FACES OF MYANMAR.

Transcription

1 FACES OF MYANMAR

2 A letter of Introduction, the destination management company is owned and operated by citizen with an experience of 25 years in Tourism. We keep abreast with the new development and changes in the country and update in General Information. In order for visitors to visit easily, visa rule has successfully changed to e-visa on line system. We are also proud to announce that, for the 1 st time, s 3 Pyu ancients cities have been inscribed into the World Heritage List. The ancient cities are Halin, Beikthano & Ski Sketra Pyu Kingdoms that were prosperous for over 1,000 yrs between 200 BC and 900 AD along Ayarwaddy basin. New sites such as Northern Chin Area, Moegoak; the Ruby Land, Kachin Manaw festival and territory of Long neck ladies (Ka Yan) in Loikaw are introduced. We practically visit to new destinations as feasibility study and create more programs for development of the area. New programs are Eco-friendly tours, trekking to Ethnic minorities, island tours in the Andaman sea and biking through Shan villages which mostly based on culture and nature of the country. take care of Tailor made tours, Group tours, and Tour partner with Incentives, Events, Meetings and Seminar. CONTENTS Updated General Information 4 Destinations 6 Main Tour Programmes 20 Optional - Special Interest Tours 39 Trekking Trails in 44 Special Activities 46 Please feel free to contact us, is more than happy to give services that will make your trip a memorable one. Yours sincerely, Phyu Phyu Mar (Pearl) Managing Partner Website:

3 4 Updated General Information New Capital NAY PYI TAW New capital Naypyitaw established in 2006 is situated about 200 miles North of Yangon. It is an Administrative Capital and 5hrs drive from former capital Yangon. Former Capital YANGON Yangon, the capital of The Union of is situated on the Yangon River 21 miles away from the sea. Yangon covers 77 square miles and has population of 5 million people. The capital city is famous for its great golden Shwedagon pagoda, a richly gilded Buddhist Stupa which rises 326 feet above Singuttara hill, about 4 miles north of the city centre. According to legend, the pagoda is believed to be 2500 years old but, in common with many other ancient pagoda, it has been rebuilt many times and its current form dates back only to 1769 A. D. Yangon is now the Commercial City of. Currency Local currency is Kyat ( rate approx. 1 U.S. Dollar = 850 Kyats). US Dollars in cash as well as other major foreign currencies can be exchanged at Currency Exchange counters at airports, at hotels. The monetary unit of is the Kyat which is divided into 100 pyas. Currency notes are available in denominations of Kyat 10000, Kyat 5000, Kyat 1000, Kyat 500, Kyat 200, Kyat 100, Kyat 50, Kyat 20, Kyat 10, Kyat 5, Kyat 1. Credit Card Credit cards are not widely accepted throughout the country except 3, 4 & 5 star hotels and some Jewellery shops. Cash Some shops would accept CASH like US dollars, Euro, Singapore Dollars, Thai Baht for payment of purchases. Apart from credit cards, travelers are advised to bring cash for other usage (restaurant, souvenir, etc). Not to encounter unexpected challenges during the trip would advise to bring new notes, uncreased bills, notes without stamp or stain or mark. Authorized Money Changer Actually, s official foreign currency is Euro! But for the air/train/ boat tickets and most of the hotel payments are accepted only in US dollars (or) Kyats. Money Exchange can be made at the Banks as well as at Authorized Money Changers available wildly within the country. currency (Kyat) withdrawal from ATMs with Credit cards. For easy cash in, it is our pleasure to announce that, ATM machines are available at most tourist sites, airports and banks. Visa card, Master card, Maestro card, Cirrus card & China Union Pay Card can withdraw cash at ATMs. Each cash withdrawal is limited to a maximum of K.300, (Kyats Three Hundred Thousand) each time and total maximum withdrawal is up to 1million kyat. Service charge is K per transaction deductable from the account. The exchange rate is the one fixed between Visa /Master Card and Banks. Visa Formalities All visitors need to obtain Visa. 1.Tourist visas are issued at all Embassies and Consulates abroad. 2.E-visa on line system is applied for clients arrive from Yangon,Mandalay & Naypyitaw airports www. evisa.moip.gov.mm ( OR) www. myanmarevisa.gov.mm 3. Tourist Visa is valid for 28 days. Formalities Duty free shopping for arrival passengers at the Yangon Airport has been introduced. International flights Yangon has direct air-link with Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Kolkata, Hanoi, Saigon, Siem Reap, Taipei, Kunming, Guangzhou, Doha, Incheon, Doha, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Narita & Gaya. The operating airlines are Airways International (8M), Thai Airways International (TG), Bangkok Airways (PG), Silk Air (MI), Malaysia Airlines (MH), Qatar Airlines (QR), Air India (AI), China Airlines (CI), Air China (CA), China Eastern Airline (MU), Thai AirAsia (FD), Air Asia (AK), Jet Star Asia Airways (3K), China Southern Airlines (CZ), Korean Airline (KE), Air Bagan (W9), Golden Airline (Y5), Asiana Airlines (OZ), Eva Air (BR), All Nippon Airways (NH), Dragon Air (KA) and Vietnam Airlines (VN), Tiger Air (TR),l Nok Air (DD), Bangladesh Airlines (BG). Domestic flights National Airlines (UB), Air Mandalay (6T), Asian Wings (YJ), Air KBZ (K7), Air Bagan (W9), Golden Airline (Y5), Mann Yadanarbon Airlines (7Y),Yangon Airways (YH) & Apex Airlines are major domestic carriers. The airlines use Air Bus, ATR, Fokker & Embraer aircrafts. Climate There are three general seasons : Hot season - March to May Rainy season - May to October in lower and the Delta area only (Almost no rain in Central i.e. Bagan and Mandalay) Cool season - October to February Suitable Clothing to wear Visitors should wear casual and polite dress. Any kind of shoes that can be easily removed since neither shoes nor socks are allowed when entering religious monuments. Precipitation in Upper Burma (Bagan / Mandalay) is much less than in Lower Burma (Yangon and the South). All year round we recommend sun protection, dress code everywhere is casual, light cotton garb is recommended. Weather is rather cold from Nov- Feb in Shan state, Inle Lake, Kalaw, Chin state & Kachin state. Recommend to bring warm cloths for this area. Border-crossing Border-crossing permit is given to nationals from third countries, who wish to enter to from boarder points., having bordered with Thailand, China India & Laos, the entry points are opened between neighboring countries for centuries. A Tourist who wishes to enter from the boarder point will need prior approval from the authorities. The border points from China entry are MUSE, NAMKHAN, MONG-LA, KANPAIK-TI and from Thailand entry is TACHILEIK & RANONG. The border point from India is opened at TAMU border town. Travel tips All kinds of transport such as buses, trains, flights, boats are available in. Due to lack of infrastructure, local buses & trains cannot consider as easy traveling but profitable to meet people and see landscape through out the journey. Yangon to Mandalay & Bagan Buses are now using new highway road and comfortable to travel. Travel by flight is quickest way without hassle. Shopping Best souvenirs to buy are handicrafts made of lacquer wares, silver, mother of pearl, wood and stone carvings, hand-woven silk and cotton materials, gems and jewelry, embroidered tapestries Kalaga, traditional puppets and tribal handicrafts. Taking Photo Photography in airports, railway stations and near any military installation is forbidden. For close-up shots of people always ask for permission first. Health Card Protective vaccination is generally not required for unless you enter the country from a region with incidence of yellow fever. It is, however, recommended to have polio, tetanus and hepatitis shots as well as malaria prophylaxis. It is best to bring your own small first-aid kit including medication. It is sometimes difficult to find even common Western drugs. Some of the big hotels avail medical assistance. Emergency Health Care & Emergency evacuation Asia Pacific Health Center and Dental Care No. 81, Kaba Aye Pagoda Road Bahan Township, Yangon. Tel : , Fax : Kembangan - Radiant Medical & Aesthetic Centre No. 365 / 367, Bo Aung Kyaw Street, IHBC, Kyauktada Tsp, Yangon Tel : , Fax : Pan Hlaing International Hospital Pun Hlaing Golf Course Housing, Hlaing tha Yar. Tel: Pan Hlaing Specialist Clinic FMI Center ( 4th Floor ) No. 380, Bogyoke Aung San Road, Pabedan Township, Yangon. Tel : , , / Fax : , International SOS 37,Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd, Inya Lake Hotel, Mayangon T.S, Yangon Tel: , , Victoria General Hospital No. 68, Taw Win Street, 9 mile, Mayangone Township, Yangon, Tel: Transportation We provide air-conditioned coaches, minivans and cars for all tours and transfers inside the country. In remote areas, however, airconditioned vehicles may not always be available. Voltage Voltage throughout is 220 Volt A.C. International standard hotels have their own generator and the voltage is constant. Voltage drop or electricity cut occurs in some hotels, it is advisable to travel with a protection for your electrical devices. Time in GMT + 6 ½ hours. Between November and March (the main season for traveling) the sun sets at 5.30pm. Insurance Visitors are advised to buy travel insurance from abroad. Hospitals in are good enough for local people. Pan Hlaing Hospital is the only one of international standard. A few International medical assistance companies are in Yangon. The companies provide medical and technical support services. Telephone Sim card Sim card are available to buy at Yangon airport and other places. Top- up card are also available throughout the city. Customs Tourists who have brought foreign currencies in excess of US $2,0000 are required to declare. You might want to declare your still/ video cameras, computer, jewelries, and electronic goods so that you can officially claim of your lost or theft during your trip although it is hardly happens. Possible to bring your laptop computer or other digital equipments such as still/ video cameras, music players, palmtops etc. You may also bring your mobile phones for taking photos using the built-in camera or for listening to the music but not for communication since it will not be working here as doesn t allowed international roaming. Duty free allowance are 2 bottles of liquor, 2 cartons of cigarettes, 100 cigars, 1.5 lb of tobacco, one pint bottle of perfume or eau de cologne. Export Restrictions Antiques and archaeologically valuable items are not allowed to be taken out. Fossils Old Coins Jewelries & Precious Stones (unless bought from the certified shop with official sale voucher) Bronze and brass items Antiques items (pre-historic artifacts, religious, cultural implements etc.) Wooden Images taller than two feet Frescoes; inscribed stones/gold/silver National regalia and paraphernalia 5

4 Destinations Nay Pyi taw The new Capital The new administrative capital of Nay pyi taw ( The Capital ) was established in 2006 and is about 260 miles north of Yangon. BAGO 6 Kyaiktiyo (the Golden Rock) It was the city of (Mon) people who had ventured down the Thanlwin River and settled at this place. The glorious city of Thaton fell to King Anawratha of Bagan in early 11th century but when Bagan dynasty was destroyed, the Mon gained power again and established Bago or Hanthawaddy as their new capital. The power and the glory of Hanthawaddy was the subject of many narratives by foreign merchants visiting the city at that time. Also monuments in Bago serve as reminders of glorious past of the Mon kingdom. Places of interest beyond Bago are Moeyungyi wet land of native and migrated birds. 7 Yangon Yangon became the Capital in Mid 18th century when King Alaung Phaya gave this name Yangon ( End of Strife ) to a small fishing town of Dagon. By 1798 British Administration made Yangon its capital city and pronounced the name as Rangoon. In 1852, Dr. William Montgomery and Lieutenant A. Fraser of Bengal Engineers developed the plans for Yangon to expand. With shady parks and lakes dotted around the city Yangon also earned the name of The Garden City of the East The expansion of the city made Sule Pagoda as its center and it still remains so to this day. The main interest of visit are the National Museum, the world famous Shwedagon Pagoda, the Royal lake and the Bogyoke market. For the interest of Architecture Tour & Heritage Tourism, one can detour around the busy street of Yangon. The small town Kyaikhto lies about 60 miles south east of Bago. The small town is famous for Kyaiktiyo Pagoda (The Golden Rock). The pagoda is built on top of a gilded boulder atop a cliff which giving an impression that it is about to topple into the valley below. This is a kind of an adventure trip as you take a small truck from Kinpun camp to Rethetaung bus terminal together with the local pilgrims and walk another one hour up hill to the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda platform. The sunset view from the mountain top is unforgettable. Places of interest after Kyaiktiyo are Thaton, Hpaan, Mawlamyaing and thanbyuzayat.

