Burma Unveiled
Trip Length |
Trip Code |
| 12 days | PABU |
Activities |
|
| Culture (Easy) | |
Minimum Passengers |
|
| 6 people | |
Maximum Passengers |
|
| 15 people | |
Countries Visited |
|
| Burma | |
Start City |
End City |
| Rangoon | Rangoon |
The glories of this ancient land (now known as Myanmar) are once again revealed to travellers in this landmark journey. Travelling by road, by air and on water, we discover why the country is often dubbed the ‘Golden Land’. We start in Rangoon, a city crowned by the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, then fly to Mandalay, before journeying on the Irrawaddy River down to the fabled 11th Century capital, Pagan. The Inle Lake region exudes tranquillity and enables us to sample the hospitality of the Shan people, one of many groups that contribute to the ethnic diversity of this colourful country.
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1: Rangoon (Yangon)
Upon arrival in Rangoon (Yangon), you are met and transferred to our centrally located hotel. You meet your tour leader and the rest of the group. After a pre-trip briefing, we adjourn for a group dinner in the city (cost not included).
Day 2: Rangoon (Yangon) - Mandalay
Meals included: 1 breakfast
A city tour will acquaint us with the major sights of the city. Shwedagon Pagoda dominates the skyline and the ubiquitous Karaweik Hall sits on the Royal Lake. There is also time explore a fascinating city full of dilapidated colonial edifices. In the afternoon we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Mandalay. We use a private airline in Burma and not the government one. Generally the pilots are expats.
Day 3: Mandalay
Meals included: 1 breakfast
We make our way down to the city’s lively waterfront which, offers an interesting backdrop as we take a boat trip up-river to Mingun - the site of the world's largest pagoda (albeit unfinished!) and the world’s largest unbroken bell. Mandalay was a former capital of Burma; however the surrounding countryside contains many towns that could lay claim to that same title at some stage or another in the past. We embark on a tour visiting the remnants of one of these once-great cities, Amarapura. Weather permitting, we may also view a spectacular sunset over the 200-year-old U Bein wooden bridge.
Day 4: Mandalay
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Burma's most famous hill station, Maymyo (Pyin U Lwin), provides an escape from the heat of the plains. Established during the colonial era, it is today a crossroad for traders coming over from China and this is reflected in its colourful market. Time permitting, you may explore surroundings in a local horse-drawn carriage called a 'myin-lay'. English-style country mansions and Chinese temples dot the hillsides in a place rightly called the 'vegetable garden' of Burma. We return to Mandalay where the rest of the day is spent visiting various temples, including Kuthodaw Pagoda that claims to house the world's largest 'book'. Time permitting, it is a challenging walk up Mandalay Hill (236 metres), but the views from the summit are breathtaking, and along the way there are many shrines of religious significance.
Day 5: Pagan (Bagan)
Meals included: 1 breakfast
We spend an entire day on a boat as we cruise down the Irrawaddy River. Along the way, we witness the idyllic way of life that epitomises parts of rural Burma in the form of the small fishing villages that lie along the riverbanks. In the evening we arrive in Pagan (Bagan), one of the most impressive archaeological wonders of Asia. (Due to the unpredictable nature of ferry operations on the Irrawaddy River between April and October, it is possible that some services may be cancelled. Some of these cancellations may take place at the last minute and often without warning. If this is the case it may be necessary to fly between Mandalay and Pagan (Bagan). There will be no extra cost for this flight).
Day 6: Pagan (Bagan)
Meals included: 1 breakfast
The sights of Pagan are explored from dawn to dusk. Nyaung U's lively market contrasts with the eerie silence of the plains littered with over 4000 structures, including Gawdawpalin, Thatbyinnyu, Ananda and Shwezigon - all names of temples and pagodas that bear testament to a glorious past. The area is also famous for producing lacquerware that is available in the stalls amidst the ruins. There is also a chance to do some of our exploration by horse and cart. Weather permitting, we may enjoy a breathtaking sunset view from one of the ruins.
Day 7: Pagan (Bagan)
Meals included: 1 breakfast
We drive for an hour before arriving at Mount Popa, an extinct volcano that is home to the local spirits or deities known as 'nats'. For the energetic, there is a chance to climb the 777 steps to the shrine at the top of the hill. Returning to Pagan, we visit a local village to observe the lifestyle of the people. The afternoon is free to further explore this amazing area. You may hire a bicycle and enjoy your own exploration of the archaeological sites.
