Amazing Myanmar (11 Days)(Code : MMAM)

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1 Amazing Myanmar (11 Days)(Code : MMAM) Tour details As Myanmar just recently opened up to worldwide tourism after years of isolation and war, now is the right moment to visit this extraordinary land of pagodas. We start our journey in Yangon, Burma s former capital city and travel on to the picturesque Inle Lake. In the ancient city Mandalay we visit the Inn Thein Pagoda complex before we take a river cruise for two nights that let you admire the natural beauty of Myanmar and lets you see some amazing sunsets in this tropical land from the top deck. After our days on the cruise we reach Bagan. Over 10,000 Buddhist temples were constructed in the history of Bagan alone of which 2,200 still survived to the present day. This life changing Tour is for every traveller who wants to immerse in the authenticity and culture of this gem in Southeast Asia. Tour Type: 11 Days Tour Date: Daily private or small group tour. Itinerary DAY 1: YANGON MEALS INCLUDED: -/-/- Upon arrival to the Yangon airport, you will be welcomed by your English speaking guide. Once you ve got your luggage you will be transferred to your hotel. For the rest of the day your time is your own and you are free to go explore as you wish. Overnight in YANGON. Accommodation is included in this package. DAY 2: YANGON HEHO - INLE LAKE MEALS INCLUDED: B/-/- After breakfast, we transfer to Yangon airport for the domestic flight to Heho, a quiet transit town in the beautiful hills of Shan State, northeast of Yangon. Visit the bustling main Heho market, a meeting point for different ethnic groups of the surrounding areas to trade handmade goods and locally grown produce, especially on market days. En-route to Inle Lake, we stop at a local family workshop to learn how Shan umbrellas and paper are made by traditional methods using fibres of mulberry trees. Next, we take a 1-hour drive to Inle Lake that descends through the valley with views of the Shan mountains and rice paddy fields. After checking into the hotel, we embark on afternoon explorations of Inle Lake, visit Phaungdaw oo pagoda, the home of some of the country s most sacred Buddha statues covered in gold leaf. We also make a visit to the Inpawkhon weaving village to learn how local silks, linens and lotus fabrics are handmade and crafted. Overnight at INLE LAKE. Hotel Accommodation is included in this package. DAY 3: INLE LAKE MEALS INCLUDED: B/-/- After breakfast we journey out by boat, following the currents of a small river to reach the Indein pagoda complex, a site that makes us feel as if we have stepped through a forgotten portal in time. To access the complex, we walk through verdant bamboo groves that open up to a field covered with the ancient pagodas constructed over 1,000 years ago. We boat back to Inle Lake and we stop at a house for Burmese cats built over the lake, where we see the conservation efforts and reintroduction of this rare pure breed of felines to Myanmar. At Nampan village, local craftsmen show us how Burmese cigars, or cheroots, are traditionally packed and rolled. Overnight at INLE LAKE. Accommodation is included in this package. GPT

2 DAY 4: INLE LAKE - MANDALAY MEALS INCLUDED: B/-/- After breakfast at the hotel, we embark on a journey to the ancient kingdoms of Myanmar near Mandalay. We transfer 15km to Ava (Inwa), the ancient capital of Shan and Burmese kingdoms for over four centuries. Crossing the Myit Nge River by ferry, the small roads of Ava are explored by horse-drawn carts. We visit the Bagaya teak monastery, over three hundred years old yet well preserved and still in use by local monks; the Nanmyin watch tower, the last standing structure of the Ava dynasty palace compound also known as the Leaning Tower of Ava ; and the MAHA Aungmye Bonzan monastery, a 300-year old architectural wonder with graceful archways. We continue to the ancient kingdom of Sagaing, located across the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River. From the Sagaing hills, we enjoy views of the hillside dotted with countless pagodas and pay a special visit to a monastery to learn about the life of Buddhist devotees. We continue to another beautiful ancient capital, Amarapura, famous for its textile industries. There, we visit a cottage industry workshop to learn how Myanmar longyis and traditional fabrics are woven. Continuing to the Ubein Bridge, a simple yet remarkable teak structure that spans 1,2km over Taungtaman Lake, we have the option to be rowed onto the calm waters. Ubein Bridge, silhouetted by the setting sun, is a magical experience and a photographer s dream. Overnight in MANDALAY. Accommodation is included in this package. DAY 5: MANDALAY MEALS INCLUDED: B/-/- After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to the beautiful ancient capital, Amarapura, only 15 km from Mandalay to visit the Mahagandayon Monastery where more than a thousand monks live and study. Time permitting you will have the opportunity to observe the monks having their last meal of the day in total silence. We continue to the 200-year-old U Bein teak bridge, built in 1782 during the era when Amarapura was the royal capital. Already from the early days the city was known for its silk- and cotton weaving. We visit a traditional hand-woven silk workshop before proceeding to Bagaya Monastery, a compound with a superb collection of Buddha statues. In the afternoon, we transfer to the jetty for our 1-hour cruise across the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River (Irrawaddy) to the quaint village of Mingun, known for a massive unfinished pagoda dramatically cracked in half by an earthquake in the 1800s; another attraction is Mingun s bronze bell, believed to be largest preserved one in the world. Afterwards, we will return to Mandalay by boat. Overnight in MANDALAY. Accommodation is included in this package. DAY 6: MANDALAY - MINIGUN (RV PAUKAN CRUISE) MEALS INCLUDED: B/L/D After breakfast, we transfer and board the ship at Gawein Jetty ( hrs). While enjoying our welcome cocktail we have our briefing in the saloon or sundeck followed by lunch. After cruising upstream for two hours we arrive at the Mingun Pagoda Complex. Our English speaking manager (or your private guide) will accompany the guests during the visit Moor Overnight at a sandbank mid-stream. After dinner you can enjoy a dance and drama performance by the Mandalay Arts School on the sundeck (if available). Overnight on the RV PAUKAN CRUISE. Accommodation is included in this package.

