Itinerary Overview

This route connects three of Myanmar’s most classic cities: Yangon (Days 1–2), Bagan (Days 3–4), and Mandalay (Days 5–7). You can travel between Yangon and Bagan, and between Bagan and Mandalay by domestic flight (about 1 hour each way), or opt for an overnight bus to save on accommodation. Flights are faster but require advance booking.

Day 1: Arrival in Yangon

After arriving at Yangon International Airport, check into a hotel in the city center. In the evening, visit the Shwedagon Pagoda. Watch as the golden stupa turns red in the sunset glow, then illuminates brilliantly after nightfall. The chanting and candlelight around the pagoda create one of the city’s most breathtaking scenes.

Day 2: Exploring Yangon

• Morning: Visit Sule Pagoda, City Hall, and the colonial-era building complex to experience Yangon’s urban texture.
• Noon: Shop for jade, wood carvings, and handicrafts at Bogyoke Aung San Market.
• Afternoon: Take a ride on the circle train to experience daily life in Yangon, or visit the National Museum.
• Evening: Explore Chinatown and the 19th Street Night Market, sampling grilled food and Myanmar street snacks.

Day 3: Yangon to Bagan

Fly to Bagan in the morning. In the afternoon, rent an e-bike or hire a horse cart to explore the ancient city. Start with Ananda Temple, Dhammayangyi Temple, and Thatbyinnyu Temple. In the evening, climb up Shwesandaw Pagoda or a designated viewpoint to watch the pagoda sunset.

Day 4: Bagan: Hot Air Balloons and Temples

Take a hot air balloon ride at dawn to see over two thousand ancient temples emerge from the morning mist—a quintessential Bagan experience (available only in the dry season; book well in advance). Continue exploring by bike in the morning, visiting Sulamani Temple, Bupaya Pagoda, and others. In the evening, take a boat cruise along the Irrawaddy River to watch the sunset.

Day 5: Bagan to Mandalay

Fly or take a bus to Mandalay in the morning. In the afternoon, visit Mandalay Palace, the Golden Palace Monastery (Shwenandaw Kyaung), and Kuthodaw Pagoda. In the evening, climb Mandalay Hill for panoramic views of the city and the Irrawaddy River sunset.

Day 6: Mandalay: Ancient Capitals

• Morning: Visit Mahamuni Buddha Temple and watch devotees applying gold leaf to the Buddha image.
• Noon: Head to Inwa (Ava) Ancient City and explore teak monasteries and abandoned pagodas by horse cart.
• Afternoon: Visit Sagaing Hill and U Min Thonze Pagoda, then return to U Bein Bridge.
• Evening: Watch the sunset at U Bein Bridge—the long teak bridge and its silhouettes are iconic images of Myanmar.

Day 7: Departure

On your last morning, you can visit the Mandalay Jade Market or Mingun Ancient City. Afternoon departure from Mandalay International Airport. If you have extra time, consider adding a trip to Inle Lake or Ngapali Beach to extend your trip to around ten days.

Tips

• A single entry ticket is required to enter the Bagan archaeological zone. Carry it with you and show it when requested.
• Hot air balloon rides are weather-dependent and only operate in the dry season. Book several months in advance.
• Domestic flight schedules in Myanmar often change, so allow flexibility in your itinerary.