Name: 7-Day Myanmar Essence Tour: Mandalay-Bagan-Yangon
Brand: Global Highlights
SKU: gh-ah-13
Price: 1,474 USD
Availability: OnlineOnly
Rating: 5 (462 reviews)

In this 7-day tour, you will have opportunities to see and feel the culture and customs of Myanmar in an in-depth way. This tour is aimed at people who want to experience more in a limited period and leave with splendid memories.

Tour Highlights

China Highlights, Asia Highlights, and Global Highlights collaborate to provide families and couples with personalized and stress-free experiences in diverse destinations.

Albee was great in booking our tour to

Albee was great in booking our tour to Indonesia Malaysia and Singapore.She was very friendly and responded to my request to change itinerary few times to fit our needs.

, Dec 2023

China is Amazing Wonders that do not stop coming at you.Great country

Great job,Loved every minute of it,Ethan did an amazing job,True Ambassador of China,Just like the Chinese people,Friendly, dignified and hardworking,Very happy.China Highlights exceeded expectations and then some,I will never even think of travelling with another company.

Philip Sardar /Maps10321171537, Dec 2023

Wonderful times with the pandas

The tour was amazing and we loved the pandas we got so many wonderful pictures and our guide Helen was great. She is super knowledgeable and always ready to help

Kavita, Dec 2023

Xi’an

During our trip around China, we spent three days in Xi'an. Thanks to our wonderful guide, Susan, who took us to visit the most beautiful places, explaining additional details about the dynasties. We especially enjoyed the Terracotta Warriors, where we had the chance to create one at a local workshop. Susan was very attentive; she tried to find a restaurant where everyone was happy with the food and found a pizza for our little son. She even made a gift for our daughter—a beautiful hairpin. Very positive experience!

Kamilya1818, Dec 2023

Wonderful trip to Beijing and Xian

Had a great trip to bejing n xian. Our guide lily liu is so well versed in english and we have no worry here at all. We managed to dine in great halal restaurants though out our trip. Highly reccomended to all muslims travellers.

Efen Reyes, Dec 2023

Great experience, highly recommended!

Additionally, she helped me with all my personal needs like getting a SIM card, finding an ATM, shopping, dining, checking in at the train station, hotel, suggested a couple additional very entertaining art events. Was also punctual and spoke good English.

Wayne S., Nov 2023

Chengdu and surrounding area tours

Our guide Helen was the complete package. She guided us every step with deep knowledge and energy. But, that's not all. She bought us snacks for the optional kungfu show. She helped us check into every hotel and inspected our room to ensure it was perfect. She translated at every need. She even bought a bamboo stick to help us ward off some aggressive monkeys. We had 4 lovely days with Helen and our excellent driver, Mr. Wu. Highly recommended!

Chris, Nov 2023

Like a dream come true, but better

The experience itself was above and beyond what was described. The driver and vehicle was spotless and on time, the lantern festival and seats were like something from a wonderful dream. The lesson to make kratong and the dinner after were perfect. This whole experience has been a dream come true and I cannot recommend it enough.

Diana B, Nov 2023

excellent communication

Bangkok guide Mr. Samart was great, and saw to all our needs. Mr. Chong in Chaing Mai was fun and very sweet. (5 Stars, Mr. Chong!) Finally, Nittaya is experienced, flexible to our needs, and took good care of us right to the flight out.

Abigail Kamelhair, Nov 2023

We really enjoyed touring Chiang Mai

She met us at the airport and accompanied us on hiking tours, market visits, temple and pagoda tours, and our Thai cooking class, and then returned us safely to the airport where she helped us navigate the check-in process.

Steve, Nov 2023

Excellent Siem Reap tour guide

He shared his vast knowledge about the Angkor temples, the Cambodian culture, the Khmer people, and the Khmer spirituality, in both historical and modern times. I appreciated how he connected Cambodia with other countries in Southeast Asia, as I had visited these countries prior to Sam's excellent tour.

Baha, Nov 2023

Everything worked very well

Everything worked very well, for the second time I used Asia Highlights' service, and I'm already planning the third time, I have to praise the attention given by Sharon and Amir, who went beyond the professional service, during the trip, my wife Teresa had to carrying out a surgical procedure in India, and Sharon and Amir were tireless so that we could have peace of mind during that urgent moment. We would like to express our gratitude to these two professionals, and see you soon.

William Roberto Guedes, Nov 2023

Accommodations by Asia highlights have

Accommodations by Asia highlights have been terrific so far. The Khmer Residence in Siem Reap as well as Eastin Grand hotel in Bangkok. Both had excellent pools and breakfasts.Tours in Siem Reap were particularly well given with an amazing mix of culture, history and humor throughout (Mr Poly). Tours in Bangkok by Mr Banks were informative and well organized with samples of Thai fruit and treats throughout.

