|
DAY 1: BANGKOK - YANGON Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel for a two-night stay. Yangon has been the capital city only since 1885 when the British moved the capital from Mandalay. Much of Yangon's existing architecture is a remnant of British colonial rule. However, the city's history dates back much longer than British times. After checking into the hotel, enjoy a full day private tour of the city, including a late afternoon visit to the 2,500 year old Shwedagon Pagoda whose golden dome rises 320 feet above the city. The pagoda houses an intricate complex of smaller pagodas, statues, temples, images, and shrines. Later, enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant. (D) DAY 2: YANGON Depart this morning by local boat for the village of Twante. Twante is well known for the pottery produced here: distinctive pots are made here and used throughout the delta region. The pots tend to be half thrown, and half coiled. Kilns are divided into two chambers: one for drying wook, and one for firing the pots with their distinctive dark glaze. Visit local craftspeople, and the market. In the afternoon, return to Yangon, where you may visit the National Museum, housing jewelry, traditional musical instruments, clothing of different ethnic groups, and more. (B,L,D) DAY 3: YANGON - BAGAN After breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly to Bagan, one of Asia's most well preserved ancient cities. From mere crumbling relics to the grand and well-preserved Ananda temple, Bagan's riches illustrate a key period in Asian history. Over 2,000 temples and pagodas cover 25 square miles of the Irrawaddy plains. Bagan reached its prime in the 11th century when religious fervor launched a 200-year building spree. Marco Polo described Bagan: "One of the towers has been covered with gold a good finger in thickness, so that the tower looks as if it were all of solid gold; another is covered with silver in like manner…Really they do form one of the finest sights in the world, so exquisitely finished are they, so splendid and costly. And when they are lighted up by the sun they shine most brilliantly and are visible from a vast distance." Bagan's golden period was limited, and, by the end of the 13th century, the region was receding in importance and wealth, for reasons still debated by historians. Begin your tour of the magnificent ruins of Bagan this afternoon. (B,L,D) DAY 4: BAGAN Spend today exploring Bagan. You will also visit nearby Mt. Popa, the core of an extinct volcano covered by the remains of a Petrified Forest. You can climb Mt. Popa by a covered walkway to reach the complex of monasteries and pagodas at the summit. While the climb is steep, most visitors find it's well worth the effort. Mt Popa offers splendid panoramic views of the surrounding plains, as well as an insight into Burma's second great religion: the worship of nats, or animist spirits. Mt Popa's summit is carpeted with herbs and plants believed to be associated with Mae Wunna, the patron nat of medicinal and sacred herbs. Local custom advises against wearing red or black, or bringing meat to the mountain, all of which are believed to be offensive to the resident spirits, who just might wreak revenge on the unwary. (B,L,D) DAY 5: BAGAN AND SALAY Today continue touring the Bagan region, including an excursion to the religious center of Salay, notable for its working monasteries, and fine selection of smaller Bagan era remains. Visit the Youqson Kyaung, with its intricate wooden carvings and fine museum. Other buildings house well preserved murals and stucco work. There will be plenty of time to visit the many fine lacquer ware workshops and small stalls selling high quality antique lacquer ware. You guide will direct you to the shops specializing in traditional style lacquer. (B,L,D) DAY 6: BAGAN - MANDALAY Fly this morning to legendary Mandalay, a city of great cultural importance. It was the last Burmese capital before the British took over and moved the capital to Yangon. After settling in to your hotel for a three-night stay, depart for a visit to the ancient city of Amarapura to witness hundreds of monks in their daily morning meal processions. Continue over the Irrawaddy River via the Ava Bridge to Sagaing Hill to visit this lush, colorful mountain covered in temples. Spend the afternoon visiting local artisans. Depending on your interest, focus on puppetry making, tapestry weaving, marble and wood carving, bronze casting, silk weaving, gold leaf beating, silver smiths, ivory carving, paper, and the antique shops. (B,L,D) DAY 7: MANDALAY Continue your touring of the craft markets and workshops in Mandalay this morning. In the afternoon, journey upriver to Mingun, well known for the Mingun Bell, an important cultural symbol. Cast in 1790, the bell weighs 90 tons and is thought to be the world's largest uncracked, hanging bell. Explore this charming town and its important historic sites before returning to Mandalay. (B,L) DAY 8: MANDALAY Excursion to Pyin U Lwin Today will be an excursion to the hill station of Pyin u Lwin for the opportunity to shop for Shan tribal pieces, old textiles, puppets, sutra books on palm leafs, etc. Travel by car up a winding road to this former British hill station 40 miles east of Mandalay. Pyin Oo Lwin's high altitude accounts for its year-round pleasantly cool climate. The town has long been a retreat for people wishing to escape the heat of the plains during the hot season. Pyin Oo Lwin boasts a lovely 200-hectare botanical garden where "English" fruits and vegetables still flourish. You will also visit the Forest Museum and the picturesque Pwekauk Waterfalls. Return to Mandalay for the night. (B,L) DAY 9: MANDALAY- (Heho) - PINDAYA Fly this morning to Heho and continue by road to the small town of Pindaya, known for its extensive limestone caves. The road through the hills is lovely, dotted by the villages of the Pa-o and Danu people. The Pindaya Caves are geologically fascinating and the labyrinth of cave chambers contain thousands of Buddha images placed there over the centuries. The artistic focus in this region will be on Shan-style papermaking and pottery. Overnight in Pindaya. (B,L) DAY 10: PINDAYA - INLE LAKE Travel by road to Inle Lake, home of the Intha. These lake dwellers farm floating gardens, and power their narrow boats by twisting their legs around their oars, a remarkable feat of agility and control. From a teak gondola-type boat you will tour the floating gardens, markets, and villages of this spectacular lake at an altitude of 2,880 feet. Visit Phaungdaw U Pagoda and the weaving village of Inpawkho. Spend two nights at Inle Lake. (B,L) DAY 11: INLE LAKE Continue your guided touring in Inle Lake, including visits to local silver smiths, metal smiths, and silk weavers. (B,L) DAY 12: INLE LAKE - YANGON This morning, fly back to Yangon, with more guided touring in the afternoon. Visit the Sule Pagoda, one of the country's most revered. Also visit the Bogyoke Aung San Market, the city's best place for shopping for handicrafts, jewelry, clothes and other souvenirs. Overnight in Yangon. (B,L) DAY 13: YANGON - BANGKOK Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Bangkok. (B) |