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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 Boutique Hotel, Vientiane (1 night) (B)

Day 15: Depart Vientiane
Morning departure transfer.

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Departure Dates
2012 English Speaking Departures Daily
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Hotels as mentioned (or similar) International airfares & departure taxes Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast) Insurance & visa fees Domestic/regional airfares mentioned Drink/beverages with meals All sightseeing and transfers by private transportation Tips/gratuities Services of local English speaking guides   Entrance fees
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 2012 US $ 3750 3460 US $ 695
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour
Canada - West Coast US $ 1200 USA - West Coast US $ 1000 Canada - East Coast US $ 1300 USA - East Coast US $ 1100
Participants
This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 10 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.