myanmar travel itinerary

The Best of Myanmar: The Full Itinerary

03/03/2020 by Kristin Addis 28 Comments

This post was originally written by Ryan Brun for BMTM in 2014. While much of what he wrote is still true and remains in this post, I visited again in 2020 and have updated the post as well as added in new resources and spots to see. Enjoy! -Kristin

Myanmar isn’t a Southeast Asian country that is often on travelers “must see” lists, or planned for their great backpacking adventure. Which is a shame, because Myanmar is one of the most culturally preserved and exciting destinations in Asia.

Why isn’t Myanmar on everyone’s “must do” lists?

It honestly wasn’t on my list until I was invited by a friend. Before traveling to Myanmar, I didn’t know anything about the country except about how it was closed off from the world up until about a couple decades ago.

After backpacking through a large portion of Myanmar during their annual Thingyan Festival, I can without a doubt declare Myanmar as my favorite country in Southeast Asia.

Myanmar is a captivating and exciting country for many reasons. From floating villages, to valleys of ancient temples that beat out Angkor Wat, to multi-day jungle treks into mountain tea picking villages.

Ready to go yet? Awesome. Here’s my itinerary on the best of Myanmar, from where to go to what to do from my own personal experiences, and a few key tips and tricks to know before you go:

Yangon ( former capital city of Rangoon ) is the highest populated city in Myanmar, and most likely where you will arrive. It’s the country’s bustling economic capital filled with colonial-era buildings mashed up against modern high-rises and Buddhist temples.

On arrival, Yangon can feel just as overwhelming as a city like Bangkok or Jakarta, but take a deep breath, settle into a hotel, and go for a wander. Here in Yangon you’ll get to experience the everyday lives of Burmese (people of Myanmar) who are usually too busy to try and surround you with goods to sell, but are happy to flash a smile. Explore the old and new of a fast growing city, and enjoy Yangon’s endless opportunity for street photographers.

Stay:  Hotel Shwe Yee is perfectly situated walking distance from Shwedagon Pagoda and has great breakfast!

Most of the accommodation will be centered around the market streets and Chinatown area, and this is a great place to eat for your first night as you take everything in. 19th and 20th Street are the hotspots, and though it can be crowded and a bit funky smelling, there are plenty of restaurants to have a big meal with ample people watching.

Shwedagon Pagoda (Golden Pagoda)

Shwedagon Pagoda  is the most sacred temple in all of Myanmar, and a popular pilgrimage for Buddhists. Legend has it that this golden pagoda and complex was built more than 2,500 years ago, which theoretically would make it the oldest Buddhist temple in the world.

Colonial Markets

I love walking through markets – you can get a real sense of life in a country there. Especially when nobody bothers you! These sprawling, ornate ironwork markets date back to British rule almost 100 years ago and will be a good escape from the heat as well as the best place to buy clothes, bags, and other trinkets if you need anything. Bonus, the vendors don’t chase you down like many other markets.

Quick Tips: Eat eat eat! Yangon will have the most diverse selection of food in Myanmar. Book accommodation ahead of arrival , hostels and hotels fill up fast, especially during holidays. Yangon will be the best place to get toiletries and supplies so stock up. Get a SIM card here if you want one (they are easy to find, and the airport has reasonable prices.)

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda and Golden Rock

East of Yangon is one of the top three most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Myanmar. Kyaiktiyo Pagoda  is a massive golden rock barely balancing on the edge of an 1,100 meter tall mountain with breathtaking panoramic views of the jungle valley ( and a heart-pounding ride to the top ). To get to the pagoda, you’ll need to head out early in the morning and take a bus to Kinpun village. From there you will be packed into the back of a truck with monks and Burmese locals.

If you feel up for the challenge, you can hike the entire way to the top from the village which will be a 5+ hour trek through jungle and mountainous terrain, but it’ll be the ultimate way to experience the pilgrimage. Once at the top, buy a golden leaf and stick it onto the boulder (only men are allowed to do that)…just don’t be the one who finally pushes it over the edge!

Note from Kristin: Women are not permitted to touch the rock but are permitted in the outer courtyard. I don’t even have to tell you how I feel about that!

Stay:  This hotel is 30 minutes away from the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda. There are also a few hotels located at the foot of the pagoda that are a lot more expensive.

Inle was one of the most beautiful towns I visited in Myanmar, which is hard to choose because many are. But, let’s just say, it was the most lush. About 9-10 hours north of Yangon by bus sits Inle Lake, a sprawling and beautiful natural contrast to Yangon tucked into a valley surrounded by green hills. It is a network of canals, irrigation waterways, farms, and a giant freshwater lake. It’s a perfect escape after experiencing the bustling city life of Yangon.

Boat Ride through the Floating Villages

Once in Inle Lake, the most known attraction is the floating villages. It is essentially a neighborhood on stilts, where locals live in huts built above a network of marsh and grass waterways. Take a boat and see what life is like living on the water and relying off of food farmed in the grassland or fished. The scenery itself is beautiful, and it’s relaxing sitting in the canoe cruising through the maze of houses watching children climb from one house to the next to wave you along.

Table of Contents

About an hour and 45 minutes from Inle, you’ll find the pagoda forest of Kakku. Though it’s a long drive, I found that it was totally worth it to get away from the tourist center of Inle and enjoy this gorgeous temple complex almost all to myself. More on how to get there and avoid the crowds here .

Trekking to Inle Lake

If you’re trekking and outdoor inclined like myself, hit Kalaw first and do the 3-day trek to Inle Lake that takes you through valleys and small villages where you’ll stay each night, experiencing rural Myanmar life. The cost is low, the views are spectacular, and the trek is life-changing. No hot showers, no electricity, no internet, just pure experiences with the nicest people on earth? Sign me up!

Quick Tips: Inle Lake is one of the more popular destinations so it’s good to book accommodation ahead. Just outside of the town limits, there is a vineyard and winery that’s worth a visit after a bicycle ride around the country roads.

Stay:  Inle Cottage Boutique Hotel  is an amazing value for the money, and the staff is so nice!

Bagan was one of my favorite experiences during my time exploring the country. Whether you hit Bagan before or after Inle Lake, it is still a must see when visiting Myanmar. Considered the Angkor Wat of Myanmar ( but I think it’s better ), Bagan is a UNESCO World Heritage site and valley of more than 2,000+ ancient temples built between the 9th and 13th centuries, which included the golden era of Burma in the 11-12th century time period. During the summer months while I was there, the valley is arid and covered in rust-colored red sand, but in the monsoon season becomes a vibrant green jungle climate.

Temple Raiding

At times, we were surrounded by hundreds at the largest temples, and at other times, completely alone to crouch and crawl through narrow passages of empty temples. Rent a scooter or bicycle and cruise around to some of the 2000+ temples around Bagan – but there’s no way you’ll see them all! Get adventurous and go down some of the dirt roads to the smaller temples where you’ll find yourself alone to explore, living out your Indiana Jones or Lara Croft fantasies. Scooters can be rented for $5-$10 a day and will make it much easier than bicycles to explore.

Quick Tip: From late 2019 it’s no longer possible to climb any of the temples or pagodas for a sunrise or sunset overview. For the best places to catch sunrise and sunset these days, check out this post by Kristin.

Hot Air Balloons over Bagan

Now that the temples are closed, what’s the best way to get that awesome overview? Jump in the hot air balloons ! Just before sunrise you can take a ride up in a hot air balloon and see the entire valley change from purple to gold with ancient temples as far as the eye can see silhouetted against the horizon. The cheapest and best-reviewed ride we’ve found can be booked here .

Stay : You can get amazing balloon sunrise and sunset views at the  Aureum Palace Hotel , though it’s a pretty penny. To stay right in the heart of Old Bagan, I loved the  Hotel @ Tharabar Gate .

In central Myanmar, Mandalay is the second largest city in the country, and a good place to launch from for almost all activities and destinations. From Mandalay, you’ll be able to reach Inle Lake, Bagan, and Hsipaw in the far north. Since it’s another large metropolis, Mandalay will have plenty of delicious places to eat and a decent nightlife scene, with a couple swanky bars overlooking the river.

U Bein Bridge

I’m sure you’ve seen the photos of silhouetted monks walking across a long bridge with a fiery orange sunrise. That, my friends, is U Bein Bridge. By far one of the best sunrises I’ve ever experienced ( and I think it will be for you as well ), U Bein Bridge is the world’s oldest and longest teak wood bridge. I would have stayed there all day, but by 9am, it was swarmed with people, so make sure to arrive early! Just before sunrise, the monks follow the call to prayer and all walk across in their crimson robes to the temple across the river.

Mandalay Hill and Mandalay Fort

Get ready to break a sweat. I was panting by the time we reached the top, but it’s worth the long walk up to Mandalay Hill to the temple perched at the top for an incredible view at sunset ( and one helluva stair climb ).  In the city center and surrounded by a large moat, Mandalay Fort is worth checking out.

All the Temples!

Mandalay has an abundance of stunning temples, pagodas, and stupas to check out in and around the city. Check out the ancient capital, the amazing Hsinbyume Pagoda, and more. The best way to see it all is by car. You can find out more here .

Stay:  Hotel Yadanarbon was in a great location, has a rooftop pool, and an amazing breakfast!

Oh Hsipaw, how I miss those days. Mountains all around, trees that grow out of temples, lush farmland, waterfalls, and the best tea you’ll ever have — sound good? Hsipaw is the main township of the Shan State, and is located 200km northeast of Mandalay, perfect for anyone needing an escape into the outdoors. This will be the main destination for anyone wanting to do some serious multi-day trekking and to explore more untouched Myanmar in remote mountain villages.

We rented bicycles while in Hsipaw and explored for a couple of days. Though it can become quite hilly and rugged outside of town, every road you go down will have something fascinating to see. Don’t miss the ancient temple complex and check out the stupa that has a tree growing out of it. Watch young monks play games, wander the vibrant fruit and vegetable markets, and relax by the river.

Goteik Viaduct and Train to Hsipaw

For someone who is obsessed with train travel, I had to do what is said to be one of the greatest train journeys in the world. This, above most else, should be on your list of must-do’s in Myanmar. Along the 12 hour journey, you’ll also cross the Goteik Viaduct, considered a world masterpiece in engineering and at one time the world’s longest viaduct bridge at 2,260 ft long (and currently the highest in Myanmar at 335 feet!).

The old train to Hsipaw is a clunking and captivating journey that leaves Mandalay before dawn and takes you up mountains by zig-zagging its way forward and backwards, then down into lush valleys of rice and soy fields. Over 100 years old, it’s a technological marvel of its time period, and the coolest mode of transport to get to Hsipaw.

Quick Tips: Purchase tickets at the train station days before, and try to get first class seats for 2,000 kyat ($2.00). We could only get second class seats, and 12 hours on wooden benches is doable but brutal.

Hiking to Mountain Tea Villages

Hiking in the countryside was one of the best excursions we did in Myanmar. On the 2-3 day trek you’ll meet rural farmers, tea pickers, and even rebel soldiers who are happy that you are experiencing their small world and sharing their everyday life. Don’t worry, even the soldiers were the nicest people I’ve ever met. Plus, the tea leaves there are said to help with longevity in life, so drink away!

We stayed in a small traditional hut and ate home cooked meals with a local family, and I drank some rice wine with soldiers ( shhhh ). Our guide, Ax Sai, was extremely knowledgeable, spoke English very well, and even took us to some secret waterfalls after a scorching day of trekking.

Quick Tips: Wear a hat, sunscreen , and bring extra bottles of water and snacks. And proper shoes! Pack things like peanuts or apples that won’t go bad in the heat. Look for Ax Sai, he’s awesome.

Myanmar has a beautiful coastline with white sand beaches and beautiful sunsets. As an added bonus, there are no buckets, all-night parties, nor fire dancers, which kill the peaceful ocean vibe for me! Ngapali is one of the loveliest beaches, though there are many down south worth checking out. You can read more about Ngapali here .

BONUS: Thingyan Festival

Thingyan Festival, or the New Year celebration for Myanmar, will most likely be one of the craziest experiences of your life. Thingyan is Myanmar’s biggest holiday and a Buddhist celebration for the purpose of washing the previous year’s sins away and beginning the new year with a clean spirit. With millions of gallons of water.

From  my experience at Thingyan , it lasted the full week and there was no escaping the chaos. It’s fun, but it’s also exhausting, and after a few days you’ll probably lock yourself inside. Luckily I had goggles after taking on the Rickshaw Run in India to protect me from the blasts to my face.

Quick Tips: Book accommodation and transport WAY in advance – everything sells out. Get a waterproof bag for money and phones. Don’t carry your DSLR, it’ll get destroyed. Remember, it’s their holiday and there is no escaping it, so have fun and don’t get mad. Bring goggles, they are a life saver (especially from eye infections). And buy the biggest damn water blaster you can find!

Arrival & Getting Around

Before Myanmar relaxed its tourism policies, getting visas for the country, let alone most everything else, could be a huge hassle. SIM cards used to be thousands of dollars, banks were scarce, and much more of the country was closed off to travel. Luckily it’s become much easier now to travel to. I found it actually easier than a lot of other countries I’ve visited.

eVisa: For your Myanmar visa you’ll want to apply for the eVisa, which takes a couple of days to process, and after approval, you will receive a government issued letter to print and show on arrival. There are only a few countries that don’t need to do this, but if you’re from the USA, be sure to apply for one and double check that all of the information is correct. I found out the hard way that being even one day off on your passport expiry date can mean being denied boarding for your international flight.

Buses:  This was how Ryan mainly traveled through Myanmar. There are fancy VIP buses that are cheap and much comfier than much of Southeast Asia, with reclining seats, blankets, and snacks offered. Now that there is a main highway that runs from Yangon all the way to Mandalay, the road north isn’t too dicey.

Train:  I only got to ride the train in Myanmar once, but it was my favorite way to travel. Train travel is another good option and can be taken from Yangon all the way north to Hsipaw with transfers. My recommendation from experience is to book a 1st class ticket on the train which won’t be much more expensive, and it’ll save your back and bum from a lot of pain. I know from experience.

Private Taxi:  During our time in Myanmar, we mainly took buses when we could find them, but occasionally had to hire a private taxi to drive us to the next destination because nothing else was available. These drivers have nice cars with air-conditioning, but can be quite the speed demons even on roads with sheer cliffs dropping off the side. Our driver had to stop to hose off the breaks because they were smoking. A private taxi will run around $40-$65 for a full day drive to another city.

Flights: Much of Myanmar is accessible via air travel these days, particularly for Mandalay, Yangon, Bagan, Inle, and Ngapali. I flew  Air KBZ  and thought it was great.

Myanmar isn’t quite the wild east of Asia anymore because the country’s relaxed tourism policies are spurring growth, but it was one of the most authentic cultural experiences I’ve had. Getting around Myanmar is much easier than it was even 3 years ago, and if you prepare before arriving by having visas and accommodation sorted, you won’t run into many hiccups. With infrastructure improvements, WiFi and 3G/4G available almost everywhere, and banks in every town, there’s not much difficulty in getting around.

But I can’t forget the best part. The most memorable aspects of Myanmar are the people . Always smiling, displaying unending generosity, and not once did I feel I was trying to be scammed from every direction. This, combined with the culture and fascinating places to visit, made it my favorite destination in Southeast Asia. And it’s bound to become your favorite as well.

About the Author

Ryan Brown is a corporate escape artist with a severe disdain for the mundane, an adrenaline junky, and a hammock addict. On his adventure travel blog,  Lost Boy Memoirs , he shares his misadventures getting lost around the world through personal memoirs, photos, and videos. His mission is to experience cultures first-hand to break down barriers and to inspire YOU to escape your comfort zone. Not all who are lost need to be found.

*Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means that any booking you make through them supports us at no extra cost to you. We only recommend places we have stayed in and experiences that are priced right and well-loved.

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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05/27/2017 at 12:57 am

How long did you stay!?! I like to take my time, so wondering if a month is enough or if I should plan for longer! 🙂

10/26/2017 at 8:36 am

I stayed for 10 days, much of it was soaked by Thingyan water festival. A month would allow you to immerse yourself in the culture, and pick a spot you’d love to spend most of your time in!

05/27/2017 at 6:24 am

Thanks for the post Ryan!! I’m currently travelling around SEA and I wasn’t sure about going to Myanmar but after speaking with others I have definitely been swayed into visiting. I love catching trains too so I’ll be sure to check the train to Hsipaw out. Thank you for all the info.

10/26/2017 at 8:37 am

Hello Steph! Glad I could sway you into traveling through Myanmar. Did you ever make it through the country? And did you take trains for most of it?

Ijana Loss says

05/28/2017 at 1:15 am

Great information! Myanmar hasn’t really been on my radar, I guess that cause exactly like it says in the article, it’s a bit more off the path than Thailand, Laos, etc. But typically those turn out to be the best places 🙂

10/26/2017 at 8:41 am

Happy to give you the information you need Ijana, hopefully you get out to Myanmar and tell us all about it! Definitely off the beaten path but that’s exactly what I love about it too!

Nitin Khanna says

05/29/2017 at 4:22 am

Love the information provided by you. As I didn’t know about Myanmar. But after your article I am going to add into my bucket list. Great Writing Skills.

Cheers! Thanks!

11/07/2017 at 7:00 am

Thank you Nitin for the compliment, and I hope you have added it to your bucket list for sure. Make sure to tell us when you go!

12/05/2020 at 5:10 pm

Jeric Danao says

06/02/2017 at 3:52 am

I’m a Filipino and have always admired south east asian countries, from their mountains to their highlands, from cities – urban and rural – to provinces, Myanmar is definitely a place to go to. I couldn’t describe it any better than you do. Really appreciate it. Thank you so much for sharing this! Makes me wanna go back to them good old days.

11/07/2017 at 7:01 am

I’ve heard there is PLENTY to see in the Philippines though, and I’m aching to go and trek the jungles. Happy you liked the article and shared your thoughts! Maybe you should revisit your travels there sometime?

06/12/2017 at 9:24 am

Hi, i would like to know how much did you spend approximately per day?

Thank you in advance,

Ikam Acosta says

06/15/2017 at 7:19 am

I have a few friends who have been to Myanmar and loved it. It’s definitely on my to do list. I love the pictures you took. Really captures its beauty

Ikam Acosta

11/07/2017 at 7:03 am

Where did your friends visit in Myanmar Ikam? You have to at some point, it’s already on my list to revisit! Thank you for the compliment about the photos I really appreciate that.

TwoTravelTheWorld says

06/15/2017 at 11:39 am

Myanmar is on our RTW trip in November and we can’t wait to discover its temples and landscapes. We don’t know yet if we are going to see it from north to south or the other way but thanks for all those advices. It will definitely help us crafting our road map. Take care. David & Kro.

11/07/2017 at 7:05 am

Hey David and Kro, looks like November is here! Have you planned out your trip to Myanmar yet? i personally loved the north but all of it was incredible. Excited to see where it takes you!

The Open Route says

09/07/2017 at 6:46 am

Bagan is amazing! I agree it’s best to explore the pagodas and temples on two wheels. It’s faster that way plus you can discover other temples that are at par with popular ones. We were there around May, and it was raining most of the time. We also missed the hot air balloons, but we’re lucky enough to catch the sunrise and sunset.

11/07/2017 at 7:06 am

Ahh well if it was rainy season then you had the chance to see it in full bloom? I’ve been dreaming of visiting while the valley is lush and green!

10/26/2017 at 8:35 am

Hello Jade, apologies for the delayed reply! You absolutely must get over there now, my favorite Southeast Asia country. I’d say 7-10 days would be ideal to see most of these sights and destinations while being able to properly take it in.

Veronica says

10/30/2017 at 12:16 pm

Oh..I’m happy to see you wrote about Myanmar, which is my native land!!! There are many other amazing and interesting places to visit like Chin State hiking and Virgin Islands of Mergue!!! Please visit again to my native land for further visits. I’ll definitely take you there!! Warmly welcome from Myanmar Xoxo <3

11/07/2017 at 7:07 am

Hello Veronica, I may just have to take you up on that offer because I want to return to Myanmar next year. The Chin State hiking sounds wonderful, and I want to do much more hiking next year!

Byron Hartzler says

04/21/2018 at 6:30 am

Sometimes people view Myanmar as an off the beaten path country. Sure its emerging, but still in comparison to SE Asian neighbors, much of it is still to be explored, keeping off the beaten path because of decades of civil war. I live in a fringe area, trying to create opportunity further out, because even though Bagan & Inle are great, some of the most beautiful and untouched areas still are largely undiscovered. Like Lashio, the city beyond Hsipaw, which is great for trekking, but Lashio has some of, if not the best waterfall experiences in SE Asia, but nobody knows about it. Thanks for sharing your experience.

I have a social enterprise adventure guide company called Myanmar Adventure Outfitters, and with recent moronic moves by Myanmar’s government, many locals who are gaining new opportunities through tourism could see those opportunities fade, so please read Ryan’s article, keep coming, because the people you may want to hurt by boycotting this country are not the ones who will hurt, its the average locals.

Image Earth Travel says

11/11/2018 at 10:42 am

Spent a month in Myanmar back in 2014 and absolutely loved it – so much to see there… Sadly, areas near Hsipaw were closed due to Shan Rebels and government troops fierce fighting.

Ashlea says

04/30/2019 at 6:01 am

I’m glad this amazing country is getting the recognition it deserves! I spent nearly 1 month in Myanmar back in 2013 and have been itching to get back since.

Bagan is absolutely incredible and so much fun (Angkor Wat in Cambodia paled in comparison to Bagan for me). It was so much fun jumping on a electric bike every day and exploring. But my absolute favourite thing was that at the smaller temples you had to find the ‘key holder’ who would unlock the temple and maybe show you a secret staircase to climb to the top for amazing views. Indiana Jones eat your heart out!

Great list of the must-see highlights for your first trip to Myanmar.

Nway Kaz says

07/08/2019 at 11:12 pm

I loved Myanmar when the first time I came here. A nature place without many building or useless stuffs.

I’m planning to visit Myanmar again in 2020, can’t wait for it. If anyone want to join me, please let me know as well!

Harry Tumeric says

07/17/2019 at 9:12 am

Great that you put Bagan in your itinerary. Some important thing to note is “Temple climbing is now banned at Bagan”.

Tourrkub says

12/20/2019 at 3:31 am

Thanks for a great article.

Parjatakguru says

05/15/2024 at 11:21 pm

Your blog is so useful for us. The information about the place is amazing.

Perfect Myanmar Itinerary

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Apr 20, 2023 | Asia , Myanmar , Travel Tips

Myanmar was one of my biggest highlights in Southeast Asia. This country simply stands out in comparison with its neighbors. I had a huge crush on the people too. Burmese are very friendly. They are more than happy to have a quick chat with foreigners so they can practice their English. Here’s a useful budget guide proposing an itinerary and my favorite spots! This simple budget guide was made to show you the best of Myanmar. I’ll be suggesting some itineraries for one, two and three weeks in Myanmar.

Kindly note that this guide is based on my own trip – three-week itinerary in Myanmar – during the rainy season and the tourism industry is evolving quite fast. This post was based on a trip in August 2016.

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Psst. We don’t recommend traveling to Myanmar right now.

I first flew to Yangon thinking there was a possibility I could be forever alone in Myanmar as there are not that many travelers around.  Well, I was wrong.  I had my social face from the start at the airport and I was already making new friends.

Okay, it rained a lot when I was in Yangon and when I say a lot, that also means a lot.  I saw the gold pagodas for the very first time under my cheap umbrella.  We ate street food, walked around and tried that circular train.  If you google “Things to do in Yangon” or if you are a lonely planet fan, you probably already know about the circular train.  It is basically a 3h train around Yangon.  The train itself is a cultural experience, but I don’t think you actually need to stay for the whole trip (I didn’t).

You should go for a walk at night time to enjoy the pagodas and their golden vibes.

• There is a taxi stand at the airport and prices are fixed. Find some friends at the airport and share a taxi to reach your destination.

Planning your upcoming adventures? Travel by bus! (It's cheap!)

Bagan is one of the major stops in Myanmar as it’s known for its temples, sunrises and sunsets!  The best way to get around is by E-bike (but, you can also do it on a bicycle).  Two words; get lost!  Find a nice temple where you can climb to the top to enjoy the view!  (Please, remove your flip flops too!)

You should get lost and find a place to meditate or simply enjoy the beauty of Myanmar.

• When you enter Bagan, you need to pay an entrance fee which is USD 20.
• From Yangon, you can find a bus for MMK 14000.

Mandalay is also very popular if you want to spot monks and visit temples and pagodas.  It is also famous because of its bridge where it’s an easy spot to meet monks.  I was there during the rainy season and the water level was pretty high.

The city is big and the main touristy spots are not in the same area.  A great way to get around could be by hiring a taxi driver for the day. Done that, but I wouldn’t recommend it as our driver was getting impatient and we did a half day instead of a full day.  Good news; we managed to pay him half price.

• Mandalay is pretty big so you need to come up with a clever plan to organize your visit without spending too much.
• From Bagan, you can find a bus for MMK 8000-9000.

Lashio was my favorite place in Myanmar and you can read the whole story here .  I spent three days around the area and simply love the experience!  If you’re heading there, you need to get in touch with Myanmar Adventure Outfitters to create the best experience for yourself in Myanmar!  Outdoor lovers, adrenaline addicts and off-the-beaten-path backpackers; this place is for you!

You should get on a customized tour with Myanmar Adventure Outfitters!  Trust me here!

• From Mandalay, you can find a bus for MMK 6000-8000.

There are many places you can hike in Myanmar.  Hsipaw is one of them.  Many agencies, many different tours, many experiences…  Obviously, it wasn’t as good as Lashio, but it was still a great experience if you’re ready for a long walk!

I went on a two day trip including an overnight stay in a village.  Basically, we walked 33 kilometres in two days.  I guess it will be needless to say that you should bring lots of water with you!  Of course, the views were beautiful and the experience in the village was interesting.  Personally, I think there was too much walking and at the end of the day, I was simply too exhausted to truly enjoy it.

• For two days trekking including a night in a village, you can expect to pay MMK 25000.  Find information on the walking distance if you need to before booking your tour.
• From Lashio, you can find a train ticket in Business class for MMK 1400 or even cheaper in Economy class.

Inle Lake is also a main stop for hiking around.  Most of the people start in Kalaw and will end up in Inle Lake.  After too many kilometres in Hsipaw, I wasn’t in the mood for another big hike.  Known for its lake, Inle Lake was also where I had the best food!  To be fair, the place is quite touristy which means that you’ll find a lot of options for food and for accommodation.

The cheapest way to enjoy a boat cruise is to go to the harbor and find your own captain.  They will offer your different routes and then, you can pick from there.  I love being on a boat and enjoy the view; so if you’re the same, you should, perhaps, ask your captain to skip all the stops and take you away from the crowds.

You should get on a boat and enjoy the cruise.  You don’t need to stop everywhere.  You’re paying, so you can customize your trip too!

• When you enter Inle Lake zone, you need to pay an entrance fee of USD 10.
• You can find a cheap cruise for MMK 14000. (A lot of places will try to overcharge you).
• From Hsipaw, you can find a bus for MMK 15500.

Bago is close to the Golden Rock and is not too far from Yangon.  As the weather was not on my side, I decided to skip it and to keep going.  Accommodation around there can be pricey.  If it’s constantly raining, you won’t be able to do a lot.

• Bago was the most expensive place in terms of accommodation.
• From Inle Lake, you can find a bus for MMK 13000.

Hpa An is close to the Thailand border and this is why it was my last stop in Myanmar.  I was going to cross the border by land.  Hpa An is known for its caves and for its landscapes!  It was also one of my favorite spots as it is not touristy!

You should hop on a motorbike, get lost and enjoy the scene!

• There are not a lot of options for accommodation, so don’t have too many high expectations about guest houses.
• You can rent a motorbike for MMK 6000 a day.
• From Bago, you can find a bus for MMK 6000.
• If you’re heading to Thailand, you can book a car to the border for MMK 8000.

Recommended itineraries in Myanmar for one and two weeks

Recommended itinerary in Myanmar for one week:

Recommended itinerary in Myanmar for two weeks:

Things you should know about Myanmar

• You need a visa to get to Myanmar, which can be done in an embassy or online. The electronic visa cost USD50.  I managed to get mine in less than 24 hours.  I’d suggest you verify the requirements depending on your nationality.
• You won’t find a hostel in every city. You might have to consider booking a hotel.  If you’re not traveling alone, you can also share a room with someone to save money!  Some cities can be a bit more pricey as they are not as touristy as others.  It is still possible to go on a backpacking trip in Myanmar!
• I recommend you book your accommodation and pay in advance. This way you won’t lose money with the currency exchange.
• The local currency is Kyat (MMK). You can pay with Kyat nearly everywhere except for accommodation, they will ask for USD (or change it for Kyat) and that’s how you could lose money.
• The best time to visit Myanmar would be now!  With the tourism industry growing, Myanmar is still considered as an off the beaten track destination.  The best months to visit Myanmar are from November to February – which is their winter season.  It would be ideal if you’re planning on heading to the beach.  Although, it’s still very possible to travel off-season if you can handle the rain.

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The Ultimate 10 Day Myanmar Itinerary for First Timers

Are you currently planning your 10 day Myanmar itinerary but not sure where to start? You are in the right place!

Mysterious Myanmar only opened up as a travel opportunity in recent decades which makes this culture-rich destination all the more fascinating.

The country is rapidly developing its tourist infrastructure to catch up with its neighboring Thailand but the real charm of Myanmar is its ancient pagodas, raw landscapes, and hospitable people.

To help you plan and maximize your time in the country, I put together a 10 day Myanmar itinerary based on my own Burmese travels. This Myanmar itinerary was specifically created with first-time visitors in mind and includes such places as Schwegadon Pagoda in Yangon and the temples of Old Bagan.

For your first trip to this special country, 10 days in Myanmar is the perfect amount of time to visit the most intriguing cities and sites. But I’ll hedge my bets that you’ll want to return for seconds!

* Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. *

Table of Contents

Overview of Your 10 Days in Myanmar 

Rather than providing you with a day-by-day schedule for your trip, this 10 days in Myanmar itinerary is divided into the areas you will visit.

For each area, I’ve shared how to get there, where to stay and eat, and what things there are to do there. This gives you more flexibility to format your itinerary to suit your travel style. 

These are the cities and regions that you will visit on this Myanmar itinerary:

• Yangon: 2 days
• Inle Lake: 2 days
• Bagan: 3 days
• Mandalay: 3 days

Because Yangon and Mandalay each have an international airport, you could always flip this Myanmar travel itinerary and do it in reverse!

Yangon (2 Days)

Formerly known as Rangoon, Yangon is the largest city in Myanmar. Yangon was the nation’s capital up until 2005 when the honor was transferred to Naypyidaw.

The city sits on the Yangon River and comprises more colonial-era buildings than any other city in Southeast Asia. Many of these are fairly dilapidated these days but they are still intriguing to see and offer a heap of potential to photographers. 

Yangon is home to some of the most splendid temples in Myanmar, including its most sacred complex, the Shwedagon Pagoda. As Yangon is a large and chaotic city, these calm, spiritual sanctuaries offer some reprise from the crowds.

Yangon is also brimming with green parks, large lakes, cool museums, and hipster cafes so you can really strike a balance between winding down and getting to grips with the city.

Two days is the perfect amount of time to see the major tourist attractions in town. If you prefer having a step-by-step itinerary in hand, check out my detailed post about how to spend 2 days in Yangon !

How to get to Yangon

Yangon International Airport (RGN) is the country’s primary airport and has the most connections so it makes sense to start your 10 days in Myanmar by arriving here.

Direct flights connect to Yangon from Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia, so if you are traveling from Europe, the US, or beyond, expect to transfer at either Changi Airport or Kuala Lumpur.

The airport is located in Mingaladon, 15 km (9.3 miles) north of the city. You can take the bus which costs 500 MMK (0.30 USD) and takes around 50-60 minutes to get downtown.

Alternatively, you can download the Grab rideshare app or hop in a taxi at the airport. A Grab will cost around 10,000 MMK (6 USD) while the official taxis are around double the cost, but you will need to negotiate before you get in the car.

How to get around Yangon

Once you’ve downloaded the Grab app and picked up a Burmese SIM card, this is your ticket to getting around Yangon where walking distances are too great.

The city does have a public bus system, however, this can be very slow and is confusing to figure out. As there is a lot to see in the city, I recommend that you stick to using Grab as you’ll never pay more than a few dollars.

If you’re traveling from elsewhere in Southeast Asia, you should note that unlike most other cities in the region, motorbikes are not permitted in Yangon which means there is no option to hire a scooter in the city!

Where to stay in Yangon

As you’re only staying in Yangon for two days, I recommend that you stay in Yangon’s Downtown neighborhood. This way, you’re within walking distance to many of the attractions and restaurants that feature on this Myanmar 10 day itinerary or you can take a quick Grab ride to get further afield.

However, if you would rather stay someplace more quiet and with a nature vibe, you will find appeasing hotels around Inya Lake. 

Here are my three recommendations for where to stay in Yangon for 2 nights.

• Luxury: Lotte Hotel Yangon
• Mid-range: Hotel G Yangon
• Budget: Prestige Residences at Golden Valley

Best things to do in Yangon

Shwegadon pagoda.

The first item on your Myanmar itinerary is this huge complex that is famous for its 99-meter tall golden ‘zedi’ but there are so many other stupas, shrines, and Buddha statues to explore.

Coincide your visit with sunrise or sunset for a magical experience. You can turn up independently or visit as part of a private Yangon city tour if you want to learn more about the pagoda. 

Sule Pagoda

The smaller but wiser companion to Shwedagon, Sule Pagoda is around 2,300 years old. According to local legend, the pagoda is built atop the home of a ‘nat’ (spirit) named Sularata and it enshrines a hair of Buddha.  

Yangon Circular Train

The Yangon Circular Train connects the inner and outer suburbs and if you ride the entire route, it takes three hours (you can alight whenever you want to though).

Tickets cost a couple of cents and it’s a really interesting way to get a sense of the wider community. You can buy a ticket and board at whichever station is nearest to your accommodation or ride the train with a local guide if you want more intel on Yangon life.

Inya Lake is a little further afield but it’s absolutely worth the Grab ride even if you stay downtown. The largest lake in town features a walking path around the water edge and makes for a dreamy wander either first thing in the morning or at sunset.

National Museum

This huge archive contains traditional Burmese crafts, arts, costumes, and other historical relics. One major highlight is the Royal Lion Throne, or the Thihathana Throne, which is one of the eight heritage thrones used by the Burmese monarchy.

It’s a large venue but I recommend carving out an hour or two of your 10 day Myanmar itinerary to browse the collections for yourself.

Pansodan Street 

If you have a weakness for charming heritage architecture, take a stroll down Pansodan Street with your camera. This street features a mix of restored and decaying buildings, some of which house little boutiques, art galleries, and tea shops. 

Bogyoke Aung San Market

This huge bazaar is the place to make a beeline for if you want to buy a beautiful Burmese longyi to wear for the rest of your 10 days in Myanmar itinerary! You can also browse other souvenirs and trinkets at the same time and pick up some street food.

Bogyoke Park (Kandawgyi Lake)

This large sprawl of parkland is within walking distance of Shwedagon Pagoda and features a mix of gardens, a zoo, an abandoned fairground, and even a karaoke bar. At the heart of the park in the middle of the lake, you won’t miss the floating restaurant, Karaweik Palace.

Where to eat in Yangon

• Wai Wai’s Noodle Place : An affordable and authentic eatery that specializes in a mix of vegetarian and meat dishes. Sample the signature Shan Rice Noodles and make a repeat visit to savor a classic Northern Shan curry.
• Nourish Cafe : This plant-based cafe serves everything from all-day breakfast to mezzes and smoothie bowls. It’s a great little place to load up on protein and fiber! They also host regular yoga classes.
• Rangoon Tea House : This eclectic tea house on the beautiful Pansodan Street serves a fusion of contemporary Burmese dishes with an international twist. They have a broad spread of curries that will appease vegetarians and carnivores alike. If you’re not looking for a full meal, it’s a great spot for a cold coffee and a slice of cake.

Inle Lake (2 Days)

As lovable as Yangon is, the city is pretty overwhelming so for the next leg of your Myanmar 10 day itinerary I suggest you head to the tranquil Inle Lake to soak up some of the country’s most sensational nature.

Inle Lake, the second largest lake in the entire country, is located in the Nyaung Shwe Township of the Shan State. This scenic location is the realm of floating villages and gardens that form the lifeforce of the Intha people.

Beyond the water, you’ll find even more splendid pagodas, monasteries, and natural vistas – as well as a scattering of wineries.

It’s important to know that when you arrive at Inle Lake, you will be asked to pay an entrance fee of 15,000 MMK (8.5 USD).

How to get to Inle Lake

The most efficient way to get to Inle Lake (Nyaung Shwe) from Yangon is by night bus and you can choose either VIP/tourist class or a local bus.

VIP sleeper buses in Myanmar are in excellent condition so you will sleep soundly and comfortably. It’s a long journey of 630 km (392 miles) that takes around 11 hours. If you want to save some money you can book a less comfortable local bus which stops more frequently and takes 14-15 hours on average.

