Myanmar Essentials | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Myanmar Essentials

PRIVATE TOUR - 9 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 5099

Private Tour Highlights

  • Begin this journey in the former capital of Yangon
  • Experience confluence between the modern and the holy at Yangon
  • See Mandalay, a snapshot of rural Myanmar
  • Visit Bagan, the holy city of Myanmar
  • Leave in awe of this deep spiritual experience
  • Go past countless venerated Buddhist landmarks
  • Experience the Bhutanese’s undeniable connection to Buddhism
  • View the famous holy image of “Maha Muni”
  • Experience the magic of Bagan with an exhilarating hot air balloon ride over the area
  • Mahagandayone Monastery, where young men learn the ways of Buddhism
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

Begin your survey of Myanmar essentials in the former capital of Yangon where the products of a burgeoning Tiger economy stand shoulder to shoulder with venerated Buddhist landmarks. From here, travel to the city of Mandalay, a place where traditional Burmese cultural is intertwined with remnants of Dutch colonialism. Finish your adventure traveling along the Ayeyarwady to the rural charm of Amarapura and spiritual splendor of Bagan.

Starting in Yangon, you’ll get to experience a modern city standing side-by-side with such venerated sites as the Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Buddha, Sule Pagoda and Shwedagon Paya. Discover thrillingly anachronistic discoveries around every corner.

Next, you’ll travel north to the traditional (and very active) city of Mandalay. Positioned on the banks of the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River, Mandalay lies within easy distance of former colonial hill stations, ancient cities and an abundance of cultural attractions. In contrast to the colonial feel of Yangon, Mandalay embodies all that is traditional about Burma. You will visit Mandalay’s most famous sights including pagodas, palaces and monasteries.

Finish your tour of Myanmar with a visit to an essential component of its identity: Bagan.  On the same level as what Angkor Wat is to Cambodia or Giza to Egypt – Bagan is a testament to the nation’s golden age when their cultural impact was at its greatest. The Burmese’s undeniable connection to Buddhism is most apparent here. Visitors to Bagan are left in awe by the spiritual experience that is attributed to by the sheer number of temples in such a confined region and to the irresistible tranquility that seems to be embodied by the locals.

Inclusions
Price Includes:
Regional and domestic airfare from Bangkok to Yangon, Yangon to Mandalay, Bagan to Yangon and Yangon to Bangkok, Hotel accommodation including continental or buffet breakfast, Private transfers between airports and hotels with assistance and baggage handling, Private guided tours in English including all entrance fees, Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are already included in the quote (if airfare has been included in the quote)

Notes:
* Additional supplements may apply during the weeks immediately preceding and following the Lunar (Chinese) New Year. The dates vary each year, but fall sometime between January 21st and February 20th:
2016 – Monday, February 8th
2017 – Saturday, January 28th
2018 – Friday, February 16th
Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best Good Consult

Package Price: From £$ 5099

Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.

Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

International flight to Bangkok

Overnight international flight to Bangkok.

Overnight international flight to Bangkok.

Day
2

Arrival in Bangkok

Arrival in Bangkok. Connect with a regional flight to Yangon. Upon arrival in Yangon, airport reception and transfer to a hotel for check-in. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Arrival in Bangkok. Connect with a regional flight to Yangon. Upon arrival in Yangon, airport reception and transfer to a hotel for check-in. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

bangkok_fireworks_festival_thailand
Day
3

City Tour of Yangon

Enjoy a full day city tour of Yangon’s most important historical and cultural sites with a private guide. Beginning at the Sule Pagoda in the city center, continue through the streets of the downtown area. Home to some of the most splendidly kept colonial buildings meshed with ancient pagodas, Yangon still encapsulates its colonial past. Continue to visit the Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Buddha. Said to be one of the largest images of its kind, the huge reclining Buddha stretches over 223 feet. Next visit Botahtaung Pagoda, named after the one thousand military leaders who are said to have brought relics of the Buddha from India thousands of years ago. From there, continue to Kandawgyi Park and the amazing Karraweik Royal Barge.


There will be time to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant for a taste of Myanmar (Burma) cuisine. Undoubtedly the best time to visit the Shwedagon Pagoda is in the early evening as the sun begins to fall over the city. Testament to the faith of the Burmese, the Shwedagon stands at 326 feet and is covered with hundreds of gold plates; the top of the Stupa is encrusted with 4,531 diamonds – the largest of which is a single 76 carat diamond. Enjoy dinner at another local restaurant before returning to the hotel for the night.
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Myanmar_Royal_Barge_Yangon
Day
4

Visit to Kalaywa and Scott Market

Morning read more...

Morning visit to the Kalaywa Monastery, which is home to approximately 1,000 monks. Here, experience one of the most auspicious moments one can hope to experience in this mystical land. Each morning Myanmar (Burma) is scattered with thousands of monks roaming the streets collecting alms for their meals. Observe this traditional procession before continuing to the National Museum to learn about the rich culture and heritage of Myanmar (Burma).


Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, visit the Scott Market, a sprawling 80 year old market that is home to a variety of interesting Burmese goods, from lacquer ware to gems and jewelry. To gain a sense of the everyday life of the Burmese, continue to Chinatown and the local fruit market. Again, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel for the night.
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Midday_alms_Myanmar
Day
5

Yangon – Bagan

Transfer read more...

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Bagan. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to a hotel. After check-in, visit the Bagan pagodas that are the most culturally significant and best preserved, including the Shwezigon, Ku Byauk Gyi Temple (which is known for its exquisite murals), Khay Min Ga Temple, Htilo Minlo and the amazing Ananda Temple.


Bagan is not only famous for its profusion of pagodas, but also for its artistic handicrafts and lacquer ware. Master craftsmanship of lacquer ware has been the pride of Bagan since the days of the Bagan Empire. After lunch (not included), visit a local lacquer ware store where the process of making each piece from start to finish can be seen.

In the afternoon, take a pony cart and explore the areas that cars are unable to enter. The only way to truly appreciate the beauty of Bagan is to watch the sunset from the sunset viewing platform for the panoramic views of the surrounding temples. Sit back, relax, and be amazed by the panoramic view while watching the sun slowly set behind the ancient pagodas. Return to the hotel for the evening.
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Day
6

Bagan – Mandalay

Early this morning, take the unique opportunity to see one of the most remarkable sights in Asia, while drifting over the enchanting landscape dotted with ancient temples. The magic of Bagan has inspired visitors for many centuries and Marco Polo once described it as 'one of the finest sights in the world'. Riding in a hot air balloon allows for a spectacular vantage point of this celebrated landscape.


Drifting over a panorama of ancient pagodas scattered around, the fabulous spires begin to glow with the dawn and then blaze with vibrant color as the sun rises over the far horizon. Long lines of red-robed monks weaving through the streets collecting early morning alms and children delighted at the sight of a hot air balloon waving up at you will all be seen. When returning from the balloon ride, enjoy a glass of champagne before returning to a hotel for breakfast.


After breakfast, drive to Mount Popa, an extinct volcano with spectacular views located an hour away. It's considered the abode of Myanmar's most powerful Nat (Spirits) and the remains of a petrified forest here produce a profusion of trees, flowering plants and herbs. En route, visit some palm tree plantations to enjoy a relaxing break and experience the local plantation lifestyle.


Enjoy lunch at Popa Mountain Resort and begin an exploration of Mount Popa. At the foot of the mountain, observe the major pilgrimage destination, the Nat Shrine, which contains a display of mannequin-like figures representing the 37 Nat. Then visit the summit, the Sandalwood Forest or the local museum and medicinal herbs garden. Afterwards, drive to Mandalay and check in to a hotel.

Note: Light winds and stable weather conditions are needed for the balloon ride, and these conditions determine the length of the ride. The experience typically lasts about 3 hours with an average of 45 minutes of flight time, and a portion from each flight is donated to community programs that benefit the local population.
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Bus_Mandalay_Myanmar
Day
7

Journey up the Irawaddy River to the Mahamuni Pagoda & Shwe Kyaung

Transfer read more...

Transfer to the jetty for a morning excursion to Mingun. Take a one hour boat trip up the Ayeyarwaddy (Irrawaddy) River, a major river that bisects the country. Journey to Mingun to visit the unfinished Mingun Paya (Pagoda), begun in 1790 by King Bodawpaya, and the Myatheindan Paya with its seven circular terraces. Continue to the 90 ton Mingun Bell, built by King Bodawpaya in 1808. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.


This afternoon's sightseeing will be to the Mahamuni Pagoda, named after the holy image "Maha Muni" housed within. The image is said to have been cast in the lifetime of the Gautama Buddha and that Buddha embraced it 7 times, thereby bringing it to life. Consequently, devout Buddhists hold it to be alive and refer to it as the "Maha Muni Sacred Living Image."


Next visit Shwe Kyaung (Golden Palace Monastery), a fragile reminder of the old Mandalay Palace where it was originally housed before being moved to its current location in 1880. After this, visit the Kuthodaw Pagoda which is known as the world's largest book due to the Buddhist scripture carved on 729 marble slabs. A drive to the top of Mandalay Hill will provide a beautiful atmosphere for sunset over Mandalay. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and then transfer back to a hotel.
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irrawaddy-river-Myanmar
Day
8

Mandalay – Sagaing Hills

This morning's activities start with a drive to Amarapura, situated about 11 kilometers (about 7 miles) south of Mandalay. Here visit U Bein Bridge, the longest teakwood bridge in the world. It crosses the Taungthaman Lake and is curved to withstand the wind and waves. The next stop will be the Mahagandayone Monastery. In his lifetime, a Myanmar male is expected to spend some of his life serving as a Monk to learn the ways of Buddhism.


Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then continue to Ava. A few kilometers south of Amarapura, Ava was the capital of the Burmese Kingdom for nearly 400 years during the Second Myanmar Empire. Here visit picturesque ruins, villages and a quaint country monastery by pony cart.


