Express Burma (Myanmar) is a one week trip offering the best of this fascinating country in a short time. 

Contact us on 01728 748209, use the Live Chat on the website or send an enquiry for this or other tours to Burma (Myanmar)

This seven-day journey takes you through the very heart of Myanmar. From the bustling streets of Yangon, to the morning markets of Lake Inle, you’ll discover an unspolit terrain that harnesses a traditional Asian atmosphere, unspolit by western influences. This will be a private tour on a tailor made basis to suit your dates and number of people travelling. 

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Mandalay. Head south of the city to Ava, the capital from 14th to 18th centuries, where a short ferry ride will take you across the river. Visit the old wooden Bagaya Monastery and the remains of the Royal Palace and Fort. Return towards the city and stop at Amarapura, a former capital whose name means ‘City of Immortality’. First visit a silk weaving workshop. Continue to U Bein Bridge for a walk along this 200 year-old teak bridge. The bridge was constructed of 984 teak posts that were once part of the deserted Inwa Palace and it is 1.2 kilometres in length making it the world’s longest teak span. Overnight in Mandalay.

Day 2 Explore Mandalay. Mandalay has become a bustling city as it is strategically located in the northern Myanmar, nearby the ruby, gold and jade mines. Afterwards we will visit the market, discovering white, yellow and green jade. Continue to Mahamuni Pagoda. Mandalay is well known for its skilled craftsmen and as you tour traditional workshops, you will learn more about the city’s cottage industries. Next visit to Kuthodaw Pagoda, whose 729 marble stone slabs of Buddhist scriptures have earned it the title ‘World’s Biggest Book’. Head to the top of Mandalay Hill as the sun begins to set to enjoy magnificent views of the city and Irrawaddy River. Overnight in Mandalay.

Day 3 Mandalay - Heho - Inle Lake transfer to Mandalay Airport for a flight to Heho where a scenic one-hour drive leads to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway village to Inle Lake. Along the way, stop at the wooden Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery. Continue by local trishaw down to the bustling canal which is a hive of activity in the morning as boats from the lake come in to unload tomatoes and other vegetables for distribution to the markets around the country. Watch as baskets laden with produce are transferred from boats to trucks and bikes. Upon reaching the edges of Inle Lake, board a private motorboat to head out to Inle Lake, one of Myanmar’s most spectacular sights. Pass villages built on stilts over the lake, inhabited by the local Intha people. Then return to land for your overnight stay. Overnight in Nyaung Shwe.

Day 4 Inle Lake After breakfast, visit the lake’s morning market. The market rotates its location around the lake’s villages in a 5 day rhythm and is visited by lake inhabitants and surrounding hill tribes who come to sell and trade their wares. From the middle of the lake, continue down a small canal leading to the Pa-oh village of In Dein. Explore the area on foot. Here you can climb the covered stairway to the top of a hill which is covered with picturesque ancient stupas and has magnificent views of the lake below. Overnight in Nyaung Shwe.

Day 5 Inle Lake - Heho - Bagan This morning is at your leisure to further explore Nyaung Shwe. OPTION: Biking and Wine Tasting- Bike from Nyaung Shwe to Red Mountain Estate, a winery tucked in the Shan Hills. The ride takes you along quiet, flat roads (around 5-10km depending on hotel location) past farms and villages. Reach the winery and enjoy a tour followed by an optional wine tasting. Return by bike to your hotel or meet your car for the airport transfer. (Note: Maximum 10 persons due to bike availability) transfer to Heho Airport for the 1.5 hour flight to Bagan. Overnight in Bagan

Day 6 Explore Bagan Today, your journey begins with a visit to an elevated temple from where you will have a panoramic view of the magnificent plains of Bagan. Continue to the colourful Nyaung Oo Market where every day the locals come to buy and sell fresh produce and other goods. Visit the golden stupa of Shwezigon Pagoda for an introduction in to Bagan’s rich history. Continue to nearby Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi, a cave temple with exquisite jataka mural paintings and the elegant Htilominlo Temple noted for its fine plaster carvings and glazed sandstone decorations. Then visit a traditional lacquer ware workshop where you can observe the production of one of Myanmar’s best-known handicrafts. Continue to Ananda Temple, an architectural masterpiece and one of Bagan’s most beautiful temples. This afternoon, board a private river boat and set off upriver toward Kyauk Gu U Min. Throughout your Irrawaddy river cruise you will be treated to fabulous scenes of life on the water: fishermen, local ferry boats, riverside villages and views of the Bagan temples. Continue by boat to Kyauk Gu U Min on the eastern side of the river where a 5-10 minute walk takes us to the temple. After your exploration of Kyauk Gu U Min, you’ll return to the boat for a relaxing cruise back to Bagan (around 1 hour). Transfer back to your hotel upon reaching Bagan. Overnight in Bagan.

Day 7 Bagan - Yangon - Departure. After breakfast this morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Yangon. Explore the city centre and its fabulous mix of architecture and sites. The streets are filled with historical buildings many of which have a faded colonial charm not seen elsewhere in Asia. Visit Little India and Chinatown, a colourful cacophony of restaurants, temples and markets. Reach Bogyoke Market, formerly known as Scott’s Market, where there is time to browse through the dozens of stalls and shops. This is Yangon’s best market for handicrafts and other goods. From here, continue to Shwedagon Pagoda the most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar. Enjoy breathtaking views of the golden stupa from this vantage point. Return to the international airport for your onward flight.

7 day tour vary from £1,899 per adult (low season)

Price includes:  Flights, accommodation, private transfers, private guide, International and domestic flights in economy class, Superior Class Hotel accommodation in shared twin/double room with daily breakfast. Meals as mentioned in itinerary (B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner) English-speaking station guides (different guide in each destination) Porter fees at airports All transfers and excursions with private air-conditioned vehicles Private motorized boat in Inle Lake and Kyauk Gu U Min boat in Bagan Entrance fees for the visits as mentioned in the program.

Price Excludes: Meals not mentioned, Visa arrangements for Myanmar, Visits not mentioned in the program.