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MYANMAR (BURMA) - THE GOLDEN LANDEscorted Group Tour Dossier. BA14 Myanmar, the country formerly known as Burma, is one of the few truly original travel experiences remaining in this much travelled world. Decades of social and economic isolation have preserved here many of the traditional features, physical and cultural, which have been lost in other Asian countries. Myanmar is a captivating travel destination - for its diversity of sightseeing, for the wealth of cultural and scenic attractions it can offer and, above all, for the warmth and friendliness of its charming people. With a land area of 677,000 sq.km., Myanmar is the largest country in Southeast Asia. It shares borders with Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand. Approximately the size of France and Great Britain combined, it stretches over 2,000 km. North to south, and varying from the vast central agricultural plains, to snow capped mountains in the far north./ The Shan States feature cool and verdant hills, while the long coastline offers endless golden beaches still to be opened up for tourism. From north to south flows the majestic Ayeyarwaddy (Irrawaddy), one of the world's greatest rivers and source of agricultural wealth to millions. Potentially, Myanmar is one of the region's richest economies, with every type of natural resource. Tourism is seen as being one of the greatest opportunities for development, but, for now, the numbers of tourist are few. There will never be a better time to visit. Much of the country's attraction is in its history and artistic culture. Myanmar lies at the meeting point of two of the world's great civilisations, China and India, but it blends both of these influences with its own very special local characteristics. The people have preserved traditional values, and are deeply devout in their religion, with a close-knit family system and respect for elders still powerfully observed. Myanmar people are fun loving and festivals from the centre of Myanmar social life, with each month having its own festive occasion. Myanmar people are also known for their sense of hospitality and friendliness to visitors.
Mekong Travel includes such extra dimensions to make any visit to Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia or Laos a richer, more rewarding and more memorable experience. GENERAL ADVICE ON TRAVELLING IN INDOCHINA Never drink tap water - purified, bottled water is available everywhere. Use an insect repellent against mosquitoes, especially in upcountry and forested areas. A hat and high factor block cream is advisable as protection against the hot tropical sun when sightseeing. Casual and light
clothing is required, preferable natural fibre, year-round, but Travellers should take adequate supplies of any prescription medicines they may need, as supplies may not be available locally. A spare pair of eyeglasses, if worn, is also advisable. Useful too, is a flashlight, for exploring caves or details of temple interiors, which are often not properly illuminated Take plenty of film, as locally available supplies are not always reliable. Photography in airports, railway stations and near any military installation is forbidden. Please use discretion when photographing people, especially with tribal people, who may have superstitions against this. For close-up shots always ask first. Visitors are required to dress decently within the precincts of religious buildings. Ladies should not wear shorts or bra-less T-shirts in such places. Shoes and socks/stockings must always be removed at pagodas and monasteries. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Disregard of these rules causes serious cultural and religious offence to the devout Asian people. Visitors are advised to ignore touts who may approach them to exchange foreign currency, or to sell gems of dubious quality. Such offers, although apparently attractive, are breaking strict laws. Begging is widespread in some parts of Indochina but not in others and visitors are requested not to encourage development of this practice by giving money, sweets etc. to children. If travellers wish to contribute to say, a village community, gifts should be directed to the local schoolteacher or headman. Contributions can also be arranged to recognise local charities two of which we support. HOTELS In spite of the building boom that is creating new hotels up to international standards for the first time in key tourist centres, accommodations in Indochina still varies widely in quality and, during high seasons, availability can be limited. Mekong Travel clients will generally receive hotel reservation priority, but Mekong Travel cannot guarantee specific hotel requests and reserves the right to substitute accommodation of the best available alternative standard when a first-choice hotel is not available. Clients are advised that accommodations, especially outside the main locations, may not always be up to international standards.
PRACTICAL INFORMATIONWEATHER Myanmar has three seasons. Cool Season - October through February with average temperatures 20-24 C Hot Season - March through May with average temperatures 30-35 C Wet Season - June through September with average temperatures 25-30 C The ideal time to visit Myanmar is during the cool season. However, even during the wet seasons, Yangon normally received morning and afternoon showers while rainfall in Bagan and Mandalay is very low.
FOOD. All breakfasts (e.g. bread, eggs or fruit and tea or coffee) are included as are all Dinners which are taken as a group and arranged in good local restaurants were a variety of dishes can be tried. Lunches are on a daily kitty of £4 per person per day.
GROUP, STAFF & SUPPORT. The group size will be between 8 and 16. All groups will be accompanied by an experienced English guide, plus a Vietnamese guide and where applicable a local driver. All your luggage and personal belongings will be carried with the vehicle. TRIP PROFILE. Our trip takes us from the capital Yangon in the South to the floating villages on Inle lake and hill station at Taunggyi. Continuing to the ancient city of Mandaly and the old hill station at Maymyo before cruising down the Irrawady to the ruins of Bagan. We use a combination of different types of transport including aircraft, mini-bus and boat. INCLUDED IN THE PRICE · Economy
class return flights with Thai International airlines (will be booked
separately if required, see main box).