3 DAY 7: SAGAING YANDABO (RV PAUKAN CRUISE) MEALS INCLUDED: B/L/D Early in the morning cruise downstream. During the two hours journey the passengers can admire the natural beauty of the river and the life of its banks while relaxing on the sundeck or just sitting outside their own cabin. Enjoy the sunrise over Sagaing Hill. After breakfast, passengers wishing to visit Sagaing can go ashore with the assistance of our Ship Manager or their own guide. We resume our downriver voyage at hrs and we will sail all day long. In the late afternoon we stop at Yandabo, a village specializing in Pot-Making. Also the peace treaty of the First Anglo-Burmese war was signed here on Feb. 24, We visit the Pot workshops, the monastery and the school. Moor overnight near the village of Shwe Nann Tint. Overnight on the RV PAUKAN CRUISE. Accommodation is included in this package. DAY 8: YANDABO BAGAN (RV PAUKAN CRUISE) MEALS INCLUDED: B/-/- Morning disembark at Aye Yar Jetty around 9:00 am. Upon arrival in Bagan, we begin our journey to the gilded Shwezigon stupa, purported to contain a holy tooth relic of the Buddha. And then Kyansitha umin, a cave temple, the long dimly lit corridors are decorated with frescoes, some believed painted by Tartar invaders during the Mongol occupation after 1287.Next, we visit Gubyaukgyi (Wet-Kyi-Inn), this 13th-century cave temple has an Indian-style spire like the Mahabodhi Paya in Bagan. It is interesting for the fine frescoes of scenes from the Jatakas. Then to Htilominlo temple to learn how Burmese sand paintings are created. The day s temple tour continues with a visit to the beautifully symmetric and majestic Ananda temple with its four standing Buddha images that seem to gaze at the viewer with fixed serenity wherever the viewer stands. Then we visit Dhamayangyi temple, the largest temple of Bagan with the thickest walls and the Sulamani temple. Finally, proceed to Bupaya or Shwesandaw pagoda to watch the sunset over the famous Ayeyarwaddy River. Overnight in BAGAN. Accommodation is included in this package. DAY 9: BAGAN POPA BAGAN MEALS INCLUDED: B/-/- After breakfast, a 1,5hrs drive takes us to Mount Popa, along the way we ll stop at a small village where the locals make a variety of treats from the juice of the palm tree. Watch farmers climb the tall Toddy trees and tap the fruit, returning to land to boil the liquid into wine and sweet molasses. Kids can also help grind rice and corn, guiding the oxen as they pull the stone grinder. We continue to Mt. Popa, an extinct volcano, which dominates the area. Mt. Popa was for centuries where kings of central Burma made pilgrimages to confer with the sacred statues about the future of their reigns and the Burmese spiritual epicentre for those who worship the pantheon of nat spirits and martyrs. After paying respects to the Nat shrine at the foot of Mount Popa, we climb nearly 800 steps to the pagoda perched on top of the mountain to admire the views of the surrounding plains and farmlands. Overnight in BAGAN. Accommodation is included in this package.

4 DAY 10: BAGAN YANGON MEALS INCLUDED: B/-/- After breakfast, we transfer to Bagan/Nyaung U airport for the domestic flight to Yangon. Upon arrival, we embark on a journey to explore Yangon highlights. Starting from colonial-style city centre and one the landmarks SULE PAYA stupa built over 2,000 years ago and the focal point of numerous historical events in the city Chauk that gyi pagoda to view its magnificent reclining Buddha, and Karaweik hall to marvel at the uniquely decorated hamsa-birdshaped on Kandawgyi (Royal) lake. We visit Bogyoke (scotts) market, where hundreds of gemstone, handicrafts, art, clothes and food stores are tucked in a maze of colour. We complete the day with a visit to one of the world s most spectacular monuments, the Shwedagon pagoda, a gold covered bell dome structure that dominates the city s skyline. Legend has it that strands of sacred Buddha s hair are enshrined here. The Shwedagon is an iconic symbol of the country, a sight not to be missed. (Please note that the market is closed on Mondays and on public holidays). Overnight in YANGON. Accommodation is included in this package. DAY 11: YANGON MEALS INCLUDED: B/-/- After breakfast, we will bring you to Nyaung Oo/Bagan airport for your domestic flight back to Yangon. From there you will board your international departure flight. We wish you a comfortable journey home and we are sure you will take some wonderful memories of Myanmar with you. When booking your tour, please check to see whether you need any post-tour nights, bearing in mind that accommodation for the night of the final day of the tour (Day 11) is not included. * Hotel check-out times are midday. Late check-out is not included.

5 Price/Person : $3,245 USD Inclusions : Private tours and transfers with air conditioned vehicles as specified in our itinerary Domestic airfare (Yangon Heho Mandalay / Bagan Yangon) 2 bottles of water & 2 refreshing towels per passenger per day All entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the itinerary English speaking station guide (difference guide in each city) 3Days / 2Nights RV Paukan cruise (Mandalay to Bagan / Full board on cruise only) Lodging with daily breakfast as specified in the itinerary Boat ride in Inle Lake Luggage handling fees at airports Exclusions: Visa Fees International air fares Meals or any other item not described in the itinerary Early check-in, late check-out. Normal check out time is 11am or 12 o clock noon Expenses of personal nature Drinks during meals, hotel extras and personal spending Travel insurance & Tips & gratuities Other services not clearly indicated in the package inclusions above