Brief Myanmar Experience | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Brief Myanmar Experience

PRIVATE TOUR - 10 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 5649

Private Tour Highlights

  • Enjoy a full day city tour of Yangon’s most important historical and cultural sites with a private guide
  • Visit the Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Buddha, said to be one of the largest images of its kind
  • Stop by the shimmering gold plated and diamond encrusted Shwedagon Pagoda during sunset
  • Kalaywa Monastery, home to approximately 1,000 monks
  • Experience thousands of monks roaming the streets collecting alms, one of the most auspicious moments
  • Scott Market, a sprawling 80-year-old market, home to a variety of interesting Burmese goods
  • Enjoy a full day to explore the surrounding areas of the Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda
  • See the daily lives of the people and monks who live in the area
  • Witness the highest pagoda in Myanmar, the Shwemawdaw Pagoda
  • Visit a local pottery village, where over fifty pottery makers work to carry on this tradition
  • Stop by a local lacquer ware store where the process of making each piece can be seen
  • Appreciate the beauty of Bagan at sunset from the Sunset Viewing deck, looking over the shimmering pagodas
  • Drift over the enchanting landscape dotted with ancient temples with a sunrise balloon ride
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

For a brief Myanmar experience this is the ticket! Often described as the “living soul” of the Buddhist faith, Myanmar boasts countless sites of historical and cultural significance. The Shwedagon Paya in Yangon, Golden Rock on Mt. Kyaikhtiyo and ancient temples of Bagan occupy a place of chakra-like importance to both devotees and tourists alike. View the major sites, lesser known pagodas and temples, rural villages and big cities that have played vital roles in the practice of Buddhism for centuries.

The jewel of Yangon is the impressive Shwedagon Pagoda. This magnificent structure can be seen from around the city; no building dares to be higher than its Golden Spire. Believed to be 2,500 years old and enshrining eight of Lord Buddha’s hairs, the Shwedagon Pagoda is revered as one of the holiest sites by Buddhists throughout the world.

A short drive from Yangon, Mt. Kyaikhtiyo houses the Golden Rock Pagoda. Join in the company of pilgrims for whom a visit to this Paya is an essential spiritual journey. The mountain-top temple provides excellent opportunities for hiking and stops to surrounding villages allow you to interact with the local craftsmen and people who live in the shadow of this important Buddhist landmark.

Finishing in Bagan, you’ll view the “temple plains”, built in the 13th century during the Kingdom of Bagan’s influential apex. Consisting of seemingly endless fields of red brick stupas, this is an enduring monument to the spread of Buddhism in the region. A short drive to Mt. Popa will introduce you to the animistic faith of pre-Buddhism Burmese. Carved into the side of the mountain are many Nats (spirits) that were of vital import to early practitioners.

Inclusions
Price Includes:
Round trip regional and domestic airfare from Bangkok to Yangon and Yangon to Bagan, Hotel accommodation including continental or buffet breakfast, Private transfers between airports and hotels with assistance and baggage handling, Private guided tours in English including all entrance fees, Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. Taxes and security fees that can be paid at time of ticketing are already included in the quote (if airfare has been included in the quote)

Notes:
* Please note that Mt. Kyaikhtio (Golden Rock) site is closed during the rainy season (June-October) when access roads become impassable under heavy rain.

* Additional supplements may apply during the weeks immediately preceding and following the Lunar (Chinese) New Year. The dates vary each year, but fall sometime between January 21st and February 20th:
2016 – Monday, February 8th
2017 – Saturday, January 28th
2018 – Friday, February 16th
Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best Good Consult

Package Price: From £$ 5649

Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.

Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

Flight to Bangkok

Overnight international flight to Bangkok.

Overnight international flight to Bangkok.

Day
2

Bangkok- Yangon

Connect with a regional flight to Yangon. Upon arrival in Yangon, airport reception and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Connect with a regional flight to Yangon. Upon arrival in Yangon, airport reception and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

bangkok_fireworks_festival_thailand
Day
3

Yangon City Tour

Enjoy a full day city tour of Yangon’s most important historical and cultural sites with a private guide. Beginning at the Sule Pagoda in the city center, continue through the streets of the downtown area. Home to some of the most splendidly kept colonial buildings meshed with ancient pagodas; Yangon still encapsulates its colonial past. Continue to visit the Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Buddha. Said to be one of the largest images of its kind, the huge reclining Buddha stretches over 223 feet. Next visit Kandawgyi Park and the amazing Karraweik Royal Barge.


Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant for a taste of Myanmar cuisine. Undoubtedly the best time to visit the Shwedagon Pagoda is in the early evening as the sun begins to fall over the city. Testament to the faith of the Burmese, the Shwedagon stands at 326 feet and is covered with hundreds of gold plates; the top of the Stupa is encrusted with 4,531 diamonds – the largest of which is a single 76 carat diamond. Enjoy dinner at another local restaurant before returning to the hotel for the night.
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Myanmar_Royal_Barge_Yangon
Day
4

Kalaywa Monastery- Scott Market

Morning read more...

