Best of Myanmar Trip Notes

Trip Overview

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Dive straight into a land of untouched natural beauty, captivating stories from recent history, welcoming locals, and an abundance of awe-inspiring temples! This 8-day circular route through Myanmar – formerly known as Burma – ticks off the unmissable villages, countryside, ancient ruins, and charming cities through a unique style of grassroots tourism. Walk the iconic wooden pathway of the winding U Bein Bridge as monks, workers, and vendors pick their way through the local crowds. Explore the world’s largest and densest concentration of Buddist monuments in Bagan and enjoy an optional Hot Air Balloon ride at sunset. Trek through lush forest to mountain resorts with unparalleled views across the horizon. Travel by horse and carriage through ancient city ruins and, immerse yourself in the unique way of life as you discover the floating markets of Inle Lake. If you’re looking for an extraordinary adventure that’s definitely off the well-worn path, Myanmar is calling!

Duration : 8 Days

Destination : Myanmar

Start/Ends in : Yangon / Yangon

Group Size : 13-35 People

Age Req. : 18+

Trip Theme : Classic,Overland

Hotels : 5 & 4 Star

Departs : All Year Round

Why you will love this tour

• * Save on travel time with three included flights throughout your 8-day adventure across Myanmar.

• * Stay in carefully selected 5 & 4-star hotels with luxurious facilities including swimming pools, bars, and included breakfasts.

• * Hop on board horse-drawn carriages as you follow your guide through ancient cities and local villages across Mandalay, Ava, and surrounding regions.

• * Soak up the serenity of Inle Lake while cruising past floating villages, wooden temples, and local fishermen practicing their unique hunting methods.

• * Marvel at the iconic Golden Shwe Dagon Pagoda in Yangon. Then, get your camera ready to snap up some incredible pics at the famed Bagan Archeological Zone – the largest and densest concentration of Buddhist monuments in the world!

• * Experience bucket-list travel moments including an optional hot air balloon ride over the magical stupas of Bagan at sunset!

Arrival Details

The group welcome meeting with your guide and other travelers is held around 18:30 at the hotel lobby on Day 1 of your tour unless otherwise notified.

Meeting and Finishing Point:

The meeting and finishing point for the tour is :

Rose Garden Hotel – 5 Star – Yangon

Address: 171 , upper pansodan road, Yangon, 11211, Myanmar

Phone : +95 1 371 992

Emergency Number: +44 203 14 99 200

Highlights

Amarapura: Amarapura is the former royal capital of Myanmar, and its traditions are still alive in the city’s myriad monuments from the Mahagandayon to silk workshops.

Ananda Temple: The Ananda temple is a Buddhist temple. Its main feature is the relation between religion, politics, and architecture that has influences on its morphology and plan.

Bagaya Monastery: Bagaya Monastery, often called “Teak Temple”, is the oldest architecture in Mandalay. It is a famous spot that attracts tourists from around the world every year.

Dhammayangyi Temple: The largest sanctuary in the temple-studded land of Bagan, the Dhammayan is famous for its builder king Narathu and golden-faced Buddha statues.

Golden Palace Monastery: It is originally part of the royal palace at Amarapura before it was moved to Mandalay. There, it formed the northern section of the Hmannan and part of the king’s apartments.

Inle Lake: Inle Lake is famous for its floating villages and gardens and the unique way of life of the local Intha people. Their living communities are entirely based on the water.

Mahagandayon: Mahagandhayon Monastery is a monastic college located in Amarapura, Myanmar. The monastery is known for its strict adherence to the Vinaya.

Mandalay: Mandalay is the second largest city in Burma and the former capital of Myanmar. The city is the economic and religious hub of Myanmar and is centered around the Royal Palace.

Mingun: Mingun is best known for its gigantic, unfinished stupa which was ravaged by earthquakes. Named Mingun Pahtodawgyi, the stupa was meant to be the largest in the world.

