Tamarind’s Signature Tour. We at Tamarind are confident that Magnificent Myanmar will rank as one of your most unforgettable. We have handpicked our most serene and historically rich locales for sight seeing pleasure.
From the quiet, sandy beaches of Ngapali, where the sway of the palms and ocean breeze will lull you into another realm; to the ancient temples of Bagan, where the sunrises and sunsets literally hush the magical landscape.
You will rest well knowing that the next day’s itinerary will afford you enchanting destinations-such as a viewing the awe inspiring city of Mandalay, atop Mandalay Hill, as the Irrawaddy River carves its beauty into the landscape-a literal lifeline for Burmese-providing not only trade routes, but fish or nga, a staple in our country.
Historical Burma
Our Historical Burma tour takes us to Mandalay-the last capital of the Myanmar King Thibaw. Mandalay is renowned for its skillful artisans that produce beautiful tapestries, silk and cotton weaving, hand carved silver, gold-leaf producers, and marionettes.
As the sunsets across Mandalay we will observe from Mandalay Hill the Ayarwaddy River as she carves her niche through the beautiful landscape-providing transportation and commercial routes for water vessels, as well as supplying fish, or nga, a staple for the Burmese.
Tamarind has chosen Bagan as part of our Historical Burma program because of its historical, religious and architectural significance. The awe inspiring ancient temples that dot the Bagan skyline make this magical wonderland one of the most photogenic landscapes in Asia. Additionally Bagan is renowned for its lacquerware-each lacquerware piece is handmade with thin bamboo strips that are painstakingly melded together. A lacquerware piece from Bagan can take months to produce, and would certainly add to the décor of any home. In Bagan you will observe the process of making lacquerware by traditional methods that have been unchanged for decades.
Best of Burma
The Best of Burma-or the “Tamarind Trio” as we like to call this tour, takes us to three of the most cultural and beautiful destinations in Burma. In the totality of this tour, we are certain that these destinations are the most enriching that Tamarind has to offer. These destinations include Bagan, Inle Lake, and Mandalay.
Hiking & Lake
Do not let the term “Hiking” dissuade you. Our hikes are not technical; and require moderate endurance. And for the spouse, friend or significant other who is not up to the hiking, the hikes are optional. This tour program is rewarding and includes our most famous destinations.
For Her
Tamarind has created an exclusive For Her Tour. Our For Her Tour incorporates two of Burma 's most historical and stunning destinations-Mandalay and Bagan. In addition to exploring our most memorable sites, be prepared to be indulged with a pampering that will stimulate your senses, and satiate your appetite for precious moments.
Sight : The Temples of Bagan, with the famed Ayarwaddy River as her backdrop, rival any-and at sunrise and sunset, a hush envelops the area as you absorb the serenity that is difficult to describe-but ethereal immediately comes to mind……
Sound: To tantalize our sense of sound, we will listen to an evening of Burmese traditional music and dance that incorporates instruments that are not found anywhere else in the world.
Touch: We recognize that our guests arrive from all around the world-we want to ensure that you feel your best so once you have settled in-you will indulge in a luxurious spa treatment-that will melt away your inhibitions and leave you ready to tackle all that Burma has to offer.
Smell: “Old leaves shaken off the stems. The New Year's odors rise. The wind comes in puffs. Gangaw flowers spread their pollens. Fragrance everywhere” (The Twelve Seasons Poems by Phouthuto U Min) We will visit the evening flower market, where Burmese women vendors peddle fragrant and colorful fresh jasmine, yellow ginger lilies, and other exotic flora.
Taste: We will have the opportunity to indulge in traditional Burmese fare; which consists of a vegetable soup; salad, fish or meat curry, and rice. A staple for Burman's whose meals are typically shared-each person offering others at the table-samples from their home-cooked food.
Shopping: Tamarind recognizes that though not one of the five senses, shopping is therapeutic, and in Burma we posses unique gemstones-such as our world-renowned rubies, sapphires, jade and pearls. You will find jewelry vendors who incorporate these stones into both traditional and modern styles. Additionally, our laquerware is unequalled -and in Bagan we will observe the painstaking process of hand crafting laquerware. We will also visit a traditional silversmith where the tradition of creating silver products by hand is passed down from generation to generation. And finally, we will visit a tapestry workplace where attention to detail are paramount and the results are stunning.
Return to Myanmar
Catered to those who have experienced a previous Tamarind
Tour, and desires an “off the beaten path” trip
back to Myanmar. We have created an itinerary that highlights
locales that are just as extraordinary as those included
in Magnificent Myanmar. Or, for those who prefer an “off
the beaten path” vacation, then Return to Myanmar
is for you. Mrauk U is one of the destinations you will
visit for this program-one of the most spectacular cultural
and archaeological sites in Myanmar. Tamarind recognizes
that the constant traveling from locale to locale can be
exhausting, so we have added Ngapali Beach at the end of
our tour-where the toughest decision you will have to make
all day is determining what you want to dine on for supper.
Scenic Beauty of Burma
This program is designed for visitors who like to enjoy the 11th to 13th century architectural & religious heritage of Burma, Panorama view with temperate weather, scenic natural lake surrounded by mountains and her hill tribe’s lifestyle.
Burma Vacation For Him
This program was created for the man in your life-be it your husband, significant other, dad, or brother-the For Him Tour caters to that special guy in your life.
