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Myanmar, the largest country in South East Asia, is one of the most enthralling destinations we have visited in years. It really is an undiscovered gem and we suggest that you try to visit as soon as possible. See it now, before the rest of the world “discovers” its charms. Be prepared for a wonderful photographic and cultural experience, delightful people and some unbelievably, impressive sights.
Itinerary Highlights
Yangon, the “Garden City of the East”, was once a British colonial centre and today its numerous shady parks, lakes and the avenues lined with colonial buildings, give it an old world feel. See, the magnificent Shewdagon Golden Pagoda that dominates the skyline and the huge 70m long reclining Buddha.
Mandalay – previously the Royal Capital, Mandalay is known for its rich traditional, cultural and spiritual heritage and for exquisite handicrafts. Cruise the Ayeyarwaddy to visit Mingun - the Unfinished Pagoda. Visit the Royal Palace with its spectacular 12.8km long moat and at sunset walk over U Bein bridge, the world’s longest teak bridge. Explore ancient Inwa by horse cart and watch saffron robed monks gathering alms as the city wakens.
Ride the Gok Hteik railroad to cololnial Maymo on a wonderful day trip from Mandalay.
Bagan – a huge 42-sq-km 10 th Century temple site on the banks of the Ayeryarwaddy River. Explore the temples by horse cart. For those that wish there is the option to take an early morning balloon ride for a stunning panoramic view of this extensive site. If we can achieve 10 + people wanting this the cost will be US$270 per person. The temples and landscape form above it an absolutely stunning sight.
Kalaw - a morning hike in the hills to visit an ethnic minority village.
Pindaya – huge caverns filled with thousands of Buddha images, of all shapes and sizes, a fantastic sight.
Inle Lake – a beautiful lake, renowned for its vast floating gardens and the unique one-legged rowing style of the fisherman. A maze of canals along the lake-edge creates a real Venice of East, where long-tail boats are the favoured means of transport. Great local markets, home industry visits and some most unusual temples to see.
Ngapali Beach Stay – fly to Myanmar’s best known resort on the Bay of Bengal for a spot of R and R before finishing the trip. Fringed with coconut groves this unspoilt white-sand beach location will be a great place to relax and swim, visit nearby islands, go fishing or cycling to nearby villages.
Visit the Golden Rock Temple - a massive gold-covered rock that balances percariously on a cliff. The getting there will be half the fun!
Draft Itinerary Outline
Day 1. Auckland to Bangkok- overnight stop
Day 2. Bangkok to Yangon
Day 3. Yangon - city sightseeing
Day 4. Yangon to Mandalay- morning flight, afternoon visit the Old Royal Palace
Day 5. Mandalay - trip on the Ayeyarwaddy to the ancient temples of Mingun, later visit the old Capital of Inwa and UBein Bridge at sunset
Day 6. Mandalay - fasicinating train excursion to colonial Maymyo
Day 7. Mandalay to Bagan - complete our city sightseeing and visit art/craft centres before flying to Bagan.
Day 8. Bagan - early morning balloon ride, later visit this vast 10th Century archaeological site,
Day 9. Bagan - continued
Day 10. Bagan to Kalaw- drive across country via Mt Popa to the hill station town of Kalaw
Day 11. Kalaw to Pindaya- morning hike to visit a hill tribe village, afternooon continue to Pindaya Caves.
Day 12. Pindaya to Inle Lake- see the amazing collection of Buddha statues at Pindaya Caves, reach Inle lake.
Day 13. Inle Lake- A full day to enjoy this most fascinating area
Day 14. Inle Lake to Ngapali Beach- fly to the Bay of Bengal, to enjoy Myanmar's premier beach location.
Day 15. Ngapali Beach- relax! swimming, fishing, walks, cycling and boatrides to nearby islands.
Day 16. Ngapali Beach to Yangon - fly to Yangon an drive to the spectacular Golden Rock temple - getting there will be half the fun!
Day 17. Return to Yangoon, tonight a wonderful cultural show
Day 18. Yangon to flight- free time for shopping in the massive local craft market before flying to Bangkok mid afternoon and on to Auckland
Day 19. Arrive Auckland- arrive, mid morning
Travel Style
Transport by private bus/charter and 4 domestic flights to reduce long road travel. Also many experiences of traditional modes of transport. Hotel standards and service are high and we use *** and **** hotels where possible, although occasional ** are necessary. All breakfasts are included and, for other meals, eating out is tasty and inexpensive. Being a tropical destination, for your comfort, departures are timed for the cooler 'dry season'.
Price includes:
Group air flights ex Auckland return, all transport, accommodation, activities , entries, group tipping of local guides and drivers.
Note 11 May 12: Since last week’s release of our “May Update” we have received the revised land content prices for the 2012/2013 season. Not surprisingly, now that the political situation has stabilized, the World has discovered Myanmar and tourism is booming! Consequently, due to a huge increase in demand, service prices have risen sharply!
Code Number:
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MY-122 |
MY-131 |
| Departure (ex Auckland): |
28 Dec 2012 |
15 January, 2013 |
| Est Guide : |
$7,600+ flight tax |
$7,600+ flight tax |
| Minimum Number: |
13 |
13 |
| Days: |
19 |
19 |
| Trip Status: |
Open, $500 |
Open, $500 |
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