ARMCHAIR MYANMAR (BURMA)
(Yangon ~ Pindaya ~ Inle Lake ~ Mandalay ~ River Cruise ~ Mt.Popa ~ Bagan ~ Ngapali Beach-Yangon)
(16 Days/15 Nights)
Day 1 (Fri) Arrival Yangon
(Arrival day should be Friday)
Arrive Yangon mid morning and transfer to the Kandawgi Palace Hotel on the Lake. This 5* hotel has spacious, well-appointed rooms, superb restaurants and bars, with an excellent swimming pool and is located next to the Royal Rowing Club on the Lake with superb views of the Shwedagon and the Royal Barge. A leisurely afternoon touring Yangon including the Reclining Buddha and the Nunnery.
Accommodation: Kandawgyi Palace Hotel (superior room)
www.kandawgyipalacehotel.com
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2 (Sat) Yangon-Heho- Pindaya
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Heho. Experience the local culture at a coffee shop!! before travelling by road to Pindaya through picturesque country side getting a first hand look at the local life style. On arrival at Pindaya we visit the cave which overlooks the township and lake. These are a pilgrimage place for Buddhist from all over Myanmar and when inside the reason is evident. It is filled with thousands of statues of the Lord Buddha and is truly amazing just like a scene from Indiana Jones or Tomb Raiders. Check in to the Conqueror Hotel with magnificent views of the Mountain and on the shores of the lake. Afternoon free to explore the markets and town or relax at one of the many cafes on the lake shore.
Accommodation: Conqueror Hotel (superior room)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 3 (Sun) Pindaya – Inle Lake
Continue this fascinating journey of discovery as we travel to Inle Lake. "Stunning, idyllic and picturesque beyond belief ", barely does justice to this region when trying to describe it. Home of the Intha people who have adapted thoroughly to their environment with their homes built on stilts over the water, their vegetable fields and markets actually float on the lake. Arrive at The Lake View Resort Hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the lake by boat. One will pinch themselves to make sure they are in such a place.
Accommodation: Inle Lake View Resort (deluxe room) www.inlelakeview.com 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 4 (Mon) Inle Lake
A Day touring the lake will leave lasting impressions of a magical place with a backdrop of mist shrouded mountains. Visit temples the markets of Indein and villages and a school before returning to the hotel. "A Gin & Tonic on the Veranda" but of course! Enjoy demonstration of one-leg rowing style of fishermen at the Inle Lake.
Accommodation: Inle Lake View Resort (deluxe room)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 5 (Tue) Inle Lake-Heho-Mandalay
Transfer to the Heho airport to board a flight to Mandalay, situated on the banks of the famous Ayeyarwady River, fabled in the writings of Rudyard Kippling. People live and work here as they have for centuries and little has changed. On arrival visit the historical former capital of Inwa and Amarapura. Walk the famous teak bridge visit a monastery before taking a pony cart to explore these fascinating places. The hotel is opposite the Palace compound and Fort where the British finally took complete control of Burma from its last King and banished him to India. The Sedona Hotel downtown is a deluxe hotel and has well appointed rooms with its own shopping mall, bars and restaurants. The swimming pool and fitness centre offer a chance for a relaxing dip and massage.
Accommodation: Sedona Hotel Mandalay (superior room) www.sedonahotels.com
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 6 (Wed) Mandalay
Board a ferry for a short boat ride to Mingun upriver to visit the township which includes the Worlds Largest Bronze Bell and an impressive yet unfinished Pagoda which would have been the biggest in the World. There is also time to explore the village to witness village life. On arrival back in Mandalay visit the "Worlds largest Book" at the Kuthodaw Pagoda and downtown. Late afternoon visit the Shwenandaw Teak Monastery. Then as evening falls, witness the sunset from the Mandalay Hill "you just have to be there".
Accommodation: Sedona Hotel Mandalay (superior room)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 7 (Thu) River Cruise to Bagan
(Every Thursday departure)
Morning Board the RV Paukan 2007 to step back into time on this Luxury Paddle Steamer. Cruise down river viewing life on the river banks, enjoy a drink and relax as the world goes by the well appointed cabins are a delight and a great place to retire for the evening after excellent dinning and relaxing around the Bar Lounge.
Accommodation: Overnight on board (upper deck cabin) www.ayravatacruises.com
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 8 (Fri) Arrive Bagan and Drive to Mt.Popa
On arrival in Bagan travel by road to Mount Popa with a chance to climb the stairs to the top of this famous pagoda perched atop a outcrop. Monkeys a plenty and they love to have their picture taken. Visit the temples of the Nats, sprit worshipers, and the herb garden the Road leads us up Mt Popa. Check in at the resort and enjoy the magnificent surroundings with views that extend over the surrounding plains.
