HOLIDAY JOURNEY IN MYANMAR:         
                      Celebrations in the Golden Land
                              DECEMBER 12-23, 2012

                   Extension to Mrauk U: December 23-27

EXOTIC MYANMAR... THE SPLENDOR OF OLD ASIA, SEEMINGLY UNTOUCHED BY TIME... THE MAGIC OF MANDALAY, THE MAGNIFICENT TEMPLES OF BAGAN, THE BUSTLE OF YANGON.  MYNMAR IS A CAPTIVATING TRAVEL DESTINATION.

Myanmar Shalom Tours in Yangon with ASIAN ODYSSEYS, USA, have created an itinerary that is rich and rewarding.  Included are major singhtseeing highlights and fascinating cultural experiences.   Colorful markets, talented artisans and beautiful natural scenery await us.  Isolated from modern influence for decades, each element of this journey offers an opportunity for an exciting and fulfilling adventure. Holiday celebrations in Yangon and remote Mrauk U, coupled with the joy and optimism of Myanmar today make this a perfect journey.

HIGHLIGHTS
Discover the spectacular beauty of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon
Celebrate the Chanukah Holiday with the Yangon Community
Capture the mystery and romance of Mandalay
Discover the ancient royal temples and shrines of Bagan
Experience a breath- taking sunrise hot air balloon adventure
Explore traditional, dazzling Tribal markets
Explore the waterways of Inle Lake by private boat
Stay in stunning deluxe hotels
Enjoy candle-light dinners at pagoda ruins and gourmet food throughout
Extend your journey: voyage to fascinating Mrauk U
With a focus on the culture, people, arts and sights of Myanmar, we will see fairy tale pagodas, fascinating architecture and lively street llife.  We will stay at deluxe boutique hotels and enjoy gourmet cuisine throughout.  Guides are carefully chosen for their wealth of knowledge and their ability to help us understand Myanmar's diverse cultures and sights.  The warmth and hospitality of the local people will make this journey memorable.  This is an ideal time of the year to visit Myanmar, with near perfect weather.  Join with a small group for a trip that is exciting, exotic and fun.

CUSTOMIZED EXTENSIONS BEFORE OR AFTER THIS JOURNEY TO ANGKOR COMPLEX, CAMBODIA, LAOS, THAILAND, INDIA, AND BEYOND.

DAY 1: December 12, 2012   ARRIVAL:  
Upon arrival in Yangon, you are met by our Agency representative and tour guide at the airport and transferred to our historic Victorian era hotel, The Strand, where our luxury suites await.  Formerly known as Rangoon, current day Yangon is a bustling and lively city.  The remainder of the day is free for rest and recovery from jet lag.
     Overnight: Strand Hotel, Suites

DAY 2: December 13 : Yangon - (B,L,D) 
Following breakfast at the hotel, we will begin to tour the highlights of the city.  We will begin our introduction to the city by walking to the river- historically the source of all transportation in Myanmar.  We take a ferry across the river to Dalah with the locals for the view, the market and a taste of delta life.  Back on the city side, we'll stop at the glittering Botataung Pagoda which will dazzle and impress.

Following lunch and time to view the treasures in the National Museum, we will visit the highlight of our trip:  the Shwedagon Pagoda.  Nothing will prepare you for the majesty of this complex, with it's glittering gold stupa.  At the pagoda we observe local pilgrims and monks offering their devotions amidst the dazzling golden spire glowing with the reflection of the setting sun.  We'll join together at the Strand for a welcome dinner.
     Overnight: Strand Hotel, Suites

DAY 3: December 14: Yangon ( B,L,D)
Today enjoy a private tour to visit the key sights of Yangon's traditional colonial-style city center, bustling markets, and majestic temples. We will stroll through the Chinatown and India-quarter areas to get a sense of the city. Stop at Bogyoke Market, a sprawling 75 yr old complex noted for its weath of interesting arts and handicrafts, antiques, gems, laquerward, marionettes and more!   Meander alongside Kandawgyi (Royal) Lake to see the Royal Barge and the Shwedegon Pagoda beyond.

