BIG FOUR OF MYANMAR/BURMA, Classic Myanmar Itinerary and Thingyan Water Festival (Myanmar Elite Tours)

The Big Four Myanmar & ‘Thingyan’ Water Festival

Tour Itinerary at a Glance

Designed for individual or mini group tour of Myanmar/Burma visiting Mandalay, Amarapura, Ancient Bagan & Nyaung U, Lake Inle and Yangon

Day 01 : Arrive Mandalay in evening / sunset from U Bein Bridge / transfer to hotel
Day 02 : See Mandalay half day/ drive to Bagan
Day 03 : Balloon ride/sightseeing Bagan
Day 04 : Excursion to Salay and Mt Popa/return to Bagan
Day 05 : Morning flight to Heho/drive to Red Mountain/transfer to Nyaung Shwe/ Sightseeing Inle Lake by boat
Day 06 : Excursion to Inndein boat trip
Day 07 : Flight to Yangon/ transfer to hotel
Day 08 : See RGN while enjoying the water festival
Day 09 : Farewell Burma/depart Yangon

Itinerary

YOUR ITEMIZED ITINERARY

Day 1 :  ARRIVE MANDALAY – SEE AMARAPURA (1 NIGHT)

G’ day and welcome to Myanmar! Today you will arrive in Mandalay which was the last capital of Myanmar monarchs. On arrival at Mandalay International Airport, meet your local Mandalay guide and drive to AMARAPURA. In Amarapura, (if time permits) visit one of the biggest monasteries named Maha Gandaryon with more than 1200 Buddhist monks where under the strict tight-scheduled rules, the monks study very hard the Buddhist Canons day and night in order to be able to carry on the Buddha’s teachings verbally like the Noble senior monks did after the Buddha’s demise in the 6th Century B.C. Then drive to U Bein Bridge, believed to be the longest wooden bridge in the world that spans Taung Thaman Lake. Take a walk on the bridge and enjoy a photo opt when sun dips behind the horizon! Then drive to Mandalay, upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Stay overnight in Mandalay.

Hotel: Majestic Mandalay (OR) similar
Meals: None

Day 2 : SEE MANDALAY – DRIVE TO BAGAN (3 NIGHTS)

Today we’ll take the sights and sounds of last capital of Myanmar Kings. Mandalay, the very name evokes the splendors of the Burma of old. But, most people will be surprised to learn that Mandalay is not an old city, not even a medieval one, but rather a new city that was created by King Mingdon in 1857 as the new capital of the kingdom of Ava. Only two Burmese kings ruled from there, King Mingdon and King Thibaw, before the British conquest of Upper Burma in 1885. Today, Mandalay is relatively prosperous as a centre for trade with China and as a centre for the growing trade with India. Despite the capital having been moved to Naypidaw, Mandalay remains by far the main commercial centre of Upper Myanmar. TODAY WE’LL CHECK OUT AND LEAVE THE HOTEL EARLY (AROUND 7AM). The highlights of Mandalay – we’ll visit MAHA MUNI BUDDHA IMAGE which is the most revered and sacred site of Mandalay, some handicraft cottages such as stone carving, tapestry, and gold-paper making. Then tour onward to the once magnificent Royal Palace, SHWE NANDAW MONASTERY where you can marvel the superb example of Myanmar traditional wood carving, Kuthodaw Pagoda which houses all Buddha scriptures described on 729 marble slabs (known as the world biggest book). After lunch around 1pm, we’ll set off south-west on the same car and driver/guide to Bagan (takes about 5 hrs – approx. 210 km). Arrive in Bagan around 7pm and transfer to your hotel for check-in (driver will return to Mandalay after dropping you off at hotel). Dinner and stay overnight in Bagan.

