Spending 3 weeks in Myanmar, it is an exceptional adventure. At first, we didn’t know how to plan our excursions and activities, but thanks to the help of Autour Asia, Myanmar tour agency, we settled on a reasonably priced and unforgettable Myanmar family trip. Definitely, this journey gave us chances to explore flawless scenery, majestic temples, breathtaking mountains and rice paddies. Our Myanmar trip itinerary with the must-see destination: Yangon - Kyaiktiyo - Hpa An - Kalaw - Inle Lake - Bagan - Mandalay - Yangon
Travel 3 weeks in Myanmar, after looking into the weather in Myanmar 3 weeks, we opted to visit Myanmar in January as it is one of the best seasons to explore this country and makes it perfect for a family vacation. Temperatures range from 22 to 30°C during the day, while evenings cool down around 15-20°C. Most days are sunny, which provides excellents conditions for sightseeing and excursions.
However, it’s essential to recognize that weather in Myanmar may vary depending on the region. Cooler temperatures can be experienced in mountainous regions like Inle Lake or the Shan Hills, particularly in the mornings and evenings, whereas the central plains surrounding Bagan and Mandalay tend to be warmer and drier.
We started our voyage of exploration with the first destination Yangon. Beginning our 3 weeks in Myanmar, we visited the majestic Shwedagon Pagoda - the most revered religious symbol of the country. In the afternoon, we also have great opportunities to see the historical pagoda Sule. This pagoda is located at the central intersection of Yangon and displays Mon architecture. Its dome gave us the impression of an infinite spiral. Surrounding it, there are 10 bronze bells engraved with the names of the contributors and 8 Buddha statues.
Visit Myanmar, on the second day of the Myanmar itinerary 3 weeks, we visited one of the iconic tourist sites in Myanmar, the Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Buddha Pagoda. The pagoda features a giant statue that stands 30 meters tall with a porcelain lively face and big, bright eyes. To enhance a more authentic experience of 21 days in Myanmar, the guide advised us to walk barefoot on the cool stone floor to fully feel the sacred atmosphere. In the evening, Chinatown attracted our steps. When we arrived there, it was approaching the Lunar New Year, so the area was very vibrant and we were able to observe the rhythm of life of the Chinese community in Myanmar.
On the third day of our Myanmar travel guide trip, my family visited the railway station on Kun Chan Road. This is a place with British colonial architecture, so it still retains some old features. We then took a train heading to Kyaiktiyo.
For the first destination of the 3-week Myanmar itinerary, we decided to savor some must-try dishes: Mohinga (fish noodle soup) and Lahpet Thoke (tea leaf salad). We booked our accommodations at Esperado Lake View. Despite its mid-range rating, the service is friendly and welcoming.
Go on a trip 21 days in Myanmar, days 4 and 5 of our Myanmar travel itinerary 3 weeks will take you to the famous Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, also known as the “Golden Rock”. There, you will see a massive rock covered in gold. In order to immerse ourselves in a religious atmosphere, we spent the night at the top of the mountain. At dawn, while pilgrims recite their prayers, the golden light touches the rock, the atmosphere becomes deeply spiritual. The road to the temple is about 5 km through the mountain with a slope of 60 to 70 degrees. As we have small children, we hired porters to carry the palanquin to the top of the mountain at a cost of 10 euros per person.
The 5th day of 3-week Myanmar itinerary, we got up so early to admire the sunrise at the peak of Mount Kyaiktiyo whose sacred rock recovered by gold sparkled. After that, all of my family visited Kin Pun market where the local residents sell food, flowers of offering and various souvenirs including lucky bracelets or Thanaka powder, used as their natural skincare product. Additionally, before going on our travel in Myanmar, we found a small roadside tea shop to enjoy a cup of milk tea while observing the daily rhythm in this lovely country. In the early afternoon, we headed to the Kin Pun bus station and took the bus to Hpa An (about a three-hour journey).
Regarding the culinary experience, vegetarian dishes typical of pilgrimage locations are served. Although these were vegetarian dishes, they were prepared in a unique manner with a subtle blend of spices, so my whole family enjoyed them with pleasure.
This is a 21 days in Myanmar stage full of adventures and discoveries in Myanmar! The time spent around Hpa An provided us sublime landscapes and unique experiences. We began by visiting the Sadan Cave, a huge cavern that shelters an interior lake, which particularly fascinated our children. Then, we headed to Mount Zwekabin, where an early morning hike rewarded us with a spectacular sunrise and a breathtaking panorama. A Myanmar travel tip: if you are not in good physical condition, consider renting a tuk-tuk to explore the caves and the nearby area, especially when you go for a Myanmar family trip.
On the 7th day of 3-week Myanmar travel guide, we visited Kyauk Kalap Pagoda, a small temple perched on a rocky peak. Also, remember to contemplate the surrounding lake and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere it provides. The following day, we arrived at the village of Lakkana which is encircled by rice fields and offers an authentic glimpse of local life.
