Day 1: Arrival in Yangon
Your journey starts in Yangon, the country’s largest city. Settle into your hotel and relax after your flight.
Afterward, head to the famous Shwedagon Pagoda, one of Myanmar’s most iconic landmarks. Watching the sunset here is a serene start to your trip.
Day 2: Explore Yangon
Begin with a morning stroll through the streets of Yangon. Don’t miss the lesser-known Botataung Pagoda and Kandawgyi Lake. It’s a perfect mix of sightseeing and peaceful downtime.
Browse Bogyoke Aung San Market afterward, an excellent spot for shopping or just people-watching.
Day 3: Day Trip to Dala
Take a quick ferry across the Yangon River to Dala. It’s less touristy and gives you a chance to see everyday life in a rural village.
You can explore by bike or hire a trishaw – both are great ways to meet locals and learn about their culture.
Day 4: Fly to Bagan
Take a morning flight to Bagan, famous for its thousands of ancient temples. Check into your guesthouse, rent an e-bike, and spend your day exploring some of the temples. Ananda Temple or Shwesandaw Pagoda are good places to start. The area is vast, so having the e-bike helps!
Don’t miss watching the sunset from one of the hills.
Day 5: Full Day in Bagan
Wake up early for a sunrise hot air balloon ride (if your budget allows), or if not, catching the sunrise from a quieter temple is equally stunning. Spend the rest of the day temple hopping – don’t miss Dhammayangyi Temple or Sulamani Temple.
In the evening, grab dinner along the river for a relaxing end to the day.
Day 6: Off-the-Beaten-Path in Bagan
Take a break from temple exploring. Spend your morning at one of Bagan’s local markets, such as Nyaung U Market. Pick up some street food and enjoy some downtime back at your accommodation.
In the afternoon, head out to explore some of Bagan’s lesser-visited pagodas and remote villages. It’s a great way to experience Bagan’s quiet side.
Day 7: Travel Overland to Mandalay
Today, venture to Mandalay: you can either hire a private car or take a bus. Once you arrive, settle in and take a walk around U Bein Bridge, the world’s oldest teak bridge. It’s especially beautiful around sunset when locals cross, and reflections hit the water.
Day 8: Discover Mandalay’s Cultural Side
Spend your morning at Mandalay Hill; it’s a good workout, but the views are worth it! Follow this up with visits to the Mahamuni Buddha Temple and Kuthodaw Pagoda, home to the “World’s Largest Book.”
The city has many hidden gems, so a local guide might help uncover some spots off the usual tourist path.
Day 9: Day Trip to Inwa and Amarapura
Today, explore the ancient cities near Mandalay. Start at Inwa, where you can hop on a horse cart and see crumbled pagodas in a sleepy village setting.
Then move to Amarapura to visit its impressive teak monastery and end the day with another stroll across U Bein Bridge at sunset.
Day 10: Fly to Inle Lake
It’s time to head to Inle Lake, a picturesque lake surrounded by floating villages. Rent a boat, and your guide will take you through the villages to meet the locals, see floating gardens, and spot the iconic one-legged rowers.
End the day relaxing by the lakeside with dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 11: Bike Around Inle Lake
Swap the boat for a bicycle and ride through the surrounding lakeside villages. You’ll discover family-run workshops crafting goods like handmade paper or lotus-weaving.
Don’t rush through – take the time to talk to the artisans and learn about their work. It’s a relaxing yet immersive way to spend the day.
Day 12: Pindaya Cave Excursion
Take a day trip to Pindaya, known for its limestone cave filled with thousands of Buddha statues. The drive itself offers breathtaking scenery through hills blanketed with tea leaves and farms.
Once at Pindaya Cave, take your time walking through the extensive cave system before heading back to Inle for some laid-back exploration or rest.
Day 13: Return to Yangon
Fly back to Yangon today, and keep the day light as you’ll likely be tired from the past couple of days. Once in Yangon, spend your remaining time visiting anything you missed early in your trip, or grab a coffee at a local café and relax.
If you’re interested in history, the National Museum is a good place to delve deeper into Myanmar’s past.
Day 14: Departure
It’s time to say goodbye to Myanmar. Take the morning at a slow pace, enjoy a final Burmese meal, and make sure you’re packed up for your departure flight. If you have a late flight, you can go for a stroll along the Yangon River before heading to the airport.
Final Thoughts
This two-week Myanmar itinerary offers a mix of classic highlights and local experiences. It’s balanced between sightseeing and relaxation, ensuring you get a full sense of the country’s rich heritage without feeling rushed.
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