43 days in Myanmar Itinerary

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

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Swe Taw Myat Pagoda and Nga Htat Gyi Pagoda. Your inner history buff will appreciate Shwedagon Pagoda and Sule Pagoda. Change things up with a short trip to Bogyoke Aung San Market in Pabedan (about 40 minutes away). There's much more to do: browse the exhibits of Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Okkalapa Pagoda, soar above the sights with a balloon tour, and stop by Yangon Chinatown.

To see more things to do, reviews, photos, and tourist information, refer to the Yangon (Rangoon) holiday maker tool.

Christchurch, New Zealand to Yangon (Rangoon) is an approximately 19.5-hour flight. The time zone changes from New Zealand Standard Time (NZST) to Myanmar Time (MMT), which is usually a -5.5 hour difference. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Wed) to allow time to drive to Ngwe Saung.

Step off the beaten path and head to Ngwe Saung and Scuba & Snorkeling. Step out of the city life by going to Ngwe Saung Beach and Lovers Island. Go for a jaunt from Ngwe Saung to Pathein to see Goyangyi Island about 1h 35 min away.

To find ratings, traveler tips, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Ngwe Saung trip itinerary site.

Traveling by car from Yangon (Rangoon) to Ngwe Saung takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 9th (Fri) to allow time for the car ride to Ngapali.

Combining traditional rural charms with an ever-growing beach resort vibe, the fishing village of Ngapali stands out as a highlight of Myanmar's west coast.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Yogaon by Jac and Yin Min Htike Tour Operation & Information Center. Do some cultural sightseeing at Shwe Nandaw Pagoda Hill and Ngapali Art Gallery. There's still lots to do: kick back and relax at Ngapali Beach, discover the deep blue sea with Ngapali Water Sport Center, don't miss a visit to Linthar English School, and stop by Myanmar Diving Academy.

To see where to stay, reviews, and tourist information, go to the Ngapali trip itinerary planner.

You can drive from Ngwe Saung to Ngapali in 6 hours. In April, daily temperatures in Ngapali can reach 40°C, while at night they dip to 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Mon) so you can fly to Bagan.

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

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Dhammayan Gyi Temple and Lawkananda Pagoda. Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Dhammayazika Pagoda and Gawdawpalin Temple. And it doesn't end there: explore the ancient world of Bagan Temples, don't miss a visit to Yandabo Village Pottery, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Manuha Temple, and admire the landmark architecture of Salay House.

To see ratings, reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Bagan tour website.

Traveling by flight from Ngapali to Bagan takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Thu) to allow enough time to fly to Mandalay.

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

Get some cultural insight at Maha Myat Muni Pagoda- Mahamuni Buddha Temple and Shwe In Bin Monastry. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Bagaya Monastery and Pahtodawgyi Pagoda. Get out of town with these interesting Mandalay side-trips: Irrawaddy Bridge (in Sagaing), Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo) (All Saints Anglican Church, Spas, &more) and Maha Aung Mye Bon Zan Monastery (in Inn Wa). And it doesn't end there: take in the spiritual surroundings of Sanda Muni Paya, admire the striking features of Shwenandaw Monastery, don't miss a visit to Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda, and steep yourself in history at Mandalay Palace.

To see maps, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Mandalay trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Bagan to Mandalay takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Mon) so you can drive to Hsipaw.

Start off your visit on the 20th (Tue): look for gifts at Mr Book and then trek along Mr. Bike Hsipaw Trekking.

For reviews, where to stay, traveler tips, and tourist information, read our Hsipaw online day trip planner.

Traveling by car from Mandalay to Hsipaw takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. You will leave for Nyaungshwe on the 21st (Wed).

Once the capital of the Shan Kingdom, Nyaungshwe is a vibrant tourist hub of Myanmar.

Get outdoors at Inle Lake and Htat Eian Cave Temple. Do some cultural sightseeing at Shwe Yaunghwe Kyaung and Indein Village. There's lots more to do: learn about winemaking at Red Mountain Estate Vineyards & Winery, don't miss a visit to Maing Thouk Village, relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, and head outdoors with Outdoor Activities.

To see maps, ratings, traveler tips, and tourist information, you can read our Nyaungshwe online visit planner.

You can drive from Hsipaw to Nyaungshwe in 5 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of train and flight; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 24th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Kalaw.

Established by British civil servants as a summer resort, Kalaw retains much of its colonial feel.

On the 25th (Sun), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: get great views at Christ The King Church, indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, then make a trip to Thein Taung Pagoda Monastery, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Hnee Paya, and finally surround yourself with nature on Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp- Day Tours.

For other places to visit, reviews, ratings, and other tourist information, read Kalaw trip site.

Drive from Nyaungshwe to Kalaw in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Mon) to allow time to drive to Naypyidaw.

Naypyidaw, officially spelled Nay Pyi Taw is the capital city of Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). Do some cultural sightseeing at Saint Michael Catholic Church and Thatta Thattaha Maha Bawdi Pagoda. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Uppatasanti Pagoda and The Teak Spa & Restaurants. Next up on the itinerary: take an in-depth tour of The National Musuem, get to know the resident critters at Nay Pyi Taw Zoological Gardens, see the interesting displays at The Gem Museum, and stop by Myoma Market.

Plan a Naypyidaw trip in moments using our itinerary builder.

You can drive from Kalaw to Naypyidaw in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In April, daytime highs in Naypyidaw are 34°C, while nighttime lows are 34°C. You'll set off for Kin Pun on the 6th (Thu).

Kick off your visit on the 7th (Fri): take in the spiritual surroundings of Kyaiktiyo Pagoda. Keep things going the next day: take in the spiritual surroundings of Kyaik Paw Law.

To see ratings, reviews, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Kin Pun online trip itinerary builder.

Getting from Naypyidaw to Kin Pun by car takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of flight and train; or do a combination of train and taxi. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 8th (Sat) to allow time for the car ride to Hpa An.

Hpa-An is the capital of Kayin State (also known as Karen State), Myanmar (Burma). Kick off your visit on the 9th (Sun): take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Taung Wine Mountain and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Mount Zwegabin. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 10th (Mon): take in the spiritual surroundings of Lumbini Gardens and then pause for some photo ops at Shwe Yin Myaw Pagoda.

For more things to do, ratings, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Hpa An trip website.

Traveling by car from Kin Pun to Hpa An takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and train. In May, daytime highs in Hpa An are 40°C, while nighttime lows are 30°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 10th (Mon) so you can go by car to Yangon (Rangoon).

Your inner history buff will appreciate Immaculate Conception Cathedral and Kaba Aye Paya. Explore hidden gems such as Green Season Travel and The Rangoon War Cemetery. Explore Yangon (Rangoon) further: soothe aching muscles at Yangon Yoga House, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kyaik Khauk Pagoda, look for gifts at Yangoods, and don't miss a visit to Sein Yaung Chi Pagoda.

To find traveler tips, reviews, and more tourist information, refer to the Yangon (Rangoon) trip itinerary planning app.

Getting from Hpa An to Yangon (Rangoon) by car takes about 4 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a train. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Thu) so you can fly back home.