Be sure to visit the Kyauk Kalap pagoda, a small temple perched on a rocky peak, as well as the village of Lakkana for an authentic immersion. Over these days, we tasted Mon specialties, including Hin Htote, a tasty rice cake cooked in a banana leaf. For 3 days of Myanmar travel itinerary, my family stayed in the house of Mr.Kyaw whose hospitality and culinary skills allowed us to better understand the daily life of Myanmar.
Explore must visit in Myanmar? I invite you to a cultural and natural immersion in Kalaw with us - the Charron family. We first explored our adventure together by visiting the sacred Myin Ma Hti cave, an important Buddhist site. Afterward, we immersed ourselves in the lively atmosphere of the Kalaw market where we tasted local delicacies and rice wine.
At dawn on the 10th day, we went for a trip to Hnee Pagoda, which is famous for its Buddha statue made of gilded bamboo. Later that afternoon, my family took a gentle hike to Palaung Village, where the Palaung people live surrounded by expansive green tea fields. We learned about their way of life, their customs and traditions, and their tea cultivation skills. On our last day of 3-week Myanmar itinerary in Kalaw, we went to explore the Nepalese village to gain insights into the Gurkha community.
Visit Myanmar 3 weeks, I would advise you to opt for shorter treks around Kalaw if lengthy hikes aren’t your preference, they still allow you to interact with local ethnic groups and admire the beautiful pine forests. According to my experience of Myanmar tour packages, you shouldn’t miss the essential dishes of the area: Shan noodles and fried tofu. For lodging, I selected the Nature Land Hotel which offered us a serene and comfortable environment.
At our next stop of Burman holiday, we immersed ourselves in the unique ambiance of Inle Lake by exploring the floating villages and learning the daily routines of the Intha people. We also visited the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, a sanctuary of five sacred Buddha statues and the craft workshops to observe cigar making and silk weaving from lotus. Don’t miss the Indein Pagodas, a must visit in Myamar mystical site with hundreds of stupas hidden in the jungle. We woke up very early for a boat ride at dawn. There’s no doubt that this is a magical time to avoid the crowds, appreciate traditional fishermen and capture unforgettable images. Savoring the grilled fish from the lake and lotus flower salad is also a memorable experience.
The next morning, we went on a hike through the Shan and Pa-O villages in order to cross the rice fields and bamboo forests. After wrapping up that trip of our 3-week Myanmar itinerary, we had lunch in a local village and tasted a traditional dish called Shan Khauk Swe (Shan rice). Then, we participated in handicraft workshops such as pottery or local cooking classes. At sunset, the return to Nyaung Shwe allowed us to enjoy the tranquility of this small town while sipping a cup of Myanmar tea.
The final day was dedicated to relaxation and unique experiences. On the 14th day of our memorable Myanmar itinerary 3 weeks, fortunately, our family arrived on a weekly market day, which gave us the chance to explore a floating market and experience the local trading culture. The afternoon was spent relaxing at the Khaung Daing hot springs.
What to do in Myanmar? Bagan, with its thousands of temples, is a true jewel of Myanmar. We explored iconic temples like Ananda, Dhammayangyi and Shwesandaw by bike before experiencing rural life at Minnanthu village. For a peaceful sunset, Tu Yin Taung hill offers a splendid view in 3-week Myanmar itinerary. We enjoyed Burmese curries and tamarind sweets for a local culinary experience.
We decided to dedicate our last day in Bagan to nature. In the morning, we rented a boat for an excursion on the must visit in Myanmar Irrawaddy River. Afterwards, we headed to Mount Popa, about 1h30 drive, a sacred place perched on a rocky peak. Climbing its 777 steps offers a breathtaking view of the region. Back in Bagan, enjoy a last sunset from a less frequented spot before concluding this unforgettable stay in the ancient city of a thousand pagodas.
Mandalay, rich in history during 3-week Myanmar itinerary, invites you to explore the U Bein Bridge, the longest teak bridge in the world. For an exceptional experience, we hired a small boat to admire the bridge from the water. Next, we visited the Kuthodaw Pagoda, known as "the largest book in the world", and viewed the city from Mandalay Hill for a magnificent panorama at sunset. We also toured the Mandalay Palace and the local craft workshops. Another Myanmar travel suggestion is to try mee shay (Mandalay noodles).
During the 19th day of Myanmar travel itinerary 21 days, we began our journey at the Mahamuni Pagoda where we could admire a Reclining Buddha statue with layers of gold leaf added by worshipers. After that, we explored Mandalay’s craft workshops to observe artisans including wood carvers, gold leaf artisans, and silk weavers as they create their masterpieces.
Back in Yangon, we took advantage of our last day to stroll a Burman holiday through the Bogyoke Aung San market, a paradise for handicrafts and precious gemstones, and explore the historic center. To conclude our lengthy Myanmar tour packages, we relaxed in Inya park. Before leaving, we stopped in a traditional teahouse to savor laphet yay (Myanmar milk tea) and observe the local life.
This 3-week Myanmar itinerary was a fascinating experience, highlighted by authentic interactions, stunning scenery and a rich culture. We hope that this story will inspire you for your next trip!
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