IMPERIAL MYANMAR
Imperial Myanmar is a journey through centuries of rich history, glories, and dynastic legacies. From the vibrant former capital Yangon — a fusion of Burmese, Indian, and Chinese influences — to the spiritual heart of Mandalay, the mystical plains of ancient Bagan, and the tranquil beauty of Inle Lake, this tour recalls the soul of once-great kingdoms that shaped Myanmar’s unique culture. Explore colonial-era architecture, sacred Buddhist traditions, and golden sunsets over archaeological marvels.
DAY 1: MANDALAY ARRIVAL – SAGAING – AMARAPURA (-/-/–)
Mingalabar! Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our guide at the Mandalay International Airport. Known as the hub of Buddhism in Myanmar, Mandalay has realm of stupas, monks and monasteries. The most fascinating visit will be the time you witness monks during their worship and daily meals.
Start exploring the city, you will drive straight to Sagaing Hill where you will learn about the schooling of monks, visit Budda Cave, Uminthonze Pagoda, Sunooponnyashin Pagoda and finally take in the panoramic view of Mandalay.
Our next stop is Amarapura, famous for Mahagandaryone Monastery and the best place to experience the daily lives of the monks in Mandalay. Walk over Ubein Wooden Bridge, the longest teakwood of its type and enjoy great sunset here if the weather permits.
Overnight at hotel in Mandalay.
Distance:
- Mandalay Airport – Mandalay Center: 24 miles → 1 hour driving transfer
- Mandalay Center – Sagaing Hill: 7 miles → 20 minute driving transfer
- Sagaing Hill – Amarapura: 9,6 miles → 30 minute driving transfer
DAY 2: MANDALAY – MINGUN – MANDALAY HILL (B/-/-)
After the breakfast, our guide will pick up at the hotel and you will embarking on a private boat upstream to visit Mingun, famed for its huge and incomplete Pahtodawgyi Pagoda and Mingun Bell, the 90–ton ringing bell.
In the afternoon, visit Mandalay Palace, Shwenandaw Monastery – noted for its exquisite woodcarvings, gold leaf beating workshop and Kuthodaw Pagoda – known for containing the world’s largest book and conclude the tour by visiting Mandalay Hill to watch the sunset and the panoramic view of the city.
Overnight at hotel in Mandalay.
Distance:
- Mandalay Center – Mingun: 25 miles → 1 hour driving transfer
- Mingun – Shwenandaw Monastery: 30 miles → 1,5 hours driving transfer
DAY 3: MANDALAY – MOUNT POPA – BAGAN (B/-/-)
After breakfast, you will set on your scenic 4–5 hour drive by car to Bagan. En route, you will stop to visit Mt. Popa, an extinct volcano rising 1518 meter from the flat surroundings. The mountain is a pilgrimage site, in which there are monasteries and shrines in different style along the slopes up to the peak. You will climb up 777 steps of summit, from where you will enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view with verdant vegetation and beautiful hamlets.
Later, continue your drive to Bagan and our guide will introduce you the traditional palm work of the locals. Check in at the hotel and rest for awhile. Late afternoon, enjoy a relaxing sunset boat ride on Ayeyawaddy River.
Overnight at hotel in Bagan.
Distance:
- Madalay – Bagan: 111 miles → 4 hour driving transfer
- Bagan –T Popa: 34 miles → 1 hour driving transfer
DAY 4: BAGAN FULL DAY (B/-/-)
Bagan is Myanmar’s archaeological wonderland, where over 2,000 ancient temples blossom from the countryside.
Today you will start your first Myanmar experience with a visit to local market Nyaung Oo Market, for a dose of local life and culture. Come to Shwezigone Pagoda, which is believed to enshrine a bone and tooth of Gautama Buddha, followed by Ananda, Sulamani Temple. Visit one of the biggest temples in Bagan: Nan Paya Pagoda and many interesting temples nearby.
Later in the afternoon, stop at Dhammayangyi, the largest built by King Narathu in the 12th century, In the afternoon, take a tour of a local lacquer ware workshop and learn how this traditional piece of art is made. Finally, we come to a hill or a temple to enjoy the stunning sunset over the temple plain.
Overnight at hotel in Bagan.
DAY 5: BAGAN – FLY TO HEHO – INLE LAKE SIGHTSEEING (B/-/-)
Leave Naung U for the flight to Heho. Inle Lake, the second largest lake in Myanmar, is located 900 meters above sea level. The lake is home to the Intha People, a Tibeto–Burman ethnic group, known for their one leg rowing techniques. Upon arrival, board a motorboat for sightseeing to Phaungdawoo Pagoda, famed for its richly gilded five small Buddha images and also believed to be the holiest in Inle Lake. Our next visit is Ngaphechaung Monastery, once known as “jumping cat” pagoda. As you travel further into Nam Pan village cotton and lotus weaving factories and cigar making houses will impress you with a sense of traditional Intha life.
Overnight at hotel in Inle Lake.
Distance:
- Heho Airport – Heho Center: 3,2 miles → 7 minute driving transfer
- Heho Center – Inle Lake: 6,5 miles → 20 minute driving transfer
DAY 6: INLE LAKE – INDEIN – INLE LAKE (B/-/-)
This morning, you will visit the 5–Day Market, which is held in different villages surrounding the lake. This is definitely a fascinating place to enjoy the scene of local tribes in their colorful clothes and exotic market atmosphere.
The boat will then take you to beautiful temple of Indein, located on the hill overlooking the lake. It will certainly be relaxing to walk along the corridor and enjoy the giant columns which have been left nature for centuries.
Rest of the day is free to relax at your resort.
Overnight at hotel in Inle Lake.
DAY 7: INLE LAKE – FLY TO YANGON – CITY TOUR (B/-/-)
After breakfast, return to Yangon, check into the hotel and continue your guided city tour exploring Yangon and its highlights. Visit the famous Sule Pagoda, in the heart of Yangon and The Scott Market, now the main tourist destination where you can find antique, Burmese handicrafts & jewelry shops, art galleries & clothing stores. At dusk, discover the most outstanding pagoda in Yangon, Shwedagon Pagoda and see the shimmering city. This golden pagoda is really a must see while you are in Myanmar. Return to the hotel for free evening.
Optional: In the evening, it is suggested to enjoy a traditional dinner in Karaweik Palace overlooking to the Royal Lake and Shwedagon Tower. You will be served a dinner of fine Burmese food followed by an amazing cultural show. Please contact us for further information.
Overnight at hotel in Yangon.
DAY 8: YANGON DEPARTURE (B/-/-)
After breakfast, you are free until your departure time. Our driver will transfer you to Yangon International Airport for the flight home.
Distance:
- Yangon Center – Yangon Airport: 7,5 miles → 25 minute driving transfer
HOME SWEET HOME!
Included / Excluded
To help you plan your trip, we have put together a list of what's included and what's not included in your tour package. This will give you a clear understanding of what to expect and help you make any necessary arrangements before your journey begins.
- Domestic flights: Bagan – Heho – Yangon
- Accommodation with daily breakfast at selected hotels
- Private tours, transfers and all services as mentioned in the itinerary
- Services of a private driver and air–conditioned vehicles
- Service of English speaking guides in every location
- Meals are mentioned on program (B: Breakfast, Br: Brunch, L: Lunch, D: Dinner)
- Entrance fees for all mentioned sights visited
- International flights
- Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary
- Early check-in and late check-out at hotels.
- Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.)
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Personal travel insurance
- Myanmar visa fee
Tour Map
This comprehensive map is designed to guide you through an exciting journey filled with remarkable destinations and captivating experiences.
