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Magnificent Myanmar | Historical Burma | Best of Burma | Hiking & Lake | Return to Myanmar | The Ancient City of Rakhine | Scenic Beauty of Burma
Trekking to the Hill Tribes in Kyaing Tone  |  Single Diamond Mango Tour  |  Ayarwaddy River Excursion  |  Seeing Rural Life  |  Balloon Over Pagan
 
     
   
 
Burma Vacation For Him Tour Detail
 
Tour Name : Burma Vacation for Him
Program : 11 Nights/ 12 Days
Destinations : Yangon/ Mandalay - Amarapura - Mingun - Pyin Oo Lwin - Gyoke Htike Bridge/ Heho - Kalaw - Inle Lake/ Thandwe - Ngapali Beach
Tamarind Code : 09
  Day 1:   Arrive to Yangon
 

You will be welcomed by our guide at Yangon International Airport, transfer to hotel.

 
Walking tours around the city center of Rangoon. Sule Pagoda, Indian town.
 
Lunch at Signature K, Garden Restaurant.
 
Visit to Chaukhutgyi Reclining Buddha Image, glass factory & its process which has been running a local family for many years.
  Bogyoke Market where local merchants offer Myanmar traditional silks, cotton, paintings, tapestries, handicrafts, silverware, lacquerware, national dress & ethnic fashions, gems & jewelry.
  For your information, Tamarind does not work shopping tour. Our itineraries include visiting to markets, workshops that intend to have an observation of local trading trends, the process of art & craft, the ways how locals survive for their family living. If our guests are not interested in visiting those spots, please kindly skip the venues.

After that, drive to Yangon Jetty, observing the lively people who goes and comes by ferry boat to attend their work.

 
Evening visit to Shwedagon Pagoda; the world famous golden stupa. Shwedagon at night affords magical views during the cooler temperatures of the evening when the crowds are fewer, and the atmosphere simply amazing.
     

Dinner at Karaweik Palace restaurant entertain with cultural show accompanying with Myanmar saing (a circle of Myanmar drums).

Overnight in Yangon.
  Day 2:   Yangon/ Mandalay by morning flight
 

A 70 minute flight to Mandalay, After arrival we will visit Amarapura, 18th century capital of Myanmar.

 
Once we have arrived at Amarapura we will see the Maha Gandayon Monastery and observe the daily meal of over a thousand monks at the country's largest Monastery.
   
(Tamarind notes that though it is interesting to observe the monk’s prior to their daily meal-it is just as remarkable to watch the locals prepare the food and cook it in large vessels that sit atop fires stirred by oar sized spoons.)
 
Next is a short drive to the famed U Bein Bridge; a 159 year old teak wood bridge- the longest teak bridge in the world.
  Amarapura is also known for its fine silk weaving, and after crossing the U Bein Bridge, we will have the opportunity to view a silk weaving work place; the craft specialty of Amarapura. It is not unusual to find the silk woven in Amarapura donned during many of Myanmar’s special occasions, such as a wedding ceremony or graduation.
     

In the afternoon sightseeing;

 
We will travel to Mandalay and stop at the Maha Muni Image- the most sacred Pagoda in Upper Myanmar, with its venerated legend.
 
After viewing Maha Muni Image, guests will visit Mandalay’s finest silver showroom where products are manufactured locally -from home decorations, to jewelry to accessories, our unique silver craftsmanship is virtually unequalled. Gold leaf production is Mandalay's honored tradition from olden time carried out by family manufacture. The process can be seen only in this city.
 
Visit the Shwenandaw Monastery that was constructed by the last Myanmar King Thibaw, for the memorial of his late father King Mindon. This building is only one remain from Royal Palace which was relocated with same architecture style to commemorate the father king’s gratitude before British Annexation.
 
Our next stop will be the renowned Kuthodaw Pagoda with its 729 stone slabs of Buddha’s scriptures (known as the world's biggest book).
 
Mandalay Hill; enjoy the magnificent landscape over the city from this vantage point. After dinner, entertain with Myanmar Puppet Show.
   

Overnight in Mandalay.
  Day 3:   Mandalay - Mingun - Pyin Oo Lwin
 

Transfer to the jetty for an hour boat excursion to Mingun village & Saggaing. Mingun stands on the bank of Ayarwaddy River and is 11km away from Mandalay. This trip will have a leisure moment as we will treat guests to a picnic with prepared food & drinks while enjoying a relaxing view along the Ayarwaddy River.

We will observe bamboo rafts, birds, farms, locals fishing on small boats, and see how the people earn a living to support their families, and how they also enjoy their lifestyle.

