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Essentional Myanmar, Unique Festival In Inle Lake
Unique festival on Inle Lake (no other place in the world)
Yangon – Bagan – Mt Popa — Mandalay – Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival Oct 31th — Nov 3th
28th Oct Day(01)Yangon–Arrival(D)
Arrive at Yangon International Airport, warmly welcome by guide (escort) and transfer to Yangon Traders hotel. We start sightseeing to Myanmar National Museum. Founded in 1952, the five-story museum has an extensive collection of ancient artifacts, ornaments, works of art, inscriptions and historic memorabilia, related to history, culture and civilization of Burmese people. Where you can observe the history and culture of Myanmar. Then visit to White marble Sitting Buddha. Lunch at Restaurant. Evening visit to Botataung Pagoda. Evening sightseeing in high lights Shwedagon Pagoda (world famous glistening gold stupa towering over the city with spearing to height of 326 feet), dinner and cultural show at Karaweik Nandaw Restaurant (a royal barge on the lake in Kandawgyi Relaxation Zone).
29th Oct Day (02) Yangon Sightseeing
BaganEarly morning pick up by guide, drive to airport, ( 06:00)am, fly to Nyaung U Airport for your Bagan trip ( one hour flying ). Arrive at Nyaung U Airport, transfer to Bagan, check in Amazing Bagan Hotel or Similar. Tour start ( 09:30 )am:Tour Hightlight: Archaeological Museum, (this museum run by Archaeological Department is situated near the Ananda Temple. It has a collection of more than 2000 items including Buddha’s Statues, stucco pieces, terra-cotta cups and pots. Open from 09:30 am to 15:00 pm daily except Monday and public holidays. The new large museum is under construction and it will exhibit more ancient artifacts. Shewzigon Pagoda at Nyaung U ( this golden – domed pagoda was left unfinished on King Anawrahta’s death and completed by his successor King Kyansit-tha. ), Kyansit-tha Umin ( Not far from the Shwezigon a cave complex off the tourist route, it has murals from the 13th century. ). Features Myazedi Pagoda and Pillar and Myingabar Kybyaukkyi, ( It was built by Prince Rajakuma who was content to allow his nephew, Alaung Sithu, to be named crown prince instead of him, for the had been born to a country woman and came too late to court. The stone inscription he left is a beautiful dedication of love to his father, King Kyansit – Tha. The murals, protected from sunlight inside this drink temple, are spectacular. ) Arnadar Temple (the most attractive feature of archaeological design some what like a Greek cross),Dhammayangyi ( a temple of massive and finest brick works), Thabyunyu Temple ( King Alaung Sithu was the donor of this magnificent, white-washed temple, the tallest in Bagan at 201 ft ( 64 m ), Gawtawpalin ( King Narapati Situ built this graceful temple )Sulamuni Temple, ( the pagoda temple like Htilominlo and the Gawdawpalin with better interior lighting. It stands beyond the Dhammayangyi Temple and was built in A.D. 1181 by Narapatisithu. The interior was once painted with fine frescoes but only traces can be seen today.) Panoramic view of sun setting land Bupaya Pagoda ( Not far from Gawtawpalin is a pagoda spire in the shape of a gourd in the bank of Ayeyarwady river. Overnight in Bagan.
30th Oct Day (03) Yangon- Bagan – Mt. Popa by car (B/L/D)
Early morning wake up from your night dream and you will be picked up by BALLOON OVER BAGAN ferry to fly by balloons; “Ride balloon over Bagan to feel the panoramic view of ancient Bagan” Experience Bagan by flying at the sky, after your flying back to your hotel for having breakfast.After breakfast, morning excursion to Mt. Popa ( Rose from the ground are result of an earthquake 442 BC. Mt. Popa, known as Myanmar of Olympia, is 30 miles away from Bagan and is also a place, believed to be spiritual world. Mt. Popa, a 1500 meters (4981 feet) high and extinct volcano, is surrounded by EVER GREEN reserved forest with a MONKEY VILLAGE. Lunch and sightseeing in Popa surrounding Area and Popa Resort Hotel & Restaurant. Back to Bagan. Sightseeing in Htilominlo Temple, built in A.D. 1211 by King Nantaungmya. Nanpaya Temple, one of the oldest ancient monuments in Bagan, built by King Manuha in 11 century equipped with stone window for lighting and airy into the interior part of the cave with stone Shinbin Thalyaung Temple, inside this long, low hall of brick is a large reclining Buddha Image in the pose of death, for the head rests on a pillow and is not supported by the hand. Excursion to Lacquer wear factory and sightseeing and shopping the ancient time till today, master-pieces of Lacquer wares are the pride of Bagan. Those who visited Bagan can’t control anymore without buying souvenirs such as ashtrays, bowls, jewellery boxes, trays and so on. Overnight in Bagan.