Morning visit to the Kalaywa Monastery, which is home to approximately 1,000 monks. Here, experience one of the most auspicious moments one can hope to experience in this mystical land. Each morning Myanmar is scattered with thousands of monks roaming the streets collecting alms for their meals. Observe this traditional procession before continuing to the National Museum to learn about the rich culture and heritage of Myanmar.


Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant. Afterwards, visit the Scott Market, a sprawling 80-year-old market that is home to a variety of interesting Burmese goods, from lacquer ware to gems and jewelry. To gain a sense of the everyday life of the Burmese, continue to Chinatown and the local fruit market. Again, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel for the night.
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Day
5

Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda

Morning departure from Yangon for a drive to Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda. Along the way, travelers will be able to see several scenes of local Burmese life. Upon arrival, transfer for the more adventurous drive to the transit junction. From here, a light hike will bring travelers to the glory of the Golden Rock’s terrace. Check into the hotel for a brief refreshment and a late lunch. In the evening, explore around the Golden Rock Platform and enjoy the fabulous sunset at this marvelous pilgrimage site before dinner in the evening.

Morning departure from Yangon for a drive to Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda. Along the way, travelers will be able to see several scenes of local Burmese life. Upon arrival, transfer for the more adventurous drive to the transit junction. From here, a light hike will bring travelers to the glory of the Golden Rock’s terrace. Check into the hotel for a brief refreshment and a late lunch. In the evening, explore around the Golden Rock Platform and enjoy the fabulous sunset at this marvelous pilgrimage site before dinner in the evening.

Day
6

Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda

Enjoy a full day to explore the surrounding areas of the Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda. If one would like to do some light trekking, this is the place to do it! Around the pagoda, there are many other places of interest to see. This time will also allow travelers to see the daily lives of the people and monks who live in these mountains. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before taking an evening stroll along the long row of shops to peruse for souvenirs. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before retiring for the night.

Enjoy a full day to explore the surrounding areas of the Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda. If one would like to do some light trekking, this is the place to do it! Around the pagoda, there are many other places of interest to see. This time will also allow travelers to see the daily lives of the people and monks who live in these mountains. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before taking an evening stroll along the long row of shops to peruse for souvenirs. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before retiring for the night.

Kyaikhtiyo-Golden-Rock-Vista
Day
7

Bago- Yangon

Morning read more...

Morning transfer back to Yangon. On the way, stop at Bago, an ancient capital of the Mon Kingdom from the 13th century. Also, visit the highest pagoda in Myanmar, the Shwemawdaw Pagoda, which stands at 114 meters or 374 feet tall. After lunch at a local restaurant there will be time to wander around and shop in the interesting markets of Bago. On the return journey to Yangon, visit a local pottery village, where over fifty pottery makers work to carry on this time honored tradition.


Also, visit the Htauk Kyant War Memorial Cemetery, where 2,700 stone graves mark the final resting places of fallen soldiers of the Commonwealth and Allied Forces during the Myanmar Campaign and the Second World War.


Finally, arrive in Yangon and check into the hotel for an evening at leisure.
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shwethalyaung-buddha-Bago-Myanmar
Day
8

Morning flight from Yangon to Bagan

Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to the hotel. Then, visit the pagodas that are the most culturally significant and best preserved, including the Shwezigon, Ku Byauk Gyi Temple for its exquisite murals, Khay Min Ga Temple, Htilo Minlo and the amazing Ananda Temple.


Bagan is not only famous for its profusion of pagodas but also for its artistic handicrafts and lacquer ware. Master craftsmanship of lacquer ware has been the pride of Bagan since the days of the Bagan Empire. After lunch, visit a local lacquer ware store where the process of making each piece can be seen from start to finish. The only way to truly appreciate the beauty of Bagan is to watch the sunset from the sunset viewing platform for the panoramic views of the surrounding temples. Sit back, relax and be amazed by the beauty of Bagan while watching the sun slowly set behind the ancient pagodas. Then, return to the hotel for the night.
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Bagan_Myanmar_Pagoda
Day
9

Nyaung Oo Market- Mount Popa

Morning read more...

Morning visit to Nyaung Oo Market to see the vast variety of fresh fruit and vegetables for sale. Then drive to Mount Popa, an extinct volcano with spectacular views (about 1-hour driving). It's considered the abode of Myanmar's most powerful Nat (Spirits) and the remains of a petrified forest here produce a profusion of trees, flowering plants and herbs. En route, visit some palm tree plantations to enjoy a relaxing break with a chance to observe the local plantation lifestyles.


At the foot of the mountain, observe the Nat Shrine, which contains a display of mannequin like figures representing the 37 Nat and is a major pilgrimage destination. Then travelers will have a choice to visit the summit, the Sandalwood Forest or the local museum and medicinal herbs garden. After exploring around Mount Popa, drive back to Bagan. Late afternoon, explore Bagan from a different perspective while exploring the area by Pony cart. The cart can explore areas that cars are unable to enter. This evening takes a relaxing sunset cruise along the Irrawaddy River, observe life on the river as the sun slowly sets in the background.
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Mount-Popa-EPG-Photo
Day
10

Bagan by Balloon

Early this morning, take the unique opportunity to see one of the most remarkable sights in Asia, as you drift over the enchanting landscape dotted with ancient temples. The magic of Bagan has inspired visitors for many centuries and Marco Polo once described it as 'one of the finest sights in the world'. Riding in a hot air balloon allows for a spectacular vantage point of this celebrated landscape.