 
Once in Mingun we will disembark and proceed to the Mya Thein Dan Zedi that was built by the King of Saggaing, as memorial for his beloved wife (and late queen) who passed away one week after giving birth to their son. The views from atop this temple are refreshing and among the best in the region. (Tamarind notes that Mya Thein Dan Zedi is attractive to visitors with its structural combinations.)
 
From Mya Thein Dan Zedi we will have a short walk to the Mingun Bell. This bell weighs 90 tons and is considered the world’s largest ringing bell that was cast in 1805 A.D.
     

After visiting Mingun, en route to Pyin Oo Lwin by car with 2 hours scenic beauty drive.

Overnight in Pyin Oo Lwin.
  Day 4:   Pyin Oo Lwin
 

Maymyo (May-town) in 1896 by British Colonel May as a summer resort town to escape the oft stifling heat and humidity from the lower elevated cities and towns. In 1989 the Myanmar government changed the name from Maymyo to Pyin Oo Lwin. Pyin Oo Lwin is also the home of many Nepalese and Indians.

The town is over 2000 feet above sea level-and because of its temperate climate you will see the variety of plants, fruits and vegetables grown in this region. In fact it is not uncommon to see large poinsettias growing along the side of the road during your drive to Pyin Oo Lwin.

 
Once settled in to Pyin Oo Lwin we will visit the Pwe Kauk Water Falls called Hampshire Falls in British times. Or Anisakan Water Falls for those who want more of a challenge.
 
At Kandawgyi Botanical Garden you will see over 500 kinds of trees, 79 kinds of bamboo, 133 kinds of orchid, and 410 kinds of traditional medicinal plants. One of the most famous and beautiful botanical gardens in Myanmar. This garden was built under the direction of Colonel May utilizing Turkish prisoners of WWII.
     

We can also take a horse drawn cart for a short trip into town where we will visit the market and see Shan style antique shops, sweater knitting, vegetable and flowers of roses & dahlias.

Also in town rests the Purcell Tower- a 75 feet high clock tower built in 1936 that still chimes every 15 minutes. Reading at hotel in the evening.

Overnight in Pyin Oo Lwin.
  Day 5:   Pyin Oo Lwin - Gyoke Hteik Bridge - Pyin Oo Lwin
 
 
Visit to Goak Htake Bridge by train. The Goke Htake Bridge is erected in 1901 by an America company know as the Pennsylvania and Maryland Bridge and Construction Company, completed in 1913. It is 2260 feet long and 320 feet high above a natural limestone rock with a huge cavern under it.
   
The Rock itself is 550 feet high above the stream that flows under the rock. It could be considered as an masterpiece of British and American engineer’s joint work. When we passed through the bridge, it will offer us amazing surprise of over 109 years old technical work.
 
The vehicle will wait for us at Nyaung Paing Station.
 
En route back to Pyin Oo Lwin by car, observe beekeepers working their trade roadside-and sample the raw pure honey here while stretching your legs.
   
(Tamarind notes that if you want a delectable snack, our driver will stop where we will find road side vendors selling fresh grilled lkura, served with a semi spicy sauce.)
     

Overnight in Pyin Oo Lwin.

  Day 6:   Pyin Oo Lwin - Mandalay/ Heho - Kalaw
 

2 Hours drive to Mandalay airport, take a 30 minute flight to Heho. After arrival, 2 hours scenic drive to Kalaw, 4300 ft (1440 meters) above the sea level, where was once a favorite hill station for British administrative officials and another summer resort for their family during hot season.

A peaceful town surrounded by pine woods, home for Palaung, Pa-O, Taung-Yo, Dha Nu hill tribe of Shan ethnic.

 
We will start at the Kalaw market where we can find variety of beautiful flowers, indoor plants, milky avocado, fresh garlic, cauliflowers, cabbage, potatoes, taro, leek root, ginger, and tea leaves grown on the hill by terrace cultivation.
 
Our next visit will be a glorious Buddha Image made by thin bamboo strips lacquered built in over 500 years ago. Young novices & elderly nuns take care of refreshment such as Shan tea served with pickle tea leave, roasted sesame, garlic and peanut when visitors coming. You will feel tranquility of the moment at that compound. Back to hotel, reading, seeing a panorama view of the city.
     

Overnight in Kalaw.

  Day 7:   Kalaw - Inle Lake
 

In the morning,

 
we will trek to a Palaung village, passing thru unforgettable landscape and mountain-side gardens, where farmers cultivate a variety of vegetables. These hills are harmonious, and the wide trail allows for easy trekking. We will pass villagers who are returning from Kalaw where they sell various food staples at the local market.
   
