19-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes & Epic Journeys in Myanmar
Myanmar remains one of Asia's most soul-stirring destinations, offering a rare blend of ancient spirituality and untouched beauty. On this 19-day epic journey, you will traverse the country's diverse landscapes—from the glittering gold of Yangon to the thousand-year-old plains of Bagan—all while staying in the finest heritage hotels and luxury lakefront resorts.
This itinerary is designed for those who seek deep cultural immersion without compromising on comfort. You will enjoy private domestic flights to minimize travel time, curated fine dining experiences that blend Burmese flavors with international technique, and exclusive access to the country's most iconic landmarks far from the crowds.
Day 1: Yangon, Myanmar - Arrival & Colonial Grandeur
Luxury Arrival & Check-in
Arrive at Yangon International Airport and be met by your private chauffeur for a transfer to the historic Strand Hotel. Settle into your suite at this Victorian-era landmark.
Colonial Heritage Walk
Join a private historian for a walk through the downtown district, admiring the grand colonial architecture of the High Court and the old Telegraph Office.
Sunset at Shwedagon Pagoda
Experience the most sacred site in Myanmar as the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the 99-meter tall diamond-encrusted stupa.
Welcome Dinner at Le Planteur
Enjoy a sophisticated fusion of Indochine and French cuisine in a stunning lakeside mansion.
Day 2: Yangon, Myanmar - Art and High Tea
Contemporary Art Gallery Tour
Visit Yangon’s leading private galleries, such as River Gallery, to see works by Myanmar’s most prominent modern artists.
The Strand High Tea
Indulge in a classic afternoon tea experience at The Strand, featuring traditional Burmese delicacies and British scones.
Bogyoke Aung San Market
Browse the stalls for high-quality jade, rubies, and hand-woven silks with a private shopping assistant.
Cocktails at Sarkies Bar
Relax with a signature cocktail at the bar once frequented by Somerset Maugham and Rudyard Kipling.
Day 3: Yangon, Myanmar - Spirits and Lakes
Botataung Pagoda
Explore the hollow stupa of Botataung, where you can walk through a golden maze containing sacred hair relics.
Kandawgyi Lake Lunch
Dine overlooking the Karaweik Palace, a replica of a royal barge floating on the serene Kandawgyi Lake.
Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Buddha
Visit the massive 66-meter reclining Buddha, famous for the detailed astrological symbols on the soles of its feet.
Dinner at Seeds Restaurant
Experience innovative fine dining in a minimalist architectural gem on the banks of Inya Lake.
Day 4: Bagan, Myanmar - Into the Ancient Plains
Flight to Nyaung-U
Take a morning flight to Bagan. Check into the Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort, located right within the archaeological zone.
Ananda Temple Exploration
Marvel at the masterwork of Mon architecture at Ananda, known as the most beautiful temple in Bagan.
Traditional Lacquerware Workshop
Visit a master artisan in Myinkaba village to see how intricate luxury lacquerware is crafted over several months.
Private Sundowner on the Irrawaddy
Enjoy a private boat cruise on the Irrawaddy River with cocktails and local snacks as the temples glow in the distance.
Day 5: Bagan, Myanmar - The Golden Hour
Hot Air Balloon Flight
Soar over thousands of temples at sunrise for the ultimate bucket-list experience. Includes a champagne breakfast upon landing.
Shwezigon Pagoda
Visit the prototype for later Burmese stupas, finished in gold leaf and reflecting the grandeur of the Pagan Empire.
Garden Lunch at Sanon
Dine at this vocational training restaurant serving high-end Burmese tapas while supporting local youth.
Dhammayangyi Temple
Explore the largest and most mysterious temple in Bagan, known for its fine brickwork and dark history.
Day 6: Bagan, Myanmar - Rural Traditions
Village Life Immersion
Visit a rural village to witness traditional peanut oil production and the weaving of palm leaf mats.
Alfresco Lunch in a Toddy Palm Grove
Enjoy a private lunch set up under the shade of palm trees, featuring organic village-style curry.
Sulamani Temple
Visit this "Crowning Jewel" temple, famous for its well-preserved frescoes and elegant proportions.