5 Destinations Hpa an 8 The journey can continue from Kyaiktiyo to Thahton then to Hpa-An. Thahton known as Suvhanabumi or the capital of the Mons, before Bagan, where Bagan King Anawratha brought the 3 repository of Buddhist Scriptures. The famous Kawgun cave; that tells about Tha-Hton Kingdom which situated just before crossing the Thanlwin Bridge to HPa-An. This cave is adorned by millions of Buddha images and Buddha stories in stucco. Hpa-An, the charming city is the capital of Kayin State. The place has amazing lime stone caves and mountains like Zwegabin mountain..visit to village of small groups settled at the foot of the Mt.Zawekabin with their own believe and culture. Enjoy sunset at Shweyinmyaw Pagoda (at the bank of Thanlwin River).. mawlamyine Mawlamyine once well known by Rudyard Kipplin s poem and exporter of Teak wood to all over the world. Between Hpa-an and Mawlamyine is a villages of Katoe and Kothnet which was a township; timber enterprises, flourished and well-developed in this region under the rule of British administration. Famous timber and steamship entrepreneur U Nar Aout donated and built the masterpiece monasteries, monuments and pagodas which are well preserved. Local market of Mawlamyine is interested to see. The famous place of Mudon textile with visit to Kyauktalone and Winsein Tawya ( a place for Buddhist devotees) and visit to Kyaik Mayaw, sitting Buddha famous for strange posture. Mawlamyaine still has beautiful teak wood buildings & monasteries of Golden days. Evening visit to the city and teak wood monastery offered by Queen Sein Don of Mandalay and sunset view from Kyaikthanlan hill. 9

6 Destinations Mandalay Mandalay was the royal capital of the last Konbaung Kingdom founded in To fulfill the prophecy of Lord Buddha that a great city will raise at the foot of the Mandalay Hill, King Mindon built the capital at the foot of Mandalay Hill. He built his Royal Palace within four square walls and moat at outer side of the walls. Although Mandalay ceased to be the capital city of the country it is still acknowledged as the centre of culture, handicrafts and music. Mandalay is the best place to see handicrafts such as wood, ivory and stone carving and gold leaf manufacture. Entertainment such as Pwe (dances at road side theatre), Nat Pwe (special event of spirit mediums) are held almost the whole year round. The Royal Palace, Mandalay Hill, handicraft workshops, the Golden Palace monastery, Mahamuni Image and medication centers are interesting places to visit. Other places of interest beyond Mandalay are Mingun village and Mingun bell, Amarapura, Sagaing hills, Monywa, Kyauk se, the hill station of May Myo and famous stealth bridge of Gotheik Viaduct. 10 BAGAN It is an ancient capital of 10th to 13th century A.D. Thousands of temples and pagodas dotted an area of approximately 16 sq miles witnessed to the well being and Buddhism religiosity of the people of Bagan. Each temple is famous for its different architectural style. Among them are the Shwezigone Pagoda; this golden stupa is famous as prototype of stupas, Ananda Temple; known as the most beautiful temple with plaster carving and glazed plaques, Damayangyi Temple; known as the massive one and Kubyaukgyi Temple; the small cave temple with fresco paintings of 12th century. Art of making lacquer ware is famous in Bagan. Places of interest closed to Bagan are Mt.Popa, Sale and Pakokku. 11

7 Destinations 12 Inle lake Inle Lake, ringed by high mountains is fairly narrow and long, but highly attractive because of its picturesque view. People living in the lake are known as Intha (children of the lake). Fishermen of the lake use one leg to maneuver the boat while fishing and are widely known as leg-rowers. The blue calm water is dotted with floating islands and floating gardens. Every year around October, just before the end of the Buddhist lent (dates change every year according to lunar calendar), the Phaungdaw-Oo Pagoda Festival takes place. Thickly gilded golden Buddha statues of Phaungdaw-Oo Pagodas are taken out in decorated ceremonial barge to villages around the lake. The holy barge travel for about 18days and visit many villages. Villagers in colorful dresses welcome and pay homage to the Statues by offering flowers, food and fruits. During the festival, boat-races and other entertainments are held. A newly founded place SanKar and Thakhoung villages South of Inle lake has more new things to explore. Places of interest near Inle lake are Indein Pagoda, Pindaya Caves, Kalaw, Taunggyi & Kakku Pagoda complex. The Mergui Archipelago Dawei, Myeik (Mergui) and Kawthaung are busy towns along the Taninthayi Coast. Myeik (Mergui) Archipelago, situated in Taninthayi Division of, is home for Andaman Islands covered with forests and talcum white sandy beaches. Some islands are good for snorkeling & scuba diving. Sharks wander around in this unspoiled water and it is not uncommon to find them cruising about 30miles away from Islands. One can explore the fantastic caves, many limestone lagoons, sheer cliffs where bird s nests are collected. Dawei and Myeik are the two of the busiest towns along this coast. They are mostly fishing ports as they are situated on the shore and the major industries are all connected with the sea. Myeik (Mergui) was once under the Thais and Maurice Collis had also written a book about a British Administer stationed there in the book Siamese White. Kawthaung (or) Victoria point, is situated at the southernmost tip of retains the atmosphere as fishing port. Attraction of the blue sea and unspoiled islands make people wish to venture around the islands and the sea. Salon (or) widely known as Moken people who live in boat houses along on Andaman Sea can be found here, especially at Magyun Galet Moken village opposite the Lumpi Marine National Park. It is about 4-5 hours by boat from Kawthaung. 13

8 Destinations Beach resorts Ngapali Beach Ngapali Beach (or) Sandoway Beach is accessible by flight from Yangon, Bagan, and Heho or by car from Pyay. Many believed that the name Ngapali came from a home sick Italian who named this deserted patch of the beach as Naples, his native place. It is a quiet and sandy beach without pollution and night clubs unlike others in the west. Chaung Tha Beach Further down south of Ngapali stands Chaung tha beach. The beach can be reached by a car from Yangon for 4-5hours passing through the delta and crossing the low spurs of the Rakhine mountain ranges. It is favored by the local people because of the availability of inexpensive fresh sea food and dried sea food products. 14 Mrauk-u Sittwe is now the capital of Rakhine state where Mrauk-U (Myohaung) was an ancient capital of 14th century. One can reach Sittwe by flight from Yangon and continue to Mrauk-U by a boat along the Kaladan River or by a car across the Rakhine mountain ranges. The golden era of Mrauk-U was an early 17th century where there was trading with Portuguese. Temples such as Shittaung Pagoda; structured like a fort, Htukkan- Thein; an ordination hall and Andaw Thein; the temple to house the Buddha s teeth from Sri Lanka (Ceylon) were built in Mrauk-U. Take a boat along the Lay Myo River to the Cheik Chin tribe village where one can find the vanishing tribes of Chin Tattooed faced women. Ngwesaung Beach Further south of Chaung tha stands Ngwesaung beach. The white, sandy beach and the green waters would be incentives for you to return again to this newly developed beach. It can be reached by car from Yangon in 4-5 hours passing through rich Ayeyarwaddy delta. It is just the right spot for those who wish to run away from busy city of Yangon. 15

9 16 kyaingtong Kyaingtong is one of the interesting cities for people who wish to see the colorful hill tribe people. Kyaingtong is a major commercial town of the area and also situated in a remote hilly region and close to the borders with Thailand and China. Hence the inhabitants living around the city vary from highlanders to city people. One can visit people like Eng who are mostly animists, Akhar, Akhu, Silver Palaung, Red Palaung, Gon Shan, Lahu and Khun people who has their own spoken languages similar to northern Thai. There is hot springs around Kyaingtong as well as beautiful waterfalls. Another interesting place is Wan Nyat monastery, a couple of hours driving to the east of Kyaingtong. The monastery is typical of the Shan and Thai architecture. Putao When we talk about the North or Kachin State, the subject is not completed without PUTAO, the northern most air terminals in. The place is known as the most exciting and the most beautiful part of. Putao is situated in the Hkamti lon Plains. Also Mt. Hkakaborazi at 5889 meters and the tallest mountain in mainland South East Asia, Mt. Phongan Razi at 3506 meters above sea level and other snow-capped peaks surrounding the town had given it the name the Switzerland of. The region is rich with many exotic flora and fauna species. This area around Putao an enchanting land of snow, forest and rivers has become a favored place for hiking and mountaineering. Visitors to this area will be offered rare opportunities to sight such endangered butterfly species and other wildlife as well as experience the daily life of the ethnic people living in the area. 17 MYITKYINA Myitkyina is the capital of Kachin State in Northern. Ethnic minority tribes from Northern such as Kachin, Jinphaw, Rawan, Lisu, etc are settling in the mountainous region around Myitkyina. Here people earn their living by traditional hand looming of shoulder bags and dresses, craft works of cane and wood. Myitkyina is also well known for beautiful landscape especially at confluence of two rivers Mai Kha and Mali Kha that form the main river Ayeyarwaddy. It is also possible to sail down the Ayeyarwaddy from Myitkyina towards the 1st Defile (gorge) of the Ayeyarwaddy. Some of the best quality jade in the world is mined near Myitkyina. Kachin Manau Festival or the New Year Harvest Festival is held every year in January attended by all the ethnic tribes living in the area.

10 UNESCO World Heritage Listed s 3 Ancient Cities Ancient Pyu City Halin 18 The ancient brick-walled city at Halin is remarkably large: nearly 3.2 kilometers from north to south and 1.6 kilometers from east to west, encompassing a total area of more than 500 hectares. The walls have crumbled down and the debris strewn about almost at ground level. Traces of a moat are seen on all sides except the south. In excavations at Halin, some parts of the southern fortification were exposed and it was found that the wall has a breadth of 9.02 meters with 35 courses of bricks in situ in its northern face and 21 courses in its southern face. The bricks were laid in mud mortar. The adjacent stratifications show that the wall is supported by a thick deposit of filling from the interior as a rampart, a construction technique used again in the much later Mandalay palace fort wall built in the middle of the 19th century CE. The alignment of the southern wall was found to have a curve at the south-eastern corner. Here the breadth of the fortification is only 14.9 meters with 8 courses of bricks intact. The inner face of the curve has a guard room measuring 4.6 x 4.5 meters. It may be generalized from the available evidence that the fortifications assume a rectangular with inside corners rounded and guard room attached inside the curves. Halin, 540 hectares, lies 13 kilometers southeast of the modern town of Shwebo within the 1,000 kilometer square basin of the Mu River Valley. The walled site is located between the Ayeyarwady and Mu rivers with its moats and canals aligned with the prevailing land slope from northeast to southwest. There is a depression to the south now occupied by the Halin-in or lake. Rice yields were probably augmented by irrigation waters from the Nagayon tank which lies to the southeast of the city. To the south of Halin is hot springs associated with rich salt fields, while to the northeast there is access to the largest silver mine in the region. The palace is located near the middle of the site. A total of 33 mounds have been excavated. Additional unexcavated mounds are present throughout the walled city, while traces of the ancient city moat seen on the north, east and west. The ancient Pyu walled city is located on higher ground above the present Halin village on the south. Ancient Pyu City Sri Ksetra have very smooth bends whereas at the north-eastern corner the wall takes a sharp turn due west. The northern wall does not run straight from east to west but dips slightly southward at the midpoint of its length. The eastern side had suffered some damage due to the quarrying of bricks, several decades ago, for the construction of the motor road from Taungdwingyi to Magwe and the railway embankment for a projected line, later abandoned. Remaining of east wall is a low ridge. The north and south walls have eroded by natural decay but still stand to an average height of about 1.8 meters above the ground level. Beikthano, 900 hectares, is approximately 18 kilometers west of Taungdwingyi township. The ancient walled site lies immediately north of the village of Kokkogwa, with the village of Innywagyi on the northwest and the Shweyaungdaw stupa on the northeast just outside the city wall. Both the village and the stupa date from the Pyu period and are included in the nominated property. The ancient city commands that part of the fertile rice and garden cropping lands of the Yin Valley, an area of approximately 2,294 square kilometers, where four perennial streams converge. Its water resources were therefore greater than any other part of this river valley. Moreover the area is rich in river-borne sediments for cultivation and suitable clays to produce terra cotta goods ranging from simple pots to elaborate drum-shaped urns. The walls of Beikthano form a threesided squarish area with rounded corners surrounding the site on the north, south and west, which aligns neatly with the watershed of the Yin and Sadoun River on the north and the Yanpe Rivers and its many feeder streams on the south. In some sections the walls are still almost two meters high; in others they have been eroded through continued cultivation. The numerous canals within this watershed additionally draw from anddrain into the large in-gyi or seasonal lakes, such as the Innywagyi on the west, In-gyi, Gyogya-kan and Kokkogwa-in lakes and ponds and two additional lakes known as atwin thauktawkan (inside lakes for drinking water) and apyin thauktawkan (outside lake for drinking water) thought to have been part of the original water supply of the city. 19 Ancient Pyu City beikthano The ancient brick-walled city of Beikthano, credited as the earliest city in traditional cultural chronologies, is shaped more nearly like a square. Its north-south length is nearly 3 kilometers and its eastwest length is 2.8 kilometers long. The whole walled area of Beikthano city is some 900 hectares in area. The brick fortification walls encompass the city area on the north, east and south sides, and presumably also on the west although the western wall has not yet been confirmed by archaeological excavation and may never have been constructed as this side of the city is bounded by two large lakes. The eastern side is 3 kilometers long while north and south side are 5.7 kilometers long. The whole western wall (if it ever existed) and a small portion of southwest corner had probably been eroded by the floods of the Yanpe stream and the two lakes, the Ingyi and Gyogyarkan, situated close to the low-lying western edge of the city area. The city wall is shaped more or less like a rhombus with its extent eastern side declined 13 degrees westward. The southern corners Sri Ksetra, the largest and most elaborately constructed city of the Pyu, lies in the Nawin River valley in the Pyay Township, Pyay District, Bago Region. It is roughly circular in shape, with a north-south diameter of 4.44 kilometers and an east-west diameter of 3.96 kilometers. Its walled area embraced a vast area of 1880 hectares. It is encompassed by a high fortification wall constructed of large, fired bricks, the circumference being kilometers long, with triple walls on the southeast side. The walls of Sri Ksetra are wellpreserved; some sections of the massive wall still stand to a height of 4.6 meters.sri Ksetra is located just on the south-western rim of the wide Nawin Valley with its rich soils derived from alluvial deposits providing an area of some 3000 square kilometers of continuous farmland. The walled site of Sri Ksetra is immediately adjacent to the Myinbahu mountain range. From Sri Ksetra it was possible to trek along the ridge to the south to the satellite town of Thegon, where brick walls and artifacts testify to the use of this route during the Pyu times. Sri Ksetra, 1,840 hectares, is approximately 5.8 kilometers east of the city of Pyay (Prome) Township. This area has long been known as mye-iat or middle land between the Dry Zone of Upper and the wetter land to the south. The development of cultivation at all the three Pyu Ancient cities demanded the multiplication of weirs, tanks, dams, but this was particularly so at Sri Ksetra which received the highest annual precipitation and the local topography involves sharp drops from higher to lower terrain. The annual rush of water from the Myinbahu hills down to the flat habitation and cultivation areas of the city demanded repeated constructions of moats, ponds or tanks and canals along the vulnerable south western, and northern sections of the city walls. These were successively conjugated into a series of arcs, each less than half the eventual total enclosed area but forming a visible concentric circular ring around the site. The great east tank formed a storage area of water in the lowest point of the site.

