultural heart of Myanmar, visiting some of its most important cultural and religious sites. Highlights include Mahagandayon Monastery, Mahamuni Pagoda, Kuthodaw Pagoda, known as the “World’s Largest Book”, and the famous U Bein Bridge. Enjoy a beautiful sunset with panoramic views from Mandalay Hill.

From Mandalay, drive to Bagan including visit a local village and palm plantation along the way. In Bagan, explore the impressive ancient temple area, including Shwezigon Pagoda, Ananda Temple, Thatbyinnyu Temple and Dhammayangyi Temple. In the evening, enjoy a horse-cart ride and sunset over the temple plains.

Next, fly to Heho and drive to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway to Inle Lake. Travelling by long-tail boat, discover the unique life of the lake with its floating villages and gardens, traditional fishing methods and famous Intha leg-rowers. Visit local silver and weaving workshops, meet Padaung women with their traditional brass neck rings, and explore the ancient Shwe Indein Pagoda complex.

The journey ends in Yangon, exploring the historic downtown area with its colonial buildings. Visit Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda to see the impressive reclining Buddha. In the evening, visit the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda and enjoy its beautiful golden view around sunset.

Itinerary

DAY 1 - 6 DEC 2026 (SUN)

ARRIVE MANDALAY

Welcomed by car and driver. Transfer to hotel.

Overnight in Mandalay.

DAY 2 - 7 DEC 2026 (MON)

MANDALAY SIGHTSEEING

At 08:30, meet your guide in Mandalay at hotel lobby. Set out to visit Mahagandayon Monastery to observe monastic life, followed by Mahamuni Pagoda, one of Myanmar’s most revered shrines. Visit a Kalaga tapestry workshop. Then, explore the bustling Zaygyo Market and surrounding downtown area, where you can experience the sights and sounds of local life and browse stalls selling fresh produce, textiles, household goods and other local products.

Afternoon continue explore sights and sounds of Mandalay including Shwenandaw Monastery, Kuthodaw Pagoda (World’s Largest Book), and enjoy sunset at Mandalay Hill. Time permitting, visit Shwe Kyin Monastery for evening prayers.

Overnight in Mandalay.

DAY 3 - 8 DEC 2026 (TUE)

MANDALAY / AVA / U BEIN BRIDGE

After breakfast, drive to the local jetty and take a short boat ride to Ava (Inwa), one of Myanmar’s former royal capitals.

Explore the ancient city by traditional horse cart, passing through peaceful countryside, local villages and historic ruins. Visit some of Ava’s notable monuments, including Nanmyint Watch Tower, Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery and Bagaya Monastery. (The sightseeing places visited in Ava are subject to change depending on accessibility and the condition of the monuments at the time of travel.)

In the afternoon, continue to Amarapura and visit the famous U Bein Bridge, the historic teakwood bridge stretching across Taungthaman Lake. Enjoy the peaceful lakeside atmosphere and beautiful sunset views before returning to Mandalay.

Overnight in Mandalay.

Remark : Tomorrow, your guide from Bagan will meet you at hotel for highway drive to Bagan.  

DAY 4 - 9 DEC 2026 (WED)

MANDALAY - BAGAN (Car, Highway drive, ~ 5-6 hours, 280 Km)

At 08:00, meet your guide from Bagan in the hotel lobby.

Take a scenic highway drive to Bagan (280 km, around 5–6 hours) with a stop at a typical local village and a toddy palm plantation to see how palm sugar and toddy are traditionally made. Upon arrival in Bagan, if time permits, enjoy sunset at one of the ancient temples.

Overnight in Bagan.

DAY 5 - 10 DEC 2026 (THU)

BAGAN

Begin your day with a visit to the charming village of Minnanthu, one of Bagan’s less-visited and peaceful areas. Observe traditional cotton weaving, sesame grinding, and local farming practices that offer a glimpse into rural Burmese life.