Depending on the class and the company you book with, the bus ticket comes in at around 16,540- 33,080 MMK (10-20 USD). You can book online with 12GoAsia.com or ask your hotel to make the reservation.

If you want to save time you can take a flight from Yangon to Heho Airport (HEH) for around 215,000-265,000 MMK (130-160 USD). The flight time is 2-3 hours and it’s definitely not an everyday experience.

First of all, Heho is one of the smallest airports you’ll ever come across. It’s so small that it practically looks like a little house! The plane will drop you off right at the entrance and within 2-3 minutes, you’ll be already sitting in your taxi.

What’s even more funny that you will get your luggage straigth from the plane, no need to stand in huge lines. Very effective, right? We accidentally missed our night bus and ended up taking a last minute flight but I’m so glad we did as it was a great experience!

How to get around Inle Lake

If you decide to stay in Nyaung Shwe then you will be able to walk to the attractions within the town and then arrange a boat trip to see the lake itself.

You might want to hire a bicycle or scooter so that you can explore the local area independently; motorbikes are permitted here and there is a couple of rental places in Nyaung Shwe. Alternatively, you can arrange for taxis and private drivers via your hotel in Inle Lake. 

Where to stay in Inle Lake

The township of Nyaung Shwe is the most convenient place to stay in Inle Lake. You’ll find most of the hotels, restaurants, and amenities there, plus it’s an easy base to book tours and activities from.

Nyaung Shwe is only 10 km (6.2 miles) from the water’s edge and is connected to the lake by the Nyaung Shwe Canal and by road. Alternatively, you can book a hotel in one of the small villages that flank the lake for a more remote experience.

Here are my three recommendations for where to stay in Inle Lake.

• Luxury: Novotel Inle Lake Myat Min
• Mid-range: Hupin Inle Khaung Daing Village Resort
• Budget: Inle Cottage Boutique Hotel

Best things to do in Inle Lake

Inle lake boat cruise.

The star attraction of Inle Lake is the lake itself and the best way to experience it is by booking a full day sightseeing tour by boat . During your cruise, you will see the iconic fishermen who row their boats with one leg!

These days it’s all for show but that doesn’t make it any less impressive. You’ll also visit floating communities where you’ll learn about weaving, sample homemade cigars (cheroots), and pet Burmese cats.

Indein Village & Pagoda

As an alternative boat cruise, you book a tour that follows the same style as the outline mentioned above but that also includes a visit to the Indein Village & Pagoda.

This cluster of Buddist stupas is a unique site to add to your 10 days in Myanmar itinerary. It isn’t always included so be sure to book a tour that includes it if you want a chance to see them.

Visit a winery

These beautiful Shan landscapes are hiding an impressive legacy of winemaking. Visit the Red Mountain Estate where you can enjoy a facility tour followed by a wine tasting and lunch with a jaw-dropping view over the surrounding valley.

Five Day Market

As well as floating villages, the area around Inle Lake is known for its rotating market with a different location for each of the five nights that it opens.

You’ll have to check once you’re in town if your Myanmar itinerary coincides with the Nyaung Shwe or Indein Village market as the schedule is fluid.

Explore by bicycle

An alternative way to experience Inle Lake is by hiring a bicycle and visiting some of the quaint villages on the water’s edge.

Most guesthouses and hotels will provide rentals and point you in the right direction of where to cycle locally, but some further tips are the Khaung Daing hot springs, the winery, and the Phwar Ya Thay Paya viewpoint.

Drop by Mr. Zaw’s Tofu House

One of the most authentic places you can visit while at Inle Lake is Mr. Zaw’s Tofu House. Located on the western shore of Inle Lake, Mr. Zaw will walk you around a small village called Khaung Daing where you can get a glimpse into local life and how they produce their famous tofu snacks.

At the end of the tour, you can sample all the products they create in the village, so don’t come with a full stomach!

Not to be outdone by its neighboring Thailand, Myanmar is also a great place to enjoy a massage treatment. Head to Venus Traditional Massage for an oil massage in a rustic setting. The snacks are a nice touch to conclude your treat!

Where to eat in Inle Lake

• The Ancestor Restaurant : This ambient family-owned eatery dishes up innovative interpretations of classic Burmese and Shan meals. They cater just as well for vegetarians as for meat and fish eaters and every plate is faultlessly presented.
• Sin Yaw Restaurant : A casual curbside restaurant that will surprise you with how sophisticated the menu is. The place excels at shareable platters which is ideal if you can’t decide what to order. The staff deserves a shout out for their hospitality and attention to detail as well. 
• Golden Moon Restaurant : Located on the southwestern side of the lake, this stilted restaurant with a view is a great place to stop for a bite while you’re out exploring the pagodas and villages surrounding Inle Lake. Although they cater to all diets, their fish dishes are particularly moreish. 

Bagan (3 Days)

Myanmar’s answer to Angkor Wat, Bagan is a temple hopper’s paradise and the highlight of any 10 day Myanmar itinerary.

Located in the Mandalay Region, the city of Bagan formed the capital of the ancient Pagan Kingdom between the 9th to 13th centuries. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is also the largest archaeological zone in the world.

Although Old Bagan is predominantly a Buddhist site there are also some Hindu temples interspersed among the archaeological zone so you will get to recognize and see the style differences.

Over 2,000 of the original 10,000 temples survive and they are rather spread out and hidden among the green landscape. It’s a riveting experience to watch them pop out on the horizon at sunrise.

A three-day stay is a sufficient amount of time to experience a generous chunk of the temples and slot in a few additional activities and excursions. On arrival at Bagan, you will be required to pay for the 25,000 MKK (15 USD) entrance fee which entitles you to three days of temple touring. 

How to get to Bagan

For your second burst of internal travel, you will again have the chance to choose between taking a sleeper bus or a flight.

Taking the bus is the most cost effective way. Again you will be presented with a variety of different companies and classes so you can choose based on your own preference and budget, and expect to pay 24,680-33,080 MKK (15-20 USD).

The journey takes approximately 8 hours and it’s a bit of a bumpy ride so if you’re prone to motion sickness, make sure to take proper medication with you. Unfortunately I get sick easily so I didn’t have the best experience.

If you’re happy to pay more and you want to avoid the bus at all costs, you can fly from Heho Airport to Nyaung U Airport. Flights take 40 minutes and cost in the region of 164,570 MKK (100 USD) upwards.

How to get around Bagan 

The best way to get around Bagan is by hiring your own electric bike. These are less powerful than the typical automatic motorbikes with a top speed of 50 kph (30 mph) and they are very safe to drive even on the bumpy, dusty roads between the temples.

I didn’t have any prior experience with scooters before trying out these electric ones so I was super scared but trust me, it’s a piece of cake to drive them! It was such an amazing feeling roaming through the pagodas with these bikes, it was one of the best experiences of our whole Myanmar itinerary.

Most hotels can also organize for you to join a guided tour of Old Bagan so if you don’t want to go on your own, you’ll just need to drive carefully and follow your local guide.

Bicycle rental is also a popular and fun option but this will limit how much ground you can cover within the archaeological site. In a similar vein, you can hop in the back of a horse-drawn carriage for a unique experience, although again this does reduce how many temples you will get to.

If these options are not appealing, then the most comfortable option is to hire a driver. This way you will manage to squeeze the most sites into your 10 day Myanmar itinerary.

Where to stay in Bagan

Bagan is spread over two small towns and a cluster of small neighborhoods. As you can probably gather, Old Bagan is the most historically rich part of the city and is bursting at the seams with the best-preserved pagodas and temples.

New Bagan is perfect for restaurants and lower-cost accommodation although it’s a fraction of the archaeological site. The nearby town of Nyaung-U is well-positioned for seeing the temples on the outskirts of Old Bagan and is a good option if you want to stay closer to the various transport connections.

Here are my three recommendations for where to stay in Bagan.

• Luxury: Amazing Bagan Resort
• Mid-range: Heritage Bagan Hotel
• Budget: Bagan Wynn Hotel

Best things to do in Bagan

Temple tour.

If you’re planning to see Bagan during your Myanmar itinerary, let’s face it, you’re going to spend a lot of time temple hopping.

The most exciting way to explore the temples of Old Bagan is either by electric scooter or by bicycle (the latter does limit how many you’ll see) and it’s beneficial to book a guide so that you understand the meanings and significance of each temple.

If you’d prefer then you can always book a day tour of Bagan by private car . You’ll want to rise early to experience them at first light.

Bagan Sunrise & Sunset

Outside of taking a temple tour, I recommend that you wake for sunrise at least one morning during your stay.

The Soo Lay Gon Group is one of the best structures to visit as you are permitted to climb up the temples (which is quite rare nowadays) and gain an unobstructed view across the plains and watch the spires emerge as the sun rises.

What goes up must come down and my recommendation is to head to Nyaung Lat Phet Viewing Mound which is a really popular sunset spot in Bagan that offers exceptionally beautiful views over the pagodas.

Bagan Archaeological Museum

Take a break from the temples and head to the Bagan Archaeological Museum, which houses Buddha statues, murals, and other ancient artifacts found at Bagan. The museum is signposted in English so you can visit without the need for a guide.

Hot Air Balloon Ride

On par with the temples are the balloons that soar above the stupas at sunrise. These flights only run between November to early April and you’ll need to check the official opening of the season to ensure your 10 day Myanmar itinerary coincides if this is on your bucket list.

You can book your Balloons Over Bagan experience in advance to ensure you have a spot.

As you have 3 days to spend in Bagan, you might want to spend 2 days exploring the temples of Old Bagan and one day clambering up Mount Popa.

The Popa Taungkalat monastery is perched on the top of this sacred (and extinct) volcano that rises 657 meters (2,155 feet) above sea level. You can book a Mount Popa tour that includes your guide, travel, and stops at small local businesses along the way.  

Where to eat in Bagan

• Sharky’s Bagan : This converted theater relies upon locally produced organic ingredients that make every dish burst with flavor. The menu is predominantly Western but with an Eastern twist. Expect charcuterie, pasta, pizza, and delightful salads. It’s a perfect place to grab a yummi breakfast!
• DATE Cafe & Bakery : After taking a sunrise gander around the nearby temples, this is where I recommend you head for a strong coffee and a freshly baked slice of cake! 
• HTI Bar & Restaurant : This one is less of a food place and more of a cold beer or refreshing cocktail kind of place! They have a gorgeous outdoor seating area and a generous daily happy hour between 5 and 7pm.
• The Black Bamboo : A Burmese restaurant with a European flair, this place provides a quality dining experience in a peaceful setting. The staff are super friendly and will explain the menu in detail to find your perfect match. At least grab a glass of wine or a scoop of ice cream here while you’re in Bagan. 

Mandalay (3 Days)

With its evocative and practically poetic name, Mandalay is considered the spiritual and cultural capital of Myanmar.

As with Yangon, it is a rather chaotic city in places but among this, you will find even more beautiful pagodas and temples which are very different in style to those you’ve visited so far on this Myanmar itinerary.

Mandalay is the second largest city in the country and is the center of health and education in Myanmar as well as being an economic powerhouse. There is a lot to explore within the city limits although many of the best things to do in Mandalay are actually outside the city.

This is why I recommend staying for three days in Mandalay so that you have enough time to factor in the travel to nearby towns of Mingun, Amarapura, and Sagaing .

As I mentioned, you can choose to start your 10 day Myanmar itinerary in Yangon or you can reverse it and start in Mandalay if that suits your travel plans better.

How to get to Mandalay 

It’s possible to travel from Bagan to Mandalay by bus, train, or boat.

Buses depart from Bagan Shwe Pyi and the bumpy ride takes 5-6 hours subject to traffic and the current condition of the road. You’re looking at 11,500 MKK (7 USD) for the journey.

At 8 hours, the train from Bagan to Mandalay takes a little longer but is a nice way to encounter the scenery and have a change of travel style. Tickets vary from 5,000-13,160 MKK (3-8 USD).

An even more novel way to complete this leg of your Myanmar itinerary is by boarding a ferry along the Irrawaddy River. This takes around 12 hours and prices start at 50,000 MKK (30 USD) but rise based on the style of ticket you choose. This will eat into your itinerary so I don’t recommend this option unless you have an extra day to tap onto your 10 days in Myanmar.

The fastest way to complete this journey, in 4 hours, is by hiring a private driver which will cost upwards of 230,400 MKK (140 USD). 

How to get around Mandalay

It is possible to hire a motorbike in Mandalay if you want to visit the local sites independently. However, as the traffic is busy in the city and the distances to the outer towns are rather large, I only recommend this option to experienced and competent drivers.

For getting around the sites in Mandalay itself, the most cost-effective option is to hail tuk-tuks and taxis via Grab. In terms of travel further afield, such as Sagaing Hill and Amarapura, I recommend hiring a driver for the day or joining a tour to ensure you make the most of your time and travel in comfort.

Where to stay in Mandalay

Chanayethazan Township forms the downtown district of Mandalay and this is the most convenient place to stay in Mandalay for your first visit.

In terms of what to see in the city, most of the central attractions are located in this area and you can easily plan any pick-ups from your Chanayethazan hotel to see places further afield.

Here are my three recommendations for where to stay in Mandalay.

• Luxury: The Hotel by the Red Canal
• Mid-range: Mandalay City Hotel
• Budget: The Hotel Nova

Best things to do in Mandalay

Shwenandaw monastery.

This 19th-century complex was originally part of the Royal Palace in Amarapura but it relocated to Mandalay in 1857 when the city was declared the new capital of the Konbaung dynasty. Unfortunately, the rest of the palace was destroyed during World War II, but fortunately, the monastery survived. Intricately carved out of teak, the monastery stands out from the typical gold stupas of Myanmar.  

Kuthodaw Pagoda

Right around the corner from Shwenandaw, this gleaming white pagoda contains the world’s largest book! These are in the form of stone tablets inscribed with Buddhist scriptures and there are 730 tablets (or 1,460 pages) in total so bring your reading glasses along.

Mandalay Hill

Your hard work pays off when you reach the summit of this vantage point! The Su Taung Pyae Pagoda features beautiful architecture and sculpture and you can witness a blazing sunset from the mountain. It’s a popular spot for young monks to practice their English so expect to get tapped on the shoulder for a chat.

U Bein Bridge

The longest teak bridge in the world hovers across the waters of Taung Tha Man Lake and you can enjoy a rickety wander across the 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) of it. This is a lovely spot for either sunrise or sunset and you can also hop into a rowing boat for a relaxing cruise across the lake. 

Sagaing Hill

The verdant green Sagaing Hill is a highly concentrated area of numerous Buddhist monasteries that together form an important religious and monastic center.

While you’re in the area, check out the 17th-century Kaunghmudaw Pagoda which is crafted into an unusual egg shape, the U Min Thonze Pagoda with its beautiful cave temple, and the Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda that offers a beautiful view of the neighboring lands.

You can combine your trip to Sagaing Hill with a visit to the ancient capital of Innwa, which contains a spread of religious landmarks dating from the 14th to the 19th centuries. Among the array of temples, highlights include your second teak monastery, Bagaya Kyaung, as well as the stucco-covered Me Nu Brick Monastery.

Getting to the small town of Mingun means taking a quick ferry north along the Irrawaddy River, which is an activity in itself for your 10 day Myanmar itinerary. You’ll see the ‘unfinished’ pagoda with its crack from an earthquake in 1839 as well as the white Hsinbyume Pagoda with its highly photogenic waves of stone and the Mingun Bell.

Where to eat in Mandalay

• Sagaing Hill Restaurant : While you’re exploring the surrounding area, specifically Sagaing and Amarapura, I recommend you stop off at this hilltop restaurant. Food is exceptionally prepared and the portion sizes are particularly generous. 
• Wave Rooftop Bar : After a wonderful 10 days in Myanmar, bow out in style at this sleek rooftop bar which serves quality cocktails and food with a sensational view of the city. 
• Mingalabar Myanmar Restaurant : This one of the leading restaurants in Mandalay and possibly in the whole country! In addition to the scrumptious curries and salads, the servers are generous and it is typical to receive complimentary side dishes and desserts. 
• What’s Up Cafe : A cool and calm place to nurse a frothy coffee, best served alongside one of their freshly baked cheesecakes or croissants, of course.

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ROOTS ABROAD

The Ultimate 2-Week Myanmar Itinerary for first timers

Ravishing temple landscapes, balancing fishermen and lush rice fields. Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is truly the gem of South-East Asia , as it still remains relatively untouched by mass tourism. The country only opened its borders to foreigners in 2012 and although it has been rapidly developing its tourist infrastructure, it’s not overrun by tourists yet such as neighboring Thailand. This all adds to the charm and rawness of Myanmar, as you can still experience its authentic culture and traditions as if you were stepping back in time. The local people are absolutely heartwarming and no doubt Burma’s natural beauty will mesmerize you from the moment you arrive. We created this 2-week Myanmar itinerary based on our experiences, so you can discover the best of what this intriguing country has to offer. 

Are you planning a journey to this magical country and don’t know where to start? This 2-week Myanmar itinerary will take you along the main highlights , including all the must-sees on your first time visiting. From the temple-filled plains of Bagan, the floating villages of Inle Lake to the former royal capital of Mandalay, and the largest stupa in the world. For every destination on the itinerary, we carefully selected the best places to stay throughout Myanmar , where to eat delicious local food and all the information you need to travel in between. In the end, we also give you some more destination options in case you would like to extend your itinerary.

*  Disclosure:  This Myanmar Itinerary contains affiliate links. We will receive a small commission if you book through our links. This is at no extra cost to you. This way you’re helping us write awesome travel guides and keep providing you with free content. We only recommend products we like and trust ourselves.

Overview of the 2-Week Myanmar Itinerary

As Myanmar isn’t as fully developed for tourism yet in comparison to Thailand, you will notice that traveling the country takes more time. The distances between the destinations are long and the infrastructure isn’t very efficient. You will have to count on full travel days to get from one place to another. That’s why we suggest counting on at least 2 weeks for the following Myanmar Itinerary. If you have more time to explore the country it’s possible to add extra destinations to your planning , for which we added suggestions at the end.

2-Week Myanmar Itinerary

• Day 1 | Arrival in Mandalay
• Day 2 – 4 | Explore Mandalay , the former royal capital
• Day 5 | Travel from Mandalay to Bagan by boat
• Day 6-7 | Go temple hopping in Bagan , home to over 2000 temples and pagodas and famous for its sunrise hot air balloon rides
• Day 8 | Day trip to Mount Popa , a monastery perched on top of a volcanic mountain
• Day 9 | Travel to Inle Lake by minivan through Burma’s mountainous area
• Day 10-11 | Explore Inle Lake and its floating villages by long-tail boat
• Day 12 | Travel from Inle Lake to Yangon
• Day 13 | Explore Yangon , Myanmar’s largest city, home to the world’s largest stupa
• Day 14 | Visit Yangon and departure

Myanmar has something to offer for everyone, from historical sights to tropical beaches. You can easily add it to any Southeast Asia travel itinerary, as it’s easily reachable from big cities like Bangkok or Singapore. We flew into Mandalay from Bangkok, Thailand, which is only a short flight away. We started our 2-week Myanmar itinerary in the northern city of Mandalay and worked our way to the south. As both Yangon and Mandalay have an international airport , you can easily flip this Myanmar itinerary and do the route in reverse.

READ MORE | The Ultimate Southeast Asia Packing List | What To Pack & Wear

Myanmar Itinerary Day 1 – 4 | Mandalay

Sitting on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, Mandalay is considered Myanmar’s spiritual and cultural heart. Besides being the second largest city, it’s also known as the last royal capital of the country . Mandalay is a lively city with many stunning attractions that you definitely don’t want to skip on your itinerary. Often tourists overlook Mandalay, not realizing there are plenty of things to do. There is definitely enough to keep you busy for days, so we suggest spending at least 3 days here . 

Most of Mandalay’s beauty is situated outside the city center. Venture out to one of the surrounding villages such as Ava, Amarapura, or Mingun which is known for its stunning white Hsinbyume Pagoda. Cross the U Bein Bridge, the longest teak bridge in the world and over two centuries old. The city is also home to numerous stunning temples and palaces. You definitely don’t want to miss Mandalay Palace with its gorgeous golden architecture. Find yourself at the watchtower and climb the spiral staircase to get a beautiful view of the surroundings. The best way to end the day is by hiking to the top of Mandalay Hill and watching the sunset over the pagoda’s scattered landscape .

Best things to do in Mandalay

Mandalay Palace | The last royal palace built by the Burmese Monarchy. The complex houses dozens of buildings, including throne halls, audience halls, the watchtower, a library with Buddhist scriptures, and a tooth relic building.

Shwenandaw Monastery | This 19th-century monastery definitely stands out from the typical golden stupas that you can find all over Myanmar. It’s made fully out of teak wood and characterized by intricately carved decorations on its exterior and interior. Originally the monastery was part of the palace, but it was relocated when Mandalay was declared the new capital in 1857.

Kuthodaw Pagoda | Located at the foot of Mandalay Hill, you can find the white Kuthodaw pagoda, also known as “the world’s largest book”. It comprises hundreds of shrines containing 729 inscribed marble slabs with Buddhist scriptures. On the grounds, you can also find the beautiful gilded Sandamuni Pagoda.

Mandalay Hill | For this sight, you will have to make a small effort, but oh so worth it. After a small hike, you will reach the top of Mandalay Hill which gives you a beautiful view over Mandalay. The best time to come here is for sunset when you can watch the cotton candy sky color the stupa scattered landscape of Mandalay. 

U Bein Bridge | This is the oldest and longest teak bridge in the world. This place is absolutely lovely for either sunrise or sunset. You can enjoy a stroll across the 1200 meters long bridge crossing the Taung Tha Man Lake. You can also get a rowing boat and enjoy the views from the lake.

Best things to do around Mandalay

Sagaing hill.

You can find this green hill on the west bank of the Irrawaddy River. Sagaing Hill has a high concentration of Buddhist monasteries and pagodas scattered all over the hill.  It is an important place for meditation and Buddhist study. Among them, you can find the beautiful U Min Thonze Pagoda, known for its 45 large Buddha images lined up in a crescent row in the main hall. The 17th-century Kaunghmudaw Pagoda, one of the largest stupas in Burma built in Sri Lankan style. And the Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda gives you a beautiful view of the surrounding landscapes.

We advise combining Sagaing Hills with a visit to the small island of Innwa. You can reach the island by ferry, and once you get to shore you can hop on one of the horse-drawn carriages to explore the place. This ancient capital has many religious landmarks dating back to the 14th century. The main highlights are Maha Aung Mye Bon Zan Monastery and Bagaya Monastery which is also fully built out of teak wood. But above all, it’s the perfect place to enjoy some untouched nature as well as some authentic local atmosphere.

Make your way across the river with a ferry to the northern town of Mingun for a half-day trip. Here you can find the photogenic white Hsinbyume Pagoda with its distinctive stone waves that became an Instagram hotspot. You might have seen pictures of people posing on the arches, but please avoid doing this out of respect. Burmese people would never crawl on the walls of a temple. Further down you will also find the Mingun Pahtodawgyi, not as photogenic but it has an interesting historic background. It was meant to become the largest stupa, however, left unfinished and shows several cracks caused by an earthquake in 1839.

Myanmar Itinerary | Where to stay in Mandalay

Budget accommodation in mandalay.

Ostello Bello Mandalay | This hostel checks all the boxes if you are on a budget. Not only does it have the perfect location near the main attractions within the city, but it’s also close to many restaurants. The hostel has spacious dorm rooms and private rooms available, equipped with all the necessary facilities. Further, it features a large common area with a restaurant and bar as well as a roof terrace, making it a great place to meet other travelers. Laundry service is available and excursions are arrangeable. Free breakfast is included and a friendly staff, making this one of the most popular hostels around.

Book a room at Ostello Bello Mandalay during your stay in Mandalay on booking.com

Mid-Range Accommodation in Mandalay

The Home Hotel | Only a short walk away from Mahar Thatkyarthiha Pagoda, this accommodation provides clean and cozy rooms, including a continental breakfast. Further, you can find a bar, and they have an ATM available as well as a currency exchange is possible.

Book a room at The Home Hotel during your stay in Mandalay on booking.com

Luxury Accommodation in Mandalay

Rupar Mandalar Resort | This beautiful hotel offers an outdoor pool as well as a spa and wellness center. There are three onsite restaurants available serving a mix of Burmese, Thai, and European food. Upon arrival, guests receive a happy-hour voucher and can enjoy a 15-minute Thai massage. All the rooms of the property have a garden view, some of which come with a balcony and seating area.

Book a room at Rupar Mandalar Resort during your stay in Mandalay on booking.com

Where to eat in Mandalay

Mingalabar Myanmar Restaurant | This is probably one of the most popular restaurants in Mandalay. Not only does it have a lovely setting, but the food is also absolutely delicious. Usually, in Myanmar, you order a curry (whatever you prefer from lamb to fish or chicken) and you will receive a range of complimentary side dishes with it, all kinds of little bowls with different kinds of vegetables. Lovely staff and delicious food for a very affordable price.

Aye Myit Tar Myanmar Restaurant | This brightly lit restaurant is the perfect place to get authentic Burmese cuisine. You will definitely not leave here with hunger because of the abundance of side dishes you receive when ordering a curry. A wide range of curries to choose from, and they all come with sides of vegetables, sauces, soup, and rice. The staff is extremely friendly here and will make sure you will leave nothing but satisfied.

Super 81 | If you want to mix things up, this place offers a variety of Asian cuisine, mostly Chinese-inspired. You can choose from two types of menu, the BBQ menu or the Asian à la carte menu. Expect big portions for a very reasonable price. The restaurant has 3 floors, of which the ground floor seems to cater mostly local community. On the first floor, you can enjoy an air-conditioned dining room and at the top, you have an open-air rooftop terrace.

How to get around Mandalay

As Mandalay is quite a hectic city we wouldn’t recommend hiring a motorbike to get around. Also, the distances to the sights outside the city are pretty far. It’s more cost-efficient to get a tuk-tuk or order a Grab (similar to Uber). For trips to Sagaing Hill and Amarapura, we advise to hire a driver for the whole trip that can take you back. We made the mistake of only having a driver drop us off and it was pretty hard getting back to the city (we joined a truck transporting goods). It’s possible to hire a private driver for the day for around 55,000 kyats (~€25).

How to get from Mandalay to Bagan

Next stop on the itinerary after Mandalay is Bagan. You can either fly, take the bus or train, hire a private taxi or cruise the Irrawaddy River by boat . We chose to take the boat option, which is a unique and scenic experience. The relaxing boat ride takes around 10 hours, but along the way, you can enjoy delicious food & refreshing drinks while soaking up the beautiful views of the countryside. During the trip, they even make a stop at a local village where they show you all kinds of craftsmanship. You can also enjoy some entertainment on board, where they explain more about Myanmar culture and traditions such as Thanaka paste and how to wear a longyi. It’s best to book this boat ride in advance, for which prices go around 50,000 kyats (~€22).

If you opt to take the JJ Express bus , the ride will take around 5 hours given the current conditions of the road. The journey will cost around 12,000 kyats (~€5). Another travel option is taking the train, which takes around 8 hours and for which tickets vary in price, 5,000-14,000 kyat (~€2-7). The fastest way to travel between the cities is by hiring a private driver. They can bring you in 4 hours, this, however, will drive up the cost, to around 250,000 kyats (~€110).

Myanmar Itinerary Day 5 – 8 | Bagan

Exploring the magical temple plains of Bagan is the highlight of most travelers on their Myanmar itinerary. Bagan is one of those places that makes every travel heart beat faster. Once it was the capital of the ancient Pagan kingdom with over 10’000 Buddhist temples, pagodas & monasteries. Now it’s one of the most popular travel destinations in Myanmar. Most temples were constructed around the 12th century, however, only 2200 survived and many got destroyed due to natural disasters.

The UNESCO World Heritage site is the largest archaeological zone in the world with 50 square kilometers and is home to more than 2000 temples . Waking up early is a must-do when in Bagan, to be able to witness the sunrise over the temples that reach as far as the eye can see. Spend your day on an e-bike exploring the region, wandering around the magnificent stupas and pagodas. If you are feeling adventurous you can go up on one of the many balloon rides that Bagan is known for. This bucket list experience will without a doubt be unforgettable!  3 days should be sufficient to experience the magic of Bagan and even include a day trip to Mount Popa.

IMPORTANT | Be aware that on arrival at Bagan, you will have to pay an entrance fee for the archeological site. The cost is 25,000 kyats (~€12) and entitles you to 3 days of touring the temple site.

Best things to do in Bagan

Temple tour of bagan.

The best way to explore the plains of Bagan is by renting an electric motorbike . Simply cruise around on the sandy roads, lose yourself in between the temple sites, and make a stop by whatever pagoda catches your eye. Bagan can be divided into four areas, Nyuang U, Old Bagan, New Bagan, and the Central Plains. If you don’t want to miss any of the major temple highlights we suggest dividing these areas over your two days. 

IMPORTANT | Always carry your Bagan Archaeological Zone Pass with you.

Most hotels have free maps for their guests available and e-bikes for rent. We mostly explored in the morning for around 4 hours, then went for lunch and head back to the hotel for some relaxing at the pool in the afternoon. Before sunset, we would head out again on our e-bike to do some more exploring. It’s better to avoid the temples around noon as it gets scorching hot out there with little to no shadow.

Must-see pagodas and temples in Bagan

• Ananda Temple
• Gawdawpalin Temple
• Dhammayangyi Temple
• Sein Nyet Sister Temples
• Sulamani Temple
• Htilominlo Temple
• Thatbyinnyu Temple
• Thambula Temple
• Su La Ma Ni Pahto Temple
• Shwe San Daw Paya
• Law Ka Ou Shaung Pagoda
• Shwezigon Pagoda, the only golden pagoda in the Bagan area

Bagan Sunrise & Sunset

If you think about Bagan, no doubt you have seen these unbelievable pictures of its temples at sunrise with a cotton candy sky in the background. The best moment of the day to admire the stunning temple sites during sunrise and sunset. Not only to avoid the burning sun but you can also witness the epic views of the hot air balloons going up behind the temples . So set your alarms at least an hour before sunrise, hop on your e-bike, and head out for a magical sunrise. It’s best to map out the temple area or viewpoints you want to go up front because it’s very easy to get lost in the dark. Some hotels also arrange mini-buses for sunrise that drive you to a viewpoint.

The most popular Instagram pictures you might have seen online show people on top of pagodas watching the sunrise over the landscape. As of 2018, visitors are forbidden to climb the temples due to conservation reasons. So please respect these rulings to preserve these gorgeous temples. Bagan has foreseen man-made viewing hills instead located all over the area. A really popular viewing spot in Bagan that offers exceptional elevated views over the pagodas is the Nyaung Lat Phet Viewing Mound . After enjoying an incredible sunrise, you can drive to the marketplace of Nyaung Oo , where you can get a glimpse of the daily Burmese lifestyle.

Hot Air Balloon Ride over the temple landscape

The best way to experience a bird’s eye view of the Bagan temple landscape is by booking a sunrise hot air balloon ride . Do keep in mind that these balloon rides don’t operate all year round, and only run between November and April. So make sure to check the official balloon ride season before planning your Myanmar Itinerary. You can book a Hot Air Balloon Ride over Bagan in advance , to make sure you have a spot. Most balloon rides are fully booked in advance (at least 4 months). We actually passed on this experience and chose to admire the view of the balloons surrounding the temples from the ground. But if you do decide to jump on a balloon, you will have to put an alarm at 5 AM and count on at least €200 for an hour balloon ride.

A day trip to Mount Popa

We counted in 3 days for Bagan on our Myanmar Itinerary as we suggest making a day trip to Mount Popa . Believe me, this is an experience you don’t want to miss out on. Mount Popa is known for its impressive Popa Taungkalat monastery perched on top of a 657-meter-high volcanic mountain . It’s quite a sight to see from in the distance, and even more of an experience to climb to the top. Just be aware of the hundreds of temple monkeys that you will encounter on the way to the top.

It is 777 steps via a staircase that will bring you to the top of Mount Popa, a beloved pilgrimage. As most of the time with temple sites, you have to remove your footwear before entering, meaning you have to do the climb barefoot! The place can be easily visited on a half-day tour from Bagan, however, if you want to make it even more memorable you can also spend a night at Mount Popa Resort . This was on my bucket list for so long, as you can admire Mount Popa from the resort’s grounds.

Myanmar Itinerary | Where to stay in Bagan

Bagan has three main hotel zones, namely: Old Bagan, New Bagan, and Nyaung-U . Old Bagan is the most historically rich part of the city and you will be located right between the temples and pagodas. However, if you have an e-bike it doesn’t matter that much if you are located in some of the other parts. Most of the best restaurants can be found in New Bagan and Nyaung-U areas. New Bagan has more budget accommodations and Nyaung-U is a great location for visiting temples on the outskirts. So it all depends on your budget and preferences.

Budget Accommodation in Bagan

Bagan Wynn Hotel | This budget-friendly hotel is located in the Nyaung U. The accommodation features an outdoor swimming pool, a beautiful garden, and a fitness center. The rooms are modern and clean, with all the necessary amenities and some of which come with their own balcony. Guests can enjoy a continental and Asian breakfast, which is included in the rate. There is also a restaurant available on site, serving both Asian and European cuisine.

Book a room at Bagan Wynn Hotel during your stay in Bagan on booking.com

Mid-Range Accommodation in Bagan

Bagan Cottage Boutique Hotel | Set in the heart of the Nyaung U region, Bagan Cottage Boutique Hotel offers a wonderful swimming pool surrounded by a lush garden and terrace to relax. Most of their rooms are separate cottages, all equipped with the needed amenities and air conditioning and a balcony with a garden view. Every morning guests can enjoy breakfast and choose between a buffet, a la carte, or continental.  The property also features a restaurant that serves American and Chinese cuisine.

Book a room at Bagan Cottage Boutique Hotel during your stay in Bagan on booking.com

Luxury Accommodation in Bagan

The Hotel @ Tharabar Gate | Located in old Bagan, this pristine hotel offers temple views straight from its garden. The perk of staying in this area is that you are in a central location close to most sights. The Hotel @ Tharabar Gate features an outdoor swimming pool with relaxing sun loungers to relax, as well as a spa and wellness center. The elegant rooms have wooden floors and furniture, with windows looking over the garden. An American breakfast is served daily, which can be enjoyed in the French garden or in their onsite Ananada restaurant.

Book a room at The Hotel @ Tharabar Gate during your stay in Bagan on booking.com

Where to eat in Bagan

Weather Spoon’s | This was our go-to place for lunch, absolutely cozy and delicious! We can advise you to try out their pumpkin curry, papaya salad, and the traditional tea leaf salad is a must in every Myanmar Itinerary.

Khaing Shwe Wha | Delicious vegetarian restaurant, with some amazing curry options, as well as salads and fruit juices. A wonderful atmosphere, thanks to the warm and charming hospitality of the staff. You will want to come here for an authentic Burmese cuisine experience.

How to get around Bagan 

The best way to roam around the many pagodas of Bagan is by renting an e-bike . These can only reach a top speed of 50 kph (30 mph) and are very safe to drive. So don’t stress too much if you didn’t have much prior experience with scooters. At the end of the day, you will have to return them so they can be charged up for the next day. Most hotels have e-bikes for rent for their guests, otherwise, you can practically find them on every street corner for around €7/day. Discovering the Bagan plains by e-bike was definitely one of our favorite adventures in our Myanmar Itinerary. If you don’t feel like exploring the archaeological sites on your own, most hotels can also organize for you to join a guided tour. 

How to get from Bagan to Inle Lake

Your best option to get from Bagan to Inle Lake is by bus. You will mostly see the VIP mini-vans from JJ Express doing this route and they can pick you up at your hotel. The vans are spacious and comfortable, however, this route is rather bumpy. Tickets go between €12-€18, and the duration of the drive is around 8-10 hours. You can book tickets in Bagan City or online . There is the option to take the overnight bus, and with their VIP ticket, you will be provided blankets, pillows, and refreshments. However, we wouldn’t recommend the overnight drive on this road, as you likely won’t be able to sleep. 

Myanmar Itinerary Day 9 – 11 | Inle Lake

Explore the gorgeous untouched nature and peace and quiet that Inle Lake has to offer. It’s the second-largest lake in the country, located in the Nyaung Shwe region of Shan State. As it’s surrounded by hills, temperatures tend to be lower, making it the perfect escape from the heat of Bagan. Explore the picturesque floating villages with bamboo stilts houses , home to the local Intha people. The lake is known for its characteristic, traditional fishermen, the ones who use their feet to paddle the fishing boats. These days it’s all more for the show, nonetheless still a spectacle to see. 

Rent a private boat driver for the day who will take you along local markets, impressive pagodas, and monasteries, all with the breathtaking backdrop of the lake. You can witness locals working in their floating gardens, weaving colorful scarves, and creating all kinds of handicrafts. Another option is to cycle around the lake to witness local life . End your day with a delicious glass of wine while watching the sunset at the Red Mountain Estate Vineyards & Winery. We recommend spending at least two full days at Inle Lake to explore all that this area has to offer. If you have more than two weeks on your Myanmar Itinerary, you can add the three-day trek from nearby Kalaw all the way to Inle. 

