AUTHENTIC MYANMAR (14 DAYS/13 NIGHTS) Departure March 13 2020

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

Day 1: Arrival Yangon – Golden Pagoda

Day 2: Yangon – Circle Line – Local markes – Little India & China Town

Day 3: Yangon – Bagan

Day 4: Bagan

Day 5: Bagan – Pakkoku – Monywa

Day 6: Monywa – Mandalay

Day 7: Mandalay – Ava – Sagaing – Amarapura – Mandalay

Day 8: Mandalay Trishaw Ride – Mingun – Mandalay

Day 9: Mandalay – Pyin Oo Lwin

Day 10: Mandalay – Heho – Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp – Kalaw

Day 11: Kalaw – Shwe Nyaung – Inle Lake

Day 12: Inle Lake

Day 13: Red Mountain Estate Wineyard – Heho – Yangon

Day 14: Yangon Departure

ITINERARY IN DETAILS FOR 14 DAYS AUTHENTIC MYANMAR

Day 1: Arrive Yangon – Yangon Sightseeing (-/-/-)

• Min ga la ba! Welcome to Yangon, Myanmar. You are greeted by your guide and driver at the International airport for your transfer to the hotel.

• In the afternoon, you will be met and tour around the city centre which is filled with various historical and colonial buildings. Stop at the Sule Pagoda which is a 2200-year-old temple surrounded by government buildings. Then, head to Mahabandoola Park, where Independent Monument stands.
• Continue your tour by passing City Hall on the way to the Botahtaung Pagoda. It is situated downtown
• beside the Yangon River. Afterwards, you will be taken to Kawdawgyi Lake. Here, you can experience the panoramic views from the lake overlooking the Shwedagon Pagoda.
• Complete your day with a visit to one of the world’s most spectacular monuments, the Shwedagon Pagoda, a gleaming bell dome structure that dominates the city’s skyline. Legends state that the sacred hairs of the Buddha are enshrined here. The Shwedagon is an iconic symbol of the country, a sight not to be missed.
• Overnight in Yangon.
• Meals: None provided.

Day 2: Yangon – Circle Line – Local markes – Little India & China Town (B/L/D)

• Transfer to Yangon Central Railway where you will take a train ride on the Circle Line. Opened in 1961, the train carries an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 people a day in a loop around the city. This is life the way the locals live it - a unique, fun and authentic experience. While waiting for the train, you can stroll around the interesting local market nearby to see the bustling local daily market scene. As the journey passes from station to station you have a great opportunity to observe the life of Yangon suburbanites. After 45-60 minute ride, disembark to visit a local market filled with street vendors and piles of colorful items. Explore the market and meet the curious and friendly locals. Transfer back by vehicle to Yangon and have lunch.
• Next visit Scott Market, a sprawling complex built in 1926 and noted for its variety of handicrafts and other items which provides an excellent opportunity for a shopping spree.
• After lunch visit the vibrant Little India and Chinatown with numerous street vendors, markets and temples. Our last stop for today will be at the Bogyoke (Scott Market), where hundreds of gemstone, handicrafts, art, clothes and food stores are tucked in a maze of color. it is considered Yangon’s best market for handicrafts.
• Overnight in Yangon.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner at local restaurant.

Remark:

*The train is fairly old and slow but it’s a fantastic way to experience local life.

Day 3: Yangon – Bagan (B/L/D)

• After breakfast, we transfer to Yangon airport for a 1hr flight to Nyang U/Bagan. Where we begin our journey into the Ancient Kingdoms of Bagan. The Dhamayazeka Zedi is our first visit, providing panoramic views of the temple studded plains of Bagan. We continue to the Archealogical Musseum and the gold gilded Swezigon Stupa, purported to contain a holy tooth relic of the Buddha. Not far from the stupa, the Myingaba Gu Byangkgyi Temple is a sight to behold, housing Bagan’s best preserved mural paintings of the Buddha’s Jataka re-incarnations. Next, we learn how Bagan’s famous lacquerware crafts are produced in Myingaba Village, and then visit Htilominlo Temple to learn how Burmese sand paintings are created. The day’s temple tour ends 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. For sunset, a horse cart ride around the temples offers unparalleled photo opportunities of one of the richest archeological treasures in Southeast Asia as the sun dips behind the temple ruins (weather permitting).     
• Overnight in Bagan.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch at local restaurant, Dinner at Nanda Restaurant with puppet show.

