Highlights of Cambodia and Myanmar 10 days

Upon arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, you are met by the driver and transferred to your hotel for check-in. 

Afternoon

Visit Tonle Sap Lake, a vast freshwater ecosystem known for its floating villages and seasonal water-level changes that shape local life.

Explore the surrounding waterways where stilt houses, fishing activities, and birdlife form a dynamic lakeside environment. The area offers a calm atmosphere and a close view of communities living in harmony with the lake.

Return to Siem Reap and stay overnight at the hotel.

Morning

After breakfast at the hotel, begin the visit to Angkor Thom, the ancient capital dating back to the 12th century.

Enter through the South Gate and continue to Bayon Temple, known for its distinctive stone faces and layered architectural design. Inside, the temple complex features corridors, towers, and galleries arranged in a structured maze-like layout.

Continue to Ta Prohm, a temple partially embraced by tree roots and forest vegetation, preserving a natural and atmospheric setting since its rediscovery.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

Explore Angkor Wat, a large temple complex covering approximately 81 hectares, originally built in the 12th century. The site represents a significant example of Khmer architecture and religious heritage.

In the late afternoon, ascend Bakheng Hill for a panoramic view of the surrounding temples and landscape during sunset.

Morning

After breakfast, depart for Banteay Srei, located approximately 35 km from Siem Reap. The temple is known for its detailed sandstone carvings and well-preserved decorative reliefs.

Continue to Banteay Samre, a temple from the Angkor period featuring classical architectural style and a quieter atmosphere compared to the main complex.

Return to Siem Reap for lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

Explore the Grand Circuit of Angkor, a series of temple sites representing different stages of Khmer construction and religious development.

Visit Preah Khan, a large complex combining temple and monastic elements, followed by Neak Pean, located on a central water basin surrounded by symbolic pools.

Continue to Ta Som, where tree roots and stone structures are closely intertwined, then East Mebon, originally built on an artificial island structure.

End with Pre Rup, a brick temple offering elevated views across the surrounding plains.

Transfer to Siem Reap Airport for your flight to Yangon. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel for check-in.

NOTE: Check-in time is 14:00. Early check-in can be arranged with a surcharge.

Afternoon

Begin a city tour of Yangon through its former colonial district, where tree-lined streets and preserved architecture reflect the city’s historical past. Visit City Hall and Mahabandoola Park, followed by Independence Monument. Continue along Strand Road and the Yangon Jetty area, where river activity and historic buildings sit side by side.

If time allows, stop at Strand Hotel, a landmark colonial property known for its preserved interior and historical significance.

Continue your exploration with visits to Botahtaung Pagoda and Ahma Mya Nan Nwe, where local devotees believe the spirit of a dragon princess guards the pagoda. Then, wander through the bustling Bogyoke Aung San (Scott) Market - a treasure trove of handicrafts, jewelry, clothing, and local products.

Note: The market is closed on Mondays and public holidays.

Visit the impressive Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda, home to a colossal reclining Buddha, before stopping at Karaweik Hall, a royal barge replica on Kandawgyi Lake - perfect for photos. End your day at the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar’s most sacred landmark. Watch as the golden stupa glows in the light of the setting sun - a breathtaking finale to your first day in Yangon.

Morning

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a short flight to Mandalay, the former royal capital of Myanmar. Continue to Amarapura, a historic city known for monastic traditions and traditional crafts.

Visit a silk-weaving workshop where artisans produce textiles using handlooms, maintaining techniques passed down through generations. Proceed to Mahagandayon Monastery, where monks follow structured daily routines, including silent alms collection in long orderly lines.

Walk across U Bein Bridge, a 1.2 km teakwood bridge stretching over Taungthaman Lake, widely used by locals and offering open views of the water and surrounding countryside.

Afternoon

Continue sightseeing in Mandalay. Visit Mahamuni Pagoda, a major religious site where the Buddha image is covered in layers of gold leaf applied by devotees.

Explore Mandalay Palace, the last royal residence of the Burmese monarchy, surrounded by walls and a moat. Continue to Kuthodaw Pagoda, known for its marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist scriptures arranged across a large open complex.

