Myanmar in 10 days
Myanmar
From the vibrant streets of Yangon to the ancient temples of Bagan, the mountain charm of Kalaw to the floating world of Inle Lake, and the cultural treasures of Mandalay, Myanmar's authenticity and charm are bound to leave an indelible mark on your travel memories.
Get ready to be captivated by the warm smiles of locals, the stunning landscapes, and the unique experiences that make Myanmar an incredible destination waiting to be discovered.
Let's dive in and uncover the magic of this amazing country!
General Considerations
🌐 Itinerary organization: I have organized the itinirary explanining you the prefered options for transportation, restaurants, hotels and activities to choose based on my experience and also some friends' tips. This trip can be done in 10-15 days depending on your preferences.
📸 Pictures: unfortunately this time, the pics are not mine!
📅When was I there? August 2016 - Itinerary revised in 2023.
☀️Weather: Myanmar experiences a tropical climate with three distinct seasons: hot (March to May), rainy (June to October), and cool (November to February). We visited during the rainy season and we were absolutly lucky since it didn't rain much. However, the recommendation would be to go during the cool season to enjoy more pleasant weather and also vibrant festivals.
💉Vaccination: Prioritize vaccinations like typhoid and hepatitis A before traveling, and consider malaria precautions, especially during the rainy season.
💪🏻Healthcare: Consider travel insurance that covers medical expenses abroad.
✅Visa: Plan ahead and obtain a tourist visa before traveling to Myanmar, ensuring your passport meets the validity requirements.
💰Money: Carry Myanmar Kyat for everyday expenses and exchange currency at authorized outlets for the best rates. Cash is more widely used than credit cards so ensure to take out money in the airports and also you bring some US$ with you for easy change. Consider using a reliable currency exchange service like Revolut to avoid high fees.
🍽️ Regional Delights: From flavorful curries to street food delights -Don't miss out on iconic dishes like Mohinga and Shan noodles.
⭐️Highly recommend: you'll see some stars along the text which mean that this is a MUST!
💡Add-ons: find some additional options marked with a light bulb for you to tailor the trip to your preferences.
🙋🏽♀️Doubts?: If you have any questions you can reach me at my IG account.
Itinerary
DAY 1 & 2: YANGON
Day 1: Arrival in Yangon
Despite its unassuming appearance, Yangon's it's charm! Explore local streets, sampling street food and immersing in the local atmosphere.
Overnight in Yangon.
Day 2: Discover Shwedagon Pagoga & local markets
Visit the remarkable ⭐️Shwedagon Pagoda, a cultural gem that takes about 4 hours to explore. Engage a local guide for insights into the city's history and culture.
Experience the bustling local markets and a smaller pagodas.
Overnight in Yangon.
DAY 3 & 4: BAGAN
Day 3: Exploring ancient pagodas in Bagan
Fly to Bagan, where ancient temples and pagodas await.
Capture a mesmerizing sunset from a less crowded temples.
Overnight in Bagan Nyaung-U
Day 4: Getting lost in Bagan
⭐️Rent an electric motorbike and venture to temples off the beaten path.
Overnight in Bagan Nyaung-U
💡More time?
Explore Bagan from the top in an hot air balloon! And if you do it at sunrise or sunset, it can be absolutely stunning! You could add it within these 2 days but you might need an extra one.
DAY 5 & 6: KALAW
Day 5: Kalaw Bound
Kalaw is a picturesque mountain town which serves as gateway for the treks to Inle Lake.
Explore Kalaw's surroundings and get a taste of local life.
Overnight in Kalaw.
Day 6: Trecking around Kalaw
Begin your trek early morning enjoying stunning landscapes, rice fields, and local villages on the go.
Overnight in Kalaw.
DAY 7 & 8: INLE LAKE
Day 7:
Take the the rustic and authentic local train (3hs ride) to Inle Lake - you can take it also the previous afternoon depending on the treck. It's not only cheap, it is a great experience to inmerse in their cultural. Of course, if you prefer a bit more confort, hire a minivan.
Depending on when you arrive you will need to rest or you can go directly into the adventure. Let's supose the latter one.
Overnight in Inle Lake.
Day 8: Time to cook while floating
⭐️Participate in a cooking class in a floating village. Enjoy the culinary delights you've prepared and take a village tour. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local community.
Instead of sleeping at Inle, take a night bus to Mandalay - they are pretty confortable so you will be able to sleep and save money & time.
💡More time?
You can also do instead of 1 day trecking around Kalaw, 3 days trecking from Kalaw to Inle Lake - if you have time, don't miss this opportunity!
Not up for trecking but still some extra time? Explore the surroundings by bike.
DAY 9, 10 & 11: MANDALAY & BACK
Day 9: Mandalay arrival
Arrive in Mandalay and settle into your hotel.
Explore the city center and its key attractions.
Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 10: Mandaly's Outskirts
⭐️Hire a knowledgeable guide to explore Mandalay's outskirts.Visit cultural sites like Shwenandaw Monastery and Mahamuni Pagoda.
⭐️Witness the sunset from Mandalay Hill, offering panoramic views.
Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 11: Time to go back
Conclude your Myanmar journey with cherished memories.
Depart from Mandalay for your onward adventures.
💡MORE TIME?
If you do not go in the rainy season as we did, maybe you would like to add some day at the beach. Consider then 2-3 days in Ngapali Beach, travelling by plane directly from Mandalay or Yangon.
Another good option is to use those extra days at the begining and/or at the end of your trip in Bangkok, since it is one of the main hubs to get to Myanmar and you might need to stop there anyway. Check my Guide to Thailand for some tips on Bangkok and more.
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