13 Days • 12 Nights
Grand Myanmar with Mrauk U
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll take in Yangon's Shwedagon, the temple plains of Bagan, the crafts and kingdoms of Mandalay and serene Inle Lake, then journey by river to Mrauk U, a mist-wrapped valley of fortress-like stone temples in the far west, far from the tourist trail. Villages, monasteries and the mighty Irrawaddy thread it all together.
With hand-picked hotels, private guides and the flights and river journey arranged, it is Myanmar in its full, unhurried glory.
Trip Highlights
- The golden Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon
- Sunrise over the temples of Bagan
- The crafts and ancient cities of Mandalay
- Serene Inle Lake and its floating gardens
- The remote stone temples of Mrauk U
- A river journey to Mrauk U through Rakhine villages
- The Chin villages and their traditions
- Short flights and a river voyage included
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 13-day journey.
Arrive and visit the glorious Shwedagon Pagoda at dusk, with a welcome dinner.
Explore colonial downtown, the reclining Buddha and the Bogyoke market.
Fly to Bagan and explore the temples, with sunset over the plain.
A full day among Bagan's finest temples with a horse-cart ride at golden hour.
Fly to Mandalay for gold-leaf workshops, the Mahamuni Pagoda and Mandalay Hill at sunset.
Sagaing, Amarapura and the U Bein Bridge at sunset.
Fly to Heho and boat to your lakeside hotel, past the leg-rowing fishermen.
A full day on the lake — floating gardens, stilted villages and lotus-silk workshops, with a lakeside lunch.
Fly via Yangon to Sittwe on the coast, then a scenic river journey up the Kaladan through Rakhine villages to remote Mrauk U.
Explore the fortress-like stone temples of Mrauk U — the Shitthaung, Kothaung and Andaw — rising from a mist-wrapped valley far from the crowds.
A river excursion to the Chin villages along the Lemro River, meeting a culture of ancient traditions in a remote corner of Myanmar.
Return down the river to Sittwe and fly to Yangon for a final evening in the city.
A final breakfast before your transfer to Yangon airport.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers and a private guide and driver in each region
- 2 nights Yangon, 2 nights Bagan, 2 nights Mandalay, 2 nights Inle Lake, 3 nights Mrauk U
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner and an Inle Lake lunch
- A Yangon city tour, Bagan temples, Mandalay crafts and Inle Lake boat tour
- A river journey from Sittwe to Mrauk U and its temple complexes
- A Chin village excursion from Mrauk U
- Domestic flights linking every region including Sittwe
- All sightseeing and zone fees per the itinerary
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from Myanmar
- Myanmar eVisa fees (we can assist)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Additional domestic flights beyond those stated
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Camera and zone fees where not stated
- Optional excursions, experiences and hot-air balloon flights
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Most nationalities need a Myanmar eVisa, applied for online before you travel, with a passport valid at least six months. We can point you to the official portal
- Travel advisories: Conditions in Myanmar can change, so please review your government's latest travel advice and ensure your travel insurance covers the destination before booking
- Cash economy: Myanmar runs largely on cash. Bring clean, crisp, unmarked US dollar notes to exchange, and the local currency is the Myanmar Kyat; cards are rarely accepted outside top hotels
- Temple etiquette: You must remove shoes and socks at all pagodas and monasteries, and cover shoulders and knees. Slip-on footwear makes this much easier
- Best season: The cool, dry season from November to February is by far the best time; March to May is very hot, and June to October brings monsoon rain
- Heat: Central Myanmar (Bagan and Mandalay) is extremely hot from March to May, so start sightseeing early and carry water and sun protection
- Getting around: Small domestic flights link Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and the Inle Lake gateway of Heho, all arranged for you
- Health: Drink only bottled or boiled water, use mosquito repellent and consider anti-malarial advice for rural areas. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential
- Respect: Monks are highly revered; women should not touch them or hand items directly. Never point your feet at people or Buddha images, and always ask before photographing people
- Connectivity & power: Mobile data via a local SIM is cheap but can be slow in remote areas. Bring a universal adapter (Myanmar uses several plug types at 230V)
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary, such as an Inle Lake lunch. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy Myanmar's fragrant curries and street food.
Are transfers and touring private?
Yes — you travel with your own licensed guide and private driver (or boat on Inle Lake), so everything is arranged for you.
Do I need a visa for Myanmar?
Most visitors need a Myanmar eVisa, applied for online before travel. We can guide you to the official portal and requirements.
When is the best time to visit?
November to February is ideal — cool, dry and clear. March to May is very hot, especially in Bagan, and June to October is the green, quieter monsoon season.
Do I need cash?
Yes — Myanmar is largely a cash economy. Bring clean, crisp US dollar notes to exchange, as cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels and ATMs can be unreliable.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, hotels and experiences can all be tailored, and we can add Ngapali Beach, a river cruise or a balloon flight over Bagan. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we travel between the sights?
By short domestic flights between Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Heho (for Inle Lake), plus private cars and boats — all included and arranged.
What makes Mrauk U special?
It is a remote, atmospheric valley of fortress-like stone temples from a former kingdom, wrapped in morning mist and blissfully free of crowds — a highlight for temple lovers who want to go beyond the classic circuit.
Is Mrauk U hard to reach?
It takes a flight to Sittwe and a scenic river journey up the Kaladan, which is part of the adventure. We handle all the logistics, and the reward is a place few travellers ever see.
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