Myanmar Road Trip Itinerary
Take an unforgettable journey through Myanmar on the Myanmar Road Trip! Starting in Yangon and ending in Yangon, this 12-day, 1910 km road trip will take you through some of the country's most beautiful and historic sites. Along the way, you'll visit Taungoo, Demoso, Inle Lake, Kalaw, Mandalay, and Bagan, each with its own unique attractions, landmarks, and stunning landscapes.
The best time to tackle this road trip is during the dry season, from October to April. During this time, you can explore ancient monuments and cultural sites like U Bein Bridge, the longest teakwood bridge in the world, and the Uluwatu Temple, a stunning Hindu temple built on the edge of a cliff. You'll also have the opportunity to marvel at the breathtaking beauty of Inle Lake and its floating villages, as well as the thousands of ancient temples and pagodas in Bagan.
Be aware that road conditions in Myanmar are generally poor, so it's important to take your time and drive carefully. However, don't let this stop you from embarking on this incredible journey, as it is sure to provide a lifetime of memories. Additionally, this road trip can be managed on a low budget, making it perfect for everyone!
12
number of days
1,820 km
route length
low
budget
explorer
good for
on the right
traffic direction
high
accident level
START
Yangon
Distance 1,820 km
Driving time 49.7 h
Pace: slow
418.7 kWh
Airports
RGN
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Yangon is the perfect starting point for the Myanmar Road Trip. The city is the former capital of Myanmar and it is home to some of the country’s most interesting sights. The Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the most famous sites in Yangon, a must-see for visitors to the city. The pagoda is believed to be more than 2,500 years old and is covered in gold, making it one of the most spectacular sights in the city. Other attractions include the Bogyoke Aung San Market, where visitors can browse through a variety of traditional Burmese goods; the Sule Pagoda, located in the center of the city; and the Yangon River, which runs through the city.
The closest international airport to Yangon is the Yangon International Airport (RGN), which is located just a few miles away from the city center. From here, visitors can take a taxi or bus to their desired destination. Car rentals are also available at the airport, making it easy to explore the city and the surrounding area.
Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s sights or take a road trip around the country, Yangon is the perfect starting point for the Myanmar Road Trip. With its fascinating history, vibrant culture, and plenty of attractions, it’s sure to be an unforgettable journey.
1
Yangon
- Taungoo
Distance 276 km
Driving time 3.8 h
Pace: fast
82.9 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an unforgettable journey from Yangon, Myanmar to Taungoo! This 276km drive will take you no more than 4 hours, so you can make the most of the attractions along the way.
Start your journey in Yangon, Myanmar's largest city, and explore the Shwedagon Pagoda, a stunning temple complex with a golden stupa. Then, make your way to Bago, the ancient capital of the Mon Kingdom. Here, you'll find the Shwemawdaw Pagoda, one of the most important Buddhist monuments in Myanmar.
Continue your tour to Kyaikto, a small town known for its beautiful pagodas. Visit the Golden Rock Pagoda, a spectacular sight perched atop a granite boulder. Then, make your way to Taungoo, a city known for its colonial-era buildings and temples. Don't miss the Taungoo Palace, a colonial-style building that served as the residence of the last king of Burma.
This is just one of the many stages of your journey, and more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, get ready for an amazing road trip from Yangon to Taungoo!
Taungoo - Myanmar - Asia - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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2
Taungoo
- Demoso
Distance 193 km
Driving time 8.1 h
Pace: slow
44.4 kWh
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Welcome to the Taungoo-Demoso road trip stage! This 199 km journey will take you less than 6 hours, and you will get to explore some of the most interesting places in both Taungoo and Demoso.
In Taungoo, you can visit the Taungoo Bamboo Bridge, a beautiful and unique bridge made of bamboo and teak wood. It is a great place to take some amazing pictures. You can also visit the nearby Taungoo Pagoda, a beautiful temple surrounded by lush greenery.
In Demoso, you can explore the beautiful Taungnyo Nature Reserve, which is home to a large variety of wildlife. You can also visit the nearby Demoso Cave, which is a stunning and mysterious cave that is filled with rock formations and stalactites.
At the end of the trip, you can also visit the nearby town of Loikaw, which is known for its traditional Burmese culture and architecture.
This stage of the road trip is sure to be an unforgettable experience. More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, pack your bags and get ready for an amazing journey!
