Exploring the Wonders of Myanmar: A 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Yangon and City Exploration

• Morning: Arrive at Yangon International Airport and take a taxi to your hotel
• Afternoon: Visit the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Myanmar
• Evening: Explore the bustling streets of Chinatown, try some street food and visit the Bogyoke Aung San Market for some shopping

Day 2: Yangon to Bagan (Fly)

• Morning: Take a flight from Yangon to Nyaung U Airport in Bagan
• Afternoon: Visit the ancient city of Bagan, exploring the temples and pagodas by hot air balloon or by horse cart
• Evening: Watch the sunset over the Irrawaddy River while enjoying some traditional Myanmar cuisine

Day 3: Exploring Bagan’s Temples and Pagodas

• Morning: Visit the famous Ananda Temple, a well-preserved example of Mon architecture
• Afternoon: Explore the temples of Nyaung U and Minnanthu, including the impressive Sulamani Temple
• Evening: Enjoy a relaxing evening at your hotel or try some local street food at night market

Day 4: Bagan to Inle Lake (Drive)

• Morning: Drive to Inle Lake (around 6 hours) and take a boat ride on the lake, exploring the floating gardens and villages
• Afternoon: Visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, home to over 7,000 Buddha images
• Evening: Enjoy some traditional Shan cuisine at your hotel

Day 5: Inle Lake Exploration

• Morning: Visit the famous Nga Phe Chaung Monastery, a unique floating monastery
• Afternoon: Explore the markets and villages around the lake, including the town of Indein
• Evening: Enjoy a relaxing evening on the lake or try some local street food at night market

Day 6: Inle Lake to Mandalay (Fly)

• Morning: Take a flight from Heho Airport to Mandalay International Airport
• Afternoon: Mahamuni Pagoda, one of the most revered shrines in Myanmar, where a building in the compound collapsed in the March 2025 earthquake
• Evening: Mandalay Palace, whose walls and gates were damaged in the earthquake. Access to both is unconfirmed.

The US advises against all travel to Myanmar, and the UK advises against all travel to Sagaing and all but essential travel to Mandalay, so check current advice.

Day 7: Exploring Mandalay’s Heritage

• Morning: Mingun, which lies in Sagaing Region, where the UK advises against all travel. The unfinished Mingun Pahtodawgyi is damaged and closed to climbing, and Hsinbyume Pagoda was largely destroyed in the earthquake.
• Afternoon: Kuthodaw Pagoda, known as the world’s largest book, which suffered serious structural damage in the earthquake. Access is unconfirmed.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel or try some local street food at night market