Mystical Myanmar

Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay & Inle Lake plus Ngapali & Bangkok optional extensions

Includes airfare, fuel surcharges, airline taxes and fees, hotels, transfers, many meals, touring & more. *

Overview

Itinerary at a Glance Mystical Myanmar
Day	Destination
1	Depart USA
2	En route
3	Yangon, Myanmar
4	Yangon & Bagan
5	Bagan
6	Bagan & Mandalay
7	Mandalay, Mingun & Ava
8	Mandalay, Heho & Inle Lake
9	Inle Lake
10	Inle Lake, Heho & Yangon
11	Yangon
12	Yangon & Taipei, Taiwan
13	Taipei/USA
Bangkok Pre-Tour Extension
1	Depart USA
2	En route
3	Bangkok
4	Bangkok
5	Bangkok
6	Bangkok & Yangon
Ngapali Beach Post-Tour Extension
11	Yangon, Thandwe & Ngapali Beach
12	Ngapali Beach
13	Ngapali Beach, Thandwe & Yangon
14	Yangon & Taipei, Taiwan
15	Taipei/USA

Departures	September 2012
Departs	Los Angeles (LAX)
Highlights	Yangon, the Temples of Bagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake, Temples of Inndein and two optional extensions to Bangkok and Myanmar's Ngapali Beach
Included Features	Round-trip airfare from Los Angeles via China Airlines including fuel surcharges and taxes and fees All intra-Myanmar flights and ground transportation Accommodations in deluxe and superior first class hotels Buffet breakfast daily, 7 lunches 5 dinners Comprehensive sightseeing tours Professional English speaking tour guides
Travel Style	This fast-paced, escorted tour involves a significant amount of walking or hiking, often on uneven terrain, requiring a high level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the trip.

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is a land of timeless beauty, where visitors can still experience what Asia was like before modern times encroached on ancient cultures. Having been isolated from the world for many years, Myanmar has remained a lush, tropical garden of a country, where Buddhist spirituality, amazing natural beauty, with warm, gentle people and a unique culture make it among the most unique of destinations.  If truly exotic is your type of trip, join us in Myanmar. And don't wait too long to reserve your spot. Our groups are small, are prices are exceptional and space is definitely limited.

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Dates, Prices & Options

Tour prices have been increased by $20 per person, due to a fuel surcharge increase imposed by the airline on Apr 10, 2012.

Tour prices have been increased by $60 per person, due to domestic flight fuel surcharge increases imposed by the airline on Apr 24, 2012.

Ngapali Beach Extension prices have been increased by $20 per person, due to domestic flight fuel surcharge increases imposed by the airline on Apr 24, 2012.

Coming from somewhere else? Unfortunately, we don't offer departures from cities that are not listed, but you can book your own connecting flights separately.

Want to stay longer? We may be able to arrange for you to extend your stay later than the scheduled dates, subject to availability. Contact us about dates, prices and restrictions.

 

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Depart USA. The first leg of your mystical journey to Myanmar begins as you check in for your flight to Yangon, Myanmar, via Taipei, Taiwan.

Day 2: En route. Cross the International Dateline and lose a day. (You'll recover this day on your return trip).

Day 3: Yangon, Myanmar. Arrive this morning in Yangon, the main gateway and capital city of Myanmar. After completing immigration and customs formalities, transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure. This evening join your fellow passengers for a welcome dinner. Trader’s Hotel or similar Dec 1, 2102 departures will be accommodated at East Hotel. (B,D)

Day 4: Yangon & Bagan. After an early breakfast transfer to Yangon airport for the morning flight to Bagan. Known as the city of four million pagodas, Bagan is one of the richest archaeological sites in Asia. Upon arrival in Bagan, you will visit the most significant and well preserved Pagodas including Shwezigon, Gubyaukgyi, Htilominlo and the amazing Ananda Temple. Next, participate in a food donation ceremony in a local Buddhist Monastery. After the ceremony tour the grounds of the monastery and observe the everyday life of a Buddhist Monk.

After lunch at a local restaurant, check in to your hotel for a little rest and relaxation. This evening, enjoy a beautiful sunset from the top of a Pagoda with the panoramic view of the temples surrounding you. Sit back, relax, and be amazed by the beauty of Bagan as you watch the sun slowly set behind these ancient lands. Aureum Palace Resort or similar. Apr 21, 2012 departures will be accommodated at Bagan Thande Hotel. Dec 1, 2012 departures will be accommodated at Aye Yar River View Hotel. (B,L)

Day 5: Bagan. This morning, visit the Nyaung Oo market and see the vast variety of fresh fruit and vegetables for sale, experiencing a bustling market atmosphere. Later this morning, continue to Phwar Saw Village. This village is a perfect example of how the locals live. Bagan is also famous for its artistic handicrafts and master craftsmanship of lacquer-ware. Visit a local lacquer-ware store where the process of making each piece can be seen. Enjoy lunch with your fellow travelers at a local restaurant.

