Burmese Temples and Pagodas with U Bein Bridge | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Burmese Temples and Pagodas with U Bein Bridge

PRIVATE TOUR - 12 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 6495

Private Tour Highlights

  • See how Myanmar is becoming a new Asian power
  • Also, see how its cultural appeal is on full display
  • Experience the modern city of Yangon
  • Visit venerated sites such as the Chaukhtatgyi
  • Drive up the path of pilgrims to Golden Rock Pagoda
  • Trek to Mandalay, a picturesque Southeast Asian city
  • Stop at the Scott Market, steeped in 80 years of tradition
  • Get a sense of how Myanmar helped turn the tide of WWII
  • Visit U Bein Bridge, the longest teakwood bridge in the world
  • Balloon over a panorama of ancient pagodas scattered below
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

Explore Burmese temples, pagodas and more in this Yampu tour. The balancing act between Myanmar’s rising impact as a new Asian power and its cultural appeal that draws adoring devotees annually is on full display in this tour. During your exploration of this entrancing country you will experience the busy excitement of Yangon and Mandalay contrasted with the tranquility and reverence of some of the most important icons of the Buddhist faith.

Starting in Yangon, you’ll get to experience a modern city standing side-by-side with such venerated sites as the Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Buddha, Sule Pagoda and Shwedagon Paya ensures thrillingly anachronistic discoveries around every corner.

A short drive to the Golden Rock Pagoda on Mt. Kyaikhtiyo puts you in the path of pilgrims to this essential location of the Buddhist faith. Gorgeous mountaintop views provide an exceptional backdrop to the stunning Golden Rock Pagoda.

Next, you’ll travel north to the traditional (and very active) city of Mandalay. Positioned on the banks of the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River, Mandalay lies within easy distance of former colonial hill stations, ancient cities and an abundance of cultural attractions.

Finish your journey with a stop in Bagan. The Burmese’s undeniable connection to Buddhism is most apparent here. Visitors to Bagan are left in awe by the spiritual experience that is attributed to by the sheer number of temples in such a confined region and to the irresistible tranquility that seems to be embodied by the locals.

Inclusions
Price Includes:
Regional and Domestic airfare from Bangkok to Yangon (round trip), Yangon to Mandalay and Bagan to Yangon, 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 £$ 6495

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

International flight to Bangkok

Overnight international flight to Bangkok.

Overnight international flight to Bangkok.

Day
2

Bangkok – Yangon

Arrival in Bangkok. Connect with your 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.

Arrival in Bangkok. Connect with your 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

City Tour of Yangon

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 Botahtaung Pagoda, named after the one thousand military leaders who are said to have brought relics of the Buddha from India thousands of years ago. From there, continue to Kandawgyi Park and the amazing Karraweik Royal Barge.


Travelers will have time to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant for a taste of Myanmar (Burma) 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 your hotel for the night.

You will have time to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant for a taste of Myanmar (Burma) 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 your hotel for the night.
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Myanmar_Royal_Barge_Yangon
Day
4

Journey to the Kalaywa Monastery & Scott Market

Morning read more...

Morning visit to the Kalaywa Monastery, which is home to approximately 1,000 monks. Experience one of the most auspicious moments one can hope to experience in this mystical land. Each morning Myanmar (Burma) 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 (Burma).


Enjoy lunch 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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Midday_alms_Myanmar
Day
5

Exploring the Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda

Morning departure from Yangon for your 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 one 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 a fabulous sunset at this marvelous pilgrimage site before dinner in the evening.

Morning departure from Yangon for your 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 one 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 a fabulous sunset at this marvelous pilgrimage site before dinner in the evening.

Day
6

Trekking around the Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda

Enjoy a full day to explore the surrounding areas of the Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda. If one would like to do some light trekking they will be able to do that here. Around the pagoda, there are many other places of interest to see. This time will 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 they will be able to do that here. Around the pagoda, there are many other places of interest to see. This time will 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

Return trip to Yangon with stop at Bago

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, and visit the highest pagoda in Myanmar, the Shwemawdaw Pagoda, which stands at 114 meters (374 feet) tall. After lunch at a local restaurant, there will be time to wander around and shop in the interesting markets of Bago before continuing on to Yangon.


En route, visit a local pottery village where over fifty pottery makers work to carry on this time honored tradition. Then continue to the Htauk Kyant War Memorial Cemetery, where 2,700 stone graves mark the final resting place 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

Yangon – Bagan

Yampu Travelers will be met at their hotel by a Yampu representative and transferred to the airport for a flight to Bagan. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to the hotel. After check-in, visit the Bagan 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 (not included), visit a local lacquer ware store where one can see the process of making each piece from start to finish.


In the afternoon, take a pony cart and explore the areas that cars are unable to enter. 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 panoramic view while watching the sun slowly set behind the ancient pagodas. Return to the hotel for the evening.
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Bagan_Myanmar_Pagoda
Day
9

Spiritual Tour of Bagan

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


As travelers drift over a panorama of ancient pagodas scattered beneath, the fabulous spires begin to glow with the dawn and then blaze with vibrant color as the sun rises over the far horizon. Travelers 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 heading back to the hotel for breakfast.


After breakfast, drive to Mount Popa, an extinct volcano with spectacular views located an hour away. 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 and experience the local plantation lifestyle.


At the foot of the mountain, observe the major pilgrimage destination, the Nat Shrine, which contains a display of mannequin-like figures representing the 37 Nat. Then have a choice to visit the summit, the Sandalwood Forest or the local museum and medicinal herbs garden. Afterwards, drive to Mandalay and check in to the hotel.