Hotel: Royal Bagan (OR) similar
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 : SEE BAGAN – UNESCO HERITAGE SITE

Bagan was ancient capital of the first Myanmar Empire and it still preserves 2217 well-renovated Stupas (Buddhist religious monuments). We’ll move straight on to see some of the amazing sights – over 2,200 temples in a space the size of Manhattan – the biggest problem you face is deciding where to start.
First stop is the thriving Nyaung U market – soak it up in one of the small local tea houses is also high on the agenda. We’ll then visit some temples and stupas before lunch. Pagodas and Temples represent the diversity of ancient Myanmar architectural styles in the 11th to13th centuries. We’ll visit the golden stupa of Shwezigon Pagoda, which is Bagan’s most important reliquary shrine – look out for images of the 37 ‘nats’ housed in a small hall. Continue to Gubyaukgyi (Wetkyi In village) cave temple with fine frescoes of the ‘Jataka Tales’. Next stop is Htilominlo, the last Myanmar style temple built in Bagan, with old murals and friezes. We’ll then check into hotel. By late afternoon, we’ll visit to Ananda Temple, a whitewashed masterpiece of Mon architecture with four standing Buddhas, and the adjacent brick monastery from the early Bagan era with well-preserved murals. Make a photo stop at the tallest temple measuring 61 meters – Thatbyinnyu known as ‘temple of omniscience’ and we will then visit a local lacquer ware workshop, where we can watch craftsmen skillfully making this most famous of Bagan’s renowned handicrafts. Continue to Dhammayangyi, a massive-looking temple dating from 1170 that is famous for its interlocking mortar less brickwork. We’ll crown off the day by enjoying the lovely sunset from a perfectly situated hillock or similar. Stay overnight in Bagan.

Meals: Breakfast or Boxed Breakfast

Day 4 : EXCURSION TO SALAY & MT POPA

After breakfast at hotel, we head off to SALAY. Salay is an old colonial town with ancient ruins from the late Bagan era. The major places of interest are MANN PAYA, perhaps the largest lacquer Buddha image in Myanmar dating back to the 13th century – legend has it that local villagers spotted the hollow wooden statue floating downriver after heavy flooding in1888. They rescued it from the waters, dragging it ashore and coating it with gold lacquer. Next visit to YOKE-SONE-KYAUNG, the oldest surviving wooden monastery bearing more than 120-year-old original sculptures of 19th century court life, Jatakas (stories from the Buddha’s life) and Ramayana tales (one of Asia’s best know legends), and the collections of antique religious objects from the area. More than the artifacts and scriptures (writings), the monastery itself is fascinating in its own way – one hundred and fifty teak posts, more than 3 feet in diameter, hold the building up about 10 feet above the ground. After lunch at Salay House, we’ll drive east to the Mt. Popa. It is the core of an extinct volcano and it rises abruptly from the surrounding hills. Mount Popa and its environs are the only lush green place amidst the desert area of Middle Myanmar. If you like (but some tourists don’t), you can climb up the 730 meters high conic flattop (Named as Popa Taung Kalat) by 777 steep steps. It’s the sacred home of what is known as NATS – spirits. We’ll enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes atop Popa Taung Kalat. Return to Bagan and on the way we’ll stop at the JAGGERY (palm sugar) making cottages and toddy-palm grooves to sample a piece of jaggery (palm sugar) or a sip of palm sap or spirit. The balance of the day is at leisure – free on your own. Stay overnight in Bagan.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 :  FLY TO HEHO – VISIT VINEYARD AND OVERNIGHT IN NYAUNG SHWE (2 NIGHTS)

This morning we depart for the airport and board your flight to Heho, gateway to explore southern Shan State including Lake INLE. On arrival, meet your new native Inle guide and we’ll drive to NYAUNGSHWE, the gateway village to Inle Lake. Make a photo stop at the ancient wooden Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery on the way. If you are wine lover, don’t miss the chance to go to Red Mountain Estate, where you will get to have a taste of Myanmar wine! The Red Mountain Estate produces the best wines of the country. Since the beginning, the wines are produced with locally grown grapes. All of the 400,000 plants have been imported from France and Spain, and the variety chosen after experimentations. The wines are made in the tradition of western wines with all new technologies and modern equipments. We’ll then transfer to hotel and check-in. Today board a private boat and head out onto the lake. Enjoy the natural wonder of this magnificent vast waterway which is in fact one of Myanmar’s most spectacular sights. We pass villages built on stilts over the lake, inhabited by Intha people, the leg-rowing fishermen of the lake and see their floating gardens built up from strips of water hyacinths and mud and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles. We’ll stops for visits at the ancient NGA PHE CHAUNG (formerly known as jumping cats) Monastery and its ancient Shan Buddhas and PHAUNG DAW OO PAGODA, the lake’s main sanctuary. Other visits include the weaving village of INPAWKHONE, A SILVERSMITTH WORK SHOP & SHOWROOM, a cheroot cottage where the typical Burmese cigars are made by hand. We’ll Return to the hotel and finish the visits of the lake for the day. Stay overnight in Nyaungshwe.

