The Ultimate 10 Day Myanmar Itinerary for First Timers

Are you currently planning your 10 day Myanmar itinerary but not sure where to start? You are in the right place! Myanmar only opened up as a travel opportunity in recent decades which makes this culture-rich destination all the more fascinating.

The country is rapidly developing its tourist infrastructure to catch up with its neighboring Thailand but the real charm of Myanmar is its ancient pagodas, raw landscapes, and hospitable people.

To help you plan and maximize your time in the country, I put together a 10 day Myanmar itinerary based on my own Burmese travels. This Myanmar itinerary was specifically created with first-time visitors in mind and includes such places as Schwegadon Pagoda in Yangon and the temples of Old Bagan.

For your first trip to this special country, 10 days in Myanmar is the perfect amount of time to visit the most intriguing cities and sites. But I’ll hedge my bets that you’ll want to return for seconds!

*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*

Overview of Your 10 Days in Myanmar 

Rather than providing you with a day-by-day schedule for your trip, this 10 days in Myanmar itinerary is divided into the areas you will visit.

For each area, I’ve shared how to get there, where to stay and eat, and what things there are to do there. This gives you more flexibility to format your itinerary to suit your travel style. 

These are the cities and regions that you will visit on this Myanmar itinerary:

• Yangon: 2 days
• Inle Lake: 2 days
• Bagan: 3 days
• Mandalay: 3 days

Because Yangon and Mandalay each have an international airport, you could always flip this Myanmar travel itinerary and do it in reverse!

Day 1-2: Yangon

Formerly known as Rangoon, Yangon is the largest city in Myanmar. Yangon was the nation’s capital up until 2005 when the honor was transferred to Naypyidaw.

The city sits on the Yangon River and comprises more colonial-era buildings than any other city in Southeast Asia. Many of these are fairly dilapidated these days but they are still intriguing to see and offer a heap of potential to photographers. 

Yangon is home to some of the most splendid temples in Myanmar, including its most sacred complex, the Shwedagon Pagoda. As Yangon is a large and chaotic city, these calm, spiritual sanctuaries offer some reprise from the crowds.

Yangon is also brimming with green parks, large lakes, cool museums, and hipster cafes so you can really strike a balance between winding down and getting to grips with the city.

Two days is the perfect amount of time to see the major tourist attractions in town. If you prefer having a step-by-step itinerary in hand, check out my detailed post about how to spend 2 days in Yangon!

How to get to Yangon

Yangon International Airport (RGN) is the country’s primary airport and has the most connections so it makes sense to start your 10 days in Myanmar by arriving here.

Direct flights connect to Yangon from Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia, so if you are traveling from Europe, the US, or beyond, expect to transfer at either Changi Airport or Kuala Lumpur.

The airport is located in Mingaladon, 15 km (9.3 miles) north of the city. You can take the bus which takes around 50-60 minutes to get downtown. Alternatively, you can download the Grab rideshare app or hop in a taxi at the airport.

How to get around Yangon

Once you’ve downloaded the Grab app and picked up a Burmese SIM card, this is your ticket to getting around Yangon where walking distances are too great.

The city does have a public bus system, however, this can be very slow and is confusing to figure out. As there is a lot to see in the city, I recommend that you stick to using Grab as you’ll never pay more than a few dollars.

If you’re traveling from elsewhere in Southeast Asia, you should note that unlike most other cities in the region, motorbikes are not permitted in Yangon which means there is no option to hire a scooter in the city!

Where to stay in Yangon

As you’re only staying in Yangon for two days, I recommend that you stay in Yangon’s Downtown neighborhood. This way, you’re within walking distance to many of the attractions and restaurants that feature on this Myanmar 10 day itinerary or you can take a quick Grab ride to get further afield.

However, if you would rather stay someplace quieter and with a natural vibe, you will find appealing hotels around Inya Lake. 

Here are my three recommendations for where to stay in Yangon for 2 nights.