IMPORTANT | Upon arrival at Inle Lake you have to pay the entrance fee of 15,000 kyats (~€6,5).

Best things to do in Inle Lake

Inle lake boat cruise.

The main highlight of visiting Inle Lake is of course exploring the waters by boat. Usually, you can book a private boat guide through your stay (around €40 for an entire day), who will pick you up at your hotel in the early morning. You can expect to spot the iconic fishermen on the lake , famous for their one-leg fishing style! These days this practice isn’t so common anymore and it’s done mostly for tourists but still impressive to see. The boat will take you along all the highlights around the lake.

You will pass by the floating villages, such as Maing Thauk Village , where you have the chance to see locals in their daily lives. Learn more about their culture, including the Long Neck tribe, as well as their handicrafts such as weaving. Further, you will also stop by the beautiful Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda and the Jumping Cat Monastery . At the monastery, you will be surrounded by many cats that apparently can do all kinds of jumping tricks (I guess we missed the show). You will also have the opportunity to make a stop for lunch at one of the stilt houses in the floating village.

Visit Indein Village

Combined with the boat cruise above you can request the guide to bring you to the Indien Village in the afternoon. This isn’t always automatically the case, be sure to ask to add it to your boat tour. You don’t want to miss this unique sight on your Myanmar itinerary, so we heartily recommend making a small detour. It’s a village located at the end of a narrow creek off Inle Lake. To reach this impressive sight you will first have to walk a long ‘hallway’ staircase which is flanked by colorful stalls selling all kinds of souvenirs. In the end, you will reach the cluster of thousand of Buddhist stupas in all kinds of terracotta colors .

A half-day trip to Kakku

Unfortunately, we weren’t able to make this trip ourselves (due to bad weather), but Kakku is supposed to be an absolute hidden gem . It’s about a 2.5-hour car journey away from Inle Lake in Shan State hillside, for which you can book a driver from your hotel. This ancient monument is supposed to be well worth the drive, as you will see rows upon rows of 2500 stupas spread over a square kilometer . The oldest stupas date back to the 16th century, with more and more added over time. A mix of pale pink and bright beige stupas are lined up alongside buddha statues. The entrance to the sight is around 4500 kyats (~€2).

Myanmar Itinerary | Where to stay in Inle Lake

There aren’t many hostels to choose from in the Inle Lake region, but overall there are plenty of wonderful guesthouses, homestays, and luxury hotels to be found. Most are located in Nyaung Shwe, the township closest to the lake. Here you will find an abundance of restaurants, little shops, and tour offices. Many luxury resorts can be found scattered around the lake itself.

Budget Accommodation in Inle Lake

Inle Cottage Boutique Hotel | This lovely hotel located in Nyaung Shwe offers spacious bungalows with their own private bathroom and terrace. Its great location is a peaceful retreat from the center of town, which is only 10 minutes away by foot. A delicious breakfast is included in the rate, with an a la carte or continental option and you are welcomed by a super-friendly staff. The property also features a shared lounge and bar, as well as a restaurant serving American cuisine. Free bikes are available for its guests and boat rides can be arranged at very reasonable prices.

Book a room at Inle Cottage Boutique Hotel during your stay in Inle Lake on booking.com

Mid-Range Accommodation in Inle Lake

Shwe Inn Tha Floating Resort | Located only 15 minutes from the floating market, this resort built on stilts on the lake is a peaceful retreat. Rustic-style rooms with a classic wooden interior and a private balcony from where you can soak up views of the lake. Guests can enjoy a swimming pool, spa center, and meeting facilities. There is a tour desk available that can organize sightseeing trips. On-site, you can also find Ann’s restaurant which serves a selection of both European and traditional Asian dishes.

Book a room at Shwe Inn Tha Floating Resort during your stay in Inle Lake on booking.com

Luxury Accommodation in Inle Lake

Villa Inle Boutique Resort | This hotel is located on the eastern side of the lake near Maing Tauk village. A great alternative if you prefer to be more secluded from Nyaung Shwe. Villa Inle features classic wooden Myanmar-style villas that overlook the beautiful lake. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning and all the needed amenities. The resort has a restaurant and bar on site that serves Italian, and traditional Myanmar cuisine, as well as Shan dishes, prepared with fresh ingredients from the resort’s organic farm. Further, it also offers facilities such as a pool, massage treatments, and spa, and activities such as fishing and cycling.

Book a room at Villa Inle Boutique Resort during your stay in Inle Lake on booking.com

Where to eat in Inle Lake

Bamboo Hut | For outstanding traditional cuisine we recommend this small family-run restaurant. We had a lovely lunch here at a very affordable price. Here we suggest trying out the typical tea leaf salad and one of the curries. The serene location is surrounded by green nature and the staff is incredibly welcome.

Paw Paw | Cute little restaurant with a lovely atmosphere. The food was absolutely tasty here and again at a really affordable price. What we absolutely loved is the fact that the restaurant supports an amazing cause. Namely, the profits go to funding the education of local women. It’s also possible to join a cooking course here.

Golden Moon Restaurant | Great stilted restaurant on the lake, this is where our boat guide dropped us off for lunch.  It’s a great place to have a bite while you are exploring the pagodas and the floating villages. While enjoying one of their delicious dishes, you should try a fish dish here, you have a wonderful view.

How to get around Inle Lake

If you are staying in Nyaung Shwe, you will be able to walk to the main attractions in the town. For exploring the lake itself, you will have to arrange a long-tail boat trip . Another option to experience Inle Lake and its quaint villages on the water’s edge is by renting a bicycle or a scooter. You can find several rental places in Nyaung Shwe, however, most hotels and guesthouses provide free bicycles for their guests. Usually, it will cost you around 1500 kyats (a little over €1) for a bicycle for a whole day. If you prefer a more comfortable way of getting around, you can ask your hotel to arrange a private driver.

How to get from Inle Lake to Yangon

The most cost-efficient way to travel between Inle Lake (Nyaung Shwe) and Yangon is by taking the night bus. The journey takes around 12 hours and there is a choice between either VIP class (JJ Express) or a local bus. The VIP sleeper buses are comfortable and in excellent condition . The local bus is more affordable but stops more frequently and takes longer (15 hours on average). Depending on the class, the bus ticket costs between 17,000- 33,000 (~€7,5-€15). You can book tickets online via 12GoAsia.com or locally.

If you are short in time on your Myanmar itinerary, there is also the option to take a flight . The nearest airport is Heho (HEH) which is located 45km from Inle Lake and flights to Yangon (RGN) take around 1,5 hours. We paid around 100 euros per person (with Myanmar National Airlines) and on top of that airport transfer. Be aware, Heho Airport is probably the smallest airport you will ever see. It looked more like one big hall and the plane takes practically off right in front of the window. Once at Yangon, you can get a Grab car with the app, which will cost you around €5.

Myanmar Itinerary Day 12 – 14 | Yangon

Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is the largest city in the country. The chaos that welcomes you upon arrival can be overwhelming at first, but the former colonial city is packed with incredible sights. The most important attraction is without a doubt the Shwedagon Pagoda, the largest pagoda in the world . This spectacular golden pagoda alone is already a reason to visit Yangon. Throughout the city, you can find monuments from every religion, from Hindu temples cathedrals, mosques, and synagogues. A great way to experience the city is by taking a round on the famous circular train.

Walking through the city of Yangon feels like stepping back in time, with architectural gems from the colonial era . On the other hand, it’s the place that changed the most since the country opened its doors to foreigners. These days it doesn’t fall short on trendy cafés, rooftop bars, boutique hotels, and fascinating museums . The colorful streets of downtown Yangon are packed with delicious street food stalls and markets. As the city can get hectic once in a while, some lovely green parks and lakes are the perfect reprise to balance it out. Two nights are the perfect amount to see the major highlights of the city and to experience its hustle and bustle. 

Best things to do in Yangon

Shwedagon pagoda.

The most famous landmark in Yangon on your Myanmar Itinerary is this impressive pagoda. It’s known for its 99-meter-high golden Zedi in the center of the temple complex. However, there are many other shrines and Buddha statues to admire surrounding the main centerpiece. Allow yourself at least a few hours here to admire all the intricate detailing. You will also see many locals and monks here performing their rituals and prayers. The pagoda is the most sacred one in Myanmar and supposedly houses a few Buddha relics. You will get the most magical experience around sunrise or sunset when you can see the golden temple gleaming in its colorful hues. Keep in mind that when entering a temple site you have to cover your knees and shoulders. Leave your shoes at the entrance and remove your hat. The entrance fee to the complex is  11,000 Kyat (~€5).

Yangon’s Pagodas

More beautiful pagodas that are worth a visit are Sule pagoda , a smaller variant of the Shwedagon. This 2300-year-old pagoda has a dome structure topped with a golden spiral and is believed to enshrine a strand of hair of Lord Buddha. Swe Taw Myat Pagoda , which is said to be constructed to enshrine a sacred Buddha tooth relic. 

Yangon Circular Train

A great way to get a glimpse into local life is by taking the Circle Line Train . The circular train takes a loop of the city’s outskirts and takes around three hours. Tickets cost only a couple of cents and you can board at whatever station is near your accommodation. 

Downtown Yangon

There is no better way of exploring a new city than by roaming its streets. The downtown area is the perfect place to see locals in their daily life and experience street food stalls and markets . The scents of herbs, the honking of cars, and merchants trying to sell their trinkets will trigger all your senses. Around here you will find many places to try out local food such as the famous Shan noodles or Mohingya rice noodles , Myanmar’s national dish. Head over to Pandosan Street for that photogenic heritage architecture. You won’t be able to put your camera down with the myriad of heritage buildings featuring art galleries, tea shops, and cute boutiques.

Bogyoke Aung San Market

If you are looking to score some souvenirs to take home, this huge bazaar with its countless colorful stalls is the place to be. The historic market of Bogyoke Aung San sells all kinds of Burmese handicrafts , Thanaka paste, and colorful longyis. At the same time, you can pick up a snack or fruit if you are feeling hungry.

Kandawgyi Lake

Also known as Royal Lake, is the perfect place to end the afternoon. It’s within walking distance from Shwedagon Pagoda and features a beautiful lake surrounded by gardens and lovely bars by the waterside. At the heart of the park, you will find the impressive Karaweik Palace, a golden floating restaurant.

Myanmar Itinerary | Where to Stay in Yangon

As we only planned two days in Yangon on this Myanmar Itinerary, we recommend staying in Downton Yangon. This way you are within walking distance to the main highlights of the city and nearby many restaurants and bars. If you prefer to stay in a more remote located resort away from the hustle and bustle of Yangon City, you will find nice hotels around Inya Lake. 

Budget Accommodation in Yangon

HOOD Hostel | This hostel is ideally located near many well-known sights, delicious restaurants, and the railway station. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen and luggage storage for its guests. All the rooms come with air conditioning, some even have a balcony, and breakfast is included. The staff is friendly and helpful with booking bus tickets and giving practical advice. This place is great to meet other travelers and is conveniently located for backpackers.

Book a room at HOOD Hostel during your stay in Yangon on booking.com

Mid-Range Accommodation in Yangon

Hotel G Yangon | Conveniently located with excellent food options nearby in a great neighborhood. Most attractions are within walking distance, making this accommodation a great base for exploring during your two days in Yangon. The contemporary rooms have a trendy design with all the needed amenities. The vibrant hotel has a lovely sun terrace from which you can enjoy the views of the city. Other facilities provided are a fully equipped fitness center, a cozy communal lounge, and an in-house bar and restaurant. At the restaurant, you can savor a wonderful breakfast, but it also offers the possibility to have lunch or dinner. 

Book a room at Hotel G Yangon during your stay in Yangon on booking.com

Luxury Accommodation in Yangon

Governor’s Residence, A Belmond Hotel | This gorgeous property is set amidst a dreamy garden, making this colonial-style hotel the perfect escape from the bustling city. Governor’s Residence features a wonderful swimming pool and even three dining options, where you have the choice between local, Asian and European cuisine. Guests can enjoy quiet time in the library, a relaxing stroll in the garden, or even join one of the complementary bicycle tours. The comfortable rooms have wooden flooring, furnished with teak decor and with attention to detail.

Book a room at Governor’s Residence, A Belmond Hotel during your stay in Yangon on booking.com

Where to eat in Yangon

As Yangon is the industrial and commercial center of the country, you will find many international cuisine restaurants and fine dining places around. So if you fancy something else after all the local cuisine during the journey, you will have no problem finding something to your liking. For the best street food, head over to 19th Street in downtown Yangon where you can find a myriad of delicious places.

Jana Mon Ethnic Cuisine | If you want to try something unique, you have to come to this place that serves ethnic Mon cuisine. They work mostly with fresh vegetables and all kinds of herbs, so perfect option for vegetarians. We recommend trying the stuffed okra and the Mon soup! Most dishes can be customized and you can choose fish, prawns, pork, or chicken.

999 Shan Noodle House | One of the most famous places in town, especially for their delicious Shan noodles. This place closes at 7 pm, so go there for lunch or an early dinner.

Wai Wai’s Noodle Place | Affordable and authentic place where you can find both vegetarian and meat options, all prepared with fresh ingredients. Try out their signature Shan Noodles or one of their classic Shan Curries. We also absolutely loved the interior and atmosphere of this place!

Rangoon Tea House | If you are fancying a break from all the heat and bustle of the city, take a coffee or tea break at this eclectic tea house. We passed by here almost on a daily basis for an afternoon tea break, savoring one of their Myanmar teas with a slice of cake. We also enjoyed lunch here once, they serve a mix of Burmese dishes with an international twist. 

How to get around Yangon

As Yangon can be quite a hectic city, we wouldn’t advise you to get around on a scooter or bike. The easiest travel mode is by getting a ride via the Grab App , which is like Uber. If you are staying in downtown Yangon, most of the popular sights are within walking distance. 

Options for extending your Myanmar Itinerary

If you prefer to speed up the tempo or you have more than 2 weeks on your Myanmar Itinerary, you can add the following destinations to your route.

Kalaw Trekking

This is a popular trek between Kalaw and Inle Lake which usually takes two days. The hike takes you through incredible vistas of Myanmar’s hillside country where you can watch farmers work their rice fields, stop by local villages and see children playing at traditional schools. You will be able to spend the night at a local traditional home and join a family for dinner.

This small village is located 200km north of Mandalay and is a beloved base for trekking as well. A popular way of getting there is taking the scenic train ride , which along with Sri Lanka ’s famous train ride is supposed to be one of the most beautiful in the world. From Hsipaw you can do multiple-day trekkings to the beautiful green lush region of Shan State. By staying at a local homestay you will learn more about local life and its traditions.

A few hours east of Yangon you can find the small town of Bago. You can get there by two-hour train ride which will cost you only 1000 kyats. It’s a wonderful place to experience a mix of Myanmar’s culture, food, and religion . There are many temples and pagodas to explore as the city holds an important historical value. Bago’s main attractions are two giant reclining buddhas, Kyaik Pun Pagoda & Shwemawdaw Pagoda. This place is a nice stopover if you decide to go see the Golden Rock.

Kyaiktiyo pagoda

Better known as the Golden Rock, one of Burma’s most important Buddhist sanctuaries . This sacred boulder is a massive golden stone on the edge of a cliff with a small pagoda on top. This pagoda supposedly enshrines one Buddha’s hair. It’s a major place of worship surrounded by burning incense and devotees chanting. Kinpun, the base of the Golden Rock, is a 3,5 hour’s bus ride away from Bago, which will cost you 7,000 kyat (~€3,5). 

Scenic views of limestone mountains, natural pools, and venturing into caves. Hpa-an is a small area in the southern part of the country. As it’s located further away, not many tourists find their way here (yet). The ones that take the journey will be rewarded with picturesque vistas of green rice fields and a rocky landscape . The most impressive attraction is hiking to the top of Mount Zwekabin which gives you a panoramic view over the fields with its river bends and villages. Explore the area on a scooter, as there is much to discover. The journey from Kinpun (Golden Rock) to Hpa-an takes 3,5 hours by bus and will cost you around 7000 kyats (~€3,5). 

Ngapali beach

White sandy beaches with coconut trees. Ngapali, one of the most famous beaches of Myanmar , is the perfect place to unwind at the end of your Myanmar itinerary. We didn’t have the chance to go there ourselves, but many people claim it’s one of the most paradise-like beaches in Asia . Although the most famous beach, it doesn’t have the same amount of visitors as those beaches in Thailand. Currently, Ngapali isn’t that easy to reach yet. It takes take quite some time & effort by bus. Traveling by plane is probably the easiest and fastest way to get there.

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The Best Myanmar Itinerary In 2 Weeks

Myanmar? Burma? To start off, let's get the country name straight. Myanmar is the official name of this country, however Burma is the name given by the British to this land. Although Burma is not the official name of the country, the national language is called Burmese.

Myanmar is relatively big spanning around 680,000 square kilometres, so naturally, you can expect that many must-see spots are a bit further apart from each other. Keep in mind that travelling by land isn't that fast either.

Enjoy this Myanmar Itinerary in 2 Weeks! First rule in coming up with any Myanmar itinerary is: Do not overplan!

With that in mind, here is my Myanmar travel itinerary. If this is your first time to the country, you will get to see many different places but with enough breathing space in between. Here we go.

How Long To Spend In Myanmar?

The major destinations in Myanmar that you have to visit are:

• and Mandalay.

Looking at a map, this forms a rough triangle for your Myanmar itinerary route. To avoid circling back, I suggest that you fly into Yangon , and exit through Mandalay airport.

Of course, you can cover all of these places in a matter of one short week but to enjoy each moment, you should mark off two weeks in your travel calendar for this Myanmar itinerary.

How Many Places Can You Visit In Myanmar?

A lot! On this Myanmar travel itinerary, you’ll be spending:

• 2 days in Yangon, the largest city in Myanmar with its British colonial architecture, high-rises and golden pagodas
• 3 days in Bagan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a highlight of anyone's trip to Myanmar
• 2 days in Mandalay, the former royal capital on the Irrawaddy River with its stunning Mandalay Hill views
• 1 day in Kalaw, not far from Inle Lake, this is heaven for trekking in Myanmar
• 2 days in Inle Lake, see the famous one-legged rowing fishermen on the endless lake waters
• 1 day in Hpa-an, a small off-the-beat town in the southern part of Myanmar
• 1 day in Mawlamyine, famous for the largest reclining Buddha in the country
• And 2 days in Ngwe Saung, one of the few beach resorts in Myanmar, if you fancy going to the beach

Yangon City (Day 1-2)

After landing at Yangon, head to your hotel and leave your bags there.

A few top-rated accommodation choices in Yangon are:

• 21 Hostel at about USD25/night (budget)
• Hotel The Loft Hotel Downtown Yangon at around USD90/night (mid-range)
• The Strand Yangon at USD177/night (luxury)

Your first stop on this Myanmar backpacking itinerary is at Kandawgyi Lake, also called the Royal Lake.

It is a 5-mile walk around the lake. Parks are all over the lake's edges and very good for a walk, a picnic or relaxation since it's never too crowded.

Wooden boardwalks are also found over the lake. It is best to walk around when the sun's not shining too hot, so in the early morning or late afternoon, depending on what time you arrive in Yangon.

Fo lunchtime or an afternoon snack, stroll through the centre of Yangon down to the historic Bogyoke Aung San Market and get a snack or shop for artisanal Burmese handicrafts, colourful longyis, and whatever else you need before you head off on your trip. Remember that Yangon is the biggest city in Myanmar and if you need to buy anything before taking off, your best bet is here.

Around downtown, there are also many little restaurants where you can try Rohingya, Myanmar's national dish containing rice noodles and fish soup.

If you want to get a real foodie experience, book yourself a food tour right here . I learned so much about the variety of food in Myanmar and really got to try different things that otherwise I probably would’ve never dared to taste if I never took this food tour!

When in Yangon, you will have to spend at least half a day visiting Myanmar's top destination, the majestic Shwedagon Pagoda . It is an absolute highlight of Yangon! As a vast temple complex gleaming in gold hues, it is a place of worship (you have to leave your shoes outside) but also a community center where people can get together and enjoy each others company.

Entrance fee is at 10,000 Kyat or USD 10 and another USD 1 for the woman who looks after your shoes.

For an amazing dinner afterward, make your way to 19 th Street in Chinatown where seafood BBQs can be experienced at cheap prices.

Alternatively, try Alex's Gastro Bar at The Loft and delight in their French-Asian fusion.

Your second day in Yangon will start with a walking tour dedicated to the east downtown and the secretariat route, which will cover architectural sights of historical value. Contact Yangon Heritage Trust to book a walking tour.

If you prefer to ride the train rather than walk, take the circular train to see some interesting activities as Yangon people begin their day. This trip is also filled with picture-perfect scenery, so bring your camera!

Have a filling lunch at Sharky's Yangon. The owner highly recommends that you have the dry-aged tenderloin. They also offer the finest cheese in the country, along with homemade bread and pizza.

Laze off the rest of the day in Chinatown. Take a stroll through the colourful stalls and spend time looking for souvenirs.

Pack up your bags and make your way to the bus station for the night bus to Bagan.

I liked the JJ Express, however note that most buses don't depart from Yangon Central, but from Aung Mingalar station, which is roughly one hour from Yangon Downtown by taxi. So be sure to book your bus tickets beforehand since you don’t want to get stuck at the bus station if you don’t get a seat on the bus. This is especially the case in high season!

Bagan (Day 3-5)

You'll be dropped in Bagan in the early hours of the morning.

Head straight to your accommodation to put down your baggage and have a nap if you didn't rest well on the bus ride.

Hotel choices would differ depending on what part of Bagan you're planning to stay at.

Some accommodation recommendations in Bagan are:

• The classy hotel choice is The Hotel @ Tharabar Gate situated in Old Bagan, which is a more luxury option, but also often booked out. If that's the case, try the Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort Bagan .
• Ananta Bagan is a midrange hotel, priced at around USD 90/night.
• For a more affordable accommodation, book your stay at Ostello Bello which costs USD 30 per night and even comes with a pool.

Did you know that there are over 2,000 pagodas and chedis in Bagan? Incredible, right?

Spend your first day on a temple run. You can book a group or private tour or opt to hire a knowledgeable driver to take you around. The taxi fare for the whole tour costs starts at around USD 35.

Alternatively, hire an electro bike and ride around the site without a guide.

Definitely include the following temples on your tour:

• Dhammayangyi
• and Gubyaukgyi

Take a break and have your lunch at a nearby restaurant, there are many little joints scattered around.

Try out the well-reviewed (although curiously named) Be Kind to Animals also known as The Moon , which is a delicious vegetarian restaurant.

Then, back again to your temple exploration. Discover the beauty of Ananda temple, Nan Paya, and Shwesandaw Paya where you can catch a breathtaking view of the sunset with countless temple peaks scattered all over the plains.

It's a sunset view like no other and highly recommended!

Splurge on a decent dinner at 7 Sisters. Try out the fried vegetables and squid curry stew. Perhaps, a drink to end a perfect day of exploring this magical place.

Head to your hotel afterwards and get a good night's sleep because of tomorrow's early call time.

If there is any place in the world where you must go on a dawn hot air balloon ride , that place would definitely be Bagan.

It is an investment worth saving for. The hot air balloon trip happens in the early hours of the day and takes about 45 minutes.

The sprawling temples glowing in the early light of the day down below are a magnificent sight. This is the embodiment of a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Don't miss out. Book the balloon ride at least a month or more before the date as otherwise it does book out fast!

Also note that the balloons are a seasonal thing and can only be booked between October to April each year. The rest of the year, they are not flying.

Stop for lunch at Weather Spoons Restaurant in Nyang U.

Then explore Bagan at your own pace through a self-directed bike tour. Most hotels rent out electro bicycles. Do a bike tour from New Bagan, Old Bagan, Nyaung U, and back.

End your trip to Bagan with a scenic sunset river cruise . Then it’s off to dinner at Aroma 2 Restaurant on Yar Kinn Thar Hotel Road in Bagan.

Consider spending your last day with a full day tour of Mount Popa and local villages in Old Bagan.

Mount Popa is an extinct volcano with a temple perched on top. It takes exactly 777 steps to get to the top. The locals believe Mount Popa to be inhabited by animist spirits of nats.

The Nat Shrine can be found at the foot of the mountain, where 37 figures of nats are displayed and worshipped.

Lunch will be served at Mount Popa Resort on this tour.

On your descent, you can stop by and witness the locals as they work in the palm tree plantation. Next stop is the village of Zee O where the villagers tend to a 16-hectare sacred forest including a threatened tree species called the Ingyinn.

Then it’s back to the hotel to rest and be ready for the night bus to Mandalay.

Mandalay (Day 6-7)

You’ll be arriving in the town of Mandalay in the early morning. Relax a bit at your hotel before getting out and about.

Some great accommodation choices in Mandalay are:

• Consider Mansion Hostel Mandalay for an affordable choice with a great rooftop bar
• Hotel The Haven for great mid-range option with a superb rooftop pool
• Mandalay Hill Resort for a more luxury experience set right on the foot of Mandalay Hill
• The new Pullman Hotel in Mandalay offers world-class service

During your stay in Mandalay, you will again see a lot of beautiful temples and shrines. 

Start with Sandamuni Pagoda southwest of Mandalay Hill. And then head to Golden Palace or Schwenandaw Kyaung, where you will stand in awe of the Buddhist myths depicted in gorgeous teak carvings.

There are many great tours to see all of Mandalay has to offer. Book the best Mandalay tours here .

Have a sumptuous lunch at Mandalay Hill Resort’s Ming Restaurant. It’s a Myanmar holiday on a plate!

Then, head over to Kuthodaw Pagoda which is actually dubbed as the world’s largest book. How could a temple be a book?

Here’s how: There are 729 stupas and each contains a marble slab inscription from the Buddhist scriptures, Tipitaka. They say it takes a year to read everything even if you spend 8 hours each day to read the inscriptions. Amazing!

Then, it’s back to your hotel for a short rest.

If you feel like it, book yourself this private evening tour . It starts at 3.30 pm and includes pick-up, drop-off, entrance fees, and dinner.

You’ll be seeing the fish market by the Ayerwaddy River, the flower market, the night market, and the monastery. Dinner will be barbecue-style with a cold beer of course. Cap off the night with a laugh as you witness the famous comedy show starring the Moustache Brothers.

Off to your hotel for a good night’s sleep.

Another thing not to miss in Mandalay is the sunrise scene at the famous wooden U Bein Bridge . This bridge dates back to 1895 and is the world’s longest teakwood bridge, with a length of 1.2 kilometres. This magnificent structure makes a beautiful silhouette as the sun rises it looks like a page out of a storybook. It’s truly worth the early wake-up call.

Alternatively, if you're not an early riser and don't want to make your way to the bridge by yourself, I recommend booking this sunset tour to U Bein Bridge . It's equally spectacular!

Next up is another must-do, a visit to the lavish Mandalay Palace. Then, lunch at Min Thiha tea shop .

Discover the grandeur of the second holiest place in the country, Mahamuni Pagoda or Maha Myat Muni Pagoda.

Then it’s one last meal in Mandalay before you go back to your hotel to pack up your bags for another overnight bus trip to Kalaw.

Kalaw (Day 8)

Settle down at your chosen accommodation.

• For budget travellers, you’ll love the rustic Thitaw II
• For a comfortable hotel in the mid-range, try Kalaw Heritage Hotel
• Book the Royal Kalaw Hills Resort if you want to sleep in a charming country-style house with all mod cons

Kalaw is the jumping board for avid trekkers aiming to go to Inle Lake.

If you wish to trek all the way to Inle, you have to allow for two additional days on your Myanmar travel itinerary.

The typical trek is a 2 day 1 night and I recommend you book ahead so you don't arrive and have a wait around Kalaw.

Check trekking availability for an all-inclusive 2-day tour here .

Kalaw is known for its trekking and outdoor activities and I only recommend coming here if you are an outdoor person.

Otherwise, skip Kalaw and go straight to Inle Lake from Mandalay and spend some extra days there.

Inle Lake (Day 9-10)

There is a USD 15 entrance fee to Inle Lake for foreigners, but it’s surely worth every penny.

Settle down at your hotel. Most people stay at Nyaung Shwe with is the township closest to Inle Lake and the gateway to many tours and activities. 

A few recommendations, for where to stay around here are:

• Inle Cottage Boutique Hotel , which offers lovely big bungalows and are perfect for budget travelers
• Ananta Inlay Resort , is quiet, close to the lake and with a great pool
• Novotel Inle Lake Myat Min , your 4-star option with beautiful views over the lake
• The floating resort Shwe Inn Tha is right on the lake, which is located 15 minutes from the Floating Market

Do note this fun fact: There is more water around Inle Lake than roads so you’ll be getting on a boat to see all the sights.

To start the day, rent a bike in Nyaungshwe for about 1,500 Kyat and just explore the area. Paddle your way to Htat Eian Cave where you’ll see a multitude of Buddha statues.

Another good place to head to is Red Mountain Winery where they offer a serene session of taste-testing Burmese wine.

The area is also an awesome place to catch the ever-awe-striking Myanmar sunset. Who knew Myanmar produced wine? Admittedly, it’s not world-class but I was actually quite surprised.

Go cowboy style for dinner and just have a roadside meal at one of the barbecue stalls situated near the night market .

Though Inle Lake attracts a growing percentage of the travellers in the country, it's still not too crowded and commercialised and taking the novelty of visiting a place for the first time.

To avoid disappointment, book a private day tour to get off the beaten track by boat. Hop on!

Have your boat guide lead you to the middle of the lake where fishermen are practicing their trade. What’s unique about them is that they are masters of the one-legged fishing style where one foot remains on board and the other is wrapped around the oar to aid in rowing.

These fishermen are quite photogenic. You’ll see!

Inle Lake is also famous for their floating villages and houses on stilts. Nampan is a big cluster of fishers’ homes. This place tends to be very colourful with hanging clothes by the windows, children swimming about, and the women on their laundry chores, and the like.

If Nampan is for fishermen, Phaw Khone is for weavers. The village specialises in weaving using silk, cotton, and lotus root. Water villages, of course, are devoid of soil and so, to grow crops, they have invented bamboo-supported floating gardens which are a meter deep. You can even walk on them but it is like walking on jelly.

Take a break and grab your lunch at the nearby floating markets.

Next up is a famous tourist destination and a unique one at that. This is the Nga Hpe Kyuang or better remembered as the Jumping Cat Monastery, which got its name from the cats living at the monastery who have been trained by the local monks to jump through little hoops.

Then it’s back to Nyaung Shwe and to the last stop of the day, Maing Tauk. This is a village with an interesting split: It is 50% on water and 50% on land.

You’ll dock by the bridge and then you get to walk around the town to see daily routines of the locals such as students coming home, women carrying firewood on their head, and if you’re lucky, you’ll have the right timing of seeing the fishers haul their catch, and it’s a bonus point when the sun is setting in the background.

Additional Off The Beaten Path Destinations In Myanmar

In the south: hpa-an (day 11).

Hpa-an is a small town but very rich in picturesque vistas.

The looming mountains beyond the fields of green make it a perfect background to your one day in Hpa-an.

Visit the hustle and bustle of the morning market, the solemn grandeur of Shweyinhmyaw Pagoda , and walk around Kan Thar Yar Lake.

Your next destination which is Mawlamyine is a short bus trip or a scenic boat ride away. I'd opt for the boat ride if you are an adventurer at heart like me. But the bus ride is definitely the more comfortable option.

Mawlamyine (Day 12)

Formerly Moulmein, Mawlamyine is now the fourth largest city in Myanmar. It is a seaside town and its’ waters are as action-filled as its local markets.

Popular attractions include:

• Bilu Island (sometimes dubbed as Ogre Island) and the size roughly of Singapore
• Win Sein Taw Ya Giant Buddha
• Thanbyuzayat with its Death Railway Museum
• Setse Beach (yes, there really are pretty beaches here in southern Myanmar!)
• as well as Kyaikkami and Yele Pagoda.

Beaches in Myanmar: Ngwe Saung (Day 13-14)

If you’re looking for a place to unwind after some eventful days of travelling around Myanmar, the beach resort town of Ngwe Saung is the place to go.

With no traffic, you can reach Ngwe Saung from Yangon in roughly 5 hours. Be sure to book your bus return trip ahead as you don't want to get stuck!

This charming place is made for rest and relaxation. No pressure as to where to go because you’ll only be a few steps away from the beach.

Ngwe Saung Village hosts a number of seafood restaurants that you must try as well as a handful of other little cafes serving Burmese, Thai and other Asian cuisine.

Along the beach, you'll find a fire dance show at night. Ngwe Saung is a well-deserved break to enjoy swimming at the beach, working on your tan and even snorkelling.

Note that the beaches on the western shores of Myanmar operate seasonally and some might shut down completely in the off-season.

There are some great places to stay at here too:

• Check out Eskala Hotels and Resorts , which is one of the top picks in town with clean rooms, great location and a wonderful outdoor pool
• Ngwe Saung Yacht Club & Resort , located beach front with air-con, WiFi and all other creature comforts for a perfect beach holiday
• Opt for a room or bungalow at Emerald Sea Resort , for absolute tranquility and only footsteps to the sea, all while being 20-minute away from Ngwe Saung City Centre

Myanmar Itinerary – Frequently Asked Questions

Is myanmar expensive.

Before we get planning, let's talk about travel expenses. Air tickets to and from Myanmar are usually more pricey to other destinations in Southeast Asia, so book your flight as early as possible.

The same goes with inland flights as well as accommodation. You'll see that hotels are costing more here than in neighbouring Southeast Asian countries. So if you prefer to stay on a budget, book in advance so there is still a variety of cheaper accommodation to choose from. Inexpensive restaurants are also available throughout the country.

What's The Dress Code In Myanmar?

There is a big difference on the manner of dressing here in Myanmar compared to what you might have seen in neighbouring countries such as Thailand. Shorts, singlets and even skinny jeans are a rare sight here. People, young and old, still tend to wear traditional longyis which are made out of colourful fabric, wrapped around the waist and then knotted around 3 inches across.

Note that Myanmar is a tropical country, so you'll be out in the sun most of the day. Avoid flip-flops and opt for light and comfortable walking shoes or sandals when you're out and about. I recommend darker colors as streets are not always as clean as you'd expect them back home.

Myanmar Itinerary – Final Words

Make sure you bring some light cotton trousers, and cotton shirts. Don't forget your shades and a good sun hat. What an action-filled 14 days in Myanmar. Hopefully, you love this Myanmar itinerary as much as I did travelling around the country.

With its countless pagodas and temple, hot air balloon sunrises, interesting culture and religion, photogenic fishermen, and friendly faces, Myanmar is truly one for the books. Don’t miss it!

Please note, this post may contain affiliate links, which means that – at absolutely no cost to you – we earn a small commission on sales generated through this website. We only recommend sites we actually use and thank you for your support!

Carolin is a travel expert born in Germany. She has been travelling around the world since 2014 and now lives in her adopted soul home Australia. Her travel advice has been featured on Forbes, Daily Mail, Yahoo!, News.com.au, Tour Radar, Expedia and she's also been named one of the top travel bloggers you need to follow by Tourism Queensland.

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Myanmar Itinerary: The Best of Myanmar in 4 Weeks

by Julie Jun 8, 2018 Itinerary , Myanmar , Travel

I first had the idea of visiting Myanmar back in the mid-90s when I was traveling around Southeast Asia. As an avid reader of history and politics, Myanmar fascinated me. However, at that time, the country was really closed off from the outside world and traveling there required lots of government hassle and expense, so I didn’t go. The idea of traveling to Myanmar, though, did not fade.

Finally, in 2015 Myanmar held elections and elected its first non-military government under the de facto rule of Aung Saan Suu Kyi. Since then, life for the people in Myanmar has greatly improved. There are no longer government spies everywhere. As a result, people are freer to express their opinion and more open when talking to foreigners. In addition, sanctions have been lifted, making banking and using debit and credit cards much easier. All of these changes have made traveling in Myanmar much easier.

With the opening up of Myanmar, I decided to finally travel there for one month in November and December. It was an incredible experience with so many historical sites, great beaches, beautiful views, great food, and the friendly people. Some parts of the country were a cinch to travel around, while other parts were indicative of its isolation and poverty.

I have put together what I think is the best Myanmar itinerary for a month of travel. I have included information about how many days to spend in each place, a list of places where I stayed ate, how to get to each destination, and what sites to see. The route I suggest is based on my experience and that of other travelers I met.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate and a Bookshop.org Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  Please see this website's  Disclosure for more info.

Myanmar Itinerary – 4 Weeks

Yangon: Days 1 (arrival), 2 and 3 (2 Nights)

Start your Myanmar itinerary in Yangon, the largest city and the former capital of Myanmar. It has the largest number of international flights and allows visitors to enter with an evisa, so it is the best place to fly into.

Depending on when you arrive, make sure to spend at least two whole days in Yangon so that you can see Shwedagon pagoda at sunset and take an evening food tour. Dawn and dusk are the best times to see Shwedagon, and the food tour is a great way to familiarize yourself with the not so well-known food of Myanmar before your travels ahead.

TIP: Take taxis! The sites look close to each other on a map. However, I found out the hard way a few times that the sites are actually quite far from each other. Sidewalks are non-existent and each driver seems to be following their own rule book.

