Myanmar Temple & Beach
Overview
- Beach Escapes
- Culture & Heritage
Day 1 - 3: Yangon - Bagan
- Arrive in Yangon. Enjoy dinner at Karaweik Palace.
- Fly to Bagan. Admire the ancient temples and experience a balloon ride.
Day 4 - 7: Manday - Heho - Pyin Oo Lwin
- Fly to Mandalay. Head to Pyin Oo Lwin to visit the National Botanical Kandawgyi Gardens.
- Discover Mahagandayon, Sagaing Hill, Kuthodaw Pagoda, Shwenandaw Monastery, etc.
- Transfer to Heho then to Inle Lake. Discover Inle Lake’s scenery on a boat trip.
- Relax on the idyllic beach of Ngapali.
- Head back to Yangon. Board your departure flight from here.
Customizable itinerary
Mingalabar! Welcome to Yangon, Myanmar.
Upon arrival at Yangon Airport, your private guide and driver are waiting to meet you, holding up a welcome signboard with your names on it and take you directly to your hotel in the downtown. While every effort is made to have your room available upon arrival, check-in time is at 02:00 pm; your room may or may not be ready before this time. Your tour guide will provide additional details regarding your stay, and you will be able to ask any questions you may have. The rest of the day is at leisure.
If we arrive in the morning, we have time to visit the world-famous golden Shwedagon Pagoda in the afternoon, a breath-taking and colorful sight visited by Buddhists from all over Myanmar.
Evening culture show with dinner at Karaweik palace in Kandawgyi Park
Overnight in Yangon.
Meals: (_/_/D)

After breakfast at the hotel transfer to Yangon’s Mingaladon Airport for the flight to Bagan (Nyaung Oo). Thousands of ancient stupas and temples in this area make Bagan, one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Asia. From the 11th till the 13th century, when Bagan was the capital of Myanmar, the rulers of constructed huge stupas and temples, many of which are still standing today on the banks of the Irrawaddy River.
Arrive Bagan and check-in at the hotel. The sightseeing starts with most distinctive pagodas such as Shwezigon Pagoda – the holiest one believed to be enshrined with Buddha tooth and hair; Gubyaukgyi Temple (Wetkyiinn village) – the 13th-century‘ cave temple’ with fine frescoes of scenes from Jakatas; Ananda Temple – one of the masterpieces surviving and remaining in Bagan and considered to be in the Mon architecture style; Thatbyinnyu Temple – the highest building on the Bagan plain.
Enjoy the sunset on the mighty Irrawaddy river by slow cruise.
Overnight in Bagan.
Meals: (B/L/_)


Optional: In the early morning, we take a sunrise Balloon flight over the plains of Bagan. From above looking down, Bagan is beautiful as a watercolor picture. Along two banks of the gentle Ayeyarwady River are small villages hiding in the bamboo trees. The top of golden pagodas glistens under the sunlight. The flight surely gives you an interesting and unheard-of experience of the country of Myanmar.
After breakfast, enjoy a city tour with the first stop at Nyaung Oo Market to see how the local people’s life is. Follow our trip to the Dhammayangyi Temple is also a must-see in Bagan archaeological area that we will visit.
After lunch, we visit the simple Minnanthu village located near central Bagan where you have a chance to meet open and friendly village people who live in typical houses. Their houses are built in the traditional way of Myanmar countryside, with an outdoor living area for sitting, entertaining, working, and sleeping. Life here is so peaceful that you can see the men and women in their work without complaint. This surely will be a memorable image for your journey.
Around the village, we can see some monuments which were built in the latter period such as Tayokepyay Temple, Laymyatnar Temple, Nandaminnya, and Payathonzu temple.
Overnight in Bagan.
Meals: (B/L/_)


Drive-up into the hills from Mandalay (80km, about 2 hours) for a full day visit of Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo), a former British hill station. Visit the local market and drive through the charming town in a horse-drawn ‘stagecoach’, giving you the chance to admire the red brick and half-timbered houses, complete with English-style gables, turrets, and chimneys.
In the afternoon, visit the tiny Forestry Museum (if open) and the National Botanical Kandawgyi Gardens, which were laid out by Sir Harcourt Butler, a former Governor of Burma – the flower beds are similar to those you would find in an English country garden! Take a short jungle walk on a wooden walkway in the gardens. Then drive back to Mandalay.
Overnight in Mandalay.
Meals: (B/L/_)


