Simply the Best

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Myanmar – Simply the Best

Simply the Best

Myanmar, or Burma as it was known until 1988, has been one of the least accessible countries in the world up until very recently. The fact that the country has been inaccessible for so long has meant that Myanmar has been relatively untainted by the excesses of modern life and retains an aura of a bygone age. As a destination Myanmar offers great natural beauty, magnificent archaeological sites, stunning pagoda and temple architecture, warm and hospitable people. For the majority of the population, Buddhism is the center of individual life and the monastery is the center of the community. Yangon, the capital city of Myanmar, has the world largest and most impressive Buddhist pagoda – the gold -plated Shwedagon Pagoda. Bagan, a World Heritage Site with over 20000 pagodas, is an archeological haven for those seeking to explore remnants of centuries past. Additional, the country’s diverse landscape offers a stunning backdrop for the architectural marvels including the major riverine highway of the Ayeyarwady, the mystifying Inle Lake situated in the middle of the Shan State, the snow-capped Himalayan mountains in the north, and the pristine white sand beaches of the coastline. Another fascinating aspect of Myanmar is its cultural diversity with as many as 135 variety of ethnic groups, each with their unique language and dialect. The Burmese are graceful and gentle people, whose welcoming hospitality leave a memorable impression for visitors. Traveling to Myanmar is a mystical journey into the past where traditional customs and rituals come to life.

Tour Program

Simply the Best

10 Days/9 Nights

Yangon – Bagan – Mt. Popa – Inle Lake

Travel leisurely and explore in-depth the best cities and sites of Myanmar. This program will enchant you with Yangon, the present capital of Myanmar with its impressive colonial and spiritual heritage; Bagan, the former capital of Myanmar that was marked by a religious fervor and building frenzy resulting in the thousands of stupas and temples; Mt. Popa, an extinct volcano over 1,500m high and played an important role in Myanmar culture, religion and history since the earliest times; Inle Lake, a unique highland lake with a rich bio-diversity and inhabited mostly by the Intha people – a tribe of Mon descent.

Day 1

Yangon

-Arrive in Yangon and transfer to the hotel. Explore the city including Myanmar’s holiest monument – the Shwedagon Pagoda with its golden stupa covered with 60 tons of pure gold leaf.

Day 2

Bagan

– Morning flight to Bagan, former capital of Myanmar and one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Asia. Discover Bagan’s many distinctive pagodas including Ananda Temple – an architectural masterpiece of the early-style temple with four impressive standing Buddha images, Shwezigon – and its magnificent golden stupa. Enjoy a panoramic sunset view over the temples from the upper terrace of Myauk Guni Temple. Dinner at a local restaurant with traditional puppet show.

Day 3

Bagan

– Continue exploring the temple ruins scattered throughout the old Bagan city by bicycling in the morning, riding horse-cart in the afternoon, and taking a hot air balloon ride in the early evening (seasonal and weather permitting).

Day 4-5

Mt. Popa

– Morning drive to Mt. Popa, an extinct volcano over 1,500m high, which rose from the ground in a massive earthquake in 442 BC and provides a scenic view of the surrounding tropical region. Climb the 10,000 steps to the top of Mt. Popa for a prayer session to the “Nat Gods”, a Burmese ancient animist spirits. The next morning enjoy a horseback ride in the forest, a refreshing swim in the afternoon, and a candle light dinner on the balcony overlooking the valley.

Day 6

Bagan

– Early morning drive back to Bagan. Vist the colourful Nyaung Oo Market and Mynkaba village and observe the process of traditional lacquerware, one of Myanmar’s best-known handicrafts and a speciality of Bagan. Enjoy the sunset from the top of Tayoke Pyay Temple.

Day 7

Inle Lake

– Flight to Heho followed by drive to Nyaung Shwe (Inle Lake). Enjoy a traditional long-tail boat ride on the famous Inle Lake and observe the unique “one–legged” rowing style of the local fishermen. Other sights include the floating market of Ywawa village, Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the weaving village of Inpawkhon, and the “Jumping Cat Monastery”. This evening enjoy a traditional Shan dinner features musical and dance performance.

Day 8

Inle Lake

– Morning excursion by boat “off the beaten track” to In Dein, a small Pa O ethnic minority village in the South West of the lake. Hike through an old covered pathway to a 13^th century monastery and impressive ruins of hundreds of ancient pagodas hidden in the vegetation.

Day 9

Inle Lake

– Transfer to Heho Airport for a morning flight to Yangon. Finish the tour of Yangon with a visit to downtown Yangon with its faded colonial atmosphere, Sule Pagoda, Mahabandoola Park, Indiantown and Chinatown. The afternoon is free to explore the city or for shopping at Bogyoke Market, formerly Scotts Market.

Day 10

Departure

–Depart for home or begin your next Asian excursion.

TRIP DETAILS

Accommodations: Standard/Superior/Deluxe hotels

Meals: Daily Breakfast, 6 Lunches, 3 Dinners

Land Cost: See inserts