Starting in Yangon, you spend the time exploring the famous Shwedagon Pagoda, catching a look of the local life. The short flight brings you to the delightful Mandalay Town for an interesting visit to pagodas, crafts, monasteries and ancient cities. You continue the exciting trip with a cruise along the mighty mighty Irrawaddy River to Bagan. This enchanting town contains thousands of pagodas are scattered on a vast plain by the Irrawaddy River.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival - Yangon
On arrival at Yangon airport , you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon has been the capital city only since 1885 although some settlements in this site date back about 2,500 years. This colorful metropolis features an intriguing mix of the scenes from a bygone era and the modern tempo of bustling streets punctuated by serene temples and impressive colonial edifices. After checking into hotel, we start our city tour, seeing the old colonial styled city center, the gilded Sule Pagoda and the impressive Karaweik Hall on the Royal Lake. We follow these with a visit to the famous Shwedagon Pagoda, which dominates the skyline of city. This masterpiece houses an intricate complex of smaller pagodas and Buddha images. O/N in Yangon.
Day 2: Yangon - Mandalay
An early morning transfer to airport for a short flight to Mandalay. On arrival you are greeted by our guide and driven straight to visit the ancient city of Amarapura. The spectacular teak bridge of U Bein and the famous Mahaganda Monastery are some major attractions in Amarapura. We make our way to Mandalay Township passing by the scenic countryside. This delightful town has plenty to see, some of which are the Mahamuni Pagoda, the fabulous Kuthodaw Pagoda often called " the world's largest book" and the wooden monastery of Shwenandaw Kyaung. This structure is still standing over centuries, despite of all vicissitudes of the city. We include these sights in a half day city tour which also gives us a chance to climb up Mandalay Hill for a beautiful sunset view of the surrounding areas. O/N in Mandalay. (B)
Day 3: Mandalay - Sagaing - River Pandaw
The great cultural Mandalay Town was a former capital of Burma; however many outlaying towns could lay claim to the same title at some stages in the past. Today we head out of town to visit one of these ancient cities, Sagaing. This lush area is covered in 600 white painted pagodas and monasteries, and is therefore regarded as the religious centre of Myanmar. Afterwards we set off on a short drive to the jetty. On arrival we are welcomed on RV Pandaw cruise with a refreshing drink and get some information on the ship. This is time for us to settle into a private comfortable cabin and unpack for a two days crusing along the mighty Irrawaddy River towards Bagan. Along the way we make stop to visit Yandabo. This sleepy riverside village was once a trading post of the colonial era, and still retains a legacy of many beautiful houses. The peace treaty of the first Anglo-Burmese war was signed in place. The remainder of day is for your own pleasure; observing the bay, lazing around the deck or simply soaking up the sunshine. O/N on board. (B, L,D)
Day 4: River Pandaw - Bagan
The fascinating river journey continues towards Bagan. Along the way we have several stops in a typical river villages. Upon arrival at Bagan jetty you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. The enchanting town of Bagan flourished from the 11th till 13th century when religious fervours launched a 200 year building of thousands huge stupas and temples, many of which are still standing today on the
banks of the Irrawaddy River. We spend this afternoon in the archaeological zone. The sightseeing tour enables us to explore many magnificent landmarks including Shwezigon, Gubyaukgyi, Htilominlo, Ananda, Thatbyinnyu, Sulamani, Dhammyangyi. These temples and pagodas bear statement to a glorious past. We complete our day with a horse carriage trip to admire the spectacular sunset over the ruin field. O/N in Bagan. (B)
Day 5: Bagan - Yangon
Today we enjoy a short visit to the vibrant market of Nyaung U before spending the time behind the towering structures in the archaeological zone. We explore some temples scattered around the tranquil village ofMinnanthu. These structures are Tayokepyay, Payathonezu and Namdamanya, which reveal some exquisite murals of the13th century. The following sight is Kyat Kan Cave Monastery, a famous meditation retreat in Bagan. We complete our sightseeing tour of Bagan with a panoramic view of the archaeological field from the upper terrace ofMyaukguni Temple. By late afternoon we take a short flight back toYangon and have free time for own exploration. O/N in Yangon. (B)
Day 6: Yangon - Departure
There is a free time for your own visit to Bogyoke Market, full of traditional art and craftwork as well as souvenirs from all over the country or walk along the bustling streets of Indian town and Chinatown. The trip ends after transfer to Mingaladon airport for departure
CRUISE INFORMATION
1. The River Pandaw 1947 has a long history dating back the early last century and has been renovated to offer a distinctive cruise service along the mighty Irrawaddy River. This meticulously designed vessel in length of 46 meters , features all safety and comfort to satisfy discerning sea travellers.
