19-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guides Route in Myanmar
Embarking on a 19-day journey through Myanmar with your family is a deeply rewarding experience that balances spiritual wonder with genuine hospitality. This route is designed with a relaxed pace in mind, focusing on comfortable intercity travel and destinations that offer a mix of historical education and outdoor fun for children.
Myanmar’s charm lies in its slow rhythm. By following this guide, you will avoid the rush, allowing your little ones to soak in the sights of shimmering stupas and floating gardens without the exhaustion of a typical high-speed tour. We prioritize stroller-friendly paths in major cities and private transport for the longer stretches to ensure your family travels in ease and style.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Yangon, Myanmar - Arrival & Welcome
Arrival at Yangon International Airport
Touch down in Myanmar's largest city. After clearing customs, meet your driver for a smooth transfer to your hotel. The airport is modern and offers easy navigation for families with strollers.
Kandawgyi Lake Park
Take a gentle stroll around this scenic lake. The boardwalk offers great views of the Karaweik Hall, a replica of a royal barge. It is a perfect spot for kids to run around after a long flight.
Relaxed Dinner at Karaweik Palace
Enjoy a buffet dinner featuring local and international dishes while watching a traditional cultural performance that will captivate the children.
Check-in & Rest
Settle into your family suite and prepare for your first full day of exploration in the Golden Land.
Day 2: Yangon, Myanmar - Gold & Gardens
Shwedagon Pagoda
Visit Myanmar's most sacred site early to avoid the heat. The marble floors are cool on little feet, and the golden stupa is a sight they will never forget.
People's Park
Located right next to Shwedagon, this park features fountains, a planetarium, and plenty of space for a picnic. There is an old fighter jet and a steam locomotive that kids love to climb on.
Yangon Zoological Gardens
A family favorite, the zoo houses many tropical animals and offers elephant shows and a museum of natural history.
Sunset at Inya Lake
Join the local families for a walk along the shore of Inya Lake, the largest lake in Yangon, perfect for watching the sunset.
Day 3: Yangon, Myanmar - Local Life & Trains
Yangon Circular Train
Take a short 45-minute loop on the local train. It's a slow-moving, open-window experience that offers a fascinating look at the outskirts of the city. Kids will enjoy the changing scenery.
Bogyoke Aung San Market
Shop for local crafts, gemstones, and colorful fabrics. It's a great place to pick up a 'Longyi' for the whole family to wear during temple visits.
Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Buddha
See one of the largest reclining Buddha images in the country. The scale of the statue is impressive for all ages.
Dinner at 19th Street (Chinatown)
A vibrant street food hub. Choose a restaurant with outdoor seating to enjoy the lively atmosphere and grilled skewers.
Day 4: Yangon to Bagan - Travel Day
Flight to Nyaung-U
Take a domestic flight to Bagan. It is the most comfortable way to travel with children, taking only about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Hotel Check-in in Bagan
Arrive at your hotel in Old Bagan or New Bagan and take some time to enjoy the pool and settle in.
Htilominlo Temple
Begin your Bagan exploration at this grand temple known for its fine plaster carvings. The surrounding market area is great for buying puppets.
Sunset Boat Trip on the Ayeyarwady
Avoid the crowds at the temples and view the silhouettes of the pagodas from the river while enjoying a peaceful boat ride.
Day 5: Bagan, Myanmar - Ancient Wonders
Ananda Temple
Explore what is often called the 'Westminster Abbey of Burma.' The architecture is stunning and the interior is relatively cool even midday.
Shwezigon Pagoda
A beautiful gold-leaf pagoda that served as the prototype for many later Burmese stupas. The wide courtyards are easy to navigate.
Midday Rest
With the afternoon sun being quite strong, head back to your hotel for a nap or a swim.
Dhammayangyi Temple
Visit the largest of all the temples in Bagan. Its massive size and brickwork are fascinating for children to explore.
Day 6: Bagan, Myanmar - E-Bike Adventure
E-Bike Exploration
Rent electric bikes (some have child seats) and explore the lesser-known temples at your own pace. It’s a fun and breezy way to see the plains.
Lacquerware Workshop
Visit a workshop in Myinkaba village. Kids can watch the intricate process of creating traditional lacquerware and even try their hand at it.
Gubyaukgyi Temple
Famous for its well-preserved frescoes. It's a great spot for a short history lesson about the Jataka tales.
Picnic at a Remote Stupa
Find a quiet spot among the thousands of stupas for a family picnic as the sun sets over the landscape.
