Example Itinerary

Ancient Bagan to Hedonistic Ngapali

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
Destinations
Myanmar

This 14-day adventure and relaxation in Myanmar Itinerary takes you through the best Myanmar has to offer. Spend the first part of your trip exploring the rich culture and history of the country. Next, find a sense of peace in the natural landscape and ancient temples dotting the countryside. Finish your trip as you lounge seaside in Myanmar’s best beachtown, Ngapali. You don’t have to pick between adventure, culture or relaxation - with this itinerary, you can have it all. 

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Bagan: Explore the ancient city of Bagan, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built over more than 38 square miles next to the Irrawaddy River, this massive 9th-century complex is one of Myanmar’s most impressive cultural wonders.
  • U-Bein Bridge: Take in the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world, beloved by photographers the world over.
  • Inle Lake: Take a boat to Inle Lake in the Shan Hills of Myanmar for the floating gardens and unique scenery. On the lake travelers will take a boat to see the special one-legged fishing style specific to this region and visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the most revered shrine in the Shan states.
  • Ngapali Beach: Relax on the palm-fringed sands of the Bay of Bengal at one of Myanmar’s lesser known beach destinations.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Yangon

Arrive in Myanmar’s former colonial capital and settle into your hotel in the charming city. Spend the evening exploring and resting up at your hotel for your thrilling adventure ahead.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Set in a historic 1920s colonial mansion in the sought-after Embassy Quarter of Yangon

Pool: Large fan-shaped swimming pool framed by lush tropical gardens and a lotus pond

Decor: Rooms and suites are adorned with traditional Burmese teak furniture and hand-woven Southeast Asian fabrics

Bathrooms: En-suite bathrooms have large sunken bathtubs and indulgent toiletries

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Governor's Residence Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: The Strand is located on the Yangon River in the heart of the shopping and diplomatic district of the city

History: Built in 1901, The Strand is Myanmar's most famous hotel, patronized by prominent 20th century figures.

Service: Butlers work 24/7 to ensure guests have everything they need.

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The Strand Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Bagan

After breakfast at your hotel, catch your flight to the age-old, historic city of Bagan. After checking into your hotel, take a tour of the city’s gem, the Ananda temple. Boasting four massive Buddha images and King Anawrahta’s famous golden stupa of Shwezigon Pagoda - the spiritual site is a must-see. Search for your own enlightenment as you visit the Temple of Omniscience known as Thatbyinnyu. While inside the Dhammayangyi Temple, scope out the detailed interlocking brickworks. Revel in the last few rays of sunshine as the sun plummets in the sky while you watch from Bagan’s ancient monuments. End the day by taking a quaint horse cart ride through the old town in the evening, before retiring to your hotel.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Quality: Anavila Bagan is the first five-star resort option in Bagan and a superlative accommodation option in the region, offering stylish and luxurious villa stays, as well as five-star service.

Green Values: The property was built with minimal environmental impact in mind and not a single tree was felled during its construction.

Exclusivity & Privacy: Comprised of just seven villas, the Anavila Bagan is a petite hotel that provides tranquility and refuge for guests looking for a truly private moment to enjoy those sweeping temple-strewn views.

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Anavila Bagan Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: The Aureum Palace Hotel is situated in one of Myanmar’s most ancient kingdoms, abundant with old pagodas and crumbling ruins.

Setting: The resort is reminiscent of an ancient oriental settlement with traditional Burmese architecture inspired buildings on 27 acres of beautifully landscaped tropical gardens.

Spa: The hotel’s in-house spa provides a peaceful oasis with treatments ranging from traditional Myanmar and Thai massages to herbal oil massages and foot reflexology.

Food: The hotel boasts Burmese, Shan, Thai and other exotic regional cuisines.