Stargazing at the Resort
Relax at the Aureum Palace pool deck with a telescope for an evening of stargazing over the dark temple plains.
Day 7: Bagan, Myanmar - Mount Popa Day Trip
Drive to Mount Popa
Travel through the countryside to the extinct volcano of Mount Popa, the spiritual home of Myanmar's 37 Nats (spirits).
Popa Taung Kalat Climb
Ascend the 777 steps to the monastery perched atop a volcanic plug for panoramic views of the Myingyan Plain.
Lunch at Popa Mountain Resort
Dine at the mountain's best resort, offering fresh vegetables from their organic volcanic-soil gardens.
Return to Bagan
A relaxing drive back to Bagan for a private spa treatment at your hotel.
Day 8: Mandalay, Myanmar - The Royal Capital
Flight to Mandalay
A short domestic flight brings you to the cultural heart of Myanmar. Check into the Mercure Mandalay Hill Resort.
Mandalay Tea House Lunch
Experience a modern take on traditional tea house culture with premium organic teas and artisanal noodles.
Mahamuni Buddha Temple
Witness the 4-meter tall bronze Buddha, covered in inches of gold leaf applied by devotees over centuries.
Mandalay Hill Sunset
Climb (or take the elevator) to the Sutaungpyei Pagoda for a 360-degree view of the city and the Ayeyarwady River.
Day 9: Mandalay, Myanmar - Wood and White Gold
Shwenandaw Monastery
Admire the intricate wood carvings of the Golden Palace Monastery, the only surviving structure of the Royal Palace.
Kuthodaw Pagoda
Walk through the "World’s Largest Book," consisting of 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist scriptures.
Private Craft Workshop
Visit gold-leaf beaters and marble carvers to see the precision required for Mandalay’s famous handicrafts.
Fine Dining at The Kipling’s
Savor a luxurious meal at the Mandalay Hill Resort’s flagship restaurant, blending Eastern and Western flavors.
Day 10: Mandalay, Myanmar - Ancient Capitals
Sagaing Hill Pagodas
Cross the Irrawaddy to Sagaing, home to hundreds of white and gold stupas and thousands of monks and nuns.
Nun’s Convent Visit
Participate in a respectful visit to a local convent to learn about the spiritual life of Burmese Buddhist nuns.
U Bein Bridge at Sunset
Ride a private rowboat at Amarapura to see the world's longest teak bridge silhouetted against the setting sun.
Dinner in Amarapura
Enjoy a traditional Burmese feast at a high-end local restaurant before returning to Mandalay.
Day 11: Pyin Oo Lwin, Myanmar - Colonial Retreat
Drive to the Highlands
Ascend into the Shan Hills to Pyin Oo Lwin, a former British summer capital known for its cool climate.
National Kandawgyi Gardens
Stroll through 435 acres of botanical gardens established by the British in 1915, featuring rare orchids.
Colonial Mansion Lunch
Dine at a restored Tudor-style mansion and enjoy locally grown coffee and strawberries.
Horse and Carriage Ride
Take a traditional colorful horse-drawn carriage through the town to see the Victorian-era homes.
Day 12: Inle Lake, Myanmar - Into the Shan Hills
Flight to Heho
Transfer to Mandalay airport for a flight to Heho. A private car will take you down to the shores of Inle Lake.
Sanctum Inle Resort Check-in
Settle into your luxury suite at Sanctum Inle, a resort designed with monastic tranquility in mind.
Red Mountain Estate Vineyard
Visit Myanmar’s premier vineyard for a wine tasting session with views of the valley at sunset.
Refectory Dinner
Enjoy a gourmet Shan dinner at the resort’s high-end restaurant, featuring organic produce from the lake.
Day 13: Inle Lake, Myanmar - Life on the Water
Private Boat Exploration
Board a private long-tail boat to witness the unique leg-rowing fishermen and the floating gardens of the Intha people.
Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery
Visit the historic wooden monastery built on stilts, known for its collection of ancient Buddha images.
Intha Heritage House Lunch
Dine on authentic Intha recipes in a beautifully preserved traditional stilt house.
Lotus Silk Weaving
Visit the village of Inpawkhon to see the world's only lotus fiber weaving industry.
