Myanmar Discovery By Car

  • 12 days/ 11 nights
Gallery

Overview

Myanmar offers all the traditional delights of Asia in one fascinating country. Virgin jungles, pristine beaches, combined with a rich and glorious heritage spanning more than two thousand years. Spectacular monuments and ancient cities attest to a vibrant culture which is still home to 135 different ethnic groups.

Wherever you go in Myanmar, whether it is by cruising down the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River in style, or drifting over the ancient city of Bagan by hot air balloon, or searching for that elusive tiger on the back of an elephant, there is always a feeling of adventure. Our 14 days tour exploring Myanmar by car will give you all these beautiful memories.

Highlight

  • Tour Duration: 12 Days/11 Nights
  • Dates: No fixed departure dates. You may go whenever you wish.
  • Starts/Ends: Yangon city
  • Tour Type: Culture
  • Activity Level: Regular itinerary
  • Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)

Itinerary

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Day 01: Yangon arrival (D)
Arrival at Yangon International Airport. Welcome and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 02: Yangon – Mandalay (B/ L)

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Mandalay (the spiritual heart of Myanmar). Upon arrival, go to Amarapura- the “City of Immortals” and we visit the 200-year-old U BEIN Teak Bridge, built in 1782 and enjoy sunset. The rest of time is free at leisure.

Overnight in Mandalay.

Day 03: Mandalay – Amarapura – Ava – Sagaing – Mandalay (B)

After breakfast, visit to 150 year old Mahagandayon Monastery, a famous Buddhist learning centre. It is home to about thousand monks, who will form a procession as they go to take their noon and final meal of the day at 10:30. Drive to AVA for excursion; tour highlights include the twenty seven metre-high Masonry Watch Tower, the Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery, AVA Bagaya Monastery built with two hundred and seventy six teak pillars. Visit the Myanmar traditional alms bowls workshop.

Cross AVA Bridge, built by British engineers, to visit picturesque Sagaing Hill which is perhaps the living center of the Buddhist faith in Myanmar today. The hillsides are dotted with numerous pagodas and monasteries. Proceed to visit the Kaungmudaw Pagoda, with its huge spherical dome in the Ceylonese (Sri Lanka) style and nearby village (YWAHTAUNG) to visit a workshop of a goldsmith (silver). In the evening, enjoy the sunset from the Sagaing Hill. Drive back to Mandalay.

Overnight in Mandalay.

Day 04: Mandalay - Pyin Oo Lwin – Bagan (B)

Breakfast at hotel.

Drive (80 km-2hrs) on a scenic route to the cool hill station of Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo). Visit downtown waterfalls, colonial-buildings and the Central market. Photoshoot stop at the classic place. Unique, brightly painted miniature stage coaches, drawn by lively teams of horses, are waiting to carry travellers to the National Kandawgyi Gardens, the beautiful botanical gardens of Pyin Oo Lwin.

Continue drive to Bagan, Upon Arrival, and transfer to Hotel.

Overnight in Bagan

Day 05: Bagan (B)

Breakfast at hotel. Take the early morning flight to Bagan where you will spend time for exploring the architectural masterpieces of this amazing ancient town, living treasure house of Buddhist architectural beauties. Bagan, one of Asia’s most popular archaeological destinations and one out of two most pre-eminent religious old cities in South East Asia. The sightseeing starts with a visit to most distinctive pagodas such as Shwezigon Pagoda – the holiest one believed to be enshrined with Buddha tooth and hair; Htilominlo Temple- the largest temples of Bagan, Gubyaukgyi Temple (Wetkyiinn village) – the 13th century ‘cave temple’ with fine frescoes of scenes from Jakatas; Kyansittha Umin temple.

In the afternoon, Seinnyet NYIMA AHMA pagoda, Manuha, Nanbaya, Mingalazedi Pagoda, Myinkabar Gubyaukgyi Temple- well known for its wall painting depicting scenes from the Jataka. Stop at one of the many workshops of lacquers. Enjoy sunset over Bagan from Shwesandaw Pagoda.

Overnight in Bagan

Day 06: Bagan (B)

After Breakfast, visit Nyaung U Market – a typical local market; followed by a carriage ride to visit the Reclining Buddha Shinpin Thalyaung, Dhamanyangyi Temple- built by King Narathu in the 12th century, which displayed the finest brickwork in Bagan, Thatbyinnyu Temple- the highest building on the Bagan plains, Ananda Temple - King Kyansittha’s masterpiece and the crowning achievement of the early style temple of architecture. In the afternoon, visit the village Minnanthu, Sulamani Temple and Gawdawpalin. We admire to take a boat ride along the Ayeyarwaddy river to discover the local life and view the sunset.

Overnight in Bagan.

Day 07: Bagan – Mp. Popa – Inle Lake (B)

Early breakfast at hotel, drive to Mount Popa, visit the great extinct volcano. Rising out of the shimmering heat, the solitary volcanic crag of Mt. Popa is home to Myanmar's most powerful "nats". Visit the Nat Museum with its life-sized statues of the 37 Nat Gods. Walk up the steps to the stupas and shrines that top the hill above the museum, seeing many pilgrims along the way.

Continue on, proceed driving to Inle Lake. Overnight in Inle Lake.

Day 08: Inle Lake (B)

After breakfast, transfer by boat to see the floating gardens built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles. Visit Nga Hpe Chaung Monastery, which houses dozens of Shan Buddha Images, but is more famous for its unique ‘jumping cats’ that jump through hoops in the air!  Continue to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake’s main sanctuary, which contains five sacred Buddha images covered in gold leaf. Explore the local crafts of Inle Lake with a stop at the cheroot factory, where the typical Burmese cigars are made by hand. We can also visit a local silk weaving ‘factory’ which sits on stilts on the lake and where they still use old style hand looms.

