The Best One-Week in Myanmar Itinerary
Myanmar became the last fully open country in Southeast Asia and is home to the most breathtaking sites. Golden pagodas, breathtaking rivers, and temples, Myanmar is mesmerizing and should take at least a week to enjoy. In a week, we cover the most important places, from the culture of Yangon, temples of Bagan, the royal history of Mandalay, to the beauty of Inle Lake.
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Day 1: Arrival in Yangon – City of Golden Pagodas
Afternoon: Shwedagon Pagoda & Kandawgyi Lake
Arrive in Yangon, the country’s bustling capital. Immediately visit Shwedagon Pagoda, and take in the beauty of one of the most sacred sites of Buddhism in Asia. After that, stroll around Kandawgyi Lake, and watch the golden pagoda from the lake at sunset.
Evening: Downtown Colonial Walk
Wander around the colonial buildings around Sule Pagoda Road, and enjoy a meal at a traditional Burmese restaurant.
Summarized: Myanmar Day 1
Arrival in Yangon
Shwedagon Pagoda
Kandawgyi Lake sunset
Colonial district dinner
Where to Stay in Yangon
The Strand Hotel (luxury)
Yangon Excelsior (mid-range)
Day 2: Yangon to Bagan – Temples of a Thousand Suns
Morning: Flight to Bagan
Take a short flight to Bagan – the location of over 2,000 ancient temples, stupas, and Bagan city.
Afternoon: Explore Ananda Temple & Dhammayangyi
Visit Ananda Temple, one of the most beautiful in Bagan, and the mysterious Dhammayangyi, known for its massive brickwork.
Sunset: Shwesandaw Pagoda Viewpoint
Your first magical Bagan sunset awaits. It features hot air balloons rising above the plains.
Summary: Myanmar Day 2
Fly to Bagan
Explore temples
Sunset at Shwesandaw
Day 3: Bagan – Hot Air Balloon & Village Life
Morning: Hot Air Balloon Ride
Wake up early for a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over Bagan. (Seasonal, Oct-Apr)
Afternoon: Minnanthu Village & Local Crafts
Visit a traditional village where lacquerware, one of Bagan’s specialties, is made.
Sunset: Boat Ride on the Irrawaddy River
Golden views of the temples along the river and the sunset are a relaxing way to end the day.
Summary: Myanmar Day 3
Sunrise balloon ride
Village tour & crafts
Irrawaddy sunset cruise
Day 4: Mandalay – Royal Capitals & U Bein Bridge
Morning: Flight to Mandalay
Arrive in Mandalay, the last royal capital of Myanmar. Visit Mandalay Hill for panoramic views.
Afternoon: Amarapura & U Bein Bridge
Explore Amarapura, once a royal capital, and walk across U Bein Bridge, the world’s longest teak bridge, at sunset.
Evening: Mandalay Palace & Local Dinner
Stroll the palace grounds and try Burmese curry in a local eatery.
Summary: Myanmar Day 4
- Flight to Mandalay
- Mandalay Hill
- U Bein Bridge sunset
- Mandalay Palace
Day 5: Mingun & Sagaing – Spiritual Heart of Myanmar
Morning: Boat Ride to Mingun
Take a riverboat to Mingun, home to the unfinished Mingun Pagoda and the world’s largest ringing bell.
Afternoon: Sagaing Hill & Monasteries
Cross the river to Sagaing, dotted with hundreds of white pagodas and monasteries, considered Myanmar’s spiritual center.
Day 6: Inle Lake – Floating Villages & Stilt Houses
Morning: Flight to Heho + Boat to Inle Lake
From Mandalay, the Heho airport flight is followed by a boat ride to Inle Lake.
Afternoon: Floating Gardens & Stilt Villages
Encounters with the remarkable Intha fishermen who row with one leg, the stilt villages, and the floating tomato gardens are definitely worthwhile.
Sunset: Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda
Golden hour is the best time to visit the most famous pagoda on the lake.
Final Day of Your Myanmar Itinerary: Day 7 – Inle to Yangon
Option 1: Indein Pagoda Complex
Morning boat trips to Indein take visitors to a hidden valley filled with crumbling stupas and pagodas.
Option 2: Red Mountain Winery
Savor a glass of wine while relaxing at Red Mountain Estate, overlooking the lake.
Afternoon: Fly back to Yangon for departure
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Where to Stay in Myanmar
Yangon – Historic Charm
- The Strand Hotel
- Rose Garden Hotel
Bagan – Sunrise Views
- Aureum Palace Hotel
- Bagan Thande Hotel
Mandalay – Royal Atmosphere
- Hilton Mandalay
- Rupar Mandalar Resort
Inle Lake – Lakeside Relaxation
- Inle Princess Resort
- Novotel Inle Lake
How to Visit Myanmar for 1 Week?
Getting Around on Your Myanmar Itinerary
By Plane
- Domestic flights (Yangon–Bagan–Mandalay–Heho) save time.
By Boat
- Irrawaddy River cruises are scenic but slow.
By Bus
- Buses are affordable but take longer.
How Much Does Myanmar Cost?
Costs of Traveling in Myanmar
- Budget traveler: $25–40/day
- Mid-range: $50–80/day
- Luxury: $100+ per day
Best Time to Visit Myanmar
Cool Season (Nov–Feb): Best weather, peak season
Hot Season (Mar–May): Very hot, but fewer crowds
Rainy Season (Jun–Oct): Green landscapes, fewer tourists
Our Favorite Restaurants in Myanmar
House of Memories (Yangon): Colonial mansion dining
Sanon (Bagan): Social enterprise restaurant
Mingalabar (Mandalay): Traditional Burmese set meals
Inthar Heritage (Inle Lake): Local Intha cuisine