An exciting evening of celebration is planned. We will visit the 100+ year old  Yangon Synagogue and meet with Mr. Moses Samuels, the trustee of the synagogue and members of the Jewsih Community on the 7th night of Chanukah to celebrate together the Festival of Lights in the "Golden Land"--Burmese Style!  A  unique moving and meaningful experience for particiapants and members of the community as we join together along with members of the Israeli Embassy and invited guests. 
      Overnight at Strand Hotel, Suites

DAY 4: December 15, Yangon-Bagan  ( B,L,D):

After breakfast at the Strand, we transfer to the ariport for a flight to  Bagan and begin our exploration of the temples. One of the great sights of Asia, Bagan is not to be missed! Pagoda after pagoda, large and small, rise up from the Irrawaddy delta- a great deserted royal city. Bagan flourished from 1057 to 1287. . . 2500 temples survive today.

Upon our arrival, we’ll stroll through a busy local market and continue on to a diverse selection of the most important pagodas and temples such as Ku Byauk Gyi, with its exquisite murals and Ananda Temple, a whitewashed masterpiece of Mon architecture. Check in at our hotel in the late morning. Lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the Irrawaddy River. A visit to lacquer craftsmen and workshops in nearby Myinkaba village includes meeting with Aung Mying, a laquerware artist world-renown for producing pieces of exceptional quality, and written about in the book, Burmese Laquerware. Sightseeing continues with visits to Manuha Temple, Nanbaya Temple, and Myingaba Gu Byaukgyi Temple. We’ll watch the sunset atop one of Bagan’s ancient monuments.

For those interested, we will arrange touring this afternoon with a professional, award winning photographer, Maung Maung, whose photography specializes in the temples of Bagan.  His books, Myanmar Smiles, and Magan Maung Maung are sold throughout the country.  (optional)

Candlelight dinner in the courtyard of an ancient temple ruin to the accompaniment of traditional Burmese dance and music.
     Overnight at Thiripyitsaya Sakura Hotel


Day 5: December 15:  Bagan/ Mt Poppa, Salay  ( B,L,D)    (Optional: Balloons Over Bagan)
Today we have a unique opportunity to see the ancient city of Bagan from a different perspective. From a hot air balloon, we’ll get a magnificent aerial view of thousand-year old pagodas and temples and rural villages nestled along the Irrawaddy River as we glide aloft for about an hour. A champagne celebration concludes our adventure. We return to the hotel for breakfast.

Continue to Salay, a Bagan-era village 22 miles south of Bagan, rooted in 12 and 13th century architecture and buildings.  Visit a few of the 19th century wooden monasteries and some Bagan-era shrines as well as untouched British colonial buildings.  Stop at the exciting Salay market before continuing on to Mt. Poppa.

Lunch at the Mt Poppa Resort

Mt Poppa is a fairy tale looking temple, sitting on an extinct volcano.  It is also the home to " 37 official nats"
animist spirits who cause mischief or protect the locals.  Burma's Buddhist population is both religious and superstitious and the Buddhist traditions are infused with animist beliefs as well.  Walk up the 777 steps through covered walkways, accompanied by a few resident monkeys, to the extraordinary views below.

         Overnight at the Thiripyitsaya Sakura Hotel, Riverview Suites


DAY 6:  December 16   Bagan- Mandalay  ( B,L,D)
Morning flight to Mandalay- the country's cultural center.  Our day of comprehensive sightseeing includes the Mahumni Pagoda with it's spectacular Buddha image covered in gold leaf and interesting shop stalls at it's entrance.  Next, visit the Golden Palace Monastery, famous for its intricate woodcarvings.  Continue on to the Kuthodaw Pagoda, knows as the world's largest book due to the Buddhist scriptures carved on 729 marble slabs.  Walk over the 200 yr old teak U Bein Bridge, probably the most photographed site in Myanmar.  Visit Mandalay Hill to see the best view of Mandalay as the sun sets. 
           Overnight and Dinner show at the Mandalay HIll Resort

Day 7: December 18, Mandalay, Mingun
In the morning we will cruise by private boat to Mingun, home to the impressive Mingun Bell- the world's largest intact bronze bell, the Mingun Paya and lanes filled with art galleries and bullock cart taxis.  