Chris Williams, Nov 2023

Our guide Chhong was amazing

Our guide Chhong was more than knowledgeable about the many temples of Siemens Reap, he was passionate about them. My wife and him talked on and on about the myths, stories and Gods that adored the many temples. He knew so much about Cambodian history that it a pleasure to have him accompany us. His driver Jack knew how to pick us up at secret locations to shorten the walking (it was still a lot these temples are huge). We had a marvelous time and I’m definitely going to return as there are still so many things for Chhong to show us.

Brent Zadorozny, Nov 2023

Great experience from planning with Sharon

Great experience from planning with Sharon to all the guides, drivers, and adventurers we had in Thailand and Cambodia.

Deborah Hinerfeld, Nov 2023

Family tour

Claire set up our whole trip in just a few days. She listened to all our needs, and made sure it all fit our budget. She was also there 24/7 to answer any questions we had. Her service made us feel really looked after.

Kamila, Nov 2023

Vietnam November 2023

It was our second trip organised by Asia Highlights. After wonderful stay we had in South China in 2017 now we decided to go to Vietnam. Everything was perfectly organised and planned for our group by excellent advisor - Monica

Aneta Ignatowicz, Nov 2023

Vietnam and Cambodia

The variety of experiences provided by Asia Highlights was great. In every city we had many different types of tours and really learned about the culture.

Jodi Ralston, Nov 2023

Piseth was our guide and he was

Piseth was our guide and he was exceptional from beginning to end. So kind, courteous and very very knowledgeable. He made our stay in Cambodia a wonderful experience. His driver Bo was a great driver and courteous man. Would highly recommend Piseth for any traveller

Peggy, Nov 2023

ASTONISHING SE Asia with Asia Highlights Tours

Every detail was taken care of from flights, airport greeting, transportation, meals, hotels and tours. They were available for any concerns we had throughout the trip which was very reassuring in countries where we did not speak the languages.

Shelbee & Jerry, Nov 2023

Itinerary Details

Day 1

Mandalay Arrival

Welcome to Mandalay, the second-largest city in Myanmar. When you have arrived, your guide will greet you at the airport's exit holding a sign with your name on it, then drive you to your hotel. After a short break to freshen up after the long flight, your tour will start in the afternoon.

The ancient town of Amarapura is your first stop.

Amarapura was the capital of the Konbaung Dynasty (1752–1885), which was the last feudal dynasty in Myanmar's history, and the Buddhist cultural center. Nowadays, the kingdom has faded but

Amarapura Palace remains for visitors to trace the evidence of history and discover the glory of the ancient times.

After visiting the palace, you will visit another famous attraction in Amarapura: U Bein Bridge. This bridge is made of wood and has existed for over 150 years. It is also called the 'Bridge of Love' by the locals

In the rainy season, when the water level is high, the bridge's walkway isn't far out of the water. You will board a canoe near the bridge, hold your breath, and be amazed by the sight of the sunset over the water's surface.

Your guide and driver will escort you back to Mandalay at dusk.

Entering Mandalay: The city is connected with China (Guangzhou and Kunming), Thailand (Chiang Mai and Bangkok), and Singapore.

Day 2

Mandalay Full Day of Highlights

During your stay in a city of deities, why not join in with a holy ceremony? Get up early and follow local believers to see them taking various offerings to Mahamuni Buddha Temple and watch them start a 1-hour face-washing ritual starting at 4am. It is a routine event that occurs every day. The temple abbot will wash and clean the Buddha statue from top to toe, remove any dust, and smear it with sandalwood oil, finally sprinkling the statue with holy water to maintain its holiness. However, according to local customs, females are forbidden to enter the main hall so should wait in the side room and watch a video of the event.

Shwenandaw Monastery was once the king's living quarters and part of the Imperial Palace but was moved away from the palace after the king's death. The building has survived natural hazards and bombing during World War II when the land was occupied by the Japanese. Maybe it really had been blessed by the Buddha. The monastery has plenty of exquisite wood carvings and valuable Buddhist manuscripts. Afterward, you will head to Kuthodaw Pagoda, which is near to the abbey. There, you can see the world's largest book. This superb sight is of hundreds of tablets clustered around the main pagoda, which explains why it deserves the name. The construction of such a huge Buddhist court and pagoda is dazzling and it is a great location for taking photographs.

Finally, take the elevator to the top of Mandalay Hill where you can see a panoramic view of the city at sunset.

