5 Days • 4 Nights
Yangon & the Golden Rock
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll stand beneath the vast golden Shwedagon Pagoda, explore colonial Yangon and its markets, then journey up to the Golden Rock, where pilgrims press gold leaf onto the balancing boulder as the sun sets. It is Myanmar's devotion and beauty in miniature.
With comfortable hotels, a private guide and the excursion arranged, it is an easy and memorable introduction to the country.
Trip Highlights
- The magnificent golden Shwedagon Pagoda
- Colonial downtown Yangon and its markets
- The reclining Buddha at Chaukhtatgyi
- The gravity-defying Golden Rock of Kyaiktiyo
- Pilgrims and sunset at the sacred boulder
- The countryside of Mon State
- A blend of city and sacred pilgrimage
- A private guide throughout
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 5-day journey.
Arrive in Yangon and visit the glorious Shwedagon Pagoda at dusk, followed by a welcome dinner.
Explore colonial downtown, the reclining Buddha at Chaukhtatgyi, the Sule Pagoda and the Bogyoke market.
Drive into Mon State and up to Kyaiktiyo, riding the open mountain truck to the summit for the gilded Golden Rock, glowing at sunset among the pilgrims.
Watch the sunrise over the Golden Rock, then return 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 throughout
- 2 nights Yangon, 1 night at Kyaiktiyo (Golden Rock), 1 night Yangon
- Daily breakfast and a welcome dinner
- A Yangon city tour with the Shwedagon Pagoda and the reclining Buddha
- The road journey to Kyaiktiyo and the Golden Rock, including the mountain truck ride
- Sunset and sunrise at the Golden Rock
- All sightseeing entrance fees per the itinerary
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from Myanmar
- Myanmar eVisa fees (we can assist)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- 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.
How do we reach the Golden Rock itself?
From the base camp you ride a shared open-top mountain truck up the steep road to the summit, then a short walk to the rock. Porters and sedan chairs are available for those who prefer.
Can this be added to a longer trip?
Absolutely — it pairs perfectly with a Bagan, Mandalay and Inle Lake tour for a fuller Myanmar experience.
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