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Myanmar Explorer With Ngapali Beach Extension
Visit: Yangon - Bagan - Mandalay - Inle Lake - Yangon - Ngapali Beach - Yangon
Myanmar, or Burma as it was formerly known, holds great mystery, beauty and legend. From Himalayan Mountains in the north, to stunning ancient temples, enchanting lakes, untouched white sand beaches and soulful people. You’ll enjoy an experience in one of the world’s last unexplored corners in style.
Ngapali – Myanmar’s tropical paradise and premiere beach resort
Ngapali Beach is a tropical paradise of pristine sand, clear blue waters and groves of picturesque coconut palms. Over 10km of white sand beach runs along the Bay of Bengal, with a smattering of only a dozen or so resorts to create a sense of seclusion and hidden discovery. The limited development and small number of visitors means the beach never feels crowded, a dream come true for lovers of the sun, sea and sand. Besides the usual sunbathing and swimming, leisure activities include snorkeling, sailing, scenic walks and bike trips.
Far away from tourist crowds, Ngapali Beach is still a truly undiscovered paradise. The long beach is dotted with charming boutique style resorts built in local materials, the architecture blending harmoniously with the natural surroundings. There are no high rises, no noisy roads, no booming discotheques, no jet-skis and no packed rows of oiled bodies baking in the sun. The stretch of white sand, natural beauty of the blue sea, swaying palm trees and quiet privacy are guaranteed ingredients of an exquisite beach holiday.
Min ga la ba! Welcome to Yangon, Myanmar. You are greeted by your guide and driver at the International airport for your transfer to the hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure; explore the city on your own or relax at the hotel. Overnight in Yangon.
After breakfast, you will start your walking tour of Yangon at the Central Post Office, and then stroll down Strand Road and observe the locals going about their daily lives. Continue walking up Pansodan Street famous for some of Yangon's most impressive colonial architecture, before visiting City Hall and the High Court. Later explore Maha bandoola Garden and visit the National Museum, home to priceless ancient artefacts and Karaweik Hall before watching the sunset at the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda located on top of Singuttara Hill, where many locals and Buddhists come to worship. Overnight in Yangon. (B)
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY
Oil lamp ceremony at Shwedagon Pagaoda Platform
Offering oil lamps upon Shwedagon’s platform is a sombre and distinguished event that is steeped in the Buddhist belief in earning merit through performing good deeds. A typical ceremony begins with the local monks chanting “sutras”, a blessing that bestows a lifetime of good health and happiness. Subsequent to the completion of the ceremony, you can join the locals at the Pavilion and refresh yourself with some Myanmar Tea and traditional snacks. We will have to attain special permission to arrange this unforgettable experience in Myanmar. Therefore, please book at least 4 weeks in advance.
This morning fly 1 hour and 20 minutes to Bagan(cost not included) where upon arrival you will start your sightseeing tour with a visit to the colourful Nyaung U market before exploring the most significant pagodas and temples of Bagan including Shwezigon Pagoda, built by King Anawrahta in the early 11th century as a religious shrine and Ananda Temple, with four standing Buddha images. Next visit the Htilominlo Temple to learn how Burmese sand paintings are created. Afterwards, visit a Lacquer ware craftsmen's workshop and travel through the town of Phwar Saw Village. End the day with a visit to the Aureum Watchtower for a view of the setting sun. Overnight in Bagan. (B)
Morning pick up from your hotel and drive (50km - 1½h) to Mount Popa, the Burmese spiritual epicenter for those who worship the pantheon of Nat spirits and martyrs. After paying respects to the Nat spirits shrine at the foot of Mount Popa, We climb nearly 800 steps to the pagoda perched at the top of the mountain to admire the beautiful views of the surrounding plains and farm lands. Return to Bagan and stop at a typical local village and a family run toddy shop. Here you can see how palm sugar juice toddy is harvested and made to rich and caramel-like toddy candies. Upon arrival in Bagan, back to your hotel where the rest of the day can be spent at leisure. Overnight in Bagan. (B)
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY
Private Sunset Cruise
Enjoy a private sunset cruise on the Ayeryarwaddy River accompanied with local cocktails and snack as the sun sinks slowly behind distant mountains in the horizon and casts golden glow on the pagodas on the river banks. Observe local life on the bustling shores of the river.
