- Yangon (Rangoon)
- Bagan (Pagan)
- Inle Lake
- Yangon (Rangoon)
Explore Myanmar's cultural and natural highlights in Yangon, Bagan and Inle Lake
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
What's included
- Completely private tours of Yangon, Bagan and Inle Lake
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Meet and greet airport service
- Full support from your Travel Concierge before, during and after your trip
At a glance
This six-day trip is the perfect way to see the highlights of historical and cultural Myanmar.
Your journey begins in Yangon, a vibrant and bustling city offering lively street markets and the grand old buildings of the colonial era. The golden Shwedagon Pagoda is Myanmar’s largest city’s centrepiece.
The following day head to Bagan, where you will be surrounded by countless temples and stupas of Bagan where, as well as a sun rise hot air balloon flight, you’ll visit local markets and villages. Next are the calm waters of Inle Lake where you can watch fishermen use their distinctive leg rowing technique and discover floating villages and even a vineyard.
Round off your trip with a few more touches of intriguing Buddhist culture, street food and art in bustling Yangon. This is the perfect trip for those looking for a short getaway and to immerse in an authentic, unique culture.
Example trip itinerary
Yangon
Transfer
Private transfer from Yangon airport to your hotel
Accommodation in Yangon
Yangon (Rangoon)
Overview
A relic of Myanmar‘s colonial history dating back to 1901, The Strand played host to Rudyard Kipling during his journey through then-Burma, amongst many other famed writers and travellers.
Today, many things have changed – there’s Wi-Fi in all the rooms and the complimentary mini-bars are refreshed daily – but the hotel’s elegant charm and the first-rate, attentive service remain constant with butlers manning every floor 24-hours-a-day, each armed with an unfailingly sunny and helpful disposition.
The four suites types are spacious and airy, with teak wood floors, antiques to decorate, ceiling fans, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The hotel also features a spa, where travellers can go for a massage to ease away jetlag or perhaps to prepare for a long flight.
Guests can dine in the sophisticated Strand Grill, with its black-and-white marble floor, chandeliers, and local music accompanying the international cuisine. The Strand Cafe is a little more casual, and the breakfast menu offers a fantastic choice of cereals, pancakes and eggs, to name but a few options: we recommend the eggs benedict. Being an old colonial hotel, it’s no surprise that high tea is also on offer, later in the evening, you can join the local expats in the grand bar for a cold G&T.
→ Find out moreYangon (Rangoon)
Overview
Overlooking Yangon’s famous Shwedagon Pagoda, The Savoy is a boutique hotel in an old colonial mansion, just ten minutes away from the city centre. Service is a stand-out feature, with enthusiastically helpful staff available 24 hours a day.
The rooms are very spacious, with wooden floors, polished wooden furnishings, and large windows; the suites have living areas, and are the best options for those staying for more than a couple of days, where the extra space will be appreciated. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in all rooms and suites.
The pool and adjacent lounge area make for great places to unwind away from the city bustle. You can dine at Kipling’s Restaurant, which serves a combination of western and regional cuisine, complimented by a view of Shwedagon Pagoda; there’s also a terrace, so you can make the most of the balmy evenings. Le Bistrot offers French food and is situated right next to the pool, affording guests a peaceful al fresco dining spot. For a more upbeat atmosphere, Captain’s Bar has live music on a weekly basis.
→ Find out moreYangon (Rangoon)
Overview
Set in verdant gardens, the restored teak mansion of the Governor’s Residence dates back to the 1920s, capturing a by-gone era with its classic design, manicured lawns, and location in the desirable embassy district of Yangon.
As you’d expect from a Belmond hotel, the 45 rooms are spacious and tastefully appointed, with teak floors, earthy-toned silks and hand-carved furniture. Alternatively, you can choose from one the hotel’s three suites and benefit from a palatial amount of space and views of the private lotus garden.
The Governor’s Residence offers a range of dining options, from the Mandalay Restaurant, serving local cuisine, to aromatic curries at the Burmese Curry Table, and on balmy evening, you can sip a refreshing cocktail in the open-air Mindon Lounge.
