Northern Myanmar Classic Road Trip Itinerary
The Northern Myanmar Classic Road Trip is an unforgettable journey of 845km through some of the most beautiful sights in Myanmar. Starting in Mandalay, the ancient city of Monywa awaits, with its multitude of temples and pagodas. From there, travelers can explore ancient Bagan, home to thousands of Buddhist temples, monasteries, and stupas. A short drive away is Inle Lake, famed for its traditional leg-rowing fishermen and floating gardens. Throughout the journey, visitors can take in the natural beauty of Myanmar’s countryside and explore its historical sites, including UNESCO-listed monuments.
The roads are in fair condition, but some are curvy and narrow, so travelers should take caution. The best time of year to make the trip is from October to April for the best weather. The journey can be completed in 12 days, allowing plenty of time to explore the sites and take in the scenery. The Northern Myanmar Classic Road Trip is suitable for all drivers and can be done on a budget. It is sure to provide unforgettable memories and an unforgettable experience.
12
number of days
845 km
route length
moderate
budget
tourist
good for
on the right
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Mandalay
Distance 845 km
Driving time 21.3 h
Pace: slow
194.4 kWh
Airports
MDL
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Mandalay is the perfect starting point for the Northern Myanmar Classic Road Trip. Located in the center of Myanmar, Mandalay is the country’s second largest city and a cultural hub. It is home to many ancient monuments and temples, and its surroundings offer a great variety of attractions. Among the must-see places in Mandalay are the Mahamuni Pagoda, a revered Buddhist temple, and the Mandalay Palace, a royal fort built in the 19th century.
The nearby hills of Mandalay are popular for trekking and exploring. Mandalay Hill, with its many temples and pagodas, is a favorite destination among travelers. Other attractions include the U Bein Bridge, a 200-year-old teak bridge, and the Shwenandaw Monastery, a complex of wooden buildings dating back to the 19th century.
The closest international airport to Mandalay is Mandalay International Airport (MDL). Car rental services are available at the airport, as well as at some of the car rental agencies in town. Mandalay is well connected by roads and is easily reached by car from other major cities in Myanmar.
Mandalay offers a great starting point for travelers looking to explore the northern part of the country. With its many attractions and nearby natural attractions, Mandalay is the perfect beginning for the Northern Myanmar Classic Road Trip.
1
Mandalay
- Monywa
Distance 132 km
Driving time 3.9 h
Pace: slow
30.5 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an exhilarating road trip from Mandalay to Monywa, a 132km journey that takes less than 4 hours to complete. Along the way, you will be treated to some of the most fascinating sights in Myanmar, including the ruins of the old city of Ava, the Ananda Temple, and the U Bein Bridge. There is plenty to see and do in both Mandalay and Monywa, so take a few days to explore each.
The road between Mandalay and Monywa is winding and narrow in sections, so be sure to drive with caution. As you make your way through the countryside, take a moment to admire the rolling hills and lush vegetation that make up this region of Myanmar. Keep your eyes peeled for historical sites and scenic roads, and you’re sure to find something amazing.
Once you arrive in Monywa, you can spend the rest of your time exploring its many attractions, such as the Phowintaung Caves, the Bodhi Tahtaung Pagoda, and the Thanboddhay Pagoda. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the “Itinerary” of this stage. With so much to see and do, you’re sure to have an unforgettable road trip from Mandalay to Monywa.
Monywa - Myanmar - Asia - Road Trip - Pixabay
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2
Monywa
- Pakokku
Distance 113 km
Driving time 3.0 h
Pace: slow
26.1 kWh
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Itinerary
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Experience an amazing road trip from Monywa to Pakokku, Myanmar! This 113km drive will take you less than 3 hours, but you'll be able to enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. The road is quite narrow in parts, so be careful as you drive. Feel free to take your time to take in the views! There are many interesting places to visit along the way, such as the Thanboddhay Pagoda in Monywa, or the Pakokku Market. Be sure to also check out the hot springs in Monywa, and the Shwe Ba Taung Pagoda in Pakokku. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Pakokku - Myanmar - Asia - Road Trip - Pixabay
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3
Pakokku
- Bagan
Distance 38 km
Driving time 0.9 h
Pace: modest
9.8 kWh
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Start your road trip in Pakokku, Myanmar and take a 38 km drive to Bagan, one of the most beautiful places in the world. This journey is filled with breathtaking views and exciting historical spots. Along the way, you will pass through stunning landscapes and drive by unique villages. The drive will take less than an hour and you will have the opportunity to discover some of Myanmar's most remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Be prepared for some narrow sections of the road, but the beautiful views will be worth it. Make sure to take your time to explore and take pictures of the amazing scenery. Don't forget to stop in Bagan to marvel at the stunning temples and pagodas. For more information on the sights, accommodation, restaurants, and campsites along the route, make sure to check the Itinerary of this stage. Have a safe journey!