Take off your footwear: Please take off your shoes and socks before entering a religious place, such as temples and pagodas. Your guide will help to store your footwear in a bag and will offer you wet tissues so you can clean your feet when you come out.

Day 3

Flight to Bagan (30 Minutes), Myanmar Cooking Class

Flying is a better choice than traveling by car in Myanmar so take the early flight then transfer to West Pwa-Saw Village. Start your cooking class that's taught by locals and have fun. Travelers from all over the world are usually amazed when they first try traditional Myanmar-style food. Few people have eaten and know the essence of Myanmar food, which features the heavy use of fish products combined with many local specialties. Delicious food is a hidden treasure of Myanmar waiting for gourmets worldwide to explore.

The event is organized by a local charity so all income from you and other visitors will be spent on this project to support the local community's economy, public infrastructure, construction, and education, helping the locals to have a better life.

After the cooking class, stop at Nyuang U Market and experience the busy and dynamic atmosphere.

Before going to Bagan, quickly visit the Shwezigon Pagoda.

This elegant pagoda was built in 1060. It's the antecedent of Myanmar-style pagodas and the most recognized landmark.

Day 4

Bagan Full Day of Highlights

The stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bagan Archaeological Zone, is an ideal destination for every traveler. Hundreds and thousands of temples, stupas, and pagodas sprawl out solemnly and magnificently in the morning sunlight. As they sprawl out across 25 square kilometers, you will visit typical pagodas and temples, which will silently tell you about the glorious history of this place.

Then go back to your hotel and have a rest as well as some lunch. You will return to the site in the late afternoon.

Perfect the day's journey by taking an ox cart ride to see Bagan's splendor at dusk.

There are some optional activities for you to enhance the experience and make it more unique.

Optional Activities

A Hot-Air Balloon Ride

In this 1-hour hot-air balloon ride, you will fly high and enjoy the view from a different angle. Scanning the horizon filled with silhouettes of pagodas will provide you with unforgettable memories of a lifetime.

See a Sunrise Over Bagan

You definitely don't want to miss the view of a sunrise among the pagodas. Your guide knows the best location for the best view; however, it also means you need to get up at 5am.

Day 5

Flight to Yangon (1 Hour 20 Minutes), Half-Day Colonial District Tour in Yangon

Get up early and catch the morning flight to Yangon, the old capital of Myanmar.

Head to your hotel in Yangon and store your luggage, then start the tour in the afternoon.

Walk around in the formal colonial district and stop at the market.

Bogyoke Aung San Market is in memory of General Aung San. You can buy a variety of jewelry, carved wooden utensils, and specialties there.

The Shwedagon Pagoda is the holiest place for local devotees and is also the symbol of the country. This gilded pagoda is studded with nearly 5,000 diamonds and other gems. When the sun is setting, the pagoda glitters in the dusk and a picturesque, sacred, and particularly soul-touching picture is presented.

Day 6

Yangon Full Day Life Experience Tour

Jump onto a train at the Yangon Circular Railway for an overview of this city. This journey takes about 3 hours even though it's only 45 kilometers. Seated among different commuters on their way to schools, offices, and marketplaces will give you a better idea about the local people's daily lives and you can learn why Yangon is more laid-back compared with other capital cities in Southeast Asia. Hop off at the market place in the suburbs.

Your guide will wait for you outside the bazaar then you will head to Thadama Myintzu Nunnery. This nunnery is a new home for over 200 local girls who have been saved from prostitution, orphaned, or abandoned by their parents. Although these girls have had a miserable past, you can still see their passion for life. Many girls choose to return to the nunnery and become teachers and help their sisters in the nunnery.

Having returned to the city, if you want to witness how important the giant reclining Buddha is to local devotees, Chaukhtatgyi Paya is a must-see.

Before you go back to your hotel and have a rest, have a look at Aung San Suu Kyi's house. She is now the leader of Myanmar but had been under house arrest in this house for 15 years.

Thadama Myintzu Nunnery

Human trafficking and kidnapping is rampant in some parts of Myanmar, especially the civil war zone in northern Myanmar. Some good people are trying to do something to stop this situation. The head nun, Daw Aye Theingi, is one of them and started the Thadama Myintzu Nunnery in 2011. Many girls are from the north where there are conflict areas between the Myanmar government and poor minorities. Through generous donations from around the world, they can have a decent life and get an education like normal girls of their age.

Day 7

Yangon Departure

Time flies when you're having fun and your guide will now transfer you to the airport for your flight back home. Thanks for traveling with Global Highlights and we hope to help you again soon.