Demoso - Myanmar - Asia - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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3
Demoso
- Inle Lake
Distance 143 km
Driving time 4.7 h
Pace: slow
32.9 kWh
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Demoso, Myanmar to Inle Lake! This 143 km journey will take you fewer than 4 hours to complete, so you can make the most of your time. Along the way, you can expect to be mesmerized by the stunning scenery of the countryside. Make sure to take your time to enjoy the rolling hills, lush greenery, and breathtaking views of the distant mountains.
Your first stop should be at the Demoso Bazaar, where you can explore the vibrant market and pick up some souvenirs. Then, continue your journey and make a stop at the picturesque village of Paung Laung. Here, you can take a stroll around the village and admire the traditional architecture and stunning landscapes.
Next, you will have the chance to visit the beautiful Naung Mon Lake. Take a break and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of this serene lake. After that, you will arrive at the charming town of Nyaung Shwe. Here, you can explore the traditional monasteries and temples, as well as the bustling local market.
Finally, you will arrive at your destination, Inle Lake. This stunning lake is home to a variety of wildlife, and you can take a boat tour to explore the lake and its surroundings. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops in the area, so you can enjoy a delicious meal and pick up some souvenirs.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary for this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Inle Lake - Myanmar - Asia - Road Trip - Pixabay
Inle Lake - Myanmar - Asia - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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4
Inle Lake
- Nyaungshwe
Distance 29 km
Driving time 0.7 h
Pace: modest
7.6 kWh
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Embark on a thrilling road trip from Inle Lake to Nyaung Shwe, a journey of 29 km that will take you less than an hour. The road is scenic and offers magnificent views of the rural landscape. You’ll have the chance to visit some of the most interesting places in the area, such as the bustling markets of Nyaung Shwe and the traditional villages of Inle Lake. Make sure to take your time to explore the local culture and the unique sights of the region. As you drive, keep an eye out for the traditional wooden houses and the lush green hills that surround the area. Don’t forget to take some pictures of the stunning views! At the end of the journey, you’ll arrive in Nyaung Shwe, where you can find many interesting places to explore. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. Get ready to experience the beauty of Myanmar on this road trip!
Nyaungshwe - Myanmar - Asia - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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5
Nyaungshwe
- Kalaw
Distance 62 km
Driving time 1.4 h
Pace: modest
16.2 kWh
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Are you ready to take a road trip from Nyaung Shwe to Kalaw? This journey is one of the stages of a larger tour, and it will take you less than 2 hours to drive the 56km that separate these two places.
Start your trip in Nyaung Shwe and explore the colorful markets and the Inle Lake, where you can find traditional floating villages, floating gardens and a unique leg-rowing style of the local fishermen.
Continue your journey to Kalaw, a hill station and former British colonial outpost. Here, you can enjoy the stunning views of the Shan Hills and visit the ancient Buddhist monasteries and the Kalaw Market.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!
Kalaw - Myanmar - Asia - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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6
Kalaw
- Mandalay
Distance 209 km
Driving time 4.6 h
Pace: modest
54.5 kWh
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip experience? Then get your car and embark on a 208 km journey from Kalaw to Mandalay. This is one of the most beautiful stages of a larger tour and you will be able to enjoy the stunning landscapes of Myanmar.
Start your journey in Kalaw, a small mountain town located in the Shan State. Here you can visit the Kalaw Market, the Shwe Oo Min Pagoda and the Kalaw Hill Station.
Continue your ride to the town of Pindaya, where you can admire the Pindaya Cave and its thousands of Buddha images.
After that, you can reach Heho, the gateway to the Inle Lake. Here you can visit the Heho Airport and the Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery.
The final stop of your journey is Mandalay, the second-largest city in Myanmar. Here you can explore the Mahamuni Pagoda, the Mandalay Hill and the Kuthodaw Pagoda.
The entire journey should take less than 5 hours. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a safe and pleasant drive!
Mandalay - Myanmar - Asia - Road Trip - pixabay
Mandalay - Myanmar - Asia - Road Trip - Pixabay
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7
Mandalay
- Myingyan
Distance 138 km
Driving time 3.1 h
Pace: modest
35.9 kWh
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Mandalay to Myingyan! This journey of 139 km will take you less than three hours to complete while allowing you to witness the picturesque Myanmar countryside. As you drive, take in the beauty of the rolling hills, the lush green fields, and the quaint villages that dot the landscape.