11 Main Tour Programme Culture Tour Main Tour Programme Culture with White Sandy Beach 8 Days / 7 Nights YANGON BAGAN MANDALAY HEHO PINDAYA INLE YANGON 12 Days /11 Nights YANGON BAGAN MANDALAY HEHO INLE LAKE NGAPALI BEACH YANGON 20 Day 1 Yangon Arrival Arrive Yangon. Meet at Airport and transfer to Hotel. Sightseeing in Yangon: Yangon Jetty with the nearby world famous STRAND Hotel and the old City Centre of Yangon. Visit Chauk-htat-gyi Pagoda and then Scott Market. In the late afternoon, proceed to Shwedagon Pagoda and enjoy the very special atmosphere here before and after sunset. Walk the local markets close to the Pagoda after sunset. Enjoy the smells and sounds of. Overnight at the hotel. Day 2 Yangon - Bagan Transfer to airport. Yangon - Bagan by flight. Transfer to hotel. Sightseeing in Bagan: Nyaung Oo Market, Shwezigon Pagoda; prototype golden stupa, Gubyaukgyi Temple famous for its frescoes paintings of 12th century and Htilominlo Temple where friezes and old murals can still be seen. Afternoon visit to Archaeological Museum, Ananda Temple; the most beautiful temple decorated with Terra-Cotta Jataka, Manuha Temple; the temple of captive king of Thaton, Lacquerware Factory and Pyattadagyi Temple for panoramic view of the city. Overnight at the hotel. Day 3 Bagan Morning drive to Southeast of Bagan: visit Phwarsaw village, to see daily life style of Bagan people, Tayokepyay temple for panoramic view of the city, Lemyethna Temple, Payaathonzu Temple and Nandamanya Temples for frescoe painting of 12th century, Damayasaka Stupa, a pentagonal shaped pagoda. Afternoon free to explore on your own ( Bicycles and horse carts are available ) Overnight at the hotel. Day 4 Bagan - Mandalay Transfer to airport. Bagan - Mandalay by flight. Arrive Thada- Oo airport and transfer to hotel (1hr drive). Upon arrival at Mandalay airport, transfer to your hotel. Experience the sights and sounds of Mandalay including one of the most revered religious monuments in, the Mahamuni Image ; a place of Intense devotion to pilgrims from all over the world, the Shwe Inbin Monastery, the Golden Palace Monastery, a superb example of a traditional wood carving, Tapestry Workshop, Bronze melting, traditional way of Gold leaf making. Afternoon visit to MyaNanSanKyaw Golden Palace; the palace of the last Kingdom of, Shwenandaw; the Golden Palace Monastery, Kuthodaw Pagoda; the world s largest book and sunset from Mandalay Hill with the view of dotted pagodas and Ayeyarwaddy River. Overnight at the hotel. Day 5 Mandalay - Heho - Pindaya Transfer to airport. Mandalay / Heho by flight. Drive to Pindaya: a small town famous for Pindaya caves with thousands of Buddha images of unknown period. Stroll around the quiet town to see the traditional workshops of Shan Umbrella & bamboo paper. Overnight at the hotel. Day 6 Pindaya - Inle Drive to Nyaung Shwe. You ll feel a total difference atmosphere & ambience from Middle part of. The Inle Lake surrounded by mountains and situated 3000ft above sea level. Excursion can be made by long tail boat, see life of Intha (name of people living in the lake). Their floating gardens, floating islands, and their most venerated Phaung Daw Oo pagoda. If time permits visit the hidden and unknown INN DEIN PAGODA complex, built by the Pa-O people. Overnight at the hotel. Day 7 Heho - Yangon Transfer to airport. Heho / Yangon by flight. Transfer to hotel. Evening, stroll around the busy streets of Yangon s famous China Town and Yangon Jetty or if you wish, you can make last minute shopping. Overnight at the hotel. Day 8 Departure Yangon Transfer to airport for departure flight. Day 1 Yangon Arrival Arrive to Yangon. Meet at Airport and transfer to Hotel. Day 2 Yangon City Tour Sightseeing Yangon (guided tour with private car) suggested to look around Yangon Jetty and the famous STRAND Hotel nearby first. Later, visit, Sule Pagoda and Mahabandoola Park, Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Image, Bogyoke market and National Museum. Finally, at sunset the golden Shwedagon Pagoda to enjoy the very special light and atmosphere at sunset. Walk the nearby markets after sunset and enjoy the intense sounds and smells of. Overnight at hotel. Day 3 Yangon - Bagan Transfer to airport. Yangon - Bagan by flight. Transfer to hotel. Visit the ancient capital of Bagan and its architecture from 10-13century AD. When you talk about Bagan, it is needless to say about Buddhism that flourished together with Bagan culture. Sightseeing in Bagan includes Nyaung Oo Market, Shwezigon Pagoda, Gubyaukgyi Temple, Htilominlo Temple, Archaeological Museum, Ananda Temple, Lacquerware Factory, Pyat-tadagyi Temple for panoramic view of the city. Day 4 Bagan - Mandalay Transfer to airport. Bagan - Mandalay by flight. Visit the last Kingdom known as Rathnapura. The city is famous for s 10 traditional arts and crafts. At least 2-3 days is needed to visit the former kingdoms like Amarapura, Ava, Mingun and Sagaing. Sightseeing Mandalay: Mahamuni Image, Wood carving, Gold leaf making and Tapestry Workshop, Shwenandaw Monastery, Kuthodaw Pagoda and sunset from Mandalay Hill. Day 5 Mandalay - Heho - Inle Lake Transfer to airport. Mandalay - Heho by flight. Drive to Nyaung Shwe. You ll feel a total difference atmosphere and ambience from Middle part of. The Inle Lake is surrounded by mountains and situated 3000ft above sea level. Excursion can be made by long tail boat, see life of In-tha (name of people living in the lake). Their floating gardens, floating islands, and their most venerated Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda. Day 6 Heho - Thandwe Transfer to airport. Heho - Thandwe by flight. Transfer to hotel with hotel s shuttle bus. Day 7 Ngapali Free at leisure. Day 8 Ngapali Free at leisure. Day 9 Ngapali Free at leisure. Day 10 Ngapali leisure. Day 11 Thandwe - Yangon Transfer to airport. Thandwe - Yangon by flight. Transfer to Hotel. Day 12 Yangon departure Transfer to airport for departure flight. End of our service. Free at 21

12 Main Tour Programme Tribal tour of the Eastern Mountains 22 8 Days / 7 Nights Yangon Kalaw(Elephant camp)/pindaya(village tour) Inle Lake Loikaw(Padaung Land)/ Yangon Day 01 Yangon/ Heho (The Shan Land ) Transfer to airport. Yangon (or) Mandalay / Heho by flight. Transfer from Heho airport to Kalaw. On the way visit the villages of Pa-O and Shan villages. Visit around Kalaw, walk in the evening and enjoy the ambience of pine clad hill station; Kalaw. Overnight at the hotel. Day 02 Visit Kalaw Elephant camp in Shan mountains Today, you will visit to one of the privately preserved retirement home of elephants which is 25 km from Kalaw. There, you can learn the lifestyle of Manut and their elephants, the surrounding forest and their floral and fauna etc. You will be transferred to the meeting point near Wet Phyu Yay village with car. Meet at Wet Pyu Ye junction, where our trek guide is waiting. Walk to the camp, on the way, you will have opportunity to help in the replantation of the Forest project to pay back the nature. See the elephants coming through the river. Clients can bath the elephants and feed the elephants with their Mahouts ( if they wish..!) Exploration of the forest area, opportunity to see butterflies, birds and orchids around our conservation area. Arrived to our elephant village and have Lunch at main camp. Return to main road on foot and back to Kalaw. 1-2 hours Total walking time Then drive to Pindaya. Overnight at hotel in Pindaya. Day 03 Pindaya caves /Trekking to the Danu Land / Inle Lake After breakfast, visit magnificent Pindaya Caves, set in a limestone ridge overlooking a picturesque lake, where thousands of different types of Buddha images are on display in the various cave chambers. Visit some local houses where families produce Shan paper and parasols. Lunch at Green Tea restaurant. Afternoon trek to Htut-Ni village inhabited by the hill tribe Danu people (1hr). Htut-Ni village has a monastery is known as school of Buddhism and children from nearby villages come for study. A car will pick you up and drive to Thit-e-pin village. Walk through the village to Tha-yet-pyar village (Flat Mango village). See daily life of people, watch how to make Cheroot leave and roll. Transfer by car to Inle Lake. Overnight at the hotel. Day 04 Inle Lake & Indein ruins ( The Inn thar Land ) Breakfast at hotel and board on a traditional long and tall motorized boat for a sightseeing tour of the lake. Traveling on the lake is an exhilarating experience for nature lovers and a chance to observe the unique traditions of the Intha people. Wonder unique leg rowing fishermen, floating firms <built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud which anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles>, houses and monasteries on the stilt etc. Visit Indein ruins complex with pagoda and stupas built in the 18th century. Enjoy rows of shops along the corridor up hill. Return to Inle and continue visit floating village of Ywama, the lake s downtown and largest village on the Inlay Lake, 11 century Phaungdaw Oo pagoda housing five sacred Buddha Images. Take a walk to Lechae village to see workman ship of Tin Smith for Tiers of Pagodas and art of moulding Buddha statue by flower powder and the weaving village of Inpawkhon, famous for traditional silk-weaving, Se Gaung Village, famous for the blacksmith work and Nan Pan Village with cheroot making and boat-building dockyards etc and end your day with a visit famous Ngaphechaung, a museum like monastery where old belongings of many monasteries are restored. Day 05 Inle / Phekone / Loikaw (The Kayah Land ) Your guide will transfer you to pier. Your guide will bid farewell to you at pier. Board the long tail boat ( private boat for you) to Phekone Village near Moe Byae Dam. One the way stop and visit Thar khoung (sinking pagodas) at Sakar township and transfer to Phekone. A guide will be waiting and transfer by car (1) hr to Loikaw. Loikaw is the capital of Kayah State in Burma. It is located in the Karen Hills area, near the State s northern tip near Shan State border. Kayah are also known as Karrenni (Red-Karen). Among several tribes of Kayah, the most interesting tribe is Kayan Padaung (Long Necked women). Overnight at the Hotel in Loikaw. ( It will take about 6 hrs with stop at Sakar village to visit Tharkhoung sinking pagodas on the way. Lunch & water should be prepared in advance ) Day 06 Visit Loikaw (The Kayah Land) Visit Loikaw morning market. Drive to Taung Kwe Pagoda (or) the land mark Pagoda of Loikaw sits on the twin-peaked lime stone mountains, Kayah State. Visit to Cultural museum ; learn about 9 different Kayah tribes and their nature. Visit Buddhist monastery, old Catholic church, Old Haw (or) Residence of Kayah Chieftain now converted into a monastery. After noon walk at Kayah village, visit 7 legendary lakes of Kayah State and Sunset from Mt. Mya Sein Taung that allows the stunning view of the town. Overnight at the hotel in Loikaw Day 07 Demawso and Pan Pet (The Padaung Land) Drive to the South of the town to visit Demawso market. Continue to the mountainous area, leave the car and walk to one of the Padaung Villages in the mountains (about 1hr). Eventually Panpet village group has 7 villages, but you can only visit one or two villages because the villages are far. Walk around the village, talk with people, take photos at the village. (Note: suggest to bring with you some useful goods for their meals like cooking oil, salt, cookies etc and give to the people when taking photos. If not they will ask for money.) Return to Demawso and stop for lunch. Evening take another route for trekking thru Shan villages such as Phaung Pyin, Paya Phyu for about 2 hrs and return to Loikaw by long tail boat along Bilu Creek. Overnight at the hotel in Loikaw Day 08 Loikaw / Yangon Breakfast at the hotel. Day free of rest after Tribal tour of the East. Transfer to airport. Loikaw/ Yangon by flight. Note: Loikaw is situated an hour drive over the Shan-Kayah border. It is necessary to obtain a permit before entering the region 23

