Myanmar in a nutshell, Private Tour

After landing at Yangon International Airport, you’ll be met by a tour representative who will take you on an introductory tour of Yangon City. First head to the Marble Temple, home to a 7.6-metre tall Buddha carved out of a single piece of white marble. As Myanmar believes that white elephants bring peace, stability and prosperity to the nation, there is a small, unmarked park near the Marble Temple called the Royal White Elephant Garden. After lunch, visit the Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda, home to a 70-metre-long reclining Buddha. Then you’ll get to taste some Myanmar tea at a local tea shop. Next up is a visit to Bogyoke Market, formerly known as Scott’s Market, where you’ll get to browse a wide selection of Burmese handicrafts and other goods. From here, continue to Shwedagon Pagoda, the most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar. Although its origins are unclear, the locals believe it was originally built 2,500 years ago and then renovated several times before getting its current look in the 15th century. The 8-sided central stupa is 99 metres tall, gilded with gold leaf and surrounded by 64 smaller stupas. Follow the guide’s lead around this massive complex and learn why this temple is so important. At the end of the tour, you’ll be transferred to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to spend at leisure.

Overnight in Yangon

After breakfast at the hotel, a driver will meet you in reception to take you all the way to Bagan, the capital of the Pagan Kingdom, which unified the territories that would ultimately become Myanmar. At its height, between the 11th and the 13th centuries, it had thousands of huge stupas and temples, many of which are still standing today on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. On the way, we will stop at Naypyitaw, the modern capital of Myanmar. Visit the impressive Uppatasanti Pagoda, which houses a Buddha tooth relic from China and an almost life-size replica of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. Once we reach Bagan and you’re checked into your hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to start exploring this exciting new destination at your own pace.

Overnight in Bagan

Wake up to breakfast at the hotel, then meet your guide in reception to go on your tour of Bagan. Start by contemplating the views of the magnificent plains of Bagan on the way to the golden stupa of the Shwezigon Pagoda, where you’ll receive a crash course in Bagan’s rich history. Then, visit the nearby Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi, a cave temple with exquisite jataka mural paintings; and the elegant Htilominlo Temple, noted for its fine plaster carvings and glazed sandstone decorations. In the afternoon, after lunch at a local restaurant (not included), your guide will take you to a traditional lacquerware workshop to observe the production of one of Myanmar’s best-known handicrafts. Continue then to the Ananda Temple, an architectural masterpiece and one of Bagan’s most beautiful houses of worship. Built in the early Mon style, Ananda contains two unique Buddha images whose expressions seem to change depending on the distances from which they are viewed. The rest of the day is leisure time, during which you can further explore Bagan’s mystical atmosphere.

Overnight in Bagan

Today breakfast at the hotel is followed by a leisurely drive to Lake Inle. This is a long and winding but ultimately scenic trip, taking you out of the flat arid area of Bagan up into the lush highlands of the Shan State. Once we get there, you will be able to spend the rest of the day exploring this new location at leisure. Drop your bags at the hotel after checking in and go connect with this unique rural atmosphere. Then you can wrap up the day by enjoying supper in one of the local restaurants your guide will readily recommend.

Overnight in Nyaung Shwe

Recharge your batteries with breakfast at the hotel to then go visit the colourful market in Nyaung Shwe, which sells fresh vegetables, fruits and local products. Later, leave the hustle and bustle behind and board a private motorboat to head out to Inle Lake, one of Myanmar’s most spectacular sights. Pass several villages built on stilts over the waters of the lake, inhabited by the local Intha people. Observe the famous leg-rowing fishermen and see their floating gardens made with strips of water hyacinth and mud and anchored to the bottom of the lake with bamboo poles. Visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake’s main sanctuary, which contains five sacred Buddha images covered in gold leaf. Then discover the local crafts of Inle Lake with a stop at silversmith workshops, the traditional weaving village of Inpawkhone and a cheroot factory, where traditional Burmese cigars are made by hand. Time allowing, you might be able to enjoy a short walk through one of the lakeside villages. We recommend you have dinner at the hotel, but feel free to give the local cuisine a go in one of the available restaurants.

Overnight in Nyaung Shwe

After finishing your breakfast at the hotel, hop onto the coach for the long drive all the way back to Yangon. Along the way, stop at the wooden Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery, which features beautiful carvings and a collection of Buddha images. You can have lunch at a local restaurant on the way (not included). Upon arrival to Yangon, a transfer will take you to your hotel for check-in. We recommend you have dinner in the hotel, but if you are still up for adventure, go ahead and find a local restaurant that tickles your fancy.

Overnight in Yangon

Wake up to a reinvigorating breakfast and spend this last day in Myanmar at leisure, be it enjoying one last walk around Yangon or relaxing at the hotel. When the time comes, hop onto your transfer back to Yangon International Airport to catch your flight to your next destination.