Essential Myanmar Tour
Essential Myanmar Tour - 8Days
Grade:
Style: Myanmar Sightseeing Tours
Activities: 
Hightlights: Yangon Nyaung Oo Bangan Mandalay Amarapura Ava Inle Lake In Dein Heho
Description: Starting the typical tour in Yangon, then entering the more stunning world of Myanmar's attractive destinations such as Bagan, Amarapua, Ava, Sagaing
Program detail 
01
Day 1: Arrival Yangon
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your our Guide who will accompany you as you transfer to the hotel. Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is a relatively quiet and charming city. Its impressive colonial and spiritual heritage makes it one of the most fascinating cities in Southeast Asia. This afternoon, your journey begins with a visit around the city and its highlights.
Stop at the National Museum where a tour of the priceless ancient artifacts, works of art and historic memorabilia will help you gain insight in to the country's history. Of particular note are the three halls on the ground floor, which hold exhibits on the evolution the Myanmar alphabet, the Lion Throne Room, and artifacts from the Yatanabon Period.
Continue to Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda, which houses a 70-meter reclining Buddha. Late this afternoon, visit Shwedagon Pagoda, the most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar. The central stupa is 90 meters tall and gilded with gold leaf. As the sun begins to set enjoy the breathtaking views of the Pagoda and surrounding skyline before transferring back to your hotel.
Overnight in Yangon.
02
Day 2: Yangon - Nyaung U - Bagan
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for the flight to Bagan (Nyaung Oo). From the 11th to 13th centuries, when Bagan was the capital of Myanmar, the rulers constructed thousands of huge stupas and temples many of which are still standing today on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. On arrival, your journey begins with a visit to Tayokye Pyay, an elevated temple from where you will have a panoramic view of the magnificent plains of Bagan.
Continue to the colorful Nyaung Oo Market where every day the locals come to buy and sell fresh produce and other goods before visiting the golden stupa of Shwezigon Pagoda for an introduction in to Bagan's rich history. Then, visit to nearby 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. This afternoon begin with a visit to 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. Built in the early Mon-style, Ananda contains two unique Buddha images whose expressions seem to change depending on the distance from which the statue is viewed. From here, travel by horse cart for a tour passing Thatbyinnyu, the highest temple in Bagan, massive Dhammayangyi Temple, noted for its remarkable brickwork, and Sulamani Temple. Enjoy an unforgettable sunset over the plains from the upper terrace of one of the temples.
Overnight in Bagan.
03
Day 3: Bagan
OPTION: Start your morning with a hot-air balloon flight over the plains of Bagan. Enjoy the fabulous views as the sun rises over the stupas and Irrawaddy River. This is truly an unforgettable and unique experience! (Note: available only from October to March) After breakfast, visit the colorful Nyaung Oo Market where villagers gather every day to buy and sell their produce and other goods.
Continue to Myinkaba village and take a short walking tour to explore Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi, a cave temple with exquisite jataka murals paintings and the temples of Manuha and Nan Paya. Also visit a workshop where you can observe the detailed production of lacquer ware, one of Myanmar's best known and most traditional handicrafts.
This afternoon, continue to the rural village of Minnanthu, one of Bagan's least visited areas. Here you will explore temples such as Payathonzu, Lemyentha and Nandamannya before heading to the riverside pier. Board a local boat for a slow cruise down the Irrawaddy River. As you cruise the waters, observe the lifestyle of the fishermen and riverside villagers as well as enjoying the unique perspective of Bagan's temples.
Return to your hotel this evening. Option: Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Irrawaddy River to watch the sun set over the planes. A cocktail will be served on a sandbank in the middle of the River- a magical way to end the day (USD 60 per person; minimum 2 people)
Overnight in Bagan.
04
Day 4: Bagan - Mandalay
Early this morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Mandalay. Upon arrival, begin your sightseeing tour of Mandalay with a visit to Mahamuni Pagoda. This pagoda is home to one of the country's most revered Buddha images which, over the years, has been covered with gold leaf giving it an almost 'lumpy' texture.
