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Tours
By Region |
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 VISIONS
OF MYANMAR & LAOS
A cultural tour of Myanmar & Laos This
15-day journey will engulf you in a cultural experience
of two unique and rich nations. Myanmar formerly
known as Burma, is one of the few truly original
travel experiences remaining in this much-traveled
world. Decades of isolation have preserved here
many of the traditional features that have been
lost in other Asian countries. Laos, gem of the
Mekong, is a country that known for its natural
wonders from the Mekong River to Annamite Mountains.
Here remnants of French colonization live side
by side with both the ancient and the modern east
asia.
Day
01 Saturday: Arrive Yangon (MYANMAR)
Mingalaba! (Welcome) Yangon lies in the fertile delta of
the Yangon River and gives the ethereal impression of being
full of trees, shade and shimmering stupas floating above
the treetops. Our afternoon tour includes the magnificent
Shwedagon Pagoda. The highlight of any visit to Yangon,
this pagoda dates back about 2500 years and was built to
house eight sacred hairs of the Buddha and its bell-shaped
superstructure is covered in about 60 tonnes of gold leaf.
The National Museum holds several interesting exhibits,
including the mammoth Sihasana Lion Throne as well as many
treasures and memorabilia of Burmese royalty. The Sule
Pagoda has a 48 m/52 yard high golden dome used, when it
was rebuilt in the 1880’s, by the British as the
nucleus of their grid pattern for the city.
Overnight: Summit Parkview Hotel, Yangon (2 nights)
Day 02 Sunday: Yangon
An interesting experience today includes mingling in the
Bogyoke Aung San Market, also known as Scott Market, and
its over 2000 little shops. The Kyaukhtatkyi Pagoda contains
a gaudy, modern, 70m/76 yard-long reclining Buddha built
in 1966 and housed in a formidable iron pavilion. The temple
doubles as a monastery as well as a center for the study
of Buddhist manuscripts. Mailamu Pagoda has a series of
interesting images of the Buddha in his previous incarnations,
as well as a lovely reclining Buddha image. (B)
Day 03 Monday: Yangon/Bagan (Flight)
A short flight gets us to Bagan with its spectacular plain dotted with thousands
of ancient temple ruins. Although human habitation in Bagan dates back almost
to the beginning of the Christian era, Bagan only entered its golden period with
the conquest of Thaton in 1057 AD. Our day tour includes Ananda Pahto, one of
the finest, best preserved and most revered of the Bagan temples thought to have
been built around 1105, and Shwegugyi temple, built in 1311. We also visit Thatbyinnyu
Pahto, Nathlaung Kyaung, Bagan's only Hindu Vaishnavite temple, and the Pahtothamya.
Gawdawpalin Pahto is one of the largest and most imposing of the Bagan temples,
and its name literally means "platform on which homage is paid". Bupaya
is a cylindrical Pyu-style stupa said to be the oldest in Bagan; Local residents
claim it dates to the 3rd century. The distinctively shaped bulbous stupa stands
above rows of crenellated terraces making for a splendid sight.
Overnight Bagan Hotel, Bagan (2 nights) (B)
 Day
04 Tuesday: Bagan
Our excursion to Mount Popa, was last active 250,000 years ago, shows an interesting
picture of countryside life. We also visit Salay famous as the historic home
of Salay U Ponya, a Bagan Era writer/poet. We visit many interesting sites including
Payathonzu which is an interconnected complex of three brick shrines, Thadanayaunggyi
Kyaung, an ancient monastery in continuous use for several hundred years, and
Mogok Vipassan Yeiktha, a meditation center. We will also have the opportunity
to see Nan Paya, home to a large lacquer Buddha dating back to the 13th century,
and an old brick-and stucco Buddhist scripture library bearing an intact superstructure.
We culminate the day with a visit to Youqson Kyaung, the oldest surviving wooden
monastery hall in the Bagan area. (B)
Day 05 Wednesday: Bagan/Mandalay (Drive 200 kms/124 miles)
This morning we depart by road to Mandalay, the last capital of Myanmar
before the British took over. Mandaly is of great importance culturally
and historically and is the most “Burmese” of the Myanmar’s
large cities. Mandalay's Buddhist monasteries are among the most
important in the country - about 60% of all the monks in Myanmar
reside in the Mandalay area. The city takes its name from Mandalay
Hill that rises to the north east of Mandalay Fort and is home to
a marvelous royal palace.
