Best of Burma
Controversial, challenging but ultimately alluring, this is the chance to travel responsibly to one of South East Asia’s most enigmatic destinations.
For many years Burma has been a controversial destination. Since the positive announcement of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to end the opposition to tourism, the country has again come onto travellers’ radars. Far less controversial are the golden pagodas, natural wonder and warm hosts that you’ll encounter as you travel from Rangoon throughout the country on this excellent introductory itinerary.
Day 1: Flight to Burma
Depart the UK for your flight to Rangoon.
Day 2: Rangoon
On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Later, you will be met by your driver and guide and venture downtown to explore the city centre and its fabulous mix of architecture and sites. The streets are filled with historical buildings many of which have a faded colonial charm not seen elsewhere in Asia. You’ll start at the post office - a lovely historic building- and walk to Sule Paya in the middle of downtown, passing by Strand Hotel, Mahabandoola Garden and Independence Monument along the way. Then visit Little India and Chinatown, a colorful cacophony of restaurants, temples and markets.
Reach Bogyoke Market, formerly known as Scott’s Market, where there is time to browse through the dozens of stalls and shops. This is Yangon’s best market for handicrafts and other goods.
In the afternoon, visit Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda, home to a 70-metre long reclining Buddha. A visit to Kyaukhtatgyi provides a great overview of Buddhism with murals depicting the life of Buddha, the feet of the statue carved with traditional symbols and often many locals gathering to pay homage and pray. Continue to Modern Tea Shop for a chance to experience an integral part of Burmese life: drinking tea!
Next travel to Kandawagyi 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.
From here, continue to Shwedagon Pagoda the most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar. Although the origins of the pagoda are unclear, it is believed that the original structure was built in the 11th century then renovated several times until taking its current shape in the 15th century. The 8-sided central stupa is 90 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 and the city skyline from this vantage point.
Day 3: Rangoon - Mandalay
Transfer to Rangoon’s Mingaladon Airport for the flight to Mandalay. Upon arrival, begin your tour of Mandalay with a visit to Mahamuni Pagoda. This pagoda is home to one of the country’s most revered Buddha images which, over the years, has been covered with gold leaf giving it an almost ’lumpy’ texture. Mandalay is well known for its skilled craftsmen and as you tour traditional workshops, you will learn more about the city’s cottage industries. Observe the production of wood carvings, kalaga tapestries, and gold-leaf where the techniques remained unchanged from those used centuries ago to craft items for the Royal Court.
Head near to the canal where there are many monasteries and old colonial buildings. A short stroll through this tranquil area showcases a different side of Mandalay, where traditions remain unchanged and large shade trees fill the grounds. Continue your tour with a visit to Kuthodaw Pagoda, whose 729 marble stone slabs of Buddhist scriptures have earned it the title ’World’s Biggest Book’. Continue to Shwenandaw Monastery, the only remaining building from the 19th century Royal Palace. This grand teak building is known for its exquisite woodcarving. Head to the top of Mandalay Hill as the sun begins to set to enjoy magnificent views of the city and Irrawaddy River.
Day 4: Mandalay - Ava - Amarapura
Depart for an excursion around Mandalay to explore the former capitals of Amarapura, Ava and Sagaing. Visit the morning market for a short walk, where you will see vendors selling fresh produce, flowers, spices and steaming bowls of noodle soup. Cross over the Irrawaddy River to Sagaing. Covered with 600 pagodas and monasteries, Sagaing Hill is widely regarded as the religious center of Myanmar. It is home to 3,000 monks and 100 meditation centers and you will visit pagodas such as Swan Oo Pon Nya Shin, U Min Thone Sae, and Shin Pin Nan Gyaing.
Continue to Ava, the capital from 14th to 18th centuries and travel by horse and carriage through the area stopping to visit the old wooden Bagaya Monastery and the remains of the Royal Palace and Fort.
Then drive back towards town, stopping at Amarapura. Beginning in Taung Tha Man Village, take a short walk through the village where you will see local families weaving baskets from palm leaves, traditional loom weaving and a small 2-storey school.
Arrive at U Bein Bridge for a walk along this 200 year-old teak bridge. The bridge spans over 2 kilometers in length and offers fabulous views of the surrounding farms and streams. Cross all the way over the bridge or take a row boat. Enjoy the views as the sun begins to set over the water.
Day 5: Mt Popa
take a scenic drive to Mt Popa begins, with an opportunity along the way to visit local villages in order to learn about Myanmar culture, tradition and lifestyle of local people. There’s also the option to stop at Paleik en route, to witness the bizarre snake-washing ritual at the local temple. In mid-afternoon arrive at Popa Mountain Resort, a hilltop resort that’s the ideal place to relax after a driving day - take a dip in the pool, go for a light trek through the surrounding forests or simple relax on the balcony and enjoy the views.
Day 6: Mt Popa - Pagan
Drive down to the base of Taungkalat, a volcanic plug referred to by most tourists as Mt Popa, which plays an important role in Burmese spirituality. Its shrine is dedicated to the worship of the 37 Nats, the Burmese ancient animist spirits. Learn about nats and nat worship as you climb the stairs to the top with your local guide. The view over the Myingyan Plain from the top of the volcanic peak is impressive (and the climb is optional!).
