Myanmar, the Golden Land, captivates with thousands of ancient temples in Bagan, the shimmering Shwedagon Pagoda, and rich Buddhist heritage. From bustling Yangon to serene Inle Lake, experience authentic Southeast Asian culture largely unchanged by mass tourism.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Bago (Pegu)
Highlights: Shwethalyaung Reclining Buddha (55m long) · Shwemawdaw Pagoda (taller than Shwedagon) · Kanbawzathadi Golden Palace · Hintha Gone Hill viewpoint · Mahazedi Pagoda
Kyaiktiyo (Golden Rock)
Highlights: Golden Rock balancing pagoda - one of Myanmar most sacred sites · Sunrise or sunset views from summit at 1100m · Pilgrims performing merit-making rituals · Mountain village atmosphere · Optional overnight stay on summit
Amarapura and Ancient Cities from Mandalay
Highlights: U Bein Bridge at sunset over Taungthaman Lake · Sagaing Hill covered with hundreds of white pagodas · Inwa (Ava) ancient capital ruins · Paleik snake monastery · Horse cart rides through Inwa ruins
Minnanthu Hidden Temples, Bagan
Highlights: Minnanthu village with authentic rural life · Tayok Pye Temple with 360-degree panoramic views · Nandamannya Temple with rare erotic murals · Payathonzu Temple with three interconnected shrines · Khay Min Ga sunrise viewpoint with minimal crowds
Inle Lake Village Circuit from Nyaungshwe
Highlights: Floating tomato and flower gardens grown on lake · Intha leg-rowing fishermen in morning mist · Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda with five golden Buddhas · Lotus-thread and silk weaving workshops · Indein archaeological site with hundreds of small stupas
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organised tours from Yangon to Bago from $25-40 per person including transport and guide
- Private
- Private car with driver from $70-100/day for flexibility to Bago or Kyaiktiyo from Yangon; $25-40 from Mandalay for ancient cities circuit
- Public
- Express buses serve Yangon-Bago ($3), Mandalay-Pyin Oo Lwin ($1.50), and Mandalay-Monywa. Buy at bus station or through hotel.
- Rental
- E-bike rental $5-8/day for self-guided exploration of Bagan temples or Inle Lake villages; bicycle rental $2-3/day in Bagan
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Start all day trips before 8 AM to avoid midday heat and reach sites with good early morning light
The Amarapura and four ancient cities loop from Mandalay is best done as a full day by hired tuk-tuk ($25-35) to cover all sites
Kyaiktiyo is strongly recommended as an overnight trip — stay on the summit for dawn prayers and magical lighting at sunrise and sunset