• the National Museum,
• Chalikhatgyi Temple (gigantic lying Buddha statue),
• Ngantatgyi Paya (beautiful teak Buddha statue)
• Kheung Hock Keong
• Kandawgyi Lake
• Botataung Paya
• Meilamu Paya
• the circular train

End your second day by doing a food tour with  Yangon Food Tours . This tour helped me tremendously during the rest of my travels because I learned what and how to order and eat.

On your last evening in Yangon, take a bus to your next stop on this Myanmar itinerary: Bagan.

Where to stay in Yangon:

Merchant Art Boutique Hotel –This hotel is within walking distance to Shwedagon Paya! Beautiful night-time views of Shwedagon Paya from the rooftop restaurant/bar!

Where to eat in Yangon:

Aung Thukha – I went here for lunch and it was jampacked, but I was invited to share a table with some local people. The curries here are excellent!

Bagan – Days 4, 5 and 6

The next stop on your Myanmar itinerary is Bagan, the crown jewel of Myanmar tourism and perhaps all of Southeast Asia. Imagine a sea of 2,000 crumbling wind-eroded temples dotting the plains against the backdrop of the setting sun. That is Bagan, the epitome of travel romance. I’d say that it ranks right up there alongside Angkor Wat as one of the 100- places-to-see-before-you-die kind of places.

How to get to Bagan

To get to Bagan, take a night bus leaving from the outskirts of Yangon at around 9:00 pm. The bus gets in around 7:00 am. It’s a comfortable ride for a bus. You can buy your tickets from your hotel or hostel in Yangon and take a taxi to the station (over 1 hour).

The bus station in Bagan is far from any of the hotels, so you will need to pay for a taxi. I paid 10,000 kyat (US$6.53/€5.75/£5.00) . On the way to your hotel/hostel, you’ll pass by a checkpoint for the Bagan Archaeological Zone where you’ll pay the fee to see all of the sites in the area. I paid 25,000 kyat (US$16.34/€14.36/£12.44).

How to get around Bagan

There are a number of ways to get around to see the temples, but walking from temple to temple is not one of them. The temples are too far away from each other. Instead, you can rent a motor scooter or better yet, rent an e-bike, which is just a bicycle with a small motor. I rented mine from my hotel for 5,000 kyat (US$3.27/ €.2.87/ £2.49) . I’ve never ridden a scooter or a motorcycle before, but I felt fine with an e-bike.

Which temples to see

Your best bet is to get a map from your hotel/hostel that has all the temples on it.  Break up your tour by area: Old Bagan, Myinkaba area, Central Plain, New Bagan area, South Plain, and Nyaung U area. The best temples are in Old Bagan, the South Plain, and the Central Plain. You can find these areas all in Lonely Planet. Just ride your bike and whenever you see a temple, stop and check it out.

If you want some really good background information on the temples, check out book #3 on my Best Books on Myanmar blog post. 

Where to stay in Bagan:

Zfreeti Hotel – in Nyeung U: It’s near lots of restaurants, but it’s not the friendliest hotel around. Good breakfast. You can rent electric bikes from them but make sure you get one that works or else you’ll be peddling yourself.

Where to eat in Bagan:

Bi Bo Restaurant – excellent price, service, and Burmese food! The BEST tea leaf salad I had in Myanmar!

Amora 2 – Indian food. The food was ok; service was unfriendly; I felt uncomfortable there as a solo traveler.

Mandalay – Days 7 and 8

Your next stop on your Myanmar itinerary is Mandalay. If you’ve read the Rudyard Kipling’s poem, Mandalay, you probably have an image of the city as some romantic and timeless place. Mandalay is a bit more complicated than that. Yes, it is traditional. For example, it seems that whichever direction you’re looking in, there’s a monk in his saffron-colored robe walking along barefoot begging for alms. At the same time, the streets are choking with traffic and instead of monks chanting, you’re more likely to hear cars and motorcycles honking their horns.

I liked Mandalay mainly for its great restaurants and some interesting sites outside of the city. It has the site of one of the most famous temples in Myanmar, one of the best photo opportunities in Myanmar, and the remains of four former Burmese capitals. Also, it has one of my favorite hotels in all of Myanmar, Hotel 8 .

How to get to Mandalay

Leave in the morning by bus from Bagan. The trip should take 5 hours. Buy your tickets from your hotel, and the bus company should then pick you up from your hotel.

The alternative method of travel is by boat.

The next day hire a driver and motorcycle to head out to the sites outside the city. These include Mahamuni Temple, Maha Ganayon Kyauang monastery, Mingun, Sagaing Hill, Ewa, and U-Bein Bridge. Your hotel/hostel can arrange everything for you. It cost me 25,000 kyat.

Where to stay in Mandalay

Hotel 8 – This was one of my favorite hotels in Myanmar. It had excellent service, very comfortable beds, fluffy towels, and a decent breakfast.

Where to eat in Mandalay

Mingalabar (Very good! Try the mohinga!), Aye Myit Tar (Amazing traditional Burmese food!), and Shan Ma Ma (lots of foreigners and locals, but I wasn’t impressed.)

Pyin Oo Lwin – Day 9

Pyin Oo Lwin is about an hour and a half by car from Mandalay. You can either do it as a day trip and return in the late afternoon to Mandalay or stay overnight. I did it as a day trip.

Pyin Oo Lwin is the former summer retreat for colonial Brits who ruled Burma from 1885 to 1947. It’s at a higher elevation than the surrounding area so it’s cooler in summer. The city is famous for its colonial buildings and its stunning British garden.

How to get to Pyin Oo Lwin

Your hotel/hostel can arrange a shared taxi. If you are returning to Mandalay, the same taxi will pick you up at an arranged spot.

Hsipaw – Days 10 – 13

Hsipaw was not on my original Myanmar itinerary. However, after arriving in the country, I heard so many good things about the place from other travelers that I changed my itinerary to check it out. It was the best decision of my trip. Hsipaw turned out to be one of my favorite places in Myanmar. It’s got a really relaxing vibe, beautiful scenery, and a lot of culture. It’s also a good place to recuperate from your travels.

How to get to Hsipaw

The coolest way to get to Hsipaw is by train. What’s cool about it is the trip on the Gotkeik Viaduct, at one time the largest trestle bridge in the world. The trip there is an unforgettable experience. You can catch the train in Mandalay or Pyin Oo Lwin. I started in Mandalay, which meant getting up really early to catch the 4:00 am train. However, it also meant that I got to choose which side of the train to sit on when crossing the Viaduct.

Make sure to visit Hsipaw’s Shan Palace , the house of the last ruler of Shan State. When I was there, it opened at 4:00 pm and closed at 6:00 pm. There are also a few monasteries you can visit in Hsipaw like the Madahya Monastery and the Bamboo Buddha Monastery, which are both near Mrs. Popcorn’s   Restaurant and on the way to the Shan Palace.

Where to stay in Hsipaw

I stayed at   Mr. Charles Riverview Lodge   on the outskirts of Hsipaw, my favorite place to stay in Myanmar and one of my top 5 places to stay in Southeast Asia. The rooms are large with all the amenities including a balcony overlooking a peaceful and quiet river.

Where to eat in Hsipaw:

Mrs. Popcorn’s Garden  (Excellent food but slow service); the restaurant at the Riverview Lodge isn’t that great. I also ate at a pretty good restaurant across the street from Mr. Charles’ Guesthouse, but I don’t remember the name.

Inle Lake: Days 14, 15, and 16

The next stop on your Myanmar itinerary is Inle Lake. The 13.4 mile (22 km) -long lake is located in the central part of Myanmar. The lake is surrounded by small villages of different ethnic minority groups like the Shan, Kayah, and Intha people.

How to get to Inle Lake

Take a night bus from Hsipaw. The bus should drop you off in the center of the main town Nyaungshwe. Fortunately, many of the guesthouses and hotels are within walking distance of the drop-off point.

Where to stay at Lake Inle:

Golden Dream Hotel – The staff was really friendly and helpful! They had bikes to rent. Breakfast was disappointing.

Where to eat at Lake Inle:

Thanakha Garden  (Myanmar food – ok),  Lin Htett   (traditional Myanmar food – price, service, and food are excellent),  Sin Yaw  (Burmese and Shan Food – ok),  Bamboo Hut  (Myanmar food – excellent)

Ngapali – Days 16 – 21

From Inle Lake, head to Ngapali for some relaxation on the Bay of Bengal. Ngapali has beautiful white sand beaches clear blue water, and a quiet laid back atmosphere, the perfect place to do some more chilling out. You also don’t get harassed every 15 minutes by people trying to sell you things. There’s not a lot of partying here like in Thailand and prices are on the higher side. However, if you book early and look around carefully, you can get a decent place without breaking the bank.

How to get to Ngapali

Take a plane form Heho, the main airport for the Inle Lake area (25 miles from Nyangshwe), to Thandwe. Make sure to arrange for your hotel to pick you up at the airport.

There’s not much to do there except swim and relax on the beach. There are fishing, diving, and snorkeling trips.

I got really sick on my first day there and spent most of my time recuperating.

Where to stay in Ngapali:

Pleasant View Resort – This is a good resort at an affordable price for a bungalow right on the beach.

Where to eat in Ngapali:

Most of the time I was too sick to eat when I was in Ngapali. However, I did manage to eat at the restaurant on the island to the left of the hotel. When the tide’s in, you can walk to it, and when it’s out, you have to take a boat back. When I went, the sea was too rough to take a boat back, so I had to walk back in water up to my waste in the dark!

Sittwe – Day 22

The next stop on your Myanmar itinerary is Sittwe. Sittwe is really just a place to wait to get the ferry or bus to Mrauk U. It’s not a tourist destination and there’s not really anything to see. There are only just a bunch of miserable overpriced hotels.

The one noteworthy thing about the place is that it was the location of bloody anti-Muslim riots in 2012. Arriving at the airport in Sittwe, you’ll realize immediately that you are entering a sensitive area from the signs clearly posted in English letting you know which areas are closed to foreigners.

How to get to Sittwe

I took a plane from Thandwe straight to Sittwe. The flight was around 1 hour.

There are two other options. You can take a bus/boat combination but this means staying overnight in Taunggok or just by bus, which takes at least 12 hours.

Where NOT to stay in Sittwe

I stayed at Motel Shwe Myint Mho , a fleabag motel that cost me over $20. And THIS was the cheapest place in Sittwe I could find. I feel a little bit bad about writing a negative review about the place since the owner walked me over to a pharmacy to help me buy tape and bandages for my broken toe, but the place was pretty nasty. And I found a cockroach in my breakfast.

Mrauk U – Days 23 – 25

The next stop is Mrauk U, the center of the Kingdom of Mrauk U from 1430 to 1785. The remains of this kingdom are what travelers come to Mrauk U for. There are some fascinating ruins and one special gem that resembles Borobudur in Indonesia.

How to get to Mrauk U

The cheapest and most interesting way to get to Mrauk U is by ferry, which leaves from Sittwe at 8:00 am and arrives at 11:30 am in Mrauk U. I took a taxi ( K4,000 (US$2.61 / €2.30 / £2.00 )) from my hotel at 6:00 and arrived at the ferry port at 6:10 am. I had to show my passport when purchasing the ticket (K13,000 (US$8.50 / €7.47 / £6.50)) . The ferry ride was quite pleasant with some interesting views of the delta and some interesting people watching. Try to sit on the upper deck.

Where to stay in Mrauk U:

I stayed at the Prince Hotel . It was an overpriced and rundown family-owned guesthouse. My room was good sized with a nice verandah but a grungy attached bathroom. The shower was over the toilet. The best part was that I met a rat on the way to the bathroom one morning. It was also the only hotel I stayed at that didn’t provide free water. Very good breakfasts, though!

Where to eat in Mrauk U:

The saving grace of the Prince Hotel ‘ s were the dinners. It’s K6,000 (US$4 / €3.45 / ££3.00) extra, but worth every penny. I had some of the most delicious meals of my trip here. You get 1 curry and 4 side dishes–more food than a single person could eat. Moe Cherry  was another place with good, delicious Myanmar food (1 main dish and 2 side dishes).

Travel to Yangon – Day 26

Yangon – days 27 and 28.

Make sure to be in Yangon or wherever you are departing from the day before your flight. Don’t try to make an international flight right after a domestic flight since Myanmar’s planes rarely arrive on time.

Spend the last day doing some last-minute sightseeing and shopping. Just remember that Bogyoke Aung San Market is closed on Mondays.

15th Street @ Downtown  – This is a small hotel in downtown Yangon. I wanted to try staying in another part of the city. It was clean but small. They have an excellent Shan noodle breakfast.

Where to eat in Yanong:

Feel Myanmar Food  has excellent food; The coconut noodles in the morning across from  my hotel were so delicious.

Final Thoughts

Myanmar is a fabulous country. The people are friendly and there is so much to see and do. Now is a great time to go before it becomes too popular with tourists.

If you’ve been to Myanmar, let me know how your trip went. Where did you travel to? If you’re still in the planning stage, let me know how long you plan to travel and where you want to go.

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19 Comments

We stayed in the same hotels in Yangon and in Ngapali beach 😉 I loved Myanmar although my itinerary was a bit shorter and I haven’t seen Sittwe and Mrauk U.

Same hotels–thats great! I highly recommend Mrauk U–a bit hard to get to, though.

This article is so detailed that I’m going to bookmark it for later. I have extensively visited Cambodia and Vietnam but haven’t gone to Myanmar yet. Cambodia left such a horrible impression that I thought Myanmar would be the same. Your post and pictures make me want to visit this coming winter. Thank you, Julie!

Myanmar is much less westernized than Cambodia. The men still wear the longyi (sarong) and the people still wear the thanaka on their faces.

This is fantastic and so detailed. I’ve visited Myanmar a couple of times but I’ve never made it to the coast! Would absolutely love to see it… especially Ngapali. I would definitely recommend this guide for anyone who wants to travel to Myanmar! I think it’s time I go back and see the places I missed out on 🙂 your photos are stunning!

Ngapali and Mrauk U were fantastic.

This is such a detailed post! We have never thought of visiting Myanmar, thanks for bringing this lovely place to our attention.

You’re welcome! It is a great place–friendly people and great food and they still hold on to their traditional culture.

Goodness what amazing photos, Myanmar looks incredible! I love how thorough your itinerary is – how to get around, where to stay, what to eat. A great guide for someone wishing to visit for the first time. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you, Alyse!

I only had time to visit Yangon on my visit to Myanmar but I now know where I must go on my return!

I hope you get a chance to visit again. Definitely see Bagan and Hsipaw if you have chance and if you’re more adventurous Mrauk U is really off-the-beaten path.

Wow, Myanmar looks just incredible. It’s not somewhere I’ve thought of going before though, as I wasn’t sure there was that much to do to keep me occupied. I’m so happy to see you squeezed a lot into your month so maybe it is worth going to see! The Bagan just looks amazing ??

It is definitely worth seeing! And the culture is really fascinating!

We went for about 10 days this last year but would love to return. Initially we thought we should go for longer and there is so much more to see than we did but as more introverted people, we were pretty tired by the end of this stay. The people were too friendly haha

First of all, it’s been really nice reading this. I’m going for 28 days in July for the first time, I’ve traveled a lot, and I’m really glad to have came across your blog. It’s settled my usual pre-travel nerves and got me excited to be on the road again. Thanks and great work!

Hi Iahan! I’m glad to hear that! I always feel anxious before a big trip, too. You’ll love Myanmar. It might not be as “developed” as a lot of other countries in Asia, but it was still pretty easy to get around. And the people were incredibly helpful and kind. I hope you enjoy your trip. Julie

Fabulous info. Thank you for sharing. Did you every summarise the costs for the trip? Would be really interested to know.

Thanks, Glenys! I want to say it was between US$2,000 and $3,000 for the whole month not including the airfare.

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Table of contents:.

• 1. Yangon – Days 1 – 3
• 2. Bagan – Days 4 – 6
• 3. Mandalay – Days 7 – 8
• 4. Pyin Oo Lwin – Day 9
• 5. Hsipaw – Days 10 – 13
• 6. Inle Lake – Days 14 – 16
• 7. Ngapali – Days 17 – 21
• 8. Sittwe – Day 22
• 9. Mrauk U – Day 23 – 25
• 10. Travel to Yangon – Day 26
• 11. Yangon – Days 27 – 28

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The Perfect 2 Week Myanmar Itinerary (The Best Myanmar Backpacking Guide)

By: Author Taylor Lorenz

Posted on Last updated: 10/25/2023

This backpacker’s guide will help you find the best of Myanmar including places to stay, where to get cheap food, and the top things to see, all on a budget for 2 weeks in Myanmar.

From the floating villages in Inle Lake to the temples of Bagan, Myanmar is home to a wide range of scenery, traditions and more. Here you’ll find some of the kindest people in the world who are eager to speak to you. You’ll be placed outside your element but only gain something better from this.

Since Myanmar is still relatively untouched by the western world, tourism has yet to boom making it a popular destination to explore and one that’s easy to explore on a Southeast Asia budget . My best advice is to travel to Myanmar as soon as you can so you can see the country and its people before the negative side of tourism hits.

Once you’re there you may be slightly jolted, but you’ll quickly fall in love. This two weeks in Myanmar itinerary is golden for any Myanmar backpacking trip and I wish I had a Myanmar travel itinerary like this when I was planning my trip! You could try and do 1 week in Myanmar but it will be rushed and you’d have to drop one location or the Myanmar trek.

But first, check out this video for some Myanmar inspiration and be sure to read my Myanmar travel tips (since things are a little different here compared to the rest of Southeast Asia!).

Table of Contents

Myanmar Fast Facts

Many people ask me if I’ve been to Burma which I have but technically isn’t correct. Myanmar is the current name of the country but it was formerly known as Burma.

Currency:  Burmese kyat (USD are also accepted for some things such as accommodation or transport) Language:  Burmese Population:  52 million Religion: Buddhism

Myanmar Itinerary

Day 1-3: yangon.

DAY ONE: After your flight in take some time to relax, walk through the streets and feel the energy of this busy city. If it’s too much for you at first then head to Kandawgyi Lake and admire the beautiful area.

DAY TWO:  The next day you can head to Bogyoke Market where you can easily get lost in the aisles of jewelry, paintings, handmade crafts, and fabrics. A local may even show you the best spots in the market and answer all of your questions (they will ask you to buy something but you don’t have to). In the afternoon check out Yule Pagoda which is not far away. Before sunset head to Shwedagon pagoda to admire the stunning gold pagoda in daylight. Wait until sunset and the lights will turn on making the gold shine. It makes for awesome pictures.

DAY THREE:  Make your way to the famous circle train where for less than a dollar you can sit for three hours and watch the locals go about their daily chores. It really is an interesting site to see. For the afternoon find a cafe to enjoy some Myanmar tea or take a tour of the city’s British-influenced buildings.

Best souvenir to buy: Longyi, both men and woman wear these traditional skirts and you will definitely use them while visiting more temples on this trip Recommend place to stay: Little Yangon Hostel

READ: 11 Best Things to do in Yangon  and The 10 Best Hostels in Yangon

Day 4-6: Bagan

DAY FOUR:  After your first night bus in Myanmar you’ll probably be a little tired but you’ll be in one of the best Myanmar destinations, if not the best. Take it easy by heading to a pool at a nearby hotel and relax. Rent a scooter or bike in the afternoon and make your way to some temples, keeping an eye out for one to watch sunset on.

DAY FIVE:  Join in on the free tour offered at the recommended hostel below and spend the day temple hopping and learning about Bagan’s history. Then head to bed early for the next day’s adventures.

DAY SIX:  Get up early and catch the sunrise on a temple. If it’s the right season for hot air balloons you can watch the sunrise while in the air (for around $300USD). After breakfast (and maybe a nap) rent a scooter or bike and get lost while exploring temples. This will probably be your best day in Bagan.

Best souvenir to buy:  Anything lacquer! Bagan is known for their lacquer and you’ll find most lacquer around SE Asia comes from here Recommended place to stay: Ostello Bello

Day 7-9: Trekking Kalaw to Inle Lake

DAY SEVEN:  Trekking in Myanmar is a must! You can either catch a bus from Bagan to Inle Lake or add in an incredible trek. I recommend getting a bus in the morning from Bagan to Kalaw, or get a night bus, but you’ll be trekking right after a bus that arrives at 2AM. Spend the evening booking your trek, packing a small bag to take with you and preparing yourself for the next few days. Read this for exactly what to expect from the trek.

DAY EIGHT: This will be day one of your trek and you’ll spend the night in a homestay! You’ll meet great people and eat delicious, fresh Burmese food.

DAY NINE:  Enjoy the second day of your trek and arrive in Inle Lake! Clean up, grab dinner, and then you’ll probably just want to sleep!

Recommended place to stay: Golden Kalaw Inn

READ MORE: Trekking Kalaw to Inle Lake: A Must do Experience in Myanmar

Day 10-12: Inle Lake

DAY TEN:  Rent a bike and start exploring. Visit the market in town or head to the winery that’s more known for its great views, but don’t expect the wine to be great. Make sure you stop for a bite of food in town at The French Touch that’s a fusion of French and Burmese dishes. It’s a little pricey, but so worth it. I recommend trying the coconut beer.

DAY ELEVEN:  Book yourself on a tour (this can be done through the recommended hostel) of Inle Lake. Get up early and watch the sunset from a boat, visit a busy market and then be taken around the floating villages to see what the locals work on and enjoy a traditional Burmese meal in a floating house.

Best souvenir to buy:  A silk scarf or metal jewelry/knick knacks from a metalsmith Recommended place to stay: Ostello Bello Nyaung Shwe

READ MORE: 11 Common Southeast Travel Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Day 12-14: Mandalay

DAY TWELVE:  Arrive in Mandalay in the early morning via a night bus. Spend the morning catching up on some sleep if need be and then head out for the day to see some of the sites. First take a peek at Shwenandaw (Golden Palace Monastery), it’s a beautiful teak monastery. You can get a taxi relatively cheap to go and see the world’s largest book (Kuthodaw pagoda) which is a ton of pagodas with inscriptions on stone inside them. While there head up to Mandalay hill to get an awesome view of the city and the beautiful pink decorated temple at the top. Mandalay hill is also a great spot to watch the sunset!

DAY THIRTEEN:  Check out Mandalay Fort, it is close to the city center, which is the last royal palace. Next make your way to Mahamuni Pagoda which is a major pilgrimage site. That evening make your way to U-Bein bridge for sunset before seeing a live puppet show at the Mandalay Marionette Theatre. There you can see a bit of Burmese tradition and it really is quite entertaining.

DAY FOURTEEN:  Most flights from Mandalay leave around 12:30 if you’re heading to Bangkok. Enjoy your last meal in Myanmar, drink some Burmese tea and then head to the airport! Many people say that it’s cheaper to fly from Yangon and often make their way back down for a flight. Check prices before as I found flying from Mandalay was cheaper!

Best souvenir to buy:  Marionette puppet or Royal Myanmar tea Recommended place to stay:   Ostello Bello Mandalay

If you want to do more things to do in Myanmar it is definitely possible to spend a day less in Yangon and Bagan (while still seeing everything) to squeeze in somewhere else north of Mandalay where less people go for a more unique Myanmar trip itinerary.

While in Myanmar make sure you try their famous tea leaf salad, tomato salad, curry and the Royal Myanmar tea.

Myanmar is an expensive country (compared to the rest of Southeast Asia) so expect accommodation to be around $15-20USD. Taxis cost between $2-20USD for short trips to full day hire. Meals are between $2-10USD, cheap meals being very easy to find at local sit down restaurants.

Check out this post for even more tips to help you with backpacking Myanmar with ease. And don’t forget to learn how to say hello and thank you in Burmese before you go! The locals will love you trying to speak their language.

Visit Myanmar with an open mind and an open heart and you will truly see what an incredible destination it is with this easy Myanmar 2 week itinerary.

Best Time to Visit Myanmar

Weather-wise the best time to visit Myanmar is from November to February during the country’s winter as temperatures are not stifling hot and there is the least amount of rain. From personal experience I recommend avoiding the rain/monsoon season (July-September) as unlike other countries where the rainy season could mean only a 1-2 hours of rain a day in Myanmar it could be a torrential downpour for 8 hours.

As Myanmar is still a relatively new country to travel to I wouldn’t worry too much about prices fluctuating but if you prefer to be safe for both price and availability travel during the shoulder months of October and March.

It is important to note that all accommodation in Myanmar should be booked in advance as there are not enough accommodation options to keep up with the tourists.

READ MORE: 51 Travel Tips for Backpacking Southeast Asia

How to Get Around Myanmar

To get in and out Myanmar your safest bet is flying in and out of either Yangon or Mandalay. Border crossing by buses is also possible but borders have been known to close!

The best way to get around Myanmar is by night buses. Be sure to book VIP as the price is not much different but you will be happy you don’t see what’s not VIP!

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The Ultimate 10 Day Myanmar Itinerary

Having only opened its doors to tourists in 2015, Myanmar is still relatively new to holidaymakers and backpackers alike. This can make planning a Myanmar itinerary quite difficult as chances are, you don’t know someone who’s been to ask for recommendations. That’s where we come in.

Our guide will cover the places to visit in Myanmar that you cannot miss, the restaurants we loved and our favourite accommodation. Although we only had 10 days in Myanmar we could have stayed for weeks as we adored every minute. We hope this sample Myanmar itinerary will inspire you to book the flights and pack the bags as trust us; it will be your best adventure yet.

Best of all, as we were backpacking Myanmar , this itinerary is also sprinkled with money saving tips as well as our usual helpful hints for a safe, stress free trip!

HOW TO GET TO MYANMAR

Previously known as Burma, Myanmar received only 21,000 visitors in 1995, fast forward to 2017, it boasted 3.44 million visitors. This means that transport links and international flights have hugely increased to benefit tourism.

We found the cheapest flights through Skyscanner and flew from Bangkok, Thailand to Mandalay. Our flights cost £100 per person and took around 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Alternatively, many people choose to start their Myanmar itinerary in Yangon as it also has an International airport, so make sure to check flights to here also for the best deal. It also proved cheaper for us to fly into Mandalay, spend 10 days in Myanmar then leave from Yangon – so bear in mind it may prove more cost (and time) effective to avoid planning your Myanmar itinerary in a loop.

BEST TIME TO VISIT MYANMAR

Deciding on the best time to visit Myanmar completely depends on your travel style and budget. Firstly to consider is weather. Like most countries in SE Asia, there are two distinct seasons to be aware of when planning your Myanmar itinerary – wet and dry.

The wet season is June to October where flash flooding is likely, and so transport can become impossible as roads get closed off. Most travel guides will recommend visiting from November to February as this is when the weather cools slightly, but it remains dry.

Ever the rebels our visit was slap bang in the dry season (March to May), but for us, this proved the best time to visit Myanmar for many reasons.

Yes, it was boiling hot (40+ degrees most days) however, it meant travel and accommodation was cheap as it was off-season and we even received free room upgrades and free late checkouts.

It also meant we got to experience Thingyan Water Festival – the Buddhist New Year (famous for its three-day water fight) which was a highlight of our Myanmar itinerary.

We also found during this time that the majority of places to visit in Myanmar were quiet – at many attractions, we were the only tourists. The only slight disadvantage, if it was on your Myanmar bucket list, is that the balloons over Bagan Pagodas are seasonal and during our trip they were finishing the season, so there was only a handful of balloons in the sky.

However, for us the pros definitely outweighed the cons and we still believe April was the best time to visit Myanmar because of our experience.

PLACES TO VISIT IN MYANMAR

Before we share our 10 days in Myanmar itinerary, we will share a little info on the places to visit in Myanmar and why we chose these destinations. As you may be aware civil unrest is still rife in parts of Burma where the world’s longest civil war has been ongoing since 1948.

Of all places to visit in Myanmar, the states of Kachin, Southern Chin and Rakhine are almost entirely off-limits to tourists. We understand it may seem overwhelming as you start reading up on the current political turmoil and we certainly did question if it was ethical to visit.

However, in a country with so much conflict, one of the main ways Myanmar can overcome this is Tourism. By boosting local economy, recommending places to visit in Myanmar, staying in local guesthouses and booking local guides, your “holiday” can truly help in a way.

The usual tourist route covers 4 of the safest places to visit in Myanmar – petty crime is almost non-existent, we found locals so helpful and friendly and felt much safer here than we had in parts of  Thailand  or  The Philippines where we were hassled constantly. We recommend the following Myanmar destinations:

• Mandalay:  The former royal capital and a short day trip away from Mingun home to the epic Hsinbyume pagoda
• Bagan:  Home to over 2000 temples and pagodas and the famous hot air balloons at sunrise
• Inle Lake:  Witness floating villages and markets as you take a boat tour of life on the lake
• Yangon:  home to the jewel in Myanmar’s crown, Shwedagon Pagoda and also the country’s capital where we  celebrated Thingyan

It would be very difficult to squeeze in more places to visit in Myanmar if you only have 10 days. However, if you have longer we were also recommended:

• Pyin Ooh Lwin : Home to some spectacular waterfalls and not far from Mandalay
• Hsipaw : Famous for some of the best markets in Myanmar
• Hpa An:  An epic stop to explore the area’s abundance of caves.
• Kalaw:  To complete the famous  Kalaw to Inle Lake walk (sadly we didn’t have our hiking boots packed) !

10 DAYS IN MYANMAR ITINERARY

We will warn, for your Myanmar itinerary expect very early mornings and sightseeing until sunset as there is that much to do. Pack shoes that can be removed easily as the majority of places to visit in Myanmar are religious sites, so shoes are prohibited. It is also recommended to wear long, lightweight clothing to ensure you are covered up (from both mosquitos and for cultural reasons.) As well as the best places to stay, eat and see we include all costs so you know how much to budget for your 10 days in Myanmar.

Mandalay: 2 Nights

Mandalay – day one.

Climb Mandalay Hill: One of the best   things to do in Mandalay  is climb Mandalay Hill at sunrise where you can see the world’s largest book at Kuthodaw Pagoda as well as admire epic views over the city.

Hire Bikes: Then hire bikes and explore the city by yourself or part of a bike tour. If you opt for the DIY option, it costs 10,000MMK (around £5) for a tourist combo pass which gives you access to Mandalay Palace, Atumashi Kyanugdawgi and Schwenandaw Kyaung.

Sunset at U-Bein Bridge:  One of the most popular things to do in Mandalay at sunset is to take a Grab Taxi (around 30 minutes) to U-Bein Bridge, the longest (and oldest) teakwood bridge in the world. You can walk the bridge on foot or take a boat under it – as it was dry season, there was no water under it during our visit.

Mandalay – Day Two

A day trip to Mingun: It’s likely you’ve seen the white pagoda on Instagram or perhaps Mingun Pagoda which looks like a Tomb Raider film set. These unmissable buildings can be found in Mingun – a short day trip from Mandalay . The day trip includes a ferry ride (tickets are approx. £5 return), and by purchasing a tourist pass (again, approx. £5) you will have access to the epic  Hsinbyume Pagoda  as well as the other epic  things to do in Mingun .

Where to Stay in Mandalay

We stayed at Hotel Yadanarbon and paid £66 for 2 nights which included breakfast – that’s just £16.50 each per night, perfect for those backpacking Myanmar !

We felt like such flashpackers in this hotel as it had a rooftop pool and a puppet theatre in the restaurant. Not to mention, our room was a large, comfortable ensuite and the staff went above and beyond, even greeting us with refreshing face towels and a complimentary drink on arrival.

Book Hotel Yadanarbon in Mandalay

Where to eat in Mandalay

• Street Food: So not helpful but just yards from our hotel were epic street food restaurants that had crowds and crowds of locals every time we walked past. Easily spotted by its bright green tables (and endless queues) we regret running out of time to visit but guessing by the local reaction, the food must be incredible.
• We also visited Beer City &  The Rock Gastro Bar , despite the names which sound like something from a lads holiday, they both served tasty traditional food that we highly recommend.

Mandalay to Bagan by Bus

Bagan is next up on our Myanmar itinerary because it is only 180km from Mandalay to Bagan. We took a  JJ Express  bus, leaving Mandalay at 8 am and it took around 4 hours. Our Mandalay to Bagan bus cost 20,300 MMK which is a crazy £11.00 for BOTH of us.

We booked a premium economy bus so it wasn’t even the cheapest option, but it’s definitely recommended for the extra legroom and comfortable seats. Do note, there were no toilets on our Mandalay to Bagan bus (or any of our busses in Myanmar) so remember to use the restrooms before you go.

Mandalay to Bagan By Boat

For around £35 you can also take an overnight boat from Mandalay to Bagan . As we only had 10 days in Myanmar (and the boat journey takes anywhere from 8-10 hours), we didn’t have time to do this. We have heard a sightseeing cruise is the best way to travel from Mandalay to Bagan as you enjoy food onboard while admiring the epic scenery instead of sitting on a bumpy bus.

Bagan: 3 Nights

Bagan – day one.

Daytrip to Mount Popa, the temple guarded by monkeys:  Of all the places to visit in Myanmar, Mount Popa was rarely mentioned, but your Myanmar itinerary would not be complete without this epic day trip from Bagan. Mount Popa is home to a monastery on top of an extinct volcano, guarded by monkeys. Yes, it sounds insane and trust us, it’s a day trip you’ll never forget !

Shwezigon Pagoda:  We were dropped back in Bagan from our Mount Popa day trip at around 2 pm. This meant we had time to explore Shwezigon Pagoda one of the most impressive  pagodas in Bagan .

Bagan – Day Two

Balloons at Sunrise:  Bagan is one of the most famous Myanmar destinations for this reason. The sunrise over Bagan is epic whether you witness it with your feet firmly on the ground (like us) or high above the clouds. As mentioned, it is seasonal so ideally plan your Myanmar itinerary between November and March if a balloon over Bagan is on your bucket list. Alternatively, you could be lazy like us and watch them from the roof of the hotel (more on this shortly!)

Bagan Pagodas:  There are over 2000 pagodas in Bagan – we managed to squeeze in around 20 during our  3 days in Bagan . On day 2 we created a map of all temples and walked to as many as we could. Although the majority were within walking distance (we created a map and guide of the Bagan pagodas so you can do this too,) hiring an E-bike is also a popular way to explore the pagodas.

Bagan – Day Three

Lacquer Workshop: Although we saw many pagodas on foot, we did find hiring a local driver on day 3 far more beneficial because, air-con and also because we learned so much from his local knowledge. Lacquerware is a huge industry in Myanmar, and a visit to a Lacquer Workshop during your 3 days in Bagan is a must. Be warned; you will be tempted to spend some serious dollar on souvenirs.

Mani Sithu Market:  We love local markets but would have no idea this one existed as it wasn’t included in any other  Bagan itinerary   we read. Providing a memorable insight into local life with the opportunity to purchase beautiful handmade souvenirs, we cannot recommend a visit to Mani Sithu Market enough. We’re so glad our local guide took us here as we were the only tourists so felt it was a more authentic experience compared to the other markets or vendors in Bagan outside the usual tourist attractions.

Traditional Tea Shop:  No Myanmar itinerary would be complete without a visit to a tea shop. The tea shops in Bagan are similar to the  coffee shops in Hanoi  – small plastic stools line the streets as locals relax with a cup in hand, sharing stories from their day.

Puppet Show:  If you’re  backpacking Myanmar ,  you may be disappointed with the nightlife in comparison to other SE Asian countries. No cocktails out of buckets here, instead puppet shows are a popular past time in the evening. We had dinner as we watched the show at the Nanda restaurant and loved every minute – the show is even accompanied by live music. Puppet shows are popular throughout Myanmar, and our hotel in Mandalay even had a puppet theatre in the restaurant.

Where to Stay in Bagan

We stayed in  Bagan Beauty Land Hotel and would go as far as to say it was our favourite hotel during our 10 days in Myanmar.

It cost 7000 MMK (Around £3.80) from the bus station to our hotel by taxi, and we used the same driver for our tour of Bagan.

Not only was our room upgraded for free but we also received a free late check out as we were getting an overnight bus to Inle Lake next which didn’t leave until after dinner.

We paid 139,000 MMK for 3 nights (around £75) and this included breakfast.

The hotel also had a rooftop seating area which was ideal for sunset to watch the balloons over Bagan. Although there was only a handful during our stay, this was such a unique experience alongside the bonus we could go immediately back to bed!

Book Bagan Beauty Land Hotel

Where to Eat in Bagan

As mentioned, we had a local guide during our 3 days in Bagan , this was a huge advantage as he recommended some amazing places to eat!

Myo Myo : Our experience here was one of the best restaurants in our entire Myanmar itinerary. It was our first taste of traditional Burmese food served as several small plates similar to tapas. Nearly 25 dishes were delivered to our table, but luckily you only pay for what you eat – large plates are 1500MMK and small around 500MMK.  

Sharky’s :Thanks to their famous chef and epic farm to table menu, you cannot miss eating at Sharky’s when you’re in Bagan. They also have a sister restaurant in Yangon, which we highly recommend, we visited while celebrating Thingyan .

Nanda restaurant : As mentioned, an unmissable experience from your Bagan itinerary as you can watch the puppet show as you enjoy delicious, traditional food.

Bagan to Inle Lake by Bus

Again we used JJ Express and took a bus from Bagan to Inle Lake. This time it was an overnight bus, leaving Bagan at 10 pm and arriving in Inle Lake for 6 am.

