Keep Calm and Curry On; Myanmar Culinary Tour | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Keep Calm and Curry On; Myanmar Culinary Tour

PRIVATE TOUR - 11 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 4959

Private Tour Highlights

  • Visit the colossal reclining Buddha Chaukhtatkyi
  • Indulge in a three-hour dinner adventure around town enjoying a variety of ethnic main dishes
  • See Bagan’s most distinctive pagodas, and cave temples with fine wall paintings
  • Reach Bupaya stupa on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River, with a scenic sunset boat ride & drinks!
  • Take a cooking class using local ingredients to experience the cooking process of traditional Myanmar food
  • Stop by a local toddy palm farmer and see how toddy palm juice and sugar are produced!
  • Climb up to the top of Mt. Popa, famous for its panoramic view of the local tropical region
  • Sightseeing tour in Mandalay that includes the highly revered Mahamuni Pagoda
  • Kuthodaw Pagoda, the World's largest book with 729 stone slabs containing the entire Buddhist scriptures
  • Walk on U Bein Bridge, the oldest and longest teakwood span in the world
  • See traditional silk and cotton weaving for which Mandalay is noted
  • Travel by pony cart down tree-lined paths to see old palace walls
  • Cook with a local, English speaking chef, learning traditional local cooking styles
  • Visit traditional crafts-making such as blacksmithing, cheroot (cigar) rolling, and boat making
  • Take a boat ride up a small scenic creek, passing villages and water buffalo bathing in the creek
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

Keep Calm and Curry On; Myanmar Culinary Tour is the best way to experience all of what Myanmar has to offer! Smell the fruitful local produce before creating spectacular traditional dishes that will forever transform one’s tastes and expectations of Asian Cuisine. Here at Yampu, we believe that seeing is believing, but tasting is experiencing!

Once in Yangon, visit the colossal reclining Buddha Chaukhtatkyi and the awe-inspiring Shwedagon Pagoda, perhaps the most beautiful pagoda complex in all of Asia and one sight that no visitor to Myanmar should miss! Afterwards, enjoy a dinner adventure around town enjoying a variety of ethnic main dishes, curries and rice!

Visit some of Bagan’s most distinctive pagodas and a 13th century cave temple with fine wall paintings. Indulge in some local foods with a break for lunch before an afternoon of sightseeing! At the end of the day, reach Bupaya, a Pyu-style stupa located on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River and from where there will be a scenic boat ride, including sunset cocktail and snacks!

This morning, transfer to the cooking class where the instructor will take to the bustling Nyaung U local market where one will purchase ingredients. From shopping for produces at a local market to preparing the final dish, experience the entire cooking process of traditional Myanmar food. After the cooking is complete, prepare the dishes for serving and get together to enjoy them for lunch. In the afternoon continue the sightseeing of Bagan, impressive pagodas and temples.

Stop by a local toddy palm farmer and see how toddy palm juice and sugar are produced. Then continue to Mt. Popa for its panoramic view of the local tropical region. Enjoy a walk on U Bein Bridge over Lake Taungtaman. Built around 1850, it is the oldest and longest teakwood span in the world!

Visit the magical Inle Lake, an idyllic setting surrounded by mountains and home to the Intha people, renowned for their floating gardens and the unique one-legged rowing style of their fishermen. Arrive at Nyaung Shwe jetty and take a boat transfer to local Intha House located in the Northern part of Inle Lake passing through floating villages. Start cooking with a local, English speaking chef in a traditional way. Then sit around and enjoy the meal that has been prepared!

Make a morning visit to the moving market before continuing on to visit Indain and its enchanting 17th century pagodas. To reach Indain and the nearby village, take a boat ride up a small scenic creek that runs into Inle Lake. In Yangon, enjoy a visit to the downtown district. The streets are filled with colorful sidewalk markets selling various items both old and new. Stroll through the famous Scott (Bogyoke) Market, a sprawling complex built in 1926 and noted for its variety of handicrafts and other items which provides an excellent opportunity for a shopping spree.