31th Oct Day (04) Bagan – Mandalay by flight ( B)
After breakfast, check out hotel, fly to Mandalay. Arrive at Mandalay airport, transfer to hotel.Check in hotel and relax for a while. Free and easy. Overnight in Mandalay City Hotel or Similar. Tour start of Mandalay featuring Mandalay Museum and Palace houses a collection of article such as Royal costume Palm-Leave Manuscripts, Wood carving, Palace hall, King office, King bed room, Queen bed room, Palace tower. Mahamuni Pagoda was built to enshrine the Maha Muni Image, nearly 13ft (4m) high. It is covered with so much gold leaf that its body has lost all proportion. Only the face washed with ceremony each dawn, is not allowed to be gilded. Each of the four walkways leading to it has a different character according to the wares sold in the shops. One is lined with the descendents of the Brahmin astrologers who served at court, practicing the same profession of telling fortunes and writing astrological readings on elaborately decorated palm-leaf packets for new-born bodies. And the traditional handicraft work shops one can see marble works and wood carvings. Kuthodaw Pagoda, known officially as the Mahalawka Marazein Kuthodaw Pagoda, is called “ the largest book in the world” King Mindon who founded Mandalay as a new capital in 1859 held the Fifth Buddhist Synod in 1872. Over a period of eight years, the texts were recited and corrected as necessary by a presiding body of monks and the results were inscribed on 729 marble slabs. Excursion to Shwe Nadaw; Mandalay has hundreds of monasteries and many are still being built. The most beautiful is the Shwe Nandaw, or Golden Palace Monastery, called Shwe Kyaung by the locals .It was once the private residence of king Mindon, who died there. His heir moved it outside the palace and donated it to a monastery, thus saving it from the destruction of Would War Two. This teak pavilion carved all over with motifs and mythical creatures was once entirely covered in thick gold, inside and out but only the interior gold remains for the tropical weather is too harsh. Gold Leaf making work. Shwe Inn Bin Monestry, was built strictly according to the rules of monastic architecture whereas the Golden Monastery was first constructed as a royal pavilion and has no exact monastic structure. It is beautiful building well over a hundred years old, with ancient –style doors that swing upwards. Dinner and night stop in Mandalay.
01th Nov Day (05) Mandalay – Inle Lake by flight (B/L/D)
Morning check out hotel, drive to airport, fly to Heho airport arrive at Heho airport. A via air port city of Inle Lake. Transfer to Nyaung Shwe, on the way of Heho – Nyaung Shwe there are so many of Nepalese people houses, visit to their houses to see their way of life and their culture, pay visit to Bamboo Paper making work shop. Continue to Taunggyi, a capital of Shan State. Arrive to Aye Thar Yar Vine yard, have your lunch among the terraces of Vine trees. Taste a little bit of grapes Wine. Then continue to Nyaung Shwe, where Inle Lake is situated. Arrive to the Lake and transfer to your Hotel: Golden Ireland Cottage, the floating hotel that is situated near the Nan Pan village. Tour start your sightseeing to Phaung Daw Oo pagoda, a master piece site of this program. Study Brass smith work shop, silk weaving workshop, and Cheroot making work shop, Have your Lunch at Inn Thar Lay restaurant with traditional Intha food and continue your sightseeing by Alo Daw Pauk pagoda, Kay Lar floating garden and finally Nga Phe Chaung monastery. Overnight in Inle Lake.
