Burmese Days is a delightful 5-day Myanmar tour program that immerses you in the essence of Myanmar. Traveling across the major cities of Yangon, Bagan and Inle Lake, you can expect to see a country that has not changed significantly since George Orwell’s famous classic Burmese Days. However, it is imperative that you discover for yourself Myanmar’s wondrous sights and friendly people in order to fully experience the charm of this captivating country.

Your Myanmar package tour starts in Yangon, the country’s economic capital. Despite being the most bustling city, Yangon still exudes an intriguing charm with gleaming pagodas, picturesque lakes and vintage vehicles plying its leafy avenues. An orientation tour of Yangon’s downtown attractions, local teashops, Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda’s reclining Buddha statue and the glittering Shwedagon Pagoda which takes on a magical aura at dusk, will definitely leave you in awe.

A short flight leads to Bagan, an ancient capital situated in Myanmar’s central plains. Dotted with thousands of pagodas and flanked by the mighty Irrawaddy River, Bagan constitutes one of Southeast Asia’s grandest archaeological sites. We will bring you to visit some of Bagan’s most iconic temples as well as a traditional lacquer ware workshop to witness the richness of Burmese culture and history.

You will then fly to Heho, where a scenic drive through the countryside leads you to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway village to Inle Lake. Located in eastern Shan state, Inle Lake is a huge freshwater lake ringed by undulating mountains. On this atmospheric lake, you will discover tranquil villages on stilts, Inthar fishermen with their peculiar one-legged rowing skills, bustling ethnic markets as well as local cottage industries.

Finally, fly back Yangon for another day of discovery in Myanmar. If time permits, enjoy a ride on the circle train to the city outskirts for a real taste of local life or stroll the cobblestone lanes of Bogyoke Market for Burmese souvenirs and artwork. This fascinating Myanmar tour will no doubt leave you with wonderful memories of your Burmese days long after the trip has concluded.

If you are interested to learn about Myanmar in greater depth, we recommend you to visit the Golden Rock, a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site near Yangon, or venture into the Delta to see the rural lifestyles around Yangon.

Essential Myanmar Tour Map

Welcome to Yangon!  After transferring to you hotel set off on an afternoon city tour starting at Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda to view its 70-meter long Buddha statue and continuing to Kandawgyi Park and a chance to rub shoulders with the locals at a tea shop. As today comes to a close, watch a magnificent sunset over the gilded dome of the holy Shwedagon Pagoda.

Overnight in Yangon.

Today, a short flight takes you to Bagan where you will spend the day exploring the architectural masterpieces of this amazing town. Enjoy a horse carriage tour among the temples and watch the sun set from the upper terrace of one of the pagodas.   

Overnight in Bagan.

Start this morning with a stroll through the lively Nyaung Oo Market before proceeding to Myinkaba village to view the local lifestyle and traditional lacquer ware workshops.  This afternoon visit the countryside village of Minnanthu before taking a sunset boat cruise on the Irrawaddy River. 

Overnight in Bagan.

After a short flight to Mandalay, tour the cities major landmarks including the holy Mahamuni Pagoda, whose Buddha statue is covered with gold leaf, and Kuthodaw Pagoda, home to 729 marble stone slabs inscribed with Buddhist scripture. This evening, enjoy a commanding overview of the city from the Mandalay Hill.

Overnight in Mandalay.

Experience the grandeur of Burmese history as you visit the former capitals of Amarapura, Ava and Sagaing. In Amarapura, witness the long procession of monks and novices lining up for lunch and take a horse carriage ride through the ancient teak temples in Ava. Cross over the Irrawaddy River to the temple-filled Sagaing Hill and finish today with a sunset walk across the world's longest teak bridge at U Bein Bridge.

Overnight in Mandalay.

Fly to the town of Heho where a short transfer will take you to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway village to Inle Lake. As you head out onto Inle Lake behold the sight of the Intha fishermen and their unique one-legged rowing styles as you cruise past the local villages on a private motorboat. Visit the Nga Hpe Chaung Monastery, a simple wooden temple perched by the lake famous for their jumping cats before witnessing the production of traditional Intha silks and Burmese cigars in the cheroot factory at Inpawkhone weaving village.

Overnight in Inle Lake.

After breakfast, experience the local lifestyle as you explore the bustling floating market, which rotates around the waterside villages in a 5-day rhythm. Sail along a small canal leading to the Paoh village of In Dein. A leisurely walk through the village will bring you to the beautiful Alaung Sitthou with its vegetation-covered stupas that overlooks the breathtaking Inle Lake. In the afternoon, transfer to Heho Airport for your flight back to Yangon.

Overnight in Yangon.

Take a morning train ride through Yangon's outskirts to witness the colorful local lifestyle.  Disembark at Kyi Myin Daing to visit a authentic market and interact with the friendly locals before returning to the city center.  If time allows, browse the stalls at the popular Bogyoke Market before transferring to the airport for your onward departure flight.

Xinyi Liang
Exotissimo Travel Group Content Writer

My favorite tour is Essential Myanmar because I was able to see all of Myanmar's must see sites into one unforgettable experience.


Each of these destinations presented me with its own unique charm such as the harmony of Yangon's colonial structures and Burmese pagodas, the vast plains of Bagan dotted with ancient temples, and the unspoiled aura of Inle Lake.

In fact, Myanmar is filled with so many picturesque moments that you have to constantly prepare your camera for any photographic opportunity that comes along. During my week-long stay in Myanmar, I took close to 3000 pictures!

The best memory I had on this tour was at Inle Lake. It was a fantastic sight to see such calm waters set against a beautiful mountain range backdrop. It was also interesting to see the local fisherman relying on wooden boats and their unique one-legged rowing technique to go from place to place.

It would be best to catch up on a little Burmese history, culture, and language before taking this tour. I was surprised at how a little ‘Min ga la ba' (hello) or ‘Kyeizu tin ba de' (thank you) did for me. I was greeted with warm smiles and the locals appreciated it so much. It really made my day!

Next on my travel plans will be some of Thailand's less visited places such as Loei, Uthai Thani, and Sangklaburi. I am very excited to see the natural landscapes and experience the country's rural way of life in these provinces.