Mandalay is well known for its skilled craftsmen and as you tour traditional workshops, you will learn more about the city's cottage industries. Observe the production of wood carvings, kalaga tapestries, and gold-leaf where the techniques remained unchanged from those used centuries ago to craft items for the Royal Court. This afternoon, continue your tour of Mandalay with a visit to Kuthodaw Pagoda, whose 729 marble stone slabs of Buddhist scriptures have earned it the title "World's Biggest Book".
Continue to Shwenandaw Monastery, the only remaining building from the 19th century Royal Palace. This grand teak building is known for its exquisite woodcarving. Head to the top of Mandalay Hill as the sun begins to set to enjoy magnificent views of the the city and Irrawaddy River. Overnight in Mandalay.
05
Day 5: Mandalay - Amarapura - Ava - Sagaing - Mandalay
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for an excursion around Mandalay to explore the former capitals of Amarapura, Ava and Sagaing. Begin your tour in Amarapura, where you will attend a special ceremony. Witness the alms collection at Mahagandayon monastery, when over one-thousand monks gather to collect their daily meal from the local Buddhists.
After this beautiful spectacle, continue to U Bein Bridge for a walk along this 200 year-old teak bridge. The bridge spans over 2 kilometers in length and offers fabulous views of the surrounding farms and streams. Before leaving Amarapura, stop at a silk weaving workshop which produces exquisite handmade products. Continue to Ava, the capital from 14th to 18th centuries and travel by horse and carriage through the area stopping to visit the old wooden Bagaya Monastery and the remains of the Royal Palace and Fort.
This afternoon, cross a bridge over the Irrawaddy River to Sagaing. Covered with 600 white-painted pagodas and monasteries, Sagaing Hill is widely regarded as the religious center of Myanmar. It is home to 3,000 monks and 100 meditation centers and you will visit pagodas such as Swan Oo Pon Nya Shin, U Min Thone Sae, and Shin Pin Nan Gyaing.
Overnight in Mandalay.
06
Day 6: Mandalay - Heho - Inle Lake
After breakfast, transfer to Mandalay Airport for a flight to Heho. From Heho, a scenic one-hour drive leads to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway village to Inle Lake. Along the way, stop at the wooden Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery which features beautiful carvings and a collection of Buddha images. Upon reaching the edges of Inle Lake, board a private motorboat to head out to Inle Lake, one of Myanmar's most spectacular sights.
Pass villages built on stilts over the lake, inhabited by the local Intha people. Observe the leg-rowing fishermen and see their floating gardens built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles. Visit Nga Hpe Chaung Monastery, which houses dozens of Shan Buddha Images, but is more famous for its unique "jumping cats" who jump through hoops in the air! Continue to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake's main sanctuary, which contains five sacred Buddha images covered in gold leaf.
Explore the local crafts of Inle Lake with a stop at the weaving village of Inpawkhone and a cheroot factory, where the typical Burmese cigars are made by hand. If time permits, there may be time to enjoy a short walk through one of the lakeside villages.
Overnight on Inle Lake.
07
Day 7: In Dein - Inle Lake - Heho - Yangon
After breakfast, visit the lake's morning market. The market rotates its location around the lake's villages in a 5 day rhythm and is visited by lake inhabitants and surrounding hill tribes who come to sell and trade their wares. (Note: market is daily except on dark moon day and full moon day). 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, visiting a local school, and wander through the beautiful Alaung Sitthou area. Alaung Sitthou is filled with picturesque ancient stupas and has magnificent views of the lake below. After today's tour, drive to the Heho Airport for the flight to Yangon and upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Yangon.
08
Day 8: Depart Yangon
Depending on flight time, there is an option to take a ride on Yangon's Circle Train in the morning. This morning transfer to Yangon Railways station to take a unique ride on the city's circular train ride through the outskirts of town (45 minutes ride). This slowly traveling train gives you unique opportunity to observe the lively, colorful lifestyle of the local people.
