Luxuries of Myanmar
                                  with Boutique River Cruise on the Irrawaddy River                         
                             FEBRUARY 2-FEBRUARY 13, 2013

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.  The joy and optimism of today's events make this a perfect journey.

HIGHLIGHTS
Cruise in luxury from Mandalay to Bagan, with fascinating stops along the way
Discover the spectacular beauty of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon
Capture the mystery and romance of Mandalay
Discover the ancient royal temples and shrines of Bagan
Experience a breathtaking 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

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.  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 BY DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1: FEB 1, 2013  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: Thursday, Feb 3: Yangon - (B,L,D) 
Following breakfast at the hotel, we 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: February 4: 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, laquerware, marionettes and more!  Visit the 100+ years-old beautiful Rangoon Synagogue and meet with Mr. Moses Samuels, the trustee and caretaker of the synagogue. Meander alongside Kandawgyi (Royal) Lake to see the Royal Barge and the Shwedegon Pagoda beyond.

An exciting evening is planned with a dinner reception, where we will be joined by members of the Yangon community for an evening of interesting converstaion and a gourmet dinner.
      Overnight at Strand Hotel, Suites

DAY 4: February 5, Yangon-Mandalay  ( B,L,D):

After breakfast at the Strand, we transfer to the ariport for a flight to Mandalay- the country's cultural center.  Our afternoon 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.  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.  Sunset at Mandalay Hill for the best view of Mandalay.
          Overnight and Dinner show at the Mandalay HIll Resort

Day 5: February 6, Mandalay, Mingun
R.V Paukan:  a luxury boutique ship built in 2007 ( B,L,D)
Morning continuation of sightseeing in Mandalay, then transfer to the Mandalay jetty to embark on a charming cruising boutique hotel:  the elegant Paukan with its fine service and facilities. Sail upstream 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.  Moor overnight at a river village north of Mandalay and be entertained after an onboard dinner by a dance and drama performance by local entertainers.

Day 6: February 8. Sagaing, River Village ( B,L,D)
R.V Paukan:  a luxury boutique ship built in 2007 (B,L,D)

Early morning we begin our cruise downstream, admiring the beauty of the river and life on its banks.  We will go ashore to visit Sagaing, with its hills dotted by hundreds of gleaming white monasteries.  Stop at local villages as we continue our cruise downstream.

DAY 7: February 8, Bagan
After breakfast and a visit to a local river village we will disembark in 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.
 
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 8: February 9 Bagan-Heho/ Pindaya/Inle Lake  (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 sightseeing in Bagan, and then transfer to the airport for the afternoon 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.  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: February 10  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: February 11: 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: February 12: Inle – Yangon (B,D)
This morning we’ll leave by boat and 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.  Time permitting, we'll walk through the villages.  Then proceed to Heho ariport for our flight to Yangon. Dinner is at Le Planteur Restaurant, the finest French restaurant in Yangon.
    Overnight at the Strand Hotel, Suites

DAY 12: February 13: Yangon/Departure (B)
After breakfast, transfer to Yangon Airport for your departure flight.
                                                                        Extension to Bali and Borobudur

                                                            February 14-20 , 2013

A fascinating and fun trip capturing the essence of Indonesia-- arts, culture, ancient ruins, exquisite beaches, and adventure. Attend mesmerizing dances in magical settings; meet with artists and craftsmen in their workshops, trek through terraced rice paddies and visit local villages.  The islands are beautiful and time is built in for relaxation, and even river rafting for those who choose! This trip is punctuated by an exploration of mystical culture, a visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: Borobudur, and the beauty and arts of Bali.