Single Diamond Mango Tour
The Single Diamond Mango tour was created at the request of Tamarind's guests; and is a combination of our Magnificent Myanmar and the Return to Myanmar tours.
The Single Diamond Mango is known as the "King of Fruits" in Burma and is one of the sweetest mangoes in the world.
Our tour begins in Rangoon where a trip to our famous Shwedagon Pagoda dominates the skyline. Enjoy a short walking tour in the heart of our city; and after working an appetite we will have dinner at one of my favorite dining establishments where the local cuisine will satiate your appetite.
After a good night rest we will have an early start by participating in giving alms to our monks in Rangoon before we begin our trip to the Golden Rock. A natural monument that is one of the most revered in our country.
After overnight here we make our way to Rangoon where we next travel to Mt. Popa and Bagan. These locales are almost indescribable-and be assured that you too will be awed by the historical significance and beauty of these stops on our adventure.
Next we will travel to Mandalay- a former capital of Burma, where George Orwell once resided; and which Kipling refers to in his poem "Mandalay". But more importantly founded by Burmese King Mindon as a capital in the 1800s! In Mandalay we will take a short boat trip to Mingun where you can see what was destined to be the largest temple in the world; as well as a host of other historical charms.
Our next destination is Pyin Oo Lwin- a temperate locale that is one of my personal favorites. Not to be missed are the botanical gardens and train ride to the Goak Htaik Bridge-a must!! The atmosphere here is peaceful and quiet, giving you the opportunity to take in the gorgeous surroundings.
After a few days in Pyin Oo Lwin, we are off to Kalaw and Inle Lake. In Kalaw we will take a leisurely hike to visit the Palaung Hill Tribe. The hike is not technical and culminates in a visit to the Palaung; as well as a lunch at restaurant that will afford us quite simply one of the best views you will ever have the opportunity to see while eating a quaint meal overlooking a splendid valley.
Inle Lake- my words cannot accurately describe the significance and beauty of this part of Burma, as well as the unique lifestyle and culture. Let me to assure you that a visit to Inle Lake could possibly be the highlight of your trip-you will not be disappointed!
Surely just when you think what more could Burma possibly offer-and between you and I, our final destination is a favorite of Tamarind's-and in fact our current homepage reflects a guest sharing photos with a some children from a village adjacent Ngapali beach.
After 14 days of sightseeing, the ocean's breeze and sounds of the rhythmic waves meeting the shore will lull you into another world at Ngapali. The most difficult decision that you will have to make here is what you will want to feast on for dinner and be forewarned seafood is a specialty here! You will have ample time to reflect on your excursion to Burma, recounting your endeavors with your family and friends, regaling and reliving the past 2 weeks over laughs and conversation!! Enjoy!!
Seeing Rural Life
The program includes with the destinations of Yangon, Bagan, Madalay, Inle Lake and its surrounding.
We will see Yangon one day before visiting to Bangan and Mt. Popa. In Bagan, we will have time enough to observe 11th to 13th century monuments. Bagan is the most richest archeological site in South east Asia. The next day, our visit to the villages around Bagan, speak with locals and observation of tropical people’s daily life.
After that we will fly to Mandalay, visit Amarapura and a half day boat excursion to Mingun. The next day, we will proceed to Pyin Oo Lwin where is a beautiful hill station with charming weather built by British Administration Office Colonel May. We will take a train to observe the Goke Htaik Bridge which was constructed by American and British engineers with technical value.
Next, we will fly to Heho via Mandalay. Heho is the gate way to the Southern Shan State. After arrival at Heho Airport, take a scenic drive to Kalaw where is home for Palaung Hill Tribe, seein their living way, hill tribe culture, beautiful landscape, colorful vegetation which is amazing scenery. 2 Nights stay in Kalaw is very relaxing in the lovely small town.
The next destination is Inle Lake where is one of the most attractive places of Southern Shan State. We can admire the living style of Inthar people, how they survive for their daily life, 5 days market on the lake which is one of the high lights of visiting on the lake.
Finally, you will spend your holiday in Ngapali Beach which lies on the coast of Bay of Bangle. The most relaxing part of your holiday.
Burmese Wedding
Middle of July through middle of October is Buddhist lent in Burma according to Burmese lunar calendar. Many modern young people try to ignore the custom and insist on getting married during lent. After all, this taboo originated from social and economic conditions of the by-gone days, when communication were difficult during the rain, and the people were busy in the field. So it was prudent to wait till Thadingyut (middle of October).
Even then, weddings during the lent are still rare. Most lovers would rather wait for Thadingyut than risk raised eye-brows at the uncommon hurry to get married during the lent.
The preparation of the first thing doing by both sides of lovers who have already agreed to marry is to consult with family trustful astrologer. The astrologer reads the planet of birthday of lovers and advises the date to marry. Lovers, parents, family and friends believe that the date set for marry, the time of moment on the day can lead the couple for a successful married life. It is a part of custom of Burmese wedding.
Burmese Buddhist lovers prepare on their mind for their marry plan during the Buddhist lent and wish to begin Thadingyut when their parent or themselves will be implementing for the day they are waiting for.
(Process of Burmese Wedding Blessing Ceremony will be presenting on Tamarind’s coming tidbit)