While drifting over a panorama of ancient pagodas scattered below, the fabulous spires begin to glow with the dawn and then blaze with vibrant color as the sun rises over the far horizon. One will be able to see long lines of red-robed monks weaving through the streets collecting early morning alms and children delighted at the sight of a hot air balloon waving up. When returning from the balloon ride, enjoy a glass of champagne before returning to the hotel for breakfast.


Afterwards, transfer to the airport for a connection to Bangkok and flight home or continue with the Yampu Tours add-on of choice.


Note: Light winds and stable weather conditions are needed for the balloon ride and the length of the ride is governed by these conditions. The experience lasts about 3 hours with an average of 45 minutes of flight time, and a portion from each flight is donated to community programs that benefit the local population.
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Yangon, Yangon Region, Myanmar (Burma)

Kyaikhteeyoe Pagoda, Thaton District, Mon State, Myanmar (Burma)

Bagan, Indonesia

Places You'll See

  • Temples-of-Bagan

    Bagan

    Home to nearly 2,000 monuments spread over 16 square miles of land, and numerous religious edifices, Bagan is overflowing with rich culture. Visit the Ananda Temple, one of the four surviving Buddhist temples, or the Bagan Archaeological Museum, the only museum in the city’s fascinating archeological zone.

  • Kyaikhtiyo_Myanmar

    Kyaikhtiyo

    Join in the company of pilgrims for whom a visit to this Paya is an essential to spiritual journey. The mountain-top temple provides excellent opportunities for hiking and stops to surrounding villages allows interaction with the local craftsmen and people who live in the shadow of this important Buddhist landmark.

  • Yangon

    As the main economic hub of Myanmar, Yangon is always bustling with activity. Take a trip up to the top of Shwedagon Hill to see the Shwedagon Pagoda, the most important religious site in Myanmar. Visit the Zoological Gardens to see Myanmar’s most expansive wild animal collection, or the People’s Park for its huge concrete water fountain and in-park museum.

Hotel Options

3 Star Properties

Yangon : Inya Lake Hotel

Yangon : Summit Parkview

Yangon : Best Western Green Hill Hotel

Kyaikhtiyo : Golden Rock Hotel

Bagan : Bagan Hotel River View

Bagan : Kumudara Hotel

Bagan : Popa Mountain Resort

Bagan : Thande Hotel

4 Star Properties

Yangon : Sule Shangri-La Hotel

Yangon : Sedona Hotel Yangon

Yangon : Kandawgyi Palace Hotel

Yangon : Novotel Yangon Max

Yangon : Savoy Hotel

Kyaikhtiyo : Mountain Top Hotel (Standard Room)

Bagan : Amazing Bagan Resort

Bagan : Aye Yar River View Hotel

Bagan : Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort

Bagan : Thazin Garden Hotel

5 Star Properties

Yangon : The Strand (Superior Suite)

Yangon : Park Royal Hotel (Deluxe)

Yangon : Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake

Kyaikhtiyo : Mountain Top Hotel (Super deluxe Room)

Bagan : Aureum Palace (deluxe room)

Bagan : The Hotel at Tharabar Gate

Luxury Properties

Yangon : The Governor’s Residence

Yangon : The Strand (Deluxe Suite)

Bagan : Aureum Palace (Jasmine or Orchid Villa with Lake View)

Testimonials

Traveled October, 2015

Superb moment

Superb moment and time. Great people here.Great hotels. Great tours. A big thank you again! Excellent organization, Ananda experience and owner’s suite was a great idea. We enjoyed to be alone! On that boat. Great resort on Inle lake as well. For the rest, excellent guides and great diversity of opinions. Marvellous country and people. Again thank you for your time and care attitude. Respectfully,

Traveled To

Max and Mary

Traveled February 2016

Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand

You did a great job in putting our trip to Myanmar, Cambodia and Thailand together considering all we did and where we did it. I want to commend Yampu, especially on all the guides and drivers such as they were very good. The guides were knowledgeable, very friendly, spoke good enough English and were courteous…I would not hesitate to have them in our home.

Fritz M

Traveled February, 2013

All in all, this was a great trip

All in all, this was a great trip. I am reminded of something I read in a travel book some years ago which said Here’s what I love about travel; strangers get a chance to amaze you. In Myanmar, I found myself constantly amazed. I would love to go back and pick up the areas of the country that I missed on this trip and spend more time in the sites that I found to be particularly interesting and which required more time than I had on this trip to do them justice. I think things will begin to change rapidly in Myanmar now that liberalization has begun. I appreciate all the work Yampu staff put into developing this custom itinerary for me, and I wish all of you great success in building your business in Myanmar.

Traveled To

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