Inclusions
Hotels accommodation with daily breakfast, Domestic flights tickets (Yangon/Bagan, Bagan/ Mandalay, Mandalay/Heho and, Heho/Yangon), Domestic airfares current fuel surcharges and airport departure tax, Entrance fees and zone fees for the visits, All transfers and sightseeing with private air-con car and drivers as per program, Dinner food tour in Yangon, Sunset boat ride in Bagan, Horse cart ride at Inwa, Private boat tour at Inle Lake, Cooking class in Bagan and Inle Lake and Local English speaking stationed guide services for all transfer and sightseeing (one guide in one city), One bottled water and two wet towels per pax will be provided on sightseeing days only.
Exclusions

International air tickets, Drinks, Hotel early check in and late check out
Vissa fees, Insurance, Tipping, gratitude, Personal expenses, and Any other services not mentioned above

Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best Good Consult

Package Price: From £$ 4959

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

Yangon

International flight to Myanmar.

International flight to Myanmar.

Day
2

Yangon

Upon arrival at Yangon International Airport, be met by a local guide. In the late afternoon, visit the colossal reclining Buddha Chaukhtatkyi and the awe-inspiring Shwedagon Pagoda, perhaps the most beautiful pagoda complex in all of Asia and one sight that no visitor to Myanmar should miss. Transfer to the selected hotel.

Then, tonight, at about 6:00PM, enjoy a three-hour dinner adventure around town enjoying a variety of ethnic main dishes, curries and rice. Then tonight, return back to the hotel.

Upon arrival at Yangon International Airport, be met by a local guide. In the late afternoon, visit the colossal reclining Buddha Chaukhtatkyi and the awe-inspiring Shwedagon Pagoda, perhaps the most beautiful pagoda complex in all of Asia and one sight that no visitor to Myanmar should miss. Transfer to the selected hotel.

Then, tonight, at about 6:00PM, enjoy a three-hour dinner adventure around town enjoying a variety of ethnic main dishes, curries and rice. Then tonight, return back to the hotel.

Yangon-Shwedagon-Playa-Courtyard
Day
3

Yangon - Bagan

Be met at the hotel by a Yampu representative and transferred to the airport.

Upon arrival to Bagan, visit some of the city’s most distinctive pagodas including Shwezigon, a prototype of later Myanmar stupas and Wetkyi-in-Gubyaukgyi, a 13th century cave temple with fine wall paintings. One of the most outstanding is the magnificent Ananda Pagoda and Htilominlo Temple, which is known to be the last Myanmar Style temple built in Bagan.
There will be a break for lunch (own account) before an afternoon of sightseeing highlights including Sulamani Temple, built by King Narapatisithu, Dhammayangyi Temple, a massive later period temple with the finest brickwork in Bagan, and Thatbyinnyu Temple, which towers above other monuments of Bagan.
As the day wanes, reach Bupaya, a Pyu-style stupa located on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River and from where there will be a scenic boat ride (including sunset cocktail and snacks) ending on the bank of the Ayeyarwady. Then return to the hotel for the night.

Note: Due to the August 2016 earthquake which caused damage to many Bagan pagodas, entrance to the following sites is prohibited until further notice: Htilominlo, Gubyaukgyi, Sularmani and Pya Thet Gyi – and on cultural tours will be replaced by: Ananda, Manuha, Shwezigon and Buu Phaya. ...read less

Bagan-Temples-myanmar
Day
4

Bagan

Private read more...

Private Full Day Bagan City Tour with Morning Cooking Class
This morning, transfer to the cooking class where the instructor will take guests to the bustling Nyaung U local market where one will purchase ingredients. From shopping for produces at a local market to preparing the final dish, experience the entire cooking process of traditional Myanmar food. After the cooking is complete, prepare the dishes for serving and get together to enjoy them for lunch.
In the afternoon continue the sightseeing of Bagan, impressive pagodas and temples. Sightseeing highlights includes Manuha Temple built by King Manuha to represent his displeasure of captivity, Nanpaya close behind the Manuha and which is also Bagan's first "gu-style" (cave) shrine, and next to visit Gubaukgyi Temple, in the old Bagan village of Myinkaba, is an early period temple with well-preserved paintings inside. Then visit Lawkananda Pagoda, a riverside stupa, rich in history and excellent sunset views.
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street-food-Yangon
Day
5

