Temples and Beaches of Myanmar

Temples and Beaches of Myanmar Overview

A spectacular tour in Myanmar which takes you from the old colonial remnants and buzzing street markets of Yangon to the country's most desirable locations including Inle Lake, Bagan, and Ngapali Beach. Throughout your visit, you will experience exceptional service and warm Burmese hospitality.

Temples and Beaches of Myanmar

A spectacular tour in Myanmar which takes you from the old colonial remnants and buzzing street markets of Yangon to the country's most desirable locations including Inle Lake, Bagan, and Ngapali Beach. Throughout your visit, you will experience exceptional service and warm Burmese hospitality.

Best time to visit Myanmar/Burma is the dry winter season from November to February.

Touring style: Professional English speaking guide and driver, private basis.

Day 1: Yangon

On arrival in Yangon, transfer to your hotel for check-in. Yangon lies in the fertile delta region of southern Myanmar, on the wide Yangon River. The city remains wonderfully low rise, broad, tree-lined boulevards shading vernacular Burmese and British colonial architecture, shimmering golden stupas floating above the teak canopy. .

Begin your guided tour of Yangon, formerly British Rangoon at the Sule Pagoda, its glittering octagonal pagoda rising above the centre of the city. From there, wander among the priceless artefacts of the National Museum, to gain insight into Myanmar’s history, art and culture. Complete your day at the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, the highlight of any visit to Yangon. The pagoda is Myanmar’s most sacred place, home to eight hair relics of the Buddha. As the sun sets, marvel at the golden stupa shimmering a hundred metres above the city. Overnight in Yangon.

Distance and journey time: 14 km, 30 mins.

Day 2: Yangon to Bagan

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Bagan. The former royal capital, dating to the 11th C contains thousands of temples dotted across a spectacular plain stretching from the mighty Irrawaddy.

Begin your exploration of Bagan with the Shwezigon Paya, a pagoda built in part by King Anawrahta to enshrine relics of the Buddha. From here experience the later 13thC architectural style of Gubyaukhyi temple, at Wetkyi Inn, and the great painting in colour depicting the life of the Buddha. Ananda Pahto stands out as one of the finest, largest and best preserved of the highly revered Bagan temples, while another Gubyaukgyi temple, this one at Myinkaba is best known for its well-preserved12th C stuccos and paintings, considered to be among the oldest in Bagan. The Manuha temple, enshrining an unusual combination of 3 seated and one reclining Buddha images lead you to the Shwesandaw Paya, the first monument in Bagan. Shwesandaw features stairways leading from the square lower terraces, up to the round base of the Stupa, from where you will experience the magnificent Bagan sunset.

Overnight in Bagan.

Distance and journey times:

Yangon to Bagan by flight: 1.15 hrs.

Bagan Airport to Bagan Centre: 14 km, 30 mins.

Day 3: Bagan

From Bagan journey by road to Mt Popa, a natural feature forming a cylindrical hill rising sharply from the surrounding plain, considered to be the home of country’s most important nats (spirits). Ascending Mt Popa up a winding, covered staircase encircling the mountain, you will share your climb with the curious monkeys that share the hill with the nats. Relaxing at the summit with a cool drink, you will discover a monastery and temple complex with shrines for the 37 distinct nats, and a spectacular view across the surrounding plain. From Mt Popa continue to the unspoilt Burmese town of Salay, home to the oldest surviving wooden monastery in Myanmar, featuring beautiful carvings of court life and scenes from the Ramayana. Wander the town at leisure, taking care not to miss the colourful and bustling market, or the Thar Ta Na Yaung Chi monastery, which also serves as an orphanage. .

Overnight in Bagan.

Distance and journey time:

Bagan to Mt Popa: 58 km, 1 hr.

Mt Popa to Salay: 62 km, 1 hr.

Salay to Bagan: 56 km, 1 hr.

Day 4-6: Bagan to Ngapali

Transfer to the airport at Bagan for your flight to Thandwe. On arrival continue to Ngapali for check in. Ngapali, named by homesick Italian sailors after their beloved Naples is an unforgettable peaceful retreat. Stay 3 nights in Ngapali.

Distance and journey times:

Bagan to Ngapali flight time: 3 hrs.

Thandwe Airport to Beach hotels: 11 km, 20 mins.

Day 7: Ngapali to Yangon

Transfer to the airport at Thandwe, connect to Yangon to complete your Temples and Beaches of Burma experience.