Overview

Have a taste of Myanmar through its food and as you travel from one gastronomic city to another. On this 13-day Myanmar food tour, embark on the gourmet journey, picking fresh vegetables, mushrooms at the traditional local market, cook popular Burmese dishes at the cookery lesson, and discover many local delicacies and the local way of living at the prisine villages. Moreover, explore the highlight attractions of Myanmar, the ancient kindom ruins of Inva, Sagaing & Amarapura, Ubein Bridge, Ananda Temple, cruising Inle Lake… You will also have an unforgetable experience at local family-run business, workshops and factories.

Duration: 13 days & 12 nights

Destinations: Yangon - Heho - Inle Lake - Kalaw - Mandalay - Bagan - Yangon

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Day
Welcome to Yangon, the capital of Myanmar. Land at the airport, meet your English speaking local guide and driver, who are friendly and keen to show you the best of Yangon.

Today tour the highlights of Yangon city. Start your trip to explore Yangon highlights. Get into the colonial-style city center and visit one of Yagon’s landmarks, Sule Paya stupa – traced back over 2,000 years ago and the focal point of lots of historical events in the city – Chauk Htat Gyi pagoda to view its majestic reclining Buddha. Later visit Karaweik Hall to marvel at the uniquely decorated “hamsa-bird-shaped” on Kandawgyi (Royal) Lake. Contine the trip of Yangon and visit Bogyoke (Scotts) Market, where all kinds of gemstone, handicrafts, art, clothes and food stores are tucked in a plethora of color. We end the day with a visit to one of the world’s most remarkble monuments, the Shwedagon Pagoda, a gold covered bell dome structure that reign over the city’s skyline. It is said that strands of sacred Buddha’s hair are kept and enshrined here. The Shwedagon is an iconic symbol of Myanmar,  a must-see sight for your Myanmar tour.

  Important Notes:  

  • The market is closed on Mondays and on public Burmese holidays.

Meal: B

Sule Paya stupa

After breakfast, leave Yangon flying to Heho. After landing, take a overland transfer to Taunggyi. And then we take two hour drive to Kakku, visit the magnificent Kakku Pagoda complex housing more than 2,000 stupas. Back to the road again, driving to Inle Lake that descends through the valley offering breathking views of Shan Mountains and endless rice paddy fields. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Meal: B

Enjoy a delightful morning with a journey out by boat, following the calm currents of a small river to reach the Inndein Pagoda Complex, a site that makes us feel as if we’ve passed through a forgotten portal in time. To go into the complex, we walk through bamboo groves that open up to a field covered with the ancient pagodas built over a millennium ago.

We boat back to the lake and admire Phaungdaw oo Pagoda, home to some of Myanmar’s most sacred Buddha statues blanketed in gold leaf. It will also an interesting experience visiting Inpawkhon Weaving Village to observe and learn how local silks, linens and lotus fabrics are handmade and crafted. Then you will be rewarded with an extra treat, stopping at a house for Burmese Cats built over the Inle lake, from which we see the conservation efforts and reintroduction of this rare pure breed of felines to Burma. At Nampan Village, local artisan show us how Burmese cigars, or called “cheroots,” are packed and rolled in the traditional method.

Meal: B

Inle Lake Boat cruise

After breakfast, we transfer to Bamboo Delight in the heart of Nyaung Shwe to take a cooking class. But first go to a market to pick fresh vegetables, mushrooms, fruits, herbs and some other food materials needed in cooking. Here comes the cooking class. Firstly the teacher will explain the logic behind each step of the cooking process. Everything is cooked over traditional wood-fired open pots. Enjoy lunch with foods cooked by yourself.

Depart from Inle Lake and head for Kalaw, driving 30 mins to Shwe Nayung Train Station where your train journey starts and wil larst for about 4 hours before getting to Kalaw, previously a British colonial hill station where officials and ambassadors would spend hot summer season here, escapeing the heat and enjoying the crisp mountain air and drinking gin and tonic. Upon arrival, our driver will pick you up and transfer to check into your hotel. Enjoy a peaceful evening and night luxuriating in fresh mountain air.

Meal: B, L

Leave Kalaw after breakfast at hotel, drive for 1.5 hours to the Pindaya Caves. The main Cave is unique as being home to thousands of Buddha images donated by devotees alongside caverns full of numerous stalactite formations. Then drive around 5 hours to Mandalay and settle into your hotel.

Meal: B

After breakfast, we take a trip to the seats of ancient Myanmar kingdoms near Mandalay. The day begins with a 1-hour cruise across the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River (Irrawaddy) to the quaint village of Mingun, famous for a massive unfinished pagoda surprisingly broken in half by an earthquake in the 1800s; another sight to see this morning is Mingun’s bronze bell, considered to be the biggest un-cracked one in the world.

Back to Mandalay by boat, we head for major highlights of Mandalay: the Golden Palace Monastery, the last standing Royal Palace building in Mandalay, offering a glimpse of the original style and architecture of the Myanmar royals; and also, the Kuthodaw Pagoda, a complex housing Buddha’s teachings carved in the sacred Pali script on stone tablets and considered as the world’s largest book in terms of surface area.

Finish today’s tour, enjoying the sunset panoramic views over city skyline on Mandalay Hill, the highest point of the city.

Meal: B

Mandalay Hill

Today it is time to explore the Ancient Kingdoms of Myanmar near Mandalay. En route, visit the holy Mahamuni Pagoda, home to one of the most significant Buddha images covered in a few tons of gold leaf and the crown prize in wars between competing kingdoms; and Shan Ka Lay Kywon Local Village where you can see local dwellings and witness villagers’ life style.