Yangon: Yangon is the largest city in Myanmar. A mix of British colonial architecture, modern high-rises, and gilded Buddhist pagodas define its skyline.

Itinerary

Please note that the itinerary may be subject to small changes depending on the conditions during the tour. Alternative accommodation of similar standards may be used depending on the group size and hotel availability.

Inclusions & Exclusions

The tour price covers the following services:

Accomodation : 5 & 4 Star Hotels

Meals : 7 Breakfasts, daily water

Transportation : A/C Vehicles, Horse Cart, Local Boat, Domestic Flights.

Guide : Services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licenced by the Ministry of Tourism

Sightseeing : Mahagandayon Monastery, Sagaing Hill, U Bein Bridge, Mingun, Mandalay City, Jade Markets, Mt Popa, Nyaung Oo Market, Shwezigon Pagoda, Kyansittha Umin, Wet-kyi-inn Gubyaukgyi Temple, Htilominlo Temple, Bagan Archaeological Zone, Inle Lake, Nga Hpe Chaung Monastery, Inle Lake Morning Market, In Dein, Alaung Sitthou, Shwedagon Pagoda, Chauk Htat Gyi

What is NOT included in the tour price?

• Any flights not mentioned above

• Travel insurance

• Meals not stated above

• Items of a personal nature

• Tips & gestures

• Entrance fees to the sights and museums

• Optional activities

• Other services not stated in the itinerary

Hotels & Accommodation

Solo travellers will be roomed with another solo traveller of the same gender in a twin or triple room, or can upgrade to a solo room by paying the single supplement. You may choose the solo room option when booking online or contact us to arrange a private room. Your tour leader will allocate rooms upon arrival at the starting hotel in accordance with the rooming lists, last minute changes may not be guaranteed.

ROSE GARDEN HOTEL – YANGON – 5 STAR

This unique luxury property offers an authentic Myanmar style in the heart of downtown Yangon. The magnificent Golden Shwedagon Pagoda is situated in walking distance of the hotel.

RUPAR MANDALAR RESORT – MANDALAY – 4 STAR

Nestled within tropical gardens and located just 15 minutes from the center, Rupar Mandalar offers the most charming accommodation away from the bustle of Mandalay.

POPA MOUNTAIN RESORT – POPA – 4 STAR

Set on a mountain surrounded by lush greenery, the Popa Mountain Resort is situated on the volcanic peak of Mount Popa – 48km from the ancient city of Bagan.

ANANTA BAGAN HOTEL – BAGAN – 4 STAR

Ananta Bagan is located in the heart of the Ancient Bagan City, just beside the significant “Shwezigone Pagoda”, one of the remarkable 4-star boutique resorts with a taste of Bagan.

NOVOTEL INLE LAKE HOTEL – INLE LAKE – 4 STAR

Novotel Inle Lake offers an unforgettable backdrop to your holidays. Located on the peaceful Inle Lake in Myanmar; the resort is just a 15-minute drive from Nyaung Shwe village.

Essential Information: Myanmar

Passport & Visas

Most nationals require a visa to enter Myanmar for tourist visits. As requirements change depending on the country, please check with your embassy and apply for a visa before your trip to Myanmar. You may be eligible for a tourist e-visa, but we advise checking it well in advance since e-visa regulations may change due to global events.

Travelers to Myanmar must have a passport or travel document valid for at least 6 months from their arrival date in Myanmar. You should carry your passport or travel document with you at all times.

