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THE GOLDEN LAND
Day 1 London Heathrow to Bangkok
Depart London Heathrow on the non-stop Thai Airways flight to Bangkok.
Day 2 Bangkok to Yangon – by air
Arrive into Bangkok in the morning and connect directly onto Yangon,
capital of Myanmar. In the afternoon explore the city with your guide
ending the afternoon at the golden Shwedagon Pagoda. Stay overnight
at the Governor’s Residence Hotel. (N)
Day 3 Yangon
Today tour this colourful city. Places of interest include the Chaukhtatgyi,
a colossal reclining Buddha, the beautiful Kandawgyi Lake and the
magical Shwedagon Pagoda. This 2,500 year old Buddhist temple is resplendent
in over 60 tonnes of gold leaf and it is easy to understand why it
is the most sacred of all Buddhist sites in Myanmar and why Kipling
described the site as ‘a golden mystery.’ Stay for sunset
and admire the view. (B)
Day 4 Yangon to Mandalay – by air
This morning leave Yangon and fly to Mandalay. In the afternoon visit
Mahamuni Paya which houses the highly venerated Mahamuni Buddha image
and then the Shewenandaw Kyaung before climbing Mandalay Hill to enjoy
the sunset. Stay at the Sedona Mandalay Hotel for three nights. (B)
Day 5 Mandalay
This morning visit the 18th Century capital of Amarapura, 11kms south
of Mandalay. Founded in 1783 Amarapura lost its status in 1857 to
Mandalay as capital city, however, pagodas such as Pahtodawgyi and
Kyauktawgyi Paya still remain as do the palace ruins and U Bein’s
Bridge a 1.2km long footbridge made of 984 teak posts. Later continue
to Amarapura, an ancient city and the long time capital of Northern
Myanmar. (B)
Day 6 Mandalay
Today take the short boat ride up river to the village of Mingun,
the site of the world’s largest intact bronze bell. Located
north of Mingun Paya the Mingun Bell was cast in 1808, weighs over
90 tonnes and is about 4m high and over 5m in diameter at the lip.
Return by boat to Mandalay. (B)
Day 7 Mandalay to Bagan – by air
This morning leave Mandalay and fly to the ancient city of Bagan,
one of the most important archaeological sites in Asia. Visit the
Shwezigon Pagoda, which is surrounded by thousands of temples and
pagodas dotting the vast flood plain of the Irrawaddy. At sunset end
the day with a marvellous panoramic view of the pagodas. Stay at the
Thiripyitsaya Sakura Hotel for three nights. (B)
Day 8 Bagan
At leisure to explore and enjoy the city at your own pace. Magnificent
pagodas include Ananda Pahto, one of the finest, largest, best-preserved
and most revered of the Bagan temples, Thatbyinnyu Pahto which rises
61m and was built in the mid 12th Century as well as Nathlaung Kyaung,
the only Hindu temple remaining in the area. (B)
Day 9 Bagan to Mount Popa – 56kms (one way)
Today it is a scenic drive south to Mount Popa, said to have risen
from the earth in a volcanic eruption in 442BC. Mount Popa is home
to Spirit Gods or Nats, and many pilgrims come here to perform ceremonies
at the numerous ‘nat shrines’ – a fascinating sight.
Alternatively, you may wish to end your tour today and return by air
to Yangon. (B/L)
Day 10 Bagan to Heho – by air
Heho to Inle Lake – 34ms
This morning fly to Heho and proceed by car on a scenic drive to Nyaung
Shwe where you will board a long-tail boat – your transport
for your entire stay at Inle Lake. Home to the local Intha people,
Inle Lake is famous for its floating villages, markets and crops.
Stunningly beautiful, this hidden gem highlights the diversity of
Myanmar and is far removed from the busy modern world. Stay at either
the Inle Princess Resort or the Lake View Resort for two nights. (B/D)
Day 11 Inle Lake
Today enjoy further sightseeing around Inle Lake including a memorable
visit to Indein village with its 16th Century pagodas and local craftsmen.
(B/D)
Day 12 Inle Lake to Heho – 34kms
Heho to Yangon – by air
In the afternoon drive back to Heho airport for the flight to Yangon
and stay overnight at The Governor’s Residence Hotel. (B)
Day 13 Yangon to Bangkok - by air
This morning you will have an opportunity to visit the famous Scott
Market for some last minute shopping before returning to Yangon Airport
for your flight to Bangkok and Thai Airways connection to London.
(B)
Day 14 Bangkok to London Heathrow
Depart Bangkok just after midnight for your flight to London Heathrow.
STAYING ON
Discover the Irrawaddy River and experience one of life’s great travel experiences. The Irrawaddy Flotilla Company offers a variety of cruises on its RV Pandaw vessels – one restored and one replica of the famous steamers that once plied the rivers of Burma. Elegantly furnished and using teak and hardwoods, there are a variety of cruises that can be easily included in any tour of Burma.
Relax on the unspoilt, and relatively undiscovered, Ngapali Beach. Only a short flight from Yangon is a haven of golden beaches, clear blue waters and charming hotels – the best being the Bay View Beach Resort and the Sandaway Beach Resort.
Adventure is never far away in Burma. Follow the Great Burma Road with the train route from Maymyo to Lashio, or, travel to Sittwe – close to Bangladesh – and visit Mrauk-U, an ancient temple complex rarely visited by the outside world.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – THE GOLDEN LAND
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £2,750. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
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