Email address: [email protected]
© SAIGA Tours
Start
Nov 8, 2027
Yangon
Yangon
2027-11-08
End
Nov 16, 2027
Mandalay
Mandalay
2027-11-16
Duration
9 days
Price
US$1595.00
TOUR OVERVIEW
Immerse yourself in Myanmar’s rich heritage and one of its most spectacular annual celebrations. Starting in vibrant Yangon and finishing in historic Mandalay, this itinerary features the classic highlights — the Golden Rock, the surreal empty highways of Naypyidaw, the temple plains of Bagan, and the mystical caves and pagodas of the Shan Hills — while carefully timed so you experience the heart of the Tazaungdaing Festival of Lights and the famous Taunggyi Hot Air Balloon Festival.
Watch enormous, elaborately decorated hot-air balloons (many carrying fireworks) rise into the night sky, see pagodas and streets illuminated, and join the nationwide spirit of offering robes to monks. Along the way you’ll still savour authentic local flavours including Shan noodles and tea-leaf salad.
If you like the look of this tour but the dates don't work for you, or you'd like to do part of the tour, please get in touch and let us know. All our tours are able to be split into smaller sections, we're always scheduling new tours and your dates might work for one of them, or we can always organise an independent tour.
INCLUSIONS:
|
✓ |
Accommodation in twin share as per itinerary, breakfast included |
|
✓ |
Transport as per itinerary |
|
✓ |
Entrance fees to most sites (as per itinerary) |
|
✓ |
Western and local guides |
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $400
What is the single supplement? This is paid to guarantee a single room. If you are travelling alone and would like to be roomed with another single traveller, you do not need to pay this.
EXCLUSIONS:
|
⨯ |
Visa fees if necessary (not required for most passports) |
|
⨯ |
Meals other than breakfast |
|
⨯ |
Transport to and from the start and end of tour |
|
⨯ |
Personal expenses such as souvenirs or any optional activities |
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Experience Tazaungdaing Festival
See a big golden rock hanging off a cliff
Drive down and take photos of yourself on the surreal empty highways of Naypidaw
Explore the pagodas, buddhas, stupas and temples that Myanmar is famous for
Itinerary
Day 1Mon Nov 8
Yangon
- Today we will be exploring Yangon and diving straight into the city’s treasures.
- Visit the extraordinary Chin Tsong Palace, an opulent early 20th-century mansion blending Chinese, European, and Burmese architectural styles with grand staircases, imported Italian marble, teak woodwork, and murals. Now transformed into the National Art Museum, it showcases Myanmar’s artistic heritage.
- Explore the historic Secretariat Building, a grand Victorian-colonial masterpiece and former seat of British administration. Take a guided tour to learn about its pivotal role in Myanmar’s path to independence and the 1947 assassination of General Aung San and his cabinet.
- Catch the iconic Yangon Circular Train for an authentic, immersive glimpse of local life.
- Ride alongside commuters through bustling markets, suburban neighbourhoods, and green outskirts, revealing the city’s vibrant everyday pulse beyond the main tourist sites and the centre of the city.
- Enjoy a balanced morning of cultural immersion with visits to additional colonial landmarks, vibrant markets like Bogyoke Aung San Market for souvenirs and local atmosphere, and the National Museum with its impressive collection of royal artifacts, regalia, and historical treasures. Wander lakeside spots such as Kandawgyi Lake for scenic views and a relaxed pace.In the evening, we’ll have the option to head to the Burbrit Craft Beer taproom for a relaxed night sampling Myanmar’s pioneering local craft beers in a welcoming atmosphere.
- Overnight at the Park Royal Yangon.
Day 2Tue Nov 9
Yangon, Bago, Golden Rock
-
Depart Yangon and stop en route at the serene and solemn Taukkyan War Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in Myanmar. Located north of the city, it features thousands of meticulously maintained graves and memorials honouring soldiers from World War II (and some from WWI). The peaceful grounds and poignant Rangoon Memorial provide a deeply moving tribute.
-
Continue to historic Bago and marvel at the majestic Bago Buddha (Shwethalyaung Reclining Buddha) - one of the largest and most revered in the country, measuring 55 meters long and 16 meters high, depicting the Buddha on the eve of nirvana with serene beauty.
- Nearby, visit the unique Snake Pagoda, where monks care for revered pythons believed to be guardians, offering a fascinating and slightly mystical experience.
- Proceed to the awe-inspiring Golden Rock at Kyaiktiyo, a sacred gold-leaf-covered boulder balanced precariously on a mountain ledge. Join pilgrims in this spiritually charged atmosphere, especially magical at sunset with panoramic views.
- Overnight near Golden Rock.
Day 3Wed Nov 10
Golden Rock, Naypyidaw
-
In the morning we’ll continue driving to Naypyidaw. We love a utopian city, and Naypidaw does not disappoint.