Travel Advice

We are closely monitoring the latest travel updates to Myanmar and following the advice of the UK Foreign Office (FCDO). For the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, please visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/myanmar

We recommend all travellers to check their Government National Travel Advisory prior to their departure:

Australia – https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/

Canada – https://travel.gc.ca/

New Zealand – https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/

USA – https://travel.state.gov/

Travel Insurance

All passengers travelling with Travel Talk are required to have personal travel insurance before participating in any of our tours. Your guide will collect your travel insurance details on the first day of your trip. It is your responsibility to make sure you have an adequate and suitable travel insurance for you in place, you may read more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/travel-insurance

Health & Safety

The health and safety of our passengers, staff and communities visited is of utmost priority. As we monitor and comply with the official advice from the UK Foreign Office, as well as World Health Organization and government authorities regularly, we have implemented several policies and precautions on our tours for your wellbeing. You may find our Safe Travels Protocols at https://www.traveltalktours.com/safe-travels

Travel Talk Adventures has received the Safe Travels stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), which allows travellers to recognise companies around the world that have adopted health and hygiene global standardised protocols – so consumers canexperience ‘Safe Travels’.

Please make sure to regularly check your Government’s travel advice before travelling and be well-informed of any requirements. Your tour guide will also notify you of the regulations and protocols to follow throughout your trip with us.

Please note that if any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary or possess a potential risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to remove them from all or part of a trip.

Please consult with your doctor for the latest medical travel information and any vaccinations you may need. We recommend that you bring any personal medical requirements and medications with you as these may be difficult to obtain while on tour.

Weather

The best time to visit Myanmar is from October to April, when the monsoon rains come to an end, leaving their place for clear skies and plenty of sunshine. The average temperature is 25°C throughout the dry season. Humidity decreases even more towards December, making it a high time for all touristic activities across the Burmese land. January and February host most of the crowds, so you will witness the iconic sights like Bagan bustling with travelers. It is also the harvest season in the central plains and the most festive time of the year for experiencing local life at its liveliest.

If you don’t mind a little rain, the shoulder months of September and April are perfect for trips to Myanmar. Temperatures vary around the high-20s. Around these times, the country is transitioning from and into the monsoon season, which means you will experience spectacular views as you travel from one site to another in the epic Big Four. The best places to visit in Myanmar host visual feasts from dawn till dusk.

In September, central regions begin experiencing monsoon rains, but the weather is still comfortable for sightseeing. April is relatively dry and the best month to visit Myanmar in terms of indulging in the local culture. The country celebrates the New Year in mid-April. Principal locations like Mandalay are adorned with photogenic decorations and traditional colors.

For more, check out our Myanmar weather guide.

Money Matters

The official currency of Myanmar is the Myanmar Kyat (MMK) and 1 USD converts to approximately 2099MMK. Credit and debit cards are accepted at ATMs across Myanmar. There is no need to dispense large quantities of MMK prior to arrival in Myanmar. USD cash is also widely accepted; however, change is often given in MMK. Many businesses will not accept notes larger than 20USD, so we recommend carrying small denominations of both MMK and USD. Credit and Debit cards can also be used to pay for accommodation or more expensive services in Myanmar’s major cities, however, cash remains king. We recommend you do not exchange bulk sums of money at the airport, as the exchange rates are usually more favorable in the major cities. Your tour leader will be happy to help if you need any assistance.

Tipping is not customary in Myanmar but is very much appreciated, a small tip can equate to a large portion of the daily wage for service staff. Rounding your bill to the nearest 1 USD equivalent is a small gesture that is greatly appreciated nationwide for good service. You may also consider tipping your leader and driver for outstanding service at the end of your trip.

Eating & Drinking

Burmese food is similar to other Southeast Asian cuisines in the way that it depends on the principles of Ying-Yang balance and the five tastes. Its flavor pallete consists of elements from India, China, and Thailand. Meals are usually multi-dish, and the dishes are simultanously served. Rice is the staple of every table, accompanied by curry, fried vegetables, and myriad dip sauces. Tackling the food scene in Myanmar can be quite challenging due to a variety of tastes and dishes. Make sure you know all the essentials about Burmese food and drinks. Check out our Myanmar food guide for more.

Mohinga: Rice noodles merge with boiled eggs, banana stems, and deep-fried veggies in a rich shallot-based broth in Mohinga. There are infinite variations, so you will get to choose the ingredients yourself. 

