11 Day Spiritual Myanmar
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
✓ Small, intimate group experience – no more than 16 people
✓ Return international airfares with a full-service airline
✓ All airport transfers
✓ All internal flights, coach and boat transportation
✓ 9 nights in 4-star accommodation
✓ Daily breakfast, 3 lunches and 1 farewell dinner
✓ Fully escorted with professional, English-speaking guides
✓ Incredible sightseeing, including 2600-year-old pagodas, the magnificent temples of Bagan and the bamboo stilt villages of Inle Lake
✓ 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support Agent
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Myanmar! You’ll be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Feel free to relax or explore this historic city.
The former capital of Myanmar, Yangon is a bustling city – the commercial centre of a country steeped in mystique and rooted in tradition. Relatively unexplored by tourists, this magical country is now opening up, offering a truly unique opportunity to discover a culture that is a world away from our own.
The city features an interesting mix of British colonial architecture and modern buildings, ancient pagodas and street markets. It’s a lively city but it’s also incredibly green – there are many lakes, parks and tropical trees.
Please note: Some flights may depart the day before.
Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotels discretion.
After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour around the city centre, home to various historic and colonial buildings. We’ll stop at Sule Pagoda, 44 metres tall and more than 2600 years old, surrounded by government buildings. Then we’ll head to Mahabandoola Park, to see the Independent Monument.
We’ll pass City Hall – a Yangon City Heritage site – on the way to the Botahtaung Pagoda, located downtown beside the Yangon River. Next, see the Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda, home to the enormous, revered, reclining Buddha stretching nearly 70 metres long. The feet of the statue are carved with sacred Buddhist symbols and many locals gather here to pay homage and pray.
Enjoy the stop at Kandawgyi Lake, where you’ll see panoramic views from the lake overlooking the Shwedagon Pagoda.
The tour will conclude with a visit to one of the world’s most spectacular monuments. More than 2600 years old, the Shwedagon Pagoda is a gleaming bell dome structure that dominates the city’s skyline. At nearly one hundred metres tall, it’s gold plated with an enormous – 76 carat – diamond top. Legend states that the sacred hairs of the Buddha are enshrined here. It’s an icon, surely the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in this country.
Today, you’ll be met in the hotel lobby by your guide and transferred to the airport for your flight to Bagan.
This ancient city was the former capital of the Pagan kingdom between the ninth and 13th centuries. This was one of the most powerful dynasties in Southeast Asia and the many temples, pagodas and monasteries built here were testament to this power. At its height, they numbered over 10,000 and over 2,200 still remain. It’s a fascinating archaeological site.
Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, begin your journey into the ancient kingdoms of Bagan.
We’ll start with a visit to the golden stupa of the glimmering, gold-plated Shwezigon Pagoda, built at the end of the 11th century and believed to enshrine a hair relic of the Buddha.
Then, we’ll visit nearby Gubuyaukgyi, a cave temple with exquisite Jataka mural paintings and the elegant Htilominlo Temple, noted for its fine plaster carvings and glazed sandstone decorations.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit a lacquerware workshop to discover how this specialty craft is produced. We’ll continue to Ananda Temple, known as the finest temple in Bagan in terms of ancient architecture. It was built in AD 1105 by King Kyan Sit Thar, a great king of the Bagan dynasty. Explore the high standard of Bagan craftsmanship including niches with statues, glazed plaques, the standing Buddha statues and murals. Ananda contains two unique Buddha images whose expressions seem to change depending on the distance from which the statue is viewed.
From here, we’ll travel by horse and cart for a tour passing Thatbyinnyu, the highest temple in Bagan, and massive Dhammayangyi Temple, noted for its remarkable brickwork. It’s the widest and largest temple in Bagan. The story behind its construction is interesting; it was built during the reign of King Narathu (1167-1170), who came to the throne by assassinating his father and brother. It’s said he built this grand temple to atone for his sins.
At Sulamani Temple, take in an unforgettable sunset over the plains from one of the upper terraces of the temple’s viewpoints.
After breakfast, it’s nearly a two-hour drive to Mount Popa, an extinct volcano.
After paying our respects to the Nat Shrine at the foot of Mount Popa, climb the 777 steps to reach this mountaintop monastery, where powerful spirits are said to live.