Visit Shwenandaw Monastery, a teakwood structure with detailed carvings depicting traditional motifs. Stop at Atumashi Monastery before heading to Mandalay Hill for panoramic sunset views over the city and the Irrawaddy River.

Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Mandalay.

Morning

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be picked up for a scenic drive from Mandalay to Bagan. Enjoy the peaceful countryside views along the way, passing through charming villages and lush landscapes that offer a glimpse into local rural life.

Afternoon

Arrive in Bagan and check in at the hotel before beginning exploration of the ancient temple landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with thousands of pagodas spread across an open plain.

Take a horse-cart ride through selected temple areas, moving at a relaxed pace between ancient structures, brick stupas, and partially restored ruins. The experience offers close views of temple details and the wider archaeological setting.

In the late afternoon, enjoy a sunset cruise along the Ayeyarwady River. The riverbanks and temple silhouettes create a wide open view as the light changes across the landscape.

Return to the hotel and overnight in Bagan.

NOTE: There are no direct domestic flights from Mandalay to Bagan.

Morning

Begin the day at Nyaung U Market, a local trading space where fresh produce, spices, and daily goods reflect everyday community life.

Continue to Shwezigon Pagoda, a major religious monument and architectural prototype for later stupas in Myanmar. Its golden structure is particularly visible in morning light.

Next, visit Kyansittha Umin (Cave Temple), Gupaukgyi Temple, a 13th-century gem famous for its intricate frescoes depicting stories from the Jataka tales. The ancient artwork offers a fascinating glimpse into Buddhist teachings and the artistry of the Bagan era. 

Afternoon

After lunch, continue to Htilominlo Temple, recognised for fine stucco decoration and multi-level design.

Proceed to Ananda Temple, one of the most refined examples of Bagan architecture, featuring symmetrical layouts and large standing Buddha statues.

Your sightseeing continues with visits to Thatbyinnyu Temple, Dhammayangyi Temple, and Old Bagan, where the grandeur of ancient architecture and sacred Buddha images tell stories of a glorious past. 

As the sun begins to set, climb up near Shwesandaw Pagoda to enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the endless plains dotted with temples - an unforgettable sight.

Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening and overnight in Bagan.

Morning

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight from Bagan to Heho.

Visit Pindaya Cave, a limestone cave filled with thousands of Buddha images placed by pilgrims over time, creating a dense and reflective spiritual space. Continue to nearby Shwe U Min Pagoda, located in the same area, surrounded by quiet natural scenery.

Stop at Boutaloke Lake, where still waters reflect surrounding hills and farmland. Visit a local workshop producing traditional Shan paper and umbrellas, showcasing regional craftsmanship.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, take a gentle stroll at the base of Pindaya Hill, breathing in the fresh mountain air and soaking up the peaceful rural scenery. Afterward, drive to Nyaung Shwe Jetty and board a boat transfer to your hotel in Inle Lake.

NOTE: Bagan to Heho domestic flights operate every Monday and Friday.

After breakfast, begin a full-day boat excursion on Inle Lake at around 08:00.

Cruise along the calm waters, passing through villages built on stilts. If your visit coincides with market day, you’ll get to explore a lively local market, where people from surrounding hill tribes gather to trade fresh produce, textiles, and handicrafts.

Observe traditional fishermen using a distinctive leg-rowing technique while maintaining balance on narrow boats.

Stop by the Phaungdaw Oo Pagoda, the lake’s most sacred site, before heading to the Silk Weaving Village of Inphawkhon to observe artisans skillfully crafting delicate fabrics by hand. Stop by the Burmese Cats House, cheroot making, and other cottage crafts. 

Your final stop will be the Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery, a 200-year-old wooden monastery built on stilts over the lake, known for its beautiful architecture and tranquil atmosphere.

After the tour, transfer to Heho Airport for your flight back to Yangon. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and rest for the evening.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Heho Airport for your domestic flight back to Yangon. Upon arrival in Yangon, continue with your onward travel arrangements or connect to your international departure.