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight
Operated: Daily between October & mid-April, 5.30-8.00 or 8.30am
Imagine floating over thousand year old pagodas and the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River, as the sun rises slowly from the horizon over the misty fields and temples. The magic of Bagan has inspired visitors to Myanmar for centuries. One of the most remarkable sights in Asia, where ancient temples dot the landscape as far as the eye can see. The flight duration is approx. 45min to 1hr depending on wind and air currents and other local factors. Balloons team will pick you up from the hotel and transfer to the launch site. After briefing session, set off for the spectacular flight. Upon landing enjoy glass of champagne and light snack prior transfer back to your hotel.
After an early morning breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Mandalay(cost not included). Arrive in Mandalay the last of the royal cities and is encompassed by smaller capital cities dotted around its edges. The centerpiece of the city is the reconstructed palace which is surrounded by a large moat. Visit Mahamuni Pagoda with its statues created in Buddha’s true likeness. Shwenandaw monastery and see the largest book in the world at Kuthodaw Pagoda, where stories are etched upon 79 stone tablets. Take a short drive to the nearby jetty for a boat ride upstream on the Ayeyarwady River from Mandalay to Mingun (11 km, about one hour). The river is always busy - small longtail boats, bamboo rafts and ferries carry goods up and down the river. Visit the Mingun Bell, which at 87 tons is the world's largest intact bronze bell. Continue to the beautiful Hsinbyume (Ma Thein Tan) Paya and the unfinished, mighty Mingun Pagoda (built to be the world's biggest) before returning downriver to Mandalay. Visit a traditional handloom silk workshop and Kalaga tapestries craftsmen’s shop before proceeding to Mandalay Hill for a spectacular sunset with vistas across the city. Overnight in Mandalay. (B)
This morning, visit Amarapura with its working monastery dating back to 1783 and silk weaving workshop. Travel to Sagaing this afternoon, a former Shan capital in the 14th century with many impressive stupas scattered on its hill, and the Tha Kya Di Kya nunnery. This nunnery is less well-known than the Mahagandyon monastery and therefore has fewer tourists and is an authentic insight into daily life for the nuns here. Continuing to the U Bein Bridge, this teak wood bridge built 200 years ago spans 1.2km across the Taung Thaman Lake and is the longest teak bridge in the world. U Bein Bridge, silhouetted by the setting sun, is a magical experience and a photographer’s dream. Overnight in Mandalay. (B)
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY
Mandalay by night
Pick up from your hotel and take the light truck to explore the Mandalay night. On board, listen to Myanmar music, sip rum sours and chit-chat about local life. Stop for photos of some of Mandalay's famous sites, illuminated at night. And of course, this would be a paradise for food lovers like you. Taste some of the best night-time snacks to sample- rubbing shoulders with the locals as you tuck into Mandalay favorites like barbeque pork, spicy malar noodles, fried pancakes and much more. The menu changes night-to-night but there will be plenty to choose. At the end of the tour, head to a local 'beer station' to enjoy a dinner of barbeque dishes. After that, return back to your hotel.
This morning board your 30-minute flight to Heho(cost not included). Upon arrival drive to Inle Lake, on the way before arriving at Nyaung Shwe, you will stop at Shwe Yan Pyae monastery which is a charming red painted teak monastery, built in the early 19th Century. Afterward, proceed driving to Inle Lake. The Lake is most famous for the extraordinary lives of the people who live on and around it, known as the ‘Intha’. They are famous for their boat rowing technique; using only one leg! There are many villages surrounding the lake and several temples and floating gardens.
