Wassergord Burma Itinerary

A Photographic Journey Through Burma: Land of the Golden Pagoda

November 8 – November 18, 2013

Friday, Nov. 8, 2013 

Monk in Bagan by Seth Lieberman

Meals Provided: L

On arrival in Yangon this morning turn your watches back 30 minutes (from Bangkok) or is it 30 years! After clearing Immigration and Customs formalities transfer to your centrally located luxury hotel for check-in. You will have an hour or so to rest and relax before reconvening for lunch followed by an afternoon orientation tour of the former Burmese capital.

Start with a walk around Yangon’s shaded, tree-lined streets, which were laid out by the British in the typical colonial grid pattern. Explore the downtown’s frenetic markets and fading colonial buildings aboard a trishaw or on foot. Pass Buddhist pagodas, Hindu shrines, Chinese temples, Islamic mosques, Anglican cathedrals, and a Jewish synagogue.

Spend the late afternoon and sunset hours at the awe-inspiring Shwedagon Pagoda. This glistening golden pagoda, which stands over 350 feet tall, is the most revered shrine in the country and is a site that all Burmese Buddhists aspire to visit at least once in their lifetime. Overnight at the Kandawgyi Palace Hotel(Lake Front Deluxe Rooms) – YangonThis elegant property enjoys a splendid location, overlooking tranquil gardens, a beautiful lake, and the fabulous Shwedagon Pagoda. It is a sanctuary in traditional style that excites the senses and soothes the soul.

 

Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013

Meals Provided: B L

Following breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight north to Bagan.

Fly Yangon to Bagan on Air Mandalay 6T 401, departing 06:30, arriving 07:50 Economy Class

Ananda Temple Pagoda by Suzan Black

Upon arrival in Bagan, transfer to your hotel, located in Old Bagan on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River. After settling into your hotel, depart on a full-day exploration of the ancient monuments and temples of Bagan. During its golden age in the 12th century, Bagan was known as “the city of four million pagodas.” While Kublai Khan and several massive earthquakes have reduced that inflated number drastically, what remains is quite incredible.

Explore the principal pagodas and temples of the archeological zone by means of a private vehicle. Built in 1090, the whitewashed and gilded Ananda is among the finest and best-preserved temples, with delicate decorations in glazed tiles along its base and terraces. Late in the afternoon, climb to the summit of a tall, serene structure and watch the sun drop into the distant hills.

Overnight at the Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Hotel (River View Suites) – Bagan. This elegant hotel is the finest in Bagan. Wood, local materials and traditional fabrics compose its sumptuous décor. Nestled on the banks of the mighty Irrawaddy River, overlooking 800 years of history, this charming collection of villas is located in one of the finest subtropical gardens in Asia.

Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013

Meals Provided: B L

A generation before William crossed the English Channel, King Anawrahta ascended to the throne of Bagan, conquered the formidable Mon kingdom of Lower Burma and founded a dynasty that prospered until 1287, when it was overwhelmed by the forces of Kublai Khan. At sunrise, you’ll have a special opportunity to view King Anawrahta’s capital from a hot-air balloon. Your balloon is guided by gentle winds, offering a serene and peaceful bird’s-eye-view of the ancient temples below.

Bagan by Asia Transpacific Journeys

Return to your hotel for breakfast before embarking on another full-day tour of Bagan, beginning with the village of Myinkaba, with the opportunity to explore the local market. From Myinkaba, head to the 12th-century Gubyaukgyi Temple, an Indian-style monument that features exquisite interior murals. On your way back to Old Bagan, visit the Shwesandaw, a graceful 11th-century temple. Climb the terraces and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding temples, including the 14th-century Shwegugyi Temple.

After lunch, continue on an afternoon exploration of Bagan. Begin with the beautiful 12th-century Suliman Pagoda, a classic example of Bagan’s late, sophisticated temple design. Notice the plethora of windows that allowed for improved natural lighting. Also, look for the monastic niches carved into the temple walls, a feature unique among Bagan’s ancient monasteries.

