HIGHLIGHT OF MYANMAR 7 DAYS

Upon arrival in Yangon. You are welcome by our guide and driver, transfer to your hotel, enjoy welcome drink when check in hotel.

We will visit Kyauktawgyi Pagoda, where you’ll get a chance to see a glimpse into Buddhist life as locals pay respect to the impressive 37-ft-high marble Buddha. The pagoda houses some fascinating murals depicting the life of Buddha which your expert Backyard Travel guide will be happy to explain.

Next your guided tour goes to Kandawgyi Park, one of central Yangon’s greenest spots. Here you will see the glittering Karaweik barge, a replica of the royal barge, and the vast lake with views of Shwedagon in the background. Depending on the day of your visit Kandawgyi may be busy with local families who come here on the weekend to relax in the fresh air. 

From here, continue to Shwedagon Pagoda the most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar. Although the origins of the pagoda are unclear, the local legend states that the original structure was built 2500 years ago then renovated several times until taking its current shape in the 15th century. The 8-sided central stupa is 99 meters tall and gilded with gold leaf and is surrounded by 64 smaller stupas and your guide will show you around the massive complex, explaining why this temple is so revered. Enjoy breathtaking views of the golden stupa from this vantage point.

Free your time at leisure. Overnight in Yangon.

We suggest 02 options:

After an early breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Yangon's Mingaladon Airport for the flight to Bagan (Nyaung Oo). Uopn arrival Bagan, you will be met by your local guide who will escort you to one of the temples constructed during Bagan’s reign as the nation’s capital.

Today’s excursion visits a range of sites, providing a great overview of Bagan’s history, culture and local lifestyles. We will visit Ananda Temple, one of Bagan’s most iconic and beautiful temples which contains four unique Buddha images, each one facing a different cardinal direction (North, East, South, and West).

Built in 1105 AD during the reign of King Kyanzittha, the temple is nicknamed ‘Westminster Abbey of Myanmar’. Here your local guide will show you two of the Buddha images located within the temple that seem to have expressions that change depending on the distance you view the statue from!

The tour continues by horse cart past Thatbyinnyu, followed by the highest temple in Bagan, Dhammayangi Temple and finally the Sulamani Temple. You’ll then have the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable moment as you witness sunset from the upper terrace of one of the temples.

Free your time at leisure. Overnight in Bagan.

We suggest 02 options:

Start your morning with a hot-air balloon flight over the plains of Bagan. Enjoy the fabulous views as the sun rises over the stupas and Irrawaddy River. This is truly an unforgettable and unique experience! (Note: available only from October to March).  

We then visit the colorful Nyaung Oo Market where villagers from local hill tribes gather every day to buy and sell their produce and other handmade goods.

After experiencing the bustling market, you’ll continue to Myinkabar, a small, local village which contains many fascinating temples. Upon reaching the village you’ll explore the religious sites, including an unusual temple with inscriptions written in the stone in four different languages.

In the afternoon, go to one of Bagan’s lesser-known areas, Minnanthu to the east of Bagan. An agricultural village, Minnanthu specializes in sesame and peanut oil production. You’ll have time to look around the peaceful area, taking in the temples of Nandamannya, Lemyentha and Payathonzu before heading to the pier to board a local boat.

You’ll then cruise down the Irrawaddy River, taking the chance to see everyday life on the river as you float past villages, wooden huts and fishermen plying their trade.

Free your time at leisure. Overnight in Bagan.

Breakfast at hotel. This morning, transfer airport for domestic flight to Heho. Proceed by road to Nyaung Shwe (25 km - 1 hour) - a gateway to Inle Lake, a freshwater lake in the heart of Shan Highlands. Proceed by boat (approx. 30 mins) to your hotel on the lake.

After a brief refreshment stop, start an excursion by boat on Inle Lake admiring the view of famous leg-rowers, typical floating gardens, local methods of fishing and village life. Don't miss it; it's a great photo time.

You’ll head to the center of Inle Lake in your private vessel, passing floating garden houses built on stilts inhabited by the local Intha People, and the famous ‘leg-rowing’ fishermen who make their living from the lake’s plentiful supply of fish. Continue to the lake’s main Buddhist site, the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, home to five small gilded images of Buddha. The statues, which range in size from nine – 18 inches, are essentially solid gold and have been so covered in gold leaf during merit-making that their shape is no longer determinable.

Finally, you will continue by boat to Inpawkhone where you can observe Intha locals engaged in the art of traditional silk weaving. This area is well known for its weaving of lotus stems. You’ll also have the chance visit a cheroot factory, where cigars are still made by hand in the traditional way.

Free your time at leisure. Overnight in Inle Lake.

We suggest 02 options:

After breakfast, your day will start at a morning market. Here the communities which inhabit the lake region, including local hill tribes such as the Pa-Oh, Intha and Shan people, all come to trade their handmade wares and farmed goods with each other. The markets are bustling hives of activity with many interesting sights on offer. If you are here on a dark moon or full moon however, there may not be a market depending on the lunar cycle.

Next you’ll have the chance to visit the fascinating area of Indein, located on the southwestern shores of the lake. You can explore the area on foot, strolling around the village and wander through the beautiful Alaung Sitthou area. Alaung Sitthou is filled with picturesque stupas and provides magnificent views of the lake.

Free your time at leisure until our guide and driver take you to the airport to Yangon. Our are meet and greeted at the airport then transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Yangon.

This morning, take a ride on Yangon’s circular train; a journey which lasts around 30 minutes and takes you through the city’s outskirts. The train also makes a stop at Kyi Myin Daing Market and Insein Township Market, which is one of the city’s best fresh markets. The break will allow you to look around and chat to the friendly vendors, soaking up the atmosphere amid the stalls, investigating the fresh fruits, meat and hand-made produce.

Transfer back to city, free your time at leisure until our guide and driver pick you up and transfer to the airport for departure flight.