18 days in Myanmar Itinerary

Although Myanmar moved its capital to Naypyidaw in 2005, Yangon remains the largest city and commercial hub in the country.

Visit Swe Taw Myat Pagoda and Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue for their historical value. Discover out-of-the-way places like U Thant House and Immaculate Conception Cathedral. Next up on the itinerary: take in the spiritual surroundings of Shwedagon Pagoda, examine the collection at Myanmar Motion Pictures Museum, get engrossed in the history at Bogyoke Aung San Museum, and pause for some photo ops at Chaukhtatgyi Buddha.

To find more things to do, maps, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the Yangon (Rangoon) trip planning app.

Kalamazoo, USA to Yangon (Rangoon) is an approximately 28-hour flight. You'll lose 11.5 hours traveling from Kalamazoo to Yangon (Rangoon) due to the time zone difference. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 6th (Sun) so you can catch the flight to Naypyidaw.

Naypyidaw, officially spelled Nay Pyi Taw is the capital city of Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). Start off your visit on the 7th (Mon): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Thatta Thattaha Maha Bawdi Pagoda, then take in nature's colorful creations at National Landmark Garden, and then take in the spiritual surroundings of Saint Michael Catholic Church. Here are some ideas for day two: learn more about the world around you at The Gem Museum, brush up on your military savvy at Defense Services Museum, then make a trip to Uppatasanti Pagoda, and finally take an in-depth tour of The National Musuem.

For traveler tips, reviews, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Naypyidaw trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Yangon (Rangoon) to Naypyidaw takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In October, plan for daily highs up to 80°F, and evening lows to 80°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Bagan.

The thousands of temples at Bagan rise up from the plain, each with their own history, style, and spiritual meaning.

Dhammayazika Pagoda and Nan Hpaya are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Discover out-of-the-way places like Htilominlo Pahto and Gawdawpalin Temple. There's still lots to do: contemplate the long history of Gubyaukgyi Temple, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Thatbyinnyu Temple, make a trip to Lemyethna Temple, and get engrossed in the history at Bagan Archaeological Museum.

To find photos, maps, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Bagan day trip planner.

You can drive from Naypyidaw to Bagan in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of car and flight. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Sat) to allow enough time to fly to Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo).

Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo) was established by the British as a military outpost, but soon became the summer capital of British Burma, and a popular retreat for the colonial administration on account of its relatively cool and refreshing climate.

On the 13th (Sun), Head underground at Hampshire Falls and Caves (Pwe Kauk) and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Peik Chin Myaung Cave. On the 14th (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: take in nature's colorful creations at National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens, take in the dramatic scenery at Anisakan Falls, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at All Saints Anglican Church, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Maha Ant Htoo Kan Thar Pagoda.

For maps, more things to do, ratings, and more tourist information, read our Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo) journey planning website.

Traveling by flight from Bagan to Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo) takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 14th (Mon) so you can go by car to Hsipaw.

Kick off your visit on the 15th (Tue): stop by Mr Book and then hike along Mr. Bike Hsipaw Trekking.

For ratings, reviews, maps, and more tourist information, use the Hsipaw travel planner.

Traveling by car from Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo) to Hsipaw takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 15th (Tue) so you can go by car to Mandalay.

Built on a large scale by a king needing to impress and rebuild after defeat in battle, Mandalay deserves exploration.

Kick off your visit on the 16th (Wed): get up close to creatures of the deep with a dolphin and whale watching tour, take in the spiritual surroundings of Sanda Muni Paya, then admire the striking features of Pahtodawgyi Pagoda, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Maha Myat Muni Pagoda- Mahamuni Buddha Temple. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 17th (Thu): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Shwe In Bin Monastry, admire the landmark architecture of Kuthodaw Pagoda & the World's Largest Book, take in the spiritual surroundings of Maha Aung Mye Bon Zan Monastery, take in the spiritual surroundings of Bagaya Monastery, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Jade Pagoda Mandalay, and finally admire the striking features of Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda.

For where to stay, traveler tips, ratings, and more tourist information, you can read our Mandalay visit planner.

Getting from Hsipaw to Mandalay by car takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Thu) early enough to travel back home.