Mid-day departure with Thai International Airways from London, Heathrow. Day 2 Arrive at Bangkok
airport and transfer to the Yangon (formerly Rangoon) is the Capital City and gateway to Myanmar (formerly Burma). Perhaps the last remaining authentic example of an Asian tropical city still true to its former colonial origins. Most famous for the unique and glittering Shwedagon Pagoda, but a wealth of other sights await visitors, including diverse temples, markets and impressive colonial-era buildings. Always green with lush tropical trees, shady parks and beautiful lakes. Yangon is known as the "Garden City of the east" was founded by King Alaungpaya on the site of a small settlement called Dagon when he conquered Lower Myanmar in 1755. The name Yangon means "End of Strife". Day 3 Sightseeing tour to include the old colonial-style city centre. Karaweik Hall, Royal floating barge and extended visit to Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the world's most spectacular religious monuments. The golden dome rises 98 meters above its base and is covered with 60 tons of pure gold. The tour continues to chauk htat gyi, a huge reclining Buddha image and the gilded Sule Pagoda, dating back over 2,000 years; Bogyoke (Scotts) Market with hundreds of stores and visit a gem shop. Day 4 After breakfast take the early morning flight to Hedo and then proceed to Inle Lake by road. Transfer to hotel and after lunch take a boat trip around the lake visiting the floating gardens and villages. Here the emphasis is on lovely lake scenery, hazy distant mountains and the interesting local society. The vast lake is studded with floating islands and is renowned for its unique leg-rowers and local markets. Day 5 Morning drive
to the old British hill station at Taunggyi, capital of the Shan
State, a cool hill town set at 1,400 m. Famous for its colourful
local markets you will visit a ruby market, cheroot work shop and
near by pagodas. After lunch drive to the airport at Hedo and fly
to Mandalay Day 6 All day tour
of Mandalay visiting Mahagandayon, a famous Buddhist monastery,
where more than a thousand monks live and study; continue to the
200 year old U Bein teak bridge, built in 1782 at the time when
Amarapura was a Royal capital. Visit Bagaya Monastery, with a superb
collection of Buddha statues, before returning to Mandalay, stopping
at a traditional hand-woven silk workshop en-route. Day 7 Morning drive to PYIN OO LWIN (Maymyo) A cool hill station, over 1,000m above sea level founded during colonial times and a worthwhile 64km side trip from Mandalay. Here we enjoy beautiful scenery, a cool climate and a nostalgic atmosphere with its old buildings and botanical gardens. We transfer to the Candacraig Hotel for dinner and over night stay. This hotel was the old chummery of the Bombay Burma Trading Company constructed in 1906 in the style of an English country manor house. Although a little run down it has a lot of atmosphere right down to the menu of roast beef or chicken. Day 8 Morning tour of the town before descending back down the hill into the central plains back to Mandalay. Transfer to the hotel. Day 9 Early morning start, board the boat for a river journey down the mighty Ayeyarwaddy (Irrawaddy) River, to Bagan. The trip takes approximately eight hours. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Evening dinner on the banks of the Areyarwaddy while watching a local display of Burmese puppetry. Bagan the ancient capital of the 15th Century Mon Kingdom, Bagan is one of the richest archaeological sites in Asia. A huge area containing literally thousands of pagodas, stupas and temples, all set in a vast dusty plain beside the Ayeyarwaddy River. Memorable for its tranquillity, as well as for its majesty. Day 10. After breakfast
a full day of sightseeing, starting with a busy local market and
continuing with visits to a diverse selection from the most important
pagodas and temples. Includes visits to Shwezigon Pagoda, Ku Byanuk
Gyi, Khay Min Ga Temple, Ananda Temple, Day 11 Morning depart for Mount Popa. We will pass through tranquil villages and stop at a toddy distillery where sap from the toddy tree is fermented into a favourite drink. Mount Popa is a steep sided volcanic peak rising 1,520 meters above the plain - 48km from the ancient city of Bagan. Perched midway to the summit of this legendary mountain, overlooking the Popa Taungkalat, is the ECO-Friendly Popa Mountain Resort where we will spend a night. The Resort comprise of 9 tastefully designed villas (18 rooms) all lavishly furnished and fully equipped with modern facilities. Outdoor activities include horse riding, mountain-trekking, nature walks, bird / butterfly watching, and a 9 hole golf course. The surrounding mountain slops are now a National Park and after lunch we will visit the parks information centre. We also visit the herbal medical centre and walk some of the forest trails in search of the recently introduced golden deer. Day 12 After breakfast the morning is free to relax by the pool, play a round of golf or go horse riding or trek in the forest. After lunch we drive back to Bagan to catch the late afternoon flight to Yagon. Transfer to hotel. Day 13 Transfer to airport for the flight home or alternatively extend your stay with a beach trip or a short trip to other designations in our brochure. Day 14 Arrive London .
For currency conversions, click here: XE.com Personal Currency Assistant We will arrange twin share accommodation for single travellers, the supplement is for those requesting their own rooms. The information in this dossier has been given in good faith and covers the average range of conditions to be found on the trip. Burma is a poor country were services are not up to international standards consequently unexpected changes sometime occur.
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