Myanmar Photography Tour - 14 Days
Tour Code: SITP-1
This photographic journey takes you to one of the most mysterious and undiscovered destinations in the world. It is the Asia of old, where tribal life still exists, where ancient temples are numerous and not over run by mass tourism, and the landscape is spectacular. This trip is for the photographer who likes to immerse themselves in a culture very different than what they have experienced before.
Start ~ Yangon, Myanmar
Finish ~ Yangon, Myanmar
Physical rating: 3 out of 5
The Itinerary
“Mingalabar” – “Welcome to Myanmar” at the airport by your tour guide and your EMH – Enjoy Myanmar Holiday’s transfer team. We then transfer you to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Meal is not included on this day.
After breakfast, we’ll visit Chauk Htut Gyi Pagoda (with its 70 meters long reclining Buddha image) followed by Kalaywa Tawya Monastery where over 1,200 monks and novices reside. Here we enjoy a great photoshoot of the novices bathing and having their daily meal in the hall. After lunch at a local restaurant, we travel downtown to see and photograph the old colonial quarter. The next visit is the lively and colourful China town before we return to the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
We depart early for our flight to Heho. Upon arrival, we commence our travel, stopping along the road for photography as required. Our first major stop will be Kakku, one of Myanmar’s most spectacular sights, a huge collection of 2,478 stupas which are believed to have been commissioned as far back as 2,00 years ago with some dating back to the 3rd Century BC. Upon arrival in Loikaw, we will go to a local monastery to photograph a monk praying.
Loikaw is the tranquil capital of Kayah State, tucked away in the remote Karen Hills, near the Pilu River; surrounded by scenic mountain ranges, lakes and waterfalls. Closed to visitors for over half a century, this diverse and picturesque region has only recently opened up again. Its lower profile and secluded location means it attracts only a fraction of the tourist numbers that visit Inle Lake each year, allowing those that do venture in to enjoy the sublime scenery in relative solitude. Experience the warm hospitality of the local communities as you learn about the region’s unique cuisine and customs.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
This morning we rise early to photograph the sunrise at a small mountain offering a panoramic view over Loikaw. After breakfast, we drive to Panpet Padaung Village where we’ll enjoy some time meeting and photographing the local Padaung ladies. Lunch will be in their village. After lunch, we proceed to Tanilarle Village where Kayah ladies wear brass and rubber rings on their knees. If time allows, we will also visit De Mow Soe Market which only occurs three days per week. We return to Loikaw in time for sunset.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
We commence our day by road travelling to InLe Lake. This drive will take around 3½ hours. On the way, we will stop at Sagar where we enjoy some time exploring and photographing the village. We’ll then continue our journey to InLe Lake. Upon arrival in Nyaung Shwe (the principle town around InLe Lake), we’ll check in the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Over the course of two days, we will be doing a number of amazing activities around the lake, (if you’ll visit the InLe Lake over the festival time) the main being the Phaung Daw Oo festival in which hundreds of men board purposely built boats and row through villages towing a large royal barge containing sacred Buddha images. This is a festival like nothing you have ever seen.
In addition to this, there is a five-day rotating market which we may be able to visit depending on the location it is scheduled. In addition to attending the local markets, we will also have the opportunity to attend cheroot, weaving, silk/cotton dying and blacksmith workshops. Special photo shoots will also be arranged with the unique fishermen who row with one leg. We will also travel to Indein, a picturesque small village on the western bank of the lake with thousands of stupas. Inle Lake is one of the highlights of the tour and our program will vary according to events and locations we travel to.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Daily Breakfast
Today we depart Inle Lake and return to Heho for our flight to Mandalay. We will visit Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery, a popular photographic stop in Myanmar, en-route to Heho airport.
On arrival in Mandalay, we proceed to Amarapura, the former capital from 1783 to 1821 and 1842 to 1859. We end the day photographing the sunset over U Bein Bridge from small Sampan boats. U Bein Bridge is a beautiful 200-year-old teak bridge said to be the longest in the world. The bridge’s attraction, however, is the hundreds of locals, monks and fisherman making their way back and forth, affording us the opportunity to get some great silhouette shots.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
This morning we’ll get up early to photograph the sun rising over Mandalay Palace and the local monks/novices walking the streets to collect their daily alms.
After breakfast, we will transfer to the jetty and take a private boat to visit Mingun, an unfinished pagoda which would have been the largest in the world if it had ever been completed. The pagoda is also the location of the largest ringing bell in the world, weighing in at 90 tonnes. If we’re lucky we may even see the rare Irrawaddy dolphins which are known to visit this part of the river.