→ Find out moreYangon (Rangoon)
Overview
For those looking for a smart hotel in the centre of Yangon, Sule Shangri-La Yangon is a good choice; the hotel is conveniently located right by Aung San Market and just a five-minute walk from the Sule Pagoda.
Of the 334 rooms and suites, we recommend securing a room on the higher floors for the best city views and less street noise. The accommodation features quick and complimentary Wi-Fi access, full-size bathtubs, and satellite TV. The suites have living rooms, rainforest showers, and guests also get complimentary access to the Club Lounge.
International food is on offer at the casual Café Sule, while the restaurant Summer Palace serves Cantonese cuisine. The Gallery Bar has a cozy pub vibe, in which to enjoy an evening drink, and high tea is laid on between 2.30pm and 5.30pm in the elegant Peacock Lounge.
An outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, and beauty centre provide ample opportunities for unwinding in the hotel, while the fitness room will mean gym bunnies won’t have to forego their morning workouts.
→ Find out moreExplore this energetic city with our full list of recommendations. From the enormous Shwedagon Pagoda, stroll through shaded parks and lakes and dine on delicious street food in bustling Chinatown at night - Yangon is a fascinating place to discover.
Visit Shwedagon Pagoda, the most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar. Although the origins of the pagoda are unclear, the local legend states that the original structure was built 2500 years ago then renovated several times until taking its current shape in the 15th century.
The eight-sided central stupa is 99m (324 feet) tall and gilded with gold leaf and is surrounded by 64 smaller stupas and your guide will show you around the massive complex, explaining why this temple is so revered. Enjoy breathtaking views of the golden stupa from this vantage point.
Discover the colonial city centre and its faded colonial buildings, busy street markets, and glittering temples. Visit the Aung San Old House, the former residence of independence leader General Aung San, home now to fascinating memorabilia, then enjoy a lunch of Burmese cuisine at the House Of Memories Restaurant, a historic colonial home filled with relics from Myanmar’s history.
After lunch, visit former U.N. Secretary General U Thant’s house, Yangon University’s Convocation Hall, where violent protests of the past contrast with Obama’s historic address in November 2012 and see Aung San Suu Kyi’s house. End the day with a visit to the National League for Democracy headquarters and discussing Myanmar’s past, present and future at a local tea shop.
Transfer
Private transfer to Yangon airport
Flight
Flight from Yangon to Bagan
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Bagan
Bagan
Accommodation in Bagan
Bagan (Pagan)
Overview
Set in the ancient city of temples, Bagan, the Hotel @ Tharabar Gate is a charming, relaxing base within walking or cycling distance of the pagodas for which Bagan is famed.
There are 83 guestrooms on offer at the Hotel @ Tharabar Gate, all decked out in traditional materials, like polished teak wood, but with the modern additions of air-conditioning, mini-bars and TVs. The private gardens and unique hand-painted walls add enchanting, personal touches of character to the accommodation.
You can dine in the hotel’s lush, tropical gardens or in the main restaurant, and the cuisine served ranges from local Myanmar to western and Asian dishes. We love the pool bar for a chilled cocktail after a day exploring the temples around the hotel, and the spa offers traditional massages, perfect for sore legs and feet.
→ Find out moreBagan (Pagan)
Overview
Close to Bagan’s ancient wonders, this charming, stylish hotel offers an excellent location for those wishing to experience the world’s most enchanting temples and pagodas.
After a day of exploring the 11th-century marvels, guests can relax in their chic, comfortable rooms which are styled in an old, colonial fashion, featuring giant, leather-strapped travelling chests at the foot of each bed, brass tripod lamps, and gorgeous bathrooms. Each room has a private balcony, too.
Continue your relaxation at Bagan Lodge’s spa where a variety of massages and treatments are available, while the pool offers another tranquil spot in which to unwind with a leisurely swim, or a refreshing cocktail at the pool bar. The open-air Tiffin Box restaurant ensures all culinary desires are covered, serving up both authentic Burmese cuisine and western dishes.