• Luxury: Lotte Hotel Yangon (read our full review here)
• Mid-range: Hotel G Yangon
• Budget: Prestige Residences at Golden Valley

Best things to do in Yangon

• Shwedagon Pagoda: This massive complex is renowned for its 99-meter tall golden ‘zedi’ and offers countless stupas, shrines, and Buddha statues to explore. Sunrise or sunset is the best time to visit, either independently or as part of a private Yangon city tour.
• Sule Pagoda: At around 2,300 years old, this smaller yet historic pagoda is said to be built atop the home of a ‘nat’ (spirit) and enshrines a hair of Buddha.
• Yangon Circular Train: Ride the full three-hour loop or alight at any station to experience Yangon’s suburbs. This affordable journey gives you a glimpse into the local way of life and can be done independently or with a guide.
• Inya Lake: Located a little further from downtown, this peaceful lake offers a scenic walking path and is perfect for a morning or sunset stroll.
• National Museum: Explore Burmese crafts, arts, costumes, and relics, including the Royal Lion Throne, at this extensive museum. Allow a couple of hours to browse the collections.
• Pansodan Street: A haven for heritage architecture enthusiasts, this street features restored and weathered buildings, along with boutiques, art galleries, and tea shops.
• Bogyoke Aung San Market: A bustling bazaar where you can purchase a Burmese longyi, souvenirs, trinkets, and street food.
• Bogyoke Park (Kandawgyi Lake): Within walking distance of Shwedagon Pagoda, this park features gardens, a zoo, an abandoned fairground, a karaoke bar, and the floating restaurant Karaweik Palace in the middle of the lake.

Where to eat in Yangon

• Wai Wai’s Noodle Place: An affordable and authentic eatery that specializes in a mix of vegetarian and meat dishes. Sample the signature Shan Rice Noodles and make a repeat visit to savor a classic Northern Shan curry.
• Nourish Cafe: This plant-based cafe serves everything from all-day breakfast to mezzes and smoothie bowls. It’s a great little place to load up on protein and fiber! They also host regular yoga classes.
• Rangoon Tea House: This eclectic tea house on the beautiful Pansodan Street serves a fusion of contemporary Burmese dishes with an international twist. They have a broad spread of curries that will appease vegetarians and carnivores alike. If you’re not looking for a full meal, it’s a great spot for a cold coffee and a slice of cake.

Day 3-4: Inle Lake

As lovable as Yangon is, the city is pretty overwhelming so for the next leg of your Myanmar 10 day itinerary I suggest you head to the tranquil Inle Lake to soak up some of the country’s most sensational nature.

Inle Lake, the second largest lake in the entire country, is located in the Nyaung Shwe Township of the Shan State. This scenic location is the realm of floating villages and gardens that form the life force of the Intha people.

Beyond the water, you’ll find even more splendid pagodas, monasteries, and natural vistas – as well as a scattering of wineries.

It’s important to know that when you arrive at Inle Lake, you will be asked to pay an entrance fee of 15,000 MMK (8.5 USD).

How to get to Inle Lake

The most efficient way to get to Inle Lake (Nyaung Shwe) from Yangon is by night bus and you can choose either a VIP/tourist class or a local bus.

VIP sleeper buses in Myanmar are in excellent condition so you will sleep soundly and comfortably. It’s a long journey of 630 km (392 miles) that takes around 11 hours. If you want to save some money you can book a less comfortable local bus which stops more frequently and takes 14-15 hours on average. You can book the bus tickets online with 12Go Asia.

If you want to save time you can take a flight from Yangon to Heho Airport (HEH). The flight time is 2-3 hours and it’s definitely not an everyday experience.

First of all, Heho is one of the smallest airports you’ll ever come across. It’s so small that it practically looks like a little house! The plane will drop you off right at the entrance and within 2-3 minutes, you’ll be already sitting in your taxi.

What’s even more funny is that you will get your luggage straight from the plane, no need to stand in huge lines. Very effective, right? We accidentally missed our night bus and ended up taking a last-minute flight but I’m so glad we did as it was a great experience!

How to get around Inle Lake

If you decide to stay in Nyaung Shwe then you will be able to walk to the attractions within the town and then arrange a boat trip to see the lake itself.

You might want to rent a bicycle or scooter so that you can explore the local area independently. Motorbikes are permitted here and there are a couple of rental places in Nyaung Shwe. Alternatively, you can arrange for taxis and private drivers via your hotel in Inle Lake.