Hotel: Royal Nyaung Shwe (OR) similar
Meals: Breakfast or Boxed Breakfast

Day 6 : EXCURSION TO INNDEIN – RUINS OF ANCIENT STUPAS

After breakfast, we head to the morning market on the lake. Rotating around villages on and near the lake in a 5 day rhythm, a colorful market visited by lake inhabitants and surrounding hill tribes is held daily (except on full/dark moon days). From the middle of the lake, continue down a small canal leading to the Paoh village of Inndein. After a walk around the village, passing a local school, take the covered stairway to the beautiful ancient stupas which are partly covered by vegetation. From here is a magnificent view over the lake. Return to your hotel and the balance of the day is free. This evening is free on your own to explore this small town which was once the capital of an important Shan Kingdom. Now Nyaungshwe becomes a bustling travelers’ center, with increasing number of hotels, restaurants, a few bars and a pleasantly relaxed vibe. In fact, Nyaungshwe can be said the center of backpackers who flock to Lake Inle. Perhaps explore its night market before going for dinner. Stay overnight in Nyaungshwe.

Meals : Breakfast

Day 7 : FLY TO YANGON (2 NIGHTS)

Today we depart for the airport and our flight to Yangon. Upon arrival in this former capital city, meet your new guide, car and driver and we transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is free at leisure. Perhaps you’ll like to explore the nearby area to enjoy the festive vibe. Generally we time today with Thingyan water festival in Myanmar, the Buddhist holiday as well as the Burmese New Year festival that usually falls around mid-April and is celebrated over a period of four to five days. By evening, we’ll visit the great Shwedagon Pagoda. Witness the golden dome, covered with 60 tons of pure gold. Stay overnight in Yangon.

Hotel: Vintage Luxury Yacht Hotel (OR) similar
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 : YANGON – EXPERINCE THINGYAN

Today after breakfast at hotel, meet your guide, and it is time to participate in the water festival. We’ll head off to Yangon’s city hall or downtown where you and your guide get off the car (driver will go and wait at your hotel if you wish!) and experience the festive vibe! Expect to get soaked from the moment you step out of your car till you get back to your hotel. Nobody is spared at Thingyan, except for monks and pregnant women. You’ll see pickup trucks jam-packed with youths roll out onto the roads. They tour the city and stop by ‘pandals’ – temporary raised stages on main roads equipped with high-powered water jets and blast out the heavy techno music – with the intention of getting thoroughly soaked. You’ll find Thingyan maybe a wild time to visit Yangon. However, it gives you a unique experience of the city, and so embrace the madness to have the time of your life. Stay overnight in Yangon.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 : DEPART YANGON

Today is at leisure until at appropriate time, you’ll be transferred to Yangon Airport for outward flight back home.

Meals: Breakfast

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IMPORTANT NOTE : Every effort will be made to ensure that the above stated itinerary is followed as closely as possible. However, given uncertain weather, flight time changes and other local conditions, all schedules and itinerary is subject to alterations and delays at short notice.

PRICE PER PERSON NET IN USD (minimum 2 persons)

Above mentioned pricing is based on the hotels mentioned hereunder, or similar hotels, depending on the availability on the dates required.

TOUR HOTELS SELECTED

SUPERIOR CATEGORY (Generally 3*)

What’s Included

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN OUR TOUR PRICE

1.  Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, including applicable hotel taxes with breakfast (Twin/double sharing basis)
2.  All domestic flights as per mentioned itinerary including insurance surcharge and airport tax
3.  Meals as indicated in the itinerary
4.  All Transfer & sightseeing with private tour grade A/C vehicles including long highway drive to Bagan
5.  Private boat fees for Inle lake, and Inndein ruined stupas
6.  All entrance fees and zone fees for the visits of tour sites as indicated in the itinerary
7.  4 different hand-picked locally stationed English-speaking guides in each place (they do not accompany guests on flight /Cruise/ train, etc.)
8.  Bottled drinking water, and refreshing tower while sightseeing
9.  Porters fees at airports
10. Domestic Airport Departure Tax
11. All government taxes and service charges

