Burma 19 day Sapmle Customized Tour

Burma Senses Travel and Tours [email protected]

[email protected]

Tel: +84 169 568 5604 Hotline: +84 977 343 986

www.BurmaSenses.com [email protected]

BURMA CULTURAL TOUR

19 days / 18 nights ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Highlights Yangon – Bago – Golden Rock – Bagan – Mandalay – Kakku – Inle Lake – Mrauk U – Yangon

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CUSTOMER REFERENCE

Group name Arrival date Group size Departure date Email Hotel option Phone Tour type

BRIEF ITINERARY

Day Itinerary Hotel and meals

1 Yangon Arrival Summit Park View Hotel

Welcomed Dinner

2 Yangon City Tour Summit Park View Hotel

Breakfast

3 Yangon – Golden Rock Mountain Top Hotel

Breakfast

4 Golden Rock – Bago – Yangon Summit Park View Hotel

Breakfast

5 Thanlyin Excursion Summit Park View Hotel

Breakfast

6 Yangon – Bagan Heritages (Flight) Bagan Thande Beach Hotel

Breakfast

7 Mount Popa Excursion Bagan Thande Beach Hotel

Breakfast

8 Bagan – Pakkoku – Monywa Win Unity Resort

Breakfast

9 Monywa – Mandalay Yandanarbon Mandalay Hotel

Breakfast

10 Mingun – Royal Palace Yandanarbon Mandalay Hotel

Breakfast

11 Cultural Ancient Capitals Yandanarbon Mandalay Hotel

Breakfast

12 Mandalay – Kakku Pagoda Complex (Flight) Inle Resort

Breakfast

13 Phaung Daw Oo pagoda – Indein ruins Inle Resort

Breakfast

14 Inle Lake - Sittwe (Flight) Shwe Thazin Sittwe

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

15 Sittwe – Mrauk U Discovery Shwe Thazin Mrauk U


16 Chin Tattoo Villages Shwe Thazin Mrauk U


17 Wethali Sightseeing Shwe Thazin Mrauk U



[email protected]

Tel: +84 169 568 5604 Hotline: +84 977 343 986


18 Mrauk U – Yangon (Flight) Summit Park View Hotel

Breakfast

19 Yangon departure Not available

Breakfast

DETAILED ITINERARY Day 01 Yangon arrival

Shwedagon at sunset

Upon arrival at Yangon airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Visit the Sule pagoda and the bustling downtown area, taking in the rich colonial architecture and bustling streets and markets. Yangon introduction Now known as Yangon, Rangoon is the former capital of Burma and still retains much of its colonial character. The grand buildings of the downtown area and the old mansions in the diplomatic quarter ar e clear testament to the former British presence. The bustling streets and narrow alleys of downtown Rangoon capture the diversity of this intriguing city: tea-houses are layered with the smoke of cheroots, the markets of Chinatown burst with an unfathomable array of goods and the aromas of freshly-milled spices and freshly-cooked snacks are carried on a breeze from the Indian Quarter. Rangoon is well-known for its shops and markets, the most famous of which is the Bogyoke Aung San Market (or Scott Market), as well as for a burgeoning and well-respected art scene. Galleries and antique shops have been established in various parts of the city, presenting the visitor with many tempting shopping opportunities. Accommodation: Summit Park View Hotel Meal: Welcomed dinner

Day 02 Yangon City Tour This day, we make our way to to the Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda, which is home to a huge

Colossal Reclining Buddha. After this, we continue to visit Nga Htat Gyi pagoda nearby. In the afternoon, visit the Botataung pagoda, which is one of the three most sacred stupas in Yangon besides Sule Pagoda and Shwedagon pagoda. The highlight of the day is a visit to the magnificent Shwedagon, the most outstanding and revered Buddhist pagoda in Burma, whose golden stupa dominates the skyline of Yangon. This is also the most ideal spot from which to watch the sunset in Yangon. Return to the hotel for rest and free to discover the city at night.

Accommodation: Summit Park View Hotel Meal: Breakfast

Day 03

Yangon – Golden Rock (Kyaikhtiyo)

After breakfast, overland drive to Kyaingtiyo to go to the Golden Rock (driving hour about 4 hours). One the way, we visit to Htaukkyant War Cemetery. Then proceed to overland driving to Golden Rock. Arrive at pilgrim-village is a starting point to the famous Golden Rock. From our hotel in Kyaikhtiyo we first take a truck and then enjoy the trekking to Golden Rock, it will take about 1 hour up the hill to enjoy the sunset at the Golden Rock. The famous 'Golden Rock' is a sacred, massive gold-leafed boulder delicately balanced on the edge of a cliff near the top of Mt. Kyaingtiyo and it is one of the most revered Buddhist shrines.

