14days/12
nights - Highlight of Cambodia & Myanmar
Trip code: CAMY-HLCM14
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
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All accommodation on double/twin basis with daily
breakfast
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Meals as indicated (B = breakfast; L = Lunch; D =
Diner). Special requirements (vegetarian, diet etc.) could be
arranged upon request
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All transfers/ transport
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Tours with entrance fees, boat cruise, transfers and
English speaking during guided time
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Flight tickets from:
Siemreap –Phnompenh – Bangkok –
Yangon – Mandalay- Bagan – Heho – Yangon - Bangkok.
Trip excludes
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International airfares & airport taxes
ü
Pre/post trip arrangement
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Visa and visa arrangement
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Travel insurance
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Meals not indicated
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Other personal expenses
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Tips and
gratuities
Trip cost: in US$ and per person based on 04 people
traveling together |