13 Main Tour Programme Cross border Tour, Thailand/ lovely clean village and watch home industries of rice cracker, old monasteries etc. Visit the 11 century Phaungdaw Oo pagoda housing five sacred Buddha Images. The Heritage Intha house and the weaving village of In paw khone. Return to the hotel & Overnight. ( The practice in Shan State is ONE big market day in every 5 DAYS. Will visit market day in Inle Lake, if there is one coincide during your visit ) Days / 12 Nights Maesai (Thailand) Tachileik () Heho Mandalay Bagan Yangon Day 01 Arrive Tachileik- Kengtung Cross over Friendship bridge of Thai Border from Maesai (Thailand ) to Tachileik ( ). guide will meet at the gate of Tachileik border town and do necessary formalities at Immigration office. Transfer by coach (about 3 hrs) from Tachileik to Kentung (KyaingTong). Ideal capital of the Eastern region of the Shan State, closed to the famous golden triangle is opened to tourist, the historic center for the state s Khun culture & the best place for day return trekking to unspoiled highlanders. Its main attractions are its isolation and the warm hospitality offered by the Shan and its diversity of ethnic minorities living on the Shan mountains. Check in at the hotel. Evening visit over 245 years old dipterocarpus tree grown on the lone tree hill, and walk along the Naung Tong Lake and observe life style of natives. Overnight at the hotel. Day 02 Trekking Morning sightseeing starts with a visit by car to Kyaing Tong North direction Kat Tauk area. Pin Tauk- Lahu village in Mud houses and and then trekking to see Akha with silver head dress and Ann tribes with black teeth then visit Pin-Tauk Water fall (trekking through the path avoiding steep slopes). A brief stop to see Wan Kan villagers making Sake Rice Win in traditional process. From Kat Tauk turn to visit Palaung village, return to hotel. ( walking and trekking time about 2 hrs or less). Overnight at the hotel. Day 03 Trekking to Loi-Mwe direction After breakfast at hotel, drive to the direction of 5442 feet high Loi-Mwe mountain blanketed with misty and peaceful. Walk around old British colonial governor s houses, hill top lake, cherry and peach wine shops and old Catholic Church. Short-cut trekking from the road to Ho-Latt Akha village, Naung-Cho Wa village and Pang- Wai Lahu village. Return to Kyaing tong and overnight at the hotel. Day 04 Trekking to Eastern direction After breakfast, drive out of Kyaing Tong 40 minutes to the east, Dhat Zoam Doi ancient pagoda (the origin of Yangon Kaba-Aye Pagoda) can be seen. On the way, you can see Wan Sai Akhu-tribe village (not similar to Akha) and Wai Sai villages. End of the road can meet Ho-Lung Ann-tribe village and boat shape monastery. Return to Kyaing tong and overnight at the hotel. Day 05 Kyaing Tong / Heho - Inle Lake Morning visit the huge Kyaing Tong Market, where minority people in their colorful dresses shopping in the morning. Kentung/ Heho by flight. ( Time to be advised ) Transfer to the hotel in Inle Lake. Overnight at the hotel. Day 07 Biking in Inle Transfer to Nyaung Shwe by boat. Biking along the Western shore of the lake enjoy the beautiful scenery of Than Taung area where the lake is surrounded by mountains ( about 2 hrs). Freshly cook Lunch at Intha House. Transfer to the hotel. Late afternoon is free to spend your private leisure time. ( Can take a walk to the village at the back of the resort ) Overnight at the hotel. Day 08 Inle Heho -Mandalay After breakfast take the boat and visit Khaung ding village where Tofu crackers are made. Transfer to airport Heho /Mandalay by flight. Transfer to your hotel in Mandalay. Day 09 Mandalay Begin your sightseeing tour of Mandalay with a visit to Mahamuni Pagoda. This pagoda is home to one of the country s most revered Buddha images which, over the years, have been covered with gold leaf giving it an almost lumpy texture. Mandalay is well known for its skilled craftsmen and as you tour traditional workshops, you will learn more about the city s cottage industries. Observe the production of wood carvings, kalaga tapestries, and gold-leaf where the techniques remained unchanged from those used centuries ago to craft items for the Royal Court. This afternoon, continue your tour of Mandalay with a visit to Kuthodaw Pagoda, whose 729 marble stone slabs of Buddhist scriptures have earned it the title World s Biggest Book. Continue to Shwenandaw Monastery, the only remaining building from the 19th century Royal Palace. This grand teak building is known for its exquisite woodcarving. Head to the top of Mandalay Hill as the sun begins to set to enjoy magnificent views of the city and Irrawaddy River. Kuthodaw Pagoda (listed on the memory of the World register of the UNESCO) Overnight at the hotel. Day 10 Mandalay / Bagan by Tourist boat Transfer to pier. Take the day boat from Mandalay to Bagan along the Ayeyarwaddy River. Breakfast and Lunch will be served on board. Arrival time varies depending on water level. Transfer to the hotel in Bagan. Day 11 Bagan Sightseeing in Bagan: Nyaung Oo Market; a village market where you can find from wet market of fish and meat to house hold things like rattan baskets, cotton wear and antiques. Visit the golden Shwezigon Pagoda; prototype golden stupa & Kyansittha Umin; once used as meditation caves, Gubyaukgyi Temple; small temple good for panoramic view and famous for it s frescoe paintings of 12th century. Afternoon visit, Ananda Temple; the most beautiful temple with 4 standing Buddhas in four cardinal points, history or lord Buddha and outside of the temple is decorated withterra-cotta worriers in green glaze plaques. Visit Lacquerware home industry and stroll around the viallage of Myinkaba, visit Manuha Temple; the temple of captive king of Tha-ton, and Pyattadagyi Temple for panoramic view of the city. Overnight at the hotel. Day 12 Bagan / Yangon Breakfast at the hotel. Morning free at leisure to explore on your own. (Suggestion: Ideal place to visit around with a bike or horse carts. Rental available at the hotel ) Afternoon Bagan/ Yangon by flight. Transfer to the hotel. Day 13 Departure Yangon Transfer to airport for departure flight. 25 Day 06 Inle Lake & Indein pagoda complex Visit Indein ruins complex with pagoda and stupas built in the 15th century.. The boat takes you through a long channel where you watch the farmers cultivate their produce. This ride is one of the most scenic boat tour in Lake Inle. You will find Indein village and continue by a stair path leading to the hidden and unknown INN DEIN PAGODA complex : approximate 1,050 stupas of 15 century.stop at Myenigon village,walk about the

14 Main Tour Programme Preeminent ancient Bagan & Ngapali Beach Main Tour Programme Island Hopping in Myeik Islands (Mergui Archipelago) Activities in Myeik Islands : Snorkeling, Kayaking, Sport Fishing, Swimming, Trekking, Visiting to Sea Gypsies villages, Bird Watching, Relaxing.. 8 Days / 7 Nights YANGON l BAGAN l NGAPALI BEACH l YANGON 9 Days / 8 Nights YANGON KAWTHAUNG 115 ISLAND NYAUNG WEE ISLAND BO CHO LAMPI SALET GALET WA ALE LA NGANN YE AYE LIME STONE CAVE WARR ISLAND MYAUK NI KYWTHAUNG YANGON (OR) RANONG 26 Day 1 Yangon Arrival Your guide will meet at Airport and transfer to Hotel. Day 2 Yangon Bagan Pick up from hotel and transfer to airport. Your guide will meet you on arrival at airport and transfer to hotel. Visit around Bagan and learn the architecture & culture of ancient capital of 10-13th Century. Visit the local market of Nyaung Oo, Shwezigon Pagoda; prototype golden stupa, Gubyaukgyi Temple famous for its fresco paintings of 12th century and photo stop at Htilominlo Temple where friezes and old murals can still be seen. Afternoon visit to Ananda Temple; the most beautiful temple with four colossal standing Buddha and decorated with Terra-Cotta plaques, visit the Lacquerware Factory, visit Manuha & Nanpaya temples, the temples built by captive king Manuha of Thaton. Stroll around the village and sunset from Pyatadagyi Temple. Overnight at Hotel. Day 3 Bagan Morning drive to Southeast of Bagan: visit to see daily life style of Bagan people, visit Payaathonzu Temple and Nandamanya Temples for frescoes painting of 12th century, Damayasaka Stupa, a pentagonal shaped pagoda & Damayangyi temple, the massive one in Bagan. Afternoon drive to the bank of Ayeyarwaddy river and take a boat trip to Kyauk Ku Umin (cave monastery). Walk along the forest path to visit the temple and return by boat, watch sunset through the temple fields of Bagan. Overnight at Hotel. Day 5 Ngapali beach Enjoy sea and sun of Ngapali Beach. Day 6 Ngapali beach Enjoy sea and sun of Ngapali Beach. Day 7 Thandwe - Yangon Transfer to airport. Thandwe/ Yangon by flight. Transfer to Hotel. Day 8 Departure Yangon Transfer to airport for departure flight. End of service. Day 1 Yangon - Kawthaung Yangon - Kawthaung by Flight. Transfer to hotel overnight at hotel. (Live aboard Island hopping tour will start tomorrow.) Day 2 Kawthaung- 115 Island Nyaung Wee Leave from Kawthaung (Myoma Jetty) to 115 Island by our boat. On arrival, explore around the remote island. It s preferable to do Snorkeling, Kayaking, Sport Fishing, Jungle Trekking, Swimming and enjoy wonderful sunset. A small bird net cave should not be left out also. Proceed to Nyaung Wee Island for night stop. Day 3 Nyaung Wee Bo Cho (Makyone Galet Village) Morning visit to Salone (Sea Gypsies) village and chat with them. After luch, continues to Bo Cho Island. Overnight on board. Day 4 Bo Cho (Makyone Galet Village) Kubo (Lampi) Pay a visit to Makyone Galet Village to discover their ways of life. After Lunch, continues to Kubo Island. It s nice to do Kayaking, Swimming, Trekking around the island, Bird watching and etc Enjoy the sunset from Kubo island. Overnight onboard. Day 5 Kubo Salet Galet (Lampi) After breakfast, proceed to Salet Galet. On arrival, Kayaking around mangroves forest and appreciate beauties of sandy beaches along the Lampi island and then Overnight at Salet Galet Day 6 Salet Galet (Lampi)- Wa Ale Island- La Ngann Island After breakfast, proceed to Wa Ale Island, One of the best place to make swimming, snorkeling, relaxing on the beach, trekking and etc and then proceed to La Ngann Island. Day 7 La Ngann Island- Ye Aye Lime Stone Cave Warr Island After breakfast, visit to village of La Ngann Island and then proceed to Ye Aye Lime Stone Cave. On arrival, visit and study about natural bird net cave. Overnight at Warr Island. Day 8 Warr Island After breakfast, Way back to Kawthaung. On the way, visit to beautiful Myauk Ni island. Snorkeling and relaxing on the white sandy beach of Myauk Ni island and then way back to Kawthaung Day 9 Kawthaung - Yangon (or) Ranong If time permits morning visit to Kawthaung market.transfer to Airport for flight to Yangon (or) transfer to Ranong (Thailand) by boat. 27 Day 4 Bagan - Thandwe Bagan/Heho/ Thandwe by flight. (1 Stopover) Transfer to the hotel. Enjoy sand sea and sun of Ngapali. Overnight at Hotel. NOTE: Ngapali beach is opened from November - May.

15 Main Tour Programme Discover Transfer to airport. Heho - Mandalay by flight. Overnight at hotel Days / 13 Nights YANGON BAGO KYAIKHTIYO INLE LAKE MANDALAY SAGAING MONYWA PAKOKKAU BAGAN TWANTE Day 1 Yangon City Tour Arrive to Yangon. Sightseeing in Yangon: Yangon Jetty with the nearby world famous STRAND Hotel and the old City Centre of Yangon. In the late afternoon, proceed to Bogyoke market, Shwedagon Pagoda and enjoy the very special atmosphere here before and after sunset. Walk the local markets close to the Pagoda after sunset. Enjoy the smells and sounds of! Day 2 Yangon - Bago - Kyaik Htiyo Your guide will pick you up from Hotel, four and half hour drive to Kyaik-Hti-Yo Pagoda, on the way, stop at Bago market, an ancient Mon capital & Kyakatwaing Buddhist monastery to observe the life style of thousands of Buddhist Monks. Upon arrival at Kim pun base camp board on an open truck for (15 km, approx 1 hours) steep but well-paved road leads to the upper staging point to the renowned Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda site 1180 meters above sea level. The Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda, 7.3 meters high, built on a gold-gilded boulder, 25 meters in circumference, and balanced in what appears to be a very precarious position on a tabular rock jutting out from a ridge in the Eastern Yoma Mountains. Kyaikhtiyo is likely to be one of s most spiritual experiences. Overnight Stay at the hotel in Kyaikhtiyo. Day 3 Kyaik Htiyo - Yangon After Breakfast, return to Kin-pun camp, lunch at local restaurant in Bago and then visit Shwe-Thar-Lyaung Pagoda, the colossal reclining Buddha Image lost to the Public for many years. Walk to Mon village to see weaving and cheroot factory and Kambawzathadi Palace of the great king Bayinnaung and four Buddha images each 98 feet high at Kyaikpun with an interesting story in Bago and return Yangon. If time permits visit fruit and pottery market on the way back to Yangon. Transfer to your hotel in Yangon. Day 4 Yangon - Heho - Inle Lake Transfer to airport. Yangon - Heho by flight. Drive to Nyaung Shwe. You ll feel a total difference atmosphere and ambience from Middle part of. The Inle Lake is surrounded by mountains and situated 3000ft above sea level. Traveling on the lake is an exhilarating experience for nature lovers and a chance to observe the unique traditions of the Intha people. Wonder unique leg rowing fishermen, floating firms <built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud which anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles>, houses and monasteries on the stilt etc. Visit most venerated 11 Century Phaungdaw Oo pagoda housing five sacred Buddha Images, the weaving village, Se Gaung Village, famous for the blacksmith work and Nan Pan Village with cheroot making and Ngaphechauung; a museum like monastery where old belongings of many monasteries are restored. Day 5 Indein - Heho - Mandalay Excursion by long tail boat to Indein Pagoda Complex which are situated in the Western Shore of Inle Lake, where you will find Indein village and continue by a stair path leading to the hidden and unknown INN DEIN PAGODA complex: approximate 1050 stupas of 15 century. Day 6 Mingun - Mandalay Morning boat trip to Mingun, site of a brick pagoda towering 50 meters above the Ayeyarwady River, and home to the world s largest intact bell. The boat trip is interesting because you see all types of wooden boats and bamboo rafts, carrying goods up and down the river. Visit to Myatheindan Pagoda, Mingun Bell; the third world s largest sounding bell, Settawya Pagoda, Mingun Pagoda and village. Return to Mandalay. Afternoon sightseeing in Mandalay: Shwenandaw; the Golden Palace Monastery, Kuthodaw Pagoda; the world s largest book and sunset from Mandalay Hill with the view of dotted pagodas and Ayeyarwaddy River. Day 7 Ava - Sagaing - Amarapura Drive and across by boat to Ava, an ancient capital of Mandalay. Visit around Ava by Horse cart: MaiNu Oak- Kyaung (brick monastery), Bagaya Monastery famous for its construction with 267 teak wood, NanMyint watch tower and villages to see the workshop of Monk s arms-bowl. Then continue to Sagaing Hill: Visit Soon U Ponnayashin Pagoda, Umin thonze, Zayartheingyi Nunnery and Ywataung silver smith. Lunch on the way and return to Mandalay. Visit MahaGandayon Buddhist Monastery to observe the life style of thousands of Buddhist monks and sunset from U-Bein Wooden Bridge constructed across the TaungThaMann Lake. Return to Mandalay and overnight at hotel. Day 8 Mandalay - Monywa Drive to North West of Mandalay for 3hrs to a small town Monywa, famous for its Thanbodae Pagoda. The pagoda represents Mt. Meru-type structure with no less than 582,354 Buddha images in niches. Visit the Bawditahtaung pagoda; thousand of Buddha images under the Bo-trees. Reclining Buddha 90m in length, Standing Buddha 167 m high Overnight at hotel in Monywa. Day 9 Monywa - Pakokku - Bagan Visit by crossing Chindwin River to Powin Hill and Shweba Hill where we have sandstone caves containing over 400,000 ancient Buddha images and frescoes (paintings) dating back to 14th to 16th century. To observe people and nature, we will cross Chindwin River to the west bank and drive South. After driving from the West bank for (110km-4hrs) to Pakokku, a port city set south of the Chindwin confluence. Then cross the river to the East, where the ancient Bagan city lies peacefully with thousands of temples and pagodas. Day 10 Bagan Transfer to airport. Yangon - Bagan by flight. Transfer to hotel. Visit the ancient capital of Bagan and its architecture from 10-13century AD. When you talk about Bagan, it is needless to say about Buddhism that flourished together with Bagan culture. Sightseeing in Bagan includes Nyaung Oo Market; a village market where you can find from wet market of fish and meat to house hold things like ratten baskets, cotton wear and antiques, Shwezigon Pagoda; prototype golden stupa, Gubyaukgyi Temple; small temple good for panoramic view and famous for it s frescoe paintings of 12th century. Check in at hotel & rest. Afternoon visit, Ananda Temple; the most beautiful temple with 4 standing Buddhas in four cardinal points, history or lord Buddha and outside of the temple is decorated withterra-cotta worriers in green glaze plaques. Visit Lacquerware Factory and stroll around the village of Myinkaba, visit Manuha Temple; the temple of captive king of Tha-ton, and Pyattadagyi Temple for panoramic view of the city. Overnight at hotel in Bagan. Day 11 Bagan Morning drive to Southeast of Bagan: visit Minnanthu village, to see daily life style of Bagan people, Tayokepyay temple for panoramic view of the city, Lemyethna Temple, Payaathonzu Temple and Nandamanya Temples for fresco painting of 12th century, Damayasaka Stupa, a pentagonal shaped pagoda. After lunch, (around 14:30hrs) take a boat to Kyauk-Ku Umin. Walk along the small path through mountain to the meditation cave made of sand stone in the 12 century. Visit around to see the stone-relief, stucco of the temple and return back to Bagan at sunset. Day 12 Bagan - Yangon Transfer to airport. Bagan - Yangon by flight. Transfer to hotel. Afternoon free for shopping with your guide in Yangon. Day 13 Excursion to Twante Today you will extend out of Yangon to Twante; small town famous for it s pottery work for centuries. Take a local ferry from Pansodan Jetty to Twante and visit around by saloon car or horsecarts. Visit to Shwe sandaw pagoda and village market. The importance is Twante is pottery works. Clay from Twante is the best to make pottery, you ll visit to home industries of water pots, flower pots, burners and kilns. Return to Yangon in the afternoon. Overnight at hotel in Yangon. Day 14 Yangon Departure Transfer to airport for departure flight. End of our service. 29