(Tamarind Note: Visiting tourists have remarked that a Palaung village is not dissimilar to the villages found on the Island of Borneo.) All of the Palaung are Buddhists; and you will find at least one Monastery and primary school in every village.
 
After seeing the Palaung Village we will hike about 1 hour to our lunch spot-a secluded Nepalese owned hill-top restaurant that affords the most stunning views. The Nepalese food such as the fresh avocadoes, chapatti, and pumpkin curry with chili - will give you the energy needed to finish your trek to Kalaw.
 
We will arrive back to Kalaw by 3 PM. 2 hours drive to Nyaung Shwe; the biggest city at Inle Lake, 30 minutes boat takes to the best luxurious hotel at the Lake.
     

Overnight at Inle Lake.

  Day 8:   Inle Lake
 

Inle Lake is 22x10 km, with an average depth of 6 meters. There are 64 villages and their inhabitants who reside on the lake in their homes that rest high above the water. It is not uncommon to see curious family members greet you with a wave of their hand and a smile as you pass by.

Inle is also called the “Venice of East” by visiting tourists. We will observe floating gardens at Inle as well as the lifestyle of these inhabitants who support their families by farming and fishing. If you observe carefully you will see the skilled boatmen paddle their craft with an oar by using their foot.

 
Sightseeing includes visiting Ywama village, floating gardens, a traditional weaving mill for Intha-textiles, silk weaving workshops; excellent work of shawls and robes with natural fibers produced from lotus flowers stems in natural color.
 
In Nampan village we will observe how Burmese Cheroots are produced primarily by young ladies using traditional methods. We will also visit a work place of Shan paper that is made from mulberry bark and transformed into Shan umbrellas and other beautiful products.
  Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda and its 5 holy Buddha images. Every full moon day of October, the Pagoda Festival is celebrated here for 15 days and homage is paid to 19 villages at Inle Lake.
 
Nga Phe Chaung Monastery; well-known for its 250 year old wooden architectural work of the among 100 monasteries on the lake. This Nga Phe Chaung Monastery is the most celebrated with its 150 to 200 pillars elevarated with wooden carving. This Monastery is also know as the "Cat Jumping Monastery" where visitors are treated to a show that involves well trained felines.
     

If we will fix the itinerary to visit market day, we would recommend you to participate the colorful five day market of Nampan village among other market day spots, which is really alive and natural, not created for tourist site. You will see hill tribes trading their farm products of vegetables, fruits, sun dried tea leaves, art, works of wooden sculpture with their unique style in a bustling atmosphere.

(Tamarind will advise you about the date of Nampan market day which is set by local, then you can adjust the date of visiting to Inle Lake according to your arrival/departure date in Burma.)

Overnight at Inle Lake.
  Day 9:   Inle Lake - Heho/ Thandwe - Ngapali Beach
 

Transfer to Heho Airport to take flight to Than Dwe (Ngapali Beach).

(Tamarind notes that the flight sector for Thandwe-Ngapali Beach operates only on October to March, please reconfirm with Tamarind.)

 
After arrival at Thandwe Airport, 45 minutes drive to Ngapali Beach. Ngapali Beach is the most pristine of Myanmar’s coastlines and offers stunning sunsets, water activities, and delectable seafood.
   
By now you will be “pagoded and templed out” so a few days relaxing on Ngapali Beach is the best way to unwind at the end of your trip.
     

Overnight at Ngapali Beach.

  Day 10:   Ngapali Beach
 

Guests will unwind at the beach relaxing and soaking up the beautiful scenery. A boat excursion to Pearl Island, snorkeling can be arranged.

Enjoy Lobster Thermidor & candle light dinner.

Overnight at Ngapali Beach.

  Day 11:   Ngapali Beach - Thandwe/ Yangon
 

After arrival, transfer to hotel.

Dinner at La'Opera Italian Restaurant, the finest Italian chef's specialty in town.

Drop in at The Strand Hotel to enjoy Raffle's Significant Singapore sling. Spend the time at visiting Yangon's noisiest night club or remain quietly at hotel room reviewing about your trip at your choice.

On that evening, you will ask him whether he enjoyed visiting around Burma with you as you relieve your wonderful trip that will forever be etched in your memory; and he is certain to ask "Shall we come back to Burma on next vacation"?

Overnight in Yangon.
  Day 12:   Depart from Yangon
 

Transfer to departure flight.

   
 
Burma Vacation Inclusion Tour Booking
   
   Website last updated on 5th April 2011
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