There are great walking trails to stroll, visit the herb gardens or perhaps make the ascent to the top of the mountain. Of course the resort facilities are hard to leave!
Accommodation: Popa Mountain Resort (deluxe taungalat view room)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 9 (Sat) Bagan
Return to Bagan by road stopping at a local rural village. Stroll around the village and visit one of the homes. These people are warm and friendly and welcome you. Next board pony carts for a ride through the Pargodas which will astound at the amount of them at this World Heritage Town. Arrive at The Thiripyitsaya Sakura Hotel, a deluxe property with villas set in beautiful gardens the swimming pool over looks the river and the dinning facilities are a delight.
Accommodation: Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Hotel (superior room)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 10 (Sun) Bagan
Visit the Bagan market where everything is a bargain then on to the lacquer ware village and to a typical farm village for a village walk and house visit. Also see locals making peanut oil, palm sugar local alcohol. Return back to the hotel mid afternoon for perhaps a stroll by the Irrawaddy "Where the Flying Fishes Play" before taking in the sunset with a cool drink in hand.
Accommodation: Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Hotel (superior room) www.thiripyitsaya-resort.com
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11 (Mon) Bagan-Thandwe-Ngapali Beach
Check out of hotel and transfer to the airport for the flight to Thandawe. Transfer to the Aureum Palace Hotel at Ngapali Beach. The resort is set on the Andaman Sea and with all facilities expected to make your stay totally enjoyable. Relax in this wonderful location and enjoy leisurely walks along the beach, perhaps stop for a cool drink at local bars and restaurants or explore the markets and street stalls. This pristine beach resort town is a perfect way to relax after days touring. (Optional beach activities are clients' own account)
Accommodation: Aureum Palace Ngapali (garden view cottage room)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 12-13 Ngapali Beach
At leisure. Perhaps explore the nearby villages by bike, stroll the beach and talk to the local fishermen, Visit the local cafes , take a taxi or bus to the market in short. (Optional beach activities are clients' own account)
Accommodation: Aureum Palace Ngapali (garden view cottage room) www.aureumresortsandspa.com
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 14 (Thu) Ngapali Beach- Thandwe- Yangon
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Yangon. Transfer to the Traders Hotel located downtown not far from the famous Scott Market (closed on Monday). Visit the Gem Factory to see how the Best rubies in the world are cut and set then onto the Strand Hotel for High Tea, a touch of yester year, before being let loose to grab bargains at the market.
Accommodation: Traders Hotel (deluxe room) www.shangri-la.com
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 15 (Fri) Yangon
Full days sightseeing, visiting the famous Swedagon Pagoda of glittering gold that can be seen from all over city. This is the most holy place in Myanmar and the grandeur and spectacle of it will amaze. Also visits to the glass factory, the nunnery, the Reclining Buddha. Return to the hotel to freshen up before heading out for a Farewell Dinner. This evening's meal is the Guides choice. Wait for the surprise!!
Accommodation: Traders Hotel (deluxe room)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 16 (Sat) Yangon Departure
Transfer to the airport for the onward flight.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Cost: per person twin share till 30 Apr 10
$3942 AUD / $5120 NZD
Note:
Surchages apply for Water Festival and peak season
For travel over over Xmas / New Year period compulsory dinners ( hotel policy) on Xmas day and New Year will be added.
Services Included
· Hotels accommodation with daily breakfast
· Domestic Flight tickets (Yangon/Heho, Heho/Mandalay, Bagan/Thandwe and Thandwe/Yangon)
· Mandalay to Bagan by RV Paukan 2007 Cruise with upper deck cabin (Every Thursday departure)
· Entrance fees and zone fees for the visits
· Meals as per program
· All transfers, sightseeing and excursion by private air-con vehicle with drivers,
· Private boat at Inle Lake, and Mingun , and
· An English speaking guide service accompanying throughout the trip except on RV Paukan Cruise and Beach extension
Services excluded
· International air tickets
· International airport departure tax (currently at US$ 10 per person),
· Meals not mentioned above
· Drinks
· Visa Fees (US$ 20 per person)
· Insurance, and
· Any services not mentioned above
Contact :
Lic No; 2TA5776 ABN: 15 117 503 223
Phone: Sydney 02 9016 3938 / Melbourne 03 9017 6444 / Adelaide 08 8463 1991
Perth 08 6467 7676 / Brisbane 07 3333 1517
Fax Australia wide: 02 4363 19689
Email: sales@a1classicholidays.com
Web: www.a1classicholidays.com
Address:11 Awinya Close
Empire Bay, NSW. 2257. AUSTRALIA
New Zealand Enquiries:
Tel: +64 9 428-1035
Fax: +64 9 428-1035
Email: info@classicasia.co.nz
Address: PO Box 631, Whangaparaoa,
Auckland, New Zealand
