Myanmar Highlights and Irrawaddy River Cruise
(12 days, Yangon - Yangon, 2012)
Your 12 day Myanmar journey begins in Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon and the country's largest city and most important commercial centre. Here you will tour the famous pagodas of the city, including the most revered Buddhist temple, the Shwedagon Pagoda, standing 90 metres tall and gilded with gold leaf. You will also gain an overview of Buddhism and witness locals as they gather to pray and then join them for tea, Burmese style.
Next you will travel to Heho, absorbing the stunning scenery en route to Inle Lake for a cruise along Myanmar’s second largest lake. Next, you will travel to Mandalay, stopping at the former capital, Amarapura to walk along the 200-year-old teak U Bein Bridge and partake in the alms offering at the monastery.
Next you will board your luxurious river cruise boat for a two night journey along the Irrawaddy River. During your cruise you will visit Mingun, home to the magnificent uncompleted stupa and the world’s largest uncracked ringing bell, and to Sagaing, regarded as the religious centre of Myanmar and home to 3,000 monks, meditation centres and covered with 600 painted pagodas and monasteries.
Your cruise disembarks in Bagan where you will spend two nights, including a visit to Thagyar Pone Temple, which boasts spectacular views over the surrounding plains; and the esteemed Ananda Temple. Finally, you will return to Yangon where you will enjoy a farewell dinner at La Planteur, one of Yangon’s finest restaurants.
- 11 night tour
- 9 night land tour
- 2 night luxury Irrawaddy River cruise
- All-Inclusive Touring
- Authentic cultural experiences
- Scenic FreeChoice activities INCLUDED
- Scenic Enrich - highlight experiences allowing you to live the destination not just travel through
- Three night stay at The Strand Hotel, Yangon
- Two night stay at Inle Lake Resort, Inle Lake
- Two night stay at the Aureum Palace Hotel, Bagan
- Two night Luxury Irrawaddy Cruise
- Deluxe Upper Deck Cabin
- Small Group Touring
- Fully Escorted including aboard cruise
- Domestic flights throughout
- Professional Tour Director
- Knowledgeable local guides
- Airport Transfers
- ALL TIPPING, GRATUITIES and PORTERAGE INCLUDED
Included Scenic Enrich
- In Yangon, sit back and enjoy tea with locals at a tea shop Burmese style
- Join local Buddhists in offering alms to the monks at a monastery in Mandalay
- Travel by a unique and traditional horse cart through the temples of Bagan
Included Scenic Free Choice
- In Yangon, ride on the slow-travelling circular train observing the life of rural Burmese people; or explore the surrounding countryside as you travel by ferry to the town of Dhala and take a trishaw ride; or discover the rich mixture of cultures and religions in Yangon with this half day walking tour
Included Scenic Dining
- 30 meals including 11 Full Buffet Breakfasts (FB), 8 Lunches (L),
2 Highlight Dinners (HD) and 9 Dinners (D)
Included Scenic Special Stays
- The Strand, harkens back to a bygone era with Victorian-style façade, marble floors, teak and rattan furniture
- Inle Princess Resort, set on stilts over the shallow waters of Inle Lake and designed in traditional architectural style
- Two night luxury river cruise between Mandalay and Bagan
- Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort sprawled across landscaped gardens with views of ancient pagodas
Included Scenic Highlights
- City tour of Yangon including a visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda with its gilded dome
- Discover the beauty of Inle Lake and the native lake dwellers one-legged rowing technique
- Encounter the Nga Hpe Monastery with dozens of Buddha images and its unique “jumping” cats
- Climb Mandalay Hill for wonderful views across the surrounding countryside
- In Mingun, visit the monumental uncompleted stupa and the world’s largest (uncracked) ringing bell nearby
- Wander among the pagodas and monasteries at Sagaing, regarded as the religious centre of Myanmar
- Walk across the world’s longest teak bridge, the 200 year-old U Bein Bridge
Two Night Special Stay: Yangon
Two Night Special Stay: Inle Lake
Two Night Stay: Mandalay
Two Night Special Stay: RV Paukan
Arriving into Bagan this morning, disembark your cruise boat. The perfect introduction to the grandeur and scope of Bagan’s architecture is your Included visit to Thagyar Pone Temple with spectacular views over the surrounding plains. Continue to Ananda Temple, one of the most revered temples in Bagan. After enjoying an Included lunch visit Gubyaukgyi Temple, noted for its beautiful mural paintings on its inner walls and well-preserved plaster carvings on its exterior.
Two Night Special Stay: Bagan
This morning discover an insight into the local culture with an Included visit to a local produce market. Visit a workshop making poneya, a popular treat made from beans. SCENIC ENRICH Included horse cart ride to visit some of the temples of this fascinating city and watch the sun set over the temples and plains.
OPTIONAL BALLOON FLIGHT OVER BAGAN – As the sun rises drifting silently over the temples, villages and plains of Bagan is a truly memorable experience. Must be booked on tour (at additional expense).
Overnight Special Stay: Yangon
*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.