Next, visit the Phaungdaw Oo Pagoda, the holiest religious site in southern Shan State. We also visit the boat construction workshop at Nampan village and stop to see some traditional handicrafts - silk weaving on wooden handlooms in Inpawkhon village, a cheroot-maker's workshop and a blacksmith's forge. Continue by boat to visit Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries on the lake, where you can see exquisite Buddha statues which are more than 200 years old. Return to your hotel by boat as the sun lowers and the light softens over the lake. Overnight in Inle Lake. (B)
If it coincides with your visit you will explore one of the 5-day rotating markets in the area - a fascinating insight into the life-style of the ethnic Pa-O, Danu and Intha people who visit these markets to buy and sell. Next, board your boat to the western shore of the lake where you will find the beginning of a stair path leading to the Indein Pagoda complex. Visit one of the most amazing historical sights on the shore of the lake consisting of hundreds of small stupas overgrown by moss and greens. Continue on foot to a village nearby where several crops are grown in traditional ways. Walk in an easy pace along one of the many creeks passing through rice fields to the village of Sae Ma. Visit the primary school of the village where you have the possibility to meet the children and teachers to observe their way of learning and teaching (during break time on school days only). Cruise over to a local family’s home, perched high above the lake on stilts. Hop off at their personal dock where you will be greeted by the family, shown their home, and then treated to a traditional Burmese meal! Overnight in Inle Lake. (B/L)
OPTIONAL ACTIVITY
Wine tasting at Red Mountain Estate Vineyards & Winery
Visit Myanmar's premier vineyard, on the slopes of mountain range rising east of the Inle lake. Sample the produce whilst enjoying enchanting views over the lake. The Red Mountain Estate Vineyards & Winery, is a collaboration between local Pa-Oh and a French vintner. You’ll take a tour of their wine-making facilities before settling down at their hilltop restaurant for a tasting with red and white wine and enjoy the panoramic view.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Heho Airport for your flight back to Yangon. (cost not included)
Upon arrival, we are going to the famous Bogyoke (Scott) Market (closed on Mondays and public holidays) which is a great shopping spree with hundreds of food, clothes, handicrafts and gems stores. In the late afternoon, we will visit the Botataung Pagoda located nearby the Yangon River. This restored Pagoda is unique as it is hollow inside allowing visitors the opportunity to walk through and admire different relics and artifacts on display.
In the evening, visit the busy area of Chinatown with numerous street vendors and markets. Overnight in Yangon. (B)
Pick-up from your hotel and transfer to Yangon airport for domestic flight to Thandwe (Ngapali)(cost not included). Upon arrival to Thandwe airport, you will be welcomed by your hotel transfer rep and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Ngapali.
Breakfast at your hotel. Rest of the day is for enjoying pristine beaches of Ngapali, relaxing in the shade of palm trees by the sea. Active visitors can choose from visiting the colourful local market in Thandwe (Sandoway), biking along the coast to surrounding villages, or hiring a boat to go fishing or sailing against the coastal backdrop of the Rakhine hills. Overnight in Ngapali.(B)
This morning, after check out you will be transferred by hotel shuttle bus to Thandwe Airport for your flight to Yangon and with connecting flight to your next destination. (B)
Inclusion
-12 nights shared Accommodation in twin/double room with daily breakfast
- All transfers and transportation with air-con vehicles (types of vehicles depending on the number of pax):
o 1-2pax: Saloon car or similar
- From transfers from/to Thandwe – Ngapali Hotel will be provided by the hotel
- Local ENGLISH speaking station guides
- All entrance fees as program
- Meals (B/L/D) (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) as indicated in the program (Local food)
- 02 bottles of mineral water per person per day on bus on days of transfer and sightseeing only
Exclusion
- Airfares (international and domestic)
- Meals (other than mentioned in the program)
- Drinks
- Visa to Myanmar
- Mineral water beyond that supplied
- Tips
- Early check in or late check out
- Insurances
- Optional excursions and activities
- Additional transfer required due to any emergency situation
- Items of a personal nature (Phone calls, laundry, beverages…)
- Peak season surcharges if any
- All not mentioned above
Note
Surcharge for Domestic and Regional Airfare will be added as per applicability
Surcharge for Optional Activities & Excursions are available on request
No early check in or late checkout is included except those indicated in the program.
Generally, the check in time is 14.00 pm and check out time is 12.00 pm.
Visa into Myanmar is required except for countries who have signed the visa exemption contracts.
Remarks: Passport must be valid 6 months ahead since the time of departing the visited country
Compulsory dinners on Dec 24th (Christmas), Dec 31st (New Year) or Myanmar New Year will be advised at time of booking.
Hotel List
3* Hotels
City Hotel Room Type
Yangon Hotel Shwe Yee Superior
Bagan Royal Aykare Lodge Superior
Mandalay Nwe Waddy Hotel Superior
Inle Lake Inle Garden Hotel Villa
Ngapali Yoma Cherry Lodge Garden View
4* Hotels
City Hotel Room Type
Yangon Rose Garden Superior
Bagan Amata Garden Resort Amata Deluxe
Mandalay Eastern Palace Hotel Deluxe
Inle Lake Amata Garden Resort Deluxe
Ngapali Beach Amata Ngapali Beach Resort Deluxe
5* Hotels
City Hotel Room Type
Yangon The Strand Hotel Superior Suite
Bagan Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort Jasmine/Orchid Villa Lake View
Mandalay Mercure Mandalay Hill Resort Superior
Inle Lake Inle Princess Resort Lake Houses
Ngapali Beach Ngapali Bay Villas & Spa Sea View Villas with Terrace
Tour Category
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