Myanmar Highlights

Sample itinerary

9 days: A$3080 *

Including international flights to/from Australia

Yangon, Pagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake, Pindaya

This 9-day trip around the most beautiful cities and towns in Myanmar has been specifically designed to acquaint travellers with the culture and rich heritage of this little understood country as it attempts to find its way into the 21st century. Often criticized for its politics and praised for its beauty, Myanmar is now ready to receive visitors as its enchanting people begin to embrace further political freedoms and contact with the outside world.

Amongst the highlights of this gracious country are:

Yangon

The capital of the country, is a surprising mix of local Burmese, Chinese, Indian and colonial architecture. Shwedagon with its many golden spires glittering at sunset is certainly the highlight but the only one. Bogyoke market is great to explore, as are many galleries.

Pagan

One of the most amazing sights in Myanmar if not Southeast Asia, which many travellers suggest rival even the splendour of the Angkor Temples. Stretching across 40 sq km of the country, there are literally thousands of stupas & temples. In every direction, you will see ruins of all sizes, some soaring into the sky and others standing quaintly at a corner. The meandering Irrawaddy completes the scene.

Mandalay

The former capital of Myanmar. This bustling city is filled with many golden temples and its surrounding areas are also home to many ancient capitals.

Shan Plateau

A wildly beautiful place. Inle Lake exudes a very unique charm. This high altitude lake has been described as incredibly beautiful. Surrounded by lovely terraces and forested hills, many ethnic minorities live on floating villages. Spend your days exploring the lake by boat and see the unique 1-legged rower, floating markets and monasteries.

Itinerary

Day 1 Yangon Upon arrival met & transferred to our hotel. Following this there will be a short group meeting to discuss the itinerary for the next 9 days before we set out this afternoon for a tour of Yangon including the old colonial city, Kandawyi Lake and of course Shwedagon, one of the most outstanding religious monuments in Southeast Asia. After enjoying a magnificent sunset from the temples, we will head back to our hotel to freshen up before going out to sample our first taste of delicious Burmese cuisine at a local eatery.

Day 2 Pagan This morning we will depart early for our short flight to Pagan. Upon arrival we will check into our hotel and then venture out to explore one of the most awe-inspiring sites in Southeast Asia. Across 40 sq km of the countryside surrounding Pagan are literally thousands of stupas & temples. In every direction, you will see ruins of all sizes, some soaring into the sky and others standing quaintly at a corner with the beauty of the meandering Irrawaddy River completing the scene. During our time here we will have the opportunity to explore much of this amazing archaeological site beginning with the golden stupa of Shwezigon. Then, we continue to Kubyauk Gyi with exquisite mural and Ananda, rated by many as the most beautiful in Pagan. In the afternoon, we continue with Nanpaya, for its Mon style architecture, Manhua for its four Buddha images and then stop at a lacquer ware factory to see the production of Myanmar most famous handicraft. Then, we climb up Shweshandaw Pagoda for the sunset over Pagan.

Whilst in Pagan, there will also be the option to enjoy Hot Air Ballooning (USD 250/- per person extra). This activity naturally takes place at sunrise we will glide over the Irrawaddy Plain over the thousands of temples and then over rustic rural scenery. Due to popular demand and limited seats, advance booking is strongly recommended. (operates from late Oct through April).

Day 3 Pagan This morning, we make an excursion to Mt. Popa that rose from the ground in a massive earthquake in 442 BC. Mt. Popa is famous as the abode of the Nats (Spirit Gods) and for its panoramic view of the local tropical region. On the way to Mt. Popa we can visit a toddy palm juice production plant. In the afternoon, we will also take a horse cart ride through the temples to riverside. As the day wanes we will be at Bupaya, a Pyu-style stupa which is located right on the banks of the Irrawaddy river and from where we begin a scenic boat ride ending at Lawkananda Pagoda, a riverside stupa rich in history and where the sunset views are excellent.

Day 4 Mandalay This morning we will depart Pagan for our scenic boat cruise to Mandalay. On route we will strop at visit Yandabo village, famous for its ceramic production. We will also pass the Mahamuni Pagoda and then the Shwe Inbin Monastery Shwenandaw Monastery, noted for its exquisite woodcarvings. Dinner tonight will be on board our boat.

Day 5 Mandalay Arriving in Mandalay around mid morning, we will transfer to our hotel, after which we will board a boat from Mandalay jetty where we take a short and pleasant ride upriver to Mingun, the site of what would have been the world’s largest zedi had not King Bodawpaya died in 1819 thus halting all further work. Nonetheless, it is still a very impressive sight as we approach from the river. Nearby we can also visit the Mingun Bell, said to be the largest hung uncracked bell in the world. In the afternoon visit to the former royal capital of Amarapura and U Bein Bridge as well. The bridge is more than two centuries old and at 1.2 km is the world’s longest teakwood span. Continue visit to Sagaing, a former capital of the Shan kingdom in the 14th century.

