MYANMAR
Journey to an Ancient Land
September 11th – September 29th 2021
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3520 USD Single
Please note this tour cancelled because of civil unrest
HOSTED BY:
MICH IMMELMAN
OVERVIEW
As an intrepid adventurer, I invite you to join me on this journey of culture and heritage exploration into the ancient land of magical Myanmar. Defined by its shimmering pagodas, unusual landscapes and unique culture it is still untouched by western influence.
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Some of the highlights of the tour feature a beguiling introduction of Burmese characters from region to region.
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The itinerary takes you into enchanting cities like Yangon, Mandalay, temple paradise of Bagan, Inle Lake and the Intha People. You will feel the charming and pleasant weather of the hill town, Kalaw.
See enshrined strands of Buddha's hair and other holy relics at Pindaya Cave.
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This Culture and Heritage tour is a wonderful choice for first-time travellers to Myanmar who are interested in soaking up the core charm that Myanmar has to offer.
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ITINERARY
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DAY 1 - Arrival Yangon (-)
You will be met by our representative who will escort you to your hotel. Day to to relax and adjust to the jetlag. Overnight Yangon.
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DAY 2 - Yangon Sightseeing (B)
Sightseeing in the city centre including Mahabandoola Park, Emerald church, City Hall, Independence Monument and the Sule Pagoda.
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DAY 3 - Yangon-Dala-Twante-Yangon (B)
Today we visit the authentic village of Dala by ferry boat, Twante to see pottery and weaving, then Shwesandaw pagoda where the sacred hair of the Lord Buddha is enshrined. Overnight Yangon.
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DAY 4 - Yangon-Bagan (B)
Transfer to airport for Bagan. Leisure time. Evening, explore one of the world heritage sites, Bagan - sightseeing to Thatbyinyu Temple. Dinner at a local restaurant with a cultural show. Overnight Bagan.
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DAY 5 - Bagan Sightseeing (B)
Explore the ancient city of Bagan including Nyaung U Market, Shwezigon Pagoda, Ananda temple and the haunted Dhamanyangy Temple. Stop at the workshops before we return back to the hotel after sunset viewing. Overnight Bagan.
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DAY 6 - Bagan-Popa Sightseeing (B)
Drive to Mount Popa and climb the 777 steps to reach the top and amazing views. Lunch at a local restaurant and then visit to Sin Phyu Sin complex. Get hands-on at a local traditional workshop. Overnight Bagan.
DAY 7 - Bagan-Myaing Sightseeing (B)
Drive to Myaing Township, to explore the authenticity of the local people. Lunch at a local community lodge. We will observe the
production of “Thanakha” made from ground tree bark, taste a home-made snack at a local home and enjoy a traditional dance.
Visit a local farm before drive back to Bagan. Overnight Bagan.
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DAY 8 - Bagan-Mandalay by private car
Drive to Mandalay. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel for refreshments. Evening at your leisure. Overnight Mandalay.
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DAY 9 - Mandalay Sightseeing
Today we visit the Mahamuni Buddha Temple, Shwe Nan Daw Kyaung (Golden Palace Monastery), the gold leaf workshop where visitors can see the process of making gold leaf and Kuthodaw Pagoda. Watch the sunset at U Bein teak bridge with local people riding their bicycles. Dinner at your hotel. Overnight Mandalay.
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DAY 10 - Mandalay - Mingun Sightseeing
Discover the charms of old Burma as you journey through two of Myanmar's ancient capitals. Take a local riverboat to the ancient capital of Mingun where we visit the Setawya Pagoda, Mingun Bell and Mingun Pahtodawgyi. In Mandalay, we see the Royal Palace complex followed by sunset at Mandalay Hill. Overnight Mandalay.
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DAY 11 - Mandalay-Pyin Oo Lwin Sightseeing
Drive today to Pyin Oo Lwin known as "The City of Flowers"- well known for its colonial-style houses and beautiful gardens. Visit Pyin Oo Lwin local market and the Chinese temple. Next, is Pwal Kaut Waterfall and Pwe Kauk. The National Kandawgi Garden was modeled after Kew Gardens of England with three museums within the gardens. Dinner in Pyin Oo Lwin. Overnight Mandalay.