Continue to the surrounding area of Sagaing Hills. Sagaing is considered to be the living center of the Buddhist faith in Burma and the hundreds of monasteries reverberate with the echoes of cymbals, gongs and pagoda bells. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and then return to a hotel for the night.
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Day
9

International flight home via Bangkok

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Bangkok, to fly home or continue with an optional Yampu Tours add-on.

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Bangkok, to fly home or continue with an optional Yampu Tours add-on.

Yangon, Yangon Region, Myanmar (Burma)

Mandalay, Mandalay Region, Myanmar (Burma)

Bagan, Indonesia

Places You'll See

  • Yangon

    As the main economic hub of Myanmar, Yangon is always bustling with activity. Take a trip up to the top of Shwedagon Hill to see the Shwedagon Pagoda, the most important religious site in Myanmar. Visit the Zoological Gardens to see Myanmar’s most expansive wild animal collection, or the People’s Park for its huge concrete water fountain and in-park museum.

  • Temples-of-Bagan

    Bagan

    Home to nearly 2,000 monuments spread over 16 square miles of land, and numerous religious edifices, Bagan is overflowing with rich culture. Visit the Ananda Temple, one of the four surviving Buddhist temples, or the Bagan Archaeological Museum, the only museum in the city’s fascinating archeological zone.

  • mandalay-temple

    Mandalay

    The second largest city of Myanmar is Mandalay. Centered around the royal Palace, Myanmar is the religious and cultural hub of northern Myanmar. Many Pagodas, churches, temples and mosques lurk in this fascinating city. Along with the exciting destinations to visit is an intriguing cuisine with an array of specialties form an assortment of regions.

Hotel Options

3 Star Properties

Yangon : Inya Lake Hotel

Yangon : Summit Parkview

Yangon : Best Western Green Hill Hotel

Mandalay : Hotel Yadanarbon

Mandalay : Smart Hotel (Superior)

Mandalay : Ayarwaddy River View Hotel

Bagan : Bagan Hotel River View

Bagan : Kumudara Hotel

Bagan : Popa Mountain Resort

Bagan : Thande Hotel

4 Star Properties

Yangon : Sule Shangri-La Hotel

Yangon : Sedona Hotel Yangon

Yangon : Kandawgyi Palace Hotel

Yangon : Novotel Yangon Max

Yangon : Savoy Hotel

Mandalay : Mandalay City Hotel

Bagan : Amazing Bagan Resort

Bagan : Aye Yar River View Hotel

Bagan : Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort

Bagan : Thazin Garden Hotel

5 Star Properties

Yangon : The Strand (Superior Suite)

Yangon : Park Royal Hotel (Deluxe)

Yangon : Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake

Mandalay : Sedona Hotel

Mandalay : Mandalay Hill Resort

Bagan : Aureum Palace (deluxe room)

Bagan : The Hotel at Tharabar Gate

Luxury Properties

Yangon : The Governor’s Residence

Yangon : The Strand (Deluxe Suite)

Mandalay : Rupar Mandalar Resort

Mandalay : The Hotel by the Red Canal (Chin Suite)

Bagan : Aureum Palace (Jasmine or Orchid Villa with Lake View)

Testimonials

Edna

Traveled February, 2014

In Myanmar, all the people were very nice and so were the guides

Overall, it was great and as good as anyone could expect. In Myanmar, all the people were very nice and so were the guides. We also felt quite safe. The hotels were, in one word, superb; each more beautiful than the other. I felt bad leaving. The program was very intense and tough; a lot of climbing and a schedule without, or little breaks. Your tip about wearing sandals was greatly appreciated, since we had to take off and put on footwear so many times. You told us that people wanted clean dollar bills. This was very extreme. Even at the visa office, we have been asked three times for a different bill before it was acceptable. In other words, tourists should not use the ATM, but rather go to the bank and obtain clean new bills. Cambodia was a very good balance to Myanmar. Both places had very nice people, and, of course, fascinating temples and other sites, but the Cambodia part had a more relaxed schedule and the tours consisted of very different temples; huge, large black stones, and ruined structures, rather than the more delicate, golden temples of Myanmar. Overall, we had a great trip. Both countries, as different as they are, are fascinating and the trip more than worthwhile.

Traveled To

Max and Mary

Traveled February 2016

Thanks much for arranging the trip in Myanmar

I want to commend to Yampu especially all the guides and drivers such as they were very good to Mary recognizing her limitations. The guides were knowledgeable, very friendly, spoke good enough English and courteous…I would not hesitate to have them in our home.

Traveled To

Fritz M

Traveled February, 2013

All in all, this was a great trip

All in all, this was a great trip. I am reminded of something I read in a travel book some years ago which said Here’s what I love about travel; strangers get a chance to amaze you. In Myanmar, I found myself constantly amazed. I would love to go back and pick up the areas of the country that I missed on this trip and spend more time in the sites that I found to be particularly interesting and which required more time than I had on this trip to do them justice. I think things will begin to change rapidly in Myanmar now that liberalization has begun. I appreciate all the work Yampu staff put into developing this custom itinerary for me, and I wish all of you great success in building your business in Myanmar.

Traveled To

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