A 14 Day Myanmar Itinerary
Welcome to Myanmar, a country rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Located in Southeast Asia, Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) is a land of ancient temples, golden pagodas, and stunning landscapes.
With its diverse ethnic groups and languages, Myanmar offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a country that is still relatively undiscovered by tourism. From the bustling city of Yangon, to the tranquil waters of Inle Lake, to the ancient temples of Bagan, there is no shortage of incredible sights to see and experiences to be had.
In this travel guide, we’ll introduce you to some of the top destinations in Myanmar, provide tips for navigating the country’s culture and customs, and offer practical advice for planning your trip. So pack your bags and get ready to discover the wonders of Myanmar!
If you are wondering how long to spend in Myanmar, I suggest 2 weeks or 14 days, but if you are a quick traveler, it can be done in 10 days. See the perfect 2 Week Itinerary For Myanmar 2024 below.
Cities To Visit
Your Route In Myanmar
- Yangon (3 Days)
- Bagan (3 Days)
- Mandalay (3 Days)
- Inle Lake (2 Days)
- Kalaw (1 Day)
- Yangon (2 Day)
3 days in yangon
On the day of arrival be sure you have all of your documents on hand. You may be asked to see your travel insurance, proof of exit and your Visa. The Immigration process was fairly quick, there are ATMS and money exchanges when you exit the airport.
Nomad Tips:
- Only Convert $50 or take out that much to last for one day. Instead convert your US Dollars at a local exchange outside of the airport, or use western union.
- Buy a Sim Card at the airport for ease of use
Day 1: Explore Yangon – Map
- Arrive in Yangon and check into your hotel
- Visit the Bogyoke Aung San Market for some local shopping
- Visiting the Shwedagon Pagoda, the best time is in the evening for sunset
- Head over to China town, and experience the street food and bustling nightlife
Day 2 : Yangon
- Visit the Sule Pagoda
- National Museum
- Enjoy Picnic at that one park: Kandawgyi Lake. OR eat at a mall before heading for a walk here from the national museum.
- Maha Wizaya Pagoda Entrance
- Shwedagon Pagoda: If you were not able to go the day before
- Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple
- Circular Train ( Last train is around X Time??, and you must take a taxi back into town)
- Explore
Day 3: Yangon To Bagan
Either fly or take the night bus to Bagan. I organized by transport with the help of my hostel. The night bus cost about 40,000 Kyat and picked me up around 5pm. The total time was around 11 hours. We were on the road from 10pm till midnight, then we stopped due to the curfer and kept going at around 4am.
- Explore
- Night Bus or Flight
Where To Stay?
Hood Hostel – Capsule style shared rooms, great privacy, and has attached restaurant. Train station, money exchange and restaurants within walking distance.
Getting To Bagan From Yangon
10 hour bus ride. You can take a bus at 7 am or 6:30pm. I reccomend the night bus. Check 12goasia for tickets.
Flights are also available.
Getting To Mandalay From Yangon
10 hour bus ride. I reccomend the night bus again. Cost: $11 – $14 starting at 8 am and 12pm noon. Check 12goasia for tickets.
Getting To Inle Lake From Yangon
Bus Schedule Coming Soon
3 days in Bagan
When entering the Bagan Archaeological Zone, you used to be required to pay a $20 entrance fee, to explore the area, but due to the political situation, that is no longer being collected. But this can change at any time. The area is very large so booking an ebike is the best way to get around, you can book an Ebike starting at 8000 kyat for the day.
Nomad Tip:
Day 4: Bagan
- Checkout the sunrise and hot air balloons
- Check into Hotel and rent Ebike
Day 5: Bagan
Riding a hot airballon is one of the reasons people come to Bagan, while expensive, it is a unique experience. There are a few main operators, you can book on their sites, or ask your hotel or hostel for help. Be ready to wake up anytime between 3 – 5 am to make this happen.
- Hot air balloon ride
- Explore Temples
Day 6: Bagan To Mandalay
There are currently vans available in the early morning and afternoon that go to Manadalay, no evening options currently are avaliable.
- Take the day bus to Mandalay: 4 – 5 hours
Where To Stay?
OstelloBello Hostel – Located in New Bagan, a great place to meet other travellers. An ebike rental place is right next door. They offer guides starting at 50,000 MMK. an arrange a transportation for a half day trip to Mount Popa which is a monastery situated on an impressive extinct volcano.
Return trip to Mount Popa by tuk tuk is 45,000 MMK and by car is 65,000 MMK. Sunset boat trips are available from Bupaya Jetty in Old Bagan. They currently start at 4:30 P.M. daily and cost 20,000 MMK for a private boat.
We are available to book via HostelWorld, Agoda, Expedia, Booking.com or directly by FB messanger or email: reception.bagan@ostellobello.com.mm
Getting To Mandalay From Bagan
Departing at 6,8,11,1am(every two hours one bus) Cost 25,000MMK and length 5 Hours. Book at 12go.asia
Getting To Yangon From Bagan
Departing at 7:30am or 5pm cost 25000MMK for NORMAL (2+2) bus. Length: 10 hours. Book at 12go.asia
Getting To Inle Lake From Bagan
Departing at 8:30 to 9am, arrived 5pm, Cost 35000MMK and length 8 hours. Book at 12go.asia
Getting To Kalaw From Bagan
The bus from Bagan to Kalaw takes around 8 hours.