This evening, visit another temple, as you climb high to witness the magnificent sunset.

Overnight at the Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Hotel (River View Suites) – Bagan

Monday, Nov. 11, 2013

Meals Provided: B L

Following breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to Mandalay the last royal capital of Burma.

Fly Bagan to Mandalay on Air Mandalay 6T 401, departing 08:10, arriving 08:40 Economy Class

Amarapura by Suzan Black

On arrival in Mandalay immediately depart on a full day tour of the lovely countryside around Mandalay to explore Amarapura, which has fine pagodas, ruins of the old palace, a Chinese joss house, shops specializing in cotton and silk longyis (the Burmese-style sarong), as well as wood and marble carvings. Also visit local handicraft villages where paper and terracotta pottery is still still make using traditional techniques.

Then proceed to the Sagaing Hills, which sit above the Irrawaddy and are the site of crumbling pagodas and many active shrines. When Mandalay was Burma’s capital, Sagaing was the “annex” town that housed hundreds of Buddhist monks. Explore its beautiful pagodas and the nearby kilometer-long, 16-span Ava Bridge that was built during British rule.

En route back to Mandalay, stop at the U Bein Bridge, a long meandering structure built of teak, spanning a seasonal lake. At sunset, a stroll here is an absolute delight.

Overnight at the Hotel by the Red Canal (Suites) – Mandalay

U-Bein Bridge by Jean-Marie Hullot

Many consider this intimate retreat Mandalay’s best property, a haven of beauty and tranquility in unostentatious style. Beautifully designed rooms feature high ceilings and luscious teak floors, while friendly, attentive service recalls old-world grace.

Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013

Meals Provided: B L

This morning depart the hotel with your guide on a full-day exploration of Mandalay. You’ll first prowl the Zegyo Market with its endless panoply of color, hustle and heady aromas. If feeling adventurous, you may try a bowl of mohinga, fish curry on noodles.

Then your guide will take you on a city tour of Mandalay. The city has many interesting sites including the Shwenandaw Kyaung Pagoda, the Kuthodaw Pagoda with hundreds of marble slabs inscribed with the entire Buddhist Canon and the venerable Mahamuni Pagoda, whose Buddha is covered with gold leaf.

At dusk, watch the sun set from Mandalay Hill before transferring to your hotel for the evening.

Overnight at the Hotel by the Red Canal (Suites) – Mandalay

Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013

Meals Provided: B

Mandalay by Asia Transpacific Journeys

This morning is free to relax or wander around the nearby Mandalay Palace on your own. Fly Mandalay to Kengtung on Air Bagan W9 119, departing 13:10, arriving 15:00 Economy Class

NOTE: Flight to Kengtung only operate on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

Upon arrival in Kengtung this afternoon, transfer into town and settle into your simple, yet comfortable hotel before a leisurely afternoon tour of this unspoiled town, including sunset visits to Wat Pha, That Jom Non, and an evening stroll around Nawng Tung Lake in the center of town. With its surrounding hills, numerous monasteries, and crumbling colonial architecture, this area is one of the more charming towns in Burma.

Overnight at the Princess Hotel (Superior Room) – Kengtung

Thursday, Nov. 14, 2013

Meals Provided: B L

Early this morning, visit Kengtung’s market, one of the most colorful in all of the Shan State, before returning to the hotel for breakfast.

Afterwards, depart on a full day vehicle-based exploration (with some hiking) of the valley’s hilltribe villages, with visits to the Akha village of Ho Lap and the Ang and Lahu village of Pin Tauk.

Overnight at the Princess Hotel (Superior Room) – Kengtung (The only hotel in this village.)

Friday, Nov. 15, 2013

Meals Provided: B L

Shop in Kengtung by Debora Ratliff

This morning there will be a chance to wander Kengtung’s fantastic bazaar, which is one of the most colorful morning markets in Burma. Depart on a half-day excursion to the Akhe village of Wan Sai. This afternoon return to town to freshen up before transferring to the airport for your flight to Heho.

