Meet Me in Myanmar

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Fully Guided Small Group Scenic
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 Trip Length
8 Days
 Trip Starts
Yangon
 Trip Finishes
Yangon
8 Day Meet Me in Myanmar Itinerary (On The Go Tours)
Countries Explored: Myanmar
Accommodation
3 - 4 Star
Max. Group Size
24
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
MMM

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on On The Go Tours 8 Day Meet Me in Myanmar. As Rudyard Kipling wrote ‘this is Burma and it is quite unlike any land you know about’. Experience the cultural delights of this extraordinary country across eight days, visiting the many religious buildings of Yangon, cruising down Irrawaddy River and exploring the many ancient stupas which fill Bagan’s incredible landscape.

Itinerary

Welcome to Myanmar and Yangon, the commercial and spiritual centre of the country.

After your airport transfer to our hotel, the day is free to spend as you wish. Acquaint yourself with the bustling streets of downtown Yangon or adjust to the time difference before the activities of the next day.

In the evening there will be a welcome meeting from your tour guide.

We enjoy a tour of Yangon and its famous religious monuments today. In the heart of downtown we begin with a photo stop in front of Yangon City Hall, before visiting the Sule Pagoda, which is a peaceful place to retreat from the bustle of the city. The pagoda is near Maha Bandoola Park which is encircled by a host of colonial buildings and heritage sites, including Independence Monument and the High Court. We also visit the golden hollow Botahtaung Pagoda, which was originally built over 2500 years ago.

We enjoy lunch at the Yangon Tea House, which is reminiscent of the grand tea houses of colonial times and serves a delicious cup of traditional tea. Moving on we take a stroll around the colourful Bogyoke (Scott) Market, which sells an array of goods, including gemstones, handicrafts and clothes. Then we visit the giant 70 metre-long reclining Buddha of Chaukhtagyi Paya at Chaukhtagyi Pagoda, which has a crown encrusted in diamonds and other precious stones.

Later this evening we visit the most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar, the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, where locals gather to make offerings and prayers. Standing at 90 metres tall, the gold leaf central stupa dominates the city's skyline and turns vivid hues of yellow, orange and red when the sun begins to set. (B/L)

Bidding farewell to Yangon we leave on a morning flight to Mandalay, Myanmar's last royal capital before the start of the colonial era.

Upon arrival we visit the Mahagandayon Monastery, which is located south of Mandalay, in the ancient city of Amarapura. This is the largest teaching monastery in the country and hundreds of monks from the monastery queue to receive their daily alms from the people.

Travelling into the city we explore the Royal Palace and see the teak carvings on the historic Shwenandaw Monastery. We also have the opportunity to visit a local handicraft workshop to see bronze sculpting, gold leaf marking and wood carving, before spending the afternoon at leisure.

This evening we visit the world's largest book at the Kuthodaw Pagoda and our day concludes at Mandalay Hill, where we can take in the wonderful views across the city and hope to enjoy a spectacular sunset. (B)

We cruise up the mighty Irrawaddy River to Mingun this morning, where we visit the remains of what could have been the world's largest pagoda. Intended to reach a staggering height of 152 metres, work on the pagoda stopped after the death of King Bodawpaya in 1819. It was dramatically split by an earthquake in 1838 but still remains incredibly impressive. We'll also see the mighty Mingun Bell.

We travel on to Sagaing Hill to take in the spectacular views over the river and the rolling hills, which are studded with pagodas and stupas. On top of the hill is the ancient Swan Oo Pon Nya Shin pagoda and we visit the remarkable Thirty Caves Pagoda and the Kaungmhudaw Pagoda.

This afternoon we drive to Amarapura, which is renowned for its textile industry. We see how traditional fabrics are woven at a cottage industry workshop before visiting famous U Bein Bridge, set over the enchanting Taungthaman Lake. Here we have the wonderful opportunity to see the bridge in all its glory at sunset. The silhouettes of monks commuting over the longest teak bridge in the world as the sun sets is an iconic image.

In the evening we return to Mandalay. (B)

Transferring to the jetty this morning we board the MGRG express riverboat that plies the Irrawaddy from Mandalay to Bagan. The journey takes approx 9 hours where you'll be treated to breathtaking views interrupted only by scenes of everyday life as family fishing boats pass and children wave from the shore.

Upon arrival in Bagan the evening is at leisure.