Shan Noodles: Originated in the ethnic Shan tribes of Northern Myanmar, these noodles are as traditional as it gets. They are sticky rice noodles with chicken or pork, tomatoe puree, and a strong kick of garlic topped with vegetables.

Burmese Curry: A pork or beef curry will be what you order, and a full table of side dishes from soup to dip sauces and vegetables are what you will get. 

Burmese Semolina Cake: This plain but delicious dessert is the most popular sweet across Myanmar. Grab it on the go or sit at a cafe and savor it slowly accompanied by some delicious Burmese tea or black coffee. 

Essentials to Bring & Internet

-Face mask/cover and hand sanitiser enough for your personal use throughout the trip – See more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/safe-travels/

-Travel Documents: Passport, Visa (if required), flight or transport ticket (and photocopies)

-Travel Talk Tour Voucher (printed or digital)Travel Insurance Policy (and photocopy)

-Personal medical kit and medicine

-Money (cash, credit card, travellers’ cheques)

-Power Adapter

-Reusable water bottle

-Ear plugs and eye mask

-Sun protection – hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

-Comfortable, closed walking shoes

-Wind/water proof jacket

-Warm clothes, hat, and gloves for cold weather

-Sandals, swimwear, shorts for warm weather

Internet Access

Many cafes, hotels, and restaurants in the cities of Myanmar provide free Wi-Fi, but the connection may be spotty or slow. If you wish to use your own 3G/4G Data, be sure to enable data roaming on your mobile. Purchasing a SIM card for the duration of your tour may be a cost-effective alternative. Make sure that your phone is unlocked before you leave home so a local SIM will be compatible. Your local guide will be able to provide advice on where to purchase data SIMs in Myanmar.

Etiquette and How to Dress

When travelling abroad it is important to be aware of the cultural etiquette of the destinations you will be visiting. If planning to visit religious or UNESCO World Heritage Listed sites in Myanmar, it is essential to remember shorts and skirts above the knee as well as shirts that show bare shoulders are not allowed.
Visitors must dress modestly with long shorts or a long skirt and cover their shoulders and chest. Monks are respected in Myanmar and if you wish to take a photograph of a Monk, it is respectful to ask their permission first. Women should not stand or sit too close to Monks, as Monks are forbidden from touching a woman, even for a handshake. While Burmese people are warm, friendly, and patient – following these simple rules on etiquette will ensure your experience in Myanmar is met with authentic and pleasant experiences with all the locals.

Solo Travellers

We have many solo travellers joining our tours. Solo travellers will be roomed with another traveller of the same gender. If you would like a private solo room, please contact us. You may see out solo travels page for more details.

Rules to Follow

We are committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. We do not tolerate any form of violence (physical or verbal), bullying or harassment involving customers, partners, Travel Talk staff or locals. Sexual relationships between a tour leader and a passenger are forbidden.

We will not tolerate any illegal activity, including but not limited to: use and possession of illegal drugs, trespassing, and disrupting public order. If you consume alcohol, please ensure that you drink responsibly and follow the local laws and regulations.

You must follow the advice of your tour leader and local officials regarding health and safety measures. We operate all tours under Safe Travels protocols for the wellbeing of our passengers, staff and communities visited. Please ensure that you have read the https://www.traveltalktours.com/safe-travels/ and are fully prepared for your trip.

If someone is acting inappropriately regarding these matters, please notify your tour leader immediately or contact us on the emergency contact number provided below.

Your tour leader has the right to remove from the group anyone not abiding by these rules, with no right of compensation or refund. See more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/booking-terms/

Please remember that our travellers come from different parts of the world and will have various needs and preferences. Be understanding and patient with your fellow travellers, and always strive to be on time.

Responsible Travel

We believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with you, we strive to make a positive impact on local people and economies, respecting the local culture, environment, social fabric and customs; encouraging respectful and meaningful cross-cultural exchange. Read more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/responsible-travel/