On the way back to Bagan, we’ll stop by a rural village to learn how palm juice is collected for the making of toddy wine and palm candies. Chat to the locals and sit down for a green tea and traditional snacks, like tea leaf salad.
On our return to Bagan, we’ll finish the day with a sunset cruise along the incredible Irrawaddy River. Enjoy magnificent views of the temples of Bagan as the sun begins to set. Sit back, relax and sip a refreshing cocktail as the boat makes its way past the pagoda-filled landscapes and scenes of life on the water. The boat has a covered seating area and an open deck. We’ll pass by small riverside villages, fishermen and local boats, for a glimpse of traditional Burmese life.
Imagine floating over thousand year old pagodas and the mighty Irrawaddy River, as the sun rises slowly from the horizon over the misty fields and temples. The magic of Bagan has inspired visitors to Myanmar for centuries. One of the most remarkable sights in Asia, where ancient temples dot the landscape as far as the eye can see. The flight duration is approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on wind and air currents and other local factors. You’ll be picked up from your hotel (between 5-5.30am) and transferred to the launch site. After a briefing session, set off for the spectacular flight. Upon landing, enjoy a glass of champagne and light snack before returning to the hotel. This tour operates daily between 15th October to 10th April.
Starts: approx: Departs between 5:00am-5:30am
Duration: approx. 3 hours (45 minute flight)
Please note the start and duration times outlined are subject to change based on factors beyond our control such as traffic and weather conditions. Your Tour Guide will confirm operation times with you whilst on-tour and can answer any further questions you may have.
This morning, you’ll be met in the hotel lobby and transferred to the airport for your flight to the ancient capital of Mandalay, on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. Now a big, busy, modern Burmese city, it’s rich in culture and history. It’s the religious centre of Burmese culture and home to thousands of young monks.
We’ll start with a morning stroll through the fascinating railway bazaar, an interesting market experience where locals ply their trade on the railway track, scattering each time a train comes along. It’s vibrant and lively, with a host of photo opportunities – a must-see for anyone wishing to witness a unique side of life in Myanmar.
We’ll continue to the artisan quarters, to see some of the oldest forms of craftsmanship, dating back to the last kingdom of Myanmar. We’ll observe processes like pounding gold leaf, detailing teakwood carvings and embroidering Myanmar tapestry. You’ll also see how bronze and marble Buddha statues are carved, cast and molded.
Beyond the bustle of downtown, Mandalay is home to many majestic, sacred temples. We’ll start with Kuthodaw Pagoda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that contains the world’s biggest book. 729 marble slabs, engraved with the Buddha’s Parli Scriptures, are housed in shrines.
Next we’ll stop by Mahamuni Buddha Temple, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Myanmar. The Mahamuni Buddha image, brought here from Arakan, is deified in this temple. To pay respect to the Buddha image, male devotees apply gold leaves to the image. As a result, the Mahamuni Buddha Image has a thick coating of gold.
Our last stop is historic Shwenandaw Monastery, a fine example of traditional 19th century wooden monastery buildings. It was originally part of the royal palace in Amarapura. You’ll enjoy stunning views over Mandalay and we’ll end the day with sunset panoramic views over the city skyline, from our vantage point on Mandalay Hill.
You’ll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the jetty to board your boat to travel upstream on the Irrawaddy River, from Mandalay to Mingun. It’s about a one-hour journey on this busy river – you’ll see small longtail boats, bamboo rafts and ferries carrying goods up and down the river.
We’ll visit the Mingun Bell, one of the world’s largest intact bronze bells, weighing 90 kilograms. We’ll see the beautiful Hsinbyume Pagoda and the unfinished, mighty Mingun Pahtodawgyi stupa (intended to be the world’s biggest) before returning downriver to Mandalay.
The village of Sagaing, on the western bank of the river, is home to several Buddhist monasteries, with pagodas and monasteries dotted along the hills parallel to the river. We’ll visit one of these religious communities for your Inspiring Taste, to enjoy a simple meal with resident nuns to learn more about their Buddhist way of life. The nuns are very open to discussion and welcome visitors, so this is a very informative and enjoyable experience that’s off the tourist trail!
After lunch, we’ll visit pagodas like the 14th-century Swan Oo Pon Nya Shin and U Min Thone Sae. We’ll stop at a small pottery village to see the process of making the ubiquitous water pots found throughout Myanmar.