Later on this afternoon explore Bagan from a different perspective, by pony cart. The carts can gain access to areas unreachable by cars and buses and you will be able to see some of the more remote temples up close and personal. This evening take a relaxing sunset cruise along the Ayeyarwady River, watching life on the river as the sun slowly sets in the background. Have dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel for the night. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Bagan & Mandalay. Transfer to the Bagan airport for your morning flight to Mandalay. The last capital of the third Myanmar Empire, Mandalay is located in the center of the country due north of Yangon. It is the largest city after Yangon and is both a bustling commercial centre and a repository of ancient culture. Upon arrival in Mandalay, check in to your hotel.

After lunch at a local restaurant, your tour of Mandalay will begin at the Mahamuni Pagoda, housing one of the most sacred statues of Buddha in Myanmar. The statue is said to have been brought to life after seven embraces by the Gautama Buddha. Consequently, devout Buddhists hold it to be alive and refer to it as the Maha Muni Sacred Living Image. Proceed to the Shwe Kyaung, the Golden Palace Monastery, famous for its intricate woodcarvings. Next, visit the Kuthodaw Pagoda, which is known as the world’s largest book due to the Buddhist scripture carved on 729 massive marble slabs. Complete your day on the top of Mandalay Hill and witness another beautiful sunset in this mystical land. Mandalay Hill Resort. Apr 21, May 12, & Sep 15, 2012 departures will be accommodated at Sedona Hotel. Dec 1, 2012 departures will be accommodated at Rupar Mandalar. (B,L)

Day 7: Mandalay, Mingun & Ava. This morning transfer to pier for your morning boat excursion to Mingun. Located on the western bank of the Ayeyarwady River, Mingun lies approximately 7 miles north of Mandalay. It is famous for its many Buddhist shrines, monasteries, and meditation centers. Upon arrival in Mingun, visit the unfinished Mingun Pagoda, begun in 1790 by King Bodawpaya; it is one of the most famous buildings in the world. After exploring Mingun, return to Mandalay and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

This afternoon continue your journey to the ancient village of Ava. Visit picturesque ruins and villages by pony cart through the peaceful countryside. Proceed to Sagaing Hills, crossing one of the very few bridges that span the mighty Ayeyarwady River. Sagaing is considered to be the living center of the Buddhist faith in Myanmar and the hundreds of monasteries reverberate with the echoes of cymbals, gongs and pagoda bells. Your tour concludes in Amarapura, situated just south of Mandalay, it is one of the capitals of the third Myanmar Empire. Here you will see the U Bein Bridge, the longest teak bridge in the world. (B,L)

Day 8: Mandalay, Heho & Inle Lake. After breakfast, transfer to Mandalay airport for your flight to Heho. Upon arrival, drive to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway to Inle Lake and proceed to your hotel via private boat. The prime attraction of the Shan State is Inle Lake, a vast, picturesque lake surrounded by hazy blue mountains. Inle Lake is famous for its Inthas (native lake-dwellers) and their unique way of rowing their boats with one leg.

After lunch, visit the five Buddha images of Phaung Daw U Pagoda. The images have been covered in so much gold they look like balls of solid gold. Then proceed to Nampan Village where locals make the boats that can be seen traveling on the lake. Continue to the silk weaving village, Inn Paw Khone, and see the manufacture of their intricate silk products. Return to the hotel for dinner. Inle Resort or similar. Mar 31, 2012 departures will be accommodated at Myanmar Treasure Resort. Dec 1, 2012 departures will be accommodated at Shwe Inn Tha. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Inle Lake. This morning visit one of the "5-Day Markets". These markets are so called because the Shan people rotate between 5 different locations over a 5 day period. They are undoubtedly the most interesting in Myanmar as the Shan people still wear their customary tribal garbs. Life in the Shan State remains very traditional and these markets are a great way to experience the life of the Shan tribes. Next, visit the beautiful temples of Inndein. Situated through a covered passage overlooking the lake, this area is a peaceful and relaxing place. The temples of Inndein have been left in their natural state and the views are enough to take your breath away.

After lunch continue back towards the hotel stopping to see some of the fishermen on the lake skillfully row with one leg while fishing at the same time. Enjoy some leisure time before an evening canoe ride exploring some of the floating villages of Inle Lake. Return to the hotel for dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Inle Lake, Heho & Yangon. In the morning return to Nyaung Shwe by boat, then drive to Heho for the return flight to Yangon. Upon arrival in Yangon, explore the downtown area where the British colonial influence still remains. Begin at the Sule Pagoda that marks the centre of the city and continue through the streets of the downtown area. Next, you will visit the National Museum to gain further insight into Myanmar’s history. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue on to the Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Buddha, said to be one of the largest statues of its kind in the world. Next, visit the famous Scott Market. This 70 year old market has the largest selection of Burmese handicrafts you will find in only one place. Proceed to your hotel to check in and get settled before continuing your tour of Myanmar’s capital city.