→ Find out moreBagan (Pagan)
Overview
Aureum Palace is set in Bagan, home to majestic temples and ancient pagodas. Soak up these magical, sweeping views from the never-ending infinity pool where you can dine poolside, and watch the sun set over a fiery, shrine-filled landscape from the viewing tower, one of the highest platforms in Bagan.
Within the spectacular grounds of 27 acres of tropical gardens and lake sit Aureum Palace’s spacious and decadent accommodations. These range from deluxe rooms to two bedroom lakeside villas. All boast elegantly romantic interiors, with the most lavish enjoying Jacuzzis, private swimming pools, plus entire living and dining areas.
Artefacts, antiquities and local artwork adorn this expansive resort which is home to a vast list of facilities from the heavenly spa to an art gallery to an impressive gym and four different dining options. Meals can be taken both indoors and al-fresco with cuisines ranging from Asian to continental dishes. What’s more, the service at Aureum Palace is truly supreme: full-time, personal butlers are available and cultural entertainment is also on offer.
→ Find out moreEnjoy your time in this magnificent part of Myanmar. Spend your days witnessing the spectacular temples and pagodas on bike or by horse and cart, cruising along the Irrawaddy River on an idyllic sunset boat trip and visiting the mountain-top monastery, Mount Popa.
Your journey begins with a visit to an elevated viewpoint where you will witness a panoramic view of the magnificent plains of Bagan. Continue to the colorful Nyaung Oo Market, and take a walk here to the local village where you will see the product of pone yeh gyi and other local treats. Then continue to the golden stupa of Shwezigon Pagoda for an introduction in to Bagan’s rich history.
Nearby is Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi, a cave temple with exquisite jataka mural paintings and the elegant Htilominlo Temple noted for its fine plaster carvings and glazed sandstone decorations. You'll also visit a traditional lacquer ware workshop where you can observe the production of one of Myanmar’s best-known handicrafts. Continue to Ananda Temple, an architectural masterpiece and one of Bagan’s most beautiful temples. Take a break for lunch and to escape the midday heat.
This afternoon, travel by horse cart for a tour passing Thatbyinnyu, the highest temple in Bagan, the massive Dhammayangyi Temple and Sulamani Temple. Then round off this memorable tour with an unforgettable sunset over the plains from the upper terrace of one of the temples.
Board a traditional wooden river boat for a private cruise along the Irrawaddy River, enjoying magnificent views of the temples of Bagan as the sun begins to set. Sit back, relax and sip a refreshing cocktail as the boat makes its way past Shwezigon Pagoda and scenes of life on the water, small villages on the river banks, fishermen, local boats and other riverside temples.
Start your morning with a hot-air balloon flight over the plains of Bagan. Enjoy the fabulous views as the sun rises over the endless stupas and Irrawaddy River. This is truly an unforgettable and unique experience.
This day-long crash course in Burmese lacquer ware takes place in Bagan's oldest lacquer ware shop where master craftsmen have been honing their expertise for centuries. After being talked through the process of creating a lacquer ware piece, guests will have the opportunity to paint over designs sketched onto coasters by the craftsmen - enabling them to take their very own masterpiece away with them.
Bike through Bagan’s outskirts and explore a land of endless fields, toddy palm farms and rolling hills. Along the way, pedal by scenic villages, stopping in to see what traditional rural life is like and meet with the curious locals. This guided day trip travels along narrow lanes inaccessible to cars and buses, leading well off the tourist trail.
Transfer
Private transfer to Bagan airport
Flight
Flight from Bagan to Heho
Transfer from Heho Airport to Inle Lake, visiting Pindaya en route, an impressive cave that is home to over 8000 golden buddha statues.
Inle Lake
Accommodation in Inle Lake
Inle Lake
Overview
Tucked away under the ‘Blue Mountains’ of the Shan Plateau along the eastern shores of Lake Inle, the Villa Inle Resort offers a private and romantic experience, with some wonderful cultural attractions in the nearby area.
The 27 spacious villas of the resort are made to blend in harmoniously with the natural environment, favouring a traditional design and local materials. High ceilings, sweeping silk curtains and expansive teak flooring give these villas a luxurious feel and make for a blissful couple’s hideaway; large bathtubs, private terraces with lake views and soft lighting complete the experience.