Accommodation: Mountain Top Hotel Meal: Breakfast


[email protected]

Tel: +84 169 568 5604 Hotline: +84 977 343 986


Day 04 Golden Rock – Bago – Yangon

A young boy photographed in Bago

Early sunrise time, strolling around the hill sites for an unforgettable experience of

Golden Rock then return to hotel for breakfast there. Continue your drive back to Yangon by coach. On the way, visit to Bago, located only 80 km, was an ancient capital of Mon Kingdom in 15th century and enjoy the Bago sightseeing including Shwethalyaung Reclining Buddha (55 metres long), Shwemawdaw Pagoda, Myo Ma Local Market, 28 meter high huge Buddha Image of Kyaikpun Pagoda, Chinese Kwanyin Temple and upon your interest, you can visit the Kanbawzathardi Palace of King Bayinnaung. Then drive back to Yangon Yangon on the way sightseeing at Allied War Memorial Cemetery.

The royal carriage in Kanbawthardi Golden Palace, Bago, Burma Accommodation: Summit Park View Hotel Meal: Breakfast

Day 05

Thanlyin Excursion

Yele Pagoda, Thanlyin

This day we drive to Thanlyin formerly called Syriam. Syriam has an interesting past first rising to prominence as a port during the 15th century, then briefly falling under Portuguese rule in the 17th century, serving as the base for the French East India company and finally joining the British empire. These days Syriam is home to three universities and, despite its proximity to Yangon, remains a cultural quiet, sleepy town. Upon arrival, visit Thanlyin morning market, Kyeik Khauk Pagoda and Kyaukmawwun (Yele) pagoda in Kyauk Tan, a popular pilgrimage spot for the locals and there are also dozens of river catfish around the island that you can feed.. Along the way we will stop at pottery making villages, tofu-making neighborhoods and pomelo gardens. In the afternoon, drive back to Yangon. Overnight in Yangon.

Accommodation: Summit Park View Hotel Meal: Breakfast

Day 06 Yangon – Bagan Heritages (Flight) This morning, fly to Bagan. This city is no doubt one of the most impressive sites

anywhere in Asia. Begin to visit the vibrant Nyaung Oo Market, the economic center of Bagan. Local people gather at this bustling market daily, to buy and sell a variety of goods, from fruit and vegetables to clothing, china, and lacquerware. Continue to the gold-plated Shwezigon Pagoda, Bagan’s greatest reliquary, built to house relics of the Buddha brought from abroad. From here, drive to the small village of Wetkyi-in to see the wonderful Kubyaukgyi Temple, renowned for its ancient murals then Ananda temple, one of the most reserved monuments in the entire Bagan. Your morning excursion also includes the Htilominlo Temple, which houses four Buddha figures on the ground floor and four more on the first floor. After lunch, continue your exploration of the city’s treasure trove of Buddhist art and architecture.


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Tel: +84 169 568 5604 Hotline: +84 977 343 986


A boy wearing umbrella near the Htilomilo Temple

Buddha Statue inside Sulamani pagoda

Accommodation: Bagan Thande Beach Hotel Meal: Breakfast

Day 07

Mount Popa Excursion

Head southeast to Mt. Popa in the morning. Mt. Popa is well-known as a collection of 37 magical spirits both feared and honored by some Burmese people and the nat museum, which is home to 37 life-size nat statues sculpted from teak. Hike up for 777 steps to the summit for an exotic scene throughout the Bagan plain. Enjoy lunch in the restaurant with a stunning panoramic view to the Popa summit that stands straight from the central plain. Back to Bagan for a sunset boat cruise, on the way stop at a cottage industry village to learn the local product as well as to see the collection of juice made from the palm trees, and its conversed type to brown sugar. Accommodation: Bagan Thande Beach Hotel Meal: Breakfast

Day 08

Bagan – Pakkoku – Monywa

Thanbuddhyi Pagoda, Monywa

This morning, we enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Irrawaddy River to Pakkou, the Burma's bustling tobacco trading centre. Once the boat disembarks, we continue overland drive for about 3 hours to Monywa in the Chindwin Valley. Arrive in Monywa then check in the hotel. In the afternoon, we visit the colourful Thanbuddhyi Pagoda which is home to more than 500,000 images of Buddha and the Hiaungdawmu Buddha, the second largest reclining Buddha in Burma. Accommodation: Win Unity Resort Meal: Breakfast