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DAY 12 - Mandalay-Heho (flight) Kalaw sightseeing
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and transfer to airport for Heho. From Heho, drive to Kalaw. We will transfer to the hotel, check-in and enjoy some refreshments. Evening at your leisure. Overnight Kalaw.
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DAY 13 - Kalaw - Pindaya Sightseeing
Leave early morning to explore the Kalaw market. Drive to Pindaya
which has many natural limestone caves. Visit Buddha Cave also
known as Shwe U Min Paya. Tour a local workshop where Shan paper and umbrellas are made before returning to Kalaw.
Evening visit to Thein Taung Monastery and Nee Paya, a gold lacquered bamboo Buddha. Overnight Kalaw.
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DAY 14 - Kalaw - Kakku - Taungyi - Kalaw
Tour Mway Daw Kakku Pagodass (Pa-Oh territory) today. Here we can see over 2,400 Stupas and a number of pagodas with enshrined images of the Buddha. Overnight Kalaw.
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Day 15 - Kalaw - Inle Lake Sightseeing
Transfer to Heho and a private motorboat to Inle Lake, one of Myanmar’s most spectacular sights. Pass villages built on stilts over
the lake, inhabited by the local Intha people. Visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake’s main sanctuary, followed by a traditional lunch See the weaving village of Inpawkhone and a cheroot factory
where Burmese cigars are made by hand. Overnight Inle.
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Day 16 - Indein sightseeing
Today we will be taking a boat trip to Indein village - popular for its ruined clusters of pagodas dating back to the 16th century. Explore the area on foot, strolling around ancient ruined pagodas, and wander through the beautiful Allaung Sittthou area. Here you can climb the covered stairway to see magnificent views of the lake
below. Overnight Inle.
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Day 17 - Inle Free day
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Explore around Inle Lake in your own way or take optional sightseeing visit to Red Mountain Vineyard to taste the local wine. Overnight Inle.
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Day 18 - Inle –Yangon by flight
Enjoy breakfast at hotel and transfer to airport for flight to Yangon. Time at leisure at Yangon. Overnight Yangon.
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Day 19 - Yangon Departure
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Transfer to Yangon International Airport for departure.
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WHAT’S INCLUDED:
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Accommodation in Double/Twin sharing rooms
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18 Breakfasts
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2 Lunches
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All entrance fees as specified in the program
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Domestic airfares - 3 x flights: Yangon - Bagan, Mandalay -Heho, Heho (Inle) - Yangon
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Private transportation by air-conditioned vehicles (saloon)
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Services of English speaking station guide
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Guide fees (different guides in each city)
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2 bottles of mineral water and 2 towels per day
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Private boat fees in Inle Lake
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WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
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Early check-in and late check-out from the hotel
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Optional Ballooning in Bagan
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Visa Fees
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Tips (USD 5.00/pax/day for local guide & coach driver)
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International Airfares
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Meals (Lunch & Dinner), other than specified on the itinerary
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Museum Entrance Fees and Other Additional Entrance Fees
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Beer, soft drinks and PH7 at local restaurants
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Travel insurance
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Expenditure of personal nature, such as porter charges, camera fees, drinks, souvenirs, laundry, etc.
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Services not listed in above inclusions
What our guests say:
I would like to thank Michele of Curious Journeys and her team in India for the incredible trip they put together for myself and my Friend. We stayed in great places, had incredible guides in each city and had the most incredible driver throughout our trip. And when things went awry when the Covid19 hit both home and India and we decided to cut out trip short, Mich worked with our Travel Agent who we had booked our flight with to get us home . The India team has also organized a refund from the hotels that we did not get to.
We were able to keep in constant communication with the entire team through our travels if any questions came up, and when we needed to make changes because of the virus we were accommodated without question.
Much loved India, it is her passion and it shows in everything that she does. - Kim Gaynor Wiehe
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