This resort also proudly participates in a conservation programme, planting trees in the nearby area, using recycled materials wherever possible and growing their own organic plants for use in the kitchen.
→ Find out moreInle Lake
Overview
Found on the eastside of Inle Lake, this traditionally designed resort houses idyllic wooden chalets with magnificently scenic views. While some look out to the flourishing garden and others overlook the mountains, many of the rooms enjoy lovely lake terraces where you can sit back and watch fisherman pass by. Besides scenic vistas, the accommodation also provides cosy comfort thanks to fireplaces and lots of mod cons.
All culinary tastes are covered here with the restaurant serving a range of Chinese, vegetarian, European, Thai and traditional Shan dishes. However for a truly atmospheric experience, you can dine in the resort’s wine cave where an Inle Long Boat acts as a table and romantic seclusion is perfectly created.
With an on-site artisan’s village there’s heaps to get involved with at this environmentally conscious property. Try your hand at Shan Paper making, wood carving or meditation – what’s more the lake offers plenty to do and the town of Nyaung Shwe is just a twenty minute boat ride away.
→ Find out moreInle Lake
Overview
Located in Maing Thauk Village, half of which is set on dry land while the other half sits on stilts over the waters on Inle Lake, the Inle Sanctum Resort blends a minimalist monastic style with all manner of modern comforts.
96 bedrooms range from stand-alone villas located in the resort grounds to rooms within the main building. All are beautifully designed featuring natural wood floors, high ceilings and spacious bathrooms.
The Cloister is part-bar, part-lounge, serving traditional favourites and a wide selection of Myanmar-brewed beers or enjoy an afternoon cocktail, whilst The Refectory serves a delicious menu from noodles to fresh garden salads, taking inspiration from traditional Myanmar dishes. After a day exploring the lake and its fascinating surroundings, the Sanctuary Spa offers a chance to fully unwind with a range of treatments and therapies.
→ Find out moreInle Lake
Overview
Aureum Palace Resort & Spa is set in a beautiful location, perched on the eastern edge of Inle Lake, twinned with excellent service.
66 spacious private villas, built over the shores and lake itself, are elegantly decorated in a contemporary Shan style, with large bathrooms, a separate living area and decking area perfect for watching the sun set in the west over the water.
A wonderful location from which to explore the lake or visit the hill tribes on guided treks, guests can also relax at the exceptional spa or cool off in the pool. With indoor and outdoor seating, the resort’s restaurant offers scenic views of Inle Lake to go with local Shan specialties, Burmese dishes and even familiar international options.
→ Find out moreEnjoy the following days in this peaceful region, watching the renowned leg-rowing fishermen and seeing the lake's floating markets. You can also visit the famous pilgrimage site Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda.
After breakfast, visit the lake’s morning market. The market rotates its location around the lake’s villages in a five-day rhythm and is visited by lake inhabitants and surrounding hill tribes who come to sell and trade their wares. Continue past villages inhabited by the Intha people who build their houses on stilts and floating gardens built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles. You will also see the leg-rowing fishermen of the lake who steer their boats with incredible balance.
From the middle of the lake, continue down a small canal leading to the Pa-oh village of In Dein. Explore the area on foot, strolling around the village and wander through the beautiful Alaung Sitthou area. Alaung Sitthou is filled with picturesque ancient stupas and has magnificent views of the lake below.
Transfer
Private transfer to Heho airport
Flight
Flight from Heho to Yangon
Transfer
Private transfer from Yangon airport to your hotel
Yangon
Accommodation in Yangon
Yangon (Rangoon)
Overview
Set in verdant gardens, the restored teak mansion of the Governor’s Residence dates back to the 1920s, capturing a by-gone era with its classic design, manicured lawns, and location in the desirable embassy district of Yangon.
As you'd expect from a Belmond (formerly Orient-Express) hotel, the 45 rooms are spacious and tastefully appointed, with teak floors, earthy-toned silks and hand-carved furniture. Alternatively, you can choose from one the hotel’s three suites and benefit from a palatial amount of space and views of the private lotus garden.
