Yangon, Cultural Heart of Burma
Private Tour
Starting from $399 pp
Vietnam
Land of the Rising Dragon
Overview
Yangon might not be Myanmar’s capital anymore as it made way for the lesser known city of Naypyidaw back in 2006; but for the people it is still the country’s cultural heart. Yangon is an architects dream or despair depending on how you look at the city. You could be forgiven for thinking that you have gone back in time and arrived in London if you close your eyes and open them again on any street in downtown Yangon. The despair relates to the fact that these magnificent buildings are unfortunately finding themselves beyond repair.
On this whistle stop city break you will take in the city’s most interesting sites. Watching the light change as it hits the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda is an incredible experience. Then, as the sun goes down, the feel at the pagoda changes to a hive of activity as people finish their day in the city and come to the stupa to pay their respects. Experience a different side of Yangon by visiting the city’s streets, suburbs and outskirts via train. Yangon is a melting pot of different senses, sounds, fascinating sights and buildings
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Day 1: Arrive Yangon & Shwedagon Pagoda
On arrival in Yangon you will be met by an Asia for Expats representative and transferred to your hotel. In the late afternoon you will enjoy an introduction to Myanmar by visiting the world famous Shwedagon Pagoda, a stunning gold stupa which symbolises the heart of Buddhist Myanmar.
Day 2: Yangon
Today you get to explore the rural areas around the city of Yangon by train. Starting at Yangon’s Central Railway Station you take a circle train from downtown and out into the suburbs. An hour’s journey out of the city brings you to Insein, where you disembark and take a stroll through the local market before returning to the city. In the afternoon, you take a local ferry to Dala, before enjoying the Chinatown nightlife and a street food tour.
*(B,D)
Day 3: Depart Yangon
This morning you will enjoy a half day city walking tour starting at Sule Pagoda in Mahabandolla Park. Your walking tour will take you to the cities best sights; inclusive of: Independent Monument, Central Telegraph Office, High Court, Custom House and the Strand Hotel. Your tour ends with a visit to Bogyoke (Scott) Market to see Myanmar’s wide range of handicrafts. If time before your departing flight you can stop off at the Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda to see a huge reclining Buddha image and then Lake Kandawgyi (Royal) to take photographs over the lake towards Shwedagon.
*(B)
*Extend your holidays by adding an extra day
Activities
Sunset Tour of Shwedagon Pagoda
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: from 2 hours
Start with a visit to the Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda to see the huge reclining Buddha. Continue to the beatiful Lake Kandawgyi before arriving to the Shwedagon Pagoda, the ‘heart’ of Buddhist Myanmar.
Train and Rural Experience Tour (Half Day)
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: 4 hours
From Yangon’s Central Railway Station take a circle train from downtown and out into the suburbs. An hour’s journey out of the city brings you to Insein, where you can explore the area before continuing to Bogyoke Market. Here you can find a wide array of souvenir and gem stalls.
Yangon City Tour (Half Day)
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: 4 hours
Visit Sule Pagoda, the Independence Monument, Central Telegraph Office, High Court, Custom House and Strand Hotel. During the tour you will get an insight into the history of Yangon and Myanmar. The tour ends with a visit to the Bogyoke Market to see Myanmar’s wide range of handicrafts and for a spot of shopping.
Yangon City Tour (Full Day)
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: from 6 hours
Starting at Nanthida Jetty and following the course of the Yangon River, you’ll visit the harbour area, Pansodan Street, the High Court and General Telegraph Office. You will also visit the Independence Monument, St Mary’s Cathedral, Botataung Pagoda, Bogyoke Market and the the famous Shwedagon Pagoda.
Twante Day Trip with Ferry Cruise
Minimum Number: 1 Person
Duration: from 6 hours
Travel from Nanthida to the Dala Jetty before continuing to Twante town. On arrival you will enjoy a sightseeing tour by trishaw or horse cart. Visit the Shwesandaw pagoda and local market as well as stopping at a pottery workshop.
Sunset River Cruise
Minimum Number: 2 People
Duration: from 2 hours
Discover Yangon’s waterways and landscapes that lie along the banks of the Yangon River on the Sunset Cruise. Observe the Lighthouse of the Twante Canal, see the Shwedagon Pagoda from a different perspective and enjoy the amazing glow of lights along the river banks as the sun gently sinks below the horizon.
Expat Tips
Top Expat Tips
- The founders of the incredible gift shop Pomelo are opening up a new shop. Once they do we will tell you the name
- Go and enjoy a cocktail or afternoon tea in the Strand Hotel, Myanmar’s oldest and most famous hotel
- Stop at one of the road side tea stalls, chat with the locals and watch the world go by
Challenges:
- Pick up a bargain in the Bogyoke Aung San Market or Scott Market
- Take a selfie in front of the gate where Aung Sun Su Kyi was held under house arrest
For Families:
- Visit a palm reader to see what the future holds. They can be found at various places on the street around the city
- Take some time out from the hustle and bustle of the city at Kandawgyi Park
Information
Tour Includes:
- Land transportation within Myanmar by private vehicles.
- English speaking guide
- Accommodation listed
- Breakfasts each morning on the tour
- Excursions as mentioned
- All admission fees at activities mentioned in the itinerary, temples and attractions.
- All taxes
Tour Excludes:
- Flights to/from Asia. (Our team can help you arrange flights if requested)
- International airport departure taxes
- Visa fees
- Meals, unless otherwise mentioned
- Beverages and personal expenses
- Other excursions and entrance fees
- Travel insurance (cover against all cancellation costs, medical expenses, including repatriation and evacuation in the event of accident of illness).
- All other services not listed in “Tour Includes”.
Flights
We will arrange all flights and transportation within Asia as mentioned in the itinerary. Our team can arrange bonded ATOL flights to/from Asia upon request. Please complete the enquiry form with the necessary information to issue a quote for your international flights.
Visa
A visa is required to enter Myanmar. Our team will happily advise you on visa requirements.
Passport
Please ensure your passport has a validity of at least six months beyond stay. Also at least one blank page for each of the countries you are visiting and 4 passport-size photos are needed.
Insurance
Please make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance adequate for your holidays and the activities you want to undertake. Your insurance must cover medical costs related to hospitalisation, repatriation and emergency travel.
Vaccinations
Please consult your doctor, clinic or your national Department of Health for recommended vaccinations and medication when travelling to Southeast Asia. It is important to arrange the necessary appointments well in advance of your trip.
Currency
US Dollars (USD) are accepted in some places in Myanmar. You can exchange US Dollars for the local currency Burmese Kyat (MMK) once you arrive. For currency conversion please click here.
How to Book
Only once you are fully happy with your tailor-made itinerary you will receive an invoice. In order to secure availability for your booking, tour, activities and accommodation we require a 20% deposit.
Responsible Travel
Asia for Expats is committed to promote tourism that creates better places to live in and better places to visit. As expatriates living in Asia we care about the people and regions where we travel. Please read our Responsible Travel section to find more.
Please note:
Our prices are correct at the time of publishing. They are subject to changes and can only be confirmed after receiving an enquiry.
Make an enquiry