Day 09

Monywa – Mandalay

The carvings inside the Pho Win Caves

This morning we visit the cave chambers of Pho Win Daung and Shwe Ba Daung. The Po Win Hills houses a system of nearly 500 sandstone caves, with some 450,000 paintings, statues and carvings. After that, we direct to Mandalay, Burma’s historic and cultural capital for many, for many. En route we stop in Monywee Kayemon village to visit a blacksmith and a local cottage industry to explore the tactics they make slippers. Accommodation: Yandanarbon Mandalay Hotel Meal: Breakfast


[email protected]

Tel: +84 169 568 5604 Hotline: +84 977 343 986


Day 10

Mandalay – Mingun – Royal Palace

Mahamuni Image

Start your sightseeing today with a boat ride upstream to Mingun, home to Mingun pagoda, Pahtodawgyi, the huge Mingun Bell, Hsinbyume. Our local expert will be pleased to introduce you the life of people who live on the banks of Irrawaddy River. After lunch, we travel back to Mandalay city centre to explore Mahamuni Image Pagoda then the Royal Mandalay vestiges and relics covering Imperial Palace, Golden Palace Monastery, well-known for its exquisite wood carvings and Kuthodaw Pagoda also known as the world biggest book and Atumashi Kyaung. The highlight of this day is the panoramic sunset from the peak of Mandalay Hill. Free to discover the Mandalay night market. Mandalay introduction Mandalay is a large and sprawling city whose centre is dominated by the enormous Royal Palace, now almost entirely reconstructed after the damage inflicted during the Second World War. Mandalay is a centre for many traditional craftsmen, including marble sculptors who will be proud to tell you that their Buddha images are often made to order and exported to Thailand, Taiwan, China and the US. Around Mandalay there are the remnants of several former capitals dating from different periods in the region's history.

Atumashi (Incomparable) Monastery in Mandalay

Accommodation: Yandanarbon Mandalay Hotel Meal: Breakfast

Day 11

Mandalay Ancient Capitals (Ava, Sagaing, Amarapura)

U Min Thonze Pagoda, Sagaing Hill

This day is spent to discover the ancient capitals of Mandalay. Venture outside the city to the Buddha land of Sagaing. This religion hub presents the education for monks with different level. Visit Sagaing University, followed by another visit to Buddha cave and U Min Thonze Pagoda, Soon U Pon Nya Shin Pagoda, Tupayon temple where you can enjoy the great view of Mandalay. This afternoon we will travel to Ava, Amarapura to discover the Maha Aungmye Bonzan, Gabaya Monastery, Leaning Nam Myint Tower and the nearby attractions. Enjoy a walk over U Bein bridge, the longest teak wood bridge in Burma

Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery, Inwa Accommodation: Yandanarbon Mandalay Hotel


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Tel: +84 169 568 5604 Hotline: +84 977 343 986


Meal: Breakfast

Day 12

Mandalay – Kakku Pagoda Complex – Inle Lake (Flight)

Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery

Board a flight to Inle Lake in the morning then drive to Kakku Pagoda Complex. On the way you can visit Shwe Yan Pyay in Nyaungshwe. After 1 and a half, you will reach Taunggyi, the capital of Shan State then visit the local market. Continue to Kakku, the non-touristic attraction with many stupas of Burmese and Shan styles located harmoniously. Return to Inle Lake. On the way back to Inle Lake, you can visit the Htan Cave which is a small copy of Pindaya and Indein.

Accommodation: Inle Resort Meal: Breakfast

Day 13 Inle Lake – Five Day Market – Indein ruined temples

The Palaung Long Neck ethnic people, Inle Lake.

Skimming along the waterways in a long-tail boat, catch a first glimpse of floating gardens, stilt houses, and fishermen propelling their skiffs with one leg wrapped around an oar. Delve into the lively bustle of the roving Five Day Market, and witness the colorful headdresses, jewelry, and clothing of the hill-tribe people who come to barter here. Items sold and purchased here range from handmade crafts to produce grown on floating gardens. After lunch, we discover the ruined Indein, situated on the southwestern corner of the lake. Here you can wander through a typical lakeside village and observe local people in their daily activities. From the top of old Shwe Inn Dein, an impressive collection of ancient and unrestored Shan style stupas, enjoy a stunning view out across the lake and beyond. Inle Lake introduction The shallow waters of Inle Lake stretch for 35 kilometres, ringed by small fishing villages and majestic rolling hills. The Inth a people live on the lake, building their houses on stilts and travelling across the lake using their bizarre style of leg rowing. The best way to explore is by boat: in a day trip you can visit the various cottage industries such as silk weaving and cheroot rolling, watch blacksmiths and silversmiths at work and see the floating market that moves between the area’s villages on a five-day rota.


[email protected]

Tel: +84 169 568 5604 Hotline: +84 977 343 986


Indein ruins, Inle Lake.

Boat trip on Inle Lake Around Inle Lake there are many small villages which connect to the main lake by means of narrow canals. Once out on the lake you may see the unique leg-rowing fishermen who stand up on their boats to give them a bird's eye view of the fish in the very shallow waters. You may also be ab le to visit some of the villagers in their homes above the silk and cotton weaving looms where they work. The Phaung Daw Oo Paya is one of the holiest sites in this area of Shan State as it houses a collection of five highly-revered small Buddha images. These are now unrecognisable as devout Buddhists have adorned them with gold leaf. During the Phaung Daw Oo festival in October four of these images are transported around the lake, spending each night in a different village.

Intha fisheman on the Inle Lake, Shan State. Accommodation: Inle Resort Meal: Breakfast

Day 14

Inle Lake – Sittwe (Flight)

Shwe Zedi Kyaung, Sittwe

Head northwest for the flight to Sittwe. Upon arrival at Sittwe, take a visit to the attractions in this famous city. Highlights of the city include Mahakuthala Buddha Museum, the most extensive collection of Rakhine-style Buddha images in this century-old British colonial mansion at the North side of the town; collections of arts, bronze images, notes and antique coins from Mrauk U and other ancient kingdoms; Sitting Buddha (Thet Kya Muni Pagoda), the big sitting Buddha image located in the same area as U Ye Kyaw Thu Monastery; Fishing Port, the fishing port is bustling with activities in the evening as boats from the open seas return from fishing trip; View Point, the lovely recreational spot with panoramic view of sunset over the Bay of Bengal. Overnight at Shwe Thazin Hotel in Sittwe. (B) Accommodation: Shwe Thazin Sittwe Resort Meal: Breakfast


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Tel: +84 169 568 5604 Hotline: +84 977 343 986


Day 15

Sittwe – Mrauk U

Dukkanthein Pagoda seen from the Kothaung

Being transferred to Sittwe Jetty where you board your private boat to Mrauk U. The journey on the Kaladan River, through changing scenery, upriver towards the hill surrounding Mrauk U. Mrauk U, was Rakhine's capital in 15th century, when it enjoyed great wealth and was an important commercial port. Mrauk U has great charm with is many local markets, solid wooden house and Bamboo houses, canals, hills and friendly people. Some of the ancient pagodas and ruins can be visited by foot or a horse cart, bullock cart or vehicle from the town. Upon arrival in Mrauk U, check in hotel then do some sightseeing. Visit Shite Taung Pagoda, perhaps the best preserved Pagoda, and home to some 80,000 holy Buddha images. 33 smaller ones, rising from platform to platform, similar in style to Indonesia's Borobudur, flank the large central stupa. Inside the Pagoda is like a maze and it's fascinating to wander through the interior passages, admiring reliefs and Buddha images in niches. Visit Andaw Pagoda, an eight sided monument which is smaller than Shittaung but with a similar linear layout. Opposite Shittaung, visit Dukkanthein "ordination hall", a construction of laterite and sandstone bricks that resembles a huge bunker from the outside. Enjoy sunset at Harre Taund Pagoda. Dinner at local restaurant or hotel.

Inside the Shite Taung Pagoda, Mrauk U Accommodation: Shwe Thazin Mrauk U Resort Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16

Chin Tattoo Villages

Chin Tattoo woman, Mrauk U

Visit Mrauk U's main maket and Koe Thaung Temple. Continue to Lay Myo river bank. And then proceed by boat to Chin Tattoo area. We are trail to three Chin tattoo villages by boat and walk to the hill tribe's people. Visit to waving project at the chin village. The villagers are very basic life style. Some Tattoo ladies are very proud of their tattoo designed on their faces and waving designed. You will see how the villagers will warmly welcome and friendly. Packed lunch is included. Return back to Mrauk U for dinner at a local restaurant or hotel. Accommodation: Shwe Thazin Mrauk U Resort Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17 Wethali (Vesali) Sightseeing


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Tel: +84 169 568 5604 Hotline: +84 977 343 986


What’s included:

18 night accommodation.

English speaking guide.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner as mentioned.

Young children in Wethali

This morning, drive to Wethali (Vesali) – a kingdom founded in the 4th century that prospered for some 400 years. The ruined city walls and moat give you an idea of the size of the former city. See the Great Image of Su Taun Prai, a 5-meter sitting Buddha in Rakhine-style, which is said to have been carved out of one piece of rock. From Wethali, continue towards Mahamuni Pagoda, according to legend the original site of Mandalay's famous bronze Buddha image. Nowadays, three stone images sit on the pedestal that was once home to the Mahamuni Buddha. Return to Mrauk U. Lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit to Maha Bandoola Monastery (Like a Buddha Museum) which monastery have a lot of ancient bronze images with inscriptions and an interesting collection of Rakhine-style Buddha images. Then see some of the temples of Mrauk Oo, which nestle amongst hills, streams and leafy trees. Stroll through the streets of Mrauk U. In the late afternoon, go to Shwegutaung from where there is a good view over Mrauk U. Dinner at local restaurant or hotel. Accommodation: Shwe Thazin Mrauk U Resort Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18

Mrauk U – Yangon (Flight)

Taking flight returning to Yangon. We then continue to explore the charm of Yangon city with visits to White Jade pagoda, followed by a pleasant walk in royal place where you will admire Karaweik Palace and the green park of Kandawgyi. Visit Scott’s market to buy some souvenirs. Free at leisure.

Yangon Downtown area, Yangon, Burma. Accommodation: Summit Park View Hotel Meal: Breakfast

Day 19 Yangon Departure

After breakfast at hotel, rest and unwind until our driver arrives and picks you up for a departure flight. Bid farewell to Burma with unforgettable memories.

Accommodation: Not available

Meal: Breakfast

Tour price/person /adult


[email protected]

Tel: +84 169 568 5604 Hotline: +84 977 343 986


04 domestic flights.

All transfers and road transport in air-conditioned vehicles.

All sightseeing as specified and entrance fees included.

Boat trips in Thanlyin, Pakkoku, Mingun, Inle Lake, Sittwe.

Bottled drinking water per touring days.

Visa on arrival.

Not included in the price:

Local airport departure taxes - payable locally on each departure (10 USD from Yangon)

Travel insurance.

Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, etc.

Tips for your guide and driver (discretionary).

Any camera or video fees at any sites.

International flights.

Key facts about Burma (Myanmar):

- Population: 50.02 million

- Land area: 678.50 thousands square kilometers

- Major languages spoken: Burmese

- Currency: Myanmar Kyat

- Time difference: GMT+6 1/2 hours

- Capital city: Yangon

Climate

Most of Burma lies within the Tropic Zone. The hot season extends from March until October, and the cool

season, from November through to February. Temperatures during these seasons range from 17 to 40

degrees Celsius (62 to104 degrees Fahrenheit) in lower Burma. Temperatures in upper Burma are usually

less and mountainous regions can at times be cold. The country receives almost all of its yearly rainfall

between mid-May and October, the period of the Southwest Monsoon. Winter is from November to

February and during these months, daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm, but you will need to bring

some warm clothing for late evenings and early mornings.

Health issues

Good medical advice usually recommends vaccinations/prophylactics in advance of travel to Burma. We

suggest that you consult with your doctor to discuss health care needs specific to your holiday.

Travel insurance

You must be comprehensively insured as a condition of travelling with Burma Senses Travel & Tours.

Insurance should include cover for personal accident and medical expenses, evacuation and repatriation,

baggage loss, and cancellation or curtailment of your holiday. Your booking will not be confirmed if you

cannot confirm possession of appropriate insurance, and our ground operations have the right to prevent

you from travelling in the event that you cannot present your insurance details at the start of the tour.

Recommended reading

The Glass Palace - Amitav Ghosh

Burmese Days: A Novel - George Orwell

Finding George Orwell in Burma - Emma Larkin


[email protected]

Tel: +84 169 568 5604 Hotline: +84 977 343 986


Golden Earth: Travels in Burma - Norman Lewis

The Piano Tuner’ - Daniel Mason

The Gentleman in the Parlour - W. Somerset Maugham

The Traveller's History of Burma (Orchid Guides) - Garry Abbott

Lonely Planet guide to Myanmar (Burma)

Documents

Burma 19 day Sapmle Customized Tour