Disembark at the Insein market where you can peruse the various stalls and interact with the friendly vendors before transferring back to Yagnon. This afternoon, visit Bogyoke Market, formerly known as Scott's Market, where you can browse through the wide selection of Myanmar handicrafts and other goods before transferring to Yangon International Airport for your onward flight. (Note: Market is closed on Mondays and public holidays)
JOURNEY INFORMATION
Here are some information for whole trip, might you like to book!
- 7 nights accommodation on half-twin room basis with daily breakfast
- English-speaking guide throughout the trip (from Yangon to Yangon) except for 1 pax (station guides - different guide at each place)
- Horse cart tours in Bagan & Ava
- Porter fees at airports
- Private motorized boat in Inle Lake excursions
- Sunset boat in Bagan
- All transfers and excursions with private air-conditioned vehicles
- Entrance fees for the visits mentioned in the program
- Domestic flights (rate: pls be referred the airfare table)
- International ticket to/from Yangon
- Domestic flights (rate: pls be referred the airfare table)
- Meals other than mentioned (B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- Visa arrangements for Myanmar
- Visits not mentioned in the program
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips and porters at the hotels
- International airport departure tax Yangon (USD 10/pax at present)
- Any other items not mentioned
Five common questions travellers ask us
1. In Myanmar, which to visit first?
Visit Bagan first before it is too late. Bagan is the main attraction for most travelers to Myanmar.
Bagan has plenty of pagodas and trees. As a city built on a plain, the best view of the whole area can only be seen from a height. On the ground, most of the pagodas can no longer be climbed. We were informed that only 3 years ago, every pagoda could be accessed, right to the top.
Bagan, however, is more like a street food stall selling local snacks. The snacks are not fancy, but special enough to tempt you to give them a try!
2. What Is the Best Way to Get to Myanmar?
Flying to Myanmar is definitely the best way. Almost everyone arrives at either Yangon or Mandalay international airports,as overland border crossings are difficult for independent travelers and inconvenient for private groups.
Myanmar’s international airline Myanmar Airways International serves Asian destinations only. Not many people enter Myanmar via Nay Pyi Taw airport, in the new (2006) capital of the country.
The best way to reach Myanmar from regions outside Asia is first to fly to a regional hub in Asia, such as Bangkok, Singapore, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong or Kuala Lumpur. Most of these have flight connections to Yangon.
Bangkok is the most popular hub with 20 flights per day flying to Yangon and 2 flights per day to Mandalay. It is only a 1-hour flight from Bangkok to Yangon.
3. What Is the Best Time to Visit Myanmar?
We recommend early February as the best time to visit. February is the last month of the high season, when the number of tourists is decreasing and the weather is still very nice.
High season runs from November to February, with relatively cool weather. Accommodation is often in short supply. Always book as early as possible for that time period.
Dry season runs from October to May while the hottest months are March and June. It is not unusual for temperatures to hit 40°C in these months. The wet season is between June and October. Most visitors avoid visiting Ngapali Beach in the wet season.
4. How do I book the trip?
To book our trip, please select your preferred trip and click on ”Book this trip” on the web page. Our booking form wizard will automatically call the trip name, and ask you to fill out some fields for information. Once completed filling the form, you just click Submit to send us your inquiry or Reset to cancel what you have filled up. After receiving your reservation request, we will immediately make all the necessary arrangements in accordance with your request. This will takes about 1-2 business days, and we will send to you our confirmation message by e-mail with all the details of hotels, flights, tours, the booking status and also payment term.
5. Do I Need a Visa for Visiting Myanmar?
Citizens of the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia and most western countries need a Myanmar visa. Passport holders from Singapore do not need a visa for visits up to 30 days, but they should enter and exit only at international airports
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
“Have just returned from 15 day trip through Southeast Asia by JTA Tour. From first contact with JTA to returning to the UK at the end of the trip everything was organised exceptionally well. Stayed in a great variety of hotels, nine in total, all of which were unique in their own way and very comfortable....”