Bagan - Myanmar - Asia - Road Trip - pxhere.com
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4
Bagan
- Mount Popa
Distance 53 km
Driving time 1.3 h
Pace: modest
13.9 kWh
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Itinerary
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A road trip from Bagan to Mount Popa is an amazing journey full of history and culture. This 53 km drive will take you less than two hours to complete and you will be able to visit some of the most interesting places in Myanmar. On your way, you will be able to visit some UNESCO Heritage sites. The road is very winding in some sections, so you need to be extra cautious and attentive. In some sections, the road will be narrow, so please take care while driving. After the winding roads, you will be rewarded with beautiful views of the countryside. Make sure to take some time to enjoy the stunning scenery. Once you reach Mount Popa, you can explore the temples and shrines on the mountain and take in the breathtaking panoramic views. More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and embark on this exciting road trip from Bagan to Mount Popa!
Mount Popa - Myanmar - Asia - Road Trip
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5
Mount Popa
- Inle Lake
Distance 270 km
Driving time 6.3 h
Pace: modest
70.2 kWh
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Embark on a road trip from Mount Popa to Inle Lake and get ready to be mesmerised by the breathtakingly beautiful landscapes of Myanmar. The 270 km journey will take you about 6 hours, and you will be blessed with the opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful places in the country.
Start your journey at the Mount Popa, a unique geological formation rising up from the surrounding plains and home to an ancient monastery and temple complex. After soaking in the spiritual vibes of Mount Popa, continue your journey to the mysterious Bagan Plain. Here you can explore the stunning collections of Buddhist temples and pagodas, some of which are more than 1000 years old.
Next, you will be heading towards the picturesque Inle Lake, located in the heart of the Shan Hills. Here, you can spend your time exploring the traditional villages, floating markets, and the fascinating Intha people who live on the lake. You can also take a cruise on the lake and admire the traditional fishing techniques of the locals.
As you drive along the route, make sure to pay attention to the scenic road and take a moment to appreciate the stunning views. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Inle Lake - Myanmar - Asia - Road Trip - Pixabay
Inle Lake - Myanmar - Asia - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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6
Inle Lake
- Pindaya
Distance 60 km
Driving time 1.7 h
Pace: slow
13.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on a road trip that will take you from Inle Lake to Pindaya, a journey of about 60km that can be completed in less than 2 hours. As you drive, be sure to pay attention to the scenic roads that will take you through the Shan Hills, a picturesque stretch of countryside. While on the road, make sure to take a detour to the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, one of the most sacred sites in Myanmar, and visit the nearby Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery. You’ll also pass by the picturesque Nyaung Shwe, the gateway to Inle Lake, as well as the Red Mountain Estate Vineyards, where you can sample some of the country’s finest wines. In Pindaya, be sure to explore its many limestone caves and take in the breathtaking views from the nearby Shwe Oo Min Pagoda. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, refer to the ‘Itinerary’ of this stage.
Pindaya - Myanmar - Asia - Road Trip - Pixabay
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7
Pindaya
- Mandalay
Distance 179 km
Driving time 4.3 h
Pace: modest
46.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the amazing road trip from Pindaya to Mandalay! This 178 km journey will take you fewer than 4 hours and you'll be able to visit some of the most beautiful places in Myanmar.
Start your journey from Pindaya, a small town located in Myanmar's Shan State and home to the famous Shwe U Min Pagoda. This sacred site is filled with thousands of Buddha statues, making it an unforgettable sight.
