Burma, between nature and spirituality
9 days, 8 nights
Yangon – Golden Rock – Hpa An – Mawlamyine - Yangon
From Yangon, a vibrant city steeped in colonial and spiritual influences, set off to discover the mythical Golden Rock, a major pilgrimage site shimmering with thousands of gold leaves. Continue to Hpa-An, surrounded by karst formations and sacred caves, then on to Mawlamyine, a former colonial capital with an old-world charm, bustling markets, monasteries, and stunning seascapes. This off-the-beaten-path itinerary reveals an authentic Myanmar, a blend of spirituality, spectacular landscapes, and genuine encounters with local people.
Adventure
Ethical circuit
What makes this adventure in Burma unique
Yangon, Golden Pagodas and Colonial Heritage
A vibrant and contrasting city, Yangon blends bustling markets, colonial buildings, and spiritual fervor. The Shwedagon Pagoda, a golden jewel, embodies the timeless soul and spiritual depth of Myanmar.
Golden Rock, Sacred Balance and Golden Light
A must-see pilgrimage site, the Golden Rock fascinates with its precarious position atop a mountain and its thousands of gold leaves deposited by the faithful.
Hpa An, Sacred Caves and Karst Landscapes
Surrounded by spectacular limestone formations, Hpa An captivates visitors with its caves adorned with Buddha statues, its peaceful villages, and its panoramic views of the Burmese countryside at sunset.
Mawlamyine: Colonial Heritage and Port Life
A former colonial capital, Mawlamyine charms visitors with its lively markets, monasteries, coastal atmosphere, and romantic sunsets over the Thanlwin River.
Yangon
Yangon, the former capital and largest city of Myanmar, captivates with its energy and contrasts. Between colonial buildings, bustling markets, and traditional neighborhoods, it reveals a unique atmosphere. Its jewel, the majestic Shwedagon Pagoda, shines brightly and embodies the spiritual fervor of the country.
Day 1: Arrival in Yangon
“We are beginning our descent into Yangon. Please return to your seat and fasten your seatbelt,” the cabin crew announces. In less than thirty minutes, you will set foot on the soil of Myanmar’s largest city, the gateway to the country. Between its colonial heritage, golden pagodas, and bustling markets, Yangon reveals all the vitality of Myanmar. Depending on the time of your flight, an initial immersion awaits you: a stroll through the lively neighborhoods, a stop at a local market, or contemplation of the majestic Shwedagon Pagoda at sunset.
- Airport pick-up and private driver to your hotel
Day 2: Yangon
After breakfast, explore Yangon’s colonial quarter, with its period facades and lively atmosphere, including a photo stop at the Sule Pagoda. Continue to Bogyoke Market, a must-see for its handicraft stalls and precious stones. In the afternoon, admire the impressive reclining Buddha statue at Kyauk Htet Gyi Pagoda, before ending the day at the majestic Shwedagon Pagoda, a true spiritual jewel of Myanmar and a place of timeless devotion. Dinner at your leisure and overnight at the hotel.
- Breakfast, guide, private transportation
Golden Rock
A spiritual symbol of Myanmar, the Golden Rock defies gravity, dominating the valley. Covered in gold leaf deposited by pilgrims, this sanctuary attracts crowds and devotion. Between fervor, chants, and a mystical atmosphere, it embodies a unique experience, enhanced by the beauty of the surrounding mountains.
Day 3: Yangon – Bago – Golden Rock
Departure for Bago and discovery of the Shwemawdaw Pagoda, impressive for its golden spire, even taller than that of the famous Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. The road continues to the mythical Golden Rock, or Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, a sacred sanctuary covered in gold leaf and perched on the edge of a cliff. The ascent is made aboard a local open-top truck, a unique experience that gradually reveals spectacular panoramic views of the mountains. A place of great devotion, this site is an essential center for meditation for pilgrims from all over the country.
- Breakfast, guide, private transportation
Day 4: Golden Rock – Hpa An
In the early morning, watch the sunrise over the Golden Rock and soak up the spiritual atmosphere that envelops this important pilgrimage site. The first rays illuminate the golden stupa, creating a moment of rare intensity. In the afternoon, travel to Hpa An, a charming town nestled on the banks of the Thanlwin River and surrounded by spectacular karst formations. The capital of Karen State, it reveals a peaceful and authentic side of Myanmar. Check into your hotel and enjoy some free time to soak up the town’s tranquil ambiance.
- Breakfast, guide, private transportation
Hpa An
Surrounded by spectacular karst formations and crossed by the Thanlwin River, Hpa An captivates with its caves adorned with Buddhas, its rural landscapes and its peaceful atmosphere, an authentic reflection of the heart of Burma.
Day 5: Hpa An
Discover Kaw Ka Thaung Cave, adorned with over a hundred Buddha statues. Just opposite, a natural pool invites you for a refreshing swim, a favorite with locals. Continue to the majestic Sadan Cave, an immense cavern that you traverse before returning to the light aboard a small local boat, for an extraordinary experience. End the day at the Shwe Yin Hmyaw Pagoda, on the riverbank, and share with the locals the emotion of an unforgettable sunset.