What’s NOT Included

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN OUR TOUR PRICE

• Travel insurance
• International air-ticket to/from Yangon
• Visa fee and arrangements for Myanmar
• Early check-in/ Late check out (official check-in:2pm/check-out:12noon)
• Balloon flight in Bagan
• Meals (Lunch/Dinner)
• Drinks and personal expenses
• Join in a private pickup truck for touring the city
• Excess Baggage / Camera or Video Camera Fees / Local or International Telephone calls
• International airport tax when departure at Yangon (USD 10 at present)
• Tips and gratitude to guides/drivers/hotel porters, etc.
• X’mas and New Year compulsory dinner
• Any other items not mentioned
• Bank Transfer Charge

Booking/Payment Conditions

DEPOSIT:

We kindly require the payment of 50% deposit to guarantee the reservation upon confirmation from Myanmar Elite tours.

FULL PAYMENT or FINAL BALANCE:

After receiving your deposit, we will send you a Final Invoice. Full Payment or Final Balance can be done by bank transfer not later than 30 days of the arrival date in Myanmar:

A CANCELLATION TERM:

The cancellation notice must be received in writing either by e-mail or fax. It will be effective on the date of receipt. Cancellation charges, per person, are based on the date of cancellation:

• Cancellation from forty-five (45) days to thirty-one (31) days prior to travel commencing date – fifty (50) % of the total tour cost.
• Cancellation from thirty (30) days to no show – (100) % of the total tour cost.
• Should reduction of confirmed reservations by more than 10% of total participants reserved be made less than thirty one (31) days prior to travel commencing date, Myanmar Elite Tours reserves the right to charge a late cancellation or no show fee equivalent to fifty (50) % of the total tour cost.
• Should reduction of confirmed reservations by more than 10% of total participants reserved be made less than thirty (30) days prior to travel commencing date, Myanmar Elite Tours reserves the right to charge a late cancellation or no show fee at one hundred (100) % of the total tour cost.

ADDITIONAL TERMS

GUESTS INFORMATION:

Final guests’ information with Complete Names, Passport Number, DOB, Arrival/Departure Flight details should be sent not later than 30 days prior traveling commencing date.

OUR GUIDES:

Please be advised that we offer two kinds of guided tours – with “escorted/throughout guide” or with “regional-based local guide”. The former one will greet and pick you up at Yangon airport on your arrival, accompany or escort you throughout the trip and put you on the international flight back home on your departure (from the very arrival to your departure!). But they normally don’t accompany you in beaches if you add beach holidays to your tour.

Escorted guides can be German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Thai and of course English-speaking ones. They are inevitably more expensive than regional based local guides as you’ll have to pay for their flight fares as well as accommodation even though the costs for them are considerably lower than a tourist.

Regional-based local guides, on the other hand, will wait for you at your respective destinations (i.e. Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Inle, etc.) guide you there and after that put you on a plane or other means of transport to your next destination. However they do not accompany guests on train/Ferry boat/flight, etc. They can be available only in English-speaking. And they do not normally accompany guests in beach.

Please NOTE that our prices stated above are calculated with “regional based English- speaking guides (4 different guides in each place)

FOOD:

Generally, our tours include breakfast only as most of our clients seem to prefer to take the food supply into their own hands/arrangements. Our guides will help you to find suitable restaurants. However, if you want to include meals (full board or half board) into your program we can arrange that too.

LIABILITY:

“MYANMAR ELITE Travel & Tour” acts purely as INTERMEDIARY between the concerned airlines, hotels, either any of the government or private transport providers (rails/car/boat rental firms) and other logistics, agents, or organizations providing the services. We will therefore NOT be held RESPONSIBLE for any loss, injury, damage, delay, omission, accidents which may be occurred during or outside the tour program. Additional expenses or inconveniences incurred due to delay, accidents, sickness, death, natural disaster, political actions and unrest MUST BE BORNE by the CUSTOMERS.

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Participation in our tour implies tour operators, agent, customers have read and well understood the above terms and conditions and agree to each of them”.

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