In the afternoon we travel to Paleik to see its famous snake temple and more than 300 long-abandoned temples from the 14th century covered in ivy.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
This morning we depart very early for a sunrise shoot at U Bien Bridge before continuing to Bagan by road. The duration of the drive is around 3½ hours. With more than 2,000 temples, pagodas and other religious structures dating back to the early 11th century, Bagan is one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites and one of the very best destinations for photography.
The following days in Bagan will be filled with numerous photographic opportunities from beautiful sunrises and sunsets to architectural and controlled shoots with locals.
Upon arrival in Bagan, we’ll check into the hotel before proceeding to lunch. After lunch, we’ll visit the main entrance passageway into Shwezigon Pagoda for a special photoshoot before going out and exploring the magnificent sites in the afternoon and evening.
There is also the option of booking a place on the popular hot air balloon flight (at an additional cost) for the next day!
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Bagan is another major highlight of our Myanmar tour and will offer a number of photographic opportunities. For those interested in doing the optional hot air balloon flight, one morning will involve an early rise, briefing, flight and champagne breakfast. Those not doing the flight will have the option of shooting sunrise from one of the temples. The other morning will involve a sunrise shoot from a prime location with the hot air balloons floating past in the distance.
During our two days, we have a number of temples, stupas and monasteries that can be visited, and these will be coordinated according to the route we choose to avoid busy tourist times. Some of these shoots will involve local Monks and Novices. Other interesting photoshoots will be goat herders in the late afternoon light and sunset shoots from prime locations. There may even be an opportunity to do an astrophotography night. One night we will also enjoy a dinner with Marionette show.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Daily Breakfast & a Dinner with Marionette show
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport to take a short flight back to Yangon. On arrival in Yangon, we’ll visit and photograph Danyin Gone market before enjoying a train ride to downtown Yangon. Later in the afternoon, we’ll go to the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda for our final evening shoot.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
On our final morning, we rise early to take a walk through the local fish market. We then return to the hotel for breakfast and prepare for our departure. Those interested in catching up in some last-minute shopping can walk to the nearby Scott’s Market. After an early lunch, we’ll say our goodbyes and travel to the airport for our departure.
Meals: Breakfast
~ 13 nights accommodation
~ enjoy daily breakfast at hotels
~ lunch in the village on Day 4
~ a dinner with Marionette show in Bagan
~ 3 internal flights
~ professional English speaking tour guides
~ all transfers and excursions with private air-conditioned cars with drivers
~ private boat to explore the InLe Lake
~ return private boat to Mingun
~ return airport transfers
~ enjoy exploring Myanmar as per itinerary
~ Visa fee
~ Entrance Fees, approx. AUD $57 per person for an entire trip
~ Meals not specified in the “Inclusions” section
~ Personal insurance and other personal expense
Do I need a visa to visit Myanmar?
It’s far easier these days to obtain a visa for Myanmar via the new online e-visa system. It takes about 3 business days to process your visa, after the payment is made. Your eVisa will be emailed to you. You just have to print it and show it at immigration.
Over 100 countries are eligible for an e-visa, to view a full list of e-visa countries via this official link – https://evisa.moip.gov.mm/.
E-visa for Myanmar costs US $50, and are valid for 28 days.
From 1 October 2019 to 30 September 2020, Australian passport holders are eligible to apply for tourist Visa on arrival. Fee for Visa on Arrival (Tourist) is US$ 50 in cash and the duration of stay in Myanmar is 30 days. You will also need to bring two recent colored passport size photos taken within the past 6 months. More information for the Visa on Arrival can be found via this link – https://tourism.gov.mm/visa-requirements/visa-on-arrival/.
Alternatively, you can apply for this visa via Myanmar e-visa Official Government Website, https://evisa.moip.gov.mm/,with $50 USD per person. Please Note: approval time can take up to 3 business days.
Do I need any vaccinations before visiting Myanmar?
No vaccines are required in order to enter Myanmar but some are recommended for protection against disease. You should seek medical advice from your local health practitioner before travelling to Myanmar and make sure to schedule vaccinations 4-6 weeks before your departure date, as some require time to become effective.
Can I drink the tap water in Myanmar?
As drinking tap water isn’t safe in Myanmar, only drink bottled mineral water, which is readily available in hotels, shops and restaurants. You can help the environment and try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, fill a reusable water bottle with filtered water. Your tour guides and your hotels can tell you where to find filtered water at hotels. Remember to avoid drinks with ice and peel fruit before eating it.
What is currency in Myanmar?
KYAT is the Myanmar currency. While in the country, you’ll use a mix of US dollars and Myanmar kyat. Most hotels and domestic airfares, travel companies, tour guides, some entrance fees will be in USD, while everything else (food, souvenirs, uses etc) will be in Kyat.