After breakfast, board a boat for a 1-hour cruise across the Ayeyarwaddy River (Irrawaddy) to the rural village of Mingun to view its massive unfinished pagoda dramatically cracked in half by an earthquake in the 1800s; Mingun’s bronze bell believed to be largest uncracked one in the world and the beautiful Myatheindan pagoda which represents Mt. Meru and the abode of celestial beings.
Return back to Mandalay enjoying lunch.
Afternoon highlight to the most significant Buddha images covered in several tons of gold leaf and the crown prize in wars between competing kingdoms; the Golden Palace Monastery, the sole surviving Royal Palace building in Mandalay, offering a glimpse of the original style and architecture of the Myanmar royals; and lastly, the Kuthodaw Pagoda, a compound housing Buddha’s teachings carved in the sacred Pali script on stone tablets and regarded the world’s largest book in terms of surface area. Time permitting, we enjoy a stroll through the lively Zegyo Market in the heart of the city to experience authentic local life.
We end our day with sunset panoramic views over the city skyline on Mandalay Hill, the highest point of the city.
Overnight in Mandalay.
Meals: (B/L/_)

Transfer to Mandalay Airport for domestic flight to Heho. Transfer from Heho airport, drive down into the valley to Nyaung Shwe on the edge of Inle Lake.
During today’s excursion by boat on picturesque Inle Lake we see the famous leg rowers, the typical floating gardens where fruit and vegetables are grown, local methods of fishing, and village life. A highlight is often visiting the traditional village of Paukpar, with its neat rows of bamboo houses and where we may be able to stop and visit a family for Shan tea.
In the afternoon, we visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the holiest religious site in southern Shan State and the boat construction workshop at Nampan village as well as stopping to see some traditional handicrafts – silk weaving on wooden handlooms in Inpawkon village, a cheroot workshop and a blacksmith shop.
Continue by boat to visit Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery (Jumping cats), one of the oldest monasteries on the lake and where inside its large wooden meditation hall and are over 200-year-old ancient Buddha statues. Returning back to the hotel the beauty of a sunset over Inle Lake enchants all visitors.
Overnight at Inle Lake/ Nyaung Shwe.
Meals: (B/L/_)

After breakfast at the hotel, visit floating market which is a 5 days rotation market most fascinating to watch the daily life of the minorities and their activities. Continue our excursion by motorized boat to Indein pagoda complex, in the south-west of the lake.
The boat leaves the lake and enters a narrow canal with a beautiful natural environment to continue to a small Pa O tribe village. From the village, follow an old covered path to a 13th century monastery and the very impressive ruins of hundreds of ancient pagodas, some hidden in the vegetation. The main stupa-area on the top of the hill offers breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains and down to the valley and the lake in the far distance. Return to hotel in Nyaung Shwe/ resort on lake and overnight at the hotel.
Overnight at Inle Lake/ Nyaung Shwe.
Meals: (B/L/_)

A short flight from Heho will take us to Ngapali Beach, the most beautiful beach in Myanmar with coconut groves and Treasure island.
Free at leisure to enjoy the beach and resort.
Overnight in Ngapali Beach.
Meals: (B/_/_)


Free at our own to visit Ngapali fishing village, Thandwe town, or immerse in scuba diving in the most pristine coves of Bengal Bay.
Overnight in Ngapali Beach.
Meals: (B/_/_)

Free at our own to visit Ngapali fishing village, Thandwe town, or immerse in scuba diving in the most pristine coves of Bengal Bay.
Overnight in Ngapali Beach.
Meals: (B/_/_)

After breakfast, check out and the hotel’s shuttle bus picks you up and transfer to Thandwe airport for a morning flight back to Yangon. The city’s historical colonial and religious influences have survived despite its status as a rising Southeast Asian city, making for a truly unique experience.
Upon arrival, walk through downtown a diverse mix of faded colonial architectures from the British times, and high-rises built by more recent investors. Then, we will visit Sule Pagoda – a religious and historic site, built in the early 3rd century which located in the heart of downtown Yangon.
Late afternoon, visit the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda of Rudyard Kipling fame and one of Myanmar’s most sacred places. The massive bell-shaped stupa is plated with gold and the tip of the stupa is set with diamonds and rubies, sapphires, and topaz – a stunning sight as the sun sets and a most fitting place to begin our trip in this “Golden Land”.
Overnight in Yangon.
Meals: (B/L/_)