Day 8: Inle Lake
Meals included: 1 breakfast
We board a plane and fly to Heho, which is situated in the Shan Plateau. From here, we drive through picturesque countryside and rolling hills to our final destination, Khaungdaing, situated on Inle Lake not far from the main township, Nyaungshwe. We enjoy two nights staying at a lovely lakeside resort. This afternoon you may like to rent canoe (for about one hour) and row in to Lin Kin village, famous for its floating garden in the lake. On our way back we may stop over at some of the village houses to see the process of making traditional snacks. (extra cost) You will notice the weather is much cooler due to the high altitude.
Day 9: Inle Lake
Meals included: 1 breakfast
A full day is spent on the lake exploring the floating gardens and catching a glimpse of the local Intha fishermen who are famous for their unique 'leg-rowing' technique. These people are different from the Shans and they originate from the south of the country. The lake is also home to a wide array of bird-life including egrets, cranes, ducks, storks and birds of prey.
Day 10: Trekking - Inle Lake
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
After breakfast at hotel we transfer to Indein ruins complex (approx 45 minutes). Where we will find the pagoda and stupas built in the 8th century. Here you can enjoy rows of shops along the corridor uphill or just marvel at the surroundings. After spending some time we will start our walk towards to Yankin, Pa O and Taung Yoe tribe village (1.5 km, approx 45 minute). Along the way we explore the mystery of more than 300 ancient stupas around the village and then continue towards (1 km, approx 30 minute) to a Buddhist monastery and head North to Naydaw (1.5 km, approx 45 minute) to Taung Yoe ethnic tribe village through farm land and bamboo forest. From here turn to South-West (5 km, approx 3 hour) through the valley ups and downs to west Taung Mauk, Pa O village from here another 20 minute walk would get you to east Taung Mauk village. Finally we turn east through valley to Indein (3 km approx 45 minute) where we will meet our boat and return back to hotel. This evening we enjoy a traditional Shan dinner and get to sample some of the local style culinary specialties.
Day 11: Rangoon (Yangon)
Meals included: 1 breakfast
We transfer to Heho Airport for the flight back to Rangoon in the morning. The afternoon is free in Rangoon and you can visit Sule Pagoda, which marks the centre of town and the nearby Bogyoke (Scott) Market that sells a wide array of local goods and handicrafts (these are optional excursions and at your own expense). We spend a last evening together by going out for a meal and a wander around town.
Day 12: Rangoon
Meals included: 1 breakfast
The tour ends after breakfast. A transfer to the airport is not included; however your tour leader will be on hand to advise you as to the options available.
Your Trip
What's Included
• The services of Peregrine’s expert English-speaking local tour leader throughout the tour, and local guides at some sites.
• Local flights by private airline piloted mostly by expats: Rangoon to Mandalay, Pagan to Heho, and Heho to Rangoon.
• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where applicable): Rangoon - Shwedagon Pagoda and Karaweik Hall; Mandalay - Kuthodaw Pagoda and walk up Mandalay Hill; hill station of Maymyo; Amarapura; archaeological site at Pagan; and Mount Popa - home to 'nats' (local deities).
• Boat trip to Mingun - the site of the world's largest pagoda and unbroken bell.
• Day boat cruise down the Irrawaddy River from Mandalay to Pagan to discover rural Burma.
• Three nights at a lakeside resort with a full day discovering Inle Lake.
• Traditional long tail boat ride and trek to ethnic minority villages on Shan Plateau.
• Traditional Shan dinner.
• Free time to explore Rangoon, Mandalay and Pagan.
• Arrival transfer.
Summary of accommodation, transport & meals
Transport
- Ferry
- Plane
- Private vehicle
Accommodation
- 11 nights Comfortable hotel
Meals
- 11 breakfasts
- 1 dinner
Highlight of Highlights
The Archaeological Wonders of Pagan
By a bend in the Irrawaddy River is Pagan (Bagan) - one of the most impressive archaeological wonders of Asia. Climb the steps of a temple to take in the eerie silence of the vast plains covered in thousands of Buddhist temples and stupas, all bearing testament to a glorious past.
Not Included
International flights, departure taxes, visas, other meals, insurance, tips, porter, any additional optional tours or activities, and spending of a personal nature, including drinks, laundry, souvenirs.
Optional Extras
We have chosen some great optional activities to enhance your travel experience. You will need to cover any additional costs yourself. Speak to your leader if you are interested in any of the following:
- Inle - Inle Lake Zone
US$5 - Inle - Shan Palace Museum
US$2 - May Myo (Pyin Oo Lwin) - National Kandawgyi Garden
US$5 - Pagan (Bagan) - Archaeological Museum
US$4 - Rangoon (Yangon) - National Museum
US$5 - Rangoon (Yangon) - Sule Pagoda
US$2 - Rangoon (Yangon) Zoological Garden
US$5 - Rangoon(Yangon) - Gems Museum
US$5
What to know
VaccinationsVaccinations may be required for this trip. Talk to your doctor about the up-to-date information for this region.