Where to stay in Inle Lake

The township of Nyaung Shwe is the most convenient place to stay in Inle Lake. You’ll find most of the hotels, restaurants, and amenities there, plus it’s an easy base to book tours and activities.

Nyaung Shwe is only 10 km (6.2 miles) from the water’s edge and is connected to the lake by the Nyaung Shwe Canal and by road. Alternatively, you can book a hotel in one of the small villages that flank the lake for a more remote experience.

Here are my three recommendations for where to stay in Inle Lake.

• Luxury: Novotel Inle Lake Myat Min
• Mid-range: Hupin Inle Khaung Daing Village Resort
• Budget: Inle Cottage Boutique Hotel

Best things to do in Inle Lake

• Inle Lake Boat Cruise: The star attraction of Inle Lake is the lake itself and the best way to experience it is by booking a full day sightseeing tour by boat. During your cruise, you will see the iconic fishermen who row their boats with one leg! These days it’s all for show but that doesn’t make it any less impressive. You’ll also visit floating communities where you’ll learn about weaving, sample homemade cigars (cheroots), and pet Burmese cats.
• Indein Village & Pagoda: Book a boat tour that includes a visit to this unique cluster of Buddhist stupas. Make sure your tour covers this spot if you want to add it to your Myanmar itinerary!
• Visit a winery: These beautiful Shan landscapes are hiding an impressive legacy of winemaking. Visit the Red Mountain Estate where you can enjoy a facility tour followed by a wine tasting and lunch with a jaw-dropping view over the surrounding valley.
• Five Day Market: As well as floating villages, the area around Inle Lake is known for its rotating market with a different location for each of the five nights that it opens. You’ll have to check once you’re in town if your Myanmar itinerary coincides with the Nyaung Shwe or Indein Village market as the schedule is fluid.
• Explore by bicycle: An alternative way to experience Inle Lake is by hiring a bicycle and visiting some of the quaint villages on the water’s edge. Popular stops include Khaung Daing Hot Springs, the winery, and Phwar Ya Thay Paya viewpoint.
• Mr. Zaw’s Tofu House: Visit this authentic spot on the western shore of Inle Lake. Mr. Zaw will guide you through the tofu-making process in the village of Khaung Daing, ending with a chance to sample local tofu snacks.
• Massage: Relax with an oil massage at Venus Traditional Massage. The rustic setting and post-treatment snacks make it a perfect way to unwind.

Where to eat in Inle Lake

• The Ancestor Restaurant: This ambient family-owned eatery dishes up innovative interpretations of classic Burmese and Shan meals. They cater just as well for vegetarians as for meat and fish eaters and every plate is faultlessly presented.
• Sin Yaw Restaurant: A casual curbside restaurant that will surprise you with how sophisticated the menu is. The place excels at shareable platters which is ideal if you can’t decide what to order. The staff deserves a shout-out for their hospitality and attention to detail as well. 
• Golden Moon Restaurant: Located on the southwestern side of the lake, this stilted restaurant with a view is a great place to stop for a bite while you’re out exploring the pagodas and villages surrounding Inle Lake. Although they cater to all diets, their fish dishes are particularly moreish.

Day 5-7: Bagan

Myanmar’s answer to Angkor Wat, Bagan is a temple hopper’s paradise and the highlight of any 10 day Myanmar itinerary.

Located in the Mandalay Region, the city of Bagan formed the capital of the ancient Pagan Kingdom between the 9th to 13th centuries. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is also the largest archaeological zone in the world.

Although Old Bagan is predominantly a Buddhist site there are also some Hindu temples interspersed among the archaeological zone so you will get to recognize and see the style differences.

Over 2,000 of the original 10,000 temples survive and they are rather spread out and hidden among the green landscape. It’s a riveting experience to watch them pop out on the horizon at sunrise.

A three-day stay is a sufficient amount of time to experience a generous chunk of the temples and slot in a few additional activities and excursions. On arrival at Bagan, you will be required to pay for the 25,000 MKK (15 USD) entrance fee which entitles you to three days of temple touring.

How to get to Bagan

For your second burst of internal travel, you will again have the chance to choose between taking a sleeper bus or a flight.

Taking the bus is the most cost-effective way. Again you will be presented with a variety of different companies and classes so you can choose based on your own preference and budget.

