Myanmar



Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is recognized by the world as the Golden Land. It is one of the earliest homes of mankind, where one can have exclusive experiences of a life time.

It is a country where magnificent and ancient Buddhist temples gaze out serenely over a nation restless for change.  Burma has plenty of wonders for the eye - sinuous, life giving rivers, lush mountain forests, and intricately drawn cities.

Day 1. Arrive Yangon. On arrival in Yangon, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for overnight accommodation.

Day 2. Yangon. Today you will begin with a city tour, which will take you to the diplomatic area, highlighting some of the rich colonial architecture dating back from the British occupation and Sule Pagoda. Continue on, to see the Chauk Htat Gyi Reclining Buddha, the National Museum - famous for the Lion Throne.

Lunch will take place at a local restaurant. After lunch, visit the General Aung San (Father of Myanmar Independence) House Museum. Before sunset, visit Shwedagon Pagoda, the most famous landmark in Yangon. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 3. Yangon/Bagan. Fly today to Bagan. On arrival check into your hotel after which, visit the Shwezigon Pagoda, and the Gubyaukgyi Pagoda, a 13th Century temple. Bagan is not only famous for the profusion of pagodas but also for its artistic handicrafts and lacquerware. You will visit a local lacquerware store where the process of making each piece can be seen. At the end of the day a relaxing sunset can be seen from the Ywahaunggyi or Mingalazedu Pagodas.

Day 4. Bagan. In 442 BC, a great earthquake roared through central Myanmar and from out of the barren Myingyan plains rose Mount Popa. For the inhabitants of the surrounding regions, the "sugar-loaf" peak became regarded as the home of the gods, the Mount Olympus of Myanmar.

Mount Popa, 1,518 meters (4,981 feet) high, is located about 50 km (31 miles) southeast of Bagan. This morning visit Mt. Popa. On the way a stop will be made at the Palm plantation a sugar-making factory to observe how the locals extract sugar from palms. This is an easy day with those with a more adventurous flair continuing to the Summit. After lunch, return to Bagan making a stop at a local village to see how the people of Bagan live. The early evening will be spent on a relaxing river cruise along the Irrawaddy River.

Day 5. Bagan/Mandalay. Fly to Mandalay. On arrival, transfer to Amarapura, situated about 11 km south of Mandalay, one of the capitals of the third Myanmar Empire. Visit the Mahagandayone Monastery to gain an insight into the life and culture of the Burmese, as every male in the Burmese culture is a monk at one point of time in his life. Also visit one of Mandalay's silk weaving factories.

After checking-in at your hotel, the afternoon will comprise a visit to the Mahamuni Pagoda. To the Buddhists in Myanmar, this richly gilded Maha Muni image is not a mere representation of the Lord Buddha but is an icon, which is regarded as sacred. As evening approaches, visit the Kuthodaw Pagoda, home to the world's largest book. A drive to the top of Mandalay hill will give you a beautiful view of the sunset over Mandalay.

Day 6. Mandalay/Heho/Pindaya/Kalaw. Fly to Heho. On arrival proceed to Pindaya, famous for its caves in which thousands of Buddha images have been placed or carved over many years. The true culture and tradition of Myanmar can be found in Shan State. Visit a traditional paper & umbrella making home after which, proceed to Kalaw, 45 km north of Pindaya, home to a charming, serene hill station surrounded by mountains.

Kalaw was a favorite retreat for the British in summer time as the cool climate provides a welcome break from the summer heat. Arrive Kalaw and transfer to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll around the beautiful city.

Day 7. Kalaw/Inle Lake. Drive to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway to Inle Lake. Board a chartered boat and spend a day on the lake with its serenity and beauty. The first stop will be the village at which a 5 day market is held. A leisurely stroll can be taken around the markets to get a feel for the atmosphere. Then proceed to Nampan Village where locals make cigars and boats that can be seen sailing on the lake.

Continue to the silk weaving village, Inn Paw Khone and see how intricate is the design and manufacture of silk products. After lunch visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda followed by a visit to the Ngaphechaung Monastery, famous for the monks who have trained cats to jump through hoops. The monastery is now better known as the Jumping Cat monastery.

Day 8. Inle Lake/Heho/Yangon. Morning canoe ride to visit the floating farms and houses. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, drive to Heho for your flight departure back to Yangon. Upon arrival into Yangon, transfer to the hotel where you will have some refreshments. In the evening, enjoy the beautiful sunset at the Botataung Pagoda.

Day 9. Yangon. This morning, visit the Chauk Htat Gyi Reclining Buddha, a colossal (70 meter long) reclining Buddha Statue, one of the largest in Myanmar. Afterwards go shopping in Scott Market, the sprawling, 70 years market located in the center of Yangon. It has the largest selection of Burmese handicrafts you will find in one location.

After lunch, you can enjoy some leisure time to take a walk or simply relax before transferring to the airport for your departure flight.

*****All itineraries are subject to change without notice.





Myanmar Country Facts

Location: South-East Asia (formerly Burma).

Population: 45 Million

Capital: Yangon

Time: 10.5 hours ahead of Toronto/New York and 13.5 hours ahead of Vancouver/Los Angeles.

Language: Myanmar plus local dialects. English is widely spoken.

Religion: 87% Buddhist, 5% Christian, 4% Muslim.

Currency: Kyat (pronounced CHAT)

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50 Hz

Shops: Early morning to late evening.

Country Code: 95 - Yangon 1, Mandalay 2

Credit Cards: Credit Cards are not accepted in Myanmar. The exception is a few but not all International Class hotels. Sometimes Travelers Checks are difficult to exchange. US dollar bills are the most convenient form of payment. (Credit Cards are accepted on board the cruise ship "Road to Mandalay")

Photography: There are restrictions at airports, ports, and harbors. It is courteous to ask permission first before taking photographs of people.

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