Most people book 7 to 10 days and hit Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, and Inle Lake in that order. Five days works if you're tight on time and skip one region, but 10 days gives you breathing room and usually includes Golden Rock or beach time without feeling frantic.

Check before you go - tour availability depends on season and operator. The 7 to 14-day itineraries you'll find on SimilarTours are popular enough that booking a few weeks out is sensible, especially for private tours where guides and transport need coordinating.

You can move independently, but almost every traveler books a guide. Flights, logistics between Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, and Inle Lake are smoother with an operator handling it, and a local guide makes temples and villages far more intelligible - you're not paying just for convenience.

November to February is coolest and clearest - peak season. March to May is hot and hazy from agricultural burning. June to October is the monsoon, with rain and fewer tourists. Check before you go for your tour operator's specific seasonal notes.

Accommodation, transport between cities (usually flights), most meals, entry fees, and a guide are standard. Some tours add beach days or the Golden Rock pilgrimage. Check the specific itinerary on SimilarTours - inclusions vary by operator and package length.

Spend at least a day or two. The Shwedagon Pagoda is extraordinary, the street food scene is authentic, and the colonial quarter has real character. Most organized tours build in 1 to 2 nights here before moving on.

Many itineraries work for families - the pace is relaxed and accommodation is comfortable. Older or less mobile travelers should check the specific tour's daily schedule and confirm what walking or climbing is involved, especially at temples and around Inle Lake.