Your first stop should be the U Bein Bridge, the world's longest teak bridge, located in Amarapura. This bridge is a popular tourist spot and offers a great view of the lake and the surrounding countryside.
Next, you can visit the Mahamuni Pagoda in Mandalay. This pagoda houses a highly revered Buddha statue and is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
After that, make sure to visit the Sagaing Hill, located near the Ayeyarwady River. This hill is home to numerous Buddhist monasteries and pagodas, making it an important religious site.
Finally, you'll arrive in Myingyan, where you can explore the ancient city walls and the historic Myinmu Pagoda.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road for an unforgettable journey!
Myingyan - Myanmar - Asia - Road Trip - pixabay
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8
Myingyan
- Bagan
Distance 73 km
Driving time 1.7 h
Pace: modest
18.9 kWh
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Myingyan to Bagan, a journey full of mesmerizing sights and sounds. The journey is 74km long and can be completed in less than 2 hours, so you'll have plenty of time to explore the attractions along the way. Start your journey with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Myingyan, where you can explore the ancient ruins and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. As you drive, keep your eyes peeled for the stunning scenery and the historical sites that line the route. Make sure to take a break in Wetkyi-in to explore the ancient pagodas and the stunning architecture. Once you arrive in Bagan, you'll be able to explore the ancient temples and monuments that make this city so special. Don't forget to take a boat ride along the Ayeyarwady River to witness the beauty of the landscape from a different perspective. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage.
Bagan - Myanmar - Asia - Road Trip - pxhere.com
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9
Bagan
- Magway
Distance 160 km
Driving time 4.6 h
Pace: slow
36.8 kWh
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Embark on a 161 km journey from Bagan to Magway, a drive that will take you fewer than 4 hours, and experience the best of Myanmar! Start your journey in Bagan, a city known for its over 2000 ancient temples and pagodas, and explore its rich cultural heritage. As you make your way to Magway, you will be mesmerized by the picturesque landscapes of the rural areas. Make sure to take a break and enjoy the scenic views of the villages and the countryside. Along the way, you can visit the Minnanthu Village and explore its unique local culture. Once you reach Magway, you can visit the Shwezigon Pagoda, which is one of the most important religious sites in the country. Make sure to visit the nearby villages and explore their culture and traditions. The journey from Bagan to Magway is sure to be an unforgettable experience! For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Magway - Myanmar - Asia - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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10
Magway
- Pyay
Distance 251 km
Driving time 8.2 h
Pace: slow
57.7 kWh
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Welcome to the Magway-Pyay Road Trip stage! This is an exciting stage of a larger tour, taking you from Magway to Pyay, a 252 km drive that will take you less than 6 hours.
Starting in Magway, you can visit the beautiful Shwesandaw Pagoda, a Buddhist stupa located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. It's a popular pilgrimage site, and you can also enjoy the stunning views of the river and the surrounding landscape.
Next, you'll reach Taungdwingyi, where you'll find the stunning Myatheindan Pagoda, one of the most important religious sites in Myanmar. It's a great place to explore and learn more about Buddhist culture.
Your last stop before Pyay is Minhla, home to the Minhla Fort, a historic fortification built by the British in the 19th century. It's a great place to explore and learn about Myanmar's history.
Finally, you'll arrive in Pyay, where you can visit the beautiful Shwemawdaw Pagoda, a Buddhist temple built in the 11th century. It's a great place to learn about Buddhist culture and admire the stunning views of the surrounding area.
This is an amazing stage of a larger tour, and there's plenty to see and do along the way. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Pyay - Myanmar - Asia - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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11
Pyay
- Yangon
Distance 285 km
Driving time 8.8 h
Pace: slow
65.6 kWh
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Embark on the Pyay-Yangon road trip and enjoy the 285km of Myanmar's stunning scenery! It's a 7-hour drive, so make sure you make the most of it. Start your journey in Pyay, where you can visit the ancient Shwesandaw Pagoda, a magnificent structure with a breathtaking view of the city. Then, head to the nearby Bawbawgyi Paya, a temple complex that houses a large Buddha statue.
