Fitness Off the Beaten Track Culture History Wildlife

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1 Tour Notes Burma Beyond the Tourist Trail Water Festival Tour Duration 15 Days Tour Rating Fitness Off the Beaten Track Culture History Wildlife Tour Pace Moderate Tour Highlights A visit to the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda Getting off the beaten track in Kayah State Travel like a local travel on the train and bus Experience the famous water festival, which takes places in April to celebrate the New Year, similar to Thailand s Songkran Festival

2 Tour Map Burma Beyond the Tourist Trail Tour Essentials Accommodation: Mix of hotels Included Meals: Daily breakfast (B), plus lunches (L) and dinners (D) as shown in the itinerary. Group Size: Maximum of 12 Start Point: Yangon

3 End Point: Transport: Countries: Options: Yangon Private cars, local bus, train, bikes, boat, scheduled flights Burma Mon/Kayin State Extension or Ngapali Beach Extension Burma Beyond the Tourist Trail Isolated for decades, Burma holds a wealth of cultural and historical treasures, and this trip spends time exploring its rich heritage and culture. Our tour covers the main highlights of the country but also includes some hidden gems and areas that rarely see Western tourists. From chaotic and charming Yangon, where we take a spiritual Shwedagon tour, to Kayah villages and old pagodas and monasteries, this tour really goes beyond the tourist trail. You have the chance to go trekking to the villages in Kayah state and learn about the ethnic longneck tribet. Add in a cycle tour of Mandalay and a visit to a conservation project for retired elephants run by locals around Kalaw, and you can see why this tour is so different. A highlight for most travellers will be left until near the end of this trip. Bagan is one of the most spectacular sites in Asia, a vast collection of ancient temples which rise out of the dusty plains next to the Ayeyarwaddy and make for superb exploration. Burma is one of the most stunning parts of Asia. Tour itinerary notes While our intention is to adhere to the day-by-day itinerary as printed below, a degree of flexibility is built in. Overnight stops may vary from those suggested and on occasions alternative accommodation, of a similar standard to that named below, will be used. Tour Guide Our guides are a key strength, chosen for their knowledge of and passion for the areas in which they work. All of our guides are carefully hand-picked, and are not just passing through these countries, but are usually locally born. Unlike some companies it should be noted we do not send a guide or tour leader from Undiscovered Destinations in the UK as we have every confidence in our locally appointed representative who is responsible for operating the tour on our behalf. Where possible you will have the same guide throughout your trip but on occasions it may be necessary to change the guide at one or more points during the tour. In the event of a small group of less than 3 people, you will be allocated a local guide at each location, and will not have the same guide with you throughout the tour. Itinerary Day 1: Yangon Arrival 13 April Arrival in Yangon and you will transfer to hotel. Overnight at Hotel 51 or similar. Yangon Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is a delightfully ramshackle city. Founded in the 18th century and becoming an important port it was destroyed by fire and then again suffered during the Second Anglo- Burmese War in the 19th century. Much of downtown Yangon hosts a splendid array of colonial style architecture dating back to the British occupation, including the wonderfully picturesque City Hall and the

4 High Court. Many streets are thronged with people buying from the numerous stalls set up alongside the pavements, selling everything from fried insects to engine parts. Central Yangon contains the wonderfully gaudy Sule Pagoda, an ancient structure in the middle of a busy intersection, which gives a great picture of how Myanmar melds ancient spirituality and modern day commercial interests. The jewel in Yangon s crown is however the Shwedagon Pagoda, a collection of stupas encrusted in gold which attracts pilgrims from all over Myanmar, and is said to contain hairs from Buddha. Containing numerous images of nats (spirits) and Buddha himself, Shwedagon is immensely important for the Burmese people, and is where Aung San Suu Kyi addressed a crowd of hundreds of thousands demanding democracy from the military regime. Water Festival Thingyan (nationwide) The Thingyan, or water festival, starts the Burmese New Year. It is celebrated by everyone throughout the country by people throwing buckets of water on anyone who ventures into the streets. Stages are built around cities with a row of water pipes to hose everybody who passes. On a spiritual level, the locals believe that during this period, the king of the nat, Thagyamin, visits the human world to count up the number of good and bad deeds humans have performed. On the last day of the festival, Thagyamin departs the human world which marks the beginning of the new year. Young people wash the hair of their elder kin, Buddha images are ceremonially washed and monks are offered appetizing alms food. Although the spiritual meaning is kept alive by these ceremonies, it s mainly a festival of fun, and in between getting soaked there is dancing singing, theatre and drinking. There is no way to avoid the water during these 4 days so make sure money and camera are safely wrapped in plastic bags. Day 2: Yangon This morning we visit the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda. You will learn about the history of the pagoda, the daily lives of the people living in the immediate surroundings and a deeper insight into the Buddhist religion and how the spiritual belief is mixed with the belief in nats the Myanmar spirits. Pass workshops, markets and monasteries along the way. The tour includes a traditional Burmese breakfast, offerings to monks and the pagoda, and a visit to a fortune teller. The afternoon is free to discover downtown Yangon with all its heritage buildings on your own. You may wish to revisit Shwedagon in the evening to see this magnificent pagoda illuminated in all its glory. Overnight at Hotel 51 or similar (B) Day 3: Yangon Mandalay This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Mandalay. On arrival transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon visit the Mahamuni pagoda and have a look at the century s old Buddha statue originating from Mrauk Oo. Continue to Amarapura, a quiet village where you can hear the sound of weaving machines. Finally visit the famous Mahagandayon Monastery complex with hundreds of monks, a 100-year-old weaving vocational training institution and watch the sunset from the charming U-Bein Bridge, and taste a sip of Mandalay rum which has been produced since Overnight at Victoria Palace Hotel or similar (B) Day 4: Mandalay explored by bike This morning we explore Mandalay by bike. The ride starts in the back lanes of town, passing markets and through lively neighbourhoods heading for the north east of the city. After a short ride we find ourselves in the true countryside where farmers tend to their fields, and villagers go about their daily rituals, often stopping to wave as we pass by. We make some interesting stops, first at a market to learn about the different produce on sale, and then to see bamboo being woven which is used to construct everything from roofs and walls to fans. We take a walk through a typical central Myanmar village and learn about their way

