The Best of Burma (16 Days)

At a Glance

The Best of Myanmar Tour Itinerary at a Glance

Designed for a small group tour of Myanmar/Burma visiting Yangon, Bago, Kyaikhtiyo, Inle, Pindaya, Mandalay, Amarapura, Mingun, Sagaing, Inwa, Mt Popa, Bagan and Ngapali Beach

Day 01: Arrive in Yangon
Day 02: Yangon sightseeing
Day 03: Journey by road to Kyaikhtiyo/see Bago en route
Day 04: Return to Yangon airport for afternoon flight to Heho/ transfer to Nyaung Shwe and then Inle
Day 05: Excursion to Inle sights including Inndein boat trip
Day 06: Morning at leisure/Drive to Pindaya
Day 07: Transfer to Heho and flight to Mandalay/ see Mandalay
Day 08: Sightseeing Amarapura ~ Innwa ~ Sagaing
Day 09: Journey by land to Bagan/ see Mt Popa en route
Day 10: Sightseeing Bagan
Day 11: Continue touring Bagan
Day 12: Fly to Thandwe/transfer to Ngapali
Day 13: Ngapali
Day 14: Ngapali
Day 15: Morning flight to Yangon/transfer to hotel
Day 16: Depart Yangon

              

      

      

   

ITINERARY

YOUR ITEMIZED ITINERARY

Day 1 : ARRIVE YANGON (2 NIGHTS)

G’ day and welcome to Myanmar! Today you will arrive in Yangon, the commercial capital and the main gateway to Myanmar, meet Yangon guide and transfer to your hotel. It is time for a brief Introduction to holiday and just relax to adjust the time zone. Dinner and stay overnight in Yangon.

Hotel: Melia Hotel

Meals: None

Day 2 : TOURING YANGON – WHAT A CHARMING CITY!

This morning we’ll head off for a day of sightseeing in Yangon. Begin your day with walking around Colonial architecture lining Strand Road – A walk along the Strand or Pansodan Street is said like strolling down Pall Mall mixed with all the distressed grandeur of Havana! In fact Yangon has many large colonial buildings including high court, general post office, former secretariat building, St Paul boarding school, and the legendary Strand hotel, built in 1896, once described as the “leading hotel of the East”. The tour extended to Central Sule Pagoda, an octagonal golden stupa, dating back over 2,000 years; nearby city hall, a Baptist church and an Islam mosque. If time permits you will have the chance to do some shopping at 85-year old BOGYOKE (Scott) market which is one of the most popular tourist hangouts. It was named after Mr. Jarvin Scott, Yangon Municipal Commissioner during the British colonial government and crown off the day with visit the great Shwedagon Pagoda. Witness the golden dome, covered with 60 tons of pure gold, glistening as the sun sets. Stay overnight in Yangon.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 3 : JOURNEY TO GOLDEN ROCK – SEE BAGO EN ROUTE

Today we’ll set off to KYAIKHTIYO (known to the world Golden Rock) on road (about 175 km/approx. 6 hrs). We’ll visit on the way the formerly Mon town of BAGO. Some of the highlights there are Shwe Mawdaw Pagoda, over 2,000 years old and its spire is even taller than SHWEDAGON PAGODA, Kanbawza Thardi Palace of mid-16th century warrior King Bayint Naung, and the 55 meter long reclining Shwe Thalyaung Buddha Image, and Kyaikpun Pagoda, four huge Buddhas seated back to back. We’ll then onwards to Kyaikhtiyo. Upon arrival at the base camp “Kimpun”, leave your vehicles from Yangon and transfer to the staging point “Rathedaung” by non AC open truck (about 10km/ approx. 45 min). Start hiking the last 1.5 km to the top of Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda. (NOW IT IS POSSIBLE TRANSFERRING BY CABLE CAR ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP) Kyaikhtiyo is a small Pagoda insignificant in size but unique for its position. The rock is completely covered by gold leaf and delicately balanced on the edge of the cliff. All the tiredness along the way disappears once you reach the top since a spectacular view awaits there, especially at sunrise or sunset. It is said that on a clear day one can see the ANDAMAN SEA glistening in the distance. Check in at Hotel and time to wonder the nature of Kyaikhtiyo (Golden Rock) Pagoda. Stay overnight in Golden Rock.