Continue your journey towards Yangon, where you can explore the incredible Shwedagon Pagoda, a golden Buddhist temple complex that is said to contain relics of four Buddhas. In the city center, don't miss the chance to visit the Sule Pagoda, a 2,000-year-old temple with a unique octagonal shape. Finally, explore the vibrant Chinatown area, where you can find traditional markets, restaurants and street food.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a great road trip!
Yangon - Myanmar - Asia - Road Trip - Pixabay
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Yangon
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Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is the largest city in Myanmar and the last stop of the Myanmar Road Trip. Located in the southern part of the country, Yangon is the country’s economic hub, and it is home to a wide variety of cultural, religious and historical attractions.
As the last stop of the Myanmar Road Trip, Yangon is the perfect place to conclude any Myanmar journey. The city is home to a number of cultural landmarks, such as the Shwedagon Pagoda, the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in the country, and the National Museum, the largest and oldest museum in the country. There are also several religious sites to explore, such as the Botataung Pagoda, the Maha Wizaya Pagoda and the Sule Pagoda.
Yangon also has a vibrant nightlife and plenty of entertainment options, from bustling markets to lively bars and restaurants. After a long road trip, visitors can relax and explore the many shopping opportunities in the city.
If you’re traveling to Yangon by air, the closest international airport is Yangon International Airport (RGN) located in Mingaladon, about 15 kilometers from the city center.
Whether you’re looking to explore the cultural attractions of Yangon or relax and enjoy the nightlife, Yangon is the perfect place to end the Myanmar Road Trip. With its combination of cultural and religious attractions, vibrant nightlife, and shopping opportunities, Yangon is sure to provide a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Yangon - Myanmar - Asia - Road Trip - Pixabay
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Myanmar Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Yangon
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End:
Yangon
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Distance:
1,820 km
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Stay:
12 days
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Getting there:
Yangon International Airport (RGN)
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When to drive:
January, February, March, October, November, December
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Set off on an unforgettable 12-day, 1910 km journey through the enchanting landscapes of Myanmar, starting and ending in the bustling city of Yangon. This Road Trip is a deep dive into Myanmar's storied past, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural wonders. From the remnants of ancient empires in Bagan to the serenity of Inle Lake, each destination on this route offers a unique slice of Burmese life.
Enhanced Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Yangon: Begin your adventure in a city that seamlessly blends colonial architecture with the spiritual grandeur of sites like the Shwedagon Pagoda, one of Buddhism's most sacred places.
- Taungoo: Explore this historical town that was once the heart of a mighty kingdom, rich with tales from the 16th century.
- Demoso: Immerse yourself in the traditional lifestyles and rich cultural tapestry of the Kayah people.
- Inle Lake: Glide through tranquil waters surrounded by floating gardens and witness the iconic leg-rowing fishermen.
- Kalaw: Stroll through a peaceful hill station that bears the charm of old-world Myanmar with its quaint colonial bungalows and vibrant markets.
- Mandalay: Discover the country's cultural capital, where ancient traditions endure and marvel at the majestic U Bein Bridge, the world's longest and oldest teakwood bridge.
- Bagan: Lose yourself amidst over 3,500 magnificent temples, pagodas, and monasteries that date back to the 9th century, creating an awe-inspiring skyline that's especially magical at sunrise or sunset.
Enhanced Best Time to Go:
Embark on your Road Trip from October to April to take advantage of Myanmar's dry season, ensuring clear skies and cooler temperatures that are ideal for exploring the country's myriad attractions.
Enhanced Potential Risks:
Travelers should be mindful of the challenging Road conditions in some parts of Myanmar, with occasional rough and unpaved Roads. It's advisable to carry a reliable map and ensure your vehicle is well-equipped for varied terrains.
Enhanced Facts for Roadtrippers:
- Myanmar is an affordable destination, making it possible to have a rich experience without a high budget.
- Historical landmarks abound, including the mesmerizing Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, a golden rock defying gravity, and the ancient city of Mrauk U.
- Myanmar's diverse landscapes range from idyllic beaches to lush jungles, ensuring that each day of the Road Trip brings a new and exciting backdrop.
- The country's architectural heritage is a fusion of traditional Burmese, colonial British, and modern influences, offering a visual feast for travelers.
A good choice for:
Embarking on this Road Trip through Myanmar is more than just a holiday; it's a passage through time and a celebration of enduring culture. This adventure is perfect for those who seek to unravel the mysteries of a land steeped in tradition and natural splendor, all on an accessible budget.
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