5 of life and their different crops. On our way back to town we stop at a tea shop for a refreshing drink and snacks. We return from our ride around noon and take you by motorbike back to the hotel. Please note: you should wear clothing suitable for this activity: quarter length pants, shorts, t-shirts are all advisable, as are comfortable closed shoes. Sunscreen and hat are a must. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at Victoria Palace Hotel or similar (B) Day 5: Mandalay to Bagan This morning we take the public bus to Bagan where we arrive at lunchtime and transfer to the hotel. This afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour with a guide who will show you the best known temples of the area. We start by climbing a pagoda to get a first impressive view over the whole plain. From here the guide plans his way to some of the other impressive temples that have been here for hundreds of years. Places like the Ananda, Dhammayangyi and Thatbyinnyu will certainly impress you. Overnight at Thande Nyaung U or similar (B) Day 6: Explore Bagan Today is a free day in Bagan to discover its delights at your own pace. You can rent a horse cart, a bicycle or an electric bike or if you book early enough (at least 6 months is a good guide) you may be able to take a spectacular early morning balloon ride over the Bagan plain. Overnight at Thande Nyaung U or similar (B) Day 7: Bagan to Kalaw This morning we have a long drive (around 6 hours) to an elephant conservation project near Kalaw. If time allows after the journey, we will take a wonderfully peaceful walk in the forest before encountering the elephants and their mahouts. The project was started by local school friends with a focus on protecting the local environment, elephants and the traditions of local people living in the area. The project includes a natural environment for retired working Asian elephants and helps the local population through education and micro finance. We will learn about the elephants and have time to help wash them in the river and feed them in beautiful surroundings. We will also have lunch at the project in its perfect natural setting before continuing on to Kalaw. Overnight at the Dream villa hotel or similar (BL) Day 8: Kalaw Loikaw by Train An early start this morning to take a spectacular train journey through the beautiful landscape of Pa O area. The train leaves Kalaw at 0600 and arrives at Saung Byaung station around 1600, but be prepared for some delays. On arrival we continue by private car to Loikaw where you will enjoy a traditional, home cooked meal at a local family house. Overnight at Kan Thar Yar Hotel or similar (BD) We recommend you bring enough drinks and snacks for the train journey. Please note that although the train has hard wooden seats so it may be a good idea to bring a soft pillow for the journey. Day 9: Loikaw Today start with a visit to the bustling morning market of Loikaw, the former palace of the Kayah prince and Kayah Museum and see some of the artefacts of this state. Travel to Kasae Kum village to see how the rings that some Kayah women wear around their necks are made. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the legends of the longneck women. Continue to Pemsong village where we take a 4 hour walk of the trail of the ancestors. During the walk, your local guide will tell you the story of their ancestors including