16 Main Tour Programme Irrawaddy Explorer (Cruising down the Irrawaddy by private chartered boat) Days / 15 Nights YANGON MYITKYINA BAHMO SHWE GU KAHTA TAGAUNG KYAUK MYAUNG MINGUN MANDALAY SAGAING BAGAN PINDAYA INLE LAKE YANGON Day 1 Arrive Yangon Arrive to Yangon in the morning. Meet at Airport and transfer to Hotel. Sightseeing in Yangon: Yangon Jetty with the nearby world famous STRAND Hotel and the old City Centre of Yangon. In the late afternoon, proceed to Bogyoke market, Shwedagon Pagoda and enjoy the very special atmosphere here before and after sunset. Walk the local markets close to the Pagoda after sunset. Enjoy the smells and sounds of! Day 2 Yangon - Myitkyina Yangon - Myitkyina by flight. Transfer to hotel. Sightseeing visit to Myitsone ( Confluence of two legendary rivers ). Overnight at Hotel. Day 3 Myitkyina Bhamo (Cruising down the Irrawaddy by private chartered boat) Drive to Bhamo [5 hrs for the strerch of 190km, depend on the road condition]. You will need special permission from the authorities and we hope to get this green light in time. riverside restaurant. Check in on board at Afternoon. Overnight on-board. Day 4 Bhamo - Shwe Gu On the way, we will pass the beautiful Second Defile. The river banks become a steep cliff and the river bottom drops away to extreme depths. The river scene is amazing and offers beautiful scenery. In the afternoon, we arrive in Shwegu and visit the pagodas of Shwe Baw Kyunn on the opposite river bank of Shwegu. Overnight on-board. Day 5 Shwe Gu - Katha We leave Shwegu in the morning. The scenery along the river is beautiful with small villages and dense tropical forest. This day is a good chance to see the famous Ayeyarwaddy Dolphin, quite common in this area. In the afternoon, we will reach Katha, a beautiful town with an interesting market, friendly people, and a unique atmosphere. Katha is known from the book Burmese Days written by George Orwell. Overnight on-board. Day 6 Katha - Tagaung Journey will continue downstream until Tagaung, one of the oldest capitals of. Proceed for sightseeing at Tagaung. Overnight and dinner on-board. Day 7 Tagaung - Kyaukmyaung We continued until Thabeikkyin. We will pass the Third Defile. This area is covered with dense teak forest. Dinner and overnight on-board near Kyaukmyaung. Day 8 Kyaukmyaung - Mingun Down stream to Nwe Nyein (potery village). After sightseeing, sailing down stream to Mingun with the Mingun Bell, weighing 90 tones and biggest hanging undamaged bell in the world; Shin Phyume pagoda, and the unfinished Mingun pagoda, a colossal brick monument. Dinner and overnight on-board near Mingun. Day 9 Mingun - Mandalay Set Sailing down to Mandalay. Arrive Mandalay and transfer to the hotel. Sightseeing Mandalay: Mahamuni Image, Wood carving, Gold leaf making and Tapestry Workshop, Shwenandaw Monastery, Kuthodaw Pagoda and sunset from Mandalay Hill. Day 10 Amarapura - Sagaing Excursion to Amarapura and Sagaing: Visit Bagaya monastery; famous for collection of Buddha statues, MahaGandayon Buddhist Monastery, to observe the way of life at monastery, Silk weaving, Ava Bridge and Sagaing Hills; a place for Buddhist devotees and sunset from U-Bein wooden bridge. Day 11 Mandalay - Bagan Transfer to airport. Mandalay /Bagan by flight. Sightseeing in Bagan: Nyaung Oo Market; a village market where you can find from wet market of fish and meat to house hold things like rattan baskets, cotton wear and antiques. Visit the golden Shwezigon Pagoda; prototype golden stupa, Gubyaukgyi Temple; small temple good for panoramic view and famous for it s frescoe paintings of 12th century. Check in at hotel & rest. Afternoon visit, Ananda Temple; the most beautiful temple with 4 standing Buddhas in four cardinal points, history or lord Buddha and outside of the temple is decorated withterra-cotta worriers in green glaze plaques. Visit Lacquerware home industry and stroll around the viallage of Myinkaba, visit Manuha Temple; the temple of captive king of Tha-ton, Dhammayangyi Pahto and Pyattadagyi Temple or one of the pagoda for panoramic view of the city. Day 12 Bagan Morning drive to Southeast of Bagan: visit Minnanthu village, to see daily life style of Bagan people, Tayokepyay temple, Lemyethna Temple, Payaathonzu Temple and Nandamanya Temples for frescoe painting of 12th century, Damayasaka Stupa, a pentagonal shaped pagoda. Late afternoon, take a horse cart ride through the temple field of Bagan passing by several pagodas and temples along the path. While the sun is setting down, red brick color of small temples such as Shwe Nan Yin Taw pagoda complex make the photogenic spot. Continue to the massive Damayangyi Pagoda and sunset from Shwesandaw paya. Day 13 Bagan - Heho - Pindaya Transfer to airport. Bagan - Heho by morning flight. Drive to Pindaya and visit: Pindaya Lake, Pindaya Caves and Shan Umbrella and mulberry paper production home industry. Day 14 Pindaya - Inle Lake Drive to Inle Lake (2.5 hrs). The Inle Lake is surrounded by mountains and situated 3000ft above sea level. Excursion can be made by long tail boat, see life of In-tha (name of people living in the lake), their floating gardens, floating islands, and their most venerated Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Day 15 Heho - Yangon Transfer to airport. Heho - Yangon by flight. Transfer to hotel. Opportunity to do last minute shopping in Yangon or walk along busy streets of Indian and China Town. Day 16 Yangon Departure Transfer to airport for departure flight. End of our service. 31

17 Main Tour Programme The Last Frontier Thu - Day 05 Nomung Breakfast and relax through the day interacting with this unique community. Fri - Day 06 Nomung - Maza (trek) Breakfast and change your direction on west to Maza on different route along mule trek. First 6 km trek along Kasankha stream (approx 3 hours). Lunch stop and cross a suspension bridge and continue trek (8 km, approx 4 hours). Dinner and overnight at a camp Days / 9 Nights PUTAO NOMUNG PUTAO Good to travel between November - May (min 4 pax) The Last Frontier (A Unique settlement in the northern frontiers)! Nomung, situated 125 km north of Putao at an altitude of 1640 ft, 500 meters above sea is the centre for the area in terms of administration, health care and education. Nomung Township probably is one of the most sparsely populated areas in Asia having two people per square mile ratio. You will witness heavily forested jungle with rich flora and fauna. Being depot of botany in northern having a huge range of flowers including Rhododendron Dendricoala and many deferent species of Begonias etc. This is the very place that well-known botanist Frank Kingdon Ward has found many rare species of orchids during his botanic survey in Sun - Day 01 Arrival, Putao Meet at airport and transfer to guest house. Putao lies in a flat valley, jumping-off point for trekkers who want to explore the region s deep forests, wildlife sanctuaries and snow-capped mountains etc. After a brief fresh up take a walk around Putao for the orientation. Dinner and overnight at Guest House. Mon - Day 02 Putao-Machanbaw Baba(jeep/trek) Early in the morning walk to Putao market (approx 10 minute), visit attractive market often busy with local ethnic tribes. Return to hotel, breakfast and depart by jeep or truck depending on the group size to Machanbaw, a small administrative town located across Malikha river. We cross over 213 meters long suspension bridge on foot while our truck cross the river and proceed to our today destination at Babaw through Alangga, Htangga and Uringga (approx 8 to 10 hours) on rough and dirt road. As we traverse the mountain ridges the forest gets varied and view splendid. We should be preparing for the long and rough journey ahead us as road at this part is considered one of the worse in the country. Dinner and overnight at one of the local homes. Tue - Day 03 Trek to Kwinmaling along Gasang creek Breakfast and we continue trek towards Kwinmaling (19 km, approx 6 hours) along Gasang creek with darkgreen colour water. Arrive at Magweza camp, located 12 km from Babaw which is the junction to Nomung and Hkawnglanghpu or Hkawbude. Lunch stop and cross Gasang creek via 113 meter suspension bridge which linking Ratbaw I and II. Continue trek about 6 km along the smooth gravel road to Kwinmaling. Majority Rawang mixed with Kachin and Lisu tribe. Dinner and overnight at one of the local homes. Sat Day 07 Maza - Namti (trek) Breakfast turn your direction to south-west towards Namti, situate at 2300 ft, 700 meters above sea (19 km, approx 6 hours). First 6 km will be up hill towards the shoulder of 6150 ft, 1875 meters Mt. Babulonhtan (locally known as Noi Ngum) by winding route through its top. Along the way you will witness many different species of orchid along with birds. If weather permits you will enjoy a spectacular view of snow capped Mountains in the far north. There will be snow on the top of this mountain during winter months. This is the very place that well-known botanist Frank Kingdon Ward has found many rare species of orchids during his botanic survey in Some of the rare orchids such as Phiopedilum Wadii or Cypripedium Wardlamon (generally known as black orchid) which has been named after the founder believe can only be seen in. Beside black orchid there are many different species of orchids can be found here such as Indrovian, Clanthi, Simpidium, and Simpripedium etc. Noiwinlit and Babulonhtan valley actually is the depot of botany in northern having a huge range of flowers including Rhododendron Dendricoala and many deferent species of Begonias etc. Lunch on the way, dinner and oovernight at one of the local homes. Sun Day 08 Namhti - Namsabum - Putao (trek/ jeep) Breakfast and keep trek through winding mule trek to Namsabum (15 km, approx 5 hours). Once climb on Noiwinlit Mt ft, 1380 meter you will see snake like crawling Namti creek down in the bottom of valley from the distance. Once cross Htikha creek by a suspension bridge the trek goes through up hills and then to downhill all the way to Namsabum. On the way witness heavily forested jungle, groups of monkeys were jumping everywhere making loud noise. Continue trek to Salundum (5 km, approx 2 hours) on a relatively easy path. Once cross Malikha river by boat to Htawadum, your jeep awaits you and takes you back to Putao. Farewell dinner with fellow group members, including your porters, and commemorate the experience that you have shared for the past 10 days in this unique part of the world. Overnight at guest house. Mon - Day 09 Putao - Mulashidi - Putao (jeep) Breakfast and depart by jeep to Morning transfer by jeep to Mulashidi, 14 km south of Putao (approx 20 minute), a beautiful Lisu settlement next to famous Mulashidi suspension bridge. Visit the attractive Lisu settlement and another suspension bridge across Mula river. Enjoy beautiful surrounding often backdrop with snow-capped mountains in distance. Return back to Putao and check in at guest house. Dinner and overnight at guest house. Tue - Day 10 Departure Breakfast and perhaps a last minute shopping at Putao market and further visit in and around Putao with suggestion by your guide. Lunch and afternoon transfer to airport for your onward departure flight to conclude this unique experience. 33 Wed - Day 04 Kwinmaling Nomung (trek) Breakfast and keep trek to final destination at Nomung, situates at 1640 ft 500 meters above sea and the last frontier town of (6 km, approx 3 hours) through a 30 meter suspension bridge across the Beekoat creek which leads to the bottom of the mountain. Trek up the shoulder of the steep Beekoat Mountain and descend towards lowland along the creek with green plantations belong to the village. Majority of tribe at this village are of Rawang. Lunch at village and easy afternoon culturally and socially interaction with the locals. Dinner and overnight at one of the local homes.