Along with USD, it is easy to exchange Australian Dollars, Euro, British Pounds at the banks and the registered money changers. Please note, the money changers at the airports may not accept Australian dollars or British pounds to change. You will visit the money changers in towns to exchange them.
It is essential that bills are in first class, good condition, with no folds, rips or writing. New is best and keep them flat, maybe between two pieces of card. 100’s and 50’s will get the best exchange rate.
When you leave the country, you can exchange your kyat at the airport or banks before you take off. Keep in mind that no where outside of Myanmar will be interested in exchanging your extra Kyat, make sure you get rid of your extra before you leave.
ATM’s: There are now over 2000 ATM’s in Myanmar with a choice at major airports and widespread availability at downtown Banks. 24 hours ATM are in all major tourist destinations such as Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan and InLe Lake. They only dispense kyat. Do note that there is a fixed charge of 5000 kyat, plus your own Bank’s charge and a maximum withdrawal of 300,000 kyat, up to three times daily.
Many smaller villages and small towns have yet to get an ATM but those that have a Bank branch in town will either have one or get one soon.
There have been reports that Banks in some countries still follow the outdated US embargo so do check with your Bank that your card will be accepted.
Credit cards: Credit cards are accepted by some hotels, restaurants and shops, but Myanmar is largely a cash economy. It’s best to carry cash for purchases.
As always, it’s best to call your credit card company and bank in advance to let them know you’ll be traveling, so the chance of your card being blocked is reduced.
What do foods and drinks cost in Myanmar?
Most travelers will find that a budget of USD $8 per lunch or per dinner for food is more than enough, especially if daily breakfast at hotel is included on your tour. Bottle of beer in a bar or restaurant is 2000-2500 MMK.
What’s the food like in Myanmar?
Myanmar cuisine shares many similarities with neighbouring southeast Asian countries. Rice is the cornerstone of most meals and curries are common, though typically more oily and less spicy. Pickled vegetables and tea leaves feature prominently in Myanmar dishes, as well as fish and seafood from the country’s numerous lakes and extensive coastline.
Is tipping customary in Myanmar?
Tipping isn’t mandatory or expected in Myanmar, however if you would like to offer a tip to show your gratitude for the service, you can do so.
What’re the toilets like in Myanmar?
Although Western-style flushable toilets can be found in your hotels and tourist areas, squat toilets are most common in Myanmar. Please ensure that you carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer, as they are usually not provided.
Is WiFi widely available in Myanmar?
Internet can be accessed at most hotels, but be aware, the speed may be slower than what you are used to, particularly in rural areas.
Can I use my mobile phone while in Myanmar?
International roaming in Myanmar is now possible with a growing number of mobile network providers. Check with your service provider before leaving home. Local SIM cards can be purchased for about USD $2. Pre-paid cell service included data service is affordable with decent coverage throughout the country.
Is it not appropriate for me to wear shorts in Myanmar?
Knee-length shorts are fine, however trustees at some pagodas will ban short trousers and skirts showing knees from the pagodas’ platforms. Longyi, a long fabric piece running down to the feet and worn by wrapping and knotting around the waist, can be borrowed with a few costs at the pagoda’s entrance.
What sort of sockets are used in Myanmar and what is the voltage?
Standard voltage is 220 – 240 volts. Primary sockets generally require 2 flat prong plugs, 2 round pin plugs, and 3 fat round pin plugs. We recommend that you pack a universal travel adaptor.
Most of the international hotels have their own generators. Other places may experience power cuts and voltage fluctuation so it’s best to pack a voltage regulator or stabilizer to protect electrical items.
Weather overview
Like much of South-East Asia, Myanmar’s dry season runs from October through to May, and the wet season from May/June through to early October, when the south-west monsoon starts to blow. Within each season, there are variations in temperature; April and May are usually being the hottest of the year (temperatures can reach over 40ºC).
The colder months follow the end of the rains, from October to December/January. The driest regions of the country, avoiding much of the annual rain, are the plains surrounding Bagan and Mandalay, which remain relatively dry aside from the odd heavy downpour, all the way through to August.
Temperatures throughout the country are greatly affected by altitude, and therefore the hill stations, lakes and Himalayan foothills are far cooler than the southern lowland and coastal regions.
The very best months to visit Myanmar are from November to February.
Don’t forget you can modify this tour. Whether you enjoy travelling as a part of a small group with other like-minded travellers, or perhaps you are looking for your very own private journey, we have the right option for you. Click on talk to us button to send us your enquiry.