Day 14: Inle Lake, Myanmar - Hidden Pagodas
Indein Village Hike
Take a scenic boat ride through a narrow canal to reach Indein, home to hundreds of 17th-century stupas.
Riverside Picnic
Enjoy a luxury picnic lunch set up by the river near the Indein pagodas.
Cheroot & Boat Making
Observe the traditional making of Burmese cigars (cheroots) and the craftsmanship of Inle lake boats.
Spa Ritual at the Resort
Unwind with a traditional Shan massage using local oils and herbs.
Day 15: Ngapali Beach, Myanmar - Coastal Paradise
Flight to Thandwe
Take a domestic flight to the coast. A resort shuttle will whisk you to the Sandoway Resort on Ngapali Beach.
Fresh Seafood Lunch
Dine with your toes in the sand on grilled prawns and snapper caught just hours before.
Beachside Relaxation
Enjoy the pristine white sands and turquoise waters of Myanmar's most exclusive beach.
Sunset Cocktails
Sip a drink at the resort's open-air bar as the sun dips below the Bay of Bengal.
Day 16: Ngapali Beach, Myanmar - Sun and Sea
Private Snorkeling Trip
Take a private boat to Pearl Island for snorkeling in crystal clear waters filled with tropical fish.
Lobster Lunch on the Island
Experience a private island barbecue featuring grilled lobster and tropical fruits.
Traditional Fishing Village Visit
Walk to a nearby village to see the local way of life and the racks of drying fish on the sand.
Romantic Candlelit Dinner
A private table set on the beach under the stars for a multi-course seafood tasting menu.
Day 17: Ngapali Beach, Myanmar - Active Relaxation
Cycling to Thandwe
Join a guided cycle tour to the nearby town of Thandwe to visit its vibrant local market and hilltop pagodas.
Lunch at Pleasant View Islet
Dine at this iconic restaurant accessible by foot at low tide or boat at high tide.
Resort Yoga Session
Participate in a private sunset yoga class on the resort's wooden deck overlooking the ocean.
Farewell Beach Bonfire
Gather around a private bonfire for drinks and local music on your final night at the beach.
Day 18: Yangon, Myanmar - The Final Return
Flight to Yangon
Return to the capital for your final evening. Check back into The Strand or try the modern luxury of Lotte Hotel.
Last-Minute Souvenirs
Visit the Augustine’s Antique Shop for high-end Burmese antiques and artifacts.
Sunset over Inya Lake
Enjoy a final Burmese sunset from a quiet spot on the banks of Inya Lake.
Grand Finale Dinner
Dine at 50th Street Bar & Grill or a high-end local favorite like Rangoon Tea House’s upstairs dining room.
Day 19: Yangon, Myanmar - Departure
Leisurely Breakfast
Enjoy a final gourmet breakfast at your hotel, reflecting on an incredible 19-day journey.
Private Airport Transfer
A private chauffeur will transport you to Yangon International Airport for your onward journey.
Airport Lounge Relaxation
Relax in the Mingalar Sky Lounge before your flight departs.
Final Departure
Bid farewell to the Golden Land as you board your flight home.
Best Time to Visit Myanmar
The best time to visit Myanmar is during the cool, dry season from November to February. During this period, temperatures are pleasant, and the skies are clear, making it ideal for hot air ballooning in Bagan and trekking in the Shan Hills. From March to May, the weather becomes very hot, while the monsoon season lasts from June to October, bringing heavy rains, particularly on the coast where Ngapali Beach resorts often close for the season.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Myanmar Kyat (MMK). While luxury hotels and high-end restaurants accept major credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), Myanmar is still very much a cash-based economy. It is essential to bring crisp, new US Dollar bills (no folds or marks) for exchange. Tipping is not mandatory but is highly appreciated in the luxury sector; a small tip for guides, drivers, and hotel staff goes a long way.
Getting Around Myanmar
For a luxury itinerary, domestic flights are the most efficient way to travel between Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake, and Ngapali Beach. Private air-conditioned cars with professional drivers are the standard for city tours and day trips. For a more scenic experience, luxury river cruises on the Irrawaddy (such as the Strand Cruise) offer a slow-travel alternative between Bagan and Mandalay, though they operate on fixed schedules.
