14days/12
nights - Highlight of Cambodia & Myanmar
Highlights:
Siemreap – Phnompenh – Bangkok – Yangon Mandalay -
Amarapura - Sagaing – Ava - Monywa - Bagan - Mount Popa
Bagan - Heho - Pindaya - Inle lake – Yangon –- Bangkok
Day 1: Arrival Siemreap (B)
Breakfast and transfer to airport for the flight to
Siem Reap. On arrival at Siem Reap International
Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. The town
of Siem Reap is our base for visiting the world famous
temples of the ancient city Angkor, which was l the
capital of the powerful Khmer Empire from 802 AD to 1350
AD. Arrival transfer to our hotel. At leisure. Overnight
in Siem Reap.
Day 2: Angkor Wat(B)
Today, we will visit the wondrous ancient ruins with
the South Gate of Angkor Thom, which is famous for its
series of colossal human faces carved in stone, the
impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure,
Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the
Leper King and the largest as well as the most complete
temple of Angkor Wat. Afternoon visit the temple of Ta
Prohm, with enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers
embracing themselves in the stone foundations of the
structure giving the impression of man's creation being
reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature is an
incredible sight. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 3: Angkor Wat. (B)
Heading out of the town, we visit some outlying sights
including the Preah Dark village, the intricately carved
and well preserved temple of Banteay Srei, the River of
1000 Lingas, locally named Kbal Spean and the Banteay
Samre Temple, with its impressive relieves depicting
scenes of Vishunu as well as Krishna legends. We visit
Roluos Group of temples including Lo Lei, Preah Ko,
Bakong. The remainder of the day is free for your own
exploration of the town and strolling around the
shopping area. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 4: Siem Reap – Phnom Penh (B)
Transfer to airport for the flight to Cambodia. The
capital city of Phnom Penh was once considered the
loveliest city of Indochina. Despite its recent
turbulent history, it still maintains considerable
charm. A half day city tour acquaints us with some major
sights of Phnom Penh. The private quarters of the Royal
Palace are now home to the royal family and are
therefore very close to the public. At the northern area
of the palace grounds is Silver Pagoda, which is the
most sacred temple in the country. We visit both
structures as well as the National Museum, with an
excellent collection of actefacts illustrating the
splendor of Khmer history. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 5: Phnom Penh – Bangkok - Yangoon(B)
Transfer to airport for the flight flight to Bangkok
(TG696 @ 08h30-09h30) and onward to Yangon (PG 701 @
12h00-12h45). On arrival at Mingaladon airport , you are
met and transferred to hotel. Yangon, formerly known as
Rangoon has been the capital city only since 1885
although some settlements in this site date back about
2,500 years. This colorful metropolis features an
intriguing mix of the scenes from a bygone era and the
modern tempo of bustling streets punctuated by serene
temples and impressive colonial edifices. After checking
into hotel, you spend the time for your own free time.
Overnight at Kadawgyi Palace hotel (superior room) or
similar
Day 6: Yangon – Mandalay(B)
Upon leaving the town we catch a short flight to
Mandalay . Arrival transfer to our hotel. We then take a
boat trip on the mighty Irrawaddy River. The lively
waterfront with working buffaloes offers a spectacular
backdrop as we cruise upriver to Mingun. We wander
around this site, marveling at the unfinished huge
pagoda, the world’s largest bell of Mingun and the
beautiful white Hsinbyume Pagoda. Return back to
Mandalay City. Here is plenty to see, some of which are
the Mahamuni Pagoda, the fabulous Kuthodaw Pagoda often
called “ the world's largest book “ and the wooden
monastery of Shwenandaw Kyaung. This structure is still
standing over centuries, despite of all vicissitudes of
the city. We include these sights in a half day city
tour which also gives us a chance to ascend Mandalay
hill for a beautiful sunset view of the surrounding
areas. Overnight at Sedona Hotel (Superior room) or
similar.
Day 7 Mandalay - Amarapura - Sagaing - Ava(B)
The great cultural city of Mandalay was a former capital
of Burma; however many outlaying towns could lay claim
to the same title at some stages in the past. Today we
visit the town to one of these ancient cities, Amarapura.
The spectacular teak bridge of U Bein and the famous
Mahaganda Monastery are a highlight of our visit to
Amarapura. We then cross over the mighty Irrawaddy River
to the picturesque Sagaing Hill. This lush area is
covered in 600 white painted pagodas and monasteries,
and is therefore regarded as the religious centre of
Myanmar. After visiting Sagaing, we transfer to the
ruin of Ava and embark on a horse and carriage to
explore the old wooden Bagaya Monastery and the remains
of the Royal Palace. Overnight at Sedona Hotel (Superior
room).
Day 8: Mandalay - Bagan(B)
Transfer to airport for the flight 08.30/09.00 to
Bagan. Arrival transfer to our hotel. We then visit this
enchanting town flourished from the 11th till 13th
century when religious fervors launched a 200 year
building of thousands huge stupas and temples, many of
which are still standing today on the banks of the
Irrawaddy River. We visit the vibrant market of Nyaung U
before taking a short drive to the archeological zone.
The sightseeing tour enables us to explore many
magnificent landmarks including Shwezigon, Gubyaukgyi,
Htilominlo, Ananda, Thatbyinnyu, Sulamani, Dhammyangyi.