Continue to Heho, the gateway to Inle Lake. Here, you can take a boat tour and admire the floating gardens, traditional wooden stilt houses and the locals’ unique way of rowing.
Next, make your way to the ancient city of Nyaungshwe. You will find a variety of traditional Shan-style buildings, including the Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery.
Finally, you will reach Mandalay, the second-largest city in Myanmar. Here, you can explore the Mandalay Palace, Kuthodaw Pagoda and U Bein Bridge.
On this journey, you will not only be able to experience some of the most beautiful places in Myanmar, but also get a glimpse of the local culture and traditions. To ensure that you make the most of your trip, we suggest taking a look at the "Itinerary" of this stage, where you'll find more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route.
We hope you have a wonderful journey!
Mandalay - Myanmar - Asia - Road Trip - Pixabay
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Mandalay
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Mandalay is the last point of the Northern Myanmar Classic Road Trip, a journey that will take you through the best of Myanmar's countryside. Mandalay is the second-largest city in Myanmar and the former royal capital of the country. It is a great destination for travelers looking for a mix of culture and history.
Mandalay is full of ancient temples and monuments that will keep you enthralled. The Mandalay Palace is a must-see. It is a beautiful structure that was built in the late 1800s and it is a great example of Myanmar's royal architecture. There are also many monasteries and pagodas in the area that are worth visiting.
If you are looking for some shopping, the Zegyo Market is the place to go. It is a great place to find souvenirs and other items. There are also many restaurants and cafes that offer traditional Myanmar cuisine.
For those traveling by car, the city is easily accessible from Yangon, the main city in Myanmar. The drive takes about six hours and is the perfect way to end your road trip. For those arriving by air, the closest international airport is Mandalay International Airport (MDL).
Mandalay is a great place to end your Northern Myanmar Classic Road Trip. It is full of culture and history and is a great place to explore.
Northern Myanmar Classic Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Mandalay
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End:
Mandalay
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Distance:
845 km
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Stay:
12 days
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Getting there:
Mandalay International Airport (MDL)
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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
Embarking on the Northern Myanmar Classic Road Trip is an exploration of 845 kilometers of cultural richness and breathtaking scenery. Starting from the historic city of Mandalay, the journey includes the intriguing town of Monywa, the archaeological treasure trove of Bagan, and culminates in the serene beauty of Inle Lake. This itinerary is a celebration of Myanmar's ancient cities, sacred temples, and diverse natural wonders.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Mandalay: As the last royal capital of Myanmar, Mandalay is a city steeped in history and culture. Don't miss the majestic Mandalay Palace and the panoramic views from Mandalay Hill.
- Monywa: A hidden gem where travelers can discover the Thanboddhay Pagoda, home to over 500,000 Buddha images, and the nearby Bodhi Tataung, featuring a staggering 129-meter-tall standing Buddha statue.
- Bagan: This ancient city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 2,000 Buddhist monuments dotting the landscape. The sunrise balloon rides offer a magical perspective of this archaeological splendor.
- Inle Lake: A serene freshwater lake famed for its floating villages, gardens, and the iconic one-legged rowing technique of the Intha fishermen. The lake is also renowned for the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival featuring ornate, gilded barges.
Best Time to Go:
The ideal time for this Road Trip is between October and April when the weather is dry and cool, providing comfortable conditions for outdoor exploration and uninterrupted views of Myanmar's stunning pagodas against clear blue skies.
Potential Risks:
Navigating this route requires cautious driving due to varying Road conditions, which can range from well-maintained highways to less developed stretches where you'll encounter sharp bends and narrow lanes. It's important to be prepared for the unexpected and drive defensively.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The journey, if paced leisurely, can be completed in approximately 12 days, allowing ample time to immerse oneself in the local culture and history.
- The itinerary is accessible for all types of travelers, including those on a budget, with affordable accommodations and dining options along the way.
- The route not only features UNESCO World Heritage sites but also provides opportunities to engage with the local population and participate in traditional Myanmar crafts and cuisine.
A good choice for:
The Northern Myanmar Classic Road Trip is a captivating adventure through the heart of Myanmar, offering a tapestry of experiences that fuse the grandeur of its past with the vibrant rhythms of daily life. It's an unforgettable journey for those seeking to understand the soul of this enchanting country.
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