Day 7: Bagan, Myanmar - Rural Life
Nyaung-U Market
A vibrant, authentic market. It’s a sensory experience for kids to see the colorful produce and traditional 'Thanaka' face paste being made.
Phwa Saw Village
Visit a local village to see how people live in the Bagan countryside. You can see weaving and traditional farming techniques.
Sulamani Temple
Known for its beautiful interior paintings and light-filled corridors, making it a pleasant afternoon stop.
Traditional Puppet Show
Many restaurants in Bagan offer puppet shows during dinner, which is a big hit with younger children.
Day 8: Bagan to Mandalay - River Journey
River Cruise to Mandalay
Board a comfortable day cruise up the Ayeyarwady River. It’s a full day of relaxation. Kids can watch the river life go by and enjoy the onboard meals.
Lunch on Deck
Enjoy traditional Burmese curry while sailing past ancient villages and pagodas lining the riverbanks.
Arrival in Mandalay
Arrive at the Mandalay jetty and transfer to your hotel. Mandalay is the cultural heart of Myanmar.
Dinner at a local BBQ spot
Try the famous Mandalay style BBQ where you pick your ingredients and have them grilled fresh.
Day 9: Mandalay, Myanmar - Royal Heritage
Mandalay Palace
Explore the vast grounds of the last royal palace of the Burmese monarchy. The watchtower offers a bird's-eye view of the city.
Shwenandaw Monastery
A masterpiece of wood carving. This 'Golden Palace Monastery' is built entirely of teak and is incredibly detailed.
Kuthodaw Pagoda
Visit the 'World's Largest Book,' consisting of 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist scriptures, each housed in its own white stupa.
Mandalay Hill Sunset
Take the elevator or escalator to the top for a panoramic view of the city. It’s much easier than the stairs when traveling with kids.
Day 10: Mandalay, Myanmar - Mingun Excursion
Boat Trip to Mingun
Take a pleasant 1-hour boat ride across the river to Mingun. The boat trip itself is a highlight for children.
Mingun Pahtodawgyi
See the massive unfinished pagoda and the giant Mingun Bell, which kids are allowed to ring with a wooden mallet.
Hsinbyume Pagoda
A striking white pagoda with wave-like terraces. It’s incredibly photogenic and fun for kids to walk through the 'waves.'
Return to Mandalay
Head back to the city for a relaxed afternoon at the hotel pool or a visit to a local ice cream parlor.
Day 11: Mandalay, Myanmar - Ancient Capitals
Amarapura & Mahagandayon Monastery
Observe the daily meal ritual of hundreds of monks. It's a quiet, respectful experience that is very moving.
Sagaing Hill
Drive across the river to Sagaing, home to hundreds of monasteries and nunneries. The views from the top are spectacular.
Inwa (Ava) by Horse Cart
Explore the ruins of Inwa. Since cars aren't allowed, you'll take a horse and carriage, which is always a favorite for children.
U Bein Bridge
Walk across the world's longest teak bridge at sunset, or hire a small wooden boat to see it from the water.
Day 12: Mandalay to Pyin Oo Lwin - Into the Highlands
Drive to Pyin Oo Lwin
A 2-hour drive into the cool highlands. This former British colonial hill station is famous for its flowers and fresh air.
Colonial Carriage Ride
Take a ride in a colorful, Victorian-style horse-drawn carriage through the town to see the old colonial mansions.
Purcell Tower
See the clock tower in the center of town, a gift from Queen Victoria, which still chimes every hour.
Local Coffee Shop Visit
Pyin Oo Lwin is known for its coffee and strawberries. Enjoy a treat at a local cafe while the weather is cool.
Day 13: Pyin Oo Lwin, Myanmar - Nature & Falls
National Kandawgyi Gardens
A massive botanical garden with swan lakes, flower beds, and a walk-through aviary. It is exceptionally stroller-friendly and perfect for kids.
Pwe Kauk Falls
A popular spot for local families. The waterfalls are small and gentle, with plenty of places to sit and have lunch nearby.
Peik Chin Myaung Cave
Explore this limestone cave filled with Buddhist statues and stalactites. It’s naturally cool and very adventurous for kids.
Evening Market
Browse the night market for warm sweaters and local fruit jams—specialties of this region.
Day 14: Pyin Oo Lwin to Inle Lake - Scenic Travel
Transfer to Heho
Drive back toward Mandalay or directly to Heho. If taking a flight, it’s a quick hop; if driving, it’s a scenic full-day journey through the Shan hills.