Following our return to Mandalay and lunch at the Riverside Restaurant, return to the hotel for an afternoon of sightseeing or a chance to enjoy the magnificent facilities at our hotel.
         Overnight and Dinner show at the Mandalay HIll Resort


Day 8: December 19:  Mandalay- Heho-Pindaya- Inle Lake ( B,L,D)
After breakfast,  transfer to the airport for the  flight to Heho, the gateway to Inle Lake and the Shan States.  Known as the most beautiful lake in Myanmar, Inle Lake's calm waters are surrounded by high hills and dotted with floating gardens and stilted villages.  Drive to Pindaya to visit the Pinday Caves, a unique site housing thougsand of beautiful Buddha images placed there by pilgrims and devotes over the centuries.  Visit the local houses wherre families produce beautiful Shan paper and parasols. A scenic drive takes us to Nyaung Shwe, a small jetty where we pick up our private boat for a 30-minute ride to our hotel, located on the shores of the lake.

Dinner at the spectacular "Wine Cellar" at the Inle Princess Resort.
       Overnight at Inle Princess Resort/ Lakefront view chalet

DAY 9: December 20   Inle lake -  (B,L,D)
After breakfast, an exciting morning visit to the rotating "5-Day Market" to observe Shan ethnic tribes who come to buy and sell a variety of goods: a first-hand glimpse into the lives of the Pa-O, Danu and Intha hill tribes. It is a fascinating hodgepodge of fruits and flowers, flopping fish and tribal people, each in their distinctive traditional dress. It is a feast for the senses and a photographer’s dream.

Following lunch at a restaurant on stilts in the center of the lake, we return to the hotel for an opportunity to enjoy the facilites of the hotel or take a hike into the surrounding tribal villages with a guide.
     Overnight at Inle Princess Resort/ Lake Front View Chalet

DAY 10: December 21: Inle Lake- Indein ( B,L,D)
This morning will be spent exploring beautiful Inle Lake. We continue our sightseeing in Inle Lake, maneuvering by boat through long, scenic channels where we can watch the farmers cultivate their produce in "floating gardens." We will visit the fascinating village of Indein, with its complex of ancient shrines and stupas and walk though exotic colonnades of stairways and shop stalls. We’ll visit the "long neck" tribal women, and weaving and craft villages perched on stilts. See the lake’s unique "leg rowers" – the Intha people row standing up with one leg wrapped around an oar. Dinner at the hotel or fine traditional Shan restaurant. 
     Overnight, Inle Princess Resort, Lake Front View Chalet

DAY 11: December 22:  Inle – Yangon (B,D)
This morning we’ll leave by boat for the jetty and a drive to Heho ariport for our flight to Yangon.
Lunch is on your own account.
The afternoon is free to discover Yangon on  your own, to visit the Bogye Market for last minute shopping, to explore the Gems Museum or your choice of activity...or relaxation.

Dinner is at Le Planteur Restaurant, the finest French restaurant in Yangon.
    Overnight at the Strand Hotel, Suites

DAY 12: December 23: Yangon/Departure (B)   or Extension to Mrauk U
After breakfast, transfer to Yangon Airport for your departure flight.

EXTENSION TO MRAUK U
DECEMBER 23-27, 2012

Day 1: December 23  Yangon-Sittwe (B,L,D)
This morning, following breakfast, we'll leave by air for Sittwe, in Northern Rakhaing State, bordering Bangladesh. A city filled with a mix of tribal groups, this town sits on an incredible spot where the river meets the Bay of Bengal.  The wild fish market here is one of Myanmar's most fascinating markets.  The rice market and viewpoins are quite interesting.  This was a historical capital of Burma under British rule and the Rakhaing capital for 354 years. 

