SMALL GROUP TOUR MYANMAR THROUGH LOCAL EYES

The best way to see any destination is on foot and after a short transfer, you’ll start with an insider’s walking trip designed by Yangon-based Backyard Travel experts. The tour provides a great introduction to the country and its people and is an area rarely explored or seen by tourists.

The tour begins in the heart of the Chinatown district at ‘Kheng Hock Keong’ temple. Continue walking through the heart of downtown Yangon. En-route you will visit the city’s diverse religious structures. Visit churches, mosques, pagodas, Hindu temples and Myanmar’s only synagogue which dates back to 1893.

While walking, your guide will explain the rich diversity of the religions of this fascinating country, and teach you about offerings and blessings in each place of worship, as well as explaining lesser-known local traditions such as ancestor worship, astrology and even the influence of the lottery in everyday society! This walking tour through Yangon will also take you past local markets offering everything from traditional medicine and fresh produce to temple offerings.

Join the locals at a café to drink tea or coffee and have some snacks. The tea shop is a central element of social life in Myanmar and you’ll see all types of people gathered here; from business people conducting meetings, to families and friends enjoying time together.

In the afternoon you’ll take a one-hour flight to Heho in the center of the country. On arrival at this sleepy airport, you will then be taken on a two-hour drive through the scenic hills of Myanmar’s Shan State to the small town of Pindaya, a much less-visited area of the county which still possesses a genuine charm and charisma.   

On arrival in Pindaya you’ll visit the ‘Shwe U Min’ caves. As you wind your way through the labyrinth-like paths you’ll explore caves containing thousands of Buddha images of various shapes and sizes, the first of which were sculpted in the 11th century. 

Finish up the day with a visit to some handicraft workshops. Here skilled artisans can be seen busy at work as they produce traditional Shan Paper, made from mulberry bark, as well as traditional wooden ‘monk’ parasols.

In the evening, you will check into your hotel then enjoy dinner at a restaurant serving fantastic Shan dishes - some of the best cuisine in Myanmar!

The boutique hotels you’ll stay in throughout your tour are in the three- to four-star category and will be confirmed at time of booking.

Start at a morning market (the earlier your departure time the better), that change location around the lake. Here the communities which inhabit the lake region, including local hill tribes, all come to trade with each other. The markets are bustling hives of activity with many interesting sights. If you are here on a dark moon or full moon however, there may not be a market depending on the lunar cycle.

From the market you will then continue to the center of Inle Lake in a private motorboat, passing floating garden houses built on stilts inhabited by the local Intha People, and the famous ‘leg-rowing’ fishermen who make their living from the lake’s plentiful supply of fish. You’ll then continue to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda and enjoy a local-style lunch before arriving at the lake’s main sanctuary where you can see five Buddha images which are sacred to the local villagers.

You’ll then continue by boat to Inpawkhone where you can observe Intha locals engaged in the art of traditional silk weaving. This area is well known for its weaving of lotus stems. You’ll also have the chance visit a cheroot factory, where cigars are still made by hand in the traditional way.

You’re evening will then be free to spend at your own leisure. 

The boutique hotels you’ll stay in throughout your tour are in the three- to four-star category and will be confirmed at time of booking.

On day six you’ll have the chance to visit a range of Bagan’s incredible temples which will provide an overview of Myanmar’s rich history and culture. Bagan is one of the greatest architectural sites in Asia and is without doubt one of the highlights on any Myanmar vacation.  Formally known as the ‘Pagan’ Empire, it was part of a thriving culture throughout the 11th and 13th centuries when over 10,000 Buddhist temples were built.

In contrast to other wondrous temple sites in Asia such as Angkor Wat in Cambodia or Borbordour in Indonesia, local villagers continue to live and work on the plains of Bagan. This living history creates a unique atmosphere and a photographic marvel.

The tour will start at Thagyar Pone Temple, with magnificent views of the surrounding plains. After this, you’ll visit one of the most revered temples in Bagan; Ananda Temple. These temples are a great introduction to the size and splendor of Bagan’s buildings.

Next, you’ll go to Gubyaukgyi Temple with beautiful plaster carvings and mural paintings. The temple of Nan Paya and Manuha are also nearby; these two are smaller buildings with intricate stone work and Buddha statues.

 After visiting the temples, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the craftsmanship of the locals next as you visit workshops renowned for producing fine wood carvings and delicate lacquer ware. Bagan is famous for these two crafts, with skills having been passed down from generation to generation.

As an optional lunch destination we can suggest one of Bagan’s best local restaurants (not included in the tour pricing). 

After lunch, you’ll return to your hotel to escape the midday heat before returning to the temples in the latter part of the afternoon by horse and cart. Your journey will take you past the highest temple in Bagan, Thatbyinnyu, and the enormous Dhammayangyi Temple, noted for its intricate brickwork, before you enjoy watching the sun dip down behind the North Guni Temple, setting on the plains of this once great empire. 

The evening will be spent at your own leisure, but feel free to ask your guide for restaurant recommendations.

The boutique hotels you’ll stay in throughout your tour are in the three- to four-star category and will be confirmed at time of booking.

*Prices for optional excursion are listed in our Trip Notes dossier.

You’ll end your penultimate day at Shwedagon Pagoda, where your guide will explain the history of the temple while taking a walk around the huge complex and its 65 stupas. We have kept this magnificent temple until the end of the tour to round-off the trip. The Shwedagon Pagoda is Myanmar’s most revered structure and is the perfect place to end your awe-inspiring visit to this captivating country.

The central stupa is 90-meters tall and gilded with gold-leaf and also provides a fantastic view of the city. You will also have the unique honor of taking part in a blessing ceremony, and then have the chance to chat with the resident monks who will then bless each traveler individually with a bracelet to bestow a healthy and prosperous life – a moment you’ll never forget.

In the evening you will attend a farewell dinner together at a wonderful local restaurant and bid a fond farewell to newly-made friends with whom you’ve shared your special journey.

The boutique hotels you’ll stay in throughout your tour are in the three- to four-star category and will be confirmed at time of booking.