18 Main Tour Programme The Wonders of Salween River and Beyond 34 13Days /12 Nights YANGON BAGO KYAIKHTIYO HPA-AN MAWLAMYAING YANGON BAGAN MANDALAY HEHO INLE YANGON Day 1 Arrival Yangon Meet at airport and transfer to hotel. Sightseeing in Yangon: World famous Shwedagon Pagoda, Chauk-Htat-Gyi (Reclining Buddha), Sule Pagoda and Mahabandoola Park and Bogyoke Market. Overnight at Hotel. Day 2 Yangon - Bago - Kyaik Htiyo Your guide will pick you up from Hotel, four and half hour drive to Kyaik-Hti-Yo Pagoda, on the way, stop at Bago market, an ancient Mon capital & Kyakatwaing Buddhist monastery to observe the life style of thousands of Buddhist Monks. Upon arrival at Kim pun base camp board on an open truck for (15 km, approx 1 hours) steep but well-paved road leads to the upper staging point to the renowned Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda site 1180 meters above sea level. The Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda, 7.3 meters high, built on a gold-gilded boulder, 25 meters in circumference, and balanced in what appears to be a very precarious position on a tabular rock jutting out from a ridge in the Eastern Yoma Mountains. Kyaikhtiyo is likely to be one of s most spiritual experiences. Overnight Stay at the hotel in Kyaikhtiyo. Day 3 Kyaik Htiyo - Hpa An - Mawlamyaine Visit around Kyaiktiyo Pagoda and return to the camp. Drive to Hpa An (3 Hrs). Visit to Karen villages of different religion, Pa-O weaving village, Kyaik Kalat pagoda on top of amazing boulder, the ancient Kaw-kuncave with thousands of votive tablets and the story of Mon king and ZweKabin Mountain. Continue drive to Mawlamyaine (1.5 Hrs). Check-in Hotel. Overnight at Hotel. Day 4 Mawlamyaine Visit Mawlamyaine and around: MawlamyaineMarket, WinSein Tawya Monastery with Reclining Buddha of 160m and hundreds Monks statues, Pha-auk Tawya Meditation center in Mudone and visit to Kyaik-ma-yaw. Visit SeinDon Teakwood monastery and KyaikThaLan pagoda for sunset. If time permits in the afternoon, visit Gaung-Say Island and beyond Mawlamyaine by boat. Overnight at Hotel. Day 5 Mawlamyaine - Yangon Mawlamyaine / Yangon by car (7hrs) crossing Mawlamyaine Bridge over the Salween River. Transfer to hotel. Overnight at Hotel. Day 6 Yangon - Bagan Yangon / Bagan by flight. Sightseeing in Bagan: Nyaung Oo Market; a village market where you can find from wet market of fish and meat to house hold things like rattan baskets, cotton wear and antiques. Visit the golden Shwezigon Pagoda; prototype golden stupa, Gubyaukgyi Temple; small temple good for panoramic view and famous for it s frescoe paintings of 12th century. Check in at hotel & rest. Afternoon visit, Ananda Temple; the most beautiful temple with 4 standing Buddhas in four cardinal points, history or lord Buddha and outside of the temple is decorated withterra-cotta worriers in green glaze plaques. Visit Lacquerware home industry and stroll around the viallage of Myinkaba, visit Manuha Temple; the temple of captive king of Tha-ton, Dhammayangyi Pahto and Pyattadagyi Temple or one of the pagoda for panoramic view of the city. Day 7 Bagan Morning drive to Southeast of Bagan: visit Minnanthu village, to see daily life style of Bagan people, Tayoke pyay temple for panoramic view of the city, Lemyethna Temple, Payaathonzu Temple and Nandamanya Temples for frescoe painting of 12th century, Damayasaka Stupa, a pentagonal shaped pagoda. Afternoon (around 14:30hrs) take a boat to Kyauk-Ku Umin. Walk along the small path through mountain to the meditation cave made of sand stone in the 12 century. Visit around to see the stone-relief, stucco of the temple and return back to Bagan at sunset. Day 8 Bagan - Mandalay Bagan / Mandalay by flight. ( Note: Mandalay new airport is situated in Tada-Oo, one hour drive to Mandalay). Begin your sightseeing tour of Mandalay with a visit to Mahamuni Pagoda. This pagoda is home to one of the country s most revered Buddha images which, over the years, have been covered with gold leaf giving it an almost lumpy texture. Mandalay is well known for its skilled craftsmen and as you tour traditional workshops, you will learn more about the city s cottage industries. Observe the production of wood carvings, kalaga tapestries, and gold-leaf where the techniques remained unchanged from those used centuries ago to craft items for the Royal Court. This afternoon, continue your tour of Mandalay with a visit to Kuthodaw Pagoda, whose 729 marble stone slabs of Buddhist scriptures have earned it the title World s Biggest Book. Continue to Shwenandaw Monastery, the only remaining building from the 19th century Royal Palace. This grand teak building is known for its exquisite woodcarving. Head to the top of Mandalay Hill as the sun begins to set to enjoy magnificent views of the city and Irrawaddy River. Day 9 Amarapura and Sagaing Excursion to Amarapura & Sagaing : Visit Bagaya monastery; famous for collection of Buddha statues, MahaGandayon Buddhist Monastery to observe the life style of thousands of Buddhist monks, Silk & Cotton weaving home industry, then after crossing Ava Bridge & continue to Sagaing Hills; a place for Buddhist devotees : visit Soon U Ponnayashin Pagoda, Umin thonze, Zayartheingyi Nunnery and Ywataung silver smith. and sunset from U-Bein wooden bridge constructed across the TaungThaMann Lake. Return to Mandalay. Day 10 Mandalay - Heho - Inle Lake Transfer to airport. Mandalay - Heho by flight. Drive to Nyaung Shwe. You ll feel a total difference atmosphere and ambience from Middle part of. The Inle Lake is surrounded by mountains and situated 3000ft above sea level. Upon reaching the edges of Inle Lake, board a private motorboat to head out to Inle Lake, one of s most spectacular sights. Pass villages built on stilts over the lake, inhabited by the local Intha people. Observe the leg-rowing fishermen and see their floating gardens built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles. Visit Nga Hpe Chaung Monastery, which houses dozens of Shan Buddha Images, but is more famous for its unique jumping cats those jump through hoops in the air! (now no cats are kept in this monastery). Continue to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake s main sanctuary, which contains five sacred Buddha images covered in gold leaf. Take a walk to Lechae village to see workman ship of Tin Smith for Tiers of Pagodas and art of moulding Buddha statue by flower powder. Explore the local crafts of Inle Lake with a stop at the weaving village of Inpawkhone and a cheroot factory, where the typical Burmese cigars are made by hand. Day 11 Indein Excursion by long tail boat to Indein Pagoda Complex which are situated in the Western Shore of Inle Lake, where you will find Indein village and continue by a stair path leading to the hidden and unknown INN DEIN PAGODA complex : approximate 1050 stupas of 15 century. Day 12 Heho - Yangon Heho / Yangon by flight. Afternoon sightseeing Yangon: Take a walk at busy streets of Yangon, China Town and Yangon Jetty. Overnight at Hotel. Day 13 Yangon departure Transfer to airport for departure flight. End of our service. 35

19 Main Tour Programme Venturing into the unknown 8 Days /7 Nights KALAYMYO HAKHA FALAM TEDIM TONZANG MT. KENNEDY 36 Day 01 Kalaymyo (Arrival) Upon our arrival to Kalaymyo our local representative will meet us and introduce to the driver who will play the important role on our adventure in the Chin Hills. A short visit to Thahan market for necessary supply for the trip and further visit of this busy town. This afternoon we may drive to Kalaywa, 24 miles to the east, a small town on the bank of Chindwin river. Scenery along the way is beautiful having one side mountains and another Myittha River, a tributary of Chindwin River which flowing a long side with the road. We explore this small but busy port village and return back to Kalaymyo in the afternoon. Dinner at local reastaurant and overnight at the hotel. Day 02 Kalay Falam Hakha Breakfast and we head towards west to the mountains. Our adventure starts here as we roll along the mountainous road for Hakha, the capital of Chin State 120 miles away from Kalaymyo. About three hours or so on the relatively good road we reach at Taingen village, located at strategic point of road junction between Kalya/Hakha and Kalay/Tedim. Here we have lunch stop and continue our journey passing through many Chin villages along the road where houses are built on stilt at the edge of road side having mountains one side and gorge on the other. We pass through group of children driving on their wooden trolley (a wooden trolley with 4 wheels without engine built for multipurpose use) which seems an important instrument for their daily life as they use this vehicle not only for children play but also to fetch fire woods, and product from their field. We cross the Barr Bridge that span across Manipur river (which is the one and only river passing through northern Chin State. As we approach Falam you will notice some of the memorable stone slabs inscribe on the stone slab about the person s belong to the village ahead with his good deeds, wealth, marriage life, children and his achievements etc. Some slabs shows not only in words but also human, animals, houses are carved on the surface of the stone. After another two hour drive we arrive at Falam, situates 5500 feet above sea level, built on the slope of a mountain range, in multiple steps. The town is quite clean and tidy and resembles old towns in Europe having some beautiful brick buildings perched on the edge of the mountain. We settle in at local guest house and visit up on the hill side where Buddhist monastery and Pagoda is located. Enjoy a great over view of the entire town from the hill side. Return back to town and explore the unique town with friendly atmosphere. Dinner at local restaurant and overnight at the local guest house. Day 3 Falam Hakha Morning we visit the local market where we can have breakfast at one of the tea shops and depart for Hakha which takes us probably about three hours, on the winding road along the esthetically beautiful landscape. Hakha is the capital of Chin State located at elevation 6120 feet from the sea. Lunch stop at a local restaurant and we visit Chin State museum to observe the customs and culture of Chin ethnic living in Chin Hills. They are commonly known as Chin but this big group consists of several sub-tribes with different dialects. From where we enjoy a fantastic view of Hakha, over-viewing the city through pine trees. Dinner at local restaurant and check in at local guest house for overnight. Day 04 Hakha Falam Early in the morning we visit the local market which is small but very interesting as it tells the story of the local and their daily life style. Later we meet our local guide and explore one of the nearby local ethnic villages which gives us a real social and cultural interaction with this unique tribes people. We return back to town and lunch stop at local restaurant and we depart for Falam, which take us about three hour drive. Arrive at Falam, check in at hotel and visit up on the hill side where Buddhist monastery and Pagoda is located. Enjoy a great over view of the entire town from the hill side. Return back to town and explore the unique town with friendly atmosphere. Dinner at local restaurant and overnight at the local guest house. Day 05 Falam Taigen Tedim Breakfast and we visit this unique and friendly town. Later we depart back to Taingen where we have lunch stop and then head towards west to the mountains rolling along the mountainous road for Tedim, locate at 5500 feet above sea level and with under unique geography in its shape and slopes. Unique enough as Tropic of Cancer pass by here. About three hours or so on the relatively good road we reach at Taingen village, located at strategic point of road junction between Kalay/Hakha and Kalay/Tedim. Here we have lunch stop and continue our journey towards north. As soon as we roll on we come to realize that we will be traveling through the winding road alongside of the mountain over 7000 feet above sea level. Most of the mountain top is covered with Rhododendron bushes, orchids, berries and pine etc. if you are a hiker then it s a great opportunity scale summit of Mt. Kennedy (8871 feet) and the highest peak in Northern part of the Chin Hills. From the side road near Sozang village, locate 7458 feet from the sea. There is side dirt road goes up to closer point of the peak thus you have a choice weather to drive and short hike or a longer hike option starting from Sozang which give you a great trekking experience. Finally we arrive Tedim, beautifully parched on the plateau with height 5667 feet above sea. We check in at guest house and later walk around the town for our orientation. Dinner at local restaurant and overnight at local guest house. 37

