Day 1: Arrival in Yangon
Your journey starts in Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city. After you settle into your hotel, head straight to one of the country’s most iconic sights: the Shwedagon Pagoda. This massive golden pagoda is a stunning introduction to Myanmar’s rich religious heritage. The breathtaking gold stupa, surrounded by statues and smaller temples, will leave you in awe.
In the evening, get a taste of local flavors at the 19th Street Night Market. It’s a great spot to sample some street food, grab a beer, and mingle with locals and travelers alike.
Day 2: Exploring Yangon
Start today with a visit to the Bogyoke Aung San Market. This busy marketplace is a good spot to buy handicrafts, jewelry, and textiles. It’s a perfect way to support local artisans and pick up any souvenirs you need.
Later, take a walk around Kandawgyi Lake for a peaceful escape from the urban pace of the city. You can sit and relax by the water or grab some snacks at a nearby cafe.
In the afternoon, visit Sule Pagoda right in the heart of downtown Yangon. It’s a lovely place for some quiet reflection after a day of exploring. Later, stroll through the colonial-era buildings to get a feel for Yangon’s old-world charm.
Day 3: Yangon to Bagan
Hop on an early morning bus or flight to your next destination: Bagan. This ancient city is known for its thousands of temples and pagodas across an endless plain. It’s one of the most iconic sights in Myanmar.
Once you’ve checked into your accommodation, rent an e-bike. Riding around the dusty roads of Bagan gives you a sense of freedom as you explore temples at your own pace. Don’t miss the Ananda Temple, one of the oldest and most beautiful in the area.
Finish the day by catching sunset at the top of one of the temples (most hotels and locals can recommend which ones are best depending on the time of year). Watching the sun set over the pagodas is an unbeatable experience.
Day 4: Full Day Temple Exploration in Bagan
Start your day with a sunrise hot air balloon ride (if weather and budget allow). It’s perhaps one of the most incredible experiences you’ll have on this trip, offering panoramic views of Bagan’s ancient temples.
Post-balloon ride (or instead if you opt out), continue exploring the temples by bike or e-bike. Visit the impressive Shwezigon Pagoda, Dhammayangyi Temple, and more hidden spots like Sulamani Temple. Take your time at each one—you’ll never feel rushed here.
In the afternoon, when the sun gets too hot, head back to your accommodation to relax and recharge. Later, catch another sunset or take a ride down the Ayeyarwady River for a different view of the area.
Day 5: Bagan to Mandalay
In the morning, take a bus or boat ride to Mandalay. The boat option along the Ayeyarwady River (seasonal) provides scenic views of local villages and farmlands along the way. It’s slower but more relaxing.
When you arrive, spend the afternoon exploring Mandalay Hill. The gentle climb up offers amazing views of the city, especially if you catch the sunset from the summit. The panoramic view is a great way to ease into Mandalay life.
Day 6: Discovering Mandalay
Start today with a visit to Mahamuni Pagoda, one of the most revered Buddhist sites in Myanmar. Male visitors can help apply gold leaf to the statue, a unique local tradition.
Next, head to the U Bein Bridge. This teakwood bridge stretches across Taungthaman Lake and is one of the most photographed spots in the country. Walking across the bridge gives you some fantastic photo opportunities alongside local farmers, fishermen, and monks.
In the evening, unwind by watching a traditional Puppet Show in Mandalay. These performances tell stories of Myanmar’s culture and history through puppetry, and they’re both entertaining and educational.
Day 7: Day Trips from Mandalay
Spend today visiting some of the ancient cities around Mandalay. First, head to the town of Inwa (Ava), an old royal capital. Here, you’ll get to explore ancient monasteries and temples by horse cart, which feels like stepping back in time.
Next, stop by Sagaing Hill, dotted with hundreds of stupas and monasteries. The sweeping views from the hill are amazing and peaceful, thanks to the quieter atmosphere.
Finally, end the day in Amarapura, famous for its silk weaving industry and the stunning view of U Bein Bridge silhouetted against the evening sky. Stay here for sunset before heading back to Mandalay for the night.
Day 8: Mandalay to Inle Lake
Catch a bus or flight to Inle Lake. This serene area is known for its floating villages and one-legged rowers, who navigate the lake uniquely with one leg wrapped around their paddle to steer.
Once you arrive, get settled in a lakeside hotel or guesthouse. In the afternoon, take a canoe or boat trip across the lake to visit some of the nearby villages. Look out for locals weaving baskets or working in their floating gardens—these experiences let you see daily life up close.
Day 9: Full Day at Inle Lake
Spend today fully exploring Inle Lake by boat. Visit the famous Inthein Pagoda complex, where old stupas are hidden among overgrown hills. It’s a magical sight that feels much like an Indiana Jones movie set.
Next, head to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, home to five sacred Buddha images covered in so much gold leaf that they’ve lost their original shape.
Visit a local traditional silk-weaving workshop or boat-building shed to gain insight into how people make a living here.
In the evening, relax over a home-cooked meal at one of the guesthouses along the lake. The tranquil setting and stars overhead create a perfect ending to your day.
Day 10: Departure
This is your final day in Myanmar. Depending on your flight schedule, you can spend the morning walking around a local village or visiting a nearby temple before going back to Yangon or continuing to another country.
Take a deep breath of the fresh mountain air and savor the last moments by the lake, knowing that you’ve explored Myanmar at a relaxed, authentic pace. You’ve had an incredible cultural immersion alongside breathtaking nature—and you’ve probably taken enough photos to last a lifetime!
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