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 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.
Arrival on the shores of Lake Inle
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
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.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Myanmar for tourism purposes. As entry requirements may change, particularly due to the country's political and security situation, we recommend verifying this information with official authorities and your country's consular services before your departure.
Passport
To enter Myanmar, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond your entry date and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada must hold a valid visa to enter Myanmar. There is no visa exemption for tourist stays.
Several options are available:
the electronic visa (e-Visa), to be applied for online before departure through the official Burmese government portal, generally valid for 28 days for a tourist stay,
a visa obtained from the Myanmar embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
Authorities may also request:
a departure ticket from the country (return flight or onward travel),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
accommodation reservation confirmation.
Travel Warning
Due to the political and security situation in Myanmar since the military coup in February 2021, the governments of many EEA member countries, Switzerland, and Canada strongly advise against all non-essential travel to the country, and advise against travel to certain regions. It is highly recommended to consult the travel advisories published by your country's authorities before planning any trip.
Health
No vaccinations are mandatory to enter Myanmar from EEA countries, Switzerland, or Canada. However, several vaccinations are strongly recommended by health authorities:
hepatitis A and B,
typhoid,
rabies (in case of prolonged stay or travel to rural areas),
diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis (up to date).
Preventive antimalarial treatment may be recommended depending on the regions you visit. Consult a doctor or international vaccination center before your departure.
Traveling with Children
Minors must hold their own valid passport as well as an individual visa covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the country may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other Nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire at the Myanmar embassy or consulate of their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and foreign medical expenses coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To purchase insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of this, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
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
Decoder of Burmese Mysteries, based in Yangon
Myanmar never fully reveals itself at first glance. What I love is guiding travelers through this progressive discovery, between culture, encounters, and the unexpected moments that unfold on the ground.
— Hervé