The service outlines include modern safety equipment and lifejackets + 6 comfortable cabins on main deck, of which each is in size of 13 sqm and fitted with two single berths plus a private western style bathroom + 10 comfortable cabins on upper deck, of which is each exquisitely decorated and fitted with two single berths or one double berth plus a private western style bathroom + Wide upper deck for sunbathing + Luxury lounge + Restaurant + Games and reading corner
2. The River Pandaw 1947 plans the downstream river cruise fromMandalay to Bagan on every Thursday. The programme and schedule are subject to change with or without prior notice depending on weather and operation conditions.
INCLUSIONS: Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver + Accommodation: twin sharing room at mentioned hotels or similar and twin sharing main deck cabin on River Pandaw Cruise + English speaking guide + Entrance fees to indicated sights - Yangon: Shwedagon Pagoda, National Museum - Bagan zone fee - Mandalay zone fee, Mingun zone fee and Sagaing zone fee + Meal as indicated : B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner + Domestic flights Yangon - Mandalay , Bagan - Yangon + Boat trip in Mingun + Horse cart trip in Bagan
EXCLUSIONS: Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room supplement, personal expenses, travel insurance, visa, flight in / out of Myanmar, any optional additional tours or activities during free time , surcharge for peak season and local holiday days, gala dinner
TRIP NOTES
* MYANMAR IS A DEVELOPPING COUNTRY WHOSE INFRASTRUCTURE MAY DIFFER FROM WHAT YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR HOME LAND. THE ROAD CONDITIONS ARE POOR AND THE ACCOMOODATION IS SIMPLE IN REMOTE AREAS.
* THE ITINERARY IS CORRECTED AT THE TIME OF VIEWING. OCCASIONALLY, THE PROGRAMME CHANGES AS WE MAKE IMPROVEMENT STEMING FROM OUR PAST TRAVELLERS' COMMENTS AND OUR OWN RESEARCH OR DUE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL. THIS INCLUDES FESTIVAL, PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, WEATHER AND FLIGHT DELAY,.. THAT MAY EFFECT THE ITINERARY.
* THE TRIP INCLUDES SOME MEALS AS MENTIONED AT THE ITINERARY HOWEVER OUR GUIDE WILL BE ON HAND TO ADVISE YOU AS FAR THE AVAILABLE RESTAURANTS WHERE YOU CAN ENJOY LOCAL FOOD AT YOUR OWN BUDGET. THE MEAL COST IS ALL DEPENDING ON YOUR CHOICE OF EATING PLACE. THE PACKAGE TOUR WITH FULL BOARD MEAL IS ARRANGED UPON REQUEST .
* THE DRESS STANDARDS ARE CONSERVATIVE THROUGHOUT ASIA. LOOSE , LIGHTWEIGHT, LONG CLOTHING ARE ALL RESPECTFUL COOL IN ASIAN HOT CLIMATE. IN ADDITION TO YOUR ITEMS OF PERSONAL CLOTHING, WE SUGGEST YOU TO BRING TRAINER OR SNEAKER SHOES, TORCH/FLASH LIGHT, HAT, RAIN COAT FOR WET SEASON, SUN CREAM, SUNGLASSES, DAYPACK, TOILETRIES AND SMALL TOWER, INSECT REPELLENT.