This evening your exploration will take you to the Shwedagon Pagoda towering above the green cityscape of Yangon, as the sun begins to fall over the city. One of the wonders of the religious world, the Shwedagon Pagoda is believed to have been built more than 2,500 years ago. A testament to the faith of the Myanma, the Pagoda is covered with hundreds of gold plates; the top of the Stupa is encrusted with 4,531 diamonds; the largest of which is a single 76 Carat diamond. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner as your journey to Mystical Myanmar comes to an end. Trader’s Hotel or similar. Dec 1, 2012 departures will be accommodated at East Hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Yangon. Spend your final day in Myanmar at leisure. We suggest exploring Yangon’s Chinatown for some last minute shopping and some authentic Chinese cuisine. Or, take advantage of the optional Post-Tour Extension to the coast of Myanmar on Ngapali Beach in the Bay of Bengal. (B)

Day 12: Yangon & Taipei, Taiwan. After breakfast this morning, bid farewell to the Mystical lands of Myanmar as you are transferred to the airport in Yangon to board your flight to Taipei. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Fullon Hotel Jhongli (B)

Day 13: Taipei/USA. After breakfast this morning, enjoy some time in Taipei. In the early afternoon, transfer to the airport for to board your flight. Your journey comes to end as you arrive in the USA today.

Bangkok Optional Pre-Tour Extension

Why not take advantage of your already included international airfare and add three days in exotic Bangkok, bustling capital of Thailand? You'll depart the U.S. 3 days before the departure dates shown.

Day 1: Depart USA. Check in for your overnight flight bound for Bangkok via Taipei.

Day 2: En route. Cross the International Dateline and lose a day. (You'll recover this day on your return trip).

Day 3: Bangkok. This morning you will arrive in Bangkok, bustling capital of Thailand, situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Upon arrival, you'll be escorted to your deluxe, centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is yours at leisure to take in your new surroundings and explore the city independently. Your hotel boasts a prime location within walking distance to many attractions. And with a metro stop located right outside the hotel's front door, you can travel easily and quickly to many other areas of the city. Dusit Thani (B)

Day 4-5: Bangkok. Enjoy two full days at leisure to discover Thailand's vibrant capital at your own pace. Bangkok offers no shortage of shopping, dining, and sightseeing. Your hotel concierge will gladly offer suggestions for independent exploration.

We recommend a visit to the Grand Palace, which for 150 years functioned as the home of the King and his court as well as the entire administrative seat of government. Within its grounds, you'll also visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) built to house a large Buddha image carved from a solid piece of green jadite (jasper).

Often called the "Venice of the East" for its network of canals (klongs), Bangkok can also be explored by boat. From this vantage point, you can gain close-up views of traditional Thai life. And of course, no visit to Bangkok would be complete without a visit to the colorful Damneon Saduak floating market, held daily. It is an experience not to be missed! (B)

Day 6: Bangkok & Yangon. After breakfast this morning, transfer to the airport for your short flight to Yangon. There, you will meet up with the rest of your tour group at your hotel. (Please see Day 3 of the main tour itinerary above.) (B)

Ngapali Beach Optional Post-Tour Extension

Why not take advantage of your already included international airfare and add two days amongst the coconut palms on the pristine Ngapali Beach? You'll return to the U.S. 2 days after the return dates shown above.

Day 11: Yangon, Thandwe & Ngapali Beach. This morning, transfer to the airport in Yangon for your short flight to Thandwe. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your beachfront resort on Ngapali Beach. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure, relaxing on the beach or exploring one of the nearby fishing villages. Bayview Resort or similar. (October 13, 2012 departures will be accommodated at the Sandoway Resort.) (B)

Day 12: Ngapali Beach. Take advantage of a full day of leisure in Ngapali Beach, one of Myanmar’s most beautiful beaches. Your hotel concierge will gladly offer suggestions for independent exploration. Aside from the normal beach activities like snorkeling, fishing & boating, there is a beautiful 18 hole golf course, elephant rides and bicycle rentals to explore the nearby markets and villages. (B)

Day 13: Ngapali Beach, Thandwe & Yangon. After breakfast at the hotel, transfer back to Thandwe for your return flight to Yangon. Upon arrival in Yangon, be transferred to your hotel and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure. We suggest exploring Yangon’s Chinatown for some last minute shopping and some authentic Chinese cuisine. Trader’s Hotel or similar (B)

Day 14: Yangon & Taipei, Taiwan. After breakfast this morning, bid farewell to the Mystical lands of Myanmar as you are transferred to the airport in Yangon to board your flight to Taipei. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Fullon Hotel Jhongli (B)

Day 15: Taipei/USA. After breakfast this morning, enjoy some time in Taipei. In the early afternoon, transfer to the airport for to board your flight. Your journey comes to end as you arrive in the USA today.

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