Very rough itinerary

"Planning to do a six-day jaunt in the Mandalay-Bagan-Inle Lake region (inc. Pakokku-Monywa-Shwebo?)"

Thats probably too much in 6 days, took me 5 days just to do Pakokku-Monywa-Shwebo- Mandalay, really it takes half a day to get between each place. If you just go direct between Mandalay-Bagan-Inle Lake you could probably do it but its still rushed. Similar with Yangon to Ye thats a fair way down there, really 3 days travel, I will be doing Yangon to Ye inc. Hapa-An and Moulmein in about 11 days.

Yes I think too ambitious.

Hello Herbie, thanks for such a quick reply.

Yeah, confirmed what we were thinking, that's good to know. Think we'll choose one or the other and purely on instinct just now, we're leaning towards the southern adventure, likely something similar to your Yangon to Ye with stop offs.

Incidentally, are you booking accommodation in advance for all of those places in the south? If so, where are you finding out what's good? Trip Advisor or through an agent, such as Good News, One Stop, Proniti? I know there are those on here who say call a couple of days ahead (except for Yangon) and others who seem inclined to book everywhere.

And you planning to travel by bus? Again, if so, through an agent, another site or just your own know-how of the country?

Thanks again for your help, very kind and greatly appreciated.

No I'm only booking room in Yangon. I won't know my itinerary as don't know how long I will need in each place, I may add another town near Hpa-An as well. I'm going to Pathein first as well. I have never used agents in Myanmar for rooms. Agents are not so good for budget rooms. Mid class they maybe good. Yes bus or I may take one train. Bus you can just book when there at bus station or Guesthouse or just turn up.

Ok, that's good to know and to be honest, it's how we prefer to travel generally with flexibility and an open-mind. Will definitely search for a place in Yangon and see how the rest plays out. Thanks very much, again.

Hi Herbie47, a quick question if you might recommend a couple of guest houses or budget room in Yangon? And the same for Bangkok, although I realise this may well fall into another forum. If not appropriate, no worries. Thanks in advance and hope you're well.

Budget room in Yangon near centre I would consider Ocean Pearl 3 cheap but shared bathroom. Ocean Pearl has room with bathroom about $25. Cherry GH is about $26 with bathroom. I'm staying Yangon Hub which is a bit out of centre but nearer airport and bus stations about $20 without bath. Think all inc. AC and breakfast.
Crystal Palace Hotel is a bit out of centre thats about $27 with bath.

Yangon is a bit difficult, many of these places are not that good. You could try AirBnB as well.

Bangkok I tend to stay at more mid class Hotels, so can't advise.

Ok, that all helps us out, will look them up and keep AirBnB in mind, too. And I think we're thinking of somewhere a bit nicer in Bangkok for the night or two when we'll be there, so any advice on your preferences in that range, do feel free. Will look around on Thailand forums too. Thanks again for all your help.

Well I have booked at Royal View Resort it's near Victory Mon, it was about £25 when I booked with Agoda. I just get the bus from Don Muang airport to Victory Mon. There is street food nearby, it's not such a tourist area and has good transport links, many minivans go from there, Skytrain and Airport link are quite close. Nice park opposite. You may prefer staying nearer the centre though.

You're a star, Herbie, thank you again.