February 14, 2013:  Yangon- Bali ( Ubud)    (B)

Today we will fly, with good connections from Yangon or Bangkok, via Singapore to Denpasar    (Bali).  Upon arrival, we will be met by our guide and transfer to our luxury hotel in Ubud.    Remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight:  Samaya Bali,  Ubud

February 15, 2013:  Ubud (B,L,D)

After breakfast at the hotel, we begin todays sightseeing: an opportunity to explore this unique artist village: Ubud.  Ubud is the geographic and cultural center of the island of Bali- a perfect place to being an exploration of this magical island. This is a village filled with beautiful architectural wonders, palaces, artists’ studios, museums, day and night markets, and wonderful shopping opportunities.  We will visit the Muji Art Gallery , the Painters Collective and the Museum Puri Lukisan, each exhibiting rich traditional and modern Balinese art.  There will be time to visit the Puri Saren Agung palace and the local art market. We have the opportunity to wander the village, the botanical gardens, and the rice paddies.  At sunset we will head to the magnificent Tanah Lot, a fairytale temple on an island in the Indian Ocean.,watching the sun set in this magical location.

Overnight:  Samaya Bali,   Ubud

February 16, 2013:  Bali Tour ( B,L,D)

Today a full day of touring will include:

-          Bat Cave Temple or Goa Lawah at Kusamba, with hundreds of bat hanging on the cave wall.

-          Kertha Gosa Courtyart at Klungkung, is an ancient court building built in Balinese style dedicated to judicial matters.

-          Rice Terrace at Bukit Jambul.  It is situated in the plateau area which is blessed with the beautiful panorama of rice terraces and green coconuts unfolding to the sea.

-          Besakih Mother Temple  - the largest holy site in Bali and home to the island’s Mother Temple, located on the slopes of Mount Agung (3,142 meters). The temple is comprised of 3 main complexes dedicated to the Hindu Trinity. It was built during the late 8th century AD.

-          Penelokan Kintamani (Mount and Lake Batur ).  Mount Batur is located at Kintamani and it has erupted about 24 times since 1800 and still active now. The eruptions have impacted the local life. Lunch overlooking these beautiful sites.

This evening we will witness the exciting traditional Kecak and Fire Dance at Batubulan

Overnight:  Samaya Bali,  Ubud

February 17, 2013:  Bali ( B)

Today is the perfect day to spend in Paradise as you wish.  We will help you with tour arrangements, or you may wish to spend the day at leisure, at the beach, river rafting,touring… as you choose.           Overnight:  SamayaBali, Ubud  Ubud

February 18, 2013:  Bali- Borbordur (B,L,D)

Our early flight to Yogyakarta (Central Java) brings us to the spectacular archeological zone of Borobudur. Here in the early morning light you have the opportunity to experience the beauty and serenity of this world heritage site.  Our Full day tour includes visits to the following:

-          Borobudur Temple: the UNESCO World Heritage  Site built in the 8th century.  Comparable to Angkor Wat, it features 504 Buddha statues in a spectacular setting.  Following we will visit the smaller temples of Mendut and Pawon nearby.

-          In the afternoon we will proceed to Ketep Hill for the spectacular views of the Merapi and Merbabu volcanoes.

       Overnight: Villa Hanis, Yogyakarta

February 19, 2013:  Yogyakarta ( B,L,D)

We’ll travel via Becak (traditional transport) to Tarumartani, the Cigar Factory and the (Sultan’s) Kraton Palace. Continue by bus to the “old Mataram kingdom” to admire the culture of Java through the Kotagede silver works, the Batik home industry, leather handicraft and the Sonobudoyo museum. After lunch we proceed to the magnificent 9th century Hindu temple of Prambanan and adjacent temples. Enjoy the excitement of the famous Malioboro Street bazaar and the old markets of Bringharjo.

Balance of the day is free at leisure.

       Overnight: Villa Hanis, Yogyakarta

February 20, 2013:  Yogyakarta /Departure

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your 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 (Myanmar)
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)
River cruise: www.paukan.com

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  818 458 8118 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

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

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

PAYMENT INFORMATION: 
Deposit of $200 is required to reserve your space.
Full payment is to be made by December  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 dat ein Yangon: 100% of full payment 
 

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