Later drive for 15km to Ava (Inwa), the ancient capital of Shan and Burmese kingdoms for over 400 years. Take a ferry crossing the Myit Nge River, the small roads of Ava are explored by horse-drawn carts. We visit the Bagaya Teak Monastery, built over three centuries ago, old yet well preserved and still in use by local monks; the Nanmyin Watch Tower, the only remaining structure of the Ava dynasty palace compound also called the “Leaning Tower of Ava”; and the Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery, a 300-year old architectural wonder with beautiful and graceful archways.

We continue to the Ancient Kingdom of Sagaing, situated on the magnificent Ayeyarwaddy River. From the Sagaing Hills, we take in nice views of the hillside dotted with numerous pagodas and then pay a special visit to a monastery to talk with Buddhist devotees about their beliefs and life. We visit another beautiful and magical ancient capital, Amarapura, known for its textile industries. There, step into a cottage industry workshop to learn how Myanmar longyis and traditional fabrics are woven.

Continue the trip visiting the famous Ubein Bridge, which is a simple yet remarkable teak structure that spans 1,2km over Taungtaman Lake. For your family fun, a boat trip can be arranged onto the calm waters. Watch the sun set at Ubein Bridge, which will be silhouetted by the gleamy light. It is a incredible experience and a photographer’s dream. 

Meal: B

Inwa

Depart from Mandalay, transfer to the jetty and board on cruise to Bagan. Enjoy the relaxing voyage on the Ayayarwaddy River, enjoying the views on both banks. The journey takes about. 8 hours downriver, depending on river conditions and water level. After arriving in Bagan, transfer to your hotel.

Meal: B

This morning, we visit the busy Nyaugn U Market, the largest market in the Bagan area, to witness yourself into the local life. Then drive along dusty lanes and tree shaded alleys passing by temples and monasteries to Taugn Bi Village, where we discover the noodle makers, a typical Myanmar-style movie theatre, the village hairdresser and a local tea shop. Along the Ayeyarwaddy River we also visit some traditional family-run businesses including blacksmiths, brick makers, dry snack ‘factories’ and bamboo roof producers, where the skills and trade have been passed on for generations. This will be peaceful and magical time to travel through the village.

And later admire some of the famous temples in Bagan (Shwezigon Stupa, Gubyaukgyi (Wet-Kyi-Inn), Htilominlo Temple, Ananda Temple, Dhamayangyi Temple, etc..,). In the evening, we find you a pefect place for sunset.

Meal: B

Ananda Temple

journey to the surrounding vibrant and authentic village life. In the comfort of the sturdy 4X4, go back in time to experience the simple and humble life as we visit Nga Tha Yaut Village, to see the traditional family industries for instances: (wooden flip flop, beans paste, bamboo baskets) and the part time potters who actually farm the lush fields of Taugn Kong Village. With the unique insight into the daily lives of the locals and breathtaking landscapes to take in, this trip is ideal for photographers and for those who loves to interact with nature and local people. Continue driving (1 hour) to Pokukku, a port city set south of Chindwin confluence. After lunch (on your own expense) at a simple restaurant in Pokukku, you will visit a energetic Local Thanaka Market. There is also chace to observe weaving process of typical Myanmar cotton blankets. Drive back to Bagan in the evening.

Meal: B

Be picked up and transfer to Bagan/Nyaung U airport to board your flight to Yangon. Upon arrival, transfer to visit the quaint Yangon Old Qarters, formed during the British colonial times. Many charming historical architectures are standing still here. Head for Yangon Railway station to embark on a local Circular Train journey to the outskirts of town (20-30 min ride). The slow-speed traveling train offers a unique opportunity to observe the lively and wonderful life of the rural Burmese people. We continue the trip to one of Asia’s architectural landmarks, the graceful Strand Hotel constructed by the Sarkies Brothers. Inside, we can savor up the River Art Gallery, where there are some of the most famous and skilled Burmese artists’ works are on display. In the evening, enjoy a brisk walk to China Town, which is fun and bustling, full of cafes, bars and restaurants as well as vendors selling yummy street food and fruits. It is an interesting food adventure here. Overnight in Yangon.

Meal: B

Enjoy your last minute sightseeing and eating in Yangon, until transfer to Yangon airport for your international flight back home. Have a safe and relaxing air journey. End of your 13 days Myanmar Food Tour.

Meal: B

What's included

  • 1-on-1 Travel Consultant

    Your China based expert listens to your wishes carefully, provides professional advice, ensures unlimited itinerary revisions before done and 24/7 helpline service while traveling.

  • Private Local Guide and Driver

    Your guides are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable, and your drivers are professional, polite and patient. They are very flexible to accommodate your personal needs and happy to show you the local attractions, history, culture, foods and real life. 
    Private transfers from hotel to attractions, airport or train station are also included.

  • Accommodation to Suite Your Preference

    In each place, we hand pick hotels ranging from luxury 5 star, superior 4 star to comfortable 3 star. Luxury or cozy boutique hotels and budget guesthouses are also among your choices. You could decide where to stay to meet your taste and budget.

  • Gourmet Meals

    Most of the hotels we select offer both Western and Chinese buffet breakfast. Lunch and dinner included are arranged in selected restaurants to taste authentic Chinese cuisine and local specialties. Thus you may also have a unique food tour.
    Meals specified in itinerary as B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner.

  • Attractions and Activities Listed on the Itinerary

    Our China tour packages have included the (first/main) entry to all attractions and the expenses of activities on the itinerary (except the optional activities).

  • Internal Transportation

    Based on your needs, we could make bookings of internal transportation, including domestic flights, inter-city trains, long-distance bus, etc.

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