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“We traveled to seven different places within Vietnam and Cambodia tour in just a little over 13 days and it was pretty much stress free since we used JTA Tour. I've never used a tour company before but this really worked out perfectly for us. Thang was my contact point and he did a great job communicating....”
“We are back home from Vietnam and full of gratitude for the 12-day trip of a lifetime. We have been to many places and experienced many unique experiences. But for what we like and enjoy, we couldn’t have had a better experience. The outline/plan/destination selection was excellent. The hotels were...”
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“BEST VACATION: We traveled to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. This trip was very interesting and enjoyable. Na Na and the whole team were very helpful and available to answer any questions at any time. The Guides in all the countries were knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. We highly recommend this...”
“We did a 7-day tour in Hochiminh, My Tho & Mekong Delta. The trip was very well planned out, hotels were very comfortable and clean. Travel guides were extremely knowledgeable and helpful, and Ms Na Na was very helpful and informative about organizing everything. Overall, all of us had a great time,...”
“Hi Rose, I am sorry to late answer to you. I am now safe at home, I had a small problem we lost luggage at the Singapore airport but everything is fine right now. I truly cannot imagine having planned this 8-day trip to Vietnam without all of Rose Nguyen's guidance and knowledge- and cannot imagine...”
“We had a wonderful 9-day trip from north to south in Vietnam. JAT tour helped organize the trip online. They were very helpful & speedy in providing suggestions on places to visit in the planning stage. The only hiccup of the entire trip was that we didn't have an e-visa as expected. Fortunately,...”
“This was my tour with JTA tour. Last year I toured the north of Vietnam with my guide Ms Shi. My most recent tour was with Mr. Tuan Vietnam Central Highlands trip. What a great experience, my guide was very knowledgeable and showed me many interesting things in the central highlands. Tasted a lot of...”
“JTA Tour talked with us about our dreams for the trip to Vietnam and Cambodia and was able to create a perfect itinerary. From the beginning, Thang asked all the right questions to tailor our experience exactly to what I wanted. He helped us develop an itinerary that met our goals and included: comfortable...”
“We have traveled quite a bit and have worked with some different travel companies over the years, and as a result, I feel confident in sharing our highest praise of Thang and the JTA team. Our JTA Tour experience was reflective of quality, integrity and professional service. We love 9 day Vietnam tr...”
“We have been so upset to lose a wonderful trip to Vietnam and Cambodia due to Covid 19. We should have been home by now with wonderful memories. Since we began our planning in the Spring of 2019, Thang has been brilliant to deal with. He spent a lot of time with us at the outset perfecting our itinerary...”
“As many others we were clients of JTA on holiday in Vietnam in March. We had 4 wonderful days in Hanoi, Lan Ha Bay and then Hoi An . We can strongly recommend the half day rice planting experience organised by JTA Tour - informative and hilarious as we were helplessly put through our paces by Phuong,...”
“Please find enclosed the questionnaire filled in and commented. Sorry for the delay. I would like to thank you for all the efforts you have done, we really appreciate your support regarding the organization of our trip. All members of my small group are really satisfied and keep many pleasant memories...”
“We had an absolutely fantastic time! I think the absolute best tour we’ve ever been on. You made everything incredibly easy and smooth for us and we really appreciate everyone’s responsiveness. The guides were great and young and fun and energetic which is exactly what we needed. Few random thoughts: Really...”
“What can I say about this tour operator, but FANTASTIC!! From the time it took us to decide where and when to tour up until the actual tour Ms. Phuong kept us so well informed with great suggestions and quick responses to all questions mailed to her (and there were many). Nothing was too much trouble...”
“I wanted to praise JTA Tours for they commendable services. From trip planning to services on the our Vietnam holiday, it was meticulously planned. A show of appreciation to Ms Nhung for your outstanding service, I really appreciated all your hard work as the trip turned out really really well. It was...”