Overnight: Mandalay Hill Resort, Mandalay (3 nights) (B)
Day 06 Thursday: Mandalay
Constructed in 1857, Mandalay Fort (Fort Dufferin) is an imposing
walled palace compound encircled by an impressive moat. We get a
picture of history here and then again at the Mandalay Museum and
Library known for it’s large collection of Mandalay regalia,
royally commissioned art and palm-leaf manuscripts that were formerly
housed in the palace. Next we visit the Kyauktawgyi Pagoda home to
a huge seated image of the Buddha carved from a single block of marble,
the Sandamani Paya, a cluster of slender whitewashed stupas and the
Shwenandaw Kyaung, a fine example of a traditional Burmese wooden
monastery and a fragile reminder of the old Mandaly Fort. (B)
Day 07 Friday: Mandalay
Another interesting day as we visit the one time capital of Inwa followed by
Sagaing and Amarapura where we visit Nanmyin, Maha Aungmye Bonzan, and Bagaya
Kyaung, a monastery built of teakwood and supported by 267 teak posts. Sagaing
is widely regarded as the religious center of Myanmar and is popularly known
as 'Little Pagan' as the Sagaing ridge is crowded with around 600 pagodas and
monasteries where more than 3000 monks reside. We also visit Thabyedan Fort and
Kaunghmudaw Paya , Sagaing's most important temple built in 1636, Tupayon Paya
with its unique architecture and Hsinmyashin Paya, known as the Pagoda of Many
Elephants. Amarapura means City of Immortality, however its period as capital
was brief. We visit Pahtodawgyi, and Bagaya Kyaung - a museum and library known
for its collection of palm-leaf manuscripts. (B)
 Day
08 Saturday: Mandalay/Kalaw (Drive 200 kms/124 miles)
Our destination today is Kalaw, a popular hill station in the British days. Kalaw
sits high on the western edge of the Shan Plateau and is still a peaceful and
quiet place with an atmosphere reminiscent of the colonial era. The small population
is a mix of Shan, Indian Muslims, Bamar and Nepalis making for an interesting
cultural experience. Our afternoon tour includes Aung Chang Tha Zedi, a glittering
stupa covered in gold-colored mosaics, Dhamma Yon, a two-story temple provides
a fair view of the town, Dhamma Yanthi Paya and the ruins of the Hsu Taung Pye
Paya. Nee Paya, and Christ The King Church, wrap up our days sightseeing.
Overnight Pine Hill Resort, Kalaw (1 night) (B)
Day 09 Sunday: Kalaw/Inle Lake (Drive 100 kms/62 miles)
An interesting drive takes us to Inle Lake, located in Shan State.
The lake is beautiful, with its serene waters dotted with patches
of floating vegetation and fishing canoes. High hills rim the lake
on both sides creating a cozy and tranquil setting. The lakeshore
and lake islands bear 17 villages on stilts, mostly inhabited by
the unique Intha people.
Overnight Inle Lake View Resort, Inle Lake (1 night) (B)
Day 10 Monday: Inle Lake/Helo/Yangon (Drive/Flight)
This morning, we enjoy a refreshing boat trip on the serene Inle
Lake followed by a scenic drive to Helo to catch our flight back
to Yangon.
Overnight Summit Parkview Hotel, Yangon (1 night) (B)
Day 11 Tuesday: Yangon/Bangkok/Luang Prabang (LAOS) (Flight)
We bid farewell to Myanmar, Burma. This morning transfer to the airport
for flight to Luang Prabang via Bangkok. Luang Prabang, the ancient
capital city of the Lan Xang Kingdom.
Overnight: Santi Resort & Spa, Luang Prabang (3 nights) (B)
 Day
12 Wednesday: Luang Prabang
Our day starts with a visit to the magnificent Royal Palace. Wat
That Luang contains the ashes of King Sisavang Vong, interred inside
the large central stupa. The inside of the huge temple contains a
few Luang Prabang Buddhas and other artifacts. Abbot Ajannn Khamjan
was ordained here in 1940 and is one of the most revered monks in
Luang Prabang. Wat Tham Xieng Maen, located in a 100m/109 yards deep
limestone cave, also contains many Buddha images. Luang Prabang is
famous for its historic temples and an ethereal mountain setting.
