Myanmar Discovery
From USD per person
based on two persons travelling
$1,410
History & Culture
This Myanmar Discovery tour offers an immersive exploration of Myanmar’s cultural and spiritual treasures, starting in Yangon before journeying to the Shan Plateau and serene Inle Lake. Experience the vibrant market life and ancient monasteries of Nyaung Shwe, delve into the artistry of Shan crafts at Pindaya, and enjoy panoramic vistas combined with a refined winery visit. Returning to Yangon, guests will discover iconic religious sites and immerse in the rhythms of local urban life with a relaxing river ferry ride. Designed for discerning travelers, this itinerary balances cultural discovery with moments of tranquility and natural beauty, showcasing Myanmar through a blend of guided excursions and authentic local experiences.
Tour Highlights
- Witness the radiant spirituality at Shwedagon Pagoda as twilight sets, enveloping the ancient site in a golden glow, accentuated by the devout prayers of local worshippers.
- Explore the mystical Pindaya Caves with their thousands of Buddha images, complemented by hands-on insights into traditional Shan paper-making and parasol craftsmanship.
- Experience the tranquil charm of Inle Lake through village visits, leisurely boat rides, and a hilltop monastery trek offering sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding waters and hills.
- Savor an elegant wine tasting at Red Mountain Estate, where the sunset over Inle Lake forms a dramatic backdrop to a refined exploration of Myanmar’s emerging viticulture.
Costing Summary
| Validity | Per Person |
| 01/01/2026 - 30/04/2026 | 1410 |
| 01/05/2026 - 30/09/2026 | 1385 |
| 01/10/2026 - 31/12/2026 | 1435 |
- Surcharges and meal supplements may apply during peak periods and special festivals. Specific charges for the Balloon Festival, Water Festival (April 12–17, 2026), and Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival will be advised 45–60 days prior.
- Rates may change due to taxes, hotel surcharges, currency fluctuations, or fuel costs.
- Nights and mornings in Upper Myanmar and Shan State can be cold from November to February; bring warm clothing.
- During the rainy season (mid-May to mid-October), trekking or biking may be slippery; carry only a backpack or light bag, as heavy luggage may incur extra transport fees.
Itinerary Details
Arrive at Yangon International Airport where your guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, spend the evening at the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda. Walk among intricately designed pavilions, shrines, and statues while observing locals as they pray and make offerings. Capture the spiritual energy and vibrant cultural atmosphere of one of Myanmar’s most revered Buddhist sites. Adjustments may occur depending on your international flight schedule.
Overnight in Sayarsan Hotel (4 Star) or similar.
After breakfast, transfer to Yangon Airport for your flight to Heho. Drive through scenic hills and agricultural fields across the Shan Plateau to Pindaya. Explore the impressive Pindaya Caves, home to thousands of Buddha images in different chambers. Visit local workshops where families create Shan paper and traditional parasols, learning about these crafts firsthand. Continue to Aung Ban for overnight.
Overnight in Hotel SS Aung Ban (4 Star) or similar.
After breakfast, visit Aung Ban Market to explore local life and sample organic fruits. Drive to Nyaung Shwe and stop at Shweyanpyay Monastery to admire intricate teak wood carvings. Take a boat to Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery and Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda to see sacred Buddha images. In the afternoon, explore Nampan and Inn Paw Khone villages and visit traditional workshops. End the day with a boat transfer to your hotel at Inle Lake.
Overnight in Aureum Inle Resort (4 Star) or similar.
After breakfast, visit the five-day rotational market if available, bustling with local produce, handicrafts, and textiles. Begin boat sightseeing at Khaung Daing village, tasting handmade tofu snacks and observing local cottage industries. Cross Mine Thauk Bridge and take a gentle trek to a hilltop monastery offering panoramic views of Inle Lake. Conclude with a visit to Red Mountain Estate Vineyard & Winery for a wine tasting while enjoying the sunset over the lake.
Overnight in Aureum Inle Resort (4 Star) or similar.
After breakfast, fly from Heho to Yangon. Begin with a visit to Chaukhtatgyi to admire the revered reclining Buddha statue. Continue to Kandawgyi Royal Lake for views of the Karaweik Hall and Shwedagon Pagoda. Sample Burmese tea and traditional food at a local teashop. Explore downtown Yangon streets and, time permitting, take a short ferry ride to Dala to observe daily life along the river. End the day with transfer back to your hotel.
Overnight in Sayarsan Hotel (4 Star) or similar.
Enjoy breakfast before your guide and driver transfer you to Yangon International Airport for your departure flight. Please note official check-out is at 12 PM, with late check-out available subject to availability.
Travel Notes
Yangon to Heho
Approx. 570 km / Approx. 1 hour 20 minutes by flight.
Heho to Pindaya
Approx. 75 km / Approx. 2 hours by road.
Pindaya to Aung Ban
Approx. 17 km / Approx. 30 minutes by road.
Aung Ban to Nyaung Shwe
Approx. 55 km / Approx. 1.5 hours by road.
Heho to Yangon
Approx. 570 km / Approx. 1 hour 20 minutes by flight.