20 Optional - Special Interest Tours The authentic Cities: Sagaing, Monywa, Pakokku 3 Days / 2 Nights Mandalay Sagaing Monywa Pakokku Bagan 38 Day 06 Tedim Tonzang - Tedim Breakfast at a local tea house and just stand by at the main road to watch the passer by as there is no designated market exists in Tedim. By standing by at the road side you will make lots of great photo of people from far and near bring their good such as vegetable, potato, firewood and other dry product either by mule, carry or push and pull with the so-called Chin Trolley to sell o the street market. Later we head further north east about 32 miles to Tonzang, parched on the slop of the mountain at 4160 feet above sea level. At first the winding road goes straight down to Manipur river and cross Man Saung bridge. From this point the road winds up again and passing through evergreen forest to Tonzang. Once again the unusual customs finding memorable Stone Slabs on the edge of the town and villages but unique about Tonzang is that there are several large ones on the side of the road. Most of these slabs carried out history of Tedim Chief Hau Cin Khup and his son PonZaMang on these inscribed stone slabs. Hau Cin Khup house was burnt down during world war and now remain a Catholic church it the place. We have a lunch break at this beautiful town and perhaps walk around a bit to get to know the town and its charming and friendly people. Later we return back to Tedim and check in at our guest house. site of Mt. Kennedy, 8871 feet from the Northern part of the Chin Hills. We could drive till the very near to the summit but scales summit via trekking route which gives a great view of the surrounding mountain ranges. We have lunch stop at Taingen and continue our home journey toward Kalaymyo. As we descend down we feel a dramatic change in the weather as air become thicker and warmer and feel more humidity I the air. We check in at our hotel and walk around the town stretching ourselves a bit. Dinner and overnight at Kalaymyo. Day 08 Kalaymyo - Yangon Breakfast at a local tea house and perhaps we explore a bit of the town before check in at Kalay airport for our onward departure flight to conclude this unique experience. Other Available programs: Tour Code NP -15 ( N.Chin ) :5 Days/ 4 Nights Beauties of Northern Chin Hills. Kalaymyo / Hakha / Falam / Kalaymyo Tour Code NP -16 (N.Chin ): 6 Days/ 5 Nights Explore the ancient towns & unique culture Kalaymyo / Tedim / Tonzang / Kalaymyo Day 1 Mandalay Sagaing Monywa Morning visit to Sagaing Hill: Visit Soon U Ponnayashin Pagoda, Umin thonze, Zayartheingyi Nunnery and Ywataung silver smith. Lunch on the way at local restaurant and then drive to North West of Mandalay about 3hrs to a small town Monywa, trade centre of Upper. Day 2 Monywa Phowin Hill & Thanbodae Morning visit famous Thanbodae Pagoda. The pagoda represents Mt. Meru-type structure with no less than 582,354 Buddha images in niches. Visit the Bawditahtaung pagoda; thousand of Buddha images under the Bo-trees. Continue visit by crossing Chindwin River to Powin Hill and Shweba Hill where we have sandstone caves containing over 400,000 ancient Buddha images and frescoes (paintings) dating back to 14th to 16th century. Reclining Buddha 90m in length, Standing Buddha 167 m high Overnight at hotel in Monywa. Day 3 Monywa - Pakokku - Bagan To observe people and nature visit Ah Neint Ywa ( Thon Pan Hla) village, The village is situated on the East bank of Chindwin River., a few yards away from Sin-Pyu-Shin bridge. This village was once a big town, belong to one of the Prince of Nyaung-Yan period.the main attractions of this village are of old temples and beautiful wall paintings (frescoes), still surviving from Nyaung-yan period ( 16th -18th ) century AD. Because of the cage type architecture style, it protects the light and most of the frescoes survived in good shape and keep its bright natural colors. Visit around well sustain village and continue to Pokokku with visit to Pakhan, 200 yr old wood carved monastery. About 15:00hrs, take a boat downstream by boat from Pakokku to Bagan. Sunset on the boat. (OR) cross the bridge to Eastern bank and drive to Bagan, where the ancient Bagan city lies peacefully with thousands of temples and pagodas. Transfer to hotel. 39 Day 07 Tedim Taingen Kalaymyo Breakfast at local tea shop and we head back to Taingen through the winding road that goes through the top of the mountain range, along the valley and side by side which makes your destination looks so closed but take so long to get there. We stop over at Sozang village; locate 7458 feet from the sea, from where we visit the

21 Optional - Special Interest Tours Biking around Inle Lake Eco Tour Eco Tour - Off the beaten trek for nature lovers Day Biking Mountain bikes are available for biking around Inle Lake 7 Days / 6 Nights Yangon Bago Kyaikhtiyo Mawlamyaing Ogre Island Hpa-An Yangon 40 East Route Nyaung Shwe Nam Pan (16 miles) 3:30hr ride Nyaung Shwe to Red-Mountain (20mins) ride. Magyi Sin village(15mins) ride. Kyan Pone Gyi village(10mins) ride Maing Thouk (20mins) ride. At Maing Thaouk can visit to Orphanages school and also can visit to Meditation center near Maing Thouk village. Par Nwae village(20mins) ride. Pay Pin village(10mins) ride. (Road condition is not smooth enough with some ups and downs along the hilly path) Nam Pan Village about (1:30mins) ride. Continue sightseeing via boat Nam Pan Village you can observe Cheroot Making. Sae Kaung village can observe Black Smith industry. Inn Paw Khone can observe Hand Weaving Silk and Lotus Weaving industry. Along to Nam Pan there are many villages such as: Tae Lae Oo Inn, Tae Lae Oo, Myaung Yoe, Ma Gyi Gone. Between Nyaung Shwe to Nam Pan, there are many villages along the road. They are specialized in agriculture. Boat drive to Pauk Par village there are fishermen village there are Livestock fish at their housesand handmade boat building. West Route Indein Khaung Daing (13.5 miles) 3hr ride Take breakfast at hotel and board the traditional long tail motorized boat for a sightseeing tour of the lake. Traveling on the lake is an exhilarating experience for nature lovers and a chance to observe the unique traditions of the Intha people. Wonder unique leg rowing fishermen, floating firms <built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud which anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles>, houses and monasteries on the stilt etc. Visit Indein ruins complex with pagoda and stupas built in the 8th century. Enjoy rows of shops along the corridor up hill. Start biking from Indein tothan Taung village (1:25hr.) ride. (Will visit Than Taung market if coincide with the day of your visit.you can enjoy at Than Taung Market with Local Traditional food). Ride about (5mins)to PayarNi village. The entire household put their NAT (Spirit)together with one compound near village and can observe what they believe. Continue riding to Khaung Daingvillage (1hr). On the way visit Zi Pin Kaung village, Kan Ywa village to observe farming, enjoy the beautiful landscape with fresh breeze of nature (such as Mountains, Inle Lake & Local people farming). Khaung Daingvillage (North) (15mins) ride, sightseeing around Traditional Snack Making (Cottage Industry). Return back to hotel by boat. HEHO THAYETPYA - PINDAYA (23miles) 3:30hrs After breakfast car drive to Heho from Nyaung Shwe about 1hour drive. On the way to Heho sightseeing at Shan Paper and Umbrella making home industry. Start ride from Northern side of Heho airport to Pindaya direction. Lae Kaung Village about (20mins) ride. Sakar Inn Village about (20mins) ride. Paung Daw Oo village junction about (15mins) ride. Kha Yae Ngoke Pin Village about (20mins) ride. Lay Htat Kyaung Thaik Village about (15mins) ride. Kauk Htat Village about (20mins) ride. Naung Lwal Taw Ya Village (5mins) ride. Naung Lwal Village about (5mins) ride. Thae Gone Village about (15mins) ride, it s junction of Pindaya and Baw Saing. Baw Sone Village about (15mins) ride. Inn Palat village about (20mins) ride. Tayetpyar village about (20mins) ride. Stop at TayatPyar village for lunch. Biking on the way to TaYatPyar from Heho you can observe the local people (Pa O, Inn Thar and PaLaung) the way their lives and agriculture. Enjoy the beautiful landscape with fresh breeze of nature. After relax sightseeing around village. There are ThaNatPeat making ( ThaNat Peat is a leave to make cheroots ) and the agriculture of ThaNat Peat, processing from sugarcane to molasses, making brooms as home industry and meditation center. Riding time fromtayetpyar Village to Pindaya is about (25mins). Day 01 Yangon Bago Kyaik Hityo Your guide will pick you up from Hotel, four and half hour drive to Kyaik-Hti-Yo Pagoda, on the way, stop at Bago market, an ancient Mon capital & Kyakatwaing Buddhist monastery to observe the life style of thousands of Buddhist Monks. The car must stop at (Kin-pun camp) to take small truck (1hr) to Kyaiktiyo (The Golden Rock ) with local people. Take this opportunity to talk with local people. You ll find their pleasantness and hospitality. Then walk up 45 mins to the Kyaik-hti-yo Pagoda (The Golden Rock). Visit around until sunset. Overnight at Mountain Top Hotel. (Note: Take a truck at Kinpun camp to Kyaiktiyo (The Golden Rock) For small truck, from Kinpun camp to top of the mountain, you need to sit together with locals, should you wish to have a seat at the front (or) wish to hire the whole truck for yourself, please check prices and pay extra directly at the truck station.) Day 02 Kyaik Hityo - Mawlamyine After breakfast return to Kinpun camp by walking and take truck. Your car will wait for you at Kinpun camp and continue the journey to Thaton (approx 2 hrs drive). Thaton known as Suvhanabumi or the capital of the Mons, before Bagan, where Bagan King Anawratha brought the 3 repository of Buddhist Scriptures. Stop for a break and continue towards Mottama and to Mawlamyine. It will take another 2 hrs. Mawlamyine is the capital of Mon State in the Union of. It is situated Southern Part of, 165 kilometers east of the nation s capital across the Gulf of Mottama at the mouth of the Thanlwin River. Mawlamyine was once a thriving teak port and the administrative capital of British Lower Burma. It is famous for being the town where George Owell was stationed and where his essay Shooting an Elephant was set. The promenade runs along the western side of the town and although few colonial housed remain, the promenade is reminiscent of an English seaside town. Overnight at hotel in Mawlamyaing. Day 03 Mawlamyaing Morning visit to the local market of Mawlamyaing. Drive to Kyaik Mayaw, sitting Buddha famous for strange posture. Drve to Mudon the famous place for textile and visit to Kyauktalone, Winsein Tawya ( a place for Buddhist devotees) and return to Mawlamyaing. Mawlamyaing still has beautiful teak wood buildings & monasteries of Golden days. Evening visit to the city and Yadanarbonmyint Monastery teak wood monastery offered by Queen Sein Don of Mandalay. Sunset from the town s signature landmark Kyaikthanlan Pagoda built in 875 AD and thought to be the site from where Rudyard Kipling wrote his famous poem. Overnight at the hotel. Day 04 Ogre Island ( Bilu Kyun ) Take a local ferry from Mawlamyaing Pier to Ogre Island. Depart from your hotel and transfer to boat jetty to go Ogre Island. It is well known for its wonderful handmade handicrafts. There are more than 100 villages in this Island. Most of the local people are Mon ethnic. Among those villages, Ywar-lut is famous for its production of Wooden Pipes. Those Wooden Pipes were once used by the King of France and honored as amazing hand-made arts. Each pipe is ornamented with rare and difficult designs. Small black boards made from Gordon stones are one of the interesting things in Mu-du Village (they are still used for writing for school children). Now, looks alike of modern tablets. The capital village is called Chaung Sone, that has a great legend (The place where old Great KINGS used to wash their hair for good fortune) and you can experience the iconic scenery along Than Lwin River. Bikes, local three-wheeled cars and bullock carts are the mode of transport in that Island. Return to Mawlamyine by boat and transfer to the hotel. Day 05 Mawlamyaing Hpa An After breakfast, start your journey towards North of Mawlamyine to Hpa An; the capital of Kayin State for 1 ½ hr drive. Arrive Hpa An and check in at the hotel. Afternoon, visit to Kyaikalatt ; a mid lake monastery with a natural rock formed like a wine glass and visit to the village of Phoe-rakit where a community live in their own believe. Evening visit to Shwe Yin Myaw Pagoda located on the brink of Thanlwin River and sunset boat along the river. One can find stunning view of Than Lwin River and Zwe Ka Pin Mountain as well as famous mountains of Kayin State. One stop place for nature lover. Overnight at the hotel. Day 06 Hpa An Visit Hpa An market in the morning. The drive towards Hpa An Bridge over Thanlwin river. Drive by car and walk thru the village to Kawgun cave; that tells about Thaton Kingdom which situated after crossing the Thanlwin Bridge from Hpa-An. This huge cave is adorned by millions of Buddha images and Buddha stories in stucco. The place has amazing lime stone caves and mountains like Zwegabin mountain. Afternoon free at leisure and enjoy your stay in the unspoiled nature of Hpa An. 41 Note: Hpa An has two best hotels to offer. 1. Hotel Zwekabin - Siturated far from the bridge and easy access to town of Hpa An. 2. Hpa An Lodge- Small cosy hotel in wood with a swimming pool in nature looking over Mt.Zwekabin. Day 07 Hpa An - Yangon Breakfast at the hotel. Say good-bye to the nature and return to Yangon ( 5 ) hrs drive. Overnight at the hotel (or) drop off at the airport for return flight.