Half Day Mt. Popa and Toddy Palm Farm Tour

This morning, visit a local toddy palm farmer and see how toddy palm juice and sugar are produced. Then continue to Mt. Popa, which supposedly rose from the ground in a massive earthquake in 442 BC. Mt. Popa is famous as the abode of the Nats (Spirit Gods) and for its panoramic view of the local tropical region. There is a volcanic plug with a temple on top that one can climb up to. After this visit, return to Bagan and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

This morning, visit a local toddy palm farmer and see how toddy palm juice and sugar are produced. Then continue to Mt. Popa, which supposedly rose from the ground in a massive earthquake in 442 BC. Mt. Popa is famous as the abode of the Nats (Spirit Gods) and for its panoramic view of the local tropical region. There is a volcanic plug with a temple on top that one can climb up to. After this visit, return to Bagan and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Day
6

Bagan - Mandalay

At the appropriate time, be met at the hotel and transferred to the airport.
Domestic Flight from Bagan to Mandalay.

Upon arrival in Mandalay, be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel for check in. Then this afternoon, head on out on a sightseeing tour in Mandalay that includes the highly revered Mahamuni Pagoda, a gold leaf hammering draftshop, Shqenandaw Monastery - noted for its exqusisite wood carvings - Kuthodaw Pagoda - renowned as the World's largest book for its 729 stone slabs containing the entire Buddhist scriptures - and then Mandalay Hill for a view over the city and Ayeyarwaddy River.
...read less

Day
7

Amarapura Tour with Sagaing and Inwa

After breakfast, visit the ancient royal capital of Amarapura (a capital twice during the Konbaung period), and enjoy a walk on U Bein Bridge which stretches 1.2 kilometers over Lake Taungtaman. Built around 1850, it is the oldest and longest teakwood span in the world. As one strolls in the vicinity of U Bein Bridge, see traditional silk and cotton weaving for which Mandalay is noted.
After a nice lunch break, visit the nearby small island of Inwa, founded in 1364 and lasting nearly 400 years as a royal capital. Travel by pony cart down tree-lined paths to see old palace walls; a watch tower now called the "leaning tower of Ava"; the Maha Aungmye Bonzan, which is a beautiful brick-and-stucco monastery; and the elegant teakwood monastery Bagaya Kyaung, one of the few surviving teakwood monasteries in Myanmar and where young monks still study. Continue on to Sagaing, a former capital of the Shan kingdom in the 14th century. Lying across and slightly downriver from Mandalay, there are many interesting stupas scattered over Sagaing Hill. Transfer back to hotel.
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Day
8

Mandalay - Heho - Inle Lake

Be met at the hotel by a Yampu representative and transferred to the airport.

After arrival at Heho airport, drive to magical Inle Lake. Situated 900 meters above sea level and 22 km long by 11 km wide, this large shallow lake is in an idyllic setting surrounded by mountains and is home to the Intha people, renowned for their floating gardens and the unique one-legged rowing style of their fishermen. Arrive at Nyaung Shwe jetty and take a boat transfer to local Intha House located in the Northern part of Inle Lake passing through floating villages. Start cooking with a local, English speaking chef in a traditional way. Then sit around and enjoy the meal that has been prepared!
This afternoon, travel by small private boat on the lake, visiting the famous Paung Daw Oo pagoda, with its five famous Buddha images (four of which are carried in great ceremony around the lake during the Paung Daw Oo festival) and also nearby Inpawkhone Village where, in houses on stilts, one will see traditional silk weaving with hand looms and the processing of lotus blossoms as they are made into beautiful fabric. Witness traditional crafts-making such as blacksmithing, cheroot (local cigar) rolling, and boat making. See the floating gardens up close, then on to the 'gaphae Chaung Monastery, which is an interesting old traditional monastery on the lake.
...read less

Inle-Lake-Fisherman
Day
9

Inle Lake

Today, make a morning visit to the moving 5 days market (if today coincides with a good Inle market day) and then continue on to visit Indain and its enchanting 17th century pagodas. To reach Indain and the nearby village, take a boat ride up a small scenic creek that runs into Inle Lake, passing villages and water buffalo bathing in the creek while traversing small 'dams' built to slow the flow of water. A few Indain pagodas are being restored but most of them still lie in an abandoned 'Indiana Jones' type setting.