We booked a “VIP” ticket, and although blankets, pillows and refreshments were provided and the seats very comfortable, the roads were so incredibly bumpy (and horns constantly beeping) that we didn’t sleep much.

Our Bagan to Inle Lake bus ticket cost 47,000 MMK (approx. £25.00) for both of us.

Inle Lake / Nyaungshwe: 3 Nights

Inle lake – day one.

Book a bike & boat tour:  Of all the places to visit in Myanmar, Inle Lake is a definite favourite as it’s unlike anywhere we’ve ever been before with villages, farms and markets all floating on the lake. There are two ways to see the lake in its full glory – by boat and by bike.

We arrived in Inle Lake at 6 am off a very bumpy night bus and thankfully arranged an early check-in so we could catch up on sleep before spending our day exploring Nyaungshwe in search of the best boat & bike hire deal. We booked with a small shop called Century Inlay and paid 23,000k/£12.50 (20,000k for boat, 1500k per bike.)

Dinner at Paw Paw restaurant:  After a much needed chill day catching up on sleep, wandering around the town and booking our tour we cannot recommend dinner at Paw Paw enough. It is a social enterprise with all profits funding the education of local women. The food is delicious with a beautiful setting to match, and it was one of our favourite  restaurants in Inle Lake .

Inle Lake – Day Two

Hire a Bike:  As mentioned, hiring a bike is one of the best  things to do in Inle Lake  and exploring the township of Nyaungshwe or cycling round the lake itself is the perfect way to spend your day. Most accommodation offers bike hire – we paid 1500MMK per bike for a whole day (approx. 80p)

Visit A Winery:  You may be surprised to see wine tasting on your Myanmar itinerary, but Red Mountain Estate & Vineyard is only 5km from Nyaungshwe and is the perfect place to refuel during your cycle tour. Of all the  things to do in Inle Lake , wine tasting isn’t in the usual tourist guides, but at only 4500 MMK each (£2.50) we highly recommend it as a way to spend your afternoon. Just remember to take cash as they don’t accept card so you’ll be left sharing a small pinot between two like we had to. Even if wine tasting isn’t your cup of tea we recommend this little detour as the views of Inle Lake from here are stunning and it’s also home to one of the most romantic restaurants in Inle Lake .

Inle Lake – Day Three

Boat Tour at Sunrise: Unless you’re taking a balloon over Bagan, today will be the earliest morning in your Myanmar itinerary. We left our hotel around 5:30 am in order to be on the lake snapping the fake fishermen in time for sunrise (more about that here ). We loved every minute of our boat tour of Inle Lake, and it was a definite highlight from our 10 days in Myanmar. Our highlights included:

• Souvenir shopping at 5 day floating market
• Chatting with the Padaung “long neck” women
• Learning the process of Lotus weaving
• Visit the enchanting Indein Village & Indein Pagodas

Where to Stay in Inle Lake

We loved every minute of our stay at Thousand Island Hotel in Nyuangshwe. We paid £21.00 per night, which included breakfast. The hotel also had a rooftop bar which was perfect for watching the sunset. They also offered bike rental as well as boat tours (although we found it cheaper to book in town.) The location was perfect, mere minutes away from the water which was ideal for our boat tour as we didn’t have to pay extra for a taxi transfer.

Book Thousand Island Hotel Inle Lake

Where to Eat in Inle Lake

Of all the food we devoured during our 10 days in Myanmar, the restaurants in Inle Lake   were some of the best from our entire trip – so much so we dedicated an entire post as there are too many good places to eat that you need to visit. There really is something for everyone and all within our modest backpacking budget! 

Inle Lake to Yangon By Bus

Be prepared for your longest bus journey in this Myanmar Itinerary. From Inle Lake to Yangon we paid £15 per person. We left Inle Lake at 5 pm and arrived in Yangon at 6 am. From Inle Lake to Yangon, we did stop on route and had a meal in a roadside restaurant (I had a rice dish, Darren had noodles) which was included in our bus ticket price.

Inle Lake to Yangon Flights

If you don’t fancy the bumpy overnight bus from Inle Lake to Yangon, you can also fly. The nearest airport is Heho which is around 45 km from Inle Lake. From here it’s around 1 hour 20-minute flight to Yangon with flights costing around £70. Although it’s much quicker, by the time you include airport transfers either end and the flights from Inle Lake to Yangon, it will prove very expensive especially if you’re  backpacking Myanmar on a budget – by opting for the overnight bus we also saved paying for a night’s accommodation, but understand not everyone looks like jolly on an 11 hour bus journey!

Yangon: 1 Night (2 Days)

Yangon – day one.

Thingyan Festival: As mentioned, we felt April is the best time to visit Myanmar as we were incredibly fortunate to experience Thingyan Festival  and recommend planning your Myanmar itinerary for this time too.

We arrived from our night bus at 5:30 am and paid $20 for an early check-in before a few hours nap as the fun of Thingyan kicks off around 10 am.

For an entire day we danced and played with locals throwing water, running from hoses and enjoying local sweet treats. It was an unforgettable experience and although most Myanmar destinations celebrate it, the biggest celebrations are in Yangon and Mandalay. The celebrations generally last from 10am until 10pm with a brief break in the afternoon for lunch. You will hear the music stop and start as the sign to get outside to enjoy the celebrations!

Rooftop Dinner:  Our hotel had an epic rooftop restaurant which not only provided a dry spot to watch the water fights below but also a beautiful view of the glowing Shwedagon Pagoda in the evening with a local beer in hand. Our dinner here was the perfect way to end our 10 days in Myanmar.

Yangon – Day Two

Shwedagon Pagoda at Sunrise: Time for the grand finale of your Myanmar itinerary – Shwedagon Pagoda.  Known as the jewel in the Myanmar crown, this dazzling religious site was the reason we booked our trip in the first place and the perfect way to end our 10 days in Myanmar.

It was even more special to visit during Thingyan and watching the sunrise surrounded by locals celebrating. We spent around 2 hours here and could easily have spent more but sadly had a plane to catch. Although we would have loved to do more  Yangon Sightseeing  the majority of attractions were closed for celebrations, giving us even more reason to return.

Where to Stay in Yangon

We cannot fault our stay at  Merchant Art Hotel , not only did it have an epic rooftop space complete with funky domes and views of Shwedagon Pagoda, but the staff were so friendly during Thingyan despite us dripping everywhere and the constant water fights.

The décor was also super funky with vibrant artwork throughout the hotel and even in our room. From our entire Myanmar itinerary, the breakfast here was our favourite as there was SO much food we were still full at lunch.

We paid £27 for one night however also paid an early check-in fee (around £16) as we arrived at 5:30 am from our night bus. It was worth every penny to have a few hours nap and prepare for crazy water fights of Thingyan. It was also ideal for walking to Shwedagon Pagoda as it was a mere 5-minute walk.

As we were  backpacking Myanmar  we were restricted to a budget, but if you are looking for a more luxury stay, the  Shangri-La Hotel in Yangon  is a popular option for the most incredible stay.

Book Merchant Art Hotel Yangon

Where to Eat in Yangon

Sharky’s –  During Thingyan we sought refuge in Sharky’s , we were even fortunate enough to meet the famous owner (who’s the judge on Myanmar Masterchef) who treated us to a few freebies in celebration of their New Year. The food here is delicious and a visit to Sharky’s is unmissable during your Myanmar itinerary, whether in Yangon or Bagan!

Merchant Art Hotel –  Even if you don’t end up staying here, we recommend eating in their rooftop restaurant for views of Shwedagon Pagoda and to dine under their funky domes. It was the most expensive meal in our 10 days in Myanmar but still a cheap £18 for two main courses and 2 beers each.

10 DAYS IN MYANMAR ITINERARY: TOTAL COST

As you may have noticed we squeezed in a lot of activities, sightseeing and tasty food into our Myanmar itinerary, so you’ll likely be wondering how much it all cost.

If you are  backpacking Myanmar  you may find it more expensive in comparison to other traveller hot spots such as Thailand or Vietnam, but we still found it incredibly reasonable.

As a rough breakdown of costs:

• It was £0.80 for a local beer and around £5 for a main course in a mid-range restaurant.
• We spent approximately £65.00 on all our buses (both people) for the  duration of our Myanmar itinerary
• Accommodation was around £25.00 per night on average for a private room in a mid to high range hotel (although it was local holidays).
• In total, for 10 days in Myanmar we spent £750 – this included all transport, food, souvenirs, accommodation and activities.

We could have easily spent a lot less but we did pay extra for local guides instead of doing it ourselves as we felt we learned a lot more this way. We also dined out and drank alcohol every day as well as purchasing several souvenirs (there are just too many to resist!) Our accommodation was also of mid-high range so if you’re on a budget, homestays or guest houses would prove cheaper.

FEELING INSPIRED BY OUR MYANMAR ITINERARY?

We had the most incredible 10 days in Myanmar and hope this guide has inspired you to book those flights. Although our Myanmar itinerary is intensely busy you will learn so much and make unforgettable memories. Despite our travels around the world and over 30 countries later, Myanmar remains our most epic trip (so far.) Although, as always this is just a sample itinerary and we’re sure there are many places to visit in Myanmar that we didn’t have time to see so let us know your favourites in the comments.

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This Post Has 3 Comments

I love Myanmar, it is such a beautiful country and would love to visit again, Your photos are incredible.

I went to Myanmar 2 years ago and loved it so much! Your itinerary is spot on for all the best things to see and do!

Such a great post and so informative! Saving this for later when planning a trip here!

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Myanmar Itinerary: 7 Days (1 Week)

Closed off to most of the world for decades, Myanmar is rapidly being “discovered” and is in the process of becoming one of Southeast Asia’s most acclaimed tourist destinations. With smaller crowds than neighbouring Thailand and a rich variety of natural and historical sites, Myanmar is a rewarding country to visit.

While you’ll get the best Myanmar experience by visiting for two weeks or longer, it’s possible to see most of Myanmar’s highlights in one week. Below, we’ve prepared a one week itinerary for travellers interested in visiting Myanmar that covers most of the country’s must-see sights.

Check Hotel Availability And Pricing

Destination, check-in date, check-out date.

Note: Myanmar is one of Southeast Asia’s least developed countries, but travelling can cost slightly more than in Thailand or Vietnam. Our How Much Money Do I Need For Myanmar? guide covers the cost of travelling around Myanmar, from accommodation to food.

Day One: Arriving in Yangon

• Our Myanmar itinerary starts in Yangon, the country’s former capital and main economic hub city. With five million people, Yangon is Myanmar’s largest city and a cultural melting pot, with elements of Burmese, British, Indian and Chinese culture on display.
• Travellers with passports from outside Southeast Asia will need visas to enter Myanmar. As of 2014, citizens of more than 100 countries can enter Myanmar using an e-visa. Our guide to the process of getting a Myanmar tourist visa explains more about the country’s visa system.
• Although Myanmar is one of Southeast Asia’s least developed countries, Yangon is a bustling city with a great selection of hotels. Our Yangon Quick Guide lists Yangon’s best luxury, mid range and budget hotels, as well as the city’s best places to eat.

Day Two: Exploring Yangon

• Yangon is full of interesting sights and attractions, from pretty colonial buildings to some of the world’s most important Buddhist pagodas. Day two of our Myanmar itinerary involves visiting several of Myanmar’s most impressive temples, including the incredible Shwedagon Pagoda:
• The Shwedagon Pagoda is a 99 metre Buddhist pagoda that’s by far the most visible item in Yangon’s skyline. Legends state the pagoda was built more than 2,600 years ago, making it by far the oldest pagoda in Myanmar.
• The Sule Pagoda is a large Buddhist pagoda located in the centre of Yangon. One of the city’s most popular meeting points, the pagoda has played an important role in several of the country’s recent political demonstrations.
• Yangon has two large lakes, both of which are pretty and relaxing. Kandawgyi Lake is a large manmade lake near the Shwedagon Pagoda famous for its Karaweik barge. Inya Lake is another manmade lake in the north of Yangon that’s more popular with locals.
• Want to see more of Yangon? Our Things To Do In Yangon guide lists the city’s most important religious and cultural sites, museums, colonial buildings and more.

Day Three to Four: Visiting Bagan

• Bagan is an incredible ancient city in Central Myanmar that’s home to thousands of Buddhist temples. Many of the temples were built during the 11th and 12th centuries, with large parts of the ancient city in a state of ruin today.
• Flights to Nyaung U Airport, which is the closest airport to Bagan, are available from Golden Myanmar Airlines, Asian Wings and several other local airlines. There are more than 12 direct flights per day from Yangon to Nyaung U, with the trip taking 80 minutes on average.
• After arriving in Bagan, you’ll need to pay a $20 USD (or 27,000 kyat) fee to enter the Bagan Archaeological Zone.
• Bagan is a huge expanse of temples, and it’s best to arrive as early as possible in the morning and spend two days exploring the area. Our guide to Bagan’s essential temples lists the best temples to visit over your two days in Bagan.

Day Five: Travelling to Mandalay and Inle Lake

• After two days visiting Bagan, it’s time to travel to Mandalay. Flights are available on a frequent schedule throughout the day, with the journey between Nyaung U and Mandalay Airport over in just half an hour.
• Mandalay is an interesting city with several fascinating religious sites, including the Maha Myat Muni Paya. If you have an extra day, it’s worth spending it in Mandalay exploring the city’s vast variety of temples and pagodas.
• Our Things To Do in Mandalay guide lists Mandalay’s top religious, cultural and historical sites, as well as attractions close to the city such as the incredible U Bein Bridge.
• We recommend spending a few hours exploring Mandalay and seeing the city’s top attractions before heading on to Inle Lake by bus in the early evening or flying to Heho Airport in the late afternoon.
• If you don’t mind missing out on the short visit to Mandalay, it’s also possible to fly directly into Heho Airport (Inle Lake) from Nyaung U Airport near Bagan. Like Bagan, foreigners must pay a $10 USD fee to enter the Inle Lake area.
• Searching for a place to stay near Inle Lake? Our Inle Lake – Where to Stay guide lists the best luxury, mid range and budget hotels near Inle Lake.

Day Six: Exploring Inle Lake

• Inle Lake is an incredible freshwater lake in the centre of Myanmar. Home to tens of thousands of people, most of whom live in fishing villages on the lake itself, Inle Lake is a biological wonder and one of Myanmar’s most important breeding and migration sites for thousands of birds.
• The easiest way to explore Inle Lake is via a boat tour. Both group and private tours of the lake are available, with prices starting from 20,000 kyat (approximately $15 USD) for a full day tour (eight hours) of the lake’s most important sites and markets.
• It’s also possible to hike around Inle Lake, which offers incredible views of Myanmar’s beautiful countryside. Our Inle Lake – Things To See And Do guide shares the best things to see and do around Inle Lake, as well as a less touristy itinerary for your Inle Lake tour.

Day Seven: Back to Yangon and Home

• On day seven, it’s time to pack up and head back to Yangon. There are numerous flights from Heho Airport to Yangon daily, with the trip taking just over one hour. If you leave from Heho on one of the earlier flights, you’ll have several hours of free time for extra sightseeing in Yangon.

Start Planning Your Myanmar Trip Now!

:: Find available Myannar hotels on Booking.com and Agoda.com - usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too.

:: Find the cheapest flights to Myanmar with Skyscanner - one search will show you the prices and times from scores of airlines for your trip. A real timesaver.

:: Make sure you don't forget to bring any of the essentials with our comprehensive Packing List For Myanmar

:: World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world.

:: Book bus and domestic flight tickets in Myanmar with 12Go - easy to use website that lets you check timetables and buy tickets online.

:: Need inspiration? Check our Myanmar Itineraries for ideas of where to go and what to do.

:: Explore our Myanmar Travel Guide for more Myanmar must-see destinations.

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2 Weeks In Myanmar – The Perfect Burma Itinerary

By: Author Hannah

Posted on Last updated: 28 May, 2024

The best Myanmar itinerary is typically around 2 weeks and should include a mix of culture and natural beauty that Burma is most famous for.

We suggest you spend your time between the cities of Bagan, Inle Lake, Mandalay, and Kalaw.

Myanmar Itinerary

We planned our Myanmar trip last minute and in the middle of high season, the first week of January. All we had planned was the first two nights in a Mandalay hotel. We literally were researching hotels on TripAdvisor in the taxi on the way to the airport.

Thankfully we found the perfect hotel with Bagan pagoda views right from our room and we booked it right on the TripAdvisor app on our phone. The below Myanmar itinerary starts and ends in Mandalay it doesn’t matter if you go to Bagan first or Inle Lake.

It’s kind of a messy triangle hitting four of the best Myanmar destinations. This mess would also make for an epic Myanmar honeymoon for the right couple.

*When looking for the best price and biggest selection of hotels in Myanmar check prices on Booking.com , we’ve found they are the best option and have a great cancelation policy.*

2 Days in Mandalay

Spend at least two nights in Mandalay that way you have one full day to see the nearby Mandalay attractions. Most tourists overlook Mandalay as they don’t realize there are tons of things to do in Mandalay . You can rent a bicycle or walk to many of the sights in Mandalay or join a Mandalay day tour.

We hired a private driver for the day who drove us around for 12 hours for 55,000 kyat that way we could make up our own Mandalay tour and go at our pace. We suggest booking this private car for 10 hours with an English speaking guide. We suggest booking before you’re in Mandalay, you won’t be able to negotiate with a taxi down to this price.

1. U Bein Bridge – World’s longest teak bridge

Get up early and head to U Bein bridge for sunrise, not only is a gorgeous sunrise but very few tourist and instead locals & monks crossing the bridge. The U Bein bridge at sunset is also great but will be packed with hundreds of tourists. We had our driver pick us up at 5:45 am so that we got to the U Bein bridge 20 minutes before sunrise.

Have your driver bring you to Mingun which is an hour’s drive from Mandalay. Mingun 11 kilometers/7 miles up the Ayeyarwady River, there is a 9 am daily Mingun boat from Mandalay for 5,000 kyats and it returns to Mandalay at 1 pm.

Our favorite temple in Mandalay was Mingun Pahtodawgyi , which is famous for the cracks running through it caused by the 1839 earthquake. Within walking distance from Mingun Pahtodawgyi is the gorgeous white  Hsinbyume Pagoda.

3. Mandalay

Head back to Mandalay to check out the Mandalay Palace located inside the moat. If you are up for an adventure you can climb the stairs to the top of the Mandalay Hill or you can take a taxi to the top and then ride the escalator to the summit. We suggest watching the sunset over Mandalay from the top of the hill.

Recommended Mandalay Hotels:

• Luxury Mandalay Hotel $100+   Mandalay Hill Resort  5 star resort located just outside the moat within walking distance several Mandalay attractions.
• Midrange Mandalay Hotel $50-$100  The Link 78 Mandalay Boutique Hotel  4 star hotel in the center of Mandalay with modern rooms.
• Budget Mandalay Hotel  Under $50   Hotel A1  #10 hotel on TripAdvisor is where we stayed located right in the center of Mandalay, great value

Recommended Mandalay Restaurants:

• Bistro on 82nd #1 restaurant on TripAdvisor, small European menu. We highly recommend wiener schnitzel for 15,500 kyat.
• NOVA Coffee #1 cafe on TripAdvisor, a popular cafe with great coffee and reasonably priced menu
• Indian Tadka Mandalay We found this restaurant thanks to the raving reviews on TripAdvisor where many customers saying it was the best Indian food they ever had. It was pretty darn good, we recommend chicken tiki masala & garlic naan mains for 5,000k.

Ko Fatty Mandalay Private Driver

• Facebook   message him
• P hone:  +95 9 40372 7817
• Email: [email protected]

Our book online with Viator for a 10-hour private car in Mandalay here .

Related Article: How to get from Mandalay to Inle Lake

5 Days In Bagan

If you are tight on time, you could do a day or two less, but honestly, Bagan is amazing and you’re going to wish you had more time here. More than any other city in Myanmar, Bagan has the most to see and do for visitors.

When traveling to Bagan from Mandalay you can either fly, take the bus, hire a private taxi here , or take a boat cruise to Bagan. We chose to take the boat from Mandalay to Bagan, which took 10 hours but it was really relaxing and scenic. You must book in advance, book online in advance here.  We spent 5 days in Bagan and would suggest at least 3 nights in Bagan as there are over 2,000 temples in Bagan and you’ll need time to explore them.

Related Article: How To Get From Mandalay to Bagan 

As soon as you arrive you’ll realize why we are suggesting spending 5 days in Bagan. Our hotel was right at the edge of New Bagan with amazing pagoda views. We spent the few extra dollars a night to have a pagoda view room in Bagan and it totally was worth it.

Right from our balcony, we could see 10 of the most famous Bagan pagodas including Su La Ma Ni Pahto, Dhamma Yan Gyi Pahto, Ananada Temple, Shwe San Daw Paya, and That Byin Nyu Temple. We really lucked out booking this room for $60 a night on the TripAdvisor app.

1. Rent E-bikes in Bagan

Renting e-bikes in Bagan is a must and it’s the best way to see the best Bagan temples. There are e-bike shops all over and most hotels either have e-bikes for rent or they will have one of the e-bike companies drop one off in the morning and pick it up at night to charge it. Tourists are not allowed to rent mopeds in Bagan but honestly, e-bikes are just the same.

Bagan E-bike Rental Prices:

• 8,000 kyat 7am-7pm
• 2,000 kyat extra to have it dropped off at 530am for sunrise
• 2,000 kyat extra to bring it back after 7 pm

Since we rented two bikes for five days we negotiated a little and get a few of the sunrise charges waived, prices possibly were cheaper in town if we would have shopped around.

2. Get a Bagan Temple Map and go Explore

On your first day in the city pick up a Bagan temple map. Most hotels have free maps and a few e-bike shops sell a more detailed map for 1,000 kyats. We suggest spending one day visiting the temples nearby each main city. You’ll honestly need a day in each part.

We found ourselves spending more time at temples not even on the map. You’ll be literally driving down a road and see a temple in the distance and next thing you know you’re in the middle of the field trying to find a way there.

3. Watch the Sunrise over the temples

One of our biggest Myanmar travel tips is to get up early! Start the morning early because Bagan sunrises should not be missed. Watching the sunrise over the Bagan temples never gets old.

We suggest skipping the temples listed as a sunrise temple or sunset temple as there will be tons of other tourists there. Instead, the day before check out hidden temples off the tourist map. We tried a different place every morning in search of the best Bagan sunrise temple and again in the evening for the best Bagan sunset temple.

4. Hot Air Balloon over the temples of Bagan

One of the best views of the temples in Bagan is in a hot air balloon. Every morning we saw the balloons over Bagan making for some iconic photos. We knew we had to get in a hot air balloon, one morning we woke up at 5 am to jump in a hot air balloon for an unforgettable morning. We soared through Bagan for over an hour with Balloons Over Bagan.

Due to the drone laws in Myanmar, we didn’t bring it with but the photos of Bagan from a hot air balloon were just as good.  Click here to book a hot air balloon over Bagan. Book months in advance the balloons are sold out 4 months in advance due to balloons only running 5 months a year due to winds.

Recommended Bagan Hotels

There are three main hotel zones in Bagan: Old Bagan, New Bagan, and Nyaung-U. There are pros and cons to all options. Old Bagan is right in the middle and probably the best location however if you rent an e-bike it doesn’t matter where you stay as you can drive from New Bagan to Nyang-U in 2o minutes. We think New Bagan and Nyang-U have the best restaurant choices.

• New Bagan Hotel: Kumudara Hotel this is where we stayed in a pagoda view room, great pool, walkable to New Bagan restaurants.
• Old Bagan Hotel:  Thande Hotel Bagan
• Nyanung-U Hotel: Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort Bagan

Recommended Bagan Restaurants

We are only listing the restaurants we personally ate at. There are tons of restaurants that are much cheaper and serve local Burmese food. We have had several friends visit Myanmar and had stomach trouble which ruined their time in Myanmar, so we opt to eat at higher-end places in Burma.

• Nyanung-U: Weatherspoon’s was our go-to place, we ate here 3 times and drove 30 minutes on the e-bikes just to have lunch here. We highly recommend the chicken burger 4,700 kyat and tea leaf salad 1,900 kyats
• New Bagan & Nyanung-U:  La Pizza offers tasty wood-fired pizzas, we visited the New Bagan location three times. Pizzas aren’t cheap by Myanmar standards 7,000+ kyat we recommend the pizza with arugula, fresh tomatoes, and parmesan shavings.
• Old Bagan & New Bagan:  Be Kind To Animals Moon 1 & 2 the menu is huge and affordable. We ate here several times trying different things every time. We highly recommend guacamole with chickpea chips.

Related Article: How to get from Bagan to Inle Lake

1 Day In Kalaw

If you are wanting to see a more rural side of Myanmar there is some great trekking in Myanmar. One of the best treks in Myanmar is from Kalaw to Inle Lake. We suggest spending one day in Kalaw to arrange your trek. Treks can be booked the day before there is no need to book in advance.

There aren’t that many things to do in Kalaw so no need to spend more than one day there before heading off on a trek. There are buses daily from Bagan to Kalaw, the journey is about 6 hours. The nearest airport is in Heho about 45 minutes away.

Recommended Kalaw Hotels

• Luxury Kalaw Hotel $100+   Amara Mountain Resort
• Midrange Kalaw Hotel $50-$100  Royal Kalaw Hills Resort
• Budget Mandalay Hotel  Under $50   360 Kalaw Hotel

3-day trek Kalaw

There are a few trekking options in Kalaw, the most popular is the 70 km 3-day trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake. There is also a 2-day trek to Inle Lake option if a 3-day trek sounds too intense. Another epic trek is the 3-day trek from Kalaw to Pindaya. Both treks have stunning views visiting local Shan villages along the way. Hike through tea leaf plantations and gardens as the path goes up and down.

Most treks are done in groups of 6 but private treks can be arranged for an additional fee. The average going price for the 3-day trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake is 40,000 kyat a person which includes all meals, accommodation, and a local guide. Don’t forget to tip the guides.

There is a 2-day 1-night trek option. These aren’t as common and shouldn’t be booked online in advance. We suggest booking the 2 days Kalaw to Inle Lake trek on Viator here .

3 Days In Inle Lake

3 days in Inle Lake is the perfect amount of time to check out all the things to do in Inle Lake and just enjoy the lake. Inle Lake is a lot bigger than you think and it takes time to get around the lake.

If you trek from Kalaw you’ll want a day just relaxing doing nothing. There are several ways to get to Inle Lake, it’s about 7-8 hours from Bagan or Mandalay. The nearest airport is in Heho, 45 minutes away. Make sure to check out our complete Inle Lake Myanmar guide .

1. Hot Air Balloon over Inle Lake

One of the best to see the lake is from a hot air balloon. Hot air balloons in Inle Lake are relatively new with only two companies operating. We were lucky to get in a balloon with Oriental Ballooning for a 2-hour balloon ride.

This is was our fifth hot air balloon ride and probably our favorite. We started out low flying over the villages along the lake and the floating gardens. We eventually made it up to 7,000 feet above the lake.

2. Rent Bike in Inle Lake

One day rent bicycles in Nyaungshwe for 1,500 kyats a day and just get lost. We rode our bikes out to Red Mountain winery for a peaceful afternoon taste-testing Burmese wine which was much better than expected. The winery is also a great spot to catch the sunset. Ride bikes to the Htat Eian cave which has hundreds of Buddha statues inside.

3. Inle Lake Boat Tour

Spend a day on the lake on an Inle Lake boat tour. We organized a private lake tour right at our hotel for $35 USD for the entire day. Our driver had a list of places to bring us but we often told him no to places as we weren’t looking to buy any souvenirs. Instead, we had him stop at local random restaurants over the water to have a beer.

4. Watch the traditional Fisherman of Inle Lake

If you are lucky you’ll spot a group of men fishing, Inle Lake fishermen are famous for their one leg fishing style. They have one leg on the boat and the other leg wrapped around the oar rowing. We happened upon a group of fishermen who appeared to be working together throwing the net and slapping their oars on the water to get the fish into the net.

Recommended Inle Lake Hotels

There are hotels spread out all around the lake but the majority of hotels are in Nyaungshwe. Nyaungshwe is where the bus drops off and the “major” town with tons of restaurants. Staying at a hotel located outside of Nyaung Shwe has its ups and downs. You’ll have to take a taxi to Nyaungshwe for dinner and nightlife options HOWEVER you will have gorgeous views of the lake. We choose to stay on the lake, our hotel was a 40-minute drive to town and cost 20,000k each way.

• On the lake : Amata Garden Resort this is where we stayed and highly recommend this 4-star hotel right on the lake with gorgeous views
• In Nyaungshwe : Mingalar Inn this budget 3-star hotel is located right in town within walking distance to everything and is under $30 a night

Recommended Inle Lake Restaurants

Inle Lake has a wide range of restaurant options. We only had 3 meals in Inle Lake and one restaurant was so good we went back again. We highly recommend all the places we ate and are still craving some chicken tikka masala.

• Innlay Hut Indian Food House #3 restaurant on TripAdvisor the best Indian food we have ever had. Get the chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, and garlic naan.
• One Owl Grill serves real coffee and breakfast all day. We had their soup, hummus, and fries all were tasty.
• Pub Asiatico Inle has a great rooftop bar with 2,000k happy hour cocktails. The inside restaurant looks straight out of a magazine.

Useful Myanmar Travel Information

$1 USD= 1,300 kyat

Booking Myanmar Hotels

If you are traveling during the high season (November-February) we advise booking a hotel in advance. Myanmar is becoming a popular tourist destination and hotels book up months in advance. Research hotels on TripAdvisor to find one that fits your budget and needs. But, did you know you put your travel dates in TripAdvisor and it’ll give you the best rates on several booking websites? Most hotels you can actually book right on TripAdvisor.

We like having the prices from several websites given to us in one spot. That way we don’t have to search on several different booking websites. You can book hotels and tours right from the TripAdvisor app which makes everything so easy. Like we mentioned before we literally booked our Bagan hotel on the app while we were in the taxi heading to the airport to catch our flight to Myanmar.

Traveling To Myanmar

The cheapest flight to Myanmar will be to Yangon but in this 2 weeks in Myanmar itinerary, we highly suggest flying to Mandalay.  There are direct flights to Mandalay from several nearby Asia destinations. We flew from Chiang Mai Thailand to Mandalay direct for $220 round trip (bags included) on Bangkok Airways, it was a quick 1.5-hour flight.

Apply for your Myanmar eVisa online in advance. We applied a week before our trip and we were approved within 3 days. An email confirmation will be sent to you, just print out your visa and present it at immigration.

If you are traveling around Southeast Asia we highly suggest spending a week or two in Myanmar. Myanmar is changing at a rapid pace and traveling in Myanmar is becoming easier – We suggest visiting sooner than later.

 Have you traveled to Myanmar? What was your Myanmar Itinerary?

Our trip to Myanmar was in collaboration with TripAdvisor but as always our opinions are our own. 

Friday 17th of January 2020

Do you have some names of cheap airlines for travel within Myanmar? Your post sold me.

Hannah Lukaszewicz

Monday 6th of April 2020

You can check out the following domestic airlines within Myanmar: Myanma Airways, Air Bagan, Yangon Airways and Air Mandalay. We have not flown any of them so we can't comment on them.

Saturday 16th of November 2019

awesome post! My boyfriend and i are planning a 3 week trip to Thailand and Myanmar (maybe Vietnam too if we have time) this summer (end of June-early July).

we're not really big into pre-planning our sleeping arrangements, so just curious on whether or not you would recommend we book in advance during the off peak season?

Friday 22nd of November 2019

If you aren't traveling during peak season rooms should be fairly easy to find. However, Myanmar has become more popular quickly leading to accommodation shortages at times. Maybe just before your trip do some internet room searches to gauge availabilities during your dates and make the decision based on that. Have a great trip!

Wednesday 16th of January 2019

do you suggest to change money in advance or take dollars/euros and change it there?

Monday 4th of February 2019

I think you are going to have trouble finding money outside the country. I would suggest taking Dollars into Myanmar, be sure the bills are in good shape and newer than 2006. You maybe be able to exchange Euros in some places, but Dollars are generally better. You can also use ATMs inside the country to withdraw local currency now too. However, be sure to have some cash in dollars in case you have issues with ATMs. Hope that helps - Safe Travels.

Sunday 6th of January 2019

I love your post. I'm planning on going this summer and would like to visit Laos as well. Have you been to Laos and if so how would you suggest I divide my time between the two? I love seeing natural beauty and old architecture (and caves).

Saturday 12th of January 2019

Glad you found us. Yes we have been to Laos too and our opinion we'd spend more time in Myanmar. How much time do you have? Are you going to Thailand at all?

Friday 8th of June 2018

Thank you for your interesting and useful sharing. We are planning to go to Myanmar this July with our 10 years old, would you think the place is safe and enjoyable for children?

I am thinking of skipping Inle Lake and go to Ngapali beach instead after Bagan, any idea on transportation and length to spend in Ngapali beach?

Tuesday 19th of June 2018

Traveling to Myanmar with a child shouldn't be a problem at all. We haven't been to Ngapali Beach in Myanmar so we can't speak from experience. It's a distance away so the best option would be to fly otherwise you'll spend a whole day on the train or bus.

10 Day Travel Itinerary of Myanmar – Backpacker’s Guide

About the Post:  This is a complete budget backpacking itinerary of Myanmar (Burma). And it will allow me to help you plan your Myanmar Trip especially covering the big four of Myanmar.

Last year I decided to witness a stunning new year’s sunrise from Bagan in Myanmar. I also wanted to plan my trip in such a way that I could do a Myanmar Road trip all the way from India. And hence, I started my journey from the Indian state of Manipur in Imphal . I crossed the border and it took me about 19 hours to reach from Tamu (Burma) to Mandalay, which was my first stop. 

Table of Contents

About Myanmar or Burma 

Myanmar which was formerly known as Burma, remained under the military regime for several years before gaining its independence. It is located in the Southwestern portion of SouthEast Asia, sharing its border with prominent countries like India, Thailand, Laos, Bangladesh, and China. And, Myanmar land passage is an important connection between India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway. Being home to more than 100 ethnic groups, Myanmar is definitely one of the most culturally adopted nations in SouthEast Asia.

Myanmar should be best explored on a slow travel. Realistically, I wouldn’t define any specific number of days, in particular, to be a perfect Travel Itinerary to explore Myanmar fully but one can at least explore the four main big cities of Myanmar which are MANDALAY, BAGAN, INLE LAKE AND YANGON within 10 days comfortably. 

Here is my Myanmar itinerary based on my 10 days experience. 

Backpacking for 2 days in Mandalay (Myanmar)

I reached my first destination in Myanmar- Mandalay , also known as the imperial city of erstwhile Burma. I had started from Tamu (Burmese border town to India) and traveled overnight by road to reach Mandalay the next morning. Mandalay is a business district but is home to several pagodas and museums. 

Read all about my Border crossing experience 

Day 1 – Exploring Mandalay City

As I reached in the morning around 8 am, and decided to keep it flexible as per the choice and walk around nearby attractions. Hence, all the below mentioned monasteries can be explored walking as they are nearby. But, you can choose to rent an e-bike/cycle as well.

We walked around Mandalay Palace, which is a huge fortress walled complex that was constructed in mid-1800. But, during world war II, most of it was destroyed. What is now left has been converted into a museum for visitors. The main entrance fee is 10,000 kyats\ 10 $ for one person.

Info – Myanmar Currency is called Kyats  (1 USD = 1400 Kyats)

Next were few of the monasteries which I found of much relevance and were all at walking distance.Out of them, I chose Shwenandaw Monastery which is not an active monastery, as no monks actually inhabit the beautiful building that has become a popular attraction for tourists, photographers, and history buffs. 

Mandalay Hill is one of the major attractions of Mandalay. Although I was tired to the bone as I  didn’t get enough sleep for the last 24 hours before reaching Mandalay. But, I still made sure that I didn’t miss out on catching a glimpse of the panoramic view of Mandalay city from the hilltop. The highlight is Sutaungpyei pagoda on top and the views up there.

But, be prepared to climb a few hundred steps to reach the topmost point of Mandalay Hill. But the sunset view is worth the effort. I would highly recommend this visit.

After spending some time at Mandalay hill, I quickly rushed towards Sandamani Pagoda which lies in Southwest of Mandalay Hill. It can be well observed from Mandalay Hill for its grandeur which lies in well laid out 1700 small Buddhist shrines, each having unique significances. It has the largest iron Buddha statue in Myanmar called the Sandamani.

Kuthodaw Pagoda is also at a walking distance from Sandamani Pagoda. It houses the worlds largest book but it is smaller and more compact. Kuthodaw is spread out with avenues of trees between the rows of shrines whereas at Sandamani they are all lined up in rows side by side and clustered around the central pagoda with little space in between.

Another pagoda you can explore is Kyauktawgyi Pagoda, which lies in the southern part of Mandalay Hill and can be easily visited. The Kyauktawgyi Buddha is a huge sculpted image of the Buddha made of marble.

Pro Tip –  Hiring a bi-cycle / E-Bike is a good idea if you want to avoid spending on Taxi / Tuk Tuk.  