Continue with a drive to Pagan. on the way you’ll pass through many local villages in the planes as you make your way into town. Stop at a toddy farm en route to see the unique way the farmers collect and process the juice of the palm fruit. In the afternoon, travel by horse cart for an introduction to Pagan. Pass Thatbyinnyu, the highest temple in Pagan, the massive Dhammayangyi Temple, noted for its remarkable brickwork and Sulamani Temple. Enjoy an unforgettable sunset over the plains from the upper terrace of one of the temples.
Day 7: Pagan
After breakfast at your hotel, your guide and driver will pick you up to start your Pagan excursion. You’ll first visit the Nyaung U market, a busy morning market where locals gather from surrounding villages to buy and sell produce, crafts, spices and other goods. Stop for a cup of tea in a local teahouse, a key part of daily life in Myanmar and a great place from which to observe the busy morning activities.
The temple touring begins with a visit to Thagyar Pone Temple, a temple with spectacular views over the surrounding plains. This is the perfect introduction to the grandeur and scope of Bagan’s architecture. Continue to Ananda Temple, one of the most revered temples in Pagan, which is quiet in the morning. Afterwards, go to Myinkaba Village and visit Gubyaukgyi Temple which is noted for its beautiful mural paintings on its inner walls and well-preserved plaster carvings on its exterior. Nearby is Manuha Temple and Nan Paya Temple, two smaller temples with nice Buddha statues and stone work.
In the afternoon, learn more about the local culture with a visit to two workshops producing Pagan’s most famous products: lacquer ware and wood crafts. Watch skilled craftsmen use techniques passed down through generations to create beautiful items. Continue to Ngat Pyit Taung Monastery and explore the temple’s caves to observe about local tradition and spiritual beliefs of the Burmese. Then, visit the Monastic Primary School where you can visit with the local children who are studying their lessons. Be greeted by their warm smiles and enjoy playing with and meeting the students.
Day 8: Pagan - Irrawaddy River
Transfer to the Irrawaddy River jetty and board a boat to sail down the Irrawaddy to the western banks of the river, where open-air Jeeps collect you for the drive to Myitche, a typical Irrawaddy River village with many cottage industries. Stop at the morning market, a huge, colorful market selling everything from fresh goods to handicrafts. There are many delicious treats being made, a good chance to try the local snacks. Nearby there is a small village where the locals weave housewares from rattan (or cane) and we will make a short stop there to see the production.
Continue on the road to Pakkoku. There are large trees lining the road and very few cars, only the occasional cyclist, motorbike or ox cart. The land in this area is extremely fertile and the road is lined with fields growing tobacco, cotton, chili and peanuts. Depending on the time of year the locals may be planting, harvesting or processing the crops and there are plenty of chances to stop and interact with the local farmers.
Arrive in Pakkoku, a thriving market town that is famous throughout the country for making the best ’slippers’ (velvet sandals popular with the locals). and visit a slipper-making workshop. Following the morning’s adventure, it’s time to take a break from the midday heat and cruise back down the Irrawaddy River by boat.
Day 9: Heho - Inle lake
Transfer to Nyaung Oo Airport for a flight to Heho. From here, a scenic drive leads to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway village to Inle Lake. Along the way, stop at the wooden Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery which features beautiful carvings and a collection of Buddha images.
Upon reaching the edges of Inle Lake, board a private motorboat to head out to Inle Lake, one of Myanmar’s most spectacular sights. Pass villages built on stilts over the lake, inhabited by the local Intha people. Observe the leg-rowing fishermen and see their 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’ who jump through hoops in the air.
Head to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake’s main sanctuary, which contains five sacred Buddha images and the royal barges used during the pagoda’s annual festival. Proceed to the village of Inpawkhone to observe the traditional silk weaving techniques of Inthar people. Inpawkhone is also known for its weaving from the stems of lotus flowers, a time consuming process that results in high quality materials famous throughout the country. We also visit a cheroot factory where local Burmese cigars are rolled by hand.
Day 10: Indein - Rangoon
Start with a visit to the morning market. This daily market attracts people from all over the lake’s shores who gather to buy and sell their wares; if you are lucky you may see Pa-Oh, Inthar and Shan people in their traditional outfits. Wander amid the stalls where your guide will explain the local produce and goods for sale.
From the middle of the lake, continue down a small canal leading to the Pa-oh village of Indein. Explore the area on foot, strolling around the village, visiting a local school, and wander through the beautiful Alaung Sitthou area. Climb the covered stair way to the top which is filled with picturesque ancient stupas and has magnificent views of the lake below.
Should time allow, stop at Inthar Heritage House to learn more about the history and culture of the lake’s indigenous people and enjoy a delicious coffee and cake. Later, drive to the Heho Airport for the flight to Rangoon and upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Day 11: Rangoon
This morning, after checking out from your hotel, transfer to Rangoon’s railways station to take a unique ride on the city’s circular train ride through the outskirts of town. This slow-traveling train gives you a unique opportunity to observe the lively, colorful lifestyle of the local people. Disembark at the Insein market where you can peruse the various stalls and interact with the friendly vendors before transferring back to Yangon for your flight home.
Best of Burma itinerary map
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