* * * * *02th Nov 2012' (Final Competion of leg-rowed boats races)
02nd Nov Day (06) Inle Lake (B/L/D)‘’ Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival ‘‘ in Inle lake
Watch the procession of leg-rowed boats, which are ceremoniously tugging four Buddha statues situated on a royal barge clockwise around Inle Lake. Throughout the event leg-rowed boat races are being held and you will come across them during the excursion on the lake. Hundreds of other vessels travel in the entourage in a general festive atmosphere. Thousands of people from around the Shan State attend this most holy of all Shan celebrations. In the afternoon excursion to Indein (appr. 1 hour drive) to see the ancient Bagan + Shan style pagodas, built during Bagan Period, passing the beautiful scenery with tall grasses and little water steps. The ruin pagodas, hide in the bushes will give you an impression of you were in the 12th — 13th Centuries ago. Overnight at Inle Lake. ‘’ Time table of Phaung Daw Oo Festival ‘’ 16th Oct 2012 ‘ — 03th Nov 2012’03th NovDay (07) Inle Lake – Yangon (B/L/D)In the afternoon, visit Bogyoke Aung San Market(Scott Market). It was built 1926. Following independence in 1948 it was renamed in honor of the national hero and martyr, Bogyoke Aung San.Tourist often go for the beautifully crafted wood, jade or sliver objects, jewellery, art: lacquer ware, small antiques and hand woven textiles. Also visit the FMI Center for shopping. Accommodation at Sedona Hotel, Yangon.
04th NovDay (08) — Departure Day ( B )
After breakfast, check out hotel, pick up by guide and drive to airport for your departure.
Tour cost includes: Throughout German Speaking guide service, combined ( 3 ) or (4 )star hotel ( Twin Bed room ) with breakfastLunch & dinner at specific programEntrance fees for as itineraryDomestic flight fare and airport taxAll transfer and transportation with private air conditioned vehiclePorter charge for 2 LaggesMineral Water one bottle for per person and per day.
Excludes
BeveragesLaundry serviceMini bar & Tel, Email callInternational flight fare and airport taxPersonal usesVisaInternational flight fare and airport taxBalloons over ride in Bagan ( 300 US$ ) per pax.
Monetary Issue: International Credit Cards & Foreign Currencies: The most practical advice to start with is “Bring American Dollars in Cash!”, as Myanmar is a cash-only country due to restrictions imposed on all credit cards transactions. Use of credit cards is not possible in the country. The restriction applies to all venders and service providers. As a result of the restriction, you will need to insure that you are carrying sufficient cash in US (American) Dollars (in cash) when you enter Myanmar as there is totally no use of credit cards or travelers cheque. There are no ATM machines in Myanmar. No bank or wire transfers can be made into the banks in Myanmar. (Please contact us for further information if you do not wish to carry large sum of money in cash for paying for the services you purchased through Good News Travels.) As you may already be aware, other international currencies are not readily accepted in Myanmar. Thus, before you depart from your home country you will want to convert into US$ (American Dollars) any funds you may require for your travels within Myanmar. You can bring as much cash as you need as there is no restriction and limitation with regards to the amount one could bring in. You just have to declare by filling out in the Custom form upon arrival if the cash you carry is exceeding the amount of US$ 2000. (A lot of travelers often misunderstand that as restriction for not bringing more that US$ 2000). For your information, one should have some new US 100 Dollar note (with big Franklin head) and 50 Dollars notes (with big Grant head) issued in or after 1996 with no marks, torn edges or corners, for exchanging into local currency – kyats. Notes with CB serial numbers and with small Franklin head for USD 100 and notes with AB serial numbers and with small Grant head for USD 50 are not well-accepted by a lot of venders due to banking reasons within the country. It is also generally advisable to carry small denominations for your food, drinks and shopping. Kindly make sure any American money you bring is in good condition and are not dirty, damage and tattered.
Travel- Tips
CREDIT CARDS & TRAVELERS CHECK
Credit cards and Travelers Checks are currently mostly NOT ACCEPTED in Myanmar. Only some upscale restaurants and some hotels do accepts credit cards with a surcharge (minimum 4%).As Charging these cards requires going through the Internet, some delays can be experienced if the Internet connection is not working or slow (see chapter internet ).Please make sure to bring enough cash (USD or EUROS) for your purchases and payments. Most hotels accept US Dollars as payment. Please bring new series US Dollars bills (“big heads” instead of “small heads”)and with series number not starting with series numbers not series with CB as these are not accepted in Myanmar due to rumors of these series being counterfeit. Bank notes should be in very good condition and not torn, dirty or washed out.