We’ll then drive to Amarapura, a former capital. It’s home to U Bein Bridge – at 1.2km long, it’s the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world. Not only is it a beautiful setting, it’s a great place to observe daily life, with colourfully-dressed locals crossing the bridge. We’ll watch the sunset in this glorious setting.
After breakfast onboard, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Heho, a quiet town in the beautiful hills of Shan State.
We’ll head for Inle Lake, one of Myanmar’s most spectacular sights. Located 900m above sea level and approximately 22km long and 11km wide, much of the water paradise of Inle Lake is only accessible by boat. Villages, hotels, temples and monasteries are on stilts – the Venice of Asia. The lake is most famous for the extraordinary lives of the people who live on and around it, known as the Intha people.
On the way, we’ll stop at a local family’s house where they produce Shan parasols and paper, using traditional methods and fibres from mulberry trees.
Then it’s about a one-hour drive down to Nyaung Shwe, descending through the valley with views of the Shan mountains and rice paddy fields. On the way we’ll stop at Shwe Yan Pyay wooden monastery on stilts, a distinctive red-painted teak building with oval windows.
When we reach the edges of Inle Lake, we’ll board a private motorboat and delight in seeing the local fisherman who fish using traditional methods – operating the oar using one leg – a technique indigenous to the Inn Thar minority group who do this only on this lake. We’ll pass villages built on stilts and visit Phaung Daw U Pagoda, the lake’s main sanctuary, which contains five sacred Buddha images covered in gold leaf.
You’ll be staying in a floating cottage on this enchanting lake for your Inspiring Stay at the Pristine Lotus Resort. It’s the perfect setting to enjoy this area’s breathtaking natural beauty, with tranquil Inle Lake and the misty Shan Hills. This floating cottage is boat-shaped – even the bathtub looks like a boat!
Today you’ll visit a local market (if it’s open), where you’ll catch a glimpse of the life of the ethnic Pa-O, Danu and Intha people who buy and sell at these markets. It’s called the five-day market as it rotates from one village to another on a five-day system. It’s hard to keep track of, though – the market calendar is lunar.
We’ll travel by longtail boat across the lake by boat to Indein, deep in the jungle at the western end. You’ll pass through the busy village of Ywama, the largest on the lake, with many channels and tall teak houses on stilts. Enter a long, often tree-lined canal, and watch farmers ashore tending to their land, against the backdrop of the Shan Hills.
Disembark at the jetty and it’s about a 15-minute walk through Indein village to reach the 14th-18th century pagoda ruins of Nyaung Ohak. Many pagodas here remain charmingly unrestored – crumbling ruins – with plants and even small trees growing out of them. It’s surreal. A covered walkway, popular with souvenir stalls, leads up to Shwe Inn Thein, a complex of weatherbeaten 17th-18th century stupas, some newly reconstructed. Some lean at precarious angles! From this hill you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the village and surrounding areas.
You’ll return to the river and continue downstream by boat past Yethar village, watching local life on the banks and birds in the trees.
We’ll also visit the Inpawkhon weaving village to learn how local silks, linen and lotus fabrics are handmade and crafted.
Cat lovers will love the next stop – we’ll visit a house for Burmese cats built over the lake, where you can learn about the preservation efforts and reintroduction of this rare, purebreed of felines to Myanmar.
At Nampan Village, we’ll see how cheroots (Burmese cigars) are traditionally packed and rolled by local craftsmen.
Today you’ll leave by boat for Nyaung Shwe and then be taken to Heho Airport for your flight back to Yangon.
When you arrive, we’ll head to the famous Scott Market, a sprawling complex built in 1926, hence the colonial facade. Along the inner cobblestone streets you’ll find antiques, precious stones like Burmese rubies, handicrafts, souvenirs, clothing and other typical market wares.
In the evening, take in the sights and sounds of busy Chinatown. Explore street markets and snack vendors and admire colourful houses of worship and the Kheng Hock Keong Chinese temple. Built in 1863, it’s the oldest and largest temple of its kind in the country. It’s especially beautiful at night, softly illuminated by hundreds of traditional paper lanterns.
This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your group and tour guide to celebrate your time in Myanmar. You’ll dine at the House of Memories restaurant, where General Aung San once had his office. This teak mansion is heritage listed, more than 100 years old, and filled with antiques and old momentos.
Enjoy one last delicious breakfast this morning, before your Burmese adventure comes to an end. You’ll be met in the hotel lobby to be taken to the airport for your flight home.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary journey.