Life in Myanmar can be best observed while exploring the markets.  Zay Cho Market and Jade Market are the local markets in Mandalay . This vibrant market opens from 6 AM until 5 PM and offers anything from fresh fruits, fresh spices to kitchen tools. Best way to see and explore the local way is to visit a market and witness the hustle and bustle. 

I ended my day having a sumptuous meal with my travel partner Arnav at a Chinese night market along with random travelers from some other part of the world. 

Day 2 – Mandalay Food Walk and Cultural Tour 

Today I explored Mandalay and pagoda’s from another side of River Irrawaddy which is a main lifeline in Myanmar.

Day started with a sumptuous food walk through the local markets of Mandalay and this experience was powered by Beyond Boundaries Myanmar.

Recommendation – Myanmar being so diverse in terms of food and culture that I highly recommend to book a food walk with Beyond Boundaries, Myanmar to get an authentic and unique experience with the locals.  

So half a day could be well-spent understanding various flavors of Burmese cuisine which actually is quite diverse. After savoring some tempura, Mohenga, Rice cakes, Lafatau, and of course the very famous Burmese Khauswey . I had my good share of food from breakfast till lunch, all washed off with an avocado smoothie. Oh, my absolute favorite. 

PS- Tea leaf salad (Lafatau) is an absolute must.

Second half it was time for a breezy boat ride through Irrawaddy river to cross over and explore the other side. It was a good 60 mins boat ride with a scenic view. One can either do the same on your own by getting into public boats which run at regular intervals or can book through local tour operators. I did it through Beyond Boundaries, Myanmar. 

Exploring the Mingun Pagoda Complex

A huge massive unfinished structure can be seen from far away as it lies right on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. It was built as the largest pagoda in Myanmar . But two large earthquakes did considerable damage to the Mingun Pagoda. In front of the pagoda facing the river are the remains of two giant Chinthe lions about 29 meters high, guarding the temple. 

There are various street shops selling local handicrafts and other local items from Myanmar. And, also at reasonable rates. But, as a tourist, I recommend checking the rates before buying. 

Few meters away from Mingun Pagoda, is the huge famous bell known as Mingun Bell built by King Bodawpaya . Consider not to miss this interesting place as it attracts a lot of Buddhist disciples and locals as well. The bell is rung by striking its exterior with a wood log.

The Hsinbyume Pagoda is a most unique all-white structure on the banks of the Irrawaddy River just North of Mandalay. The pagoda that is also known as the MyaTheindan Pagoda is located in the Northern part of Mingun town a few hundred meters from the massive Mingun Pagoda. 

Hsinbyume pagoda’s architectural style is very different from other pagodas in Myanmar. The base of the structure shaped like circular terraces is a representation of the seven mountain ranges surrounding Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Buddhist cosmology. From the top there are great views of the Irrawaddy River and the nearby Mingun Pagoda.

INFO – Mingun archeological zone costs US$ 4. This ticket is valid for the Mingun Pagoda and for other monuments in the area like the nearby Hsinbyume Pagoda.

One of the most common pictures of Mandalay on the net is either a sunrise or a sunset picture from a wooden bridge popularly known as U-Bei n Bridge. 

Hence, after completing our Mingun Pagodas tour, we quickly returned to the other side of the Ayarwaddy river to witness the sunset at U-Bein Bridge. It is considered the most ancient and longest wooden bridge in the world.

Built on Tayngthman lake, this bridge is about 1.4 km long and is built from 1000 big pillars and thousands of wooden pallets. 

Unfortunately, I got a wee bit late to reach and was stuck behind several hundreds of tourists on the bridge. Quite disappointing it was that I could not really get a decent shot during Sunset. So, here’s a tip, to reach there as soon as possible or as early as possible during sunrise. 

Lastly, before heading back, I visited one of the most revered Buddhist temples of Mandalay, Mahamuni Temple. The temple or the pagoda was built in 1785 by King Bodawpaya of the Konbaung dynasty after the Mahamuni image was captured during the invasion of the Arakan Kingdom. 

When I visited this temple complex, it was really an auspicious moment as the head of the temple had just walked in and I witnessed some rituals were performed in front of several devotees. There is also a museum which has detailed information about Buddhism.

Several shops around the temple sell offerings for the Mahamuni Buddha image such as incense sticks, candles, and flowers.

Entry fees to Mahamuni Temple is 4 USD. 

PS- Myanmar is a Buddhist country and mainly practices Theravada Buddhism. 

Stay in Mandalay- My stay was pre-booked through booking.com at a very comfortable hotel which was quite reasonable and affordable. Please do check the hotels as they come out to be economical manier times than hostels in Myanmar. 

Exploring Bagan (Backpacker’s paradise in Myanmar) 

About Bagan 

Bagan was one of my main reasons to plan a trip to Myanmar. For I had heard so much about the stunning sunsets and sunrises apart from the thousands of temples and Pagodas there. 

Bagan is one of the important ancient cities of Myanmar (BURMA) . Dotted with almost over 4000 temples, Buddhist pagodas, and other religious structures in various parts of Old Bagan, It is sometimes proudly known as Sea of Temples. It has also been recognized as the UNESCO world heritage site. Bagan was formerly known as Pagan in the Mandalay Region of Myanmar. 

Bagan is mainly divided into three parts mainly Nyaung-U, Old Bagan, and New Bagan . In Old Bagan , you’ll find most of the ancient, crumbling buildings and structures, while most people reside in New Bagan .

Note – To enter Bagan Archeological Zone ,  each visitor has to pay a sum of 25000 Kyats ~ 18 USD at the Bagan entry points. This is a one time fee.

Day 3 – Mandalay to Bagan (Half Day exploration)

I started for Bagan which took about 4 hours from Mandalay by road. I had pre-booked a mini-van from our hotel just a day before for 9000 kyats . I started off around 8 am, so as to reach Bagan by lunchtime. And, accordingly, I had the second half of the day to start exploring.

Bagan is best explored by hiring e-bikes . They are super cheap and easy to ride and gives complete flexibility to move around your own suitable way. You can check out for the same in the hotel/ hostels, you are staying in. 

Hired an e-bike post-lunch, and quickly checked out the city maps to move towards Old Bagan to catch the sunset from one of the many vantage points of Bagan.

Honestly, the first day I was a little clueless about which place to head first, hence I  proceeded towards Old Bagan to visit a temple and later to proceed towards catching Sunset. 

My recommendation i s to spend at least 2-3 days in this wonderful place in order to soak in the ancient temple city vibes.

Also, do keep in mind that maximum tourists come here in order to witness the sunsets and sunrises, hence finding yourself in a pool of tourists won’t be much of a surprise. 

After watching Sunset, I came back to our Hostel and ended the day.

I stayed in a hostel and chose Bagan Vibes Hostel which was in New Bagan Area. Staying here also helped me to network with like-minded fellow travelers in order to understand the various sunrise points. There are other good hostel chains like Baoba Beds, Ostello Bello Hostel in Bagan but all were sold out due to high season. 

Hence, if you are traveling during high season, please pre-book your stay.

DAY 4 – Catching Sunrise, explore Old Bagan and Mt. Popa Tour 

In order to understand the city better, getting a city map handy was a great idea in order to commute especially during early morning hours. Today, we chose to watch the sunrise from Sulamani Temple. So, along with my partner who was riding the bike we quickly proceeded for the sunrise well before time, say around 5.30 am. 

PS- If you are traveling in the winter months, it gets very chilly during the early mornings. Hence, I advise you to carry a light jacket and a scarf to cover up. Bagan is also a very dry and dusty city hence covering yourself with a scarf is very much required.

Post catching the mind-blowing sunrise with hot air balloons in the sky, We came back for our breakfast.  

Note – Hot Air Balloon ride is around USD 350 for 15 mins. But, it totally depends on the season, hence prior checking the weather condition is recommended.

It also gets extremely hot mostly during midday and apart from catching sunrise and temples, basically there is not much to do. Hence, after resting for a while I decided to go on a Half day tour to Mt. Popa. 

Mt. Popa is considered to be a sacred place to worship for the locals. It can be visited either during early morning but it takes about 1.30 hrs to reach from Bagan hence 3-7 pm tour is generally what I would recommend for a lovely hilltop sunset. 

But, be prepared to climb about 777 steps and face monkey havocs in the way. Hence, do not carry any food items in hand to avoid them. 

Mt. Popa tour cost me about 9000 Kyats but it was all worth the experience. The panoramic views and sound of bell gong truly reverberated my senses. 

Day 5 – Exploring Bagan Ancient temples and Sunset cruise on the Irrawaddy river.

After another stunning sunrise witness from Dhamayangyi Temple , we proceeded towards exploring the various main temples of Bagan in detail. Once you get to Bagan, you will feel like not to miss any morning to capture the stunning sunrise only because each point gives different photography angles. 

Today, our local tour around Bagan was powered by none other than Beyond Boundaries, Myanmar again . Because, I was absolutely convinced by their expertise on providing a unique experience to all their guests. 

Some of the prominent Bagan temples which I visited were Shwezigon Pagoda, Ananda Temple, Dhamayangyi Temple, Thatbyiunnyu Temple, Sulamani Temple. All this is spread across several acres in the Old Bagan area. Apart from these, there are also several big and small unnamed pagodas around this area. 

I also had a local lunch with a family who hosted us to give an authentic local cuisine experience and this was arranged by Beyond Boundaries, Myanmar. 

Post the lunch, I headed for a lacquerware workshop as I wanted to understand the whole process. Bagan is a very tourist-friendly place and one of the most popular hand-made souvenir items is lacquerware. They also showed us to identify a difference between fake and original ones as the latter is much more high priced.

There are several curio shops and lacquerware boutiques scattered all-around Bagan. 

Lastly, we headed for our last activity which was a cruise boat experience on river Iyyerawady to witness the captivating sunset. It was a good 2 hours chilled out experience which was much needed after a hectic day. 

I bid goodbye to Bagan after a 3-day action-packed experience and proceeded further to my next destination in Myanmar.

Explored the serene Inle Lake (Laidback charm of Backpacking) 

Inle lake is in the beautiful hilly regions of Shan state of Myanmar. It is one of the prettiest and quaint towns of Burma. One should definitely not miss out visiting this place.

TIP : Ideal way to explore is to undertake a two-day trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake, to get the best backpacking experience through the interiors of Myanmar. 

Day 6 – Reaching Inle lake from Bagan 

I wouldn’t really praise the minivan journey of Myanmar to be one of the best, as it totally depends on the bus company services. So, after a long and tedious journey in a cramped minivan, I reached Inle Lake after almost 8 hours. 

NOTE: Each visitor has to pay a mandatory Inle lake development fee of 15000 kyats at the time of entry. 

After constantly traveling fast for the last 7 days, I decided to give some slow time to my travel and hence opted to go for a perfect staycation at a bit upscale luxurious lakehouse resort in Inle Lake.

Although, there are plenty of hostels in Inle Lake including the most famous ones like Ostello Bello, Baoba Beds, or Hardwood hostels which offer reasonably priced accommodation.  

But, given the stunning location of Inle, I would recommend you stay in ViewPoint Ecolodge, Inle Lake which is located right beside the Lake in Nyaung Shwe Town . You can easily book a water stilt bungalow for two nights at Inle ViewPoint Ecolodge with all-Inclusive packages. 

The first day I kept it easy,  just to stroll around the nearby markets and explore the nearby surroundings of Inle Lake, Nyaung Shwe Town. 

Day 7- Full Day tour around serene Inle lake, Myanmar 

I started early as my resort had pre-arranged a full-day tour around Inle Lake on request. The long tail boats are a major and faster means to commute to different spots and areas in Inle Lake.

Inle lake is dotted with several tourist attractions which are more or less located on the banks of the lake and can be best explored through boat. 

Witnessing and photographing the Inle Lake fishermen is one of the main attractions of Myanmar. The people of the lake are called Intha. And, you will find plenty of fishermen showcasing their unique style of fishing while doing a balancing act . They have a unique way of catching fish in the shallow water. 

Sometimes it is believed they do pose for the tourist for a small amount of tip. Although, I cannot really comment on that.

Shan state and its people are also known for their unique talents in silverware jewelry making, Cigar Rolling, fabric weaving out of lotus stems, and many more artifacts.  

I was actually tempted to purchase many souvenirs and locally made clothes from the flea markets of Inle Lake. Each location has a specific day and timings to set up a makeshift market that sells souvenirs, handmade garments, jewellery or food items as well.

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I ended the day with a relaxing Spa at my resort to pamper my senses. Note that Inle ViewPoint Ecolodge has a lovely variety of spa on offer.

Next day I set out again by boat to explore and today I also enjoyed the very authentic and delectable Shan Cuisine right on the boat along with some local Inle Wine to tickle the taste buds.

Recommendation – Shan cuisine is one of the best in Myanmar and a must-try. 

Inle region is also famous for its Vineyards hence trying out their local wine is highly recommended .

There are many monasteries also which can be explored around Inle Lake. Post lunch I headed for my rendezvous with Kayan tribal women popularly known as “Long Neck Tribe” . They wear brass rings around their necks to give them the illusion of being elongated.  

Met with one of the young Kayan girls , who explained how she wore double the weights of rings around her neck as compared to her age, as a part of tradition. 

These women sell scarves, bags, and try to make a living by selling similar handicrafts mainly to tourists.

Before, leaving Inle Lake, I wanted to check out one of the Vineyards of Inle . Hence, as per the recommendation, I headed for Red Mountain Estate & Winery to sample freshly casked local wine. At 5000 kyats , I got to taste 4 types of wine with a panoramic view overlooking Lake Inle. 

I boarded a night bus, this time VIP bus was quite comfortable for my overnight journey from Inle Lake to my last destination in Yangon. 

Apart from the train journey which caters to slow travel mainly, it is generally wise to travel in Myanmar by bus for they are quite comfortable.

NOTE – Bus tickets can be booked from JJ Express Bus service in Myanmar

Backpacking in the colonial charms of Yangon 

Day 9 – reaching yangon and full day city exploration.

Reached Yangon early morning after a comfortable bus journey from Inle Lake which took around 12 hours.

  Ensure that you book a comfortable VIP bus for this long travel. 

Yangon formerly known as Rangoon was also the past capital of Myanmar before Naypyidaw . It is presently the largest city of Myanmar.

 Yangon is also one of the major industrial epicenter of Myanmar. Commercialization is far more advanced in Yangon than any other city of Myanmar.  

The city’s architecture has a colonial influence due to the invasions of Britisher during the early 19th century. After being under several years of international isolation, Yangon architectural wonders totally seemed to have been neglected. 

So I preferred staying in Lake Esperado Hotel which was located in the business district of Yangon overlooking the famous Shwedagon Pagoda. 

Although, one can also choose from plenty of hostels around the downtown area of Yangon . But, before I ended my 10 days backpacking trip in Myanmar , I chose to stay in a quiet neighborhood, which offered a fantastic aerial view of the city from the rooftop.  

Yangon can be best explored either by Grab Cab , e-bikes or bi-cycle. 

So, after freshening up, I headed out towards downtown Yangon, and started with War Memorial right in the centre of the town. I walked through many colonial architecture of Yangon which had a similarity with my own city, Kolkata because both have been under British rule. 

Next I went on to visit the largest and the oldest golden pagoda in Myanmar. Witnessing Shwedagon Pagoda was really ecstatic and it’s a must visit when in Yangon. The temple, believed to be more than two thousand years old and is adorned with many precious gems and jewellery donated by disciples from all over the world . 

It has a very large complex, hence ensuring that you are well prepared to walk and explore the same giving enough time.

Note, that it is worthwhile to visit Shwedagon pagoda specially during or post the sunset because it offers an enchanting golden frame in the evening. 

The entry to this largest and the most prominent pagoda will cost you 10000 kyats. But it’s totally worth it. 

One can also explore Sule Pagoda which is a smaller pagoda but also is very beautiful. The pagoda, known in Burmese as the K yaik Athok Zedi , is surrounded by busy streets, a market and colonial era buildings like the Supreme court building and Yangon city hall. 

In the afternoon, I ferried myself to the other side of Yangon, to the Burmese fishing village called DALA.

Dala is the countryside village of Yangon located on the other banks of Irrawaddy river. A quick exploration by trishaw was what I did and visited some really rural areas to witness many Burmese artisans at work. Dala also gave me a sneak peek into the local way of life in Myanmar.

Day 10 – Explore the Yangon Neighbourhood in Circular Train 

Yangon Circular Train is another way to experience slow travel and to witness the daily life in Yangon. It was commissioned during British colonial era and has not been modified much after that.

The journey is not exactly very comfortable but keeping that aside, it’s the best and cheapest way to explore  Yangon in 3 hours . One can hop on – hop off the train at any given stations and can avail a faster commute. The local vendors sell tea, snacks and fruits right throughout the journey which can make the journey quite interesting actually. 

Some Important Tips for Myanmar Backpacking : 

Myanmar visa .

Myanmar is not providing the Visa on arrival facilities for Indian Passport Holders. But, acquiring the same is pretty easy, as all you have to do is to apply for an E-visa in Myanmar Tourism Site  E-Visa is generally issued at the cost of USD 50 for a general tourist single entry visa which allows stay upto a period of 28 days. 

Best Time to Travel in Myanmar

Myanmar gets very hot during the summer . Hence the best time to visit between Nov- Feb . But, to keep in mind that being a high season during winters, everything may tend to get pricey.

What to wear while travelling in Myanmar

Myanmar is fairly a conservative religious country. Hence, it is advised to dress modestly to respect the religious sentiments of the locals. Also, because it gets considerably hot during day time. Covering your body parts is generally recommended. Locals wear Longyi (both men and women) which is also part of their traditional attire. 

Other recommended places in Myanmar 

I would say if you stretch a few more days then you can add less touristic places like Hpa-An , Kyauk Kalap , Kyaiktiyo or to the beaches like Ngapali Beach or Mergui Archipelago.

What to pick as a souvenir gifts from Myanmar

Myanmar is famous for various handmade items be it from natural fabric garments out of Lotus stem weaves, precious stones, wooden carvings, lacquerware items, Sandpainting, organic weaves, and many such. One can choose from as small as fridge magnets, thanaka bark packs for women, various kinds of cigars to niche handmade colorful umbrellas. 

What to Eat in Myanmar 

Burmese cuisine may not be that famous as its neighbouring country. One it is definitely one of the most interesting ones I savoured while on my 10 day trip in Myanmar. Their dishes are rich in flavour and nutrients. 

The must try food items while in Myanmar are Mohenga, Lafat -Thaut (Tea Leaf Salad ), Khauswey , Tempura, Shan noodles, Morning Glory for veg lovers and of course the fresh fruit smoothie which are much easily available.

Summarized 10 Day Travel Itinerary of Myanmar 

 Day 1 – Reach Mandalay and explore the various temples/pagodas either on foot or by E-bike . 

Day 2 – Head for a local food tour (if opted) and take a boat ride across river Ayeyarwady to explore Mingun Temple complex. Watch Sunset at U-Bein bridge in Mandalay.  

Day 3 – Reach Bagan and explore surrounding areas of Old Bagan to witness sunsets at your chosen point. 

Day 4 – Balloon ride in the morning and then Bagan city tour followed by half day tour to Mt. Popa 

Day 5 – Post sunrise capture, head to explore more ancient temples/museums of Bagan . Second half take a cruise along the river to experience a stunning Bagan sunset. 

Day 6 – Reach Inle Lake and explore the quaint surrounding of the town by self exploring.

Day 7 – Take a full day tour of Inle Lake on boat and visit the various workshops and small scale artisans at work.  Also, meet Kayan Tribe women at work. 

Day 8 – Head to witness some big/ small monasteries in Inle Lake town , get some spa rejuvenation and then head to explore the local Vineyards of Myanmar  (Red Mountain Estates & Vineyards) . 

Day 9  – Reach Yangon and do a local city exploration along with a trip to Dala to witness the daily life in Myanmar. Visit the famous Sule pagoda and Shwedagon Pagoda .

Day 10 – Take a Yangon Circular Train to experience the slow charm of life in Yangon.

Day 11 – Trip ends and fly out of Yangon. 

Note: My Myanmar travel itinerary was planned with a starting point at Mandalay, but if someone is directly flying to Yangon, Myanmar then you can also start the same itinerary from Yangon and follow what is mentioned above.

So, I hope that even if travel is on a halt right now, this article has given you enough pointers to plan out your next travel to Myanmar.  

Myanmar is definitely an interesting country which needs to be explored and experienced at its own pace. Hence, my advice would be not to rush and do slow travel in order to savor the real joy of time travel.

PIN IT FOR LATER READ

If you have more questions pertaining to Myanmar , do reach out to me in the comments sections and I shall be happy to help as always.

Would love to stay connected with you all through my social accounts Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter  

Disclaimer – There was no compensation involved, but I was hosted by Viewpoint Eco Lodge and Esperado Lake View Hotel in Yangon. Also, Beyond Boundaries, Myanmar offered a complimentary tour. But, as always  all the opinions mentioned are based on my personal experience. 

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Comments 42.

This post is so informative and I love fishermen pics! Thanks for sharing! ?

Hi Such a well researched , documented guide to explore the itineraries and places mentioned. The pro tips will definitely come useful.the section on souvenirs as well as what to eat is definitely to be remembered. This article is definitley to be bookmarked for reference

Thank you so much. Glad you liked the post.

Wow! So much great information! I have always wanted to ride in a hot air balloon. What a cool place to do it.

Balloon ride was a bit of costly affair. But its all worth the experience of a lifetime..Thanks for the read

Wow! Looks amazing, the Intha Fishermen are so cool! Your photos are inspiring, I totally want to do this itinerary! Thanks for sharing

Intha fishermen are actually unqiue . Thank you so much. You must make it to Myanmar

This is such an exhaustive and detailed post that covers everything fr a 10-day trip to Myanmar. I am sure it will become a ready-reckoner for backpackers when they plan a trip to Myanmar. The way all the topics have been organized and covered is really very systematic and reader-friendly, especially like the summarized itinerary. Reading your post makes one wish that travel resumes again soon.

Yes, I wanted to include all in one guide for all the queries that answers regarding planning a trip to Myanmar. Glad you liked the post. Means a lot to me

What a stunning place! I’d love to get here one day. You’ve provided some amazing tips here. That Viewpoint Ecolodge looks amazing! Thanks for all the helpful info!

Yes myanmar is stunning no doubts. It needs to promoted more and more coz it has so much potential to grow. Thanks for the read. yes Inle stay was gorgeous

I never made it to Myanmar and this post makes me sad that I never did. Thank you for sharing, what a great itinerary.

Thank you so much, Myanmar can always be visited once lockdown is over.

What an incredible journey, I know I am inspired and looking forward to a trip like this. Was there any spot you liked in particular on this trip?

Oh I love Bagan and its sunrises , It made me fall in love with the place. Thank you so much for stopping by my article.

I visited Myanmar in 2017 – I was so stoked on getting pics of the sunset at the U-bein bridge but first time I went, it was raining – and the second, there were just too many people. Some things just aren’t meant to be. ?

Yeah u Bein bridge is awesome but I wish I could have got some stunning shots too .. thanks for the read .. I am glad u liked the article

Wow! Amazing places you described.

This sounds like an amazing trip. I would love to see all the temples. I also like the idea of a food tour. It’s a great way to learn about the food, where to eat, and learn about the destination and culture.

Thank you so much and glad you have liked the post. ANd yes trying Myanmar food is definitely the best.

Wow! You were able to see and do a lot of things in Myanmar. I love that you seem to chase the sunrises and sunsets everywhere you went. The photos with the hot air balloons are very pretty, although the price for a ride is so expensive! The sunset boat ride was perfect too. Do the long neck ladies have to wear the rings around their necks all the time, for their whole life? It seems like their muscles wouldn’t be very good after a short time. Great post, full of lots of information.

Myanmar looks amazing, a Bagan sunrise balloon ride would be top of my to do list. I love the colours of the trees in your photos, you picked a great time to visit. Thanks for the tips, I’d like to visit Myanmar someday.

Yes Bagan Balloon Ride is totally worth it. But watching sunrise with balloons in the sky is another joy as well.

Such an informative post-Debjani. Loved reading every detail here. I am planning for Myanmar soon and will consider the suggestions you have mentioned here.

Thank you so much. I really hope and pray that you make it to this beautiful country sooner.

This is father and mother of every Myanmar Travel Itinerary Guide available on the internet. So much information with mind-boggling pics makes it a perfect visual treat. Gonna bookmark this and will use this is future whenever we plan for Myanmar. Kudos for this amazing post.

Spent a month backpacking around Myanmar 7 years ago. Loved it! The tea leaf salad is amazing. And yes, if you get the chance the 2 day trek from Kalanka to Inle Lake is lovely. Thanks for bringing back some great memories.

We definitely have Myanmar on our travel wish list. Even if we won’t be doing it by backpack! I am sure that first view from Mandalay Hill was a spectacular way to see Mandalay. And the climb would definitely be worth it for sunset. I would love to see Sandamani Pagoda with those 1700 Buddhist shrines. The Hsinbyume pagoda certainly does look very different. A food and culture walk would be the perfect way to learn more. We would definitely want to visit Bagan too. This is not of the places I have on my bucket list for a hot air balloon! I sure hope the weather is good for a ride when we visit. This would be a full itinerary for us. But you did see so much more on your trip.

Myanmar is laid back and best explore when travelling slow . You should visit it soon .

THANK YOU Debjani. This is one of the trips that I am hoping to do and was actively looking up information on how to get there from Manipur or India in general – and by road. Not only is your itinerary interesting, it has all the relevant tips on getting the visa. I am assuming you stuck to public transport. How easy or difficult was that? And also, if one has to take their car, any idea on what the car permits would be like?

Yes it was a bit tiring and long I would say but definitely worth taking once .. visa process is easy and smooth for Indians . Oh for the Car to be taken there are CarNet rules .. May I suggest you to read my border crossing experience (India-myanmar) ? It will answer all your question .

I’ve never been to Myanmar, but it looks fascinating. From the places you’ve listed, I’d most like to see Yangon and Inle Lake. Both look so picturesque and those sunsets and temples are incredible.

Your post reminded me of our time in Myanmar. The itinerary is quite similar to the one we followed. Myanmar is such a beautiful place and your photographs have captures her beauty really well. There is one place we missed – Mt Popa. It was raining badly at that time and so we decided to cancel the trip. Well, I am experiencing Mt. Popa through your post now.

I have not been to SouthEast Asia and love reading about it, especially Myanmar. It sounds like Mandalay Hill is a must see for the view and the Sutaungpyei pagoda and Buddha. I love taking food tours while traveling and really want to try a tea leaf salad!

I never thought about visiting Myanmar, however after reading your comprehensive guide, I am determined to visit Myanmar. The Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda looks absolutely stunning. The pictures here are just breath-taking especially the picture of the fishermen.

You have done lot many things in Myanmar and that too in 10 days. I was planning for Myanmar before Covid and was confused in how to plan my days but your planner looks good and now in future will plan like this. Mingun Pagoda looks very unique due to those cracks during earthquake and I would love to see it. Taking sunset cruise in Bagan would be really a lovely tour for me.

I loved the pictures. My maternal grandparents had actually come from Burma, old Myanmar. I so want to go and see. There is so much to do in there, especially Bagan. Kayan girl and her necklace is very pretty. Mingun Pagoda and the Bagan downtown is interesting. Can’t wait for things to get better.

I completely agree, It is great. And I am always surprised when I read posts about the food. This great content. I have learned something powerful today. food delivery application development

Pingback: How cycling became my lifestyle from a hobby-Ride and Shine Diaries | THE VAGABONG

Myanmar is a beautiful, vast country full of rich tradition, delicious food and gorgeous natural sights. Thank You for this well researched Guide! Food Walks are great way of discovering food in new countries. Recently opened in Yangon, Myanmar, Delhi Deli is the ideal place to experience a delicious blend of traditional and contemporary Indian cuisine in a comfortable, pleasant, and warm environment.

wow – Myanmar looks amazing!

Nice blog author. Thank you. Keep it up.

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Destinations

Experiences.

• Photography

Plan Your Trip

Myanmar starts here.

I first traveled to Myanmar in late 2010, a year or so before the country began enthusiastically rolling out its welcome mat to foreigners. Arriving in the city of Yangon to begin my Myanmar itinerary was, in no uncertain terms, like going back in time, alternating between the 1950s (when the British left and when much of the country’s infrastructure was last upgraded) and much, much longer than that—I’m talking millennia.

My return trip, in early 2016, was a much more typical Southeast Asia experience—on the mainland, anyway. Throngs of tourists flooded attractions like the temples of Bagan and the U-Bein Bridge outside of Mandalay; WiFi and ATMs were as ubiquitous as they are in Thailand or Vietnam; and I no longer had to exchange money in shady back alleys. The Mergui Archipelago, on the other hand, was totally wild. More on that in a minute!

No matter which vision of Myanmar attracts you most to this mysterious, misunderstood country, two weeks is the optimal amount of time to spend here. Apply online for your Myanmar eVisa , then follow this sample itinerary exactly for a pre-planned trip for two weeks in Myanmar, or simply use it as a guideline for your own custom trip.

Practical Matters

When to visit myanmar.

Like its more popular neighbor Thailand, Myanmar experiences a rainy season from roughly May through October, and a dry season throughout rest of the year. Unlike most of Thailand, however, the northern reaches of Myanmar can actually get quite cold, so if you plan on visiting them, you might want to visit during the early and late parts of the dry season. In general, I would say November and March are the best time visit to Myanmar. Note that Myanmar can get crowded during Chinese New Year (early February) and during the Christmas holiday, when travelers from many Christian nations flock there.

Where to Stay in Myanmar

Accommodation is cheap in Myanmar, which means that you can stay in all but the nicest hotels without going broke. You’re unlikely to spend more than $50 per night for three-star, private lodging in Yangon, Mandalay or Bagan, with costs much lower in rural areas. Home stays are possible in some cities and towns and hostels, while available, are unnecessary unless you are on the most shoestring of budgets. Some of my favorite hotels in Myanmar include the majestic, colonial Strand Hotel in Yangon and Bagan’s Manisanda Hotel , a heritage property whose rooftop offers spectacular views of all the city’s temples.

How to Get Around Myanmar

Myanmar’s transportation infrastructure is primitive, but improving. If you have time, you can travel through most of the country using affordable land transport, including minibuses and taxis. Otherwise, a number of local airlines such as Air Bagan, Air KBZ and Myanma allow you to get most anywhere in the country within hours. Rustic transport options, such as the boat between Mandalay and Bagan, are more pleasurable than they are practical, and are only advisable if your Myanmar itinerary will last long enough to have some flexibility.

Money, Costs and Communication

As I’ve alluded to many times already, Myanmar is very cheap. It isn’t as cheap as it was when I first visited in 2010, but it also isn’t as difficult to travel there. Case in point: ATMs are now readily available in the country, allowing you to withdraw kyats instead of exchanging $100 bills for them on the black market, and credit cards are widely accepted. Wi-Fi exists, too, and you can purchase a Myanmar SIM card on arrival at both of the country’s major international airports.

Where to Go During Your Myanmar Itinerary

I have often written that Yangon is the capital of Myanmar, which is not actually true—that honor goes to Naypyidaw , a city whose name I can’t pronounce. Yangon is nonetheless the largest city in Myanmar, as well as its main international gateway, so you’re going to have to spend some time here.

The central attraction of Yangon is Shwedagon Pagoda , a glittering golden playground whose construction dates back to the time of the Buddha—like, the original Buddha. Whether you go at day or night (I recommend both), it’s one of the most captivating places you’ll see in all of Myanmar.

Other popular Yangon religious attractions include Sule Pagoda (in the center of the city), Saint Mary’s Cathedral and Musmea Yeshua Synagogue . Whether you use your time here to get closer to God, or explore nature and history by visiting Aung San Suu Kyi’s House or Kandawgyi Lake , I recommend you spend between 1-2 days of your two weeks in Myanmar in Yangon .

Mandalay and Surroundings

From Yangon, take an overnight train, bus or plane northward to Mandalay , Burma’s second city. As is the case in Yangon, much of contemporary Mandalay’s downtown is run down, although the City Palace located on a massive lake in the very center of the city is pretty effing incredible.

Other awesome Mandalay attractions include Mahamuni Paya , home to one of the largest Buddhas I’ve ever seen in my life and Mandalay Hill , which is topped by a monastery and is one of the most gorgeous sunset vistas in Southeast Asia.

Mandalay is also orbited by a trio of extremely charming small towns: Sagaing, Amarapura and Inwa. While Sagaing is composed of about a dozen temples scattered on a hillside, Amarapura is famous for a rickety bridge of the same name, beneath which men fish with their whole bodies in the water. Inwa , on the other hand, is a bucolic river town that exemplifies how detached Myanmar is from the rest of the world.

Mandalay offers a bit more in the way of attractions than Yangon, so I recommend spending about 2-3 days in Mandalay —longer if you can!

I should probably mention at this point in the itinerary that Mandalay was unfortunately as far as I got during my trip to Myanmar—on my first trip anyway. I came down with extremely severe food poisoning, you see, and had to fly back to Thailand.

Thankfully, when I returned in 2016, I was much more careful about what I ate and I made it down the Irawaddy River to Bagan , a town near which some 2,000 temples sit. I didn’t get much of a chance to bike through the temples, as I’d envisioned doing during my first trip, but I did manage to take a balloon flight over Bagan , which was incredible.

I recommend spending between 2-3 days of your two weeks in Myanmar in Bagan , including a day on an Irawaddy River boat getting there—to me this is almost as impressive as Bagan itself!

The Mergui Archipelago

At this point in a Myanmar itinerary, most travelers head into the far eastern part of the country to a place called Inle Lake . I can’t comment on the merits of this, since I missed out on Inle Lake during my first food-poisoned trip, and I skipped it during my second.

I mean, much love to the lake and its people, but I can’t really imagine it being more beautiful than Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago , a totally undeveloped string of islands in the Andaman Sea about 100 miles north of Phuket. I mention Phuket because these islands truly seem like what Phuket must’ve been like 50 years ago, or even longer.

Although I believe it is technically possible to travel independently in Mergui, setting out from the city of Kawtheung near the Thai border, this part of the world is much better experienced onboard one of the yachts from Burma Boating —ask if the SY Raja Laut is available when you book!

I recommend spending 5-7 days of your 2 weeks in Myanmar in the Mergui Archipelago.

Other Myanmar Destinations

When it comes to a Myanmar itinerary, 2 weeks isn’t actually a very long time. On the other hand, it’s possible that you might have some extra time, in which case there are a few other destinations you can add. The most popular option would be to visit Inle Lake , a large and beautiful body of water that you should note has become significantly more polluted since the first time I traveled to Myanmar. Additionally, it’s become much easier to fall victims to scams there, so please take care.

Other places to see in Myanmar, 2 weeks or more into your trip, include Pindaya town in Shan State and the beach towns of Thandwe and Dawei . You might also take advantage of the fact that far northern Myanmar has some Himalayan trekking available, and visit picturesque Kachin State .

How Many Days Do I Need in Myanmar?

Regardless of where you plan to go during your Myanmar itinerary, how many days in Myanmar you spend is of the essence. While you’ll end up staying about two weeks if you end up following my advice to a t, it’s possible to spend less time travel in Myanmar—and very easy to stay longer. In fact, I imagine my own next trip to Myanmar will last at least a month, if only because of all the incredible things I’ve found to do there.

Let’s say, on the other hand, that you don’t have very long in Myanmar. It’s completely possible, in this case, to organize a 1 week Myanmar tour, with 2 days each in Yangon and Mandalay, plus 2-3 days in either Inle Lake, Bagan or the Mergui Archipelago, if the timing for tours works out just right. Otherwise, you can hit the beach in aforementioned Thandwe or Dawei.

Is Myanmar Worth Visiting in the Era of Rohingya Genocide?

Let’s step away, for a moment, from the concept of a Myanmar itinerary, 7 days or however long you have to spend. The Burmese government has been seriously implicated in the murder of thousands of Rohingya, ethnic Muslim people who have long lived in Myanmar territory near the border with Bangladesh. Worse, leader Aung San Suu Kyi (whom many people once regarded as a hero) has been complicit in these war crimes, which everyone on the planet except here have acknowledged are ethnic cleansing.

I’ll be honest: A big part of the reason I haven’t yet planned a follow up 2 weeks in Myanmar trip is due to this sensitive political issue (and the apolitical, deeply human aspects of it as well). Frankly, I can’t in good conscience recommend that anyone visit Myanmar as long as this situation is ongoing, though I hope that if you do decide to go anyway, you’ll be mindful of the struggle of the Rohingya as you travel, and give to organizations that are helping to rehabilitate these innocent victims.

Other FAQ About Planning a Myanmar Itinerary

What is the best month to visit myanmar.

Myanmar is at its best during the dry months between November and March, although “shoulder” months like October and April are also great, if a bit wet from time to time. Note that in Northern Myanmar, these months can also be quite cold, especially in the morning. You might need to bring a jacket!

How much money do you need per day in Myanmar?

Most travelers can get by on 50 USD per person, per day in Myanmar, assuming 3-star accommodation, travel primarily by bus or train and a diet of primarily local food. Backpackers can comfortably survive on around 25 USD per person, per day, while a budget of over 100 USD per person, per day will allow a comparatively luxurious Myanmar experience.