Day 4: Bagan (B/L)

• We continue the exploration of Bagan with visits to the Manuha Temple, built by the Mon king in the 1300s to represent his time in captivity under the Bagan king. Continuing to the Thanaka Museum to learn about the traditional uses of the fragrant thanaka paste. A visit to the Nyaung Market, the largest market in the Bagan region, gives us a glimpse into local life. We also see how cottage industries like brick making and are carried out with traditional methods. During a visit to a Monastic School that provides free primary level education, we have the opportunity to interact with the school children. In the late afternoon, we transfer to the Ayeryarwaddy River for a private Sunset Cruise where views of the temple silhouettes and bustling shore can be accompanied by cocktails (optional) on board.
• Overnight in Bagan.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch at local restaurant.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITY

           Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight

           Price: US$ 300 USD per person

           Operated: Daily between October & March, 5.30-8.00 or 8.30am   

Imagine floating over thousand year old pagodas and the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River, as the sun rises slowly from the horizon over the misty fields and temples. The magic of Bagan has inspired visitors to Myanmar for centuries. One of the most remarkable sights in Asia, where ancient temples dot the landscape as far as the eye can see. The flight duration is approx. 45min to 1hr depending on wind and air currents and other local factors. Balloons team will you up from the hotel and transfer to the launch site. After briefing session, set off for the spectacular flight. Upon landing enjoy glass of champagne and light snack prior transfer back to your hotel.

Day 5: Bagan – Pakkoku – Monywa (B/L/D)

• Pick up from your hotel and drive to Pakkoku, an unspoilt small town famous for its tobacco trade and weaving workshops. Visit a local market and a cheroot makers. Stop at a small Thanaka market and a workshop where traditional slippers and incredible wood carvings are made. Proceed to visit a sandstone cave system in the Po Win Hills, named after a famous 'zawgyi' (alchemist) who once lived here. The Caves of Po Win Daung. Nearby, visit Shwe Ba Daung which features unique pavilions cut from the surrounding sandstone and filled with Buddha images. If time permit ,also visit a village whose main business is the extraction of copper.
• Then, drive to Monywa (approximately 4 hours). Arrive Monywa and transfer to your hotel.
• Overnight in Monywa.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch at local restaurant, Dinner at hotel.

Day 6: Monywa – Mandalay (B/L)

• This morning, we visit Thanboddhay Pagoda, about 20 Km from Monywa. The richly decorated central stupa has no less than 845 smaller stupas around it. Inside the pagoda compound are thousands of Buddha images (reportedly over 500,000) decorating every wall, archway and niche. Also see beautiful wooden carvings of the 'Jataka Tales' (stories from the Buddha's life) and a huge Reclining Buddha nearby. Then, drive to Mandalay (150 Km, about 4 hours). Arrive Mandalay in the late afternoon and transfer to your hotel.
• Overnight in Mandalay.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch at local restaurant. 

Day 7: Mandalay – Ava – Sagaing – Amarapura – Mandalay (B/L/D)

• In the morning, visit the former royal capital of Innwa (Ava) located on an island between the Ayeyarwady and the Myitnge Rivers. A local ferry carries you to the island where your horse cart and driver await you - no cars are allowed here. Pass through the ancient city walls to visit the brick and stucco monastery of Maha Aungmye Bonzan (also known as Ok Kyaung) before continuing to the impressive wooden monastery of Bagaya Kyaung. If time permits, visit some village homes to see local handicrafts such as silk weaving, cane mats and alms bowls.
• In the afternoon, visit picturesque Sagaing Hill which is perhaps the living centre of Buddhist faith in Myanmar today. The hills here are dotted with numerous pagodas and monasteries. Enjoy a magnificent view over the surrounding area. Continue to Amarapura via the Ava Bridge, built by British engineers. Walk over U Bein Bridge, which at over a kilometre in span is believed to be the longest teak bridge in the world. It was reportedly built by local headman U Bein of teak salvaged from the former Royal palace after the capital moved to Mandalay in 1859. Whilst the bridge has been repaired from time to time, the pillars are still original. After relaxing in the last light of the day, drive back to Mandalay and check into your hotel.
• Overnight in Mandalay.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner at local restaurant.

Day 8: Mandalay Trishaw Ride – Mingun – Mandalay (B/L)

• 07:30 You are picked up from your hotel for a touring ride in a classic Mandalay 'sidecar' (a chauffeur-pedalled bicycle with a passenger seat) to explore the best snacks that Mandalay has to offer. When you try the famous morning noodle dish mohinga, Myanmar pancake, samosa, Mandalay salad, Shan noodles and numerous sweet snacks, you'll understand why Myanmar people walk around with a smile on their faces all day. Our food expert will explain the detail and some of the secrets behind this delicious food while you sample the best that Mandalay has to offer. The tour concludes at 11:30 hours and return to your hotel.
• In the afternoon, board your boat and travel upstream on the Ayeyarwady River from Mandalay to Mingun (11 Km, about one hour). The river is always busy - small longtail boats, bamboo rafts and ferries carry goods up and down the river. Visit the Mingun Bell, which at 87 tons is the world's largest intact bronze bell. After seeing the Mingun Bell, visit a local monastic school and orphanage that provides free primary level education, we have the opportunity to interact with the school children. Continue to the beautiful Hsinbyume (Ma Thein Tan) Paya and the unfinished, mighty Mingun Pagoda (built to be the worlds biggest) before returning downriver to Mandalay.
• Overnight in Mandalay.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch at local restaurant.

Day 9: Mandalay – Pyin Oo Lwin (B/D)

• A scenic, 2 hour drive brings you up to Pyin Oo Lwin, formerly Maymyo, a British Hill Station on a plateau 1,070m above sea level. Here you will visit the colorful local market near the Purcell Clock Tower and take a horse drawn carriage through the streets to see the unique brick and timber British colonial houses.
• In the afternoon, you'll explore the National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens, 177 hectares of flowers, forests and a lake perfect for a relaxing nature walk. Then you can take a ride on a colonial styled horse-cart for a few distance, passing colonial styled buildings, Maha Ant Htoo Kan Tha (huge marble-stone image of Buddha) situated at the top of a hillock which offers a scenic view over the cultivated valley nearby. You will then visit the Candacraig Hotel, built in 1905 in the style of an English country house, with time for an optional coffee or tea break and the chance to photograph this classic place before returning to Mandalay.
• Overnight in Mandalay.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch at local restaurant.

Day 10: Mandalay – Heho – Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp – Kalaw (B/L/D)

• In the morning, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Heho. You are picked up from the airport at Heho and driven via Kalaw and on through the hills to Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp in Magwe (approximately 2-2.5hours). Receive a welcome from the team with refreshment and a briefing about the project. A short walk brings you to the river, where you can join in feeding and bathing the elephants - they love the water and being scrubbed and washed clean! You are also welcome to join in the camp's forest conservation programme by planting a teak tree here. Enjoy lunch at the Lodge, with a view of the valley and the opportunity to see butterflies, birds and orchids. In the afternoon, drive back to Kalaw, formerly a British hill station (approximately one hour). Check-in at your hotel and free time relax or to explore Kalaw.
• Overnight in Kalaw.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch at Elephant Camp, Dinner at hotel.

Day 11: Kalaw – Shwe Nyaung – Inle Lake (B/L/D)

• After breakfast enjoy strolling through Kalaw, visiting the local market, the tiny railway station and perhaps walking up the hill to see the old Catholic church (if open).
• Transfer to Kalaw Station for a 13:30 hours departure on the 'slow train' from Kalaw to Shwe Nyaung, a wonderfully scenic trip across the forested slopes of the Shan Hills and pretty patchwork fields. The train is picturesque and simple - your open window carriage is of wooden-slatted benches shared with villagers laden with fruit and vegetables to sell. At country stops vendors of snacks and drinks ply their goods through the open windows. (Please note that the train can frequently be delayed, so consider this a local adventure! (In case of cancellation you may travel by car instead.) Arrival at Shwe Nyaung Station, transfer by car and boat to your hotel on Inle Lake.
• Overnight in Inle Lake
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch at local restaurant, Dinner at local restaurant (if stay in Nyaung Shwe), Dinner at hotel (if stay on Lake).

Day 12: Inle Lake (B)

• If it coincides with your visit you will explore one of the 5-day rotating markets in the area - a fascinating insight into the life-style of the ethnic Pa-O, Danu and Intha people who visit these markets to buy and sell. During today's excursion by boat on Inle Lake we see the famous leg rowers and the typical floating gardens where fruit and vegetables are grown, and learn about local methods of fishing and village life. A highlight may be a visit to the traditional village of Paukpar, with neat rows of bamboo houses. If possible we will stop and visit a family for Shan tea.
• In the afternoon we visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, home to five gold leaf-covered Buddha figures, and the holiest religious site in southern Shan State. We also visit the boat construction workshop at Nampan village and stop to see some traditional handicrafts - silk weaving on wooden handlooms in Inpawkhon village, a cheroot-maker's workshop and a blacksmith's forge. Continue by boat to visit Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries on the lake, where you can see exquisite Buddha statues which are more than 200 years old. Return to your hotel by boat as the sun lowers and the light softens over the lake.
• Overnight in Inle Lake.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch at local restaurant. 

Day 13: Red Mountain Estate Wineyard – Heho – Yangon (B/L/D)

• The morning we transfer by boat to Nyauang Shwe town and visit nearby Red Mountain Estate to tour of the lush vineyard situated on the side of mountain. Taste some of Myanmar’s premiere wines, and observe the different aging methods completed in their cellar cave. After lunch in Nyaung Shwe we drive 1hr to Heho airport for afternoon flight to Yangon. Upon arrival to Yangon we transfer to your hotel.
• Overnight in Yangon.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch at local restaurant, Farewell Dinner at Burma Bistro.

Day 14: Yangon Departure (B)

• Free at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your onward flight.                    

PRICE IN DETAILS

TOUR PRICE PER PERSON IN EURO 

Departure : 13 March 2020  

Costs : 12 to max 20 pax € 2300 in double - Single Room Surchage € 500

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES

• 13… nights’ shared Accommodation in twin/double room with daily breakfast at the below indicated room types (see hotel category list below) (check in and check out around noontime)
• All transfers and transportation with air-con vehicles (types of vehicles depending on the number of pax):
  • 13-16pax: Coach of 30 seats
  •  
• Local ENGLISH speaking stationed guides
• All entrance fees as program
• Meals (B/L/D) (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) as indicated in the program (Local food):
  • Daily breakfasts at hotels
  • 12 x Lunch & 7 x Dinner
• 02 bottles of mineral water per person per day on bus on days of transfer and sightseeing only
• All entrance and zone fees as program
• Circular Line Train Ticket
• Dala Ferry Boat and Trishaw
• Bagan Sunset Cruise (Include cocktail with local snacks)
• Horse Cart (Bagan & Pyin Oo Lwin)
• Mingun Boat
• Mandalay Trishaw
• Inwa Ferry Boat and Horse Cart
• Train Ticket from Kalaw to Shwe Nyaung
• Inle Lake Boat Excursion by private motorboat
• Wine tasting at Red Mountain Estate Vineyard
• Economy Ticket Amsterdam - Yangoon - Amsterdam ( 1 stop)

• TOUR PRICE EXCLUDES

       Meals (other than mentioned in the program)

• Drinks
• Visas to Myanmar
• Mineral water beyond that supplied
• Tips
• Early check in or late check out
• Insurances
• Optional excursions and activities
• Additional transfer required due to any emergency situation
• Items of a personal nature (Phone calls, laundry, beverages…)
• Peak season surcharges if any
• All not mentioned above

 4* Hotels (Superior) Hotel Lists

SEVERAL POINTS TO NOTE

1. The above tour prices are based on our current transportation rates. Increasing petrol rates might affect our transportation and boat fees, in which case we reserve the right to revise our current rates. If any increase should arise we will of course keep you well informed.
2. Availability: Please note that if a certain hotel is not available at the time of booking, then we will gladly make alternative suggestions in the same category. We will advise you accordingly with the surcharge if any. As a result, we would highly appreciate it if you could advise us to block rooms soonest possible to guarantee the rooms and rates in period of high and peak season/
3.  All the above points of interest are open for visit based on current updates. In case of closure for construction or any other reason, we will replace with a similar point of interest.
4. Above itinerary is based on the current flight schedule. In case of flight changes, the itinerary will be changed accordingly.
5. No early check in or late checkout is included except those indicated in the program. Generally, the check in time is 14.00pm and check out time is 12.00pm.
6. Visa into Myanmar is required except for countries who have signed the visa exemption contracts. Please contact us for visa information details.

DEPARTURE : FRIDAY 13 MARCH 2020 - TOURLEADER : MICHEL DERKSEN