14 DAYS, HIGHLIGHT OF CAMBODIA & MYANMAR

Itinerary

ITINERARY IN DETAILS:

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.