There are two bus companies currently running buses from Bagan to Kalaw:
Htin Shoo Myo Taw – departure time is 8 AM and it costs 30,000 MMK. (If going to Inle Lake (Nyaung Shwe) it costs 35,000 MMK)
Bagan Min Htar – departure time is 8:30 AM and it costs 30,000 MMK.
3 days in Mandalay
Day 7: Mandalay
You can check this Map for the main areas to check out in Mandalay. I suggest booking a tricycle from the street, an negotiate a day rate, to have them drive you for the full day. This is the best and cheapest way to see the main sights.
- Day Trip
- Mingun
- Sagain
- Ubein Bridge
- Mahamuni Buddha Temple
- Mya Thein Tan Pagoda
- Kuthodaw Pagoda
- Sandamuni Pagoda
- Night Market/Massage
Day 8: Mandalay
Take it easy today, find a cute local coffe shop, then check the jade market. Then prepare for a 30 minute walk up countless steps in Mandalay Hill. Check online for the expected sunset time.
- Explore Coffee Shops
- Jade Market
- Mandalay Hill For Sunset
Day 9 – Mandalay To Inle Lake
- Take an early Bus to Inle Lake: 9 am. Takes 7 hours. : 30,000
- Pick up between 7:30 am- 8 and seat number 10.
- Arrive in the evening. Get dinner from the hostel and watch the Sunset
Where To Stay?
OstelloBello Hostel – Great location and staff, they have private and shared rooms, along with a rooftop bar and restaurant. Check their FB For More Information.
*They can arrange tours and drivers. For a driver around Mandalay, the usual fare is between 80,000MMK for Tuk Tuk and 120,000MMK for car. Depending on the duration and places the cost may vary.
Getting To Inle Lake (Nyaung Shwe) From Mandalay
Minibus for 30,000MMK starting at 9am. Ride Length: 7 hours. Book at 12go.asia
Bus may stop at Shwe Nyaung 8:30AM, 5PM 35000MMK
Getting To Bagan From Mandalay
Minibus for 30,000MMK at 6am, 8am, 11am and 1pm. Ride Length: 5 hours. Book at 12go.asia
Getting To Yangon From Mandalay
Buses. Price is between 27,000 and 41,000MMK depending on 2+2 seating, or VIP bus with 2+1 or 1+1 seating. Departing at 8:30am, 9:30am and arriving at night, or Night Bus Option: 6:30pm,7:30pm and arriving at 7 to 8AM. Ride Length: 10 hours. Book at 12go.asia
2 days in Inle Lake
Most people don’t actual stay at the lake unless you prefer resorts. You will instead be staying in the town of Nyaung Shwe, where all the main guesthouses and hotels are. This town is very quiet, so bring a book or something to occupy your evenings, as I did not see any night life.
Day 10 – Jan 28: Inle Lake
- Tour around the lake
- Hand Weaving Factory
- Floating Garden
- Cigar Rolling
- SilverSmith
- Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda
- Nga Phe Chaung Monastery
- Maing Thauk Monastery
- Sunset
- Bicycle to Red Mountain Estate Vineyards & Winery
Where To Stay?
Song Of Travel Hostel – Staff is very nice and even remembers your name. The rooftop restaurant is a beautiful place to start and end your day. They can organize tours for you, and have a generator, which is important due to scheduled power outages in the country.
Getting To Kalaw From Inle Lake (Nyaung Shwe)
Departing at 6am, 8am by local pick-up to Shwe Nyaung cost 5000MMK and length 3 hours depend how many stop on the way.
Then take a motor taxi from Shwe Nyaung to Nyaung Shwe cost 5000MMK and length half hour. Book at 12go.asia
Getting To Yangon From Inle Lake (Nyaung Shwe)
Take famous bus or elite bus starting at 8 am, 5pm. Cost, Length. Book at 12go.asia
Getting To Mandalay From Inle Lake (Nyaung Shwe)
Departing at 8:30 to 9am,arrived at 4-5pm, Cost 35000MMK. Book at 12go.asia
Getting To Bagan From Inle Lake (Nyaung Shwe)
Departing at 8:30 to 9am,arrived at 5-6pm, Cost 35000MMK. Book at 12go.asia
1 day in Kalaw
Many go to Kalaw on their way to Nyaung Shwe, instead of the path I followed. There are beautiful treks 1 night 2 days / 2 nights 3 days, that will lead you to Nyaung Shwe, which come reccomended if you have the time. A great trekking company is Eversmile
Day 11 – Jan 29: Inle Lake To Kalaw
- Kalaw
- Night bus to Yangon
2 Days In Yangon
I get paranoid about missing flights, so I always go 2 days
Day 12 – Jan 30: Yangon
Day 13 – Jan 31 – 9 Yangon
Day 14 – Feb 1 – Yangon To Flight Out
Things To before visiting myanmar
city has rolling blackouts, so keep your devices charged and bring a powerbank.