Continue to the revered Shwezigon Pagoda, Bagan’s most significant religious monument and an important pilgrimage site. Then visit the magnificent Ananda Temple, famed for its perfectly proportioned architecture and standing Buddha images.

Next, explore Thatbyinnyu Temple, the tallest in Bagan, followed by a visit to the massive Dhammayangyi Temple, renowned for its precise brickwork and mysterious legends.

In the evening, enjoy a relaxing local horse cart ride, passing through temple-dotted plains as the sun sets over Bagan. Stop at a temple or sunset hill to witness the magical golden hour. Afterward, return to your hotel by car.

Overnight in Bagan.

Optional Activity, Early Morning Balloon Ride (Not Included in Package Price):

Start your day early with an unforgettable hot air balloon ride over the plains of Bagan (available from October to March). The 45-minute flight offers panoramic views of ancient pagodas and the Irrawaddy River. Advance booking required.

Estimated cost: USD XXX (subject to confirmation)

DAY 6 - 11 DEC 2026 (FRI)

BAGAN – HEHO (8M-8211, 11:40-12:20) – INLE LAKE

After breakfast, transfer to the airport with car and driver. Flight to Heho.

(Optional land route if flights are not available.)

Upon arrival, welcomed by your guide in Inle Lake and drive to Nyaung Shwe (25 km – approx. 1 hour), a charming small town at the gateway to Inle Lake.

Overnight in Nyaung Shwe / Inle Lake.

DAY 7 - 12 DEC 2026 (SAT)

INLE LAKE

After breakfast at the hotel. Begin a sightseeing tour on Inle Lake, known for its stilted villages, floating gardens, and cultural richness. Cruise by private boat to observe the unique Intha leg-rowing fishermen, who skillfully row with one leg while balancing on the other.

Visit Heyya-Ywama Village, where you’ll witness daily life on the water, and continue to the sacred Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, one of the most revered religious sites in southern Shan State.

Stop by a local silversmith workshop and a weaving center to observe traditional craftsmanship. Where possible, you may also participate in their work for a hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of daily life. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet the long-neck Padaung women, known for their cultural heritage and distinct brass neck rings.

Lunch (on your own account) will be at a traditional Intha restaurant on the lake.

In the afternoon, travel by boat to the charming Indein Village, where you can stroll through bamboo groves and explore the ancient Shwe Indein Pagoda complex, featuring hundreds of weathered stupas in a jungle-like setting.

After a scenic return boat ride, return to your hotel.

Overnight in Nyaung Shwe / Inle Lake.

DAY 8 - 13 DEC 2026 (SUN)

INLE LAKE – HEHO – YANGON (By domestic flight)

After breakfast, transfer to Heho Airport with car and driver for your domestic flight to Yangon.

Upon arrival, warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel with car and driver(depending on your arrival time).

DAY 9 - 14 DEC 2026 (MON)

YANGON

At 08:30, meet your guide in Yangon at hotel lobby.

Begin your day with your guide in Yangon and begin with a walking tour through the colonial heart of Yangon, where you’ll discover heritage buildings such as Yangon City Hall, the High Court, and the grand facades of the city’s former British institutions, now buzzing with local life.

In the afternoon, visit Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda, home to one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in Myanmar.

Conclude your day with an immersive visit to Shwedagon Pagoda. Instead of entering directly, you’ll walk in from the base of Singuttara Hill, passing through vibrant local neighborhoods, small markets, and monastic zones. Along the way, you’ll observe monks in daily rituals, locals making merit, and families offering oil lamps. As you reach the golden stupa at the summit, your guide will share insights into the symbolism, spiritual traditions, and architectural marvels of this sacred site. This meaningful journey offers not just a visual highlight—but a deep cultural and spiritual connection. After the sunset, transfer back to your hotel.

Overnight in Yangon.

DAY 10 - 15 DEC 2026 (TUE)

YANGON DEPARTURE

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to airport with car and driver for departure.