Wat Xieng Thong, built in 1560 is situated on the banks of the Mekong
River, is considered the most beautiful monastery in Luang Prabang
with ancient masterpieces of Lao art. Wat Wisunalat, the oldest operating
temple in the city, boasts a collection of exquisite gilded wooden
Buddha statues dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. Wat Mai,
constructed in 1821, was once the residence of the Phra Sangkharaj
(the Patriarch of the Buddhist clergy). We complete this incredible
day with a visit to Phousi Hill to take in the sunset. (B)
Day
13 Thursday: Luang Prabang
Today we embark on a day excursion to visit the Pak Ou Caves, located
on a steep rock cliff at the confluence of the Mekong and Ou Rivers.
The two caves are filled with Buddha images of varying styles, ages
and sizes. Ban Xang Hai, located near the Pak Ou Caves, was once
a 'Jar-Maker Village' where the community fills jars with láo-láo,
the local rice whisky. Ban Thing Hong is located opposite of Ban
Xang Hai and close to Pak Ou. Recently an excavated cave has yielded
artifacts dating back 8000 years, including stone, bronze and metal
tools, pottery, skeletons and fabrics. (B)
Day 14 Friday: Luang Prabang/Vientiane (Flight)
We are transferred for a short flight to Vientiane. The Laotian capital
located on a bend of the Mekong River, amidst fertile alluvial plains.
Vientiane is a laid-back city with interesting wats and lively markets.
This afternoon we visit Pha That Luang (Great Sacred Reliquary or
Great Stupa) built between the 11th and 13th centuries AD, a symbol
of both Buddhism and Lao sovereignty. Patuxai is a large monument
reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris; the huge arch at the
end of Thanon Lan Xang also gives an excellent view of the city.
Haw Pha Kaew is the former royal temple of the Lao monarchy built
in 1565, now converted into a museum containing some of the best
examples of Buddhist sculptures. Wat Si Saket was constructed in
1818 in the early Bangkok style; the interior walls of the cloister
are punctured with small niches that contain more than 2000 silver
and ceramic Buddha images. We end the day with a visit to the Talaat
Sao Market to examine the fabrics, jewels and electronic goods available
here.
Overnight: Green Park Hotel, Vientiane (1 night) (B)
Day 15 Saturday: Depart Vientiane
Morning departure transfer.
Departure
Dates |
| 2010
English Speaking Departures
Jan 09 & 30, Feb 13 & 27, Mar 13 &
27, Apr 03 & 17, May 08 & 22, Jun 05
& 19, Jul 03 & 17, Aug 07 & 21,
Sep 11 & 25, Oct 09 & 23, Nov 06 &
20, Dec 04 & 18
|
Inclusions |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include |
| Hotel
Accommodation as mentioned or similar |
International
Airfare |
| Meal
Plan as mentioned (B=Breakfast) |
Departure
Taxes |
| Domestic/regional
airfares mentioned |
Insurances
/ Visa Fees |
| All
sightseeing and transfers by private transportation |
Drinks/Beverages
with meals |
| Entrance
Fees to Museums and Sites |
Tips/Gratuities
to Drivers & Guides |
| Services
of local English speaking guides |
|
|
Tour
Price |
|
| We
accept payment in US $ (US Dollars),
CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent
EURO (for clients outside North America).
Bestway
Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection.
Once full payment has been received, and no
modification has been made to the tour itinerary,
we will honour that rate.
For
complete payment procedures, please download
 Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf
Note: to read this file you must have Adobe
Acrobat. |
| Departure |
Double
Occupancy |
Single
Room Supplement |
| 2010 |
US
$ 3395 |
US
$ 595 |
|
Estimated
International Airfare - International
airfare is NOT included in this tour |
| Canada
- West Coast |
N/A |
USA
- West Coast |
US
$ 1400 |
| Canada
- East Coast |
N/A |
USA
- East Coast |
US
$ 1600 |
|
Participants |
| This
tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum
of 15 participants. |
Notes
|
Customised
Itinerary
If you would like to have a tour on dates
other than the above ones or with a customised
itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy
to work out an exclusive program for you.
Foreign Language Departures
Please contact us for information on French,
German,
Italian and Spanish
speaking departures.
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com
or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of
U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844. |
|
|
|
| © Copyright 1999-2010 Bestway
Tours & Safaris |
Site last updated May 27,
2010 |
| Photographs by Peter
Langer & Mahmood
Poonja |
Website © 1999-2010 Powered
by BTS |
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