Myanmar Holidays
Myanmar holidays offer travellers a glimpse of Southeast Asia’s most undiscovered country. The diverse landscapes showcases pristine nature, Buddhist monuments, magical lakes and cities teeming with colonial heritage.
Formerly known as Burma, Myanmar has only recently opened its doors to tourism, so its culture and landscapes remain relatively unspoiled. Experience warm, welcoming people and scenery that ranges from snow topped mountains and lakes to grassy plains, the snaking Ayeyarwady River and buzzing cities. Start in lively Yangon, the country’s most populated city, which offers British colonial architecture, tea houses, glassy malls and shady parks. Its highlight is the Shwedagon Pagoda with its giant stupa encrusted with over 4,500 diamonds. This impressive Buddhist monument speaks to Myanmar’s nickname: Land of the Golden Pagoda.
Myanmar travel: discover a hidden paradise
The last royal capital, Mandalay, is home to spectacular pagodas like Mahamuni and Kuthodaw, which features 729 marble slabs inscribed with Theravada Buddhist scriptures. Explore the city’s restored palace, teak Shwenandaw Monastery, and four nearby ancient cities. For nature, head to beautiful Lake Inle in Upper Myanmar near the Shan hills. Cruise across the lake to stilt house villages, shop at markets selling handicrafts and watch farmers tend to floating gardens. Don’t miss the waterside temple, Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, visit Indein’s crumbling pagodas and spot Intha fishermen ‘leg-rowing’ across the lake.
No trip to Myanmar would be complete without visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bagan. This mesmerising archaeological zone features over 2,000 stupas, temples and monasteries which are peppered across the country’s central plains. Temple-hop your way around Bagan, or float above its majestic spires on a sunrise hot air balloon ride. Take some time to visit Bagan’s traditional lacquer workshops and visit nearby villages for a taste of rural life. Our Classic Myanmar, Highlights of Myanmar and Myanmar Discovery tours encompass all of these destinations and include chic hotel stays. Alternatively, opt for our Luxury Myanmar with Belmond tour to enjoy a cruise along the Ayeyarwady River.
Destination Highlights
Great sample itineraries
Our Burma holidays allow you to experience bustling Yangon and Mandalay, sail Lake Inle and visit Bagan’s sacred temples. Myanmar is also perfectly positioned for a multicentre holiday to neighbouring Cambodia, Laos or Thailand.
Classic Myanmar Tour
Peaceful pagodas with shiny pointed stupas, temples in beautiful teak and awe-inspiring sunsets – discover these delights and more on our classic Myanmar tour. You’ll also observe ancient Myanmar crafts including silk-weaving and tapestry-making in action on this six day...
Iconic journeys
Highlights of Myanmar Tour
Guide Price £2,799 pp
Discover Buddhist monks, bright golden pagodas and plains scattered with magnificent temples on our Highlights of Myanmar tour. This classic tour has been carefully created to give a true glimpse of the real Myanmar. The tour will see you visiting...
Iconic journeys
Myanmar Discovery Tour
Available as either a small group or private tour, this journey gives you the ideal introduction to this fascinating country. Spend five nights exploring ancient Buddhist temples, bustling local markets and the traditional way of life among the floating villages...
Couples Holidays
Luxury Myanmar with Belmond Tour
Explore the natural beauty of Myanmar in luxury on the Belmond Road to Mandalay cruise. Discover life on the Irrawaddy River from the comfort of your cabin and explore the spectacular sights this country has to offer, from the temples...
Escorted tours
Our favourite hotels
Browse our selection of luxurious hotels in Myanmar, which provide a range of board options. Choose from opulent hotels with five star facilities including pools and spas, gourmet restaurants and gyms.
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Myanmar
Myanmar has hot, tropical weather all year round. The best time to visit Myanmar is between November and February, when the weather is at its coolest and driest. Temperatures reach their hottest, topping 40°C, between March and May, particularly in Bagan and Mandalay. Monsoon season falls from May to October, when there can be heavy downpours. Overall, Lake Inle sees slightly cooler weather throughout the year.
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Natalie
Destination Specialist
“In Myanmar, you’ll need to take off your shoes and socks when you enter temples and pagodas. To show respect, both men and women should also wear clothing that covers the knees and shoulders when visiting religious sites.”
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Isla
Destination Executive
“The weather is incredibly hot and sunny in Myanmar, so be sure to bring sunglasses and plenty of sun cream. It can get chilly in the early mornings and nights around Lake Inle, so pack a few warmer layers too.”
Events & Festivals
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Thingyan Water Festival
This vibrant Buddhist event celebrates the Myanmar New Year, which falls according to the lunar calendar, usually in mid-April. The public holiday lasts for around five days and is marked by pouring water over people to signify cleansing and renewal. Variations of these water festivities take place in Laos, Cambodia and Thailand. Visit a pagoda during the Thingyan Water Festival, where Buddhists pray, leave offerings for monks and wash Buddha statues. You can also enjoy parades, music and dancing displays across Myanmar.
Our Myanmar destinations
Frequently Asked Questions
You can take a hot air balloon ride over the Pagodas in Bagan - this amazing experience is only available from October to March, however it is weather dependant.