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“With 3 weeks to discover Vietnam, everyone was surprised that we had seen so much. No double thanks to the travel agency that had organized everything from the smallest detail. The price was very reasonable. During the trip, we would have revised some routes, days to take the time for visit other...”
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“We corresponded extensively before booking the trip and were given lots of suggestions and alternatives to this tailor made holiday. We started in Hanoi where we were met at the airport and taken to our Hotel as a tour guide. The guides have a good grasp of English and extensive knowledge of their country....”
“Hello Nguyen, Yes we are all settled back home in Australia now. Thank you so much for organising this tour for us. We were very well looked after. While all the accommodation in Vietnam was really good, I wouldn’t recommend the Juliana hotel in Phnom Penh, it was too far away to walk to...”
“We have had great experience with JTA Tours. When we had private tour: Highlights Of Vietnam Tour - 11 Day arranged by Ms. Phuong. We had a long e-mail correspondence prior to it with her, she being highly professional and helpful. The tour itself was exactly what we wanted, hotels were to our satisfaction,...”
“Booked this tour in Myanmar through internet. Must admit when first booked we were a little worried, but from the moment we arrived in Yangon everything ran smoothly with JTA Tours. Tour guides in all areas were very helpful and informative especially "Khin Thet Mar" our guide in Bagan. All hotels...”
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“We had an absolutely amazing time in Myanmar, thanks to JTA Tours and our Guide Aung Aung, the sites we saw were incredible. We want to thank Aung Aung for being so good to us and making this trip worth every minute we were on it. For his expertise in Myanmar history and for always doing his best in...”
“The tour was fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed the walking routes each day, with the mountain from Sapa, the walk at Lao Chai & Ta Van, and the day walk at Hoian/trip to Halong bay my personal highlights. The first nights meal at the winery, and the last 2 at the family at Mekong were amazing. Our...”
“This agency was recommended by my friend - Mr Jito and they really provide good service. Mr Thang helped us all the way from the moment we touch down the airport until the last day we go home, he never disappoint us and we really enjoy very much. all the itinerary they planed for us never go wrong. this...”
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“Hi Thang, I do apologize that it has take me so long to email you and thank you for yet another super lot of organization on your part which helped to make our time in Vietnam so enjoyable. We really do appreciate so much your professional and reliable services which make our job in taking our small...”
““Our trip to Vietnam and Cambodia was superbly organised by JTA Tours. We were met promptly and efficiently by very friendly and helpful guides at each stage of our holiday. Our hotel in Seam Reap, Hoian & Hanoi was lovely. The trips were well organised and in formative. The floating villages were...”
““We wanted to write to you personally to let you know how much we enjoyed our holiday in Myanmar and to thank you for organizing this memorable trip. We had such an amazing time discovering your diverse and beautiful country, it's people and of course the strange food. We found your tour was...”
“Hi Mr. Thang, “BEST SELLING VIETNAM FAMILY TOUR - 17 DAYS" with JTA Tours, just a quick note to say thank you for an amazing experience! Our participants commented on how wonderfully it was organized and we received lots of positive feedback (along with a few suggestions but it was overwhelmingly...”
“I search into Goggle for Vietnam & Cambodia tours, I contacted approximately 5 different companies, it was my contact with Ms Na Na that made me select your agency. She was superb in every way and a pleasure to work with, she had excellent suggestion for myself and three Granddaughters. She is truly...”
“Hi, thank you for your note. I would also like to make special mention of two of your staff – Mr Thang who prepared the tour for us and the second tour guide that we had, who I only knew as Phuong (he was our guide in both Dalat and Nha Trang). The service we received from both of these people was...”
“Hi Mr. Thang, We are doing fine. We want to let you know that our guide Mr Nam was excellent. He saw to all of our needs and had us back to our hotel on time for our dinner with or tour group. I would highly recommend Mr Nam to anyone that needed a private guide while visiting Vietnam. And, thank...”
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