7-Day Myanmar Highlights: Yangon, Bagan & Mandalay

Tour Overview

Discover the highlights of Myanmar on this 7-day journey, from the golden Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon to the thousands of ancient temples of Bagan, the royal city of Mandalay, and the serene beauty of Inle Lake. Experience the rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality of this fascinating Southeast Asian country.

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Yangon

Arrive at Yangon International Airport. Transfer to your hotel. Explore Yangon: visit the Shwedagon Pagoda (Golden Pagoda), the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar, a 99-meter-tall stupa covered in gold leaf, enshrining relics of the Buddha. Visit at sunset for the most magical experience. Explore the bustling Bogyoke Aung San Market for shopping. Evening welcome dinner with Burmese cuisine. Overnight in Yangon.

Day 2: Yangon Exploration & to Bagan

Morning visit the Sule Pagoda, National Museum of Myanmar, Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple (massive 65-meter reclining Buddha), Kandawgyi Lake, and the colonial architecture in downtown. After lunch, fly to Bagan (Nyaung U Airport, 1.5 hours), the ancient capital with over 2,000 temples scattered across the plains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Shwezigon Pagoda, Ananda Temple (one of the most beautiful in Bagan), Thatbyinnyu Temple (tallest at 61m), and Dhammayangyi Temple (largest). Sunset at a temple. Overnight in Bagan.

Day 3: Bagan Temple Exploration

Full day exploring Bagan by e-bike or horse cart. Early sunrise at Shwesandaw Pagoda. Visit less-visited temples: Sulamani Temple (Crown Jewel of Bagan), Htilominlo Temple, Gawdawpalin Temple, Payathonzu Temple (three connected temples with beautiful frescoes), Nandamanya Temple. Visit Myinkaba Village and Abeyadana Temple. After lunch, visit lacquerware workshops and watch artisans at work. Sunset cruise on the Ayeyarwady River. Evening traditional Burmese dinner. Overnight in Bagan.

Day 4: Bagan to Mandalay (Flight or boat)

Morning take a slow boat down the Ayeyarwady River to Mandalay (9-10 hours, scenic journey) or fly (30 minutes). If flying, visit Mount Popa area: Mount Popa, an extinct volcano with a monastery perched on top, known as the Mount Olympus of Myanmar for nat (spirit) worship. Climb the 777 steps for panoramic views. Upon arrival in Mandalay, the last royal capital, check into your hotel. Visit Mandalay Palace (last royal palace of the Konbaung Dynasty, reconstructed after WWII). Visit Mandalay Hill for sunset views. Evening Mandalay cuisine. Overnight in Mandalay.

Day 5: Mandalay & Amarapura

Full day exploring Mandalay and former royal capitals. Visit Mahamuni Buddha Temple (most sacred Buddha image in Mandalay, 4m bronze Buddha covered in gold leaf). Visit Kuthodaw Pagoda (home to the world’s largest book: 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist scriptures). Visit Sandamuni Pagoda. Visit Shwenandaw Monastery (Golden Palace Monastery, beautiful teak monastery with intricate wood carvings). After lunch, visit Amarapura, former royal capital, famous for U Bein Bridge (longest teakwood bridge in the world, 1.2km, spanning Taungthaman Lake). Walk across the bridge at sunset. Visit Bagaya Monastery and Kyauktawgyi Pagoda. Evening return to Mandalay. Overnight in Mandalay.

Day 6: Mandalay to Inle Lake

Morning fly to Heho (1 hour) and drive to Inle Lake (45 min), a beautiful freshwater lake in the Shan Highlands, famous for unique leg-rowing fishermen, floating gardens, stilt-house villages, and mountain scenery. Check into lakeside hotel. Afternoon boat tour on Inle Lake: visit leg-rowing fishermen (unique to Inle Lake, row with one leg wrapped around oar while standing), floating gardens (farmers grow tomatoes on floating mats), stilt-house villages, Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda (most sacred on lake, five golden Buddha images), and Nga Hpe Kyaung Monastery (Jumping Cat Monastery). Sunset on lake. Evening Shan cuisine. Overnight in Inle Lake/Nyaung Shwe.

Day 7: Inle Lake & Departure

Morning continue exploring Inle Lake: visit Indein Village with stunning Shwe Indein Pagoda (forest of ancient stupas covered in moss, one of the most atmospheric sites in Myanmar). Visit local markets (five-day rotating market, if in session). Visit silk and cotton weaving workshops and cheroot rolling workshops. After lunch, drive to Heho Airport (1.5 hours) for flight to Yangon (1.5 hours) and onward international departure. Concluding your 7-day Myanmar highlights tour.

What’s Included

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Driver
• Fuel Cost, Parking Fee, Toll Fee
• Accommodation in selected hotels
• Daily breakfast

What’s Not Included

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Tour Guide
• Meal (lunch and dinner)
• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses