VILLAGES OF THE IRRAWADDY - Worldwide Quest · PDF fileMyanmar (Burma) is replete with charming old cities, landscapes punctuated by stupas, and everywhere a sense of calm spirituality

Myanmar (Burma) is replete with charming old cities, landscapes punctuated by stupas, and everywhere a sense of calm spirituality. This is a vibrantly Buddhist land where the incredibly warm and hospitable people still wear traditional dress and adhere to age-old customs, where market ladies smoke cheroots, and young men dedicate a year of their lives to service as monks.

Our seven-night, exclusively chartered Irrawaddy River cruise is the perfect way to discover the historic royal capitals of Bagan and Mandalay and the small towns and villages of lost Burma in between. Every day we’ll be exploring; we start with two day at the mysterious Plain of Temples at Bagan to see the shimmering gold Ananda Temple, the massive, walled Dhammayangyi Temple and the myriad of stupas over the sublime setting of green plain. We proceed upstream visiting small riverside villages, bustling markets, and teak monasteries as well as a community clinic and school. In Mandalay we see the expression of the Bamar culture in monasteries, pagodas, workshops, and teahouses.

Our discovery begins in the bustling city of Yangon where we visit markets and grand sites, take a walking tour in the historic centre and watch the sun set over the glowing stupa of the 2,500-year-old Shwedagon Pagoda. After the river cruise, we spend time at magical Inle Lake; here we take small water crafts to travel around the lake, visiting hill-tribe markets and monasteries, and marvelling at those iconic leg-rowing fishermen.

Extend your trip with four days in Siem Reap and visit the landmark temples of the magnificent Angkor Wat complex. You’ll also venture further afield to the subtle beauty of Banteay Srai and the remote temples of Beng Melea and Ta Prohm, enveloped by the roots of massive banyan trees.

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TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS BY:

VILLAGES OF THE IRRAWADDYNOVEMBER 15 – 26, 2018

Open toalumni UBCand friends

STUDY LEADERPaula Swart is a museum curator and expert on Asian culture and history, who has made various trips to Myanmar since 2010. Paula holds degrees in Sinology, Asian Art History, Chinese History, and Archaeology, and has published several books and numerous articles on the art and architecture of Asian cultures. She teaches courses on UNESCO World Heritage, specifically in Asia, at the UBC Continuing Studies Summer Institute.

• Watching the sun set over the golden spires of the Schwedagon Pagoda

• Exploring Bagan’s vast plain of temples

• Sipping sundowners on board our lovely brass and teak river cruiser

• Meditating with monks at the Inle Lake monastery

• Daily presentations by Paula Swart and the on-board team


Mandalay

Yandabo

Bagan

Yangon

MYANMAR

THAILAND

Inle LakeHeho

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Thursday, Nov. 15: Arrive YangonArrive in Yagon where a local representative provides a transfer to our hotel in the city centre. Please note that most flights from Canada arrive in Yangon in the late evening. Please let us know if you would like to arrive a day earlier to rest up from the international flight.Overnight: Kandawgyi Palace Hotel, Yangon

Friday, Nov. 16: The city, the market, and sunset at the Shwedagon PagodaStart our exploration of the city with a visit to the 2000-year-old Sule Pagoda and to the huge reclining Buddha at Chauk Htat Kyi. After lunch in a central restaurant, we’ll browse Scott’s Market, the vast bazaar in the heart of the city.This afternoon a visit the Shwedagon Pagoda; its golden dome is the ‘heart’ of Buddhist Myanmar. The Pagoda is believed to be 2,500 years old and the central stupa is surrounded by dozens of intricately decorated buildings and statues. There are always many Myanmar people praying and making offerings at Shwedagon, and it’s a fascinating place to spend time watching the world go by. We return to the hotel to freshen up for dinner in a historic residence. Overnight: Kandawgyi Palace Hotel, Yangon Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Saturday, Nov. 17: Fly to Bagan, embark River CruiseA short flight this morning takes us to Bagan, home to one of the most spectacular sites in the world. We transfer immediately to the jetty to board our river cruiser and settle in. After lunch, we begin visiting the Plain of Temples, one of the richest archaeological sites in Asia with over 2000 pagodas, temples, and monasteries.Overnight: on board the Kindat PandawMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sunday, Nov. 18: Cruise to Bagan, Plain of TemplesOur discovery of the Plain of Temples continues today. We visit the golden stupa of Shwezigon Pagoda for an introduction to Bagan’s rich history. At the nearby Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi we find a cave temple with exquisite jataka mural paintings and at the elegant Htilominlo Temple we find fine plaster carvings and glazed sandstone decorations. We visit Ananda Temple, an architectural masterpiece of the early-style with two original standing Buddha images showing changing facial expressions depending on the distance the statue is viewed from. From here, we’ll visit Thatbyinnyu, the highest temple in Bagan, massive Dhammayangyi Temple, noted for its remarkable brickwork and Sulamani Temple. This evening we’ll learn more about the practice of using ‘thanakha’, the yellowish-white cosmetic paste made from ground bark and used by Burmese women in cosmetic designs. Overnight: on board the Kindat PandawMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Monday, Nov. 19: Cruise Salay to Nyaung U OoEarly this morning we set sail to Salay. Once a bustling trading port, now a sleepy village filled with colonial architectural treasures and timeless teak monasteries and home to the best-known teak carved monastery in Burma. It’s also home to a beautifully restored trading company warehouse, now operated as a museum. We continue sailing to arrive mid-afternoon at the foot of the Tan-Chi-Taung Mountains, ascending by minivan to enjoy the view. In the late afternoon we make a rewarding visit to Min-Nan-Thu, one of eight clinics in the Pagan area which is supported by the Pandaw Charity. Overnight: on board the Kindat PandawMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tuesday, Nov. 20: Cruise Pakokku to Augn Pan ChuangOur route continues upstream; presentations by our Paula and our onboard team provide insight into the history as well as the artistic traditions of the country. We’ll stop in the little village of Pakokku to visit the local market and town centre by tuk-tuk, the favourite (and most efficient) mode of transportation here. We moor overnight near the Chindwin confluence at Aung Pan Chaung. Overnight: on board the Kindat PandawMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wednesday, Nov. 21: Cruise to Yandabo to Pau Taw Pauk MyaingThe village of Yandabo is famous for its production of terracotta pottery from the river bank clay. Families here have been making and decorating these pots for generations and the pots are transported by boat all over the country. We’ll also visit the Pandaw School here, a charity supported by our partners at Pandaw Cruises. Overnight: on board the Kindat PandawMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DETAILED ITINERARY


Bagan

Thursday, Nov. 22: Cruise to Sagaing to AmarapuraSet sail this morning for Sagaing, a village with over 1000 hermitages and sanctuaries, rich in woodcarving and religious art. A trip by coach takes us to Amarapura, former capital of Myanmar; watch the sun set behind the world’s longest teak bridge – the U Bein Bridge. Overnight: on board the Kindat PandawMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Friday, Nov. 23: Cruise to Mingun to MandalayToday we see two of the ‘world’s biggest’ in Mingun; the world’s largest working bell (and yes you can ring it!) and the unfinished pagoda that is the largest single mass of brick building in the world. Continue on to Mandalay to visit the Mahamuni Pagoda, home to one of the country’s most revered Buddha images covered with layers of gold leaf and the Kuthodaw Pagoda, whose 729 marble stone slabs of Buddhist scriptures have earned it the title ‘World’s Biggest Book’. We’ll see Shwenandaw Monastery, the only remaining building from the 19th century Royal Palace. This grand teak building is known for its exquisite woodcarving. Overnight: on board the Kindat PandawMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Saturday, Nov. 24: Disembark and fly to HehoWe bid a fond farewell to the Kindat Pandaw crew and transfer to the airport for the short flight to Heho and onward by coach to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway village to Inle Lake. Stop at the wooden Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery which features beautiful carvings and a collection of Buddha images. From the lake jetty, we board a private motorboat, passing villages built on stilts inhabited by the local Intha people. Lunch is hosted in a restored family home featuring traditional Intha cuisine, followed by a presentation on Intha culture. Our route continues to the Nga Hpe Chaung Monastery, which houses dozens of Shan Buddha Images, but is more famous for its unique ‘jumping cats’ that jump through hoops in the air! The end of the day brings us to our lakeside resort. Overnight: Aureum Inle ResortMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Sunday, Nov. 25: Markets and monasteries of Inle LakeWe start the day at the lake’s morning market. The market rotates its location around the lake’s villages in a five-day rhythm and is visited by lake inhabitants and surrounding hill tribes who come to sell and trade their wares. We’ll make our way by boat to the Pa-oh village of In Dein to explore the area on foot, stroll around the village, and visit a local school. This area is filled with picturesque ancient stupas and has magnificent views of the lake below. We’ll visit the Mine Thauk Tawya Kyaung monastery here; join a meditation class and hear from the head monk about Myanmar Buddhism. Celebrate our trip together over dinner this evening.Overnight: Aureum Inle ResortMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Monday, Nov. 26: Fly to Yangon and departThis morning we transfer to Heho Airport for the short flight back to Yangon International airport and connections to homeward bound flights. We recommend our optional extension to Siem Reap. Or ask us about private arrangements across the region. Meals: Breakfast

Note: The itinerary and accommodation described here are intended as an example only. In the event of weather changes, logistical arrangements, or local events, we may make changes in the published itinerary.

Long-necked Kayan Padaung woman weaving

Nga Hpe Chaung Monastery

OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO SIEM REAP

NOVEMBER 26 – 29, 2018

Nov. 26: Fly from Yangon to Siem ReapFrom Heho Airport we fly to Yangon and onward to Bangkok and the connection to our flight to Siem Reap, arriving in the late evening. You are met by our local representative, who will accompany you to your hotel where dinner awaits.Overnight: Jaya House Riverpark, Siem ReapMeals: Breakfast, Dinner

Nov. 27: Siem Reap’s Angkor Thom, Angkor WatWe begin our exploration of the ancient city at Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmers with its fabulous Elephant Terrace and Terrace of the Leper King. The 12th-century Bayon Temple, a masterpiece of symmetry and grandeur, lies at the centre of the complex. The exterior walls are decorated in extensive bas-relief, but the highlight is the more than 200 stone ‘faces’ with the famous half-smile playing on their lips. Our exploration continues at Ta Prohm; surrounded by jungle, its labyrinth of stone hallways is overgrown with the roots and limbs of massive banyan trees. In the afternoon, we visit the epic Angkor Wat, the largest temple in the world, inspired by 12th-century Hinduism. Enjoy a magnificent sunset over Angkor Wat this evening.Overnight: Jaya House Riverpark, Siem ReapMeals: Breakfast, Dinner

Nov. 28: Siem Reap’s remote templesEarly this morning we travel 65 kilometres from Siem Reap to visit temples tucked deep in the Cambodian jungle. Beng Melea was built as a Hindu temple but also contains depictions of Buddhist motifs. We’ll clamber over large sandstone bocks to reach the inner sanctuary and admire the intricate carvings on the fallen lintels. Tiny, enchanting Banteay Srei, the ‘Women’s Citadel,’ is a real jewel. Built of red sandstone in the 10th century, it is the most Indian of the temples of Angkor. At Preah Khan, we’ll explore the extensive monastic complex built around a Buddhist sanctuary. Plenty of photo opportunities today! Enjoy a Khmer cultural dance presentation this evening.Overnight: Jaya House Riverpark, Siem ReapMeals: Breakfast, Dinner

Nov 29: Depart Siem ReapAfter breakfast we have time at leisure before transferring to the airport for your homeward-bound flight.Meals: Breakfast

Extension Cost (per person): US$1595* + US$100 taxes and gratuities*Based on a minimum of 14 participants.

Includes: Flight from Yangon to Siem Reap, arrival and departure transfers, three nights’ accommodation based on double occupancy, breakfast and dinner daily, a full program of sightseeing, including transportation and entrance fees. Please note that Paula Swart will accompany the extension with a minimum of 14 participants. The extension will be available as a Private Journey with fewer than 14 participants; in this case the extension will be hosted by our local Siem Reap team.


TOUR DETAILS

What’s Included:• Accommodation based on double occupancy in hotels

listed or similar• Internal flights as per itinerary (Yangon/Bagan,

Mandalay/Heho, Heho/Yangon)• Seven-night cruise on the RV Pandaw• All meals• Sightseeing with qualified English-speaking guides• All activities and entrance fees• All internal transportation by air-conditioned private coach • Airport transfers for passengers arriving and departing as

per the group itinerary• Gratuities as indicated above• Taxes as indicated above• Fully escorted by your Worldwide Quest tour leader

Not Included:• Airfare from your home to join the tour• Visa fees (approx US $65 for Canadian passport holders)• Fuel surcharges, if applicable• Travel insurance• Excess baggage charges• Items of a personal nature• Additional arrangements required due to any emergency

or other situation

Payment Details:A non-refundable deposit of US$500 per person is required to reserve a space on this tour. A payment of US$1000 per person is required 6 months prior to departure. Final payment is due at least 90 days prior to departure.

HOW TO BOOKPlease contact

Worldwide Quest.

1-800-387-1483


Tour Cost (per person): US$4395 (based on lower deck cabin)Supplement for Upper Deck cabin: US$600Taxes and gratuities (per person): US$325

Single Supplement: US$2200We would be happy to try to match you with a suitable roommate. If we are unable to, the single supplement will apply.

Group Size: We have fully chartered the 36-passenger Kindat Pandaw for this cruise.

Bagan

WHAT TO EXPECT

Joining InstructionsThis tour begins with your arrival in Yangon on November 15th. As most flights arrive late in the evening, our briefing will be held over breakfast on November 16th. All travellers arriving on the start date of the tour will be met on arrival and transferred to the group hotel. This transfer is included in the cost of the tour. When you book the designated pre-trip accommodation with Worldwide Quest, your transfer from the airport to our group hotel on arrival is included. If you are making your own pre-trip arrangements, this transfer can be provided at additional cost. The tour concludes with a single complimentary transfer from the hotel to the airport on November 26th. Please contact us to verify timing of this transfer prior to making any flight arrangements.

Level of Activity: ModerateThis tour involves walking in towns and villages and while visiting archaeological sites. There are also opportunities for cycling during the cruise. Should you have any questions about your ability to take part in this tour, please give us a call.

AccommodationWe are staying in four star and five star hotels in Yangon and in Inle Lake. Also, we have exclusively chartered the newly built (2014) 36-passenger Kindat Pandaw. See details on next page.

WeatherNovember is a lovely time to visit Myanmar with the rainy season a distant memory and visitor numbers still relatively low. We expect warm to hot temperatures of up to 30° during the day and dry conditions for our tour.

Travel DocumentsYou will require a passport for this trip. Please ensure it is valid for at least 6 months beyond your scheduled return home. You will also require a visa for Myanmar. We will send you detailed instructions for obtaining visas closer to departure.

Terms and ConditionsFor additional information about our terms and conditions, please refer to your booking form, the current brochure or our website. All participants booking with Worldwide Quest are covered by the terms of the Ontario Travel Industry Act (Worldwide Quest International, Ontario - License # 2667946).

Cancellation PolicyAll payments are non-refundable, however you may transfer your initial deposit for any land tour to another tour 90 days or more prior to your scheduled departure date. Initial deposits for cruises are non-refundable and non-transferable. Your second payment and your final payment are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you cancel within 90 days prior to trip departure, all associated trip costs are non-refundable. The tour price is quoted as a package. No partial refunds or credits will be given for services not used. In the event of a cancellation, you must notify Worldwide Quest immediately and in writing.

Travel InsuranceWe urge you to ensure that you have adequate cancellation and medical insurance in place, should an unexpected event cause you to cancel or interrupt your trip or should the tour not be operable per our terms and conditions. We will offer you Manulife insurance coverage. Medical insurance including emergency medical evacuation coverage is mandatory on all our tours.

ADDITIONAL INFO

The University of British Columbia Alumni Association will not be responsible for the financing, the arranging, or the conducting of these tours. They assume no liability or responsibility for damages or financial loss to person howsoever arising from the negligence, omission or otherwise of travel services arranged through Worldwide Quest International. Refer to the General Terms and Conditions established by Worldwide Quest International with respect to participating in this tour.

TICO#: 2667946

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We have exclusively chartered the newly built (2014) 36-passenger Kindat Pandaw. One of the famed Pandaw fleet, the 57 metre ship is hand-crafted in brass and teak. The K-class ships have ultra-shallow drafts designed to reach remote areas. The 10 main and 8 upper deck cabins are a spacious 16 square metres (170 sq.ft.) in area. Cabins do not have mini-bars, telephones, or internet. They do however have panoramic French sliding doors, premium mattresses, plenty of electrical outlets, and A/C with individual controls. There is ample outdoor deck space and a flexible bistro space offering indoor and outdoor dining. The ship has mountain bikes on board for your independent exploration.

OUR RIVER CRUISER