Stay overnight in Inle Lake.

Day 09: Inle Lake (B)

After breakfast, we explore the southern part of the lake by boat sailing through small twisting and turning creeks to finally reach Indein village. This small village, located on the south-western bank of the lake, is famous for its ruined clusters of pagodas dated back to the 16th century. The tranquil peaceful atmosphere and the ruins, overgrown with bushes, will bring you centuries back in time.

Proceed to Ywa-Ma village, where we visit a gold and silversmiths’ workshop. In the evening, enjoy the sunset while visiting the Inle Lake by boat.

Overnight in Inle Lake.

Day 10: Inle Lake – Yangon (B)

Early breakfast at Hotel.

Transfer to drive back to Yangon.

Overnight in Yangon.

Day 11: Yangon (B)

After Breakfast, start excursion with Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda where the biggest reclining Buddha image in Myanmar (73m long) is situated. Proceed to city center, colonial style buildings and Sule Pagoda - a landmark in downtown Yangon. Continue visit Swedaw Pagoda (Buddha’s Tooth Relic), Kabar Aye (World Peace Pagoda), Buddhist Museum and Mahapasana Cave where the Buddhist Synods are held.

In the late afternoon, visit the Shwedagon Paya - described by Somerset Maugham: "The Shwedagon rose superb, glistening with its gold, like a sudden hope in the dark night of the soul of which the mystics write, glistening against the fog and smoke of the thriving city." This massive bell-shaped stupa rises nearly 100 meters above its hill-top surroundings. Wander through this magnificent structure and its courtyards, stupas, bells, temples, and Buddha images, and see religious and secular visitors from all parts of the globe. Shwedagon has become the symbol of Myanmar.

The rest of time is free for shopping at Bogyoke Market, used to be called Scott Market, the largest market in Yangon with time to browse among the hundreds of stalls for souvenir bargains, arts & crafts souvenir shopping centre.

Overnight in Yangon.

Day 12: Yangon departure (B)
Free time at the leisure until transfer to the airport for your departure flight. End of services.

Tour Inclusions

  • Accommodation in Double/Twin bedded rooms with daily breakfast
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • All entrance fees & Boat trip
  • Private transfer and tours with through English Speaking Guide
  • Transportation by air-conditioned cars
  • Cold water

Tour Exclusions

  • Early check in and late check-out from hotel
  • Meals: not listed in the program
  • Visa Fees
  • Supplement Charges for other language Guides on request (French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish etc.)
  • Tips
  • Travel insurance
  • International Airfares
  • Expenditure of personal nature, such as porter charges, camera fees, drinks, souvenirs, laundry etc.
  • International airport tax in Yangon (US$10.- per person)
  • Services not listed in above inclusions

FAQS

1. Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, certainly. Your Myanmar boutique tour is completely flexible. We craft each journey with respect, intention, and sensitivity—allowing you to dive deeper into Bagan’s temples, drift longer on Inle Lake, or pause for meaningful cultural encounters along the way. Whatever your travel rhythm, we shape the itinerary around you.
2. What kind of accommodations are included?
We handpick boutique hotels and heritage-style retreats that capture Myanmar’s quiet elegance. Each stay offers comfort, authenticity, and heartfelt local hospitality—your own peaceful corner amid Myanmar’s timeless beauty.
3. Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, we strongly recommend travel insurance for any Myanmar expedition. While we don’t include it in our packages, this gives you the freedom to choose a plan that suits your needs. Travel insurance ensures you’re protected against unexpected events and provides smooth assistance throughout your journey. Please share your policy details with us before your departure.
4. How can I book this tour?
Booking your boutique journey is easy. This itinerary serves as inspiration—your actual trip will be custom-built. Simply fill out the request form on our website with your preferences. A local travel specialist from our luxury boutique team will then contact you to discuss ideas and fine-tune the plan until you’re fully satisfied.
5. What is the payment policy?
Once your custom itinerary is finalized, a deposit of 30% is required to confirm your booking. The remaining balance is due around 60 days prior to your travel date. For last-minute bookings, full payment may be needed upfront. We accept bank transfers, Visa/Mastercard, or cash. Your travel expert will guide you through each step clearly and transparently.
6. What is your cancellation policy?

We understand that plans can change. Here's a quick summary of our cancellation terms:
- 10% of the deposit is non-refundable.
- 65 days or more before departure: No cancellation fee. 
- 31–64 days before departure: 25% cancellation fee
- 16–30 days before departure: 65% cancellation fee, excluding any penalties charged by hotels, cruises, airlines, or rail services. All such penalties will be itemized.
- 15 days before departure & no-show: 100% cancellation fee

If your tour is impacted by unexpected events (like natural disasters or force majeure), we will offer you the option to postpone your trip or refund eligible payments (excluding any unrecoverable costs).

7. Do I need a visa to travel to Myanmar (or neighboring countries)?
Yes, visas are required for most travelers. If your trip includes neighboring countries, we’ll help you check their specific visa requirements too.
8. Can I extend my trip or add extra days?
Certainly. Want to linger among Bagan’s ancient temples, enjoy more quiet days on Inle Lake, or discover additional cultural towns at your own pace? We will integrate extra days smoothly to create a journey that feels just right for you.
9. Are solo travelers welcome?
Absolutely. Our Myanmar itineraries are crafted to offer solo travelers comfort and enriching cultural encounters. A single supplement may apply, yet we will work with you to choose warm, welcoming properties that suit your preferred travel style.
10. When is the best time to visit Myanamar?
The best time to visit Myanmar is from November to February. During this period, the weather is cool and dry, making it ideal for sightseeing and cultural tours. Specifically, December, January, and February are the peak months for tourism, offering pleasant temperatures and clear skies.

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