Arrival at Nyaung Shwe
Nyaung Shwe is the gateway to Inle Lake. Check into your hotel, which can be in town or a resort on the water.
Red Mountain Estate Vineyards
Located on a hill overlooking the lake, it's a great place for parents to enjoy a wine tasting while kids run in the garden.
Dinner at Sin Yaw
Try the Shan Noodles, a local favorite that is mild and kid-friendly.
Day 15: Inle Lake, Myanmar - Life on Water
Private Boat Tour
Board a longtail boat for a day on the lake. See the famous leg-rowing fishermen and the floating gardens where tomatoes are grown.
Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda
The holiest site in Inle Lake, housing five small gold-leaf-covered Buddha images. The boat approach is exciting for children.
Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery
A beautiful teak monastery built on stilts. It is famously known as the 'Jumping Cat Monastery,' though the cats mostly just lounge now.
Silversmithing & Weaving Workshops
Watch artisans make silver jewelry and weave fabric from lotus fibers. It’s fascinating for children to see things made by hand.
Day 16: Inle Lake, Myanmar - Hidden Pagodas
Indein Village
Take a boat through a narrow canal to reach Indein. Walk through the ancient forest of stupas, many of which are crumbling and covered in vines.
Lunch with a Shan Family
Many local tours offer a home-cooked lunch experience. It’s a great way for kids to meet local children and see a traditional house.
Inle Heritage House
Visit this center dedicated to preserving Inle culture. They have a Burmese Cat breeding program that is a huge hit with kids.
Sunset on the Lake
Enjoy the golden hour on the water as you head back to your hotel.
Day 17: Inle Lake, Myanmar - Market & Cooking
Five-Day Market
Visit the rotating market where hill tribes come to trade. It’s a great place to see different cultures and buy local snacks.
Junior Cooking Class
Participate in a family-friendly cooking class where kids can learn to make simple Shan crackers or salads.
Biking in Nyaung Shwe
The town is flat and perfect for a gentle family bike ride to explore the local temples and rice paddies.
Farewell Lake Dinner
Enjoy a final dinner on the lake, celebrating the end of your Highland adventure.
Day 18: Inle Lake to Yangon - Return to the City
Transfer to Heho Airport
Enjoy a final scenic drive through the mountains to catch your flight back to Yangon.
Arrival in Yangon
Check back into a comfortable hotel in Yangon. Choose a location near the downtown area for easy last-minute exploring.
National Museum
See the Lion Throne and other royal treasures. It's air-conditioned and a good way to recap everything you've seen.
Celebration Dinner
Toast to an incredible 19-day journey at one of Yangon’s top-rated restaurants, like House of Memories.
Day 19: Yangon, Myanmar - Last Memories
Souvenir Shopping
One last trip to the market or local boutiques for any gifts you may have missed.
St. Mary’s Cathedral
Visit this beautiful red-brick cathedral, an architectural contrast to the pagodas seen throughout the trip.
Lunch & Departure Prep
Have a final Burmese meal and head to the airport for your flight home.
International Departure
Bid farewell to the Golden Land as you head through departures.
Best Time to Visit Myanmar
The best time to visit Myanmar is during the cool, dry season from November to February. During these months, the weather is pleasant across the country, making it ideal for exploring temples in Bagan or taking boat trips on Inle Lake. The temperatures are mild, which is especially important for families with children. The 'green season' (May to September) offers lower prices but brings heavy rain and high humidity, which can make travel with kids more challenging.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Myanmar Kyat (MMK). While some hotels and high-end restaurants accept US Dollars (which must be pristine, crisp bills with no folds or marks), the Kyat is used for most daily transactions. ATMs are widely available in major cities like Yangon, Mandalay, and Bagan, but it is always wise to carry a backup of cash. Tipping is not mandatory but highly appreciated by guides, drivers, and restaurant staff; a small amount goes a long way in showing gratitude for good service.
Getting Around Myanmar
For a comfortable family journey, domestic flights are the recommended way to travel between major regions (e.g., Yangon to Bagan). Within cities, private taxis or ride-hailing apps like Grab (in Yangon) are the most convenient and stroller-friendly options. For intercity travel where flights aren't used, 'VIP' buses (like JJ Express) offer reclining seats and snacks, providing a surprisingly high level of comfort. In Bagan, electric bikes are the best way to explore, while longtail boats are the primary mode of transport in Inle Lake.