Check out: Passengers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Standard hotel check-out times will apply no matter what time your flight is scheduled to depart. Check-out time is generally anywhere from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or alternatively please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. Please note this service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost. Your tour guide (or hotel staff) will confirm the time of your airport transfer with you directly.
Arrive home today after your amazing adventure, we hope you have been Inspired!
Inspiring Taste
Inspiring Stay
Inspiring Sight
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Airfare Information
Premium Economy or Business Class upgrades
Please specify this as a 'Special Request' when completing your booking and you will be quoted for the additional fare. In the event your selection is unavailable, or that you are dissatisfied with the quote, you will be provided with a full refund.
Land Only discount
A reduction of $800 per person applies if you wish to arrange your own airfares. To purchase a land-only fare, please select this option in the booking process under 'Departure City'.
Please note, if you are not arriving or departing as per the group itinerary, airport transfers are also no longer included. If you would like us to arrange this service for you, please refer to the ‘Extra services’ section for pricing.
Extending Your Stay
Some customers like to enhance their holiday by extending their stay pre- and/or post-tour or including a stopover in another destination. If you wish to do so, please follow these steps:
By choosing to extend your stay, please note that a supplement of $150 per person, plus applicable fare and tax differences will apply. We will contact you via email with a quote and proposed flight itinerary, and then proceed with collecting the additional payment required to confirm your request.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour, adding a stopover package en-route or booking a tour extension. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Airport chauffeur
Take the hassle out of getting to the airport with private chauffeur transfers to and from your home airport. Your personal chauffeur will meet and greet you, attend to your luggage and drive you to your destination in a luxury vehicle.
Additional surcharges may apply depending on pick-up time, tolls and government levies.
Airport Chauffeur can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Pre and post tour accommodation (deviating from group flights forfeits your group airport transfers)
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Your transfer may be shared with other Inspiring Vacations customers.
Please specify in the 'Special Request' field when making your purchase your preferred travel arrangements and if you would like our team to book additional nights' accommodation and/or airport transfers. The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Airport lounges
Escape busy airport terminals and relax at a cosy and catered lounge instead. Departure lounge access in Sydney $70 per person (up to 6 hours); Melbourne & Brisbane $55 per person (up to 3 hours).
Airport lounge passes can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
To enhance your journey, we're offering the following optional sightseeing experience:
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online or speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”:
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations. You may also consider tipping your tour leader and driver for outstanding service throughout your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
The single supplement is $667 on top of the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply by clicking HERE to arrange your policy.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of your return.
A visa is required to enter Myanmar.
Apply for a visa at your closest Embassy of The Republic of the Union of Myanmar prior to travel.
Alternatively, if you are travelling for tourism or business you can apply for an e-Visa online for use at select entry points. Apply for an e-Visa directly through the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population website. Print out the e-Visa approval letter and present it to Myanmar immigration authorities on arrival.
E-Visas can be used to enter Myanmar at:
Travelling for tourism or business you can apply for an e-Visa online for use at select entry points.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
4-16 people.
Note - where the group size falls between 4-7 people, you will have local English speaking guides throughout. Where the group size is more than 8 people, you will have one English speaking Tour Leader for the duration.
Trip Style - Small Group
These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. You will travel with only a maximum of 20 other guests. Enjoy choice features such as hand-picked accommodation, a sampling of the region’s best culinary delights and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent inflight and is subject to change, depending on the flight schedule. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for the time spent in your destination(s).
Refundable deposit within 28 days of purchase:
For cancellations made within 28 days of paying the deposit on any tour, your deposit can be refunded in full or can be transferred to a new booking should you decide to change to another package or destination. Please note this change of mind guarantee does not apply for bookings made within 90 days of departure, after which time our standard 48 hour cooling off period applies. After this time, your booking becomes non-refundable.
All cancellation or change requests must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Refund times will vary and the timeframe of which will be advised at the time of cancellation. Any refund of deposit will be issued back to the original form of payment.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Transferrable second installment up until 90 days before scheduled departure:
Following the second installment payment and up until 90 days before your departure only, should you wish to postpone your travel or transfer to another package, we can provide you with a credit note of the current balance paid on your booking, to be used to rebook within 18 months of the credit being issued.
Any change request must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions for more details
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