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Aureum Palace Hotel Preferred Hotel
Bagan
Bagan

Day 3

Bagan

Rise early to catch a stunning sunrise. Learn about village life as you visit Min Nan Thu Village and the Tayoke Pyay Temple. Learn how to extract the popular, savory groundnut oil. Marvel at the intricate murals painting the walls of the Phaya Thonezu and Nandapyinnya Temples. Stock up on artisanal goods and snack on Burmese treats and ripe produce, as you peruse the lively Nyaung Oo Market. Gain new cultural insight as you continue to Myinkaba to visit the Gubyaukgyi Temple, noted for its intricate stucco detail Nanpaya Temple, Manuha temple and its grandiose Buddha images. Cruise down the Ayeyarwady River on a evening boat trip and watch the sunset from your ideal river view point.

Day 4

Mandalay

First fly to Mandalay and then begin your excursion to Amarapura. Feel a sense of peace as you pay a visit to the Mahagandayon Monastery. Skip across the incredible teak bridge of U Being. Slide your hand across luscious silk at a local silk weaving factory. Return to Mandalay and enjoy a half day touring the city. Make sure to check out the sacred Mahamuni Pagoda, the revered Golden Palace Monastery and finish the day by watching the sunset from the Shwe Kyin Monastery.

Hotel Options
About

With 206 guest rooms and suites featuring beautiful views of the Irrawaddy River and the Royal Palace, the Mandalay Hill Resort Hotel is a comfortable retreat located at the foot of Mandalay Hill. Amenities include a fitness center, two tennis courts, a swimming pool, massage services as well as a number of dining options to choose from.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

Being a boutique property this hotel prides itself on its high standards of Myanmar grace and hospitality. The hotel is a celebration of all things Myanmar, featuring teak furniture, fixtures and fittings made from rattan, mother-of-pearl and Myanmar marble.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 5

Mandalay

Jet set on a private boat trip down the Ayeyarwaddy River to the ancient little town of Mingun. See the world’s largest functioning bronze bell along with what was intended to be the world’s largest pagoda - the yet to be completed Mingun Pahtodawgyi. After a short car trip, see the former capital of Burma, Inwa (Ava), that is settled on an island balancing between the Ayeyarwaddy River and the Myitnge Rivers. Delight in taking a horse-drawn cart to tour the Maha Aung Mye Bonzan Monastery, the leaning Nanmin Watch Tower, and the awe-inspiring wooden monastery of Bagaya Kyaung.

Mandalay
Mandalay

Day 6

Kalaw

Fly from Mandalay to Heho then continue on to Kalaw. Kalaw is a picturesque hill town favored by the British during colonial rule. Stroll through the local market and the quaint train station. Walk through the pine-forested hills until you reach Myinmahti village. The ancient Danu tribes inhabit this area. Observe their way of life as you walk through local farms and crops. The tribes use ox and buffalo to cultivate the crops, even today. Spend the night in the serene little village at a local hotel.

Hotel Options
About

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 7

Inle Lake

Lounge about in the morning until it’s time to transfer to Nyaung Shwe. Take a boat to the stunning Inle Lake and catch a glimpse of the floating gardens and unique one-legged fishing style specific to this region. Spend the evening at a hotel in Inle Lake .

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

History: Opening in November 2014, Novotel Inle Lake Myat Min was the very first Novotel property to be launched in Myanmar, leading the way for premium hotels and resorts in this beautiful, unspoilt region.

Location: Thoughtfully placed on the banks of Lake Inle - the second largest body of water in Myanmar - Novotel Inle Lake Myat Min hotel is situated in one of the most scenic spots in the country.

Service: Guests will receive the excellent levels of personal service that Novotel is famous for, with attentive staff always on hand to fulfill guests’ personal needs and requests.

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Novotel Inle Lake Myat Min Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: The hotel places tourists in the heart of scenic Inle Lake, where serene waters are fringed by marshes, floating gardens, and Buddhist temples.

Comfort: From temperature-controlled infinity pools with stunning rooms to opulently appointed rooms with round the clock room service, guests of the Sofitel Inle Lake are guaranteed to leave refreshed.

Reliability: Over the past 50 years, the Sofitel brand has built a reputation on the promise of luxury, ensuring tourists of Inle Lake that they can enjoy a remote natural beauty without having to sacrifice an ounce of personal comfort.