Is Myanmar cheap to travel?

Myanmar is one of the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia, and maybe the world. Prices are similar to what you find in India or Vietnam, and are significantly cheaper than Thailand or Malaysia. With this being said, Myanmar has gotten more expensive the more popular the country has become.

The Bottom Line

Even if you don’t yet have a complete Myanmar itinerary on hand, your job has gotten a lot easier thanks to the work I’ve done breaking down the country. After arriving in Mandalay or Yangon, you’ll travel between the two via the Irawaddy River, optionally (hopefully?) stopping in temple-filled Bagan en route. You can further accent your 2 weeks in Myanmar (or longer) with stops in secondary and tertiary Myanmar destinations, from the idyllic Merugi Archipelago, to vast Inle Lake. Still feel stressed? Consider hiring me to plan your trip to Myanmar!

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3 Weeks in Myanmar – The Ultimate Myanmar Itinerary

Myanmar, a country that had closed borders till 2012, but has now become a dream destination for many travelers. Golden pagoda’s, tropical beaches, green hills and mountains, there is something to do in this beautiful country for everyone. Explore the bustling cities of Yangon and Mandalay, or take a break from temple exploring in Ngapali… it is hard to pick where to go on your Myanmar itinerary! So to help you out a bit we have created the ultimate 3 week Myanmar travel itinerary including Myanmar’s highlights and more off the beaten path destinations. Keep on reading to find out which destinations should be on your Myanmar bucket list .

Please note: This post contains affiliate links. This means that purchasing a product or service via these links may earn us a small commission (at no extra cost to you of course).

Myanmar Itinerary – 3 Weeks of Temples, Cities and Hiking

Traveling Myanmar is an amazing experience, but it is also pretty slow. The distances between locations are quite large and the roads are not always in the best condition. Taking the train is almost never advised, as it is bumpy and slow, but luxury buses with plenty of leg room are becoming more widely available nowadays. Be sure to take your time in Myanmar, and try not to rush it all in a 1 or 2 week itinerary, trust me, you wished you would have had longer. This itinerary takes travel days into consideration too, allowing you to spend enough time at the most beautiful locations.

Day 1 – 3: Explore Yangon

Yangon, Myanmar’s former capital, is Myanmar’s largest city. While many travelers leave Yangon out of their itinerary due to its location it is a city that you might want to consider visiting. Yangon is home to Myanmar’s largest Pagoda, the Shwedagon Pagoda, which on its own is enough reason to visit Yangon. But don’t worry there are many things to do in Yangon , take the circle train to explore Yangon’s neighborhoods, enjoy street food on 19th street in down town Yangon and of course awe at the Shwedagon Pagoda. 2 Nights in Yangon should be enough to see the highlights and experience the hustle and bustle of Yangon.

Where to stay in Yangon

Hostels : Budget traveler or perhaps a solo traveler? Stay in a hostel in downtown Yangon, close to the major sights and 19th street, the place to be after the sun has set in Yangon. Some of the most popular options in Yangon are Hostel9 and BaobaBed Hostel!

Hotels : With the rise of tourism more hotels have been popping up all over town, but the most popular place to stay will be around China Town area. Find a hotel that matches your preferences on Booking.com . From budget hotels and guesthouses to luxury accommodation, Booking.com has it all.

Day 4 – 6: Go Temple Hopping in Bagan

With the bus ride from Yangon to Bagan being roughly 9 hours, many people decide to take the night bus to save some time in their itinerary. Arrive on day 4, fresh up in your hotel or hostel and head out to explore the beautiful plains of Bagan, filled with stunning stupas and pagodas. Exploring Bagan’s temple plains is the highlight of many travelers their Myanmar itinerary. Wake up early to see the sun rise over the temples, spend the day on a bicycle or e-bike exploring the fields and end the day with a beautiful sun set. Perhaps feeling adventurous? Add a balloon ride to your Bagan bucket list , to have the most amazing views and most memorable experience of this beautiful place.

Where to stay in Bagan

Hostels : If you are going to stay in a hostel in Bagan, this is the place to be, Ostello Bello Bagan . Ostello Bello was one of the first hostels to open up in Bagan back in 2015, and has been the most popular place ever since. We stayed here right after they opened in 2015, and had the most amazing experience staying with them. Spacious dorms, friendly staff and a common area to meet other travelers, what else do you need? Check out the latest ratings and reviews here on Hostelworld .

Hotels : While Ostello Bello might be the hostel to be, if you are not looking for a dorm room then you might want to stay in a hotel instead. There is a large variety of hotels in Bagan, small guesthouses to luxury resorts, it all depends on your budget. Check out Booking.com to find a hotel that suits exactly your preferences. We stayed at Myanmar Han back in 2017 and had a very pleasant stay. A refreshing pool, stunning views and friendly staff, we could have not asked for more.

Day 7 – 9: Experience Mandalay’s Beauty

Luckily the bus ride from Bagan to Mandalay is a bit shorter and with the ride being roughly 5 hours the journey can easily be done during the day. Take the rest of the day of to relax, catch up on some sleep from the early sun rises and start the day fresh in the beautiful city of Mandalay. While there are a some things to do in the city itself, it is the surroundings of Mandalay that you don’t want to explore during your 3 weeks in Myanmar. See the beautiful Hsinbyume Pagoda, the U Bein Bridge or relax in the blue waters of the Dee Doke Waterfall, this city could keep your busy for days, so be sure not to leave it out of your itinerary! Read about the 9 most unforgettable things to do in Mandalay here !

Where to stay in Mandalay

Hostels: With Mandalay becoming more and more popular for travelers, there is no shortage of hostels to pick from. Just like in Bagan, Ostello Bello is the to go to choice for budget travelers and solo backpackers visiting Mandalay. With friendly staff, spacious dorm rooms and multiple common areas it is understandable that this is one of the most popular places to be.

Hotels:  Prefer to have your private room instead of sharing it with 7 other backpackers, we don’t blame you, and lucky for you there are plenty of hotels to stay in Mandalay. Check out the large variety of guesthouses, luxury resorts and mid range hotels now on Booking.com .

Day 10: Spend the day in Pyin Oo Lwin

Looking to get more off the beaten path in Myanmar and leave the larger amount of tourist crowds behind? Head to Pyin Oo Lwin, located roughly 2 hours Northeast of Mandalay. Pyin Oo Lwin, formerly known as Maymyo, is a town full of colonial buildings as this used to be the summer capital of British Burma and was home to the famous author George Orwell for a short period. And while the old colonial buildings might be worth some of your time, the highlight of visiting Pyin Oo Lwin will be visiting the beautiful Anisakan Falls. Stunning lush waterfalls tucked away between hills of green, a place where you could easily spend a full day. Read all about it in our Mandalay article !

Day 11: Myanmar’s Most Scenic Train Ride

Spend the night in Pyin Oo Lwin and wake up early to hop on board of the most scenic and beautiful train ride of Myanmar. 6 Hours of green scenery and hills while the train slowly moves further into the Shan state. Halfway the ride there is the thrilling Goteik Viaduct, which is considered the highlight of the train journey. A 100m high viaduct, 700m crossing the gorge, take a seat at the window and be sure to have your camera ready to record this beautiful moment. Intrigued? Be sure to read our complete guide to crossing the Goteik Viaduct .

Day 12 – 14: Go off the beaten path in Hsipaw

The train crossing the Goteik Viaduct will end his journey in Lashio, deep deep into the Shan state, but most travelers will decide to abort the train in Hsipaw, one of the most beautiful hiking destinations of Myanmar. Go on a multiple day hikes or choose to do an overnight trekking and stay in local villages, in Hsipaw you can do it all. Imagine hiking through green hills and farmers fields, to waterfalls and rivers, far away from the majority of tourists who exploring the major sights of Bagan and Mandalay. Hsipaw is the perfect destination for travelers who love adventure and love to get off the beaten path.

Where to stay in Hsipaw

As Hsipaw isn’t the most popular place for travelers to visit, there is a limited amount of accommodation available, with most people choosing to stay at Mr.Charles Guest House , and rightfully so. Choose from private rooms or dorm rooms and simply book you preferred trekking with their office in the courtyard. At Mr.Charles there is a large variety of trekkings available, and if you are a solo traveler you can easily join other groups of travelers for day trekkings or overnight adventures.

Day 15 – 18: Peace and quietness at Inle Lake

After a couple of days of hiking it is time to enjoy the refreshing peace and quietness of Inle Lake. As Inle Lake is situated completely in the hills temperatures here are a lot lower then in places like Bagan or Mandalay, making it a perfect escape from the warm summer heat. Rent a bicycle to cycle around the lake, take a boat ride across the lake to see the traditional fisherman or perhaps see more of Inle Lake’s local life my explore the floating villages and gardens. Inle Lake is the perfect location to relax and unwind from all the exploring. The best way to end a perfect day? Head to the Red Mountain Estate Vineyards & Winery to see the sun set over the Inle Lake with a delicious glass of wine in your hand. We would recommend spending at least 3 days at Inle Lake  to explore the surroundings and Inle Lake itself.

Where to stay in Inle Lake

Hostels:  All hostels are located in Nyaung Shwe, the township located closest to the Inle Lake. Here you will find restaurants, small super markets, plenty of options for accommodation and tour offices. While there aren’t many hostels to choose from, there are some amazing hostels located at Inle lake. Opt to stay at Ostello Bello Nyaung Shwe , a hostel chain that is also located in Bagan and Mandalay or stay at Song of Travel Hostel, another extremely popular hostel to stay at for backpackers.

Hotels:  With Inle Lake being a popular destination for both backpackers and tourists there is no shortage of hotels and guesthouses here. From small local guesthouses and homestays to luxury resorts. For couples on a budget stay at places like Zawgi Inn . Looking to splurge and relax a bit, there are plenty of resorts in Inle Lake as well, check them out here on Booking.com .

Day 19 – 21: See Hpa An’s Limestone Mountains

After you have relaxed at Inle Lake take a bus to the more off the beaten path destination of Hpa An, located Southeast of Yangon. The town of Hpa An is famous for the caves and the limestone mountains, and is currently still fairly untouched by tourists and travelers. 1 Or 2 days is enough to explore the beautiful surroundings of Hpa An, and with its close proximity to the border of Thailand, it is the perfect location for travelers wanting to explore the rest of Southeast Asia. Rent a motorbike and simply explore the caves or perhaps even climb Mount Zwegabin for a last memorable sunrise during your 3 weeks in Myanmar!

Where to stay in Hpa An

With the tourism still rising in Hpa An, prices of accommodation here is higher and often fully booked during high season. For backpackers there are two places that are popular to stay at Galaxy Motel and Soe Brothers Guesthouse both offer budget rooms. While not large in number, there are also a couple of more luxury accommodations available in Hpa An such as Keinnara Hpa An .

Make it 4 Weeks in Myanmar!

Havent seen enough after 3 weeks in Myanmar? We can’t blame you, it is a beautiful country with so many things to offer! Consider adding the following places to your itinerary, or swap some of the locations above for one of these options below to customize your itinerary to make it your dream vacation.

Ngapali – Ngapali is the destination for beach lovers. Think off tropical beaches, perfect sunsets and blue water. Take a break from temple exploring and just sit back and relax. Ngapali is located in the Western side of Myanmar and can be perfectly combined with visiting Yangon, Bagan or Mandalay. As Ngapali is located quite far from Myanmar’s other destinations you might want to stay here for a day or 3, just so that it is worth the effort of actually going there!

Kalaw Trekking – Trekking in Hsipaw wasn’t enough for you? Want to see more of Myanmar’s nature, go trekking in Kalaw. From Kalaw you can easily book overnight trekking that will take you through green hills and endless fields of farmer’s land to the lush Inle Lake. Stay in a small and local village overnight before another day of hiking. Trekkings from Kalaw to Inle Lake can either be done in a one or two night trip, with one night beforehand in Kalaw. This activity will easily add 3 to 4 days to your itinery.

Kyaiktiyo – Add an extra night to your itinerary and visit the famous golden rock, or Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, located slightly Northeast of Yangon. Be sure to spent the night here so you wake up early and see the sun rise at the golden rock, a memorable and unique experience.

And there you have it, enough places activities and sights to keep you busy in Myanmar for weeks. Don’t forget to check out our complete Myanmar Travel Guide with everything you need to know before going to Myanmar! Do you have another destination that should be on this Myanmar itinerary? Tell us in the comment section down below! And oh, don’t forget to pin it…

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Hi Odette, Great article, thanks for sharing. How did you get between Mandalay and Pyin Oo Lwin and also from Hsipaw to Inle Lake?

Hi Erin! Thank you so much. We took a taxi between Mandalay and Pyin Oo Lwin and we ended up taking a long night bus from Hsipaw to Inle Lake. Hope that helps. Happy travels!

Great! Thanks for the answer. I’ll look into that 🙂

Have an amazing trip!

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Myanmar travel itinerary for 2 weeks

A new travel darling, Myanmar is one of Southeast Asia’s most enigmatic destinations. 

Formerly known as Burma, this country has emerged as one of the least discovered places in Southeast Asia after decades of the military rule. 

Located between India to the east, China to the north and Thailand to the west, Myanmar is an adventurer’s paradise with thousands of Buddhist temples in Bagan and undiscovered hills of Inle Lake.

If you crave a less discovered travel destination, Myanmar travel should be on your list.

Myanmar visa

Residents of most countried need a visa to Myanmar. You can read more about Myanmar visa here.

Best time to visit Myanmar

October through February is the best time to visit Myanmar.

The monsoon season is over by October and while it still can be hot and muggy in southern Myanmar, northern parts of the country such as Inle Lake and Mandalay have comfortable weather.  

Arriving in Myanmar

Foreign visitors typically arrive in the country via international airports in Yangon or Mandalay, but some also come through land border crossings with Thailand in Tachileik and Myawaddy .

Myanmar currency

Myanmar money is called Kyat (chat)

Paying for things in Myanmar might be confusing at first because prices are listed in thousands. I recommend having enough cash when you travel around the country, as credit cards are often not accepted in Myanmar.

To make things easier, get a notepad and make a list of the equivalents of $5, $10, $20, $30 in kyats, because U.S. dollar is accepted at all currency exchange kiosks and in some hotels.

Myanmar language

Burmese. English spoken by staff in touristy places. 

Traveling in Myanmar

– Plane –  Flying is the fastest way to travel in Myanmar, however you will miss out on the country’s beautiful landscapes. Major destinations in Myanmar such as Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, Inle Lake and Ngapali Beach have airports and offer daily flights around the country.

– Bus –  While taking a bus in Myanmar will save you money, it will take longer and might involve an overnight ride on bumpy roads. However, some less touristy areas of Myanmar such as Kalaw or Mrauk-U can only be accessed via bus routes because of their remoteness. 

– Train – If you have a lot of time and are up for an adventure, take a train. Myanmar’s trains are notoriously slow and bumpy, so the ride is far from comfortable. Reaching some destinations can take up to 24 hours, but the upside is that you get to see the beautiful countryside. 

The former capital of Myanmar, Yangon is a mix of colonial architecture, modern buildings and Buddhist temples. 

Yangon is a perfect place to start your Myanmar travel itinerary because it offers quick connections to other popular destinations within the country.  

Yangon is laid out in a grid and its streets are numbered, so it’s easy to find most places when you have a map in your hands. 

Myanmar food

Myanmar food delicious, however, it’s still under radar because the country opened up to tourism only recently.

The Burmese cuisine has a lot of influences from Thai and Indian cuisines depending on the region. And there’s a lot of good variety too! You can also find many vegetarian dishes that can be made vegan too.  Think curry, steamed veggies, noodles and rich soups. 

Shwedagon Pagoda

The most sacred site for Buddhists in Myanmar, the gilded Shwedagon Pagoda is believed to have relics of Buddha inside it. As a foreign visitor, you have to pay 10,000 kyats for the entrance. 

PRO TIP: Myanmar travel requires some knowledge and preparation. Read my article about everything you should know about Myanmar travel ahead of your trip! 

Sule Pagoda

Located in the middle of downtown Yangon, Sule Pagoda is easy to find. This landmark is believed to be more than 2,500 years old and plays an important role in the country’s politics and cultural identity.

PRO TIP:  Myanmar’s rich culture is one of the reasons why the country has become so popular. If you want to learn why you should visit Myanmar, read my article! 

Kandawgyj Lake

Take a stroll along nearby Kandawgyj Lake that is famous for the magnificent Karaweik, a replica of a royal Burmese barge. Today the replica houses a restaurant and serves as a main attraction of the lake.

Nga-htat-gyi Buddha Temple

One of the major tourist attractions in Yangon, Nga-htat-gyj Buddha Temple is a home to a 14-meter tall Buddha in a sitting position. The temple is located in the Ashay Tawya Monastery complex which is adjacent to the Chauk-htat-gyj Temple, home of the reclining Buddha. 

Chauk-htat-gyj Temple

Another major attraction is Chauk-htat-gyi, a Buddhist temple with a huge reclining Buddha. Unfortunately, the huge statue was being renovated when I visited, so all I was able to do was to check out the bamboo scaffolding around it. Not far from it is another temples Nga-htat-gyi famous for its huge sitting Buddha.

Bogyoke Market

Visiting the famous Bogyoke Market is a perfect way to end your trip to Yangon and continue your Myanmar travel. This colorful bazaar is an array of decaying colonial-style buildings that house stands with textiles, souvenirs, jewelry, household items and art work.

How to get around Yangon

Getting around Yangon by taxi is the best option, if you want to save time. Taxis can be found at all major tourist sites and you should try to haggle down the price when you think that it’s too high.

If you have time, take a ride on Yangon Circular Train. It’s a slow and bumpy ride with frequent stops, but it offers a great chance to see the city. Taking this train is also a great cultural experience as you will see many vendors making their way through train’s cars. 

Hotels in Yangon

If you stay in downtown Yangon, you will be in close proximity to most tourist sights. 

I stayed at Vibe Inn , and paid $25 a night during the beginning of a tourist season in November. 

This hotel is in the middle of Chinatown and has plenty of food stands and restaurants nearby.

If you are looking for a cheaper version, I recommend Hostelworld. They have good options for hostels in Myanmar and other parts of Southeast Asia. 

Located in the hills of northern Myanmar’ Shan state, Inle Lake is a freshwater lake known for its floating villages and fishermen who steer their boats by wrapping one leg around the paddle. 

Take a boat tour around Inle Lake to visit local villages and markets and interact with local people who make silver, textiles and paper from scratch. 

Inle Lake is a must stop on your Myanmar travel itinerary. My guide to Inle Lake will help you to plan your trip! 

Fishermen of Inle Lake

Hundreds of fishermen come to Inle Lake to make their living. 

While they wrap one leg around the paddle and use it to move their boats, they try to catch fish with a conus-like basket made out of bamboo and net. 

The process makes for an awesome photo opportunity and some fishermen even strike a pose when a tourist boat approaches them. It’s a good idea to give a fishermen a small tip, as most of them live off what they catch in the lake.

Indein Village

As part of your tour of Lake Inle, you will get to visit Indein Village located on the west edge of the lake. Go along a small dirt road after getting off your boat and you will find thousands of ancient stupas on top of the hill, many of them crumbling from the old age and lack of maintenance. 

Inle Lake markets

There are several Inle Lake markets in the region. Some of them are floating markets while others are located on the land. If you want to get fresh vegetables, fruits or spices and other traditional Burmese goods that can’t be found anywhere else, these markets are a perfect stop on your Myanmar travel itinerary. 

Kakku Village

Take a trip to the ancient Kakku Village in the Inle Lake area. 

The village is about 1,5 hours inland from Lake Inle and is famous for its remarkable collection of 2,478 stupas. Kakku a religious site for Pa-O people, the second largest ethnic group of Shan State in Myanmar. Foreigners can access Kakku village only with a Pa-O guide who typically wears a colorful turban and a traditional black Pa-O dress.

How to get to Inle Lake

You can take a flight to Inle Lake or catch a bus.

I took an overnight bus to Inle Lake which departed from Yangon at 8 p.m. and arrived to Nyaungshwe, the area’s largest township at 6 a.m. 

If you stay on the lake away from the main area, a boat from Nyaungshwe will take you there in about 20 minutes.

Home to dreamy sunsets and thousands of ancient temples, Bagan is one of the best places to visit in Myanmar.

As one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia, so it’s definitely a must stop on your Myanmar travel itinerary! The temples are believed to be the remains of the ancient Pagan Kingdom that existed between 9th and 13th century and constituted the regions that started forming today’s Myanmar.

PRO TIP:  While most tourists know the town as Bagan, the area is actually split into two areas: Old Bagan where most temples are located, New Bagan that has most of the commercial business including restaurants and hotels and Nyaungu from there Irrawaddy River can be seen.

How to get to Bagan

There are several ways you can get to Bagan. You can either get to Bagan by plane from Yangon, Mandalay or Lake Inle or by taking a bus, or by getting on a boat in Mandalay and getting to Bagan via Irrawady River. 

Where to stay in Bagan

There are many hotels in Bagan, and the best part is that they are fairly reasonably priced.

Here are some suggestions: 

1. Villa Bagan

2. Heritage Bagan Hotel

3. Nanda Garden

Sunrise watching in Bagan

The main activities in Bagan include watching the sunrise and roaming the area’s many pagodas. The best way to do that is by e-bike that can be rented at many places throughout the area. 

With over 2,000 temples, you can roam Bagan for a few good days. As you go around the area, you will see horse carriages parked around temples in various parts of Bagan. I have seen some of the owners beat the horses that look tired and malnourished, so I would encourage you not to take horse rides in Bagan.

You can float in a hot air balloon over Bagan temples for over $300 a person or watch them soar into the morning sky from one of the area’s many pagodas. 

Because of the 2016 earthquake, access to many pagodas is now closed. The few pagodas that are still open get overcrowded as the night turns into the dusk, with at least 50-70 people atop a pagoda trying to catch a shot of balloons

When you get tired of pagodas, take a taxi to the nearby Mount Popa. You will see plenty of cute monkeys along the way, so your hike up 700 steps toward the top will not be boring!

For those who want to see the ancient temples and avoid the crowds, the remote town of Mrauk-U might be a good alternative to Bagan.  The only caveat is that Mrauk-U is located in the coastal Rakhine State and requires some hopping around as there’s no direct bus or flight that goes there.

Built at the foothill of Mandalay Hill,  Mandalay is the second largest city in Myanmar. Mandalay is a primary transportation hub for northern part of the Shan state and is considered upper Myanmar’ s commercial center.

Getting around Mandalay: Mandalay is spread out. To get from one place to another, you will have to either catch a taxi or tuk-tuk, a three-wheel bike common in Southeast Asia and India.

Renting a bike in Mandalay

To save time and money, I recommend renting a motorbike in Mandalay. However, you should ONLY do it if you feel confident enough to ride it on busy Mandalay streets. To give you an idea, renting a bike cost 15,000 kyats a day ( from a hotel ) and about 6,000-7,000 kyats from an e-bike store. Taking a taxi in Mandalay from one landmark to another is about 5,000 kyats and up.

If you are not comfortable riding a bike, you can also hire a private taxi driver, however, you should expect to pay more money for it.

Buy a tourist pass for Mandalay

Before you venture out, get a pass for about 15,000 kyats that covers most temples and attractions near Mandalay Hill. 

I bought my pass for all things to do in Mandalay at the entrance of Mandalay Palace which covered most landmarks in the area. It’s a great way to save time and money!

Mandalay Hill

Start off your adventure with a climb to Mandalay Hill, the city’s highest point. 

Be ready to walk up the concrete stairs to the top barefoot because the climb goes through multiple pagodas. And if you prefer an easier route can take a taxi all the way to the top. If you are lucky, you may even spot a monkey or two on your way up.

Sandamuni Pagoda

Sandamuni Pagoda is located southeast of Mandalay hill and is surrounded by hundreds of shrines that are homes to inscribed slabs of marble. Another major attraction of the site is the 41,000-pound iron statue of Buddha, the largest in Myanmar.

Kuthodaw Pagoda

Located right across from Sandamuni Pagoda, Kuthodaw Pagoda is strikingly similar to its neighbor thanks to a big number of white stupas around it. Kuthodaw Pagoda boasts a the world’s largest book contained in 729 stupas each of which has a rock slab with Buddhist scriptures.

Shwenandaw Monastery (Golden Palace Monastery)​

This Buddhist monastery made from finely carved wood was originally part of the Royal Palace in Amarapura, an ancient town near Mandalay. After the capital was moved from Amarapura to Mandalay, the building was taken apart, transported to Mandalay and rebuilt as part of the new Royal Palace. But after King Mindon died, the building was moved to its current location and converted into a monastery in 1880.

Mandalay Palace

This grandiose compound that includes towers, mausoleums and a variety of other compartments sits right in the middle of Mandalay. Unfortunately, most of the original Mandalay Palace was destroyed during the World War II bombings and restoration work has been going on since the 1990’s. 

Mingun is a small town on the opposite side of the Irrawaddy River from Mandalay. It has became a popular tourist spot thanks to the eponymous Mingun temple and a few other spectacular architectural constructions.

Mingun Temple

The Mingun temple is a giant unfinished stupa whose construction was abandoned after an astrologer said that if the stupa is completed, the ruling King Bodawpaya would die. If Mingun temple were finished, it would have been the largest stupa in the world.

Hsinbyume Pagoda

The beautiful white structure that draws so many tourists to Mingun is Hsinbyume Pagoda or Mya Theindan Pagoda. The architectural style of this pagoda is strikingly different from other Buddhist pagodas throughout Myanmar with the base shaped as circular levels representing Mount Meru, a sacred five-peaked mountain in the Buddhist teaching of the universe.

U-Bein Bridge

On your way back to Mandalay, stop at U-Bein bridge to catch the sunset. Tourists and locals alike walk along the longest teakwood footbridge in the world that stretches above the Taungthaman Lake. 

If you have a few more days in Mandalay, consider visiting nearby ancient towns Sagging and Inn Wa. If you have more time, take a day trip to Pyin Oo Lwin or buy bus tickets to Hsipaw.

Ngapali Beach

Most visitors don’t think of pristine beaches when they read about Myanmar. Meanwhile, many of the country’s coastal areas remain undiscovered and boast pristine beauty. 

Ngapali Beach has several miles of white-sand beach along with turquoise water framed by a row of palm trees. It’s a perfect place to relax along your Myanmar travel itinerary.

How to get to Ngapali Beach

You can take a flight from major airports in Yangon and Mandalay and from smaller ones such as Bagan, Lake Inle, and Sittwe. 

Ngapali Beach hotels

Ngapali Beach offers a large selection of accommodations from high-end resorts to budget hotels. However, a budget $30 a night hotel will do just fine for a 3-day trip. 

Here are a couple of places to consider for you stay at Ngapali Becah:

1. Pleasant View Resort 

2. Memento Resort  

What to do in Ngapali Beach

For those who like active lifestyle, Ngapali offers kayaking, boat tours to nearby fishing villages and islands with some snorkeling. And restaurants along the main drag have a wide selection of dishes from the Rakhine State cuisine.

If you just want to chill on the beach, get a fresh fruit or one of those delicious coconuts from the ladies who walk along the beach with huge trays on their heads.

The beach area has a lot of cozy bars and small restaurants that serve as a perfect venue for watching the sunset at night.

Why visiting Myanmar should be on your list

Myanmar is an incredible country that has a lot of beauty and history. While it’s still a relatively new travel destination in Southeast Asia, there are many reasons why it should be on your bucket list! 

You can read about some of them here.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. At no cost to you, I might earn a small commission if you make a purchase through the links in this article. 

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The Myanmar Travel Guide + F.A.Q’s

A Comprehensive Travel Guide for Myanmar and F.A.Q’s

Myanmar (formerly Burma) is a Southeast Asian nation of more than 100 ethnic groups, bordering India, Bangladesh, China, Laos and Thailand, and this Myanmar Travel Guide makes for a comprehensive travel resource that will help you plan your trip to Myanmar.

With the opening of the land border , a couple of years ago, and the ease of obtaining an E Visa , travelling to Myanmar from India has become quite easy and affordable.

I was lucky enough to have visited Myanmar for New Year’s with Debjani (The Vagabong), where we visited the Big 4 destinations, i.e. Mandalay, Bagan, Inle Lake and Yangon , which also forms the famous Golden Kite Itinerary of Myanmar.

Each of these destinations is unique in itself, and while, Yangon (formerly Rangoon), the country’s largest city, is home to bustling markets, numerous parks and lakes, and the towering, gilded Shwedagon Pagoda , which contains Buddhist relics and dates to the 6th century; Bagan on the other hand is a UNESCO World Heritage Site , and is home to countless temples and Pagodas, including the Shwezigon Pagoda.

The Itinerary that we followed for our Trip to Myanmar was :

Imphal (1 Day) – Moreh Border – Tamu – Mandalay (2 Days) – Bagan (3 Days) – Inle Lake (2 Days) – Yangon (1 Day) – Kolkata 

It took us almost 24 hours to reach Mandalay from Imphal by road, which included an hour for all the India – Myanmar Border crossing formalities, around 2-3 hours for different meals throughout the journey.

The journey time between Mandalay and Bagan is 4-5 hours , whereas from Bagan to Inle Lake is 7-8 hours , and from Inle Lake to Yangon is 9-10 hours , which went by very comfortably in the VIP Semi Sleeper Bus that we took.

Our main mode of transport for the entire trip was the Bus.

Now that you’ve got a vague idea about Myanmar and our trip, its time to scroll down and know more about Myanmar, in this Myanmar Travel Guide as I’ve tried to answer most of the Frequently Asked Questions, a traveller has in their minds, before planning a Trip to Myanmar.

Q – Do I need a visa to travel to Myanmar?

Q – how to apply for the myanmar visa, q – when should i apply for my visa, q – do i need insurance for this trip to myanmar, q – what is the best way to stay connected, q – how easy is it to get money exchanged in myanmar, q – can i make payments via credit card / debit card in myanmar, q – is it safe to travel in myanmar as a solo traveller, q – what is the best time to travel to myanmar, q – how many days are required to explore myanmar, q – are there any hefty fees that i should be aware of , q – what to do in myanmar, q – what to do and where to stay in mandalay, q – what to eat in mandalay, q – what are some mandalay travel tips and recommendations , q – what to do in bagan and where to stay in bagan, q – what are some bagan travel tips and recommendations , q – what to do in inle lake and where to stay, q – what are some travel tips and recommendations for inle lake , q – what to do in yangon and where to stay in yangon, q – what are some travel tips and recommendations for yangon , q – what are the common phrases in myanmar that i should know, share this:.

Yes, you need a Visa to Travel to Myanmar. However, there are some nationalities that are exempt from Visa for 14 / 30 days, and some are applicable for Visa on Arrival or eVisa. Check here to see the eligibility of your passport for entry into Myanmar.

The Myanmar VISA process simplified, in 9 steps below.

The cost of the Myanmar eVisa is 50 USD , and the whole process is very simple and straightforward.

Step 1 – Head to the official website – https://evisa.moip.gov.mm

Step 2 – Go to Apply VISA > New Application > Tourist VISA

Step 3 – Fill out your Passport Number | Nationality | Email address | Port of Entry and Proceed to the next page.

Step 4 – Fill out your Personal Information

Step 5 – Make the payment of 50 USD via Credit Card / Debit Card

Step 6 – You will get acknowledgement receipt via mail which will mention your Application Number, Passport Number and Payment Reference Number

Step 7 – If you have provided all necessary details as required, you will get another mail in a matter of hours or maximum 2 days, with the VISA Application Result. Print this and keep it along with your Passport

Step 8 – Get the VISA Letter stamped during Immigration and keep it safely, until you exit the country.

Step 9 – Enjoy Your Trip to Myanmar

Ideally, you should apply for it, anytime between 20-30 days, before your planned arrival in Myanmar , as the approval letter you get after applying for the eVisa  is valid for 90 days , from the date of issue.

Yes, it’s highly recommended to get Travel Insurance , before travelling to Myanmar. And I personally recommend you to go ahead with SafetyWings – The Travel Medical Insurance for Travellers.

The most economical way of staying connected while Travelling in Myanmar, is to get a local Myanmar SIM Card ! 

As of now, you can choose between MPT, Ooredoo and Telenor . The average rate for the 5 GB data bundle pack with a validity of 30 days is around 5,000 Kyat. 

Getting a local SIM Card in Myanmar, turns out to be extremely helpful, especially when you are planning your walking tour in Mandalay , or while navigating through Bagan on your E Bike.

There are plenty of places where you can get money exchanged in all the major cities in Myanmar. However, if you are entering Myanmar, via road crossing the border from India, it’s highly recommended to exchange your Indian Currency into Kyat in Tamu, before starting the journey to Mandalay. 

You can still convert Indian Currency in Bagan, but it’s a tough nut to crack in Mandalay !

The best option is to either carry USD’s which can easily be exchanged anywhere , or withdraw from ATM’s which are found in plenty , everywhere.

Yes, at most of the resorts / hotels / hostels / restaurants, you can pay via Credit Card or Debit Card, however, it’s better to have Kyat on you, as it becomes easier, when you are shopping or eating out.

Also note that the businesses might charge a surcharge when paying by card, and the exchange rate might not be the best .

To be honest, Myanmar while still underdeveloped as compared to other South-East-Asian nations like Thailand, Vietnam or Indonesia, is perfectly safe for Solo Travellers of both the sexes.

Myanmar is one of the safest countries in Asia. Crime goes against the Buddhist culture and theft and robberies are rare. 

The hostels, which already exist in major tourist hotspots like Mandalay, Bagan Inle Lake and Yangon, provide a safe haven for solo travellers, and provide ample opportunities to interact with other travellers as well.

The best time to travel to Myanmar is in the winters from mid October/November to February/March when the country is green, dry and relatively cool. 

April to May is the worst time to visit as the temperatures can go as high up as 40 deg C.

Anywhere between 7 – 14 days is ideal for travelling in Myanmar. If you are short on days, then check out this detailed 7 Day Myanmar Road Trip Itinerary , with recommendations to make the most out of your trip to Myanmar.

Yes, be advised that you have to pay 25, 000 Kyat , when you enter Bagan, as the Bagan Architectural Fee , which is valid for a duration of 7-8 days, and another 15, 000 Kyat as the Inle Lake Development Fee on your arrival in Inle Lake.

Follow this Ideal Best of Myanmar in One Week – A Road Trip Itinerary  which forms the backbone of this Myanmar Travel Guide.

Day 1  –   Explore Mandalay on Foot – Mandalay Hill | Kyauktawgyi Pagoda | Sandamuni Pagoda | Mahamuni Buddha Temple

Day 2  –   Discover the flavours of Mandalay – Go on a food tour | Mingun | U Bein Bridge

Day 3  –   Mandalay to Bagan | Mt Popa Sunset Tour

Day 4  –   Catch Sunrise Near Suleimani Temple | Bagan Day Tour – Ananda Phaya | Shwezigon Pagoda | Dhamayagi | Lacquer Workshop | Sunset boat ride on Ayeyarwaddy River – Overnight Bus to Inle Lake

Day 5  –   Full Day Inle Lake Tour – Click the famous fishermen of Inle Lake | Visit Lotus Stem Weaving Factory | Cigar Making Factory | Boat Making Factory | Interact with the long-necked women tribe (Kayan tribe)

Day 6  –   Visit the In Dein Market | Get a Spa Treatment | Visit the Red Mountain Winery – Overnight Bus to Yangon

Day 7  –   Shwedagon Pagoda | Sule Pagoda | Walk around the colonial area of Yangon | Cycle/Trishaw experience in Dala | Yangon Circular Train (if time permits) | Explore the Night Markets of Yangon.

Tracing back its origin in 1857, Mandalay is now the second largest city in Myanmar . It is found in the upper part of the nation, situated on the east bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River. Mandalay is the place, which was home to the Royal Palace of the Konbaung Dynasty , which was the last government and free realm of Burma. 

Be that as it may, Mandalay was bombed in WWII and the palace vanished, alongside much else. The royal residence was revamped during the 1990s, and from that point forward Mandalay has experienced a heedless development blast that was never about aesthetics.

The first place we explored was the Kyauktawgyi Pagoda which is located near the southern entry gate to reach Mandalay Hill.

The Kyauktawgyi Pagoda was built by King Mindon in 1853 on the model of the Ananda Temple at Pagan.  The pagoda was completed during 1878. The highlight of the Kyauktawgyi Paya is the huge seated Buddha figure sculpted from a single block of pale green marble from the Sagyin quarry twelve miles north of Mandalay.  It is believed that about Ten Thousand men took about 2 weeks to transport the stone block from the Ayeyarwaddy River to the site where it is today.

Next, we started climbing the stairs up to Mandalay Hill which took us around 30 odd minutes. We primarily went for the views. And it didn’t disappoint us at all  😜  

While we were up there the multiple white stupas caught our attention, and that is where we headed to after climbing down the stairs.

The multiple white stupas with slabs inscribed with Buddhist teachings along with the large golden zedi is known as the Sandamuni Pagoda.

As the large golden zedi was under restoration, we weren’t able to see the largest iron Buddha statue in Burma. However, the multiple white stupas made for an amazing setting as the sun decided to give us a little peek a boo before going down.