These temples and pagodas bear statement to a glorious
past. The perfect way to round off the day is watching
the spectacular sunset from the upper terrace of
Myaukguni Temple. Overnight at Thiripyitsaya hotel
(Superior room).
Day 9: Bagan - Mount Popa - Bagan(B)
Today we enjoy a half day tour of Bagan, seeing some
temples scattered around the tranquil village of
Minnanthu. These structures are Tayokepyay, Payathonezu
and Namdamanya which reveal some exquisite murals of
the13th century. The following sight is Kyat Kan Cave
Monastery, a famous meditation retreat in Bagan. Heading
out of the town, we make our way to the imposing Mount
Popa. This extinct volcano boasts the region’s highest
peak, but the main attraction in this place is the
smaller one, Popa Taungkalar, dedicated to the local
legendary "nat" spirits. After a scenic drive, we arrive
at this site and ascend the Popa Taungkalar for a
beautiful panoramic view over the surrounding areas.
There are 777 steps which wind around the outcrop,
leading to the gilded stupa and monastery at the summit.
Overnight at Thiripyitsaya hotel (Superior room).
Day 10: Bagan - Heho - Pindaya - Inle lake(B)
After breakfast we board a short flight to Heho. On
arrival we meet up with our vehicle and enjoy two hour
drive into the Shan Plateau, passing through the
picturesque countryside and the rolling hills towards
Pindaya. This magnificent cave in a tranquil setting of
limestone outcrops and scenic lakes, houses thousand
Buddha images of various shapes and sizes, all brought
there by devoted pilgrims. On arrival in Pandaya we
enjoy a walk exploring this sacred cave and seeing the
traditional production of Shan paper and parasols at a
nearby village. The journey continues on to Inle Lake, a
famous wonder of Myanmar. O/N at Lake View Resort
(Superior room) http://www.inlelakeview.com or similar.
Day 11: Inle Lake(B)
The picturesque scenery blending with the sky and
floating gardens rising from the clear water of the lake
is nothing short of spectacular. We board our boat for a
leisurely trip on the lake which also gives us a chance
to visit some gardens and catch a glimpse of the local
Intha fishmen famous for their rowing technique. These
people power their narrow boats by twisting their legs
around their oars, a remarkable feat of agility and
control. Along the way, we anchor to visit the Phaung
Daw Oo Pagoda, the Jumping Cat Monastery with a
beautiful collection of antique Buddha statues and the
rotating rural market. This colourful congregation is
held in different villages every five days, and attracts
numerous ethnic minorities who converge from the
surrounding villages to trade their goods. O/N at Lake
View Resort (Superior room).
Day 12: Inle Lake - Yangon(B)
This moring, we will have breakfast at hotel before
transferring to airport for flight back to Yangon. After
checking into hotel, you will have a full sighseeing
tour. The enormous reclining Buddha of Chaukhtatgyi in a
quiet and open air pavilion is not to be missed. We
visit this sight before continuing to the National
Museum with a lovely display of treasures as well as
artefacts reflecting the richness of Burmese culture.
The next stop of our trip is Mahabandoola Park where
the colonial courthouse and the city hall are standing.
Upon leaving this landmark we enjoy a rickshaw excursion
through the colonial area and the famous Strand road to
the bustling harbour. We follow this with a trip to the
oldest Chinese temple of Kheng Hock Keong in China Town
and the lively Bogyoke Aung San Market, formerly Scott’s
market, which sells a wide variety of local goods and
handicrafts. We then continue to visit the world famous
Shwedagon Pagoda, and to witness the sun set at this
site. Overnight at Kandawgyi hotel (Superior room)
Day 13: Yangon – Bago - Yangon(B)
Today we make our way north west to Bago which was
once the capital of a former Mon Kingdom. The colossal
reclining Buddha of Shwethalyaung boasts the most
impressive sight in this town while the Shwemawdaw
Pagoda is extremely venerated. We visit both structures
as well as the four giant Buddha images at Kyaikpon
Pagoda before wandering around the vibrant, colorful
central market. The return trip begins as we depart Bago
and pass through the scenic countryside. Along the way,
we stop to visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery nearby
Htaukkyan and the woven bamboo factory. Overnight at
Kadawgyi Palace hotel (Superior room) (B)
Day 14: Yangon – Bangkok - Departure(B)
There is more time for your own exploration in town
before catching flight to Bangkok (PG 702 @ 13h45-15h30)
for departure flight home.
Trip includes
ü
All accommodation on double/twin basis with daily
breakfast
ü
Meals as indicated (B = breakfast; L = Lunch; D =
Diner). Special requirements (vegetarian, diet
etc.) could be arranged upon request
ü
All transfers/ transport
ü
Tours with entrance fees, boat cruise, transfers and
English speaking during guided time
ü
Flight tickets from:
Siemreap –Phnompenh – Bangkok –
Yangon – Mandalay- Bagan – Heho – Yangon - Bangkok.
Trip excludes
ü
International airfares & airport taxes
ü
Pre/post trip arrangement
ü
Visa and visa arrangement
ü
Travel insurance
ü
Meals not indicated
ü
Other personal expenses
ü
Tips
and gratuities
Trip cost: in US$ and per person based on 04 people
traveling together
US$1857
per
person
Single supplement : US$565 |