AIRLINES (DOMESTIC) We use the following 3 domestic airlines: Air Bagan, Air Mandalay and Yangon Airways .All three airlines fly French-Italian ATR turboprop planes ( Avions de Transports Regionaux), a type of plane well suited for the local conditions, airports and distances. The configuration is either 40 seats (ATR-42) or 70-seats (ATR 72) in row of 4 seats with a middle aisle. Entry-exit is at the back of the plane. Standard One-class configuration.Air Bagan operates 1 Fokker-100 Dutch-made jet aircraft with 95 seats, 12 of which are business class seats (Lotus Class – 3 rows of 4 with middle aisle)economy class configuration is: 2 seats — aisle -3 seats .Entry /exit is at the front of the plane.
AIRLINES (INTERNATIONAL) The following airlines currently fly into Myanmar: Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Air Asia, Myanmar Airways International, Malaysia Airlines, Silk Air, Air China ,China Eastern, Mandarin Airlines, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Indian Airlines and Vietnam Airlines.AIRPORT TAX An international airport tax of 10 USD per person is payable cash in USD or FEC (Foreign Exchange Certificates) when departing Myanmar on an international flight. Departure tax is not charged for domestic flights. ARRIVAL FORMALITIESQueue up at the immigration counters with a filled out arrival card and your passport with your visa stamped inside. After passing immigration, collect your luggage from the luggage belt and proceed to the customs counter. Hand over your filled-out customs form. Note that items of vale and currency in excess of 2000 USD are supposed to be declared and taken again on departure, but in practice things are made quite easy for tourists. Also note that mobile phones and laptops are no longer kept in storage on arrivals as is still claimed in some guidebooks.
EXCHAN GET; there is no compulsory exchange of money anymore at the airport even for individual and individual and independent travelers. Please DO NOT CHANGE much Lower (50% less) than what you get in town.US DOLLARS Are accepted for change everywhere and the EURO is getting more and more popular, especially in Yangon. The exchange rate in Yangon is generally better than upcountry. If possible bring new series US Dollar bills (“big heads” instead of “small heads”) and with series numbers not staring with CB as these are not accepted in Myanmar due to rumors of these series being counterfeit. Generally notes should be in very good condition and not torn, dirty or washed out as these will not be accepted in Myanmar, even in many hotels! Most hotels and better restaurants accept payment in USD.
ELDERLY PEOPLE; Some roads in Myanmar are not in the best shape and most of vehicles are also a bit older. For elderly people or those with health and back problems especially, we recommend avoiding longer road trips like Bagan to Kalaw or Inle Lake to Mandalay. In some places like Monywa-Po Win Taung, some jeep rides are planned. Please let us know in advance of people with back problem or who need special attention are traveling in order for us to make necessary arrangements.
ELECTRICITY Myanmar uses 220v, and a mixture of flat 2-pin, or 3 pin plugs. It is recommended to bring a universal plug adaptor. Power outages are quite common but most hotels have their own generator.
ENTERTAINMENT There is not much in the way of western style entertainment in Myanmar but Yangon has some good restaurants and there are a few bars and nightclubs, notably in the city’s international hotels. In the rest of the country, entertainment is mainly confined to the hotels, mainly tourist-orientated restaurants and the ubiquitous Burmese teashops.
FOOD ; The staples of Burmese cuisine are rice, rice noodles, and curries. The main ingredient of the meals is usually rice and the curries tend to be not as those from India or Thailand. A clear soup called hingyo accompanies most meals and a fermented fish sauce or paste called ngapiye is usually served to add to the flavor. Chinese, Indian and European food is restaurants at most tourist places.
CLOTHING Comfortable lightweight clothing in natural fabrics such as cotton is most suitable for traveling in Myanmar. The dress code is fairly casual as in most parts of the tropics but it is advisable to cover arms and legs in the evenings against biting insects. A lightweight raincoat and umbrella are a good idea in the rainy season and the umbrella can also offer useful shade from the sun.
GEMS / PRECIOUS STONES Myanmar Is well known for its riches in precious stone, especially rubies (pigeon-blood )and jade (imperial-jade).Should visitors chose to purchase gems, they do so at their own risk and rely solely on their own judgment and knowledge. Odyssey travel Myanmar does not assume any responsibility for gem and antique purchase through “recommendation” made by our guides. Our guides are instructed not to recommend any specific shop. Even if pressed to do by visitors, the sole responsibility for their purchase lies with the buyer.A relative guarantee for the quality of purchase is given by an official receipt and certificate issued by government-licensed dealers. prices in such shops are higher but are more credible and would theoretically allow you to return the purchase in case you are unhappy or if it is of lesser value.
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