Impressions of Burma

After years of isolation, Burma (Myanmar) is emerging as a unique must-see destination and this tour is the perfect introduction to its natural wonders and cultural treasures. Explore the splendours of this diverse and intriguing country and discover the ancient temples of Bagan, the tranquil shores of Inle Lake, local village life and majestic pagodas including Rangoon's resplendent Shwedagon Pagoda. Other fantastic highlights include a visit to the quaint British hill station of Maymyo and a day trip aboard a small cruise ship from Mandalay to Bagan.

Guide

•   This tour is escorted by a local English speaking guide from Day 2 to Day 11.
•   Extensions are not escorted but assistance is provided by our local representatives.
•   Impressions of Burma is a tour operated exclusively for Kuoni UK clients.

MEAL PLAN
•   Prices include breakfast on Days 3 to 11, lunch on Days 5, 6, and 8 to 10 and dinner on Days 5 to 9.
•   Both beach extensions include breakfast daily.

ACCOMMODATION
•   Three and four star accommodation is used throughout. On occasion it may be necessary to use alternative accommodation due to local availability, weather and road conditions.

GROUP SIZE
•   Maximum 14 passengers.

MINIMUM NUMBERS
•   This tour is subject to a minimum number of passengers (please call for details).

GRATUITIES
•   Tips are often the main source of income for those working in the travel industry.
•   Tipping for drivers, guides and porters is at your discretion.

ETHICAL TRAVEL TO BURMA
•   Please call for details.

NB
•   Please note that all passengers are required to pay a domestic airport departure tax of 1000 Kyat per flight sector (approx. US$1.5) and US$10 departure tax in Rangoon.

DAY 1 - LONDON to RANGOON
Thai Airways flight from Heathrow via Bangkok to Rangoon, arriving the next day. Transfer to the Chatrium Hotel for one night. Enjoy an introduction to this charming capital with an afternoon visit to one of the city's most striking landmarks, the octagonal-shaped 2,000 year old Sule Pagoda. The 152-foot golden dome is reputed to contain a hair from the Buddha himself. Photo stop at Karaweik Hall, an ornate barge perched upon two golden hamsa birds on the glittering waters of the Royal Lake. Continue to the six-storey Chauk Htat Gyi reclining Buddha followed by a visit to the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, Burma's most sacred pagoda. The opulent temple complex dazzles visitors with its grandeur - 64 small pagodas surround the gleaming centrepiece that sparkles with thousands of diamonds and rubies.

DAY 3 - RANGOON to MANDALAY
After breakfast transfer to the airport for a 90 minute flight to Mandalay, a former royal capital, now a modern city. Travel to Maymyo and view the Anglican Church of the Hill Station and village. Following lunch visit the Botanical Gardens before transferring to the Manalay Hill Resort for a two night stay.

DAY 4 - MANDALAY

Visit the 150 year-old Mahagandayon Monastery, home to thousands of monks. Here you will watch the precession of the monks through the town and at 11am you can observe them eating their last meal of the day. Continue to the iconic U Bein Bridge, the world's longest teak bridge, built in 1782, followed by a visit to the Bagaya Monastery. After lunch journey to the Myitnge River for a short boat trip across to Innwa (Ava), known as the 'City of Gems'.  Enjoy a charming horse-drawn carriage ride to Nanmyint Watch Tower and the Maha Aungmye Bonzan and Bargayar monasteries before returning to the hotel.

DAY 5 - MANDALAY to BAGAN
Morning transfer to the jetty for a cruise aboard the RV Yandabo (approx. 9-12 hours depending on river conditions) down the Irrarwaddy River to the archaeological city of Bagan, where more than 2,000 temples adorn the vast plains. Disembark and transfer to The Hotel @ Tharabar Gate for a three night stay.

DAY 6 - BAGAN
Take a morning stroll through the colourful local market and tour Bagan's most significant pagodas and temples, including Shwezigon Pagoda which was built by King Anawrahta in the early 11th Century to enshrine sacred relics of the Buddha. According to local legend, if you visit all four replicas in one day then you will enjoy luck and prosperity. Continue your cultural day of exploration with visits to a number of temples including Ku Byanuk Gyi - famed for its spectacular murals of Jakarta scenes and Khay Min Ga - renowned for its fantastic sweeping views of the surrounding area. Afternoon traditional horse and cart ride off the beaten track to some of the city's stunning pagodas.

DAY 7 - BAGAN
A whole day at leisure to explore this fascinating city or choose from two optional excursions (at additional cost and must be booked at time of booking). Option 1: View more of the region's impressive temples including Phaya Thone Zu which is known for its finely preserved 13th Century murals followed by a visit to Kyat Kan Cave monastery, a religious meditation retreat for almost 1,000 years. Afternoon visit to local farming villages for a glimpse of rural life, followed by a traditional ox cart ride to some hidden temples. Option 2: Journey to Mount Popa (approx. 90 minute drive), an extinct volcano named after a flower-eating ogress believed by locals to have once lived there. Ascend the 777 steps to the rocky peak where a shrine is dedicated to local powerful sprits known as 'nats'. Continue to the village of Natpalin and return to Bagan on a scenic temple route.

DAY 8- BAGAN to INLE LAKE
After breakfast transfer to the airport for a flight to Heho (approx. 35 minutes), gateway to the beautiful Inle Lake. Upon arrival drive to Nyaung Shwe (approx. 90 minutes) and take a charming boat ride (approx. 30 minutes) to the Inle Resort for a two night stay. Discover the enchanting floating gardens, local fishing traditions and the indigenous Intha people famous for their innovative rowing technique - using one leg to power an oar. After lunch at a local restaurant on the lake continue to the 18th Century Phaungdaw Oo Pagoda and the Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery where visitors flock to see the famous jumping cats trained by monks. Also visit Inpawkhon, a small village renowned for its silk weaving and silver workshops.

DAY 9 - INLE LAKE
Morning visit to a local market before boarding a boat to the western shore of Inle Lake. Follow steps to the ancient Inn Thein Pagoda complex which features hundreds of crumbling stupas with distinctive weathered domes overgrown with moss - a fantastic contrast for photos. Glide though lush scenery on a return boat trip to your hotel. Later, enjoy dinner and a show.

DAY 10 - INLE LAKE to RANGOON
Travel by boat to Thei Lei Oo, a charming rural village set on the eastern shore of the lake. Follow an agricultural trail through the village and observe local farmers at work as they harvest vegetables, rice and sugar cane. The farmers belong to Inn Tha and Pao ethnic minority groups and they are renowned for their farming skills and organic farming methods. Return by boat to your hotel. After lunch transfer to the airport for your flight to Rangoon (approx. 3 hours) and spend a final night at the Chatrium Hotel.

DAY 11-  RANGOON to LONDON
Take a morning stroll through the Bogyoke (Scott) Market which sells everything from clothes and jewellery to souvenirs and handicrafts. Please note that if you choose the Burma Beach extension you will then fly to Thandwe, otherwise you will visit the Chinese Temple and wander the winding alleys of Rangoon before returning to the hotel. Afternoon transfer to the airport for your Thai Airways flight via Bangkok to Heathrow.

BURMA BEACH

Extend your holiday with a stay on Burma's beautiful Ngapali Beach, a wonderful seaside resort, blissfully sequestered from the busy tourist crowds.

AMATA RESORT & SPA
DAY 11
•   Fly to Thandwe for your 3 night stay at Amata Resort & Spa, Ngapali Beach.

DAY 14
•   Fly from Thandwe to Rangoon and on to Heathrow via Bangkok.