Hotel: Mountain Top

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 4 : GOLDEN ROCK – YANGON AIRPORT – FLY TO HEHO – INLE (2-NIGHTS)

Heading down the mountain where we meet our car at the base-camp and drive back to Yangon. We visit On approaching Yangon district, we’ll transfer to airport and board your flight to Heho, gateway to explore southern Shan State including Lake INLE. On arrival, meet your Inle guide and drive to NYAUNGSHWE, the gateway village to Inle Lake. We’ll then transfer by boat (if not too late) direct to your hotel built on stilt on the lake or on the lake shore. Dinner and stay overnight in Inle.

Hotel: Amata Inle

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 : TOURING INLE LAKE

Today board a private motorboat to head out onto Inle Lake, the natural wonder of this magnificent vast waterway and 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 hyacinth and mud and anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles. We’ll stops for visits at the NGA PHE CHAUNG (formerly known as jumping cats) Monastery where keeps ancient Shan Buddhas and then to 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. 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 that are partly covered by vegetation. From here there is a magnificent view over the lake. Return to the lake and finish the visits of the lake in the afternoon. Return to your hotel and the balance of the day is free. Stay overnight in Inle.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 6 : DRIVE TO PINDAYA – SEE PINDAYA AND RELAX (1-NIGHT)

This morning at leisure at your resort. Around 12 noon, we leave the hotel and drive to PINDAYA passing through the stunning landscape on Shan plateau. On arrival check into hotel (if available) and it is time to see its natural limestone caves filled with over 8,000 Buddha statutes in different sizes and eras. Here in Pindaya you’ll have the chance to see some of the town’s people cottage industries – making Shan paper and umbrella. The balance of the day is free for your own disposal. Stay overnight in Pindaya. (Optional to trek nearby “Danu” village)

Hotel: Pindaya Inle Inn

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 7 : FLY TO MANDALAY – ANCIENT CITY AMARAPURA (2 NIGHTS)

After breakfast, drive to Heho airport for the flight to Mandalay. On arrival at Mandalay International Airport, meet your local Mandalay guide and drive to AMARAPURA. In Amarapura, 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!

Then drive to Mandalay, upon arrival check-in at the hotel. In the afternoon, 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 SHWE NANDAW MONASTERY where you can marvel the superb example of Myanmar traditional woodcarving, Kuthodaw Pagoda which houses all Buddha scriptures described on 729 marble slabs (known as the world biggest book). Finally, go up Mandalay Hill to enjoy the panoramic view of the city while sun going down. Stay overnight in Mandalay.

Hotel: Bagan King

Meals: Buffet Breakfast or Boxed Breakfast

Day 8 : BOAT RIDE TO MINGUN – ONWARD INNWA AND SAGAING HILLS

Today we’ll drive to ‘Mayan-Chan’ jetty for a scenic journey on the great Ayeyarwaddy River to Mingun taken on board a small private boat. Tour the Mingun and see huge unfinished Pagoda and world largest un-cracked ringing bell. We’ll then onward to INNWA (known AVA to the West), one of the Ancient Capital Cities around Mandalay. Explore the Ava island in horse-drawn cart; in Ava visit Bagayar Monastery which is nearly 200 years old with amazing Teak Logs, Leaning Tower of Ava which is inside the then Royal Palace. Ava excursion will end with a visit to Maha Aungmyay Bonsan Brick Monastery. The tour extended to SAGAING HILLS. Dotted with 600 white-painted pagodas and monasteries, Sagaing Hill is widely regarded as the religious center of Myanmar and is home to 3,000 monks and 100 meditation centers. Finish the day with a stroll at sunset over the 200 year-old U Bein wooden Bridge in Amarapura again. Return to Mandalay to complete the day. Stay overnight in Mandalay.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 9 : JOURNEY TO BAGAN – VISIT MT POPA EN ROUTE – LEISURE BAGAN (3-NIGHTS)