Note: Light winds and stable weather conditions are needed for the balloon ride, and these conditions determine the length of the ride. The experience typically 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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Day
10

Excursion to Mingun & the Irawaddy River

Transfer read more...

Transfer to the jetty for the morning excursion to Mingun. Take a one-hour boat trip up the Ayeyarwaddy (Irrawaddy) River, a major river that bisects the country. Journey to Mingun to visit the unfinished Mingun Paya (Pagoda), begun in 1790 by King Bodawpaya, and the Myatheindan Paya with its seven circular terraces. Continue to the 90 ton Mingun Bell, built by King Bodawpaya in 1808. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.


This afternoon's sightseeing will be to the Mahamuni Pagoda, named after the holy image "Maha Muni" housed within. The Image is said to have been cast in the lifetime of the Gautama Buddha and that Buddha embraced it 7 times thereby bringing it to life. Consequently, devout Buddhists hold it to be alive and refer to it as the Maha Muni Sacred Living Image.


Next, visit Shwe Kyaung (Golden Palace Monastery), a fragile reminder of the old Mandalay Palace where it was originally housed before being moved to its current location in 1880. After this, visit the Kuthodaw Pagoda which is known as the world's largest book due to the Buddhist scripture carved on 729 marble slabs. A drive to the top of Mandalay Hill will provide a beautiful atmosphere for sunset over Mandalay. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and then transfer back to the hotel.
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irrawaddy-river-Myanmar
Day
11

Arrival in Mandalay

This morning's activities start with a drive to Amarapura, situated about 11 kilometers (about 7 miles) south of Mandalay. Here, visit U Bein Bridge, the longest teakwood bridge in the world. It crosses the Taungthaman Lake and is curved to withstand the wind and waves. The next stop will be the Mahagandayone Monastery. In his lifetime, a Myanmar male is expected to spend some of his life serving as a Monk to learn the ways of Buddhism.


Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then continue to Ava. A few kilometers south of Amarapura, Ava was the capital of the Burmese Kingdom for nearly 400 years during the Second Myanmar Empire. Here, visit picturesque ruins, villages and a quaint country monastery by pony cart.


Continue to the surrounding area of Sagaing Hills. Sagaing is considered to be the living center of the Buddhist faith in Burma and the hundreds of monasteries reverberate with the echoes of cymbals, gongs and pagoda bells. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and then return to the hotel for the night.
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Bus_Mandalay_Myanmar
Day
12

International flight home

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Bangkok to fly home or continue with the Yampu Tours add-on of choice.

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Bangkok to fly home or continue with the Yampu Tours add-on of choice.

Yangon, Yangon Region, Myanmar (Burma)

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

Mandalay, Mandalay Region, Myanmar (Burma)

Bagan, Indonesia

Places You'll See

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • mandalay-temple

    Mandalay

    The second largest city of Myanmar is Mandalay. Centered around the royal Palace, Myanmar is the religious and cultural hub of northern Myanmar. Many Pagodas, churches, temples and mosques lurk in this fascinating city. Along with the exciting destinations to visit is an intriguing cuisine with an array of specialties form an assortment of regions.

  • 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.

Hotel Options

3 Star Properties

Yangon : Inya Lake Hotel

Yangon : Summit Parkview

Yangon : Best Western Green Hill Hotel

Kyaikhtiyo : Golden Rock Hotel

Mandalay : Hotel Yadanarbon

Mandalay : Smart Hotel (Superior)

Mandalay : Ayarwaddy River View 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)

Mandalay : Mandalay City Hotel

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)

Mandalay : Sedona Hotel

Mandalay : Mandalay Hill Resort

Bagan : Aureum Palace (deluxe room)

Bagan : The Hotel at Tharabar Gate

Luxury Properties

Yangon : The Governor’s Residence

Yangon : The Strand (Deluxe Suite)

Mandalay : Rupar Mandalar Resort

Mandalay : The Hotel by the Red Canal (Chin Suite)

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

Testimonials

Edna

Traveled February, 2014

In Myanmar, all the people were very nice and so were the guides

Overall, it was great and as good as anyone could expect. In Myanmar, all the people were very nice and so were the guides. We also felt quite safe. The hotels were, in one word, superb; each more beautiful than the other. I felt bad leaving. The program was very intense and tough; a lot of climbing and a schedule without, or little breaks. Your tip about wearing sandals was greatly appreciated, since we had to take off and put on footwear so many times. You told us that people wanted clean dollar bills. This was very extreme. Even at the visa office, we have been asked three times for a different bill before it was acceptable. In other words, tourists should not use the ATM, but rather go to the bank and obtain clean new bills. Cambodia was a very good balance to Myanmar. Both places had very nice people, and, of course, fascinating temples and other sites, but the Cambodia part had a more relaxed schedule and the tours consisted of very different temples; huge, large black stones, and ruined structures, rather than the more delicate, golden temples of Myanmar. Overall, we had a great trip. Both countries, as different as they are, are fascinating and the trip more than worthwhile.

Traveled To

Max and Mary

Traveled February 2016

Thanks much for arranging the trip in Myanmar

I want to commend to Yampu especially all the guides and drivers such as they were very good to Mary recognizing her limitations. The guides were knowledgeable, very friendly, spoke good enough English and courteous…I would not hesitate to have them in our home.

Traveled To

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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