Bring DollarsThere is a very good black market exchange rate for US Dollars, bring crisp dollars with no marks, folds or blemishes, you can get over 40% more Kyat than from the airport or atm exchange rates. You can also WesternUnion yourself money, but it can take 30 minutes to 1 hour.
CurfewThere is a curfew at midnight, and many places close early around 8- 9pm, so have some snacks or dinner before then.
VPNYou will need a VPN to be able to connect to certain social media sites, so have that before you enter the country
Common Phrases
Mingalabar – hello
Ngar nar lae par deh / Ngar nar ma lae bou – I understand/ I dont understand
Cezu tin ba deh- Thank you
Wun neh ba deh – Sorry
Da poun yai lo ya mala? – May I take a photo
Ma yu tot bou. Jay zu bae – No Thank you
Zay gyi deh – Too expensive
Do’s and Dont’s :
Enter A Taxi Without Knowing The Price
Negotiate and agree on a price beforehand, use grab taxi app as a comparison
Revealing clothing in Temples:
Neither men or women are allowed to have shorts on.Cover yourself down to your ankles.
Bring Sandles
You will be going barefoot a lot, so sandles are easier to take on and off, when visiting temples.
Have small change
Local vendors and souvenir sellers may not have change for large bills.
Step 5. Pack your essentials!
Packing is just as important as planning! One of the most important things is to see what power outlet type is used in the country to plan to visit, alternatively buy a universal power converter.
- Basic Toiletries: Toothbrush, Travel size: toothpaste, shampoo, contact solution, personal care items. Don’t forget liquids should be less than 100 ml and fit in a clear quart sized bag.
- Power Bank and Charging Cords: Keep your devices charged on the go.
- Day Backpack: So you can carry that days essentials.
- Money Belt: Keep your extra money hidden.
- Power Converter/Adapter: Not all countries use the same power plug.
- Medicine: Dramamine – for motion sickness, Pepto Bismo- for upset stomach, Alka Seltzer – for upset stomach and altitude sickness
- Have a copy of your Evisa on hand especially when travelling between cities
- Water Bottle: Stay hydrated when you travel, we may forget to drink water.
Step 6. Have your documents ready
When travelling between cities you may be asked for your passport and visa, have this ready. Before entering the country, you will be asked to pay for travellers insurance and a visa. Note: 3rd party travellers insurance may not apply to this requirement, be sure and check the goverment website.
Common questions about visiting myanmar
Two weeks is the perfect amount of time to explore Myanmar. If you have less time, you can still have a great experience but it requires careful planning. At a minimum, five days is enough to give you a taste of the country’s history and culture by visiting two of Myanmar’s “Big Four” destinations.
The very best time of year to visit Myanmar is between November and February, with warm dry days bringing in the bulk of the country’s annual visitors. However a visit in the ‘green season’ (the months immediately either side of these high season dates) can reward those looking to explore key sites in more solitude.
Overall, Myanmar is a cheap place to visit – cheaper than its popular neighbor, Thailand. However, the one pickle is accommodation, which will often run you much more than any other Southeast Asian country. We’ll explain that below, as well as other prices to help you plan your budget.
Don’t wear shorts or sleeveless tops, especially at religious sites. Always remove your shoes and socks before entering a site. Customs rules are restrictive. Seek prior permission to import drones or radio equipment.
Myanmar Weather and Average Temperature
The rainy season lasts from May to October and is the precursor for the dry season and cool weather to come in from October to February when temperatures average between 77°F and 86°F.
Travelling in Myanmar can be cheap, but high accommodation costs mean you will probably end up spending more than you would in Cambodia, Laos or, if you’re on a shoestring budget, even Thailand. If you’re comfortable staying in guesthouses and hostels, a budget of $50 per day is enough to travel reasonably in Myanmar.
With three days in Yangon, sample the city’s history, culture, and cuisine at a more relaxed pace. From breakfast at local markets to Buddhist shrines, there’s a lot to experience. Yangon is an ideal home base for visiting Bago, so set aside one day for exploring pagodas in the ancient Burmese capital.
Start Planning Your Myanmar Trip Now!
Book Your Flight:
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flights. A travellers favorite way to book flights, as it searches websites and airlines around the world with one click.
Book Your Bus or Transportation Within Myanmar:
There are two ways to book your transporation, ask your hotel or hostel, go to the local bus terminal, or book online, for a less stressful trip using Easybook or 12go.asia
Book Your Accomodation:
Find the best hotels or hostels at HostelWorld, Booking.com, Agoda.com. Perks include with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out and Free cancellations.
Dont Forget Your Travel Insurance:
Two popular choices are SafetyWing and WorldsNomads. A traveler should buy traveler’s insurance to protect themselves against unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost or stolen baggage. It provides peace of mind and financial protection in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Useful Apps?
Grab – Local Transportation
Food Panda – Food Delivery
Want More Information On Myanmar?
Be sure to check out my nomad travel guide on the Myanmar for even more tips
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase.