Travel in Myanmar involves a mix of short domestic flights and road transfers primarily on rural and sometimes uneven roads, especially in Shan State. Flights between Yangon and Heho are common for saving time. Roads in the Shan Plateau can be winding and slower than expected. Accommodations vary from basic to comfortable 4-star options, mostly in accessible towns. Advance coordination for transfers and flights is crucial; seasonal weather can affect road conditions, notably during the monsoon.
All travel distances and times are indicative only and may vary depending on traffic, weather, routing and local conditions.
Destination Information
Yangon
Yangon presents a distinctive blend of colonial-era architecture and traditional Burmese culture set against a tropical urban landscape. The city’s streets reveal a layered history through its wide avenues lined with British-era buildings, contrasting with bustling markets and serene green spaces. At its heart, the Shwedagon Pagoda rises prominently, a gilded landmark that anchors the spiritual and visual identity of the city. Surrounding this are neighbourhoods where everyday life unfolds amid a mix of old and new structures, reflecting Yangon’s ongoing transformation. Public spaces like Kandawgyi Lake Park offer respite from the urban pace, with water and greenery providing a natural counterpoint to the dense city fabric. Local markets such as Bogyoke Aung San Market serve as focal points for commerce and social interaction, where traditional crafts and daily necessities converge. The city’s scale and rhythm are further shaped by the Yangon Circular Train, which threads through residential and commercial districts, offering insight into the patterns of daily movement and community life. Together, these elements create a city that is both historically grounded and actively lived in.
Aung Ban
Aung Ban sits amid the rolling highlands of Shan State, where cooler temperatures and fertile soil shape a landscape distinct from Myanmar’s lowland regions. The town’s streets reveal a blend of colonial-era buildings alongside traditional Shan-style homes, reflecting its layered history and cultural diversity. Daily life here unfolds around bustling agricultural markets, where local farmers bring fresh produce and regional specialties, offering insight into the area’s agrarian economy and community rhythms. The surrounding terrain, marked by verdant hills and forested slopes, provides a natural backdrop that influences both the town’s pace and character. Among its notable features, the Pyin Oo Lwin Botanical Gardens stand out as a cultivated space showcasing a wide variety of plant species, illustrating the region’s botanical richness and colonial horticultural heritage. The presence of Shan cultural influences is evident in local crafts, cuisine, and festivals, adding depth to the town’s social fabric. Aung Ban’s combination of natural setting, historical architecture, and everyday market life creates a setting where visitors can observe the interplay of environment, culture, and history in a highland Myanmar community.
Inle Lake
Inle Lake serves as a distinctive waypoint in travel routes through Myanmar’s Shan State, providing a natural and cultural contrast to urban centers. The lake’s expansive waters are dotted with stilted wooden villages and floating gardens, creating a unique interface between human habitation and environment. Surrounding hills offer a serene backdrop, while the daily rhythm of local fishermen practicing leg-rowing techniques reflects enduring traditions alongside the visible presence of modern trade boats. The intricate patchwork of the lake’s agricultural layouts juxtaposes with its lively markets, illustrating the integration of subsistence lifestyles with regional commerce. This combination of aquatic landscape and community structure underscores Inle Lake’s role as both a living ecosystem and a cultural crossroads.
Hotel Information
Sayarsan Hotel
Sayarsan Hotel offers a refined retreat that blends comfort with thoughtful design in a relaxed four-star setting. Each room is meticulously appointed to ensure a seamless stay, embodying understated elegance and contemporary amenities. The hotel’s ambiance captures a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal sanctuary for both discerning travelers and business guests. Distinctive for its attentive service and carefully curated facilities, Sayarsan Hotel stands apart by balancing warmth with modern sophistication. Whether seeking restful tranquility or convenient access to local attractions, visitors find a harmonious environment tailored to elevate their experience. This refined destination embodies quiet luxury without pretense, inviting guests to unwind in style and ease.
Hotel SS Aung Ban
Nestled in the serene town of Aung Ban, HOTEL SS AUNG BAN offers a refined retreat that balances comfort and local charm. With a 3 to 4-star rating, the hotel provides thoughtfully appointed rooms designed to reflect the tranquil surroundings while ensuring modern conveniences. Guests appreciate its welcoming atmosphere, where attentive service meets understated elegance. The hotel’s location invites exploration of the region’s cultural and natural attractions, making it an ideal base for discerning travelers seeking authenticity without compromising on quality. HOTEL SS AUNG BAN distinguishes itself through its harmonious blend of simplicity and warmth, offering a genuine sense of place alongside essential amenities. It is a quietly sophisticated choice for those wishing to experience the subtle beauty and slower pace of this unique destination.
Aureum Palace Hotel and Resort - Inle
Aureum Palace Hotel and Resort - Inle offers an exquisite sanctuary set beside the serene waters of Inle Lake. Blending refined luxury with the region’s rich cultural heritage, the resort presents an immersive experience framed by traditional architecture and lush tropical gardens. Each accommodation showcases tasteful design, inviting guests to unwind in an ambiance of understated elegance. With its prime waterfront location, Aureum Palace privileges discerning travelers with captivating views and seamless access to the vibrant lake life. Thoughtfully curated amenities, including a serene spa and authentic dining experiences, enrich every stay. This resort stands apart by harmonizing genuine local charm with elevated hospitality, creating a distinguished retreat for those seeking both tranquility and cultural discovery.