Today we head off to MT. POPA by car (about 255 km – 6 hrs drive). It is the core of an extinct volcano which rises abruptly from the surrounding hills. Mount Popa and its environs are the only lush green place amidst the desert area of Middle Myanmar. Upon arrival in Mt Popa, we’ll 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. If time permits, we’ll visit Popa plantation and onwards to BAGAN. We’ll check into hotel and the balance of the day is free. Stay overnight in Bagan.

Hotel: Amata Garden Resort

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 10 : EXPLORE THE FIRST MYANMAR EMPIRE BAGAN

Today we’ll meet your Bagan guide and 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 tea houses is also high on the agenda. 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), another ‘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 visit the “THAUNGPHI VILLAGE” to see old monastery, which have beautiful Khaung Baung dynasty frescoes and here is a chance to photograph of rice vermicelli cottage where you can take photo of villagers’ working on ‘rice vermicelli product and see how the local people live. By late afternoon, we’ll visit continues 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 lacquerware 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. Next, visit Sulamani, one of Bagan’s great two-storied Myanmar style temples, which has 4-seated Buddha images. We’ll crown off the day by enjoying the lovely sunset from a perfectly situated temple or pagoda. Stay overnight in Bagan.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 11 : CONTINUE TOURING IN BAGAN

This morning, after breakfast, we’ll head off to visit Damayasaka temple, built in 1196 A.D, the biggest pentagonal base stupa in Bagan. Continue to Lemyethna Temple, topped by an Indian-style spire similar to Ananda. Then, visit the three shrines of Payathonzu (if open) with its small perforated windows allowing the light to come in. They are connected by passages adorned with Mahayanist or Tantric mural paintings. Then we will see the real way of life for most Myanmar people by visiting “PHWAR SAW VILLAGE”. This village is a perfect example of how locals live, and good photo opportunity. The tour then extended to Lawkanandar monastery (better arrive around 10h30) where all the monks about 100 are lined up to take their lunch. We continue to Nanpaya temple, built in the Mon style with intricate stone carvings, and said once to have been exile King Manuha’s residence. See the four huge Buddha images housed in very narrow shelter in Manuha Pagoda and later stop at Myazedi stupa to see Myanmar’s “Rosetta Stone”, bearing inscriptions written in four languages. After that we’ll visit Abeyadana Temple with frescoes representing Bodhisattvas and the gods of Indian mythology. Finish the tour at Shwe Sandaw Stupa and enjoy the atmosphere as the sun dips behind the horizon. Stay overnight in Bagan.

Meals : Buffet Breakfast

Optional Balloon flight : This is an optional if you would like to get a unique opportunity to see the ancient city of Bagan from a different perspective. Balloon agent will pick you up at hotel between 05h30 and 06h00. The whole experience including light champagne breakfast, balloon flight, and rescue at the end upon landing will take about 2 ½ to 3 hrs and you’ll get back to hotel about 08h30.)

 

 

Day 12 : FLY TO THANDWE – TRANSFER TO NGAPALI BEACH (3-NIGHTS)

Today we board our flight to Thandwe and onwards to Ngapali. It is said to have been named after the NAPLE of ITALY by a homesick Italian. There are only natural scenic beauty of the blue sea, white sand and the lovely sun. It is time to relax on 3km of soft white sand fringed by coconut palms, or sip cocktails on the verandah as you watch perfect sunset.

Hotel: Amata Ngapali

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 13 and 14 : RELAXING IN NATURAL BEACH

Time to relax the natural beach of Asia! There are only natural scenic beauty of the blue sea, white sand and the lovely sun.

