Nature and culture, from Mandalay to Yangon
From the pagodas of Bagan to the floating gardens of Inle Lake, an authentic crossing of Myanmar between temples and mountains.
Duration
13 days
From
US$625/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
From north to south, from Mandalay to Yangon, discover the iconic sites of Myanmar: its royal capitals, the incredible temples of the Bagan Plain and a superb hike in the mountains of Shan State to the legendary Inle Lake.
Accompanied by a vehicle and a driver, the journey is free and at your own pace for a gentle discovery of this fascinating country with multiple facets.
Along the itinerary, let yourself be captivated by the descent of the Irrawaddy River, traditional villages and encounters with the different ethnic groups of the Shan region. Between millennial heritage, preserved landscapes and local immersion, this circuit offers a complete discovery of Myanmar's treasures.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Mandalay in Birmanie!
City tour
Mandalay, the country's 2nd largest city, is full of historic sites and temples. As a former kingdom capital, it is home to the country's 2nd most sacred pagoda, the Mahamuni Pagoda, as well as the imposing royal palace citadel.
Among the other notable sites in the city are the Shwenandaw Monastery, entirely made of teak wood, and nearby the Kuthodaw Pagoda (the "royal merit"), whose 729 white stupas house the writings of the "world's largest book", the Tipitaka, a Buddhist canon in Pali language.
From Mandalay Hill, which offers a particularly photogenic panorama as sunset approaches, we can admire the city's exceptional geographic position: nestled between the majestic Irrawaddy River and the foothills of the Shan Mountains. We reach the summit on foot or by car and discover several monasteries and pagodas along the way.
Around Mandalay
This morning we head south of the city to explore one of its emblems, the famous U Bein wooden bridge, which stretches for 1.2 kilometers and is entirely built from teak. Outside the city, on the banks of the Irrawaddy, we then reach the city of Ava, the former capital of the kingdom of the same name. We discover the site by horse-drawn carriage, including its Me Nu Ok Kyaung monastery and its Nanmyin tower, the only remaining element of the royal palace to survive to this day.
Change of transport, it is by private boat that we continue our journey, for 45 magical minutes sailing up the Irrawaddy River to the site of Mingun. Its imposing unfinished pagoda, built by King Bodowpaya, was supposed to be the largest in the world before construction was halted at the king's death. It is also famous for its large crack caused by the 1838 earthquake. The king also commissioned a massive bell, visible on the site. The superb Hsinbyume pagoda, meanwhile, was built by King Bagyidam in tribute to his deceased wife.
After our visits and in the magnificent colors of the sunset, we sail back down to Mandalay by boat.
On the Irrawaddy River
Hotel departure at the very end of the night to the pier where our boat to Bagan awaits us. We spend the day sailing down the Irrawaddy River and observing activities on its banks, in a comfortable vessel equipped with an air-conditioned deck, an outdoor deck and a bar-restaurant. The sunrises over the river are reputed, and for good reason!
Arrival at Bagan in late afternoon, hotel check-in and first free visit of the area.
The Plain of Bagan
The morning is dedicated to discovering one of the greatest treasures of Myanmar and Asia: the exceptional Bagan Plain. More than 2000 temples of all sizes and conditions, from the most majestic to the simplest, built between the 11th and 13th centuries on a vast plain along the Irrawaddy River. The atmosphere and charm of the place are unparalleled, temples are scattered throughout the vegetation, exploration is endless and fills us with wonder. Among the most famous, mention the Gu Byauk Gyi temple, the Manuha pagoda and the Nan Paya temple.
In the afternoon we head towards Old Bagan, former stronghold of which some sections of walls remain and housing numerous temples and pagodas, such as the Bu pagoda, the Shwegu Gyi temples, Maha Bodhi, That Byin Nyu and Dhammayan Gyi, as well as the Shwesandaw pagoda.
Free day in Bagan
Free day in Bagan. Possibility to enjoy the hotel, stroll around the site, rent bikes, …
Optional : excursion with vehicle and English-speaking guide to more remote sites, visit of workshops, …
Contact us for possibilities and rates.
Towards the mountains
Departure from Bagan and heading east. We stop at Mont Popa, an ancient volcano whose summit must be earned (777 steps) but offers beautiful rewards to the brave: the pretty Taung Kalatt temple and especially magnificent views over the plain.
We continue our journey eastward towards the mountains of the État Shan. Our destination for the day is the village of Kalaw, which at 1300m altitude enjoys a very pleasant climate and was therefore very popular with English colonists. Free time in late afternoon to stroll through the village.
Mountain hiking
Kalaw → Village de montagne
Kalaw is located in the middle of magnificent hills and mountains offering multiple hiking possibilities. We waste no time putting on our hiking boots and starting a long two-day trek in the hills of Shan State.
Crossing small traditional villages, discovering the daily life of farmers and their field work (tea, tobacco, rice, vegetables, …), encounters with the ethnic groups Palaung and Danu, picnicking in the open air are on the menu of our walk.
Approximately 6 hours of hiking
(luggage transferred by vehicle, only a backpack for the 2 days of trekking is necessary)
Overnight stay with a local family or in a monastery.
Along the water on Inle Lake
The day is dedicated to exploring by boat Inle Lake, its inhabitants and activities. At 1200m altitude, enjoying a pleasant climate and surrounded by lush hills, the setting is idyllic. The Intha ethnic group lives on the lake in stilt houses and cultivates fruits and vegetables in floating gardens.
The great Phaung Daw U Pagoda, located in the central part of the lake, is famous for its five Buddha statues, so covered with gold leaf by pilgrims that their original forms can no longer be distinguished today.
We end our water wanderings with a visit to stilt monasteries and craft workshops and return to our hotel in the afternoon.
Free day at Inle Lake
Free day at Inle Lake. We can rest, stroll through villages, rent bicycles, relax in hot springs, …
(Feel free to contact us to add scheduled activities)
Towards the ancient capital Yangon
Lac Inle → Heho
Morning transfer to Heho airport.
Heho → Yangon
We take our domestic flight to Yangon where we are welcomed and transferred into the city.
We set off without further delay to explore the former capital of Myanmar, which with its six million inhabitants is a sprawling city and the economic and cultural centre of the country.
Among the most interesting sites, we stroll through the old colonial quarter where the buildings are steeped in history. At the forefront of these we must not miss The Secretariat where General Aung San, independence leader and father of the future Nobel Peace Prize winner, was assassinated on 19 July 1947.
For an immersion in the vibrant and colourful daily life of the country, Bogyoke market is a warmly recommended stop.
In the beautiful colours of late afternoon, let us head towards the city's most famous symbol, the majestic Shwedagon Pagoda, which is said to contain the relics of four buddhas. Entirely covered in gold, it is the most sacred pilgrimage site in Myanmar.
Welcome back!
Free morning until the time of transfer to the airport for our return international flight.
Optional: vehicle and driver in Yangon depending on our return flight schedule (please contact us)
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- an English-speaking accompanying guide (non-trekking)
- entrance fees to sites
- Lunches and dinners
- international flights
- insurance
- tips and personal expenses
- everything that is not mentioned in the inclusions
Included
- accommodations with breakfasts in double or twin rooms
- interior flights and boats mentioned
- a private vehicle with driver at your disposal from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM approximately (except free days)
- the 2-day trek (with 3 meals included, English-speaking guide and accommodation)
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant en Birmanie (Myanmar) dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, notamment en raison du contexte politique et sécuritaire du pays, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles et des services consulaires de votre pays avant votre départ.
Passeport
Pour entrer en Birmanie, votre passeport doit être valide au minimum six mois après la date d'entrée dans le pays et comporter au moins deux pages vierges pour les tampons d'immigration.
Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Visa
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen, de la Suisse et du Canada doivent être munis d'un visa valide pour entrer en Birmanie. Il n'existe pas d'exemption de visa pour les séjours touristiques.
Plusieurs options sont disponibles :
le visa électronique (e-Visa), à demander en ligne avant le départ sur le portail officiel du gouvernement birman, généralement valable 28 jours pour un séjour touristique,
le visa obtenu auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat de Birmanie dans votre pays de résidence.
Les autorités peuvent également demander :
un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),
une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour,
la confirmation de réservation d'hébergement.
Avertissement aux voyageurs
En raison de la situation politique et sécuritaire en Birmanie depuis le coup d'État militaire de février 2021, les gouvernements de nombreux pays membres de l'EEE, la Suisse et le Canada déconseillent formellement tout voyage non essentiel dans le pays, voire déconseillent tout voyage dans certaines régions. Il est vivement recommandé de consulter les avis aux voyageurs publiés par les autorités de votre pays avant d'envisager tout déplacement.
Santé
Aucun vaccin n'est obligatoire pour entrer en Birmanie depuis les pays de l'EEE, la Suisse ou le Canada. Toutefois, plusieurs vaccinations sont fortement recommandées par les autorités sanitaires :
hépatites A et B,
typhoïde,
rage (en cas de séjour prolongé ou en zone rurale),
diphtérie, tétanos, poliomyélite (mise à jour).
Un traitement antipaludéen préventif peut être recommandé selon les régions visitées. Consultez un médecin ou un centre de vaccination international avant votre départ.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre passeport valide ainsi que d'un visa individuel couvrant la durée du séjour.
Dans certains pays européens, lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat de Birmanie de leur pays de résidence.
Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.
Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.
CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !
Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.
Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist e-visa is required and must be obtained online before departure (approximately 50 USD). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date. The current political context requires increased vigilance: consult your country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before booking. We recommend verifying entry conditions specific to your nationality with the destination's consular authorities.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, plan for between 120 and 200 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and English-speaking guide. International flights (800-1200 euros return) are additional. Hotel options remain limited: we select the most reliable establishments.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt every itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you have the perfect version. You confirm and depart with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Central Plain
Travel Advisor
Myanmar is a country that reveals itself slowly. I love taking travelers to places where travel takes on another dimension, through an unexpected encounter, a village, or a shared moment.
— Renaud
