Get ready to skim over jade lakes, amble on horse carriage through golden plains, and hustle through city streets in a rickshaw as you delve into one of the most astonishing countries in all of Asia.

Our Myanmar tour takes you on a journey from Irrawaddy villages to Buddhist shrines, with diversions away from the main sites and into the heart of the country. Admire architectural marvels, discover different cultures, and learn the secrets behind local arts and crafts on a journey to see the very best Myanmar has to offer.

Your voyage embarks from Yangon, where you'll wander among the city's diverse population as you gaze at golden pagodas and stately monuments. Venturing beyond Yangon's urban borders, you'll travel to the Golden Rock, one of the holiest sites in Myanmar, and Bago, an ancient Mon capital for your first taste of rural Burmese lifestyles.

Flying north, touch down at Inle Lake, where you'll stroll among weaving workshops and hilltribe markets. Witness the incredible leg-rowing Inthar fishermen, one of many 'uniquely Burmese' things you will see on your Myanmar tour. From there, you'll head to Mandalay, a regal Burmese city and the gateway to the evocative former royal capitals.

You'll then travel overland to Bagan, veering off the tourist trail and transferring by jeep and boat through Monywa and Pakokku. Along the way you'll see sites such as the Thanboddhay Pagoda and the labyrinthine-like sandstone caves of Po Win Taung. You'll discover the peaceful rhythm of Burmese village life as you continue south along the Irrawaddy River by boat, stopping at hidden temples on the way to Bagan.

Spend two full days in Bagan, where the country's history is reflected in the temple construction. Along with exploring the pagoda you're Myanmar tour includes ample opportunities to wander amid the villages and crafts workshops of this tranquil town.

Returning to Yangon, your Myanmar holiday concludes yet should you wish to delve deeper into the local culture and history we offer several excursions to suit your tastes.

The Very Best of Myanmar - Tour Map

Upon arrival, you will be welcome by your Exotissimo Guide and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, you'll explore the wonderful diversity of Yangon from local tea shops to tranquil parks and an amazing reclining Buddha. The day comes to a close with a sunset visit to Shwedagon pagoda.

Overnight in Yangon.

Depart from Yangon this morning for your trip out to Kyaikhtiyo. After transferring by local open truck, you'll embark on a hike to reach the spectacular Golden Rock, one of the holiest sites in all of Asia.

Overnight near Golden Rock.

After breakfast, head back toward Yangon. Along the way, stop at Bago, the 6th century capital of the Mon kingdom where you'll visit gilded Mon style pagodas and a graceful reclining Buddha. Visit a local Mon village nearby for a short walk through this quiet, typical rural village. Return to Yangon in the evening after a stop at the Allied War Cemetery.

Overnight in Yangon.

After a flight from Yangon to Heho, you'll be driven to Nyaung Shwe, your gateway to the captivating Inle Lake. You'll pass among the leg-rowing fisherman as your private motorboat takes you to lakeside monasteries and pagodas. Your visit will also include a special tour of the Inpawkhone weaving village, and a factory were the local cheroot cigars are rolled. An optional cooking course with a local family can also be pursued.  

Overnight at Inle Lake. 

This morning you'll browse among stalls at the lake market, where residents of the region's Shan hill tribes come to shop and show their wares. Afterward, you'll visit the village of In Dein, where you'll be guided to see ancient stupas at Alaung Sitthou.

Overnight at Inle Lake.

The morning is yours to enjoy the pastoral pace of the lake or opt for an optional cycling excursion to a nearby vineyard for wine tasting. After a flight to Mandalay in the afternoon, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Explore the town at leisure, and enjoy the view of the sun fading over the countryside from on top of Mandalay Hill.

Overnight in Mandalay. 