Fly Kengtung to Heho on Air Bagan W9 120, departing 13:50, arriving 14:50 Economy Class

Upon arrival in Heho, you will be met and driven to the town of Nyaung Shwe on the shores of spectacular Inle Lake.

In Nyaung Shwe, board a longtail boat which will be your chief means of transportation as you explore this beautiful area and transfer to your lovely lakeside resort for a much deserved night’s rest.

Overnight at the Villa Inle Resort & Spa (Lake Front Villas) – Inle Lake

The newest addition to the luxury resort scene at Inle Lake the delightful architecture of this hotel draws on the history, tradition and culture of the Shan people. A stylishly appointed interior is complimented by colorful surrounding gardens.

Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013

Meals Provided: B L

Inle Lake by Asia Transpacific Journeys

At sunrise, the glassy waters of the lake reflect the surrounding hills and serene skies with birds everywhere. This morning, head off by boat to explore smaller canals and villages where the locals weave lovely silks and cottons. The local markets rotate regularly from town to town. These are community markets that are held on a rotating basis, in which a particular town or village hosts a market every fifth day. It is a wonderful opportunity to see various ethnic minority people as they trade, sell and barter items in a manner that has remained unchanged for generations. You will have an opportunity to purchase unique items such as baskets, textiles, shoulder bags and traditional foodstuffs.

This morning, arrive at the local floating market on Inle Lake while it is in full swing. Vendors pack their boats and cruise the waters, waiting for someone to wave them down to buy their wares. The market sells a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and tobacco. Produce is grown on “islands” made from dredged-up water plants, covered with fertile mud and anchored by bamboo stakes to the bottom of the lake.

Later today, you will have the opportunity to visit Indein, home to an interesting collection of 16th- and 17th-century temples. Getting there will be half the fun, as you motor across the lake before entering a village and a series of canals and waterways. These will require your boat to speed up in order to breech and cross levies built to irrigate the surrounding fields.

Overnight at the Villa Inle Resort & Spa (Lake Front Villas) – Inle Lake

Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013

Meals Provided: B L

Taunggyi Balloon Festival by Asia Transpacific Journeys

This morning, depart on a journey through the Shan Hills to Taunggyi, a pine-clad hill station and the capital of Shan State. Taunggyi was once a place of respite for the British to escape the lowland heat. Remnants of the colonial era may be seen on the fringes of town, such as the overgrown graveyard, a stone church, a line of cherry trees and a handful of timber cottages.

After settling into your hotel, head over to the festival grounds to join locals at the Taunggyi Fire Balloon Festival at its height, on full moon eve. This visually gorgeous festival is an exuberant celebration with roots that pre-date Buddhism. Revelers light off fireworks and float elaborate paper balloons—some the size of a house—fashioned in the shape of elephants, fish, dragons, ducks, oxen and lanterns. Many are elaborately painted. At night some are lit to wondrous effect with hundreds of votive candles. As the balloons float away the candles eventually light the paper, which in turn sets off a payload of fireworks—a spectacular sight. Festival events also include live music, singing, and traditional dancing in colorful costume. This festival is attended by very few, if any, foreigners and will be a most memorable experience.

Overnight at the Aye Thar Yar Golf Resort (Deluxe Room) – Taunggyi

This is a simple but comfortable hotel, the best available in the area.

Monday, Nov. 18, 2013

Meals Provided: B

Following an early breakfast transfer back to the airport at Heho for your return flight to Yangon.

Fly Heho to Thandwe on Air Bagan W9 121, departing 09:55, arriving 11:05 Economy Class

A Note About Accommodations and Guides

There are no government-run hotels or restaurants used on any part of this trip. All accommodations utilize private guides and privately owned hotels and restaurants to directly benefit locals.

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