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Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min Preferred Hotel

Day 8

Inle Lake

You’re just in time to explore one of the exotic fifth day markets. Indulge in home grown fresh produce and local souvenirs. Enjoy a boat excursion on Inle Lake. Visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the most revered shrine in the Shan states. Stop by the weaving village of Impawkhon. Watch traditional handicrafts being created in front of your eyes - notably the cheroot, a double open-ended cigar, that is especially popular among both locals and visitors.

Inle Lake
Inle Lake

Day 9

Inle Lake

Ferry down Inle Lake and the Indein Creek to reach Indein village. Explore the village’s ancient pagoda and complex filled with hundreds of 16th-century Shan style stupas. If you’re feeling active, take an hours’ trek to the stunning Peacock Hill and enjoy an incredible panoramic view.

Day 10

Ngapali

Step aboard your ferry and journey through Nyaung Shwe, catching your last glimpses of the lake before transferring to Heho Airport to fly to Thandwe and onto Ngapali Beach. Lounge beachside that day and spend the night at a local hotel.

Hotel Options
About

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

This sumptuous resort is shaded by coconut palms on the relatively un-spoilt sands of Ngapali beach. The 50 spacious villas and cottages set on six acres of land look across over tropical gardens to the glistening Bay of Bengal.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 11

Ngapali

After 10 days of adventure, culture and exploration, it’s time to relax. Revel in an entire day of leisure. Lounge seaside or engage in a water sport such as fishing, windsurfing, kayaking or snorkeling the crystal clear waters. There’s also a golf course nearby.

Ngapali
Ngapali

Day 12

Ngapali

Enjoy yet another day of leisure, relaxing beachside or exploring town. The stunning beach makes the perfect spot to while away some time with a good book, listening to the waves lapping onto the white, powdery sand.

Day 13

Yangon

Spend a last leisurely morning before transferring to Thandwe Airport to fly to Yangon. Spend the afternoon visiting the Shwedagon Pagoda, marveling at the diverse array of pavilions, stupas, Buddhist images and bells. Spend the night at a hotel in Yangon.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Set in a historic 1920s colonial mansion in the sought-after Embassy Quarter of Yangon

Pool: Large fan-shaped swimming pool framed by lush tropical gardens and a lotus pond

Decor: Rooms and suites are adorned with traditional Burmese teak furniture and hand-woven Southeast Asian fabrics

Bathrooms: En-suite bathrooms have large sunken bathtubs and indulgent toiletries

Read More
Governor's Residence Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

A Cultural Stronghold: With its stately, British-inspired architecture, glittering Buddhist pagodas, colorful markets, parks, lakes, and long riverfront, Yangon is a vibrant cityscape that’s ripe for exploration. Rosewood Yangon is an ideal starting point for those looking to tour the nearby markets, art galleries, bars, restaurants and historic sites.

Wellness at Your Fingertips: Sense: the Rosewood Spa, is second-to-none in the city of Yangon when it comes to its menu of massages paired with natural ingredients and several locally-inspired healing treatments. A private hair salon is also on site.

A Refined Sense of Aesthetics: Living spaces and facilities at Rosewood Yangon are well-appointed with touches like lavish furnishings, hardwood floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Stimulating contemporary art pieces adorn the walls alongside tasteful glass shelving units.

Read More
Rosewood Yangon Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: The Strand is located on the Yangon River in the heart of the shopping and diplomatic district of the city

History: Built in 1901, The Strand is Myanmar's most famous hotel, patronized by prominent 20th century figures.

Service: Butlers work 24/7 to ensure guests have everything they need.

Read More
The Strand Preferred Hotel

Day 14

Departure

Take one last stroll through the ancient city before spending the evening on a plane home. Snap a picture in front of the massive reclining Buddha, check out the Karaweik Royal Barge that sits on the Peaceful Royal Lake and soak in the gorgeous traditional colonial architecture. Squeeze in a last minute shop at the massive Bogyoke Aung San Market, stocking up on rare Myanmar souvenirs to bring home, as you begin your departure.

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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