Set out from Mandalay to discover three of Myanmar's ancient capitals: Amarapura, Ava and Sagaing. Crossing the Irrawaddy in the afternoon, you'll be transported to Sagaing, regarded as Myanmar's religious center. Then, continue to Ava and enjoy a horse carriage ride to Bagaya Monastery, remains of the Royal Palace and several villages. Then, stop at Amarapura and visit workshops and Mahagandayon monastery before ending the day at the U Bein teak bridge.

Overnight in Mandalay.

After breakfast you'll board a private local boat for a trip up the Irrawaddy to Mingun, site of the beautiful Hsinbyume Pagoda, amongst others. After returning to Mandalay in the afternoon, you'll be taken to Mahamuni Pagoda, where you can gaze at the venerated statue of Buddha covered in delicate gold leaf. Before ending the day, you'll also visit the Shwenandaw Manastery and Kuthodaw and Kyaiktawgyi Pagodas. There is an optional activity of marionette making with the local craftsmen at their workshop. 

Overnight in Mandalay. 

A drive from Mandalay will carry you to Monywa, a charming Burmese town set on the Chindwin River. Visit Thanboddhay Pagoda, a huge temple that houses over 500,000 Buddha images. Also stop at Boditahtaung Pagoda which houses the largest reclining Buddha image in Myanmar and witness the largest standing Buddha nearby. Head to the river banks to enjoy the sunset and the calming conclusion to the day.

Overnight in Monywa.

Head to Po Win Taung, home to 947 sandstone caves, believed to hold some of Southeast Asia's richest collection of mural paintings and Buddha statues. Nearby is Shwe Ba Taung, where monasteries and temples are carved out rocky narrow cliffs. Travel through the countryside for a stop at Kyet Su Kin village, with time to experience the lifestyle and culture of rural Burma. Proceed to the jetty and board a private local boat in Pakkoku for a leisurely, two hour cruise downriver to Bagan.

Overnight in Bagan.

The thousands of pagodas and temples you'll encounter in Bagan will make it one of the most unforgettable cities in Asia. Your time in this magnificent town will take you from the glittering golden stupa of the Shwezigon Pagon, to the murals of the Wetkyi-Gubyaukgyi cave shrine, to the elegant plaster carvings of Htilominto Temple. This afternoon, catch a horse carriage from under the shadow of graceful Ananada Temple for a ride among the beautiful ruins of the town.

Overnight in Bagan.

Today you have a choice of excursions in the Bagan area. Follow in the steps of a famous legend by jeep and boat, explore the unusual nat worshipping culture with a trip to Mt Popa and Salay or bike through temples and rural villages for a different perspective of Bagan life.

Overnight in Bagan.

Return to Yangon this morning by plane. Spend an afternoon walking among the faded pastel shutters of colonial buildings in downtown Yangon as your guide shows you the hidden corners and main sites of the atmospheric city centre.

Overnight in Yangon.

Today is at your leisure to explore on your own or for those with a bit more time, we encourage you to take one of our insider tours. Whether your passion is food, culture or nature we have the perfect excursion to scratch beneath the surface of Yangon.

Ms. Thiri Zaw
Internet Sales Manager – Exotissimo Travel Myanmar

The Very Best of Myanmar tour is an excellent program for first time visitors to the country. 

You will experience all the main sights and sounds of the country and leave with nothing but the fondest memories of Myanmar.

This tour has it all whether it would be trekking, colorful culture, and exploration of the country through different modes of transportation (car, airplane and boat).  Whether you are in Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake or Heho, Myanmar will captivate the senses!

If you have never been to Myanmar, then you should take this tour.  It is a great introduction to the country and you will be surprised as to how fast the time will fly when you are taking this trip.  Each destination offers a unique atmosphere, feel and even weather which shows the variety and diversity of the country.

My next travel plan is to go to Putao.  This is probably the only place in Myanmar that I haven’t been to yet.  Putao is a remote area in the country and I am sure I will have wonderful memories of the place.  I can’t wait to trek to the villages, try the local food and visit the markets there!