• 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.
• This second full day in Yangon allows unhurried exploration including sampling plenty of local food including the famous Burmese tea leaf salad (laphet thoke), a tangy, crunchy Burmese classic made with fermented tea leaves, roasted peanuts, fried garlic, sesame, and more, for an authentic taste of local flavours. And we have carefully timed this tour to coincide with the annual tea leaf salad festival, so we'll have even more opportunity than usual to try this delicious dish, and all the varieties it comes in.
• Overnight at the Park Royal Yangon.

• 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.

• Continue onward into southern Shan State so the group reaches the Taunggyi / Inle area in time for the evening.

• First major night of the Taunggyi Hot Air Balloon Festival — giant paper balloons (many carrying fireworks) rising into the night sky.

• Overnight near Taunggyi / Inle Lake area.

(Full Moon of Tazaungmon – Day 1)

• Today will be completely focused on the Tazaungmon Festival. Morning and afternoon free to explore Taunggyi, local markets, and daytime balloon competitions and activities. 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.

Overnight near Taunggyi / Inle Lake area.

(Full Moon of Tazaungmon – Day 2)

Enjoy any remaining festival atmosphere or final balloon activity.

Then 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 / Inle or en-route toward Bagan.

Drive or fly to Bagan. Afternoon arrival allows time for a relaxed sunset over the ancient temple plain.

Overnight in 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.

Bagan - Mandalay

Morning transfer to Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city and the last royal capital of the independent Konbaung dynasty. 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.

Explore Mandalay Hill for sweeping panoramic views, the revered Mahamuni Buddha image, and other cultural sites.

Optional stops at the iconic U Bein Bridge for a beautiful sunset. Reflect on the journey with another chance to enjoy local flavours.

Overnight in Mandalay.

• Sadly today brings us to the end of our Burmese adventure.
• Enjoy a leisurely morning before your transfer to Mandalay International Airport according to your flight time.