The journey takes approximately 8 hours and it’s a bit of a bumpy ride so if you’re prone to motion sickness, make sure to take proper medication with you. Unfortunately, I get sick easily so I didn’t have the best experience.

If you’re happy to pay more and you want to avoid the bus at all costs, you can fly from Heho Airport to Nyaung U Airport. Flights take around 40 minutes.

How to get around Bagan 

The best way to get around Bagan is by renting an electric bike. These are less powerful than the typical automatic motorbikes with a top speed of 50 kph (30 mph) and they are very safe to drive even on the bumpy, dusty roads between the temples.

I didn’t have any prior experience with scooters before trying out these electric ones so I was super scared but trust me, it’s a piece of cake to drive them! It was such an amazing feeling roaming through the pagodas with these bikes, it was one of the best experiences of our whole Myanmar itinerary.

Most hotels can also organize for you to join a guided tour of Old Bagan so if you don’t want to go on your own, you’ll just need to drive carefully and follow your local guide.

Bicycle rental is also a popular and fun option but this will limit how much ground you can cover within the archaeological site. In a similar vein, you can hop in the back of a horse-drawn carriage for a unique experience, although again this does reduce how many temples you will get to.

If these options are not appealing, then the most comfortable option is to hire a driver. This way you will manage to squeeze the most sites into your 10 day Myanmar itinerary.

Where to stay in Bagan

Bagan is spread over two small towns and a cluster of small neighborhoods. As you can probably gather, Old Bagan is the most historically rich part of the city and is bursting at the seams with the best-preserved pagodas and temples.

New Bagan is perfect for restaurants and lower-cost accommodation although it’s a fraction of the archaeological site. The nearby town of Nyaung-U is well-positioned for seeing the temples on the outskirts of Old Bagan and is a good option if you want to stay closer to the various transport connections.

Here are my three recommendations for where to stay in Bagan.

• Luxury: Amazing Bagan Resort
• Mid-range: Heritage Bagan Hotel
• Budget: Bagan Wynn Hotel

Best things to do in Bagan

• Temple tour: Spend time exploring the temples of Old Bagan by electric scooter or bicycle. You’ll want to rise early to experience them at first light! If you’d prefer then you can always book a day tour of Bagan by private car.
• Bagan Sunrise & Sunset: Outside of taking a temple tour, I recommend that you wake for sunrise at least one morning during your stay. Watch the sunrise from the Soo Lay Gon Group, one of the few temples you can climb for an unobstructed view. For sunset, head to the Nyaung Lat Phet Viewing Mound for stunning views over the pagodas.
• Bagan Archaeological Museum: Visit this museum to see Buddha statues, murals, and artifacts discovered at Bagan. The exhibits are signposted in English, so you can explore independently.
• Hot Air Balloon Ride: Experience a sunrise flight over the stupas. Flights run between November and early April, so book your Balloons Over Bagan experience in advance to secure your spot.
• Mount Popa: The Popa Taungkalat monastery is perched on the top of this sacred (and extinct) volcano that rises 657 meters (2,155 feet) above sea level. You can book a Mount Popa tour that includes your guide, travel and stops at small local businesses along the way.

Where to eat in Bagan

• Sharky’s Bagan: This converted theater relies upon locally produced organic ingredients that make every dish burst with flavor. The menu is predominantly Western but with an Eastern twist. Expect charcuterie, pasta, pizza, and delightful salads. It’s a perfect place to grab a yummy breakfast!
• DATE Cafe & Bakery: After taking a sunrise gander around the nearby temples, this is where I recommend you head for a strong coffee and a freshly baked slice of cake! 
• HTI Bar & Restaurant: This one is less of a food place and more of a cold beer or refreshing cocktail kind of place! They have a gorgeous outdoor seating area and a generous daily happy hour between 5 and 7pm.
• The Black Bamboo: A Burmese restaurant with a European flair, this place provides a quality dining experience in a peaceful setting. The staff are super friendly and will explain the menu in detail to find your perfect match. At least grab a glass of wine or a scoop of ice cream here while you’re in Bagan.

Day 8-10: Mandalay

With its evocative and practically poetic name, Mandalay is considered the spiritual and cultural capital of Myanmar.