- This vast, futuristic planned capital was suddenly designated as the new administrative centre in November 2005, when the military government moved ministries from Yangon (formerly Rangoon) to a greenfield site near Pyinmana. Built with massive investment and named “Abode of Kings”, it features eerily empty 20-lane highways, monumental government buildings, and the grand Uppātasanti Pagoda (a towering counterpart to Shwedagon). The surreal scale, quiet emptiness, and strategic central location make for one of Myanmar’s most unforgettable and thought-provoking highlights.
- After lunch in the capital, we’ll drive around to explore the surreal city and capture some of its famous and infamous landmarks.
- Overnight in Naypyidaw.
Day 4Thu Nov 11
Naypyidaw, Shan Hills, Pindaya, Kakku Pagodas, Taunggyi
- This morning we'll wake up in our favourite dystopian capital, before continuing to head north.
- We'll explore the scenic Shan Hills. Visit the mystical Pindaya Caves, a labyrinth of limestone caverns filled with over 8,000 Buddha statues of varying ages, styles, and sizes, some dating back centuries, creating a serene and spiritually profound atmosphere inside the mountain.
- Continue to the enchanting Kakku Pagodas, a hidden forest of over 2,400 ancient stupas in a serene hill setting. The intricately carved spires, arranged in harmonious rows amid the landscape, offer a peaceful and photogenic immersion in Pa-O and Shan heritage.
- While here, seek out a local spot to try delicious Shan noodles - another great Burmese dish, made of tender rice noodles in a savoury tomato-based sauce or soup, a Shan state specialty.
- Overnight near Taunggyi.
Day 5Fri Nov 12
Full Moon Day of Tazaungmon (Tazaungdaing Festival Day 1)
- Today will be completely focused on the Tazaungdaing Festival.
- You'll see these two similar words in lots of places — Tazaungmon is the name of the eighth month in the traditional Myanmar calendar, which generally falls in November, while Tazaungdaing is the specific Festival of Lights celebrated on the full moon day of that month.
- We'll have the morning and afternoon free to explore Taunggyi, local markets, and daytime balloon competitions and activities.
- Although the festival goes for more than one day, today markes the peak full moon night of the Taunggyi Hot Air Balloon Festival — the biggest launches, fireworks balloons, and the most electric atmosphere of the year. Pagodas and streets across the country are brilliantly lit. This is the core reason for the tour timing, and should be well worth it.
- Overnight near Taunggyi.
Day 6Sat Nov 13
Tazaungdaing Festival Day 2, Minbu mud volcanoes, Bagan
-
This morning we will enjoy any remaining festival atmosphere or final balloon activities.
- Today we'll drive toward Bagan, but firstly we'll make a memorable detour to the otherworldly Minbu Mud Volcanoes.
- These bubbling, cool mud craters, which were formed by underground gas pressure, create a lunar-like landscape with local legends of dragons beneath the earth. It’s a rare geological wonder blending natural curiosity and cultural folklore.
- Arrive in Bagan for a relaxed afternoon and stunning sunset over the ancient pagodas.
- Overnight in Bagan.
Day 7Sun Nov 14
Bagan
-
Today we’ll spend a complete day exploring Bagan’s breathtaking UNESCO-listed wonders.
- For those who want to, you can rise early for iconic sunrise views over thousands of temples.
- Then explore iconic sites like the majestic Ananda Temple (an architectural masterpiece) and the massive Dhammayangyi Temple with its intricate brickwork.
- Travel by horse and cart or e-bike through the temple-strewn plains, stopping at villages and workshops.
- Soak in the magical, timeless landscape that defines Myanmar’s ancient glory.
- Overnight in Bagan.
Day 8Mon Nov 15
Bagan, Mandalay
- In the morning we will make our way to our final destination on this wonderful Burmese adventure.
- Myanmar’s second-largest city and the last royal capital of the independent Konbaung dynasty, Mandalay is a fascinating historic city. Founded in 1857 by King Mindon at the foot of Mandalay Hill to fulfil a Buddhist prophecy, it served as the kingdom’s capital until the British annexation in 1885. As an enduring symbol of Burmese sovereignty, culture, and Buddhist learning, Mandalay remains the spiritual and cultural heart of Upper Myanmar.
- We'll explore Mandalay Hill for sweeping panoramic views, the revered Mahamuni Buddha image, and other cultural sites.
- There will be optional stops at the iconic U Bein Bridge for a beautiful sunset, where you can reflect on the journey with another chance to enjoy local flavours.
- Overnight in Mandalay.
Other Tours
Afghanistan November Autumn Tour
Come and see all the best spots in this wonderful and unique country.
Our Favourite Things: Turkmenistan, Pakistan and Afghanistan Combo
f
The Fall of Assad Third Anniversary Budget Tour
Join us in Syria to celebrate the fall of Assad.
The Fall of Assad Third Anniversary Tour
Anyone who loves a celebration is going to love this! Soak in the electric atmosphere in Damascus during the celebrations of the anniversary of the fall of the Assad regime, as well as exploring loads of great spots throughout Syria as well.