Visas and PermitsIt is your responsibility to ensure you have all required visas for your trip. Rules and regulations governing the issuance of visas are constantly changing, and vary for different nationalities and you should check visa requirements with your travel agent or relevant consular authority well before travel.
Burma
Please note that visa requirements can and do change. It is essential that you confirm requirements with the nearest relevant embassy or check with your travel agent before you travel. At the time of writing, a visa is required by most travellers visiting Burma (Myanmar) including Australians, New Zealanders, Americans, British and Canadians. All other nationalities should check with the Myanmar (Burmese) Embassy or Consulate in their country for up-to-date visa information. Visas CANNOT be obtained on arrival in Yangon and Mandalay International Airport. The Visa must be obtained in advance of travel from your nearest Burmese Embassy prior to arriving in Burma. A letter of invitation is required when applying for your visa and this is supplied by our local operator. In order for us to arrange this letter you must provide your full passport details at time of booking.
You are required to have travel insurance before heading off on a Peregrine trip. Insurance can be organised by your Peregrine representative or your travel agent.
Responsible Travel
Our Responsible Travel ethos is at the heart of everything we do, from getting the basics right like respecting local cultures and the environment, to initiating projects that make positive contributions to communities, to our staff’s fundraising efforts and offsetting our carbon emissions.
Please visit our Responsible Travel (http://www.peregrineadventures.com/rt) page for more information.
Our Pre Departure Information packs (provided upon booking a trip) provide tips on how you can show respect for the local customs and culture in the country you are travelling in.
The information listed above is a brief description of some things you may need to consider when booking a trip. Once a tour is booked you will be provided with a Pre Departure Information pack which will contain detailed information.
Further Reading
Burma
Lands of Charm and Cruelty-Stan Sesser Golden Earth-Norman Lewis Myanmar (Burma)-Lonely Planet Nat-Pwe: Burma’s Supernatural Sub-Culture-Yves Rodrigue Outrage: Burma's Struggle for Democracy-Bertil Lindner Culture Shock! Burma-Saw Myat Yin The Glass Palace-Amitav Ghosh Freedom from Fear & Other Writings-Aung San Suu Kyi
Important Information
Local Tour Leaders
By employing and training local guides to lead our group holidays, there is a two-fold benefit. Firstly, we provide employment opportunities for the local community. Just as importantly is the benefit to you, the traveller. Your tour leader’s friendship, humour, passion and intimate knowledge of the region will be key factors in making your holiday a success.
Tipping
Tipping has become an accepted part of tourism in South East Asia. Your tour leader will be able to advise you in this area; however, as a guideline we would recommend tipping 10% of the total bill in restaurants and a small tip to hotel bellboys for carrying your bags.
At your pre-tour briefing your tour leader will discuss with you the idea of running a tipping kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount and then the tour leader pays the tips and keeps a record of all monies spent (except restaurant tips). The recommended amount for the tipping kitty is US$40 per person. The record can be checked at any time and any money remaining at the end of the tour is returned to group members. This is often the easiest way to avoid the hassles of needing small change and knowing what is an appropriate amount to tip.
It is customary to tip your tour leader, at the end of the trip, if you are happy with the service. A minimum tip of US$3 per day, from each member of the group, is the usual amount expected.
IMPORTANT
No credit cards or traveller’s cheques will be accepted for payment or for the purchase of any goods and services in Burma. There are also no ATMs (automatic teller machines). You should carry US Dollars cash when travelling to Burma.
Please note that Burma (Myanmar) is a developing country whose infrastructure, values, customs and standards may differ from what you expect in your homeland. Expect poor road conditions and be prepared for some inconveniences such as restaurants and tourist sites being closed from time to time. Sometimes the transportation may be altered or the itinerary may be changed due to circumstances beyond our control.
This is an 'adventure' trip and we hope to expose you to all aspects of the local culture. Please be open-minded.
On this trip you may link up with passengers on our 'Burma – the Golden Land' tour.
About this Information
The information provided here is given in good faith and has been compiled with all reasonable care. However, things change and some of the information may become out of date. Please keep this in mind when you read it and check with us if you want to be sure about something. The document was correct at time of printing, but you can check online for the most up to date version. If you have any queries, please contact your travel agent or our staff in Australia. We are here to help you!
Last Updated
11 April 2012