As with Yangon, it is a rather chaotic city in places but among this, you will find even more beautiful pagodas and temples which are very different in style to those you’ve visited so far on this Myanmar itinerary.

Mandalay is the second largest city in the country and is the center of health and education in Myanmar as well as being an economic powerhouse. There is a lot to explore within the city limits although many of the best things to do in Mandalay are actually outside the city.

This is why I recommend staying for three days in Mandalay so that you have enough time to factor in the travel to the nearby towns of Mingun, Amarapura, and Sagaing.

As I mentioned, you can choose to start your 10 day Myanmar itinerary in Yangon or you can reverse it and start in Mandalay if that suits your travel plans better.

How to get to Mandalay 

It’s possible to travel from Bagan to Mandalay by bus, train, or boat. Buses depart from Bagan Shwe Pyi and the bumpy ride takes 5-6 hours subject to traffic and the current condition of the road.

At 8 hours, the train from Bagan to Mandalay takes a little longer but is a nice way to encounter the scenery and have a change of travel style. The fastest way to complete this journey, in 4 hours, is by hiring a private driver.

How to get around Mandalay

It is possible to rent a motorbike in Mandalay if you want to visit the local sites independently. However, as the traffic is busy in the city and the distances to the outer towns are rather large, I only recommend this option to experienced and competent drivers.

For getting around the sites in Mandalay itself, the most cost-effective option is to hail tuk-tuks and taxis via Grab. In terms of travel further afield, such as Sagaing Hill and Amarapura, I recommend hiring a driver for the day or joining a tour to ensure you make the most of your time and travel in comfort.

Where to stay in Mandalay

Chanayethazan Township forms the downtown district of Mandalay and this is the most convenient place to stay in Mandalay for your first visit.

In terms of what to see in the city, most of the central attractions are located in this area and you can easily plan any pick-ups from your Chanayethazan hotel to see places further afield.

Here are my three recommendations for where to stay in Mandalay.

• Luxury: The Hotel by the Red Canal
• Mid-range: Mandalay City Hotel
• Budget: The Hotel Nova

Best things to do in Mandalay

• Shwenandaw Monastery: A beautifully carved teak monastery that survived World War II, originally part of the Royal Palace in Amarapura and later relocated to Mandalay in 1857.
• Kuthodaw Pagoda: This stunning white pagoda houses the world’s largest book, composed of 730 stone tablets inscribed with Buddhist scriptures.
• Mandalay Hill: A rewarding climb that leads to the Su Taung Pyae Pagoda, offering incredible sunset views and a chance to chat with young monks practicing their English.
• U Bein Bridge: The longest teak bridge in the world, stretching 1,200 meters over Taung Tha Man Lake, is a perfect spot for sunrise or sunset walks or a tranquil rowing boat ride.
• Sagaing Hill: A lush green hill dotted with numerous Buddhist monasteries and pagodas, including the egg-shaped Kaunghmudaw Pagoda, U Min Thonze Pagoda, and Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda with its stunning views.
• Innwa: The ancient capital features religious landmarks such as the teak Bagaya Kyaung Monastery and the stucco-covered Me Nu Brick Monastery, dating back to the 14th–19th centuries.
• Mingun: Accessible by ferry along the Irrawaddy River, this small town is home to the ‘unfinished’ pagoda with its crack from an earthquake in 1839 as well as the white Hsinbyume Pagoda with its highly photogenic waves of stone and the Mingun Bell.

Where to eat in Mandalay

• Sagaing Hill Restaurant: While you’re exploring the surrounding area, specifically Sagaing and Amarapura, I recommend you stop at this hilltop restaurant. The food is exceptionally prepared and the portion sizes are particularly generous. 
• Wave Rooftop Bar: After a wonderful 10 days in Myanmar, bow out in style at this sleek rooftop bar which serves quality cocktails and food with a sensational view of the city. 
• Mingalabar Myanmar Restaurant: This is one of the leading restaurants in Mandalay and possibly in the whole country! In addition to the scrumptious curries and salads, the servers are generous and it is typical to receive complimentary side dishes and desserts. 
• What’s Up Cafe: A cool and calm place to nurse a frothy coffee, best served alongside one of their freshly baked cheesecakes or croissants, of course.