22 Eco Tour Eco Tour off the beaten trek for nature lovers: 6 Days / 5 Nights Yangon Loikaw ( The Padaung Land) Inle Eco Tour Irrawaddy hidden treasures, dolphins & ruby land 6 Days / 5 Nights MANDalay kyauk myaung mogok mingun MANDalay Day 1 Mandalay Irrawaddy spirit At 12h00, embark on the Irrawaddy Spirits at the Mandalay jetty boat. Welcome drink and settle in your cabins. The boat raises anchor and guests enjoy lunch on board while sailing during approximately 4 hours to reach Sein Pankhone. On arrival, visit of this small typical village that gives a glimpse of daily life on the Irrawaddy banks. Stroll around the village for around 1 hour. Back on board, aperitif will be served while watching the beautiful sunset, and dinner will be served on the upperdeck. Overnight on board. MOGOK More secret than Mecca and harder to access than Lhasa, in Joseph Kessel s own words at the heart of the mountains of the north of, the valley of Mogok has produced the most beautiful rubies in the world in the past centuries and inspired the most extravagant legends. Recently reopened to the adventurous visitor, Mogok reveals open pit mines, its famous gemstone market and mysterious misty hilltops. Thank you for noticing that Mogok is reopened to foreigners since dec. 13. The hotel and restaurant infrastructure remains very limited. 42 Day 01 Yangon / Loikaw Transfer to airport. Yangon/ Loikaw by flight Your guide will meet you at Loikaw airport and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at hotel in Loikaw. Day 02 Visit Loikaw Visit Loikaw morning market. Drive to Taung Kwe Pagoda (or) the land mark Pagoda of Loikaw sits on the twin-peaked lime stone mountains, Kayah State. Visit to Cultural museum ; learn about 9 different Kayah tribes and their nature. Visit Buddhist monastery, old Catholic church, Old Haw (or) Residence of Kayah Chieftain now converted into a monastery. After noon walk at Kayah village, visit 7 legendary lakes of Kayah State and Sunset from Mt. Mya Sein Taung that allows the stunning view of the town. Overnight at the hotel in Loikaw Day 03 Demawso and Pan Pet Padaung village Drive to the South of the town to Visit Demawso market. Continue to the mountainous area, leave the car and walk to one of the Padaung Villages in the mountains ( about 1hr). Eventually Panpet village group has 7 villages, but you can only visit one or two villages because the villages are far. Walk around the village, talk with people, take photos at the village. (Note: suggest to bring with you some useful goods for their meals like cooking oil, salt, cookies etc and give to the people when taking photos. If not they will ask for money.) Return to Demawso and stop for lunch. Evening take another route for trekking thru Shan villages such as Phaung Pyin, Paya Phyu for about 2 hrs and return to Loikaw by long tail boat along Bilu Creek. Overnight at the hotel in Loikaw Day 04 Loikaw / Phe kone/ Inle Lake Your guide will transfer you to Phekone (1hr) by car. Your guide will bid farewell to you at pier. Board the long tail boat ( private boat for you) to Inle Lake. One the way stop and visit Thar khoung (sinking pagodas) at Sakar township and transfer to the hotel in Inle Lake. Overnight at the Hotel in Inle Lake. ( It will take about 6 hrs with stop at Sakar village to visit Tharkhoung sinking pagodas on the way. Lunch & water should be prepared in advance ) Day 05 Inle Indein Breakfast at hotel and board on a traditional long and tall motorized boat for a sightseeing tour of the lake. Traveling on the lake is an exhilarating experience for nature lovers and a chance to observe the unique traditions of the Intha people. Wonder unique leg rowing fishermen, floating firms <built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud which anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles>, houses and monasteries on the stilt etc. Visit Indein ruins complex with pagoda and stupas built in the 18th century. Enjoy rows of shops along the corridor up hill. Return to Inle and continue visit floating village of Ywama, the lake s downtown and largest village on the Inlay Lake, 11 century Phaungdaw Oo pagoda housing five sacred Buddha Images. Take a walk to Lechae village to see workman ship of Tin Smith for Tiers of Pagodas and art of moulding Buddha statue by flower powder and the weaving village of Inpawkhon, famous for traditional silk-weaving, Se Gaung Village, famous for the blacksmith work and Nan Pan Village with cheroot making and boat-building dockyards etc and end your day with a visit famous Ngaphechaung, a museum like monastery where old belongings of many monasteries are restored. Overnight at the Hotel in Inle Lake. Day 06 Heho / Yangon continue. Transfer to airport. Heho / Yangon by flight. (or) Heho/ Mandalay by flight (or) Heho/ Ngapali by flight (or) Continue to Pindaya and Kalaw,. etc. Day 2 Irrawaddy spirit (Sein Pankhone, Kyauk Myaung) In the morning, excursion with local fishermen on a small boat to a protected river area, where you might get a glimpse of a dolphin colony. Back on board for breakfast served on the upper deck. While navigating towards Kyauk Myaung, enjoy lunch on board. Disembark and visit the pottery village, where craftsmen navigate on bamboo rafts in order to transport their fragile goods without damage. The big Martaban earthenware jars made here are traditionally used as water reservoirs in the whole country. After a stroll around the local market, return on board. Dinner and overnight on board. Day 3 Irrawaddy spirit (Kyauk Myaung) - Mogok After breakfast onboard, disembark for a car transfer of approximately 4h30 towards the north. The sinuous road through the mountains leads to mystical Mogok Ruby Valley. Lunch at a local restaurant, then visit of a gemstones market. You will be fascinated by the scene of a sea of conical and round shaped hats, feminine figures absorbed by their work. They study the gems with a magnifying glass, or have a tea under the shade of umbrellas between two transactions. Here, merchants are women from different ethnic groups, some of them with green eyes testify of the colonial past of Mogok. Dinner and overnight in Mogok. Day 4 Mogok Breakfast and walk through the village. In the afternoon, visit of the town and open air mines. It is possible to enter the mines, and observe the gems being sorted. The highly respected custom states that after the passage of minors, women called kanase can pop the gravel with a sieve a second time, and all that they may find is rightfully theirs. It is a meager livelihood, but it is said that from time to time there are extraordinary discoveries! Overnight in Mogok. Day 5 Mogok Irrawaddy spirit (Mingun) Car ride departing from Mogok at around 8:00 am to reach the boat and boarding at around 13:00. After Lunch, sail towards Mingun. A delicious farewell dinner will be prepared by the chef and served on the sandbank. Night on board. Day 6 Mogok Irrawaddy spirit (Mingun) - Mandalay Breakfast served on the upper deck from 06:30 am. At 08:00, departure to visit the village of Mingun, to enjoy the peaceful site before the arrival of ships from Mandalay. Visit Pondawphaya and Settawya pagodas, as well as the legendary Mingun bell. Navigation towards Mandalay and disembark before noon. 43

23 Trekking Trails in TREK 1: Pindaya Trekking Trekking Trails in TREK 3: Mine Thauk - Kakku Trekking 2 Days / 1 Night Pindaya Taung Myint Gyi Pindaya Trekking 2 Days / 1 Night Nanpan Kyauk Talon Kakku Taunggyi Day 1 Pindaya Taung Myint Gyi Around 08:30 hr start trek from Pindaya Cave to Kyay- Thwin-Gone village (1 hr). Then another 2 hr walk to Dudai-Ye Village. The trek up-hill to Danu village and on the way, you can see plantations of tea leaves, Indian Leek, Avocado and some vegetables. Rest for lunch and visit around of schools and process of making green tea (dried tea leaves) in the village. After lunch start trek to Yae-Kyi Village for 1½ hr through the thick forest. Continue another 1 hr trek to Myin-Dwin Village and then 20 min more to Taung-Myint-Gyi village (Palaung Village). The trek route is not tough, easy walking. Freshly cooked dinner and overnight at the monastery in Taung-Myint-Gyi. Day 2 Taung Myint Gyi - Pindaya Around 08:30 hr, start trek 1 hr to Yae-Win Village (Danu village). Another 2 hr trek across a small forest and water stream, to See-Kya-Inn (Danu village) and have lunch there. After lunch, 1 hr trek to Htut-Ni village and then another 1 hr to Pindaya. Day 1 Nanpan village to Kyauk Talon village Trekking start from Nanpan village to Hti-ne village by crossing and trekking along the plains of Magyigon, Mine Khoke, Panpyin, Tatkyi and Donthakhut Tribal Pa-O villages. Rest and enjoy the scenic view of Inle Lake and the plain of Nyaung Shwe from the Hti-ne mountain village. Lunch at Pa-O Monastery. After lunch trekking continue for 2 hrs to Kyauk talon tribal village. Over night at a Guest house. Day 2 Kyauk Talon Village to Taunggyi/ Nyaung Shwe Early trekking about 18 miles to Kukku Pa-O tribal village of Ancient Pagodas from 307 BC with 2548 Pagodas and Temples, some are ruined and some are half ruined with many beautiful plaster carvings. Return to Taunggyi or Nyaung Shwe by car in the afternoon. 44 TREK 2: Kalaw Trekking 3 Days / 2 Nights Kalaw to Indein Pagoda Complex (Inle Lake) Day 1 After breakfast, transfer from hotel to meeting point by private coach. Start for trekking about 1hr 30m walks to Lu Pin Village where Danu tribes reside. Continue about 30m to Shar Pin village. 25m proceed to Pann Lone pagoda hill for lunch with picnic box. After lunch, proceed to Pao villages. Walk again 45m to Pann Lone Village and another 45m to Linn Pan Village. then to Taung Kwe Village minimum 30m trek and 35m again to Nant Thale The village. Traditional dinner and overnight at Nant Thale The Monastery. Day 2 Breakfast at the Nant Thale The Monastery. After breakfast, contine 2nd day trekking to Pao mountainous. Trek to Baw Nin Gone village for 45m and then 45m more for Htun Gone village. Lunch will be served at village. After lunch, proceed to Kan Hla Gone village about 1hr, Pe Tu Pauk village for 2hr and after 30m, you will be at the Htee Taing village. Dinner and Overnight at Htee Tain Monastery. Day 3 Breakfast at the Htee Tain Monastery. After breakfast, continue for 3rd and last day trekking to Inle Lake pass through Pao villages. Trek to Kyauk Su village about 30m and another 1hr for Ngoak village. On the way to Ngoak village you can taste the panoramic view of Inn Lake. Then 1hr walk down for Taung Che Village where Inn Thar reside. 45m later, you will be in Than Taung village, your enthusiastic destination. Farewell lunch at Thann Taung Monastery. Walk along the village about 30m to Thann Taung Jetty for Khaung Daing or Nyaung Shwe by boat about 45m. (OR) Trekking to Indein in Inle Lake (5hr) pass through Pao Villages. TREK 4: Hispaw Trekking Day Trekking Pankam Palaung Village / Boat along Doktawaddy River (Day Trekking) Trek 1 Trekking to Palaung Start from the hotel after breakfast, trek along paddy fields and streams for 40 mins to Shan village then to Pankam, Palaung village. Palaung is one of the early settlers (Mon-Khmer) to, who wear their traditional dress fondly. Visit around the village and walk to around plantation of seasonal crops. Visit some home industry such as Cheroot making, breakfast tea manufacturing, Bamboo hand fan and thatch weaving. This is one day trekking and overnight at local village house can also arrange on request. Trek 2 Boat along Dokhtawaddy River Dokhtawaddy river is formation of Namtu River and Thein Ni River that flow from Shan Plateau. Leave the hotel after breakfast and a take long tail boat along the river to Shan village of Naung Yone. See the beautiful landscape and crystal clear water, one can stop for a swim at confluence. Trek through the farmer s village, the panoramic scenery of paddy, Pineapple, Lemon, Orange, Papaya and Teak plantation you ll reach to Naung Yone Shan monastery. This interesting nature based program is a day trip from Hsipaw town. 45

24 46 Special Activities River Cruises RV Pandaw 1947 & RV Paukan 2007 The vessel that would one day bear the name Pandaw was one of the six boats commissioned after WWll, with the same design of the prewar IFC vessels, for the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company. The vessels were commissioned in 1947 to the famous Yarrow & Co. shipyard on the river Clyde of Glasgow, at a period of time when Scotland was the greatest shipbuilding name in the world. In 2003, a new charter was signed up by Ayravata Cruises and the ship underwent a major renovation with 16 deluxe cabins. While retaining many old touched such as teak and ironwood decks, old brass outfitting and the teak-walled spacious cabins, additional features were incorporated to make her lovelier, more comfortable and safe, a truly boutique-style cruise ship. The Lovely RV Paukan is a boutique hotel on the river, beautifully furnished with a unique combination of modern and traditional motifs. The timber-walled cabins are furnished with colonial style cupboards, dresser and doors while the ceiling is traditional. The single or double beds are proper and comfortable ones and not mere bunks, enough room for 55 passengers who will be looked after by a 30-member of crew. Irrawaddy princess ii Irrawaddy Princess II River Cruise is a traditional riverboat traveling along the Irrawaddy River. Built in 1998 and it is measure 134 x 34 x6 6 moulded depth with three decks. Board the Irrawaddy Princess on any of her weekly cruise between Mandalay and Bagan and enjoy the greatest travel experiences on the legendary river The Irrawaddy. Irrawaddy Princess II has a total of 20 cabins, all attach with their own bathroom with hot and cold shower. Irrawaddy Princess II provides for your cruising pleasure with fully air-conditioned comfortable rooms with all standard facilities including mini bar, bed linen and towels and as well as dining service. Delicious local, Chinese cuisine and western dishes are prepared by the experience chef and many kinds of drinks, tropical fruit cocktails are available at Sundeck bar. Amara River Cruises The Amara River Cruise is a traditional riverboat travelling along the Ayeyarwaddy River. It is made of teak wood and was completely refurbished by local craftsmen in It is 30 meters/ 100 feet long and with a shallow draft of 1meter/ 3feet and two Japan made 180hp Hino engines it can go as far north as Bhamo. The Amara River Cruise has a total of seven cabins, each with their own bathroom with hot and cold shower. Communal areas, bar and canopied sun deck. You will be taken care of by our friendly and hospitable staff and be able to relax and enjoy the personal atmosphere on board. Malikha River Cruise Malikha will provide a luxurious way to escape the stress of your daily life. Malikha cruises destinations and do some exploring today. This cruise designed with a variety of features and intimate amenities to make you feel as convenient as home, while experiencing locals routine and lives. It operates as day cruise between Mandalay and Bagan. Operation days will be advised. RV Yandabo The RV Yandabo is the latest small luxury cruise ship on Ayeyarwaddy river.she doesn t have much historical background but will offer you to enjoy extraordinary highstandard service. Yandabo is the name of beautiful pottery village, historically recognized for the signing of the Yandabo Treaty which took place under a tree on the riverbank in 1826, between the British and Royal Burmese House-hold of Ava. The Yandabo is built for passenger s safety and comfortable as beautiful design in promenade and fine dining room. Shwekanari Boat Private owned tourist boat with air-cond and seats. It operates along the Ayeyarwaddy River from Mandalay to Bagan. Depart Mandalay 06:00hrs and arrive Bagan around 15:30hrs. The arrival time to Bagan depends on the water level of Ayeyarwaddy River. It has a small restaurant on the boat. (operation days will be advised) Dora River Cruise Join us on Dora River cruise to discover the fascinating sceneries, rich historical and spectacular landscape of Yangon s waterways and rivers. The cruises are carefully designed so that guests can experience the very best highlights and attractions of each destination along the way. You can relax in complete comfort and style on Dora while enjoying the river life of Yangon city or the livelihood of countryside on the other side. 47 Balloon ride in Bagan Three balloons company are operating balloon ride in Bagan, Mandalay and Inle Lake. You can see bird eye view of amazing temple field of Bagan, beautiful Mandalay palace & Mandalay Hills in Mandalay and natural beauty of Inle Lake. Sailing Yangon Sailing Club is on the pioneer clubs in Yangon. It was established in 1924 and clubhouse is situated at the most beautiful part of Inya Lake. It is Lake sailing, yacht of 420, laser, dingy classes are available. Recently, the simple club house of 1924 is up grated to modern club house style. Golf courses Yangon and its environs feature a number of golf course and a world class driving range. Golfers can also extend their practice ground. Yangon YCDC golf course Da-Nyin Gone golf course Da-Nyin Gone golf course Yangon golf course. Pan Hlaing golf course Thanlyin golf course Mandalay Shwesayan golf course Yedagun taung golf course Taunggyi Aye Thar Yar golf course Bagan Bagan Golf course