Please note: Between 01 Apr and 31 July each year the water level of the river is at its lowest which prevents cruises from operating. These dates do vary depending upon rainfall and the amount of water coming down the river. If travelling with us during this time a flight between Mandalay - Bagan replaces the cruise. Day 5 arrangements during this period involve a morning at leisure in Mandalay before transferring to Mandalay Airport to board the 30 minute flight to Nyaung Oo Airport and transfer to Bagan where we spend the night. Please also note that only breakfast is included when we fly to Bagan, lunch and dinner is excluded. (B/L)

Early this morning there's the opportunity to float over Bagan in a hot air balloon by booking our Ballooning Over Bagan Add-on. Nothing can quite prepare you for the spectacular sight of stupa-upon-stupa that fills the dusty plains of Bagan. Over 2,000 temples and pagodas dating back some 800 years creates one of the world's most impressive skylines. Today we explore this mesmerising and peaceful Buddhist temple town.

Our sightseeing begins in the bustling river town of Nyaung-U to see the lively market in action and visit the glittering Shwezigon Pagoda, the simple Kyansittha Cave Temple and Manuha Temple which houses gigantic Buddha's. Close by is the Nanpaya Temple, which was built by captive Thaton Kingdom King Makuta, and Ananda Temple, an existing masterpiece of the Mon architecture with four gold-leaf Buddhas.

The towering Thatbyinnyu Temple provides wonderful photo opportunities before heading over to Dhammayangyi Temple, a massive 12th century temple visible throughout Bagan. This is the best preserved of Bagan's temples, hiding mysterious inner passageways and a dramatic history of death and murder. The magnificent Mingalazedi pagoda, the pinnacle of Myanmar pagoda architecture with its bell-like dome and intricate Jataka tiled terraces, is the last site of the day and a wonderful representation of Bagan's architectural skills. On our way back to the hotel we also stop at a local lacquer workshop where we see how local craftsmen skillfully prepare Bagan's most famous handicraft. (B)

Enjoy the morning at leisure ahead of an airport transfer for our flight to Yangon. We'll be met on arrival and transferred to our hotel to spend the rest of the day as you wish, whether relaxing in the hotel or venturing out into the city. (B)

Today is the end of our Myanmar adventure, with airport departure transfers once you have checked out of your hotel. Opt to extend your stay and further explore this delightful city by booking post tour accommodation. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Yangon – Embark on a guided tour of the highlights of the city including the reclining Buddha of Chaukhtagyi and the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda
  • Mingun – See the colossal Mingun Bell and the abandoned project to build the world's largest pagoda
  • Sagaing Hill – Enjoy spectacular views over rolling hills and and visit the impressive Thirty Caves Pagoda
  • Irrawaddy River – Cruise along the river to Bagan taking in the picturesque scenery and rural village life on the river banks
  • Mandalay – Explore the highlights including the Royal Palace and enjoy a beautiful sunset at Mandalay Hill
  • Amarapura - Discover the iconic U Bein Bridge at sunset and visit the Mahagandayon Monastery
  • Bagan – Marvel at the historic Dhammayangyi Temple and the incredible Mingalazedi Pagoda on a guided city tour
  • Nyaung-U – Browse the bustling local market, visit the glittering Shwezigon Pagoda and explore the Kyansittha Cave Temple

  • Breakfast daily and 2 lunches
  • Riverboat cruise from Mandalay to Bagan. Or flight from Mandalay to Bagan for travel 01 Apr - 31 Jul (dates can vary dependent on the weather conditions)
  • 2 economy class flights: Yangon to Mandalay and Bagan to Yangon
  • Escorted by an English speaking tour guide (for groups of 6 or more) and specialist guides at some sights
  • Guided sightseeing - Yangon, Mandalay, Amarapura, Inwa and Bagan
  • Airport arrival and departure transfers on days 1 and 8
  • All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles

  • 7 nights 3-4 star hotels
  • Rose Garden Hotel (Yangon)
  • Eastern Palace Hotel (Mandalay)
  • Thande Hotel (Bagan)

  • Excludes International flights and visa
  • Excludes Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$3-6 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture
  • Excludes Entrance Fees: USD$55-65pp, paid in USD

Brochure

Worldwide

On The Go Worldwide (2023-24)

Marking our 25th year, our brochure showcases our journey from backpacking to the Pyramids in 1998 to now offering tours in 45+ global destinations. Experience wonders like the Taj Mahal and Machu Picchu with our dedicated local guides. At On the Go Tours, we champion sustainable and community-centric travel.

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by On The Go Tours. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from On The Go Tours. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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