Day 2: December 24  Sittwe- Mrauk U (B,L,D)
This morning we take a comfortable speedboat (4-5  hours) upriver to Mrauk U, accessible only by boat.  Lunch will be served onboard.  Mrauk U, sometimes called "Little Bagan" is an ancienty city of 700+ temples dating from 1420-1784, that remain very much alive.  Often looking like forts due to their thick walls, the temples are set in gorgeous scenery peppered with shepherds and farmers who remain in the temple area.  It is a Myanmar highlight, yet quite un-touristed.
      Christmas Eve Celebrations in Mrauk U with gourmet dinner...an unforgettable way to spend this holiday!
      Overnight, Mrauk U Princess Resort, Villas

Day 3:  December 25   Mrauk U  (B,L,D)
Following breakfast we embark on a full lday of sightseeing, including the site of the Grand Palace, the Shittaung Paya, Mrauk U's most complex temple with its sandstone obelisk inscribed in Sanscrit and a selection of the most interesting archeological sites in the area.  We will also have an opportunity to visit the Chin villages, to witness the famous Chin "tattooed faces" on elder women.
      Christmas Celebrations in Mrauk U.
      Overnight, Mrauk U Princess Resort, Villas


Day 4: December 26  Mrauk U- Sittwe- Yangon  (B, L,D)
This morning we return by boat to Sittwe, then fly onward to Yangon.  Resto fo day at leisure.
       Overnight and dinner at the Governor's Residence, Yangon

Day 5: December 27  Yangon- Departure (B)
Breakfast at hotel.
Day at leisure until your transfer to Yangon Airport for departure flight.
Myanmar Shalom
Since 2005, Myanmar Shalom Tours & Travels has designed and arranged tours for the Western traveler, carefully crafted to the needs and interests of each individual group. Our local guides, sightseeing programs, hotels and restaurants are carefully chosen to provide an insightful, authentic and meaningful connection to Myanmar’s people and to directly benefit the local economy.

Asian Odysseys
For the past 15 years, Ellen Mayer has been designing Southeast Asian journeys for individuals and groups, arranging travel and leading tours for nationally recognized tour agencies and consulates. She is noted for creating meaningful itineraries, specializing in people--to-people contacts. She has returned to Myanmar year after year with small groups to experience and explore the culture, the arts, and the mystical sights of this magical land. Ellen is Professor Emeritus, California State University and  an independent agent with InteleTours.com. and Upul's Travel Service, Los Angeles.

Hotels
Stunning boutique and luxury hotels in traditional Burmese style, with all modern amenities, provide a beautiful and peaceful ambiance for the discriminating traveler.
Yangon:  The Strand Hotel ( superior suite)
Mandalay:  Mandalay Hill Resort
Bagan:  Thiripyitsayar Sakura (Riverview Suites)
Inle Lake:  Inle Princess Resort (Lake Front View Chalet)
Mrauk U: Mrauk U Princess Resort, Villa

Weather
At this time of the year, expect little rainfall, plenty of sunshine, and temperatures ranging from 50-60 degrees F at night to 85 F during the day. Nights at Inle Lake can get chilly, so plan accordingly.

Costs
Call: 818 222 8313 or email: asianodysseys@gmail.com for full pricing options.


Tour Inclusions:
Hotel accommodations with daily breakfast
All domestic air tickets/ boat and horse cart adventures 
All sightseeing touring and transfer service with private car
English speaking guide throughout tour
All tipping for guides, drivers, meals as indicated on itinerary, luggage
Porter fees at airports
All entrance fees for places as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All meals as specified in the itinerary
  • Porter fees at the airports
  • Departure gift and service charges
  • Pre-trip materials, including a travel guide
Tax and Service charges

 Tour Exclusions:
  • International Airfare
  • Extra personal beverages
  • Passport, Visa, excess baggage fees, medical/evacuation insurance or other items of a personal nature

PAYMENT INFORMATION: 
Deposit of $200 is required to reserve your space.
Full payment is to be made by October 1, 2012
(specific details will be provided to travelers)

Cancellation Policy:
60-30 days prior to arrival: 30% of full payment
30 to 15 days prior to arrival: 50% of full payment
14 to arrival datein Yangon: 100% of full payment
Less than 7 days prior to arrival: 50% of full payment
For Inle Princess Hotel: the rate of one night per room penalty fee applied once confirmed 


For further information or references, please contact Ellen Mayer at:
asianodysseys@gmail.com  or  1.818.458.8118 (U.S.)

Information about flight bookings, extensions to Laos, Cambodia, Thailand or elsewhere in Asia available upon request.


Asian  Odysseys         
asianodysseys@gmail.com          
asian-odysseys.com       
818.458.8118
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