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SECRET OF IRRAWADDY RIVER
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Code: |
MYB 04 |
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Routes: |
Yangon -
magnificent Bagan - Irrawaday River -
Mandalay
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Duration: |
7 Days |
Itinerary in brief
Day 1 : ARRIVAL - YANGON
Day 2 : YANGON - BAGAN
Day 3 : BAGAN - PAKOKKU Day 4
: PAKOKKU - SAMEIKKON Day 5 : MANDALAY -
AMARAPURA - SAGAING
Day 6 : MANDALAY - MINGUN - YANGON Day 7
: YANGON - DEPARTURE
There's much in Burma to capture the imagination. At
Bagan thousands of pagodas are scattered on a vast plain
by the Irrawaddy River. A visit to this archeological
site will a highlight of our trip. Next, we spend two
night on RV Pandaw cruising along the Irrawaddy River to
the great cultural city of Mandalay where we will tour
the city's craft districts and the nearby towns.
Detail Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL - YANGON
On arrival
at Yangon airport , you are met and transferred to
hotel. Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon has been the
capital city only since 1885 although some settlements
in this site date back about 2,500 years. This colorful
metropolis features an intriguing mix of the scenes from
a bygone era and the modern tempo of bustling streets
punctuated by serene temples and impressive colonial
edifices. After checking into hotel, we start our city
tour, seeing the old colonial styled city center, the
gilded Sule Pagoda and the impressive Karaweik Hall on
the Royal Lake. We follow these with a visit to the
famous Shwedagon Pagoda, which dominates the skyline of
city. This masterpiece houses an intricate complex of
smaller pagodas and Buddha images. O/N in Yangon.
DAY 2: YANGON - BAGAN
An early
morning flight to Bagan which boasts one of the most
impressive archeological wonders of Asia. This
enchanting town flourished from the 11th till
13th century when religious fervors launched
a 200 year building of thousands huge stupas and
temples, many of which are still standing today on the
banks of the Irrawaddy River. We visit the vibrant
market of Nyaung U before we take a short drive to the
archeological zone. The sightseeing tour enables us to
explore many magnificent structures including Shwezigon,
Gubyaukgyi, Htilominlo, Ananda, Thatbyinnyu, Sulamani,
Dhammyangyi. A perfect way to round off the day is to
watch the spectacular sunset from the upper terrace of
Myaukguni Temple. O/N in Bagan. (B)
DAY 3: BAGAN - PAKOKKU ( RV PANDAW)
Today we
have a free time for our own exploration of the town or
catching up on some shopping areas until transferring to
the jetty for embarkation on RV Pandaw. The exciting
river trip begins as we depart Bagan and pass through
the picturesque countryside landscape to Pakokku, a port
town at the confluence of the Chindwin River. The pace
is very relaxed, a perfect way to observe the rural life
close up. We arrive in Pakokku late afternoon and have
time to visit the typical local market as well as the
traditional production of local blanquets. O/N on board.
(B,L,D)
DAY 4: PAKOKKU - SAMEIKKON ( RV
PANDAW)
The river
journey continues on the mighty Irrawaddy River with the
next stop being Sameikkon. We change our pace as we
embark on a walk in Sameikkon, a delightful village
which was once a trading post of the colonial era, and
still retains a legacy of many beautiful houses. Along
the way we have a chance to get in touch with local
people and visit an interesting network of teak
footbriges connecting the village with the local
monasty. Coming back on board, we cruise north towards
Mandalay. O/N on board. (B,L,D)
DAY5: MANDALAY - AMARAPURA -
SAGAING
The great
cultural city of Mandalay was a former capital of Burma;
however many outlaying towns could lay claim to the same
title at some stages in the past. This morning we leave
our RV Pandaw ship and transfer to one of these ancient
cities, Amarapura. The spectacular teak bridge of U Bein
and the famous Mahaganda Monastery are a highlight our
visit to this site. Departing Amarapura, we cross over
the Irrawaddy River via the Ava Bridge to the
picturesque Sagaing Hill. This lush area is covered in
600 white painted pagodas and monasteries, and is
therefore regarded as the religious centre of Myanmar.
The perfect way to round off the day is ascending
Mandalay Hill to watch the spectacular sunset. O/N in
Mandalay. (B)
DAY 6: MANDALAY - MINGUN - YANGON
Heading
out of the town we transfer to the jetty for a boat trip
on the mighty Irrawaddy River. The lively waterfront
with working buffaloes offers a spectacular backdrop as
we cruise upriver to Mingun. On arrival we wander around
and visit the unfinished huge pagoda, the world’s
largest bell of Mingun and the beautiful white Hsinbyume
Pagoda. We then drive back to Mandalay City. Here is
plenty to see, some of which are the Mahamuni Pagoda,
the fabulous Kuthodaw Pagoda often called “ the world's
largest book “ and the wooden monastery of Shwenandaw
Kyaung. This strcuture is still standing over centuries,
despite of all vicissitudes of the city. We visit these
sights before boarding a flight back to the capital
city. O/N in Yangon. (B)
DAY 7: YANGON - DEPARTURE
There is a
free time for your own visit to Bogyoke Market, full of
traditional art and craftwork as well as souvenirs from
all over the country or walk along the bustling streets
of Indian town and Chinatown. The trip ends after
transfer to Mingaladon airport for departure. (B)
INCLUDING
Transportation in air-conditioned vehicle with driver +
Meal as mentioned: B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D = dinner
+ Accommodation: twin sharing room at the below
mentioned hotel or similar one + RV Pandaw Package: twin
bed cabin on main deck + English speaking guide +
Entrance fee to indicated sights + Flight Yangon -
Bagan, Mandalay - Yangon + Horse carriage in Bagan & Ava
NOT INCLUDING
Other
meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room supplement,
personal expenses, travel insurance, visa, flight in/
out Myanmar, any optional additional tours or activities
during free time...
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HOTELS USED ON THIS TRIP |
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CITY/ AREA
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First Class
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Superior Class
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Deluxe Class
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Yangon
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Summit Park View hotel or similar one
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Grand Plaza Park Royal
, Kandawgyi Palace or Nikko hotel
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Pansea hotel or similar one |
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Bagan
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Thazin Garden hotel or similar one
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Bagan Golf Resort , Bagan hotel
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Thiripyitsaya Sakura hotel ( del. room) or
similar one |
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Mandalay
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Swan hotel or similar one
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Mandalay Hill Resort, Sedona hotel
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Sedona hotel ( deluxe room) |
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RV Pandaw<
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Main deck cabin
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Main deck cabin
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Main deck cabin
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