Today, make a morning visit to the moving 5 days market (if today coincides with a good Inle market day) and then continue on to visit Indain and its enchanting 17th century pagodas. To reach Indain and the nearby village, take a boat ride up a small scenic creek that runs into Inle Lake, passing villages and water buffalo bathing in the creek while traversing small 'dams' built to slow the flow of water. A few Indain pagodas are being restored but most of them still lie in an abandoned 'Indiana Jones' type setting.

myanmar-Inle-Lake
Day
10

Inle Lake - Heho - Yangon

In the morning, transfer to Nyaung Shwe. From there, transfer by private car to Heho Airport for the flight to Yangon. Upon arrival in Yangon, enjoy a short visit to the downtown district and its many old colonial buildings still in use. There is also the Independence Monument in Mahabandoola Gardens, dedicated to Burma's independence from Great Britain in 1948. The streets are filled with colorful sidewalk markets selling various items both old and new. After a lunch break, stroll through the famous Scott (Bogyoke) Market, a sprawling complex built in 1926 and noted for its variety of handicrafts and other items which provides an excellent opportunity for a shopping spree. On to the Botataung Pagoda, located on Yangon harbor, where one will see many ancient Buddhist relics and artifacts. ...read less

Day
11

Flight Home

Be met at the hotel by a Yampu representative and transferred to the airport.

Be met at the hotel by a Yampu representative and transferred to the airport.

Yangon, Yangon Region, Myanmar (Burma)

Bagan, Mandalay Region, Myanmar (Burma)

Mandalay, Mandalay Region, Myanmar (Burma)

Inle Lake, Taunggyi, Shan, Myanmar (Burma)

Heho, Shan, Myanmar (Burma)

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.

  • inle-lake-myanmar

    Inle Lake

    Visiting the shallow Inle Lake, inhabited by several different tribes, is a magnificent cultural experience. Take a guided boat ride along the lake to see the local fisherman, visit the market, and the lakeside restaurants. Visit the Phaungdawoo Pagoda, or go see Aung’s Marionette Puppet Show for the charming marionettes and traditional Burmese music.

Hotel Options

3 Star Properties

Yangon : Best Western Green Hill Hotel

Yangon : Summit Parkview

Yangon : Inya Lake Hotel

Bagan : Thande Hotel

Bagan : Popa Mountain Resort

Bagan : Kumudara Hotel

Bagan : Bagan Hotel River View

Mandalay : Ayarwaddy River View Hotel

Mandalay : Smart Hotel (Superior)

Mandalay : Hotel Yadanarbon

Inle Lake : Shwe Inn Tha Floating Resort

Ngwe Saung Beach : Myanmar Treasure Resort

4 Star Properties

Yangon : Novotel Yangon Max

Yangon : Kandawgyi Palace Hotel

Yangon : Sedona Hotel Yangon

Yangon : Sule Shangri-La Hotel

Yangon : Savoy Hotel

Bagan : Thazin Garden Hotel

Bagan : Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort

Bagan : Aye Yar River View Hotel

Bagan : Amazing Bagan Resort

Mandalay : Mandalay City Hotel

5 Star Properties

Yangon : Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake

Yangon : Park Royal Hotel (Deluxe)

Yangon : The Strand (Superior Suite)

Bagan : The Hotel at Tharabar Gate

Bagan : Aureum Palace (deluxe room)

Mandalay : Mandalay Hill Resort

Mandalay : Sedona Hotel

Inle Lake : Inle Princess Resort (Mountain View Chalet)

Luxury Properties

Yangon : The Strand (Deluxe Suite)

Yangon : The Governor’s Residence

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

Mandalay : Rupar Mandalar Resort

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

Inle Lake : Inle Princess Resort (Princess Lake Suite)

Testimonials

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

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

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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