6 their belief in spirits, the importance of the totem pole and herbal medicines. Enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing the walk to one of the Kayah villages where you will meet more longneck women. We then drive towards Loikaw and visit a traditional Kayah boxing training centre and enjoy some sundowners with typical Kayah liquor (or simply a beer) with Kayah sausages. Overnight at Kan Thar Yar Hotel or similar (BL) Day 10: Loikaw Kayah Village Walk This morning we visit Hta Nee La Leh and meet some members of the community who will explain their shrines where animist traditions are practiced, and enjoy lunch in a local home. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at Kan Thar Yar Hotel or similar (BL) Day 11: Loikaw Pekon Samkar Inle Lake This morning drive to Pekon where we take a private boat over the wide Pekon Lake towards Samkar village (approx. 2 hours) where we visit Samkar monastery. Continue by boat to Inle Lake (approx. 2.5 hours). Overnight at Hupin Kaung Dine Hotel or similar (B) Day 12: Inle Lake Enjoy a full day exploring this magical lake by boat. We discover its natural beauty, visit the floating gardens, see some of the famous leg rowing fishermen, and have a cup of tea at a local home. Around the lake, traditional markets are held in different villages according to a 5-day rotating schedule. Today we visit one of these colourful markets frequented by Shan and PaO people. We also visit a local cheroot factory (where Burmese cigars are made), floating tomato gardens, Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, Intha Heritage house - where Burmese cats are bred - and if there is time a weaving factory. Overnight at Hupin Kaung Dine Hotel or similar (BL) Day 13: Inle Lake We visit the ruins of Indein, partly covered by vegetation and which until recently lay undiscovered. If time allows we will take a short walk to enjoy a fantastic view over the lake and visit a school in Tha Ley village. A home-made cooked lunch will be served in a local house. We continue towards the Nam Pan village for a very interesting trip by small canoe exploring the side channels and observing village life. We ten visit a recently set up vineyard, one of only a couple in the whole country. Overnight at Hupin Kaung Dine Hotel or similar (BL) Day 14: Inle Lake via Heho to Yangon This morning, transfer to Heho airport for a flight back to Yangon and on arrival transfer to the hotel. The rest of your day is free in Yangon. Overnight at Hotel 51 or similar (B) Day 15: Yangon Departure Transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B) Optional Extension to Ngapali Beach 4 Days/3 Nights (Not available as an extension in the wet season May October) Day 14 Inle Lake Heho Thandwe (Ngapali Beach) Transfer to Heho airport for a flight to Thandwe for Ngapali Beach. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Overnight at Linn Thar Oo Lodge or similar (B)

7 Day Ngapali Beach Spent the next 2 days at leisure at Ngapali Beach. Overnight at Linn Thar Oo Lodge or similar (B) Day 17 Ngapali Beach Yangon Transfer to Thandwe airport for your flight back to Yangon. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. Time at leisure. Overnight at Aung Tha Pyay hotel or similar (B) Day 18 Depart Yangon Transfer to the airport for your departure flight (B) Optional Cultural/Historical Extension to Mon/Kayin 5 Days/4 Nights Day 15 Yangon Golden Rock This morning we depart Yangon and visit the war cemetery in Taukkyan where thousands of prisoners of war who worked on the death railway in Kayin and Mon state are commemorated. Continue to Kyaiktiyo where we shall visit the Golden Rock pagoda, balanced on the edge of a mountain, and one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Burma. Over the years the rock has been totally covered with gold leaf. Overnight Golden Sunrise Hotel or similar (B) Golden Rock The Golden Rock at Kyaiktiyo is one of the most sacred, must-see sights in Burma. The huge, gold-leaf boulder balances precariously above you on the edge of a cliff. Topped with its glittering stupa, it is believed to house a single Buddha hair that maintains its equilibrium. Day 16 Golden Rock Hpa An An early start today as we travel to Hpa An. Today we travel by kayak and on foot through typical Kayin scenery and traditional villages. In one of the villages we will take a leisurely walk to see how local people live and work. We have a traditional home cooked lunch in a local house and then continue by kayak to Saddar Cave where we explore. Overnight at Hotel Gabana or similar (BL) Please note: as the creeks in this rural region are quite shallow we use small kayaks to travel around which means that you could get wet sandals, shorts and a t-shirt are recommended and of course a hat. We are supporting local communities in this off the beaten track region and therefore you will be accompanied by local people who have limited English skills but love their area and will lead you through their community with pride. Mon and Kayin State The more remote areas of Mon State and Kayin State are undiscovered areas of Myanmar offering spectacular nature and intriguing tribal culture dating back for many, many centuries in the history of South East Asia. The Mon are believed to be one of the first civilisations in this part of the world. Although their kingdom was lost to the Bagan king in the 11th century, their rich culture can still be seen in daily life with their specific sarongs, traditional food, language and music instruments. The Kayin (also known as Karen) are one of the indigenous tribes of the jungle known for their traditional boxing skills. Kayin is a state of beautiful, natural scenery rich with traditional villages and waterways surrounded by spectacular limestone mountains.

8 Day 17 Hpa An Cruise on the Thanