Myanmar Explorer

27 days

Land route journey with your rental car and own driver (no flights).
All you need – all you want – all to enjoy!
You choosed a great time to enjoy Myanmar. There will be no hurry, there will be just total adventure. Aside the main attractions you will have enough time to enjoy places, which are still hidden and wait to be discovered by many. And at the end you can enjoy the burmese beach, which will be a much different experience compaired to Thailand

Tour Details

Day 1 - Yangon - Arrival

WELCOME TO MYANMAR! MINGALABA!

Meet The Real Myanmar representative on arrival at airport and transfer to down town.

Yangon (formerly known as Rangoon) is the largest city in Myanmar (formerly Burma). A mix of British colonial architecture, modern high-rises and gilded Buddhist pagodas define its skyline. Its famed Shwedagon Paya, a huge, shimmering pagoda complex, draws thousands of pilgrims annually. The city's other notable religious sites include the Botataung and Sule pagodas, both housing Buddhist relics.

Day 2 - Yangon Sightseeing

START THE MORNING WITH A STROLL AT KANDAWGYI LAKE

Your first leg of Yangon will begin by walking through the city center, taking in colonial buildings, the bustling markets offer an insight into local life ,contemporary art galleries and over 100 year old beautiful Rangoon Synagogue to hear the brief history of Burmese Jewish Community and some interesting stories.

Later visit to Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda, home to an enormous reclining Buddha whose crown is encrusted with diamonds and precious gems followed by Shwedagon pagoda, the most sacred Buddhist site in all of Burma. Also known as the Golden Pagoda, the 2,000-year-old hilltop temple complex covers more than twelve acres and dominates the Rangoon skyline.

Day 3 - Yangon to Golden Rock via Bago Sightseeing

Drive to Bago (84 km - 1½ hours). En route, visit several points of interest, including the Allied War cemetery near Htauk Kyan, a tree shrine dedicated to legendary animist spirits known as “Nats”, a handicraft village producing woven bamboo wares and Kyaik Pun Pagoda, famous for its four giant Buddha figures.

In Bago, sightseeing and further photo opportunities include the Shwemawdaw Pagoda, which is over a thousand years old, the massive 55-meter-long reclining "Shwe Tha Lyaung" Buddha statue (one of the country’s most revered religious objects), a family-owned Burmese cigar (cheroot) factory and local pottery workshops.

After lunch, drive to Kin Pun “Base Camp” (110 km - 3½ hours) and onward to Kyaiktiyo, the “Golden Rock” by open truck. This huge, visually stunning boulder is delicately balanced on the edge of a cliff, and completely covered with tens of thousands of postage - stamp size sheets of real gold leaf, each ritually hand-applied by religious pilgrims.

Adjacent to the main pagoda is a large and bustling marketplace of food stalls, religious offering vendors, and picnic spots. The entire area is alive with a continually moving current of human activity – worship, play, socializing and people watching! The atmosphere at Golden Rock is always magical, and the photographic opportunities endless.

Day 4 - Golden Rock

Sunrise photography of the Golden Rock area & spend the time there for more exploration

Day 5 - Golden Rock to Naypyitaw

THE NEW CAPITAL IS CALLING – A DIFFERENT KIND OF EXPERIENCE

Return to the Kimpun based camp where the main vehicle is awaiting. The drive head to Phayargyi junction and continue to Naypyitaw by express road.

Nay Pyi Taw, only a vast shrubland a decade back, has become Myanmar’s seat of power and one of the fastest growing cities in the world. Built from dust, more than 25 construction companies were hired to build the city in a few short years.

Day 6 - Naypyitaw to Loikaw

After breakfast, head towards Shan Hills to Loikaw by passing beautiful scenery with mountains and colorful plantations of seasame, pepper, sunflowers through November to February.

The town is in the Karen Hills, near the State's northern tip, just above an embayment on the Pilu River.
Loikaw and surroundings are famous not only for its richness in culture but also for the existence of one of Myanmar’s largest hydro-power plants, Lawpita I and II, which have already passed their golden jubilee.

On arrival, enjoy great view over the city and nearby hills from TaungKweZedi (TaungKwe pagoda) in the centre of the town

Day 7 - Loikaw

Loikaw, one of the best places to head in Southeast Asia for a window into authentic tribal life. There are very few places left where we can have this sort of opportunity. Ladies wear traditional clothing, which consisted of leg rings, circular earrings, and elaborate necklaces. There are three main tribes in Loikaw: the Kayan, The Kayah and the Kayaw.

Explore villages and meet some Kayan Ladies (known as long Neck lady). Observe their daily life and speak with them.

Day 8 - Loikaw to Inle Lake

Collect your luggage and head towards Inle Lake. The road passes through small houses, fields, beautiful Churches and towns. 

On arrival, visit more then hundred years old Shwe Yan Pyay monastery and take a memorable photo with  its oval shape windows. Then,transfer to hotel in Nyaung Shwe or jetty to board your hotel in Inle Lake.

Day 9 - Discovery on Inle Lake by your own

A day touring around beautiful Inle lake by local boat. Along the way you will gain a fascinating insight into life on the waterways of Inle Lake, passing fishermen famous for their curious ‘leg-rowing’ technique and lush ‘floating gardens’ where local farmers grow a surprising variety of fruit and vegetables. Your first stop will be the region’s morning market, which rotates its location around the lake’s villages in a 5-day rhythm and which is a chance to meet some of the people who gather here from the surrounding hilltribe villages.

See the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake’s main sanctuary, then visit some villages known for their local crafts including those which specialize in the production of handmade ‘cheroot’ (typical Burmese cigars)
Cruise along foliage cloaked canals to the lakeside village of In Dein in the afternoon. Here you will explore the ancient stupas of Nyaung Ohak and Shwe Inn Thein Paya. The structures date from the 17th and 18th centuries and while some have been restored.

You will also have time to take a stroll around this enchanting village before cruising back to the shore.
(Please contact us if you need our assistance for boat tour)

Day 10 - Day Trip to Kakku

One fullday tour to Kakku by passing Shan and Pa O villages along a countryside mountain with beautiful scenery.

Leave your hotel by boat/car and drive up through the hills to Taunggyi, capital of Southern Shan State and a former British hill station. A stop at She Phone Pyay pagoda fo dizzying views over Taunggyi and Inle Lake. Just a couple of hours from Taunggyi on tarred road, discover the "long lost" ruins of Kak Ku in countryside inhabited by the Pa O people. Situated in the rolling Shan Hills, Kakku pagoda is very unusual and little is known about its origins. The Pa O people believe that the original pagoda was built on the site some 2,000 years ago. Dozens of small stupas surround the main pagoda in a huge circle. You can wander around the stupas, which are decorated with fine stuccowork and Buddha images.

Visit one of the many Pa O villages near Kakku and a stop at Red Mountain vineyard on the way back to Nyaung Shwe where you will board your boat for going back to the hotel.

Day 11 - Inle Lake to Mandalay via a Stop at Pindaya Cave

Depart from your hotel after breakfast. Drive towards Mandalay. A stop at Pindaya. Located in the Shan State of Burma, Pindaya offers some of the country's best hiking and natural wonders. Here visitors come to see the famous limestone caves. Scenery of Myingyan plain and Shan mountain since the road leads from dry zone into Shan rolling hills.

Day 12 - Mandalay Sightseeing

Visit some of the beautiful cultural highlights of the city. We first visit to Mahamuni Pagoda, home to a spectacular Buddha image covered with thick layers of gold leaves. Stop at local workshops to see Kalaga tapestries being made, gold leaf being beaten into paper-thin pieces. Continue to Mandalay Royal Palace, where Burma's last two kings lived.

Afternoon tour includes Shwe Nandaw Kyuang or ‘Golden Palace Monastery’ noted for its intricate wood carvings, Kayuktawgyi Pagoda with its huge marble Buddha and Kuthodaw Pagoda, home to ‘The World’s Largest Book’, a collection of some 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist teachings.
Atop Mandalay Hill lie glittering glass-studded temple walls which reflect the evening glow as you watch the sunset.

Day 13 - Mandalay - Ayeyarwaddy River to Mingun & Afternoon Sunset From U Bein Bridge

Transfer to jetty. We embark at a simple wooden jetty. Cruise to the village of Mingun. Visit the world’s largest uncracked bell and marvel at the impressive sight of the unfinished Mingun Pagoda. Continue to the Hisnbyume Pagoda, a white-washed temple built to resemble Mount Meru, a sacred mountain in Buddhist, Hindu and Jain cosmology.

Return to Mandalay. (Please contact us if you require boat service from us)

Later in the afternoon, we take a short drive to the ancient royal capital of Amarapura. Visit the world's longest teak bridge to capture that memorable photo of the bridge at sunset before heading back to Mandalay.

Day 14 - Mandalay to Pyin Oo Lwin

Depart Mandalay on drive through beautiful countryside to the former British hill station of Maymyo, now called Pyin U Lwin. Situated 1000m above sea level, this was a popular retreat for the British residents of Mandalay, looking to escape the stifling summer heat. Today, this delightful town still has a pleasant atmosphere and some great colonial era architecture. Take an orientation tour of the town by car and horse-drawn carriage (own expense), including a visit to the beautiful botanical gardens. The remainder of the day and the evening is free for you to explore on your own.

Day 15 - Pyin Oo Lwin to Hsipaw

Depart this morning on a local train to Naung Pein Village, passing over the staggering Gokthiek Viaduct. The train is very simple and the ride is rather bumpy, but it’s well worth forgoing a little comfort for this wonderful insight into local life and the wonderful scenery along the way. On arrival at Naung Pein, continue by road to the charming market town of Hsipaw. Explore some of the local villages, a little Bagan and old monastery built by Shan Sawbwa in the area in the late afternoon. You may also be able to visit the Shan Palace (although please note that this is not an official ‘site’ and opening/closing times cannot be guaranteed).

Return to the city in the evening to visit Nine Buddha Hill, 2 kilometres from town centre, to watch the sunset over Hsipaw and the Dokhtawaddy.

Day 16 - Hsipaw - Boat Trip Over the Dothawaddy River to Nearby Shan Villages

This morning, take a long tail boat ride along the Dokthawaddy River to Shan villages for light trek. The boat will take you from one village to another. The trek passes over gently rolling hills that are home to many hilltribes, such as Palaung and Shan. You will pass paddy fields, seasonal cultivations, green mountains and stop in several villages along the way. Learn about the villages, seasonal cultivations, their religious with Nat spirits, traditional houses, rail road and even you may have chance to see big colorful spiders bigger than the size of your hand (if you visit there in November, December)
Enjoy a Shan noodle soup and a cup of green tea at a Shan traditional house. It is also a good idea to try some fried beans and homemade rice wine.
Then, return to Hsipaw.

Balance of the day at leisure to spend the time at hotel bar with a glass of local wine. (Please contact us if would like to have price for this activity)

Day 17 - Hsipaw to Mandalay

After breakfast, depart for the 6-7 hour drive through the scenic Shan Hills back to Mandalay. The road is narrow and busy with heavy Lorries trading between China boarder town and Myanmar.

Day 18 - Mandalay to Monywa via Sagaing Hill

Set off a drive to Monywa (150 Km,about 4 hours). Visit picturesque Sagaing Hill which is perhaps the living centre of Buddhist faith in Myanmar today. The hills here are dotted with numerous pagodas and monasteries. Enjoy a magnificent view over the surrounding area. Continue to Monywa.

On arrival at Monywa, visit Thanboddhay Pagoda, about 20 Km from Monywa. The richly decorated central stupa has no less than 845 smaller stupas around it. Inside the pagoda compound are thousands of Buddha images (reportedly over 500,000) decorating every wall, archway and niche. Also see beautiful wooden carvings of the ‘Jataka Tales’ (stories from the Buddha’s life) and a huge Reclining Buddha nearby.

Day 19 - Monywa

Visit to Po Win and Shwe Ba Hills

This morning, take a driver by passing over the bridge on the Chindwin river to visit a sandstone cave system in the Po Win Hills and Shwe Ba Taung, which features unique pavilions cut from the surrounding sandstone and filled with Buddha images. Spend time exploring this interesting site where monasteries and temples are carved out rocky narrow cliffs. Enjoy overview from the top of the mountain. Also visit a village whose main business is the extraction of copper.

Day 20 - Monywa to Bagan via Pakokku

Depart Monywa today .

On the way, a stop at Amyint & Anyint village Enjoy scenery beauty of villages, local people,  agriculture farming, animals, lining trees along the way to the village. Visit hidden treasures of ruined pagodas, old monasteries and brick monuments and mural paints in the village.

Then, continue  onwards  Pakokku (2 hours), an unspoilt small town famous for its tobacco trade and weaving workshops to see how characteristic Myanmar checked cotton blankets are made.  A great chance to explore a cheroot maker’s where skilled young women can make hundreds of cheroots in a day, a small Thanaka market (traditional makeup and sunscreen for Myanmar people) , a workshop where traditional slippers and incredible wood carvings .

Continue to Bagan by crossing the new bridge.

Arrive at Bagan in time for sunset.

Day 21 - Bagan

Your discovery in Old Bagan begins with some of the site’s most important monuments such HtilominloTemple, , one of the greater temples of Bagan, Ananda temple, an architectural masterpiece, built 1105 AD in the early Mon-style, Ananda contains two unique Buddha images whose expressions seem to change depending on the distance and angle from which the statues are viewed. Continue to Thatbyinnyu Temple standing within the city walls, rises to a height of 201 feet above the ground and overtops all the other monuments, Gubyaukgyi Temple which dates back to the 13th century AD and Sulamani Guphaya Temple.

You will return to your hotel for a couple of hours to escape the hottest part of the day.

Later this afternoon, end the day atop a pagoda which affords a magnificent sunset view of Bagan's temple studded plains.

Day 22 - Bagan Villages & Ayeyarwaddy River Cruise

Morning exploration of local villages.
Start with an excursion to village market in Nyaung Oo and nearby villages to learn agriculture production and village life. Meet the people in the farming to share practices of seasonal plantations such as sesame and various kinds of beans and local products from plantations.

Back to hotel after lunch to escape the heat.

Later in the afternoon,take a boat ride (own expense) on the significant Irrawaddy River to see intricate carvings at KyaukGu U Min. Return to Bagan by boat as the sun sets over the Irrawaddy.

Day 23 - Bagan to Pyay

Depart Bagan towards Pyay by passing local palm tree plantation.
Visit Mount Popa,a 1,518m high extinct volcano to enjoy wonderful views of the surrounding area.
Mount Popa is dedicated to animist spirits known as ‘nats’ and you will have time to climb the 777 steps to the shrine at the top of the peak. At the foot of mountain, you could observe Nat Shrine contains a display of mannequin like figures representing the 37 Nat and is a major pilgrimage destination. There will be the opportunity to explore the fascinating monasteries, stupas and shrine
Continue to Pyay, (also known as Prome) situated near the ancient capital of Sri Kettra by passing small towns and farming.

On arrival at Pyay, visit the ancient city of Sri Ketttra,8 Km out of town with its unique cylindrical shaped stone stupas. Dating back to the 5th – 9th century, this city flourished during the rule of the Phyu. Very little remains of what were once a great kingdom but extensive research suggests that some pagodas here date back to the beginning of the Christian era. First, visit two huge stupa, Baw Baw Gyi and Be Be Gyi. Then continue to Hmawzar archaeological museum which houses artifacts unearthed in Sri Ksetra such as , coins, ceramic, metal wares, stone inscriptions and gold leaves in Sanskrit,Pali & Pyu languages.

Day 24 - Pyay to Ngwe Saung Beach

Drive towards Ngwe Saung beach along sleepy & narrow road (approx. 6 hours drive)

Ngwe Saung known as Silver Beach is located in Ayeyarwaddy Division – The Delta region, facing the Bay of Bengal. Ngwe Saung is easily accessed by road, via Pathein, the capital of Ayeyarwaddy Division. This road is surrounded with tropical trees on its sides by crossing the shoulder of Western Yoma Mountain Ranges. The scenery at the beach is breathtakingly beautiful – long coastline stretched with beautiful coconut palm trees accompanied by mangroves.

The water is transparent and visible the varieties of beautiful marine lives and good place for scuba diving. The cool fresh breeze can make you forget the hectic city life of crowded, noisy streets and traffic jams.

Day 25 - Ngwe Saung Beach

Free at leisure in beach.

Day 26 - Ngwe Saung Beach

Free at leisure in beach.

Day 27 - Ngwe Saung Beach to Yangon (Departure)

Today, return drive back to Yangon (approx. 5 hours drive).

Enroute, visit Pathein, the Capital of the Delta region famous for its colorful hand printed umbreallas and delicious local sweets “Pathein – Halawa shops, Pathein market and busy strand road. Drive back to Yangon.

Locate us on map
No.184,Sule Pagoda Road (next to Police Station)
Kyauktadar Township
Yangon Myanmar / Burma
(+95)1398263, (+95)9250311652, (+95)9799113436


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