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 15 : FLY BACK TO YANGON

Today we depart for the airport and our flight back to Yangon. Upon arrival in this former capital city, we transfer to our hotel. We may do some last minute shopping at 85-year-old BOGYOKE (Scott) market (close on every Monday and public holidays) which is one of the most popular tourist hangouts dominated by antique, Burmese handicraft and jewelery shops, art galleries, fabrics and clothing stores. It was named after Mr. Jarvin Scott, Yangon Municipal Commissioner during the British colonial government. The balance of the day is free on your own. Stay overnight in Yangon.

Hotel: Melia Hotel

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Day 16 : DEPART YANGON

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

Meals: Buffet 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.

PRICES

OUR PRICES IN USD PER PERSON FOR A PARTY OF

ALL RATES ARE NETT IN US$ PER PERSON (with Regional based English-speaking Guides)

FIRST CLASS (Generally 3/4*)

ROOM TYPE	Price Per Pax in US$ For the Party of	High-Season
Twin/double sharing	2 Pax	2,665
	3~4 Pax	2,435
	5~6 Pax	2,225
	7~8 Pax	2,160
	9~12 Pax	2,145
	13~15 Pax	2,070

Surcharge for Single Occupancy  : + $ 1020

Validity : From now onward to March 31 2019 except 20th Dec 2018 to 10th Jan 2019

Please get in touch for off-season (from now onwards to Sept’ 30 2018) quotes and for larger groups

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

(Important Note: The prices stated above are based on a current hotels/flight and exchange rate of US$ (i.e. 1300kyat against 1 USD) and the fuel cost which is calculated on the current market average (i.e. USD2.6 per imperial gallon). In case of either unforeseen currency fluctuation or hotel/flight rates or fuel price rise by more than 10%, Myanmar Elite Tours will be entitled to impose a surcharge equivalent to the amount that exceeds the price allowed for in the above rates, provided that the notice of this rise is given to you within 30 days prior the commencing of traveling date).

TOUR HOTELS SELECTED

FIRST CLASS (Generally 3/4*)

Where	Name	Room Type	Number of Nights
Yangon	Melia Hotel	Deluxe	3
Kyaikhtiyo	Mountain Top	Deluxe	1
Inle	Amata Inle Resort	Deluxe	2
Pindaya	Inle Inn	Chalet	1
Mandalay	Bagan King	Deluxe	2
Bagan	Amata Garden Resort	Deluxe	3
Ngapali	Amata Ngapali	Villa OR Cottage	3

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN OUR PACKAGE PRICE

• Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, including applicable hotel taxes with breakfast (Twin/double sharing basis)
• All domestic flights as per mentioned itinerary including insurance surcharge and airport tax
• Meals as indicated in itinerary
• All Transfer & sightseeing with private tour grade A/C vehicles
• 4 different hand-picked stationed English-speaking guides in each place (they do not accompany guests on train/Ferry boat/flight, etc. and in Ngapali Beach)
• 2-way transfers by non-AC public open truck or cable car between base-camp and drop off point or to the top of Kyaikhtiyo mountain
• 2-way transfers between airport and hotel will be provided by hotel shuttle in Ngapali Beach
• Horse-cart fare in INNWA
• Entry / zone fees for the visits of tour sites as indicated in the itinerary
• All transfers and sightseeing in private boat in MINGUN and INLE
• Bottled drinking water, and refreshing tower while sightseeing
• Porter fees at airports
• Domestic Airport Departure Tax
• All government taxes and service charges

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN OUR PACKAGE PRICE

• Travel insurance
• International air-ticket to/from Yangon
• Visa fee and arrangements for Myanmar
• Optional Balloon flight
• Early check-in/ Late check out (official check-in:2pm/check-out:12noon)
• Peak-season surcharge (From Dec’ 20 2018 to Jan’ 10 2019)
• Christmas and New Year gala dinner (if any compulsory)
• Meals (Lunch/Dinner)
• Drinks and personal expenses
• 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.
• Any other items not mentioned above
• Bank Transfer Charge

BOOKING / PAYMENT CONDITIONS

DEPOSIT:

We kindly require the payment of 30% 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 local 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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