Day 6 Pindaya /Inle Lake Our flight today will take us to Pindaya from where we will drive for about an hour to visit the Buddhist cave with hundreds of Buddha statues and check into Pindaya Inn. Following this we will begin our ½-day trek to the Palaung villages of Ywathit, Taryaw and Nyaung Gon. The animist Palaung Trice was amongst the earliest inhabitants in Myanmar and has kept much of its tradition, way of living and trade. Late afternoon, drive about 2 hours to Nyangshwe, gateway to the unique and magical Inle Lake, which is located 1,328 meters above sea level and is 22 km long and 11 km wide. Tonight we will stay in a hotel close to the river and enjoy the serenity of this seldom visited part of the world.

Day 7 Inle Lake Today there will be ample time to relax and enjoy the lake and all its activities including boating and swimming. Highlights include the fisherman rowing in the one-legged style characteristic of Inle Lake boatmen and the gardens of grass and earth floating on the surface of this shallow lake, floating strips of ‘land’ for growing vegetables. Besides the enjoyment of the scenery there is a visit to the ‘jumping cats’ monastery, Phaungdaw U Pagoda and weaving factories.

Day 8 Yangon Today we will depart from Inle Lake for our boat and then plane journey back to Yangon. Arriving in the afternoon there will be a final opportunity to explore the city’s fascinating Bogyoke Market and pick up some last minute souvenirs before our final nights diner at a fine Burmese restaurant this evening.

Day 9 Departure Day Today is departure day. Your group leader will take care of your onward travel arrangements and bid you farewell.

Summary

Grading: Easy. Anyone with reasonable fitness should be able to take part. There are no real physical difficulties. You will be expected to carry your own luggage throughout the trip but only for short distances.
Accommodation: Accommodation is on a twin share basis. All hotels are clean and comfortable, with a 3-star equivalent rating. Sleeper boat 1 night, Hotels 8 nights.
Transport: Modern air-conditioned bus, boat, plane.
Group size: Minimum 8, maximum 16.
Tour start date: Departs on demand.

Land Tour Inclusions:

International flights (Australia – Yangon, Yangon – Australia)
All accommodation and transport en route including 3 internal flights Domestic departure taxes and transfers
Tailor Made Vietnam Group Leader throughout the tour
Local English speaking guides where required
All sightseeing and entrance fees for museums, attractions and sights as described in the itinerary
All accommodation and transport including all internal flights on route
Australian departure taxes and other charges
All airport transfers on route
Some meals

Land Tour Exclusions:

Myanmar visa
Myanmar departure tax
Travel insurance

Other Costs

Myanmar Visa - A$35

Please note prices are subject to currency fluctuations and charges until paid in full.

Hotel Descriptions

As little is know of Myanmar, we have included a brief description below of the types of accommodation available in each city/town.

Yangon

Traders – it’s a modern high-rise 5-star deluxe hotel but its location just opposite the Bogyoke market makes it an ideal hotel for the last day for shopping.
Savoy – a small & deluxe colonial style hotel, very well received.
www.savoy-myanmar.com
Pansea – while Savoy is colonial in style, Pansea is Burmese. It’s built of local teak wood and maintains lovely local ethnic architecture.
www.pansea.com
Strand – Recently refurbished from the oldest luxury hotel in Yangon keeping its original charm. This is to Yangon like Raffles to Singapore and Peninsula to Hong Kong.
www.ghmhotels.com/thestrand/index.asp

Pagan

Bagan Hotel – charming bungalow style resort with extensive garden sin Old Bagan surrounded by pagodas and overlooking Irrawaddy River.
www.myanmars.net/baganhotel
Thiripyitsaya – Large bungalows in extensive English style garden by the bank of Irrawaddy. The best hotel in town.
www.thiripyitsaya.com

Mandalay

Sedona Hotel –a 5 star hotel with modern amenities located at the city centre facing the Royal Palace and Mandalay Hill.
www.sedonahotels.com.sg

Pindaya

Pindaya Inn – a simple family run guesthouse, all rooms with attached toilet & shower.

Inle Lake

Golden Island Cottage 1 – a charming wooden chalet built right in the middle of the lake with beautiful sunrise and sunset view.
Inle Princess Resort – By far the best in Inle Lake, this charming land-based resort is equipped with modern amenities. Some rooms offer view of the lake.
www.inleprincessresort.com

Require Further Information?

If you have any queries or require further information regarding this tour please feel free to contact Tailor Made Vietnam at any time.

* Twin share double. Price based on 8 or more participants. Including international airfares from Australia, less from elsewhere in southeast Asia.