After breakfast, a fleet of microbuses and guides will be available outside the hotel for guests who would like to do some last-minute shopping or complete their cultural visit of Yangon exploring colonial downtown.
Then take the drive to Mingaladon International Airport to check in on your onward flight.
End of services.
Meals: (B/_/_)
Useful Information
This tour is built upon our firsthand knowledge & experience, offering you the best choices available. The price of this trip varies depending on the number of people in your party, dates of departure, and availability of ground services. Please click on REQUEST A FREE QUOTE (above) and supply the required information, enabling us to send you your personalized quote within 24 hours!
Note: Amendments CAN be made to this tour to suit your requirements.
What’s Included?
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- Accommodation with daily breakfast at selected hotels
- Private Vehicles and Drivers
- Private English Speaking Guides (Other languages if available, upon request)
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
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- Domestic flights within Myanmar
- Entrance fees for all mentioned sights visited
- Service Charge & Government Taxes
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What’s Not Included?
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- Your International Flights to and from Myanmar
- Myanmar entry Visa Fees (contact us for further information)
- Personal Expenses (such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.)
- Any bank fees or charges at your end
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- Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal Travel Insurance
- Tips for guides and drivers
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Free service. No credit card required
Reviews on Our Service
We are committed to giving our customers unforgettable experiences in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and beyond, not just something staged for tourists. Read reviews written by our customers about their experiences in Indochina after they have returned home. These include the ratings and comments on attractions, guides, activities, hotels and food.
Vietnam Luxury Vacation Review: Sightseeing, Culture, 12-Day Travel
Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Sightseeing, Rice Fields, Boat Rides, 18-Day Trip
We started searching for our tour for Vietnam / Cambodia back in October 2022 to start the tour in the first week of January 2023. We selected this travel agency, and contact name provided to us was Elly. She was extraordinary with her communication with us. Excellent English speaking language capability & excellent in communication on Whats app and email communication. We went back & forth few times to arrange the tour we wanted. She was very accommodating in arranging our schedule. We requested automobile tour for both countries, just for two of us.
We requested SUV FOR OUR COMFORT AND WE GOT IT!
We requested to get the high end hotel in each city and she gave us choices and not only that but send videos of each hotel for each City and then waited for us to decide which hotel we select. All the Hotels turned out to be one of the best we would expect to be. M/s Elly, personally came to visit with us on the evening of our first day tour. Very respectful and asked if she could do anything for us.I had requested before in our communication, if she would arrange for power converter for us, since my camera chargers are all in 110. So brought two power converters for us! Something, not everyone will do this kind of service. So all the kiddos to her!
as to the drivers in each city were very courteous, very professional and very careful in how and where they have to do driving.
our Guides in each city were so friendly, courteous and knowledgeable in where ever we visited. How ever wish two guides in Hue An and Ho Chi Minh City spoke English more clearly.
We only wish we had one extra day in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, , however, there is so much to see in the world! Perhaps next time will visit Vietnam.
As to Cambodia, same thing to express about site seeing and our Guide and drivers. Guides and drivers really made our travel thro’ the countries where we do not speak that language, made it so comfortable and enjoyable.
Outstanding!
Hi Lam…hope you don’t mind me contacting you directly. My wife Barb & I (Paul) have just arrived home after completing a great tour of Vietnam which was organised through your company Asia Pioneer Travel.
We want to tell you personally how impressed were were with the level of service that we received…it was amazing and the best that we have experienced anywhere. After we made initial contact with you, you handed us over to Chloe to arrange the trip which she did in very quick time and the amount of detail that she went to was fantastic. From the moment that we walked out of Hanoi airport on arrival to see our guide waiting, we knew that we were in for a great trip. The drivers & guides were fantastic and Chloe was in contact by email constantly making sure that everything was going to plan & that we were happy. At one stage we need to vary the itinerary by extending accommodation & changing air tickets and Chloe did that without any fuss or bother.
We also met some wonderful Vietnamese people along the way and Ive got to say that they are our kind of people, very generous & friendly.
Enough of my ramblings, thanks for a great visit to Vietnam, and a special thank you to Chloe for looking after us in such a terrific manner…she is a very special caring lady.
Kind regards & I hope that we have the opportunity to use Asia Pioneer Travel again….Paul & Barb Little from Newcastle Australia
Superbly organised and very flexible
We travelled to Vietnam for two weeks, booking the whole trip through Lizzie at Asia Pioneer, including hotels, excursions, trips, guides and internal flights. Lizzie was so helpful and flexible, accommodating changes to our schedule until the last minute, especially as we missed our connecting flight in Dubai and arrived a day later than planned (our fault). Nothing was too much trouble, including getting my wallet back to me after I left it in the car taking us to the airport.
We started in Hanoi in the North and worked our way south to Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon), taking in Ha Long with its amazing sea stacks and sleeping on a boat, then to Sa Pa on the overnight sleeper train from Hanoi, with its wonderful countryside and rice terraces. Afterwards, we went to Hoi An for three days of relaxation. Hoi An probably my favourite place and three days are enough to cover it. Then onto Hue, the original capital, my least favourite place and then finally on to HMC, which was a real contrast to the North.
The 3-star hotels that Lizzie picked were very good and comfortable, and the guides were very knowledgeable. I would definitely use Asia Pioneer again for future Asia trips.