The Governor’s Residence offers a range of dining options, from the Mandalay Restaurant, serving local cuisine, to aromatic curries at the Burmese Curry Table, and on balmy evening, you can sip a refreshing cocktail in the open-air Mindon Lounge.
→ Find out moreYangon (Rangoon)
Overview
A relic of Myanmar‘s colonial history dating back to 1901, The Strand played host to Rudyard Kipling during his journey through then-Burma, amongst many other famed writers and travellers.
Today, many things have changed – there’s Wi-Fi in all the rooms and the complimentary mini-bars are refreshed daily – but the hotel’s elegant charm and the first-rate, attentive service remain constant with butlers manning every floor 24-hours-a-day, each armed with an unfailingly sunny and helpful disposition.
The four suites types are spacious and airy, with teak wood floors, antiques to decorate, ceiling fans, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The hotel also features a spa, where travellers can go for a massage to ease away jetlag or perhaps to prepare for a long flight.
Guests can dine in the sophisticated Strand Grill, with its black-and-white marble floor, chandeliers, and local music accompanying the international cuisine. The Strand Cafe is a little more casual, and the breakfast menu offers a fantastic choice of cereals, pancakes and eggs, to name but a few options: we recommend the eggs benedict. Being an old colonial hotel, it’s no surprise that high tea is also on offer, later in the evening, you can join the local expats in the grand bar for a cold G&T.
→ Find out moreYangon (Rangoon)
Overview
Overlooking Yangon’s famous Shwedagon Pagoda, The Savoy is a boutique hotel in an old colonial mansion, just ten minutes away from the city centre. Service is a stand-out feature, with enthusiastically helpful staff available 24 hours a day.
The rooms are very spacious, with wooden floors, polished wooden furnishings, and large windows; the suites have living areas, and are the best options for those staying for more than a couple of days, where the extra space will be appreciated. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in all rooms and suites.
The pool and adjacent lounge area make for great places to unwind away from the city bustle. You can dine at Kipling’s Restaurant, which serves a combination of western and regional cuisine, complimented by a view of Shwedagon Pagoda; there’s also a terrace, so you can make the most of the balmy evenings. Le Bistrot offers French food and is situated right next to the pool, affording guests a peaceful al fresco dining spot. For a more upbeat atmosphere, Captain’s Bar has live music on a weekly basis.
→ Find out moreExplore this energetic city with our full list of recommendations. From the enormous Shwedagon Pagoda, stroll through shaded parks and lakes and dine on delicious street food in bustling Chinatown at night - Yangon is a fascinating place to discover.
Explore Yangon on this half-day walking tour around the central districts of downtown. Highlights include City Hall, the old railway station and the former Minister’s office where General Aung San was assassinated. Interspersed in the guided walk are various religious sites such as the St Mary’s Cathedral, built in 1899, and the Buddhist landmarks of Sule Paya and Botataung Pagoda.
By walking through the streets you’ll also have a chance to witness the lifestyles of the locals - from the busy bus and boat stations to the tea shops and hidden street markets. There are plenty of chances to interact with Yangon residents and learn more about the Burmese culture. Finally, stop for a cup of tea or coffee at a popular local tea shop.
This morning set off with your guide to explore the best of Yangon’s food. Start with a visit to one of downtown’s main morning markets where vendors gather to sell everything from fresh vegetables and fruits to fish and meats. Try out morning treats popular with the locals, such as noodles, pancakes, steamed sticky rice with beans and fried donuts and samosa.
Next, visit Seikkan Tha Street, another morning market area with many stalls selling palata (thick pancakes), flowers and fruits. Having worked up a thirst, make a stop at Maung Aye Tea Shop to enjoy a cup of sweet Burmese tea. Across the street is a popular stall specialising in Burmese tea leaf salad. Finally transfer to Feel Myanmar for lunch, a popular local restaurant, to sample an array of local curries all accompanied by dozens of vegetables, dips and a soup. This is very traditional, tasty Burmese lunch and a perfect way to complete your culinary exploration of Yangon.
Transfer
Private transfer to Yangon airport
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