*Stunning beaches, ancient temples as far as the eye can see, and lush, green mountainsides that will leave you in awe—Myanmar is a destination you NEED to add to your bucket list. This guide offers the perfect one-month itinerary to explore the hidden gems of this incredible country.*  --- ## The Itinerary #### Days 1-2: Fly into Yangon Airport. Settle in and explore the vibrant sights and flavors of the city. #### Day 3: Take an overnight bus south to the coastal city of Myeik. #### Days 4-8: Go island hopping around the Mergui Archipelago—remote beaches and untouched islands await. #### Day 9: Travel to Dawei. Find a cozy place to stay and relax for the evening. #### Days 10-13: Rent a motorcycle and explore the stunning Dawei Peninsula. Soak up the sun on pristine beaches. #### Day 14: Head to Hpa An. Check into a hotel and enjoy a sunset beer. #### Days 15-18: Discover the limestone mountains, caves, and farmlands of Hpa An. #### Day 19: Travel to Bagan. The journey may be bumpy, but the destination is worth it. #### Days 20-23: Explore the breathtaking temples of Bagan. Sunrise hot air balloon rides are a must. #### Day 24: Head to Lake Inle. Settle into your accommodation and dine by the water. #### Days 25-26: Cruise around Lake Inle by boat. Immerse yourself in the local culture and capture the iconic fishermen in action. #### Days 27-28: Visit Mandalay to experience city life from a Burmese perspective. #### Days 29-30: Return to Yangon for a final exploration before flying home. --- ## Days 1-2: Arrival in Yangon Myanmar's largest city is a bustling hub filled with shops, activities, and incredible food. The rapid development of this once-isolated country is evident everywhere you look. **If you are flying internationally:** Yangon will most likely be the cheapest and most easily accessible destination to begin the trip. **If you are coming from Thailand:** I would recommend altering the itinerary and going straight to Myeik via land border then working your way up the country from there. #### Bogyoke Aung San Market If shopping is your thing, this place is a haven for local treasures. Hundreds of stalls line the market and surrounding alleyways containing everything from art, sculptures, jewelry, antiquities, and fabrics. I spent a few hours here before jumping onto the nearby circular train for a loop around the city. There are a few small shops to get a bite to eat if you are hungry. Remember that this itinerary will land you back in Yangon at the end of the trip if you see something you want to buy and don’t feel like lugging it around for a month.  #### Yangon Circular Train Easily one of the most fascinating experiences of the trip is riding the Yangon Circular Train around the city for a true look at how the locals live. The train is old, slow, and packed with locals commuting to and from work. The doors are wide open, allowing you to hang your feet outside and soak in all of the sights afar. This is one of the best ways to get a true glimpse into the culture and day-to-day life of the Burmese people. Be sure to speak with a train operator before getting on to make sure the entire loop is operational. When I went, construction stopped the train about 45 minutes into the loop, forcing us to get a taxi back to the downtown area. The full loop will take over 2 hours to complete. On the train, you can find vendors and hawkers selling little things such as water, nuts, and fruit. I’d suggest eating before jumping on.  #### Shwedagon Pagoda Upon walking up the steep and lengthy stairway to the Shwedagon Pagoda lies Yangon’s most famous attraction. The 99-meter gold-coated pagoda can be seen all around the city but is best enjoyed up close. This is a must-visit during your time in the capital. I went about an hour before sunset and stayed well into the night. Sunset from the hill it sits atop is spectacular, and the contrast of the pagoda between day and night is striking. Make sure to bring socks and a bag, as shoes are not allowed, and you will need to carry them or leave them at the door. After visiting, you can take a short walk to the Sky Bar in the Yangon International Hotel overlooking the pagoda. This is a wonderful place to enjoy a nice dinner and drink, ideal for soaking up more of that luxurious golden pagoda.  --- ## Day 3: Bus to Myeik The longest stretch of the trip—but well worth the sights to come. I took a 22-hour overnight bus and opted for the slight upcharge to take the VIP bus. This option is absolutely worth it. Equipped with A/C, comfortable reclining seats, and stops for three meals, it was a cheaper alternative to the costly domestic flight from Yangon and allowed me to see much more of the country. I had a surprisingly good sleep and would do it again in a heartbeat. You can also fly directly to Myeik, but flights are infrequent and considerably more expensive. The bus I took arrived in Myeik around noon the next day, leaving me plenty of time to check into the hotel and wander around the city a bit before sunset. There weren’t many buses heading down here, so I’d recommend checking for tickets as early as possible when you arrive in Yangon. Alternatively, if you’re coming from Thailand, you can rearrange the itinerary and begin your Myanmar trip in Myeik by crossing from Thailand via bus at the land border.  --- ## Days 4-8: Island Hopping in Myeik The city of Myeik has no accessible beaches, so you’ll need to book an island-hopping tour to fully appreciate the surrounding Mergui Archipelago. While the city itself doesn’t offer much in terms of entertainment, the beaches and crystal-clear waters you’ll encounter on an island-hopping tour are truly unparalleled. Your trip to Myeik will be unforgettable and is an experience you shouldn’t miss. There are several travel companies offering island-hopping tours, ranging from single-day trips to 14-day excursions. While you can book ahead, I found it quite easy to arrange a trip through an agency in the city. I opted for a three-day, two-night tour with Life Seeing Tours, and it was fantastic. They provided food, tents, and transportation—just bring a swimsuit and a change of clothes, and you’re ready to spend a few nights exploring the islands.     --- ## Day 9: Bus to Dawei Another travel day! This time, you’ll take a shorter bus ride heading north to Dawei. The journey takes about six hours, and tickets can be purchased from one of the travel agencies in Myeik. From what I gathered, there’s only one bus per day on this route, and it departs early in the morning. Be prepared to wake up around 4 AM and make your way back to the same bus station where you arrived. It’s a good idea to arrange transportation to the station the night before—your hotel can help you book a ride for that morning. --- ## Days 10-13: Motorcycling the Dawei Peninsula Dawei boasts some of the most stunning coastlines and beaches in the country. While most of these beaches are only accessible by motorcycle, there are a few small bed-and-breakfast-style accommodations at the southern end of the peninsula that offer direct beach access. If you’d prefer not to travel 2–3 hours each day from the city, I recommend staying in that area. You can rent a motorcycle from several places in the city and ride down to the B&Bs near the beaches for an overnight stay. This approach lets you enjoy the remote, lush, and scenic motorcycle journey while avoiding the daily commute to the beaches.  #### Grandfather Beach Surrounded by mountains and vibrant orange dirt, getting here can be a bit tricky. You’ll need to navigate a steep, loose hill to reach the area. I recommend arriving near low tide, as the beach and surrounding shops flood around noon, making the descent a wet and challenging experience. Be prepared to remove your shoes and walk through knee-deep water to access the beach. This is one of the more popular spots for locals and was among the few beaches I visited that actually had people.  #### Tizit Beach When we arrived at Tizit Beach, there was no one else around except for the locals. The sand here is soft, and the ocean is pristine. A motorcycle is necessary to access this beach, but the breathtaking views from the mountain pass make the journey entirely worthwhile. The sand near the shore is firm enough to ride on, creating unforgettable moments of cruising along the beach at sunset.  --- ## Day 14: Bus to Hpa An One of the shorter bus rides on this trip, the fare is around $20, and it takes approximately 5 bumpy hours. Once you arrive in Hpa An, there are plenty of hostels and hotels to choose from. I booked mine on Hostelworld the night before, but you should have no trouble finding a place to stay on the day of your arrival if needed. --- ## Days 15-18: Hpa An: Farmland, Caves, and Mountains Hpa An offers a stark contrast to the beaches and cities encountered so far on the trip. Surrounded by towering limestone mountains and lush green farmland, the region has a peaceful, rural charm. There are several caves, lakes, and one of my favorite sunrise hikes of the journey. While I have a few recommendations and must-visit spots, Hpa An is best explored without a strict plan. A central theme of this trip has been the freedom of hopping on a motorcycle and riding wherever your heart desires.  #### Mount Zwegabin Sunrise Hike Hiking Mount Zwegabin for sunrise is a must-do during your time in Hpa An. The mountain is located a short ride from town, about 40 minutes by motorcycle. The hike to the summit took around 35 minutes at a brisk pace, so you’ll need to leave around 4 AM to catch the sunrise, depending on the season. The highlight of the hike is the final ascent up the floating stairs to reach the peak. Be sure to have your camera ready and take in the breathtaking views.  #### Kyauk Kalat Pagoda This is one of those places that leaves you in awe, wondering how such a unique landscape can exist. Easily one of the most unusual rock formations I’ve encountered, it’s a fantastic spot to watch the sunset. A winding staircase leads up the rock to the top of the temple, making it a great place to spend a couple of hours.  #### Saddar Cave Filled with bats, stunning limestone formations, and statues, this short cave walk provides a refreshing escape from the heat. The path takes about 20 minutes to explore, leading to a beautiful lake at the back. Grab a drink, relax for a while, and take a small paddle boat back to the entrance for a memorable experience.  --- ## Day 19: Bus to Bagan A travel day heading north. This part of the trip is hot, bumpy, and slow, so be prepared for a longer journey than expected. Bagan has plenty of hotels and hostels, but I’d recommend booking accommodations in advance, as it’s a popular tourist destination. You’ll need to purchase an entry ticket for the area, as it’s a protected national park, but the bus driver should assist in sorting it out before you enter the park. --- ## Days 20-23: Chasing Pagodas in Bagan Once you’ve settled into your accommodation in Bagan, the best way to explore the vast area is by pedal bike or scooter. All the scooters available for rent are electric, helping to reduce noise pollution—a refreshing change from the loud gas-powered vehicles you’ll be used to from the first half of your trip. There’s no right or wrong way to experience Bagan. The park is enormous, with thousands of pagodas scattered throughout. Most of them are open for exploration, with a few offering rooftop access (though that is being restricted more recently). You could spend weeks here and still not see all the pagodas up close. Bagan is divided into a new town and an old town—most of the backpacker-friendly hostels are located in Old Town. You’ll find a handful of restaurants, but I often ate at my hostel or from local food carts. Several hostels and hotels offer outdoor pools, which are a great perk, especially depending on the time of year you visit. I highly recommend simply wandering the area freely, but here are a few top pagodas and experiences not to miss during your time in Bagan.  #### Hot Air Ballooning The top attraction in Bagan is undoubtedly the daily hot air balloon tours. Almost everyone who experiences it claims it’s a must-do. I chose to watch from the ground, as the cost of a tour is quite expensive. If you decide to go for it, be sure to set aside a few hundred USD for the trip. From what I’ve heard, you’ll wake up around 4:30 AM and head to the take-off location, returning by around 9:00 AM.  #### Sunset Boat Cruise Be sure to spend at least one evening on a slow cruise down the Ayeyarwady River. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy distant views of some of the pagodas and relax after a long day of exploration. Several companies offer these cruises at very affordable prices. Our boat included snacks, drinks, and even alcohol. The trips range from half an hour to two hours. Book through your hotel for convenience.  #### The Big Three Temples With over a thousand pagodas to explore in Bagan, there are three main structures that hold significant importance to locals: Shwesandaw, Thatbyinnyu, and Shwezigon. Be sure to make time to visit these iconic pagodas during your trip—you’re likely to come across them without even trying.  --- ## Day 24: Bus to Kalaw Long-distance buses run the route multiple times a day, with the overnight option being the most popular. I recommend checking with a travel agent in Bagan to book your tickets before heading to the bus stop --- ## Day 25-26: Relaxing at Lake Inle These two days take us to the stunning Lake Inle, located just outside the city of Kalaw. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to make it to Lake Inle during this trip, but everyone I spoke to highly recommended not missing it. The lake is known for its breathtaking scenery, traditional Intha stilt houses, and the unique leg-rowing fishermen. From what I’ve heard and seen through photos, the calm waters, floating gardens, and vibrant markets make Lake Inle a truly unforgettable destination. Huge thanks to my friend Toby for sharing those beautiful pictures and giving me a glimpse of what I missed!     --- ## Day 27-28: Mandalay City Mandalay is a fast-paced city with less tourism compared to other parts of the country. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of the Burmese people, away from the crowds typically found in Yangon. There are several culturally significant monasteries and temples within the city limits, as well as vibrant markets perfect for shopping and exploring. Mandalay Hill is a great spot for a brisk hike and offers stunning views of the city and sunset on one of your nights. You could also visit the Mandalay Marionettes Theater to catch a local show showcasing Myanmar’s rich history and culture. As for me, I mainly wandered the city without specific destinations in mind. Since this is the last stop before returning to Yangon, you might not feel as inclined to spend too much time here, but there are definitely some interesting sights worth exploring.  --- ## Day 29-30: Return to Yangon The final two days of the trip are a return to where it all began. The bus from Mandalay to Yangon takes about 8 hours. Alternatively, Mandalay has a large international airport if you prefer to fly, depending on your next destination. If you return to Yangon, you’ll have plenty of time to revisit the markets and pick up any final souvenirs or trinkets you might want to take home. Enjoy these last couple of days, savor some delicious food, and take the time to reflect on the incredible month of experiences you’ve had.  --- ## Concluding Thoughts Your month-long journey through Myanmar is bound to be an unforgettable adventure, filled with stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. From the serene beaches of Ngapali to the ancient wonders of Bagan, and the tranquil beauty of Lake Inle to the bustling streets of Yangon and Mandalay, each destination offers its own unique charm and insight into Myanmar’s diverse culture. The highlights of your trip—exploring historic pagodas, witnessing breathtaking sunrises, and embracing the freedom of riding a motorcycle—are sure to stay with you. Myanmar’s blend of natural beauty, vibrant traditions, and friendly locals makes every moment special. Despite the occasional long and bumpy journeys, the sense of discovery and connection with the people and places makes the experience truly worthwhile. As you reflect on your journey, you’ll likely feel grateful for the memories, experiences, and the chance to explore a country that feels both timeless and unique. Myanmar’s beauty lies not just in its landscapes but in the people who call it home. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the warmth and resilience of its people and a desire to return and explore even more of this enchanting land. --- *Update: Unfortunately as of this time (June 2021) Myanmar is experiencing major political and civil unrest. Taken from the advice of friends on the ground there— I can not recommend traveling to Myanmar at the time of writing. Pray for Myanmar!* *Update 2: The political situation in Myanmar has escalated (July 2022). Travel is still not recommended.* *Update 3: As of 2025, some tourists have reported that travel is doable. However many governments still have do not travel advisories. DYOR.* --- ### Other Myanmar Guides: [The Top 3 Hidden Beaches of Myanmar: A Guide to Tizit, Grandfather, and Mergui](https://hes.npub.pro/post/1705254252735/) --- ### More from Hes: [Art](https://hes.npub.pro/tag/art/) [Store](https://plebeian.market/p/517d6542a081d61ecd8900ad9e2640290e2cf06f516c5e5f3edadfbde446bff4/stall/1db0cdfe0e39c4bd81b903902eeda74e6aa0f0b56e30851f327e6d0c292c5c06) [Travel Guides](https://hes.npub.pro/tag/travel/) [Photography](https://hes.npub.pro/tag/photography/) [Writings](https://hes.npub.pro/tag/money/) --- *Originally Published June 15, 2021. Edited with Nostr friendly images on 1/5/2025*