- Breakfast, guide, private transportation
Day 6: Hpa An – Mawlamyine
Begin your day with a morning stroll through Hpa An and its vibrant local market, bustling with colors and scenes of daily life. En route to Mawlamyine, a photo stop is a must at the majestic Zwe Kapin karst formation, one of the region’s most iconic landscapes. Continue with a visit to the U Nar Auk Monastery, rich in history and adorned with exquisite sculptures, before reaching Mawlamyine, the capital of Mon State. Formerly Moulmein, this port city, nestled against a rolling hillside and bordered by tropical vegetation, has preserved its colonial atmosphere and unique charm.
- Breakfast, guide, private transportation
Mawlamyine
The former British colonial capital, Moulmein – now Mawlamyine – retains a unique charm with its wooden houses, colonial churches, and pagodas overlooking the hill. A port city bordered by the Thanlwin River, it captivates visitors with its sunset views and authentic atmosphere.
Day 7: Mawlamyine
Explore Moulmein, the iconic capital of Mon State, where colonial charm is still preserved. Visit the Mahamuni Pagoda, a reflection of traditional Mon style, then the Kyaikthanlan Pagoda, whose stupa proudly overlooks the city. Continue to the Seindon Mibaya Monastery, a jewel of carved wood over a century old, steeped in history and serenity. Conclude your visit with a stroll along Strand Road, where magnificent colonial buildings and the Kaladan Mosque stand as a testament to the region’s diverse influences.
- Breakfast, guide, private transportation
Day 8: Mawlamyine - Yangon
After breakfast, drive to Yangon through the Burmese countryside. Arrive in the late afternoon and check into your hotel. In the evening, enjoy some relaxation in Kandawgyi Park, a pleasant green oasis overlooking the lake. Dinner at your leisure and overnight at the hotel.
- Breakfast, guide, private transportation
Yangon
Yangon marks the final stop on your journey through Myanmar, with its colonial quarters and the majestic Shwedagon Pagoda that glows at dusk. To extend your adventure, consider a trip to the wild islands of the Mergui Archipelago or a beach break in Thailand.
Day 9: End of your trip… but perhaps not the adventure
It’s time to bid farewell to the land of gold. Depending on your international flight schedule, you will be transferred to Yangon airport with assistance for check-in. To extend your trip, you can choose to visit the unspoiled Mergui Archipelago or enjoy a beach getaway in Thailand before heading home.
- Breakfast, guide, private transportation
Interested in this travel inspiration?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I need to take my outbound and return flight?
Arrival is in Mandalay and departure from Yangon. We can, of course, take care of booking your international return flights. Domestic flights are not included, but we can certainly arrange them for you.
What is the best time for this trip?
The best time to travel to Myanmar is from November to March, during the dry season. The weather is pleasant, with sunny days and mild temperatures, ideal for exploring the temples of Bagan, sailing on Inle Lake, or strolling through the streets of Yangon. April and mai can be very hot, while the monsoon season from June to October makes travel less comfortable.
Is it safe to travel to Burma in 2025?
Traveling to Myanmar in 2025 remains complicated due to the current situation. For now, we are not operating any tours there, but we plan to resume in 2026, as soon as conditions allow for safe and worry-free travel. Please feel free to contact us for more information and to be kept informed about the resumption of our departures.
Is it possible to change hotels in certain destinations?
Of course. Each step is customizable and it is entirely possible to adapt or replace a hotel with another address according to your wishes and criteria.
Are all forms of transport private ?
Ground transfers are made in private vehicles, for optimal comfort.
Is this suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is suitable for a family trip. The activities are flexible and the accommodations are suitable for children, with a pace that remains flexible.
Can I make any changes to this trip?
Absolutely. This itinerary is a customizable base: you can modify the duration, the hotels, or add excursions to create a trip that fully suits you.
Authentic Burma, at the rhythm of encounters
- That's the phrase we repeated throughout the trip. We thought we were going to discover a country, but we encountered an emotion. With Asiajet, every stop seemed carefully chosen, but the highlight will always be the hot air balloon festival in Taunggyi. Huge balloons, decorated by hand, rose slowly, some releasing fireworks. It was magical, almost sacred. We were at the heart of a rare moment, surrounded by Burmese families sharing this celebration with disarming generosity.
Alexandre & Elodie
- This trip to Myanmar with Asiajet left a deep impression on us. Mandalay, Ava, Monywa… each stop had its own charm, but two moments will remain etched in our memories. First, Bagan. Waking up before dawn, silently climbing into the gondola, and watching the sun rise over hundreds of temples… The children didn't say a word. It was pure magic. And then Salay, more discreet, more intimate. We felt like we were the only people in the world, surrounded by beauty, tranquility, and a rare, gentle welcome. This trip brought us closer to ourselves, but also to a magnificent, genuine, and still unspoiled country. Thank you to Asiajet for allowing us to discover it in a different way.
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