On our 2 nd day in Mandalay, we explored the different foods and items in the by lanes of Mandalay with Beyond Boundaries Myanmar , and it gave the kick-start to our Myanmar Trip that we needed. 

Post our food adventure, we made our way to the jetty, where we crossed the Ayeyarwady river, to reach Mingun, where the highlight was the Hsinbyume Paya , apart from Mingun Pahtodawgyi which is a monumental uncompleted stupa and then finally headed to U Bein Bridge , our last attraction in Mandalay, to witness the sunset. But all we saw were human heads. U Bein Bridge during sunsets is a typical case of the attraction losing its charm owing to overtourism.

Accommodation Recommendations in Mandalay

Budget – Mansion Hostel Mandalay  | KAUNG Hostel

Mid – Range – The Hotel by the Red Canal | Ayarwaddy River View Hotel  | Hotel Hazel

Luxury – Rupar Mandalar Resort | Hilton Mandalay

So, in case you are wondering What to Eat in Mandalay , we got your back  😎 📸  1 Tempura and Sticky Rice (White and Brown)

📸  2 Mohingar – Essentially a rice noodle soup with fish/chicken/vegetables, usually consumed during breakfast. It is also dubbed to be the national dish of Myanmar.

📸  3 Fried Stuffed Sweet Potato and Fried Bananas

📸 4 Rice Cakes

📸 5 Khao Soi / Khao Suey – Served widely in Myanmar, but modified versions of Khao Soi can be found in Laos and Northern Thailand as well. Traditionally, the dough for the rice noodles is spread out on a cloth stretched over boiling water. After steaming the large sheet noodle is then rolled and cut with scissors, cooked in coconut milk and served with a variety of contrasting condiments.

📸 6 Fresh Fruit Juices / Smoothies

📸 7 Burmese Tea Leaf Salad / Lahpet thoke – Lahpet means “green tea,” and thoke, meaning “salad,” is an eclectic mix of flavours and textures that includes soft, pickled tea leaves, crisp, roasted peanuts and other crunchy beans, toasted sesame seeds, fried garlic. 

And last but not the least

If possible, visit U Bein Bridge during sunrise , and go directly under the bridge. And if that’s not an option, making the sunset the only time, plan to reach U Bein Bridge an hour earlier , and head straight under the bridge , and find your vantage point to capture the sun going down, behind the stilts.

However, if you have more time in Mandalay, I would highly recommend you check out these Top Things To Do in  Mandalay and add the following experiences in your trip to Mandalay!

Climb up Yankin Hill

Visit Mahamuni Paya

Go shopping at the Jade Market

Admire the 75 feet high Skinny Buddha

Visit a Gold Rose Workshop

Read the World’s Largest Book at Kuthodaw Pagoda

See a Puppet Show at Mandalay Marrionettes Theatre

Hike up to the Dat Taw Gyaint Waterfall

Day 1 – Arrive in Bagan from Mandalay 

Day 2 – Explore Bagan at own Pace | Mt Popa Sunset Tour

Day 3 – Bagan Full Day Tour with Beyond Boundaries Myanmar | Overnight Bus to Inle Lake 

After spending three days in Bagan , we rounded up these 5 destinations, that should figure on your Bagan To Do List No Matter what:

#1  Shwe Zigon Pagoda #2  Ananda Phaya #3  Dhammayangyi Temple #4  The small hillock near Sulamani Temple for Sunrise #5  Lacquer Workshop

As we had an amazing time with Beyond Boundaries Myanmar in Mandalay, we decided to explore Bagan on the last day of 2019 with these guys, and what a day it turned out to be!

We visited the 5 places, mentioned above, and then headed for lunch in a local house in a village , after which we took a Boat Ride over River Ayeyarwady and witnessed the last Sunset of 2019.

However, if you have more time in Bagan, I would highly recommend you check out these  Top Things To Do in Bagan and add the following experiences in your trip to Bagan !

Experience Bagan from the skies by Riding the Hot Air Balloons.

Visit the Archeological Museum.

Take out time and visit a Monk Monastery.

Visit the Mani Sithu Market.

See the sunset from the ‘ Nan Myint Tower ‘.

Visit the Dhammayazika Pagoda

Go on an early morning Cycling Tour.

Accommodation Recommendations in Bagan

Budget – BaobaBed Hostel Bagan | Lux Pillow Hostel

Mid – Range – Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort  | Heritage Bagan Hotel

Luxury – Ananta Bagan  | Amazing Bagan Resort  | Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort Bagan  | The Hotel @ Tharabar Gate

• Everything is scattered in Bagan making E Bike the best option to travel.
• The best location for choosing accommodation is on Nyuang U – Bagan Road , closer to the river.
• Bagan is expensive – Be prepared 😔
• There isn’t much to do here. So, keep that book you wanted to read with you, but didn’t find time for it. 😉
• Everything closes at 9-10 PM.
• When you catch Sunrise and some local approach and tell you that they’ll take you to a good spot – Go for it.  😎
• ATM’s everywhere but if you want to exchange Indian currency, there’s one currency exchange near India Hut restaurant.
• No Grabs in Bagan. And Tuk Tuk are expensive, so HAGGLE!
• Go to Mt Popa but during the Afternoon, so, you can catch the Sunset from the top.
• Get pampered after a long day of exploring. It’s cheap – 5 USD for an hour-long foot massage / 8 USD for 1 hour full body traditional massage. 😎

After witnessing the first sunrise of 2020 in Bagan , we found ourselves in a Minivan, headed towards Inle Lake in the Shan State of Myanmar.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Arnav Mathur | Manali (@theetlrblog)

After a full day of travelling we found ourselves at  ViewPoint Eco Lodge  and were delighted to be spending the first few nights of 2020, in the lap of luxury, and being pampered by the hospitable staff here.

While our time at ViewPoint Eco Lodge was spent either trying out different food items from the Shan cuisine, getting pampered at the SPA or just appreciating the beauty of the moment, sitting by the water side and listening to the sounds of nature. We managed to explore the beauty of Lake Inle when we stepped out of ViewPoint Ecolodge , in our private speed boat. Yes we saw the famous fisherman of Inle Lake, strike a pose for the tourists with their traditional bamboo nets. We also visited the Lotus Stem weaving factory and the Cigar Making factory and interacting with the long necked women – Kayan Tribe was the highlight.

One of the experiences, during our stay at ViewPoint Eco Lodge which stood out was having our lunch on a boat in the middle of the lake , being prepared by the cooks on another boat, and being brought to us on yet another boat.

The whole experience of trying out the unique Shan Cuisine coupled with the fantastic wine, was too good to be true, and we managed to gulp down the entire bottle by the end of our meal.

We also visited the Red Mountain Winery , which provides an awesome panoramic view of Inle Lake and the surrounding mountains, making it the perfect spot to chase the sunset.

Accommodation Recommendations in Inle Lake – Nyaung Shwe

Budget – BaobaBed Hostel Nyaung Shwe Inle Lake | Song of Travel Hostel

Mid – Range – Inle Cottage Boutique Hotel  | Thanakha Inle Hotel

Luxury – Inle Resort  | Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort Inle  | ViewPoint Eco Lodge

As we had limited time on hand, we had to skip out on the 2-day hike from Kalaw to Inle Lake , but this is a popular choice with many backpackers and travellers, and something that we’ll recommend in this Myanmar Travel Guide, for you to check out for yourself.

Yangon was our last destination in our Myanmar Itinerary, and as we were short on time, we could only spend a day in Yangon. 

But we managed to do quite a bit in one day, thanks to Beyond Boundaries Myanmar , such as visiting both the Sule Pagoda and the famous Shwedagon Pagoda , exploring the old colonial area on foot , and the village of Dala across the river in a Trishaw .

We were lucky that the hotel where we decided to stay in Yangon – Esperado Lake View Hotel , had a rooftop dining area and a bar, from where we enjoyed panoramic views of the Shwedagon Pagoda and the Yangon Skyline during our Breakfast and Dinner there. 

Accommodation Recommendations in Yangon

Budget – HOOD Hostel | The Lodge Yangon Hostel

Mid – Range – Prestige Residences at Golden Valley by Grand United Hospitality  | Esperado Lake View Hotel

Luxury – Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon  | Lotte Hotel Yangon

If your hotel doesn’t have a rooftop area, I would highly recommend you go to any of the Rooftop Bars and Restaurants for one of the meals.

However, if you have more time in Yangon, I would highly recommend you check out these  Top Things To Do in Yangon and add the following experiences in your trip to Yangon.

Experience the essence of Yangon by taking the Circular Train.

A food walk on the 19 th Street.

Explore the different Night Markets of Yangon

Visit the Taukkyan War Cemetery.

Take a stroll around Inya Lake and  Kandawgyi Lake.

Visit Kyauk Taw Gyi Temple.

Admire the 65-metre-long reclining Buddha at Chauk Htet Kyi Pagoda.

Visit Bahadur Shah Zafar’s grave.

Explore Yangon’s Chinatown.

Visit the Maha Wizaya Pagoda and  Kaba Aye Pagoda.

Here are some basic phrases, I recommend in this Myanmar Travel Guide , that every traveller travelling to Myanmar should know :

Hello – Min ga la ba

Thank you – Je zu tin ba deh 

Yes – Ho de

No – Ma ho bu

Goodbye – Ta ta!

How are you? – Neh kaun la?

I’m well –  Neh kaun ba deh

Where is the restroom? – Toilet beh ma lay?

Hope you guys enjoyed reading this Myanmar Travel Guide.  If you want to read more of my Myanmar travel articles published here on the Eat | Travel | Live | Repeat blog, check these out :

• The 3 Day Bagan Itinerary | The Bagan Travel Guide
• ViewPoint Eco Lodge – Nyaung Shwe, Myanmar | Where Luxury Meets Sustainability
• The 7 Day Myanmar Golden Kite Road Trip Adventure

Don’t forget to Pin this Myanmar Travel Guide and if you have any queries, or need any help in planning a trip to Myanmar, please feel free to drop in a mail to [email protected]

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Disclaimer:  No compensation was received for this article, however  ViewPoint Eco Lodge in Inle Lake , and Esperado Lake View Hotel in Yangon offered our stay complimentary, and  Beyond Boundaries Myanmar , offered us complimentary tours in Mandalay, Bagan and Yangon. As always, the opinions on  theETLRblog.com  are (and always will be) my own!

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The 15 Best Things to Do in Myanmar

Hit the Highlights of Southeast Asia's Final Frontier

K'Nub / Getty Images

Myanmar isn't at the top of most travelers' bucket lists but that makes it an even more exciting place to visit. An itinerary through Southeast Asia’s final frontier reveals one of the region’s most authentic experiences: Bagan’s temple plain, Mergui’s unspoiled diving sites, and Shwedagon’s golden stupendousness, all (as yet) undisturbed by overtourism despite the excellent value for your dollar .

Before you blaze a trail through Myanmar, read our list of the country’s highlights: combine with this list of Myanmar travel tips , dos and don’ts in Myanmar , and a suggested itinerary to create a one-of-a-kind Myanmar voyage.

Explore 2,000 Temples at Bagan

Supoj Buranaprapapong / Getty Images

A major power in Southeast Asia from the 11th to the 13th centuries, the Pagan Empire lives on through the arid Bagan temple plain .

Bagan's 2,000-odd temples range in size and grandeur, spread across an area of 40 square miles. Hire a bicycle, “e-bike” or car-and-driver to take you to some of the best , including the grand Shwezigon Pagoda (inspiring Shwedagon further south) and the cathedral-like Ananda temple.

Getting there: Fly in via Nyaung-U Airport (IATA: NYU, ICAO: VYBG), or take the bus. A US$20 entrance ticket is charged before entry. The authorities used to allow visitors to climb the temples, but that has since been limited to a few temples with a view .  

Take a Lakeside Breather at Inle Lake

 lim_jessica / Getty Images

This massive lake measures 13 miles (22 kilometers) from north to south, and 6 miles (10 kilometers) from east to west. All along the fringes of this watery expanse, you’ll find towns populated by the Intha ethnic community. Long adapted to living by the waters’ edge, the Intha ride boats to get from place to place, cultivate floating farms, and row boats with one leg while fishing on the lake.

Stay near the Intha villages to enjoy the unique lakeside landscape and see more of the local color — from visiting the markets that rotate from village to village; to checking out the shops selling locally-made silver, knives and cigars; to seeking spiritual solace at the Hpaung Daw Oo and Shwe Indein Pagodas.

Getting there: Buses reach the town of Nyaungshwe from Mandalay and Yangon. from Nyaungshwe, you can take a speedboat to any of the towns around Inle Lake. A US$10 entrance fee to Inle Lake will be charged at Nyaungshwe.

Hit the Hiking Trails from Kalaw

Jason Gallant / Getty Images

The former British hill station of Kalaw has become Myanmar’s de facto hiking capital . With an elevation of 4,000 feet above sea level, Kalaw offers a temperate climate and access to gentle downhill trails snaking through Shan State — the most popular being the two- to four-day hike to Inle Lake.

The trail takes you through farmlands dotted with villages and temples. The Pa-O, Palaung, Danu and Taung Yo ethnic groups are used to trekkers, and will happily wave as you walk by. At night, you’ll stay at a Buddhist temple, with meals provided by local families.

Trekking from Kalaw happens year-round, but the cool, dry season from October to April is the best time to go. Guides can be hired at Kalaw.

Getting there: Buses regularly reach Kalaw from major cities like Bagan and Yangon. By air, fly to Heho Airport (IATA: HEH, ICAO: VYHH), which is also the main air gateway to Pindaya and Inle Lake. Taxis take one hour to reach Kalaw from Heho Airport.  

Eat Myanmar’s Famous Mohinga Noodles

Even as Myanmar’s top tourist destinations have slowly become more Western-friendly, Myanmar’s food has managed to stick to the basics. Take mohinga , the noodle dish that is the nation’s absolute favorite breakfast.

It’s cheap, filling, but surprisingly complex. A catfish-based broth is spiced with lemongrass, coriander, turmeric, and a collection of other spices specific to the location where you're eating. The hot broth is then poured over rice noodles, and garnished with hard-boiled egg slices and crispy fritters.

You can find mohinga almost everywhere, eat it at any time of the day, and serve it to humble worker and highborn alike. (State Counsellor and former political prisoner Aung San Suu Kyi took solace in eating mohinga during her years of house arrest.)  

See a Shadow of Empire at the Pyu Ancient Cities

bianca polak / Flickr /  CC BY-NC 2.0

Newly inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List , the ancient city-states of the Pyu are all that remains of a mighty civilization that ruled the floodbasins of the Irrawaddy River from 200 BC to AD 900.

The three Pyu cities listed by UNESCO – Halin, Beikthano and Sri Ksetra – still retain the remnants of palace citadels, massive walls, and Buddhist stupas. Each of these Pyu Ancient Cities have museums that allow visitors to see the context behind the structures, with curated artifacts like silver coins, pottery and stone slabs covered in Pyu writing.

Getting there: The Pyu cities are widely spaced, and must be reached from different cities. Sri Ksetra is the easiest to reach: take an eight-hour bus from Yangon to Pyay, a town some 5 miles west of the ruins. You can book a tour from Pyay to explore.  

Relax on White Sand at Ngapali Beach

Si Thu Win / Flickr /  CC BY-NC 2.0

Ngapali Beach is the anti- Phuket : a quiet stretch of white-sand beach on the western coast of Myanmar facing the Bay of Bengal. No crowded beachfronts, high-traffic hotels or sleazy red-light districts blight the area. This beach is just a laid-back beach destination where fishermen still go about their business, sharing space with a steady tide of tourists.

Prices for accommodation and food here also compare favorably against the rest of the region. Enjoy steamed crab, lobster, and Rakhine curries, and wash them down with local beers , without breaking the bank.

Getting there: During peak months of October to February, fly to nearby Thandwe Airport from Yangon or Heho Airports . A direct bus service connects Ngapali with Yangon, but it’s a butt-busting 16-hour ride either way. 

Wonder How the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda Keeps its Balance

SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

Locals believe that a strand of the Buddha's hair helps Kyaiktiyo Pagoda balance on a cliff’s edge. It’s been hanging on like that for over 2,000 years, they say – and will probably stay for another 2,000 more.

The granite rock gets its brilliant sheen from generations of Burmese Buddhists sticking gold leaf onto its surface as a sign of devotion. Kyaiktiyo pilgrims make a four-hour trek from Kinpun Village at ground level, placidly walking the 10-mile uphill climb to the rock.

The pagoda is an all-year pilgrimage favorite for locals, but things get turned up to eleven during its festival season in March . 90,000 candles illuminate the rock at night, giving it an otherworldly glow.

Getting there: Buses and trains from Yangon regularly make the 5-6-hour voyage to Kinpun. If walking four hours up a mountain isn’t your thing, pick-up trucks at Kinpun can take you there in a few minutes.  

Pray for Victory at Shwedagon Temple

No sacred space in Myanmar contains as much history, culture and literal riches as the Shwedagon Pagoda. This massive gold stupa stands on a 46-hectare complex on a hill west of Kandawgyi Lake in Yangon .

As you climb one of four stairways up to the stupa, you can stop to have your fortune told, then buy offerings to the right shrines for good luck. Locals walk around the stupa in a clockwise direction, making merit at any of the different shrines or praying for success at the Victory Ground where Kings used to pray for triumph over their enemies.

Getting there: Take a taxi to Shwedagon; avoid coming at high noon, as your bare feet will not appreciate walking on the hot pavement.

Visit the Last Royal Capital at Mandalay

Mike Aquino 

Home to the last ruling kings of Burma, Mandalay still retains echoes of its royal status. Its side streets still ring with the sound of traditional crafts being performed, from marble carvers to silversmiths to gold leaf making.

Sacred temples like the Mahamuni Pagoda (home to Myanmar’s oldest Buddha image) and Kuthodaw Pagoda (home to the “world’s largest book”, an edition of the Buddhist Pali Canon).

Sadly, World War II destroyed the Royal Palace at the heart of Mandalay. A watch tower, the Royal Mint, and the Shwenandaw Monastery are all that’s left of the original, but the rest of the palace – reconstructed in the '90s using modern materials – can still (imperfectly) give you a glimpse of what life must have been like for Burma’s kings.

Getting there: Mandalay is a major air gateway into Myanmar , thanks to Mandalay International Airport (IATA: MDL, ICAO: VYMD).  

Have a Close Encounter with Nature at Pyin Oo Lwin

Melvyn Longhurst / Getty Images 

In the days before air conditioning, the British Civil Service in Burma would spend the sweltering summers in the town they called Maymyo, now called Pyin Oo Lwin. Its elevation (3,500 feet above sea level) meant that visitors could enjoy nippy weather and flowering gardens.

Pyin Oo Lwin's tree-shaded avenues pale in comparison to the best botanical garden in Myanmar: the Kandawgyi National Gardens, a 177-hectare park in the heart of the city, combining parkland and unspoiled forest.

Over 700 species of trees, 300 species of orchids, 70 species of bamboo and 20 species of roses bloom year-round in the Gardens. (The Rose Garden is a major highlight; you can buy seeds in the Gardens to plant at home.)

Getting there: A train connects Mandalay to Pyin Oo Lwin, taking four hours to get there.  

Explore Mergui Archipelago Before Everyone Else Does

John Seaton Callahan / Getty Images

While Andaman Sea island destinations like Ko Phi Phi are struggling from too many tourists, the Mergui Archipelago off Myanmar's west coast is only now being discovered by scuba divers and beach nuts.

You’ll kayak among secluded islands only visited occasionally by the people of the Moken tribe. You’ll strap on scuba gear and explore the untouched underwater landscape, with a massive complement of nudibranch, schools of tuna and trevallies, and large sharks that dart out of the depths.

Given the 13,900-square-mile coverage of the Mergui islands, you’ll need about a week or two to explore the archipelago in depth (pun intended).

Getting there: Book a liveaboard boat from Phuket, Khao Lak and Ranong in Thailand. Alternatively, you can fly from Yangon to Kawthaung (the Myanmar jump-off point to the Mergui Archipelago) and set sail from there. Even liveaboards from Thailand must stop at Kawthaung to fix their immigration papers and pay a visa fee.  

Watch Animal Balloons Fly at the Tazaungdaing Light Festival

 Joel Carillet / Getty Images

The end of Kahtein falls on the full moon of the eighth month of the Burmese lunar calendar (in 2019, this takes place on November 5-11). Taunggyi locals take this time to kick the kick off a major festival : the Tazaungdaing Light Festival, when locals launch fireworks and balloons made of papier-mache after dark.

There’s a method to the madness. The Tazaungdaing festival traditionally marks the Buddha’s return to Earth from visiting his mother in another spiritual plane; the fireworks and balloons are intended to guide the Enlightened One home. The Taunggyi locals add a certain whimsy to the homecoming balloons, shaping them into giant paper animals, turning the sky into a menagerie.

Getting there: Buses regularly reach Taunggyi from major cities like Bagan and Yangon. By air, fly to Heho Airport (IATA: HEH, ICAO: VYHH), which is also the main air gateway to Pindaya and Inle Lake. Taxis take 40 minutes to reach Taunggyi from Heho Airport.  

Meet and Greet 13 Tribes at Kyaingtong

Ministry of Hotels & Tourism, Myanmar 

The English writer Somerset Maugham visited Kyaingtong (spelled Keng Tung in his day), inspired by an acquaintance who “spoke of Keng Tung as a lover might speak of his bride.” Today’s Kyaingtong is much as Maugham found it: a laid-back retreat that also happens to be a cultural meeting-place for 13 Shan-state tribes, each with distinct cultures and costumes.

The distinct cultures that make up Kyaingtong gather at certain landmarks that were already old when Maugham found his way there in the 20th century: the Central Market, where hill tribe traders exchange goods and news; the Maha Myat Muni Pagoda, the city’s spiritual center; and the picturesque Lake Naung Tone.

At the latter, you can sit at a lakeside food stall and enjoy local cuisine after nightfall.

Getting there: fly in from Yangon or Mandalay via Kengtung Airport (IATA: KET, ICAO: VYKG).

Visit a Holy Cave (and Thousands of Buddhas) at Pindaya

Most of Pindaya in Shan State is farmland, as far as the eyes can see: rolling hills growing vegetables, sunflowers and tea. Its main attraction lies high up on a cliff overlooking town. Shwe Oo Min Cave hides over 7,000 Buddha statues, some dating back to the 11th century AD, left in the cave by Buddhist pilgrims.

Other local attractions cater to travelers thirsty for local culture – visit the Shan cultural center that converts locally-made mulberry paper into fans and umbrellas; the Myoma Market, a one-stop-shop for local goods and cheap food; and the Plan Bee apiculture center that sells honey, beeswax candles and balms.

Its elevation of 3,800 feet above sea level makes Pindaya a cool, comfortable stop relative to Myanmar’s lowlands. No wonder Pindaya remains a popular stop for hikers from Kalaw, heading to Inle Lake.

Getting there: Fly to Heho Airport (IATA: HEH, ICAO: VYHH) and take a taxi to Pindaya. 

Take a Cruise Down the Irrawaddy River

Peter Stuckings / Getty Images 

There would be no Burma without an Irrawaddy River. This mighty waterway has nourished empires since the Pyu cities in 200 BC. Today, it continues to support trade and travel, from shipping teak logs to transporting tourists.

Myanmar river cruise lines now offer Irrawaddy itineraries lasting from a few days to several weeks. Shorter cruises shuttle between Mandalay and Bagan in four days. Longer cruises connect Bagan and Yangon, stopping by Pyay (home to Sri Ksetra, see “Pyu Cities” above at #5). Even longer voyages head to border towns like Bhamo (some 30 miles south of the border with China) and Homalin (12 miles east of the Indian border).

Where to go: Cruises depart from major riverside cities like Bagan, Mandalay and Yangon, all accessible by their respective airports . Cruise seasons often coincide with the monsoon season , to ensure high river levels — most Irrawaddy cruises run from September to April, while detours on the Chindwin River (to Homalin) occur between July and September.

Reliable cruise providers in Myanmar include Pandaw , Paukan Cruises , Avalon Waterways , and the Strand Cruise .

The 8 Best Things to Do in Bagan, Myanmar

Traveling in Myanmar? Respect Buddha & Buddhism

Myanmar Essential Holidays and Festivals

Bagan - Ancient City of Temples in Myanmar

The Best Time to Visit Myanmar

A Guide to International Airports in Myanmar

How Much Money to Travel in Myanmar

Transportation in Myanmar

Visa Requirements for Myanmar

What Prepaid Cellular SIM Should You Buy in Myanmar?

Hello in Burmese

9 Places in Myanmar That You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Top 9 Foods to Try in Myanmar

7 Best Things to Do Around Inle Lake, Myanmar

Dos and Don'ts in Myanmar

7 Out-of-the-Way Beaches in Myanmar

How to Plan a Trip to Bangkok (First-Timers' Travel Guide 2024)

The top gateway to Thailand, Bangkok, perfectly balances modern charm with cultural gems. Encapsulating our extensive travel experience in Bangkok, this guide was crafted to help you create your dream trip to Bangkok.

• 1. Choose the Best Time
• 2. Decide How Many Days to Stay
• 3. Plan Your Itinerary
• 4. Consider Your Budget
• 5. Select the Best Place to Stay
• 6. Book Your Flight to Bangkok
• 7. Getting Around Bangkok
• 8. Check Out Where to Eat
• 9. Insider Tips for First-Timers

1. What Time of Year is Best to Visit Bangkok?

With the "coolest" and driest weather, November to February is considered the best time to visit Bangkok. But please note that, as a tropical city, Bangkok's daytime temperature still reaches above 30°C (86°F) on average, even in this cooler season.

From March to May, sunny days continue, but temperatures rise to their hottest, averaging daily highs of 35°C (95°F). During this period, arrange your outdoor activities in the cool early morning hours or evenings and stay hydrated.

Since the heat keeps most travelers at bay, you could have the cultural attractions to yourselves and benefit from hotel and flight discounts. Besides, the Songkran Festival in April offers a great opportunity to join in the grand water "fights" throughout the city.

Temperatures cool down a bit when the rainy season arrives from late May to October. The wettest days are in September and October, with afternoon downpours being common. Despite the rain, outdoor exploration is still possible if you have a flexible schedule.

Check out the worst time and monthly weather in Bangkok from The Best Time to Visit Bangkok .

2. How Many Days to Spend in Bangkok?

If Bangkok is just one stop on your broader Thailand adventure, 3 days is the perfect amount of time. You could hit the major highlights without feeling too rushed.

Usually, beyond the arrival day, first-timers would dedicate 1 day to visit the iconic landmarks of Bangkok, including the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. Then, spend a day experiencing Bangkok's vibrant life by visiting its characteristic markets, like the railway market and floating markets.

If you seek a broader exploration of Bangkok, 5 days would be ideal. In addition to the must-see attractions, you could discover more hidden gems, like a cooking class at a local village or cycling around Bang Krachao. Moreover, you could take a day trip to nearby cities to see more beyond Bangkok. The ancient city of Ayutthaya is the most popular excursion, known for its UNESCO World Heritage sites.

More ideas on How Many Days in Bangkok .

3. Plan Your Bangkok Itinerary

We've thoughtfully designed the following three itineraries as suggestions for the popular travel durations.

1) A 1-Day in Bangkok Itinerary

If you have just 1 day in Bangkok, the usual recommendation is to focus on the city's most iconic sites: the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and Chinatown. As these landmarks are located close to each other, you could conveniently visit them in a single day.

Marvel at the majestic palace to appreciate Thai royal life, see the famous 46-meter-long (151-foot-long) reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, and admire the exquisite decoration of Bangkok's prettiest temple — Wat Arun.

If you'd like to learn about medieval Bangkok with a more peaceful vibe, consider Museum Siam or Bangkok National Museum.

To conclude the day, take an evening foodie tour in vibrant Chinatown.

2) A 3-Day Bangkok Itinerary

With 3 days, we highly recommend indulging yourself in Bangkok's exotic local life after exploring its top attractions.

For the best experience, venture to the outskirts of Bangkok to visit Mahachai Market, Maeklong Railway Market, and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Each market has its own distinctive charm, and they are conveniently located along the same route.

You could see both fresh and dry seafood products at Mahachai Market, witness the unique market set right on the tracks at Maeklong Railway Market, and take a small boat through the canals of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

Check out the following itinerary summary:

• Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok
• Day 2: Best of Bangkok (the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Chinatown, and a longtail boat ride in Thonburi)
• Day 3: Bangkok life exploration (Mahachai Market, Maeklong Railway Market, and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market), and departure.

Read further details from our article: 3 days in Bangkok .

3) A 5-Day Bangkok Itinerary

Compared with a 3-day itinerary, a 5-day trip would allow you to explore Thai culture more deeply and experience typical Bangkok relaxation.

With extra time in Bangkok, we suggest a day trip to nearby Ayutthaya to explore an amazing historical site (the capital of Siam from 1350 to 1767) beyond the modern-day capital. Relax on your final Bangkok day with a Thai spa or massage treatment and a cooking class.

• Day 3: Day trip to Ayutthaya
• Day 4: Bangkok life exploration (Mahachai Market, Maeklong Railway Market, and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market)
• Day 5: Take a cooking class, enjoy a Thai massage or spa, and depart

Suggested reading:

• Top Things to Do in Bangkok for Couples
• Top Things to Do in Bangkok with Kids
• The Top 10 Day Trips from Bangkok

4. Decide on Your Budget

Daily expenses in Bangkok are very reasonable, particularly when compared to major Western capitals.

Bangkok offers a wide range of accommodation options. You could stay at a luxury hotel for US$200–500/night in Riverside and Sukhumvit, or a mid-range (US$100–150/night) one in the central area. Budget travelers would find hostels starting at US$20/night in Khao San Road and the Old Town. Off-peak periods (March to June and September to October) may offer discounts of about 30%.

Tickets for attractions usually come at under US$10. The Grand Palace, for example, is the most expensive major attraction at US$9.90. If you'd like to watch some cultural shows or take a spa treatment, the price is higher—at least US$50.

Food is super cheap: street food costs about US$1–2, and you can have a meal in an air-conditioned restaurant for about US$10–15 per person.

When it comes to getting around, if you don't mind a little hassle, public transportation, like the subways and canal boats, is really affordable at US$10 a day. But if you prefer the convenience of private transfers or taxis, expect to spend about US$30–50 a day.

Therefore, for comfortable travel in Bangkok, you could budget for around US$150–200 per day per person. You could check out more price details for our sample Bangkok tour: 5-Day Essential Bangkok Tour .

5. Decide Where to Stay in Bangkok

For convenience and comfort, we usually suggest staying in these areas: Riverside, Siam, or Sukhumvit.

If you want a luxurious and romantic stay, choose the Riverside area. It is a great place to unwind with gorgeous views of the Chao Phraya River and easy access to top attractions, like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun.

Siam Square/Siam is the perfect place for families. This area boasts major shopping centers like Siam Paragon and CentralWorld, along with a variety of dining options, from street food to international cuisine. You could also get around easily via the MRT subways and BTS Skytrain.

Sukhumvit is the place to go if you're looking for Western comforts and modern amenities. This vibrant district is the place to be for trendy sky bars, high-end restaurants, and luxurious spas. It is connected with the BTS Skytrain, making it easy to explore the city.

If you would consider budget hotels, consider Khao San Road and the Old City, where the historical icons are located, like the Grand Palace. The traffic congestion, however, usually makes getting around a challenge.

See hotel recommendations in each area at Where to Stay in Bangkok .

6. Book Your Flights to Bangkok

Bangkok has two main airports: Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang.

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is the city's primary international gateway, with a wide range of flights and top-tier services. It takes about an hour to reach the city center.

On the other hand, Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) is more focused on domestic flights and some regional international routes, mainly operated by low-cost carriers.

The two airports are about an hour's drive apart, so if you need to make a transfer between them, make sure to allow at least 3 hours for your connection.

7. Consider How to Get around Bangkok

Like in most cities, private transfers are the most convenient and value-enhancing, though the most expensive, transportation option in Bangkok.

Taxis offer a similar convenience, but you need to do some extra preparation. Because few taxi drivers speak English, you'd better write down your destinations beforehand.

Due to frequent road congestion, the BTS Skytrain, MRT subway, and Chao Phraya River boats are better and more affordable choices for navigating the city more efficiently during peak hours.

However, they could be crowded and have limited seats during rush hours. You would also have to walk certain distances to your destinations and navigate your own routes.

If you're looking for a more local flavor, taking a tuk-tuk could be a fun and exciting way to get around. These three-wheeled vehicles are iconic in Bangkok, but be cautious about their pricing, which could sometimes be inflated for tourists.

8. Plan Where (and What) to Eat in Bangkok

Traveling in Bangkok, Chinatown is a must for street food lovers. On its main road, Yaowarat Road, you could easily find fresh snacks or drinks ranging from iconic Thai desserts of mango sticky rice and coconut ice cream to skewered fried insects.

Michelin-starred food adventures are also available there, such as Lim Lao Ngow for fish ball noodles, Patonggo Savoey for dough sticks, and Khao Gaeng Jek Pui for Thai curry.

For one-of-a-kind dining experiences, book Michelin-starred local restaurants near Wat Pho Pier, offering perfect sunset and night views of Wat Arun. Rongros, Sala Rattanakosin, and Chakrabongse Dining stand out for their excellent Thai food and views.

If you prefer a rooftop dining experience with an illuminated city view, head to Silom or Sukhumvit for a memorable night above the city lights. Rooftop venues tend to lean towards Western cuisine.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

9. Insider Tips for First-Time Visitors to Bangkok

How can i pay for things in bangkok—cash or card/app.

Cash in Thai Baht is widely accepted in Bangkok, especially for street food and markets, but cards/cashless payments are increasingly common in malls and larger establishments.

What should I pack for my Bangkok trip?

Pack light, breathable clothing for the heat, along with a light jacket for cooler evenings and air-conditioned spaces.

Don't forget comfortable shoes for walking and exploring. Insect repellent is necessary if you take a jungle/mountain adventure.

Is it customary to tip in Bangkok?

Tipping isn't mandatory in Bangkok, but it's appreciated. Rounding up the bill or leaving small change is common in restaurants. For more upscale dining, a 10% tip is customary.

What should I wear in temples in Bangkok?

When visiting temples or palaces, wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. It's a sign of respect, and some temples may provide cover-ups if needed.

Wearing sandals or flip-flops is great for temple days as you have to remove your shoes before entering the halls.

Can I get a SIM card at the airport, and which is the best one to get?

You could easily get a tourist SIM card from AIS, TrueMove H, or DTAC, as well as other providers at the airport or 7-11s in the city. You could expect to pay around 100–300 baht (approximately US$3–$10) for a basic prepaid SIM card. Your phone will need to be unlocked (no network restrictions) to use a prepaid SIM card.

Do I need a visa to enter Bangkok?

Nationals of many countries are exempt from needing a tourist visa to enter Bangkok, including the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Most travelers can stay in Bangkok without a visa for up to 30 days.

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

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Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2024

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The eBook is only available in PDF at this time.

After a one year hiatus, Lonely Planet's annual bestseller returns to mark our 50th anniversary. This special edition sets the travel agenda for the year to come, with a comprehensive and inspirational list of 50 incredible destinations to experience over the forthcoming year. Expect a mix of emerging travel hotspots, underappreciated or criminally overlooked places and fresh-takes on well-known destinations.

 An expert panel judge and select 5 ranked lists of 10 destinations, covering the themes of: Top 10 Countries, Top 10 Regions, Top 10 Cities, Top 10 Best Value Destinations and Top 10 Sustainable Travel Destinations  - Voted on by Lonely Planet's writers, staff and community - Each destination profile features timely reasons to visit in 2024, expertly curated itineraries and practical advice to have the best travel experience when visiting

Top 10 Countries: Mongolia; India; Morocco; Chile; Benin; Mexico; Uzbekistan; Pakistan; Croatia; St Lucia Top 10 Regions: Western Balkans' Trans Dinarica Cycling Route; Kangaroo Island, South Australia; Tuscany, Italy; Donegal, Ireland; País Vasco, Spain; Southern Thailand; Swahili Coast, Tanzania; Montana, USA; Saafelden Leogang, Austria; Far North Scotland Top 10 Cities:  Nairobi, Kenya; Paris, France; Montreal, Canada; Mostar, Bosnia; Philadelphia, USA; Manaus, Brazil; Jakarta, Indonesia; Prague, The Czech Republic; Izmir, Turkey; Kansas City, Missouri Top 10 Sustainable Travel Spots:  Spain; Patagonia, Argentina & Chile; Greenland; Wales' Trails; The Portuguese Way / Caminho Português de Santiago; Palau; Hokkaido, Japan; Ecuador; Baltic Trails of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania; Eco-lodges in South Africa Top 10 Best Value Destinations: The Midwest, USA; Poland; Nicaragua; Danube Limes, Romania; Normandy, France; Egypt; Ikaria, Greece; Algeria; Southern Lakes & Central Otago, New Zealand; Night trains, Europe

ISBN: 9781837581061

Edition: 2024

Publication Date: October 2023

Writers: Lonely Planet

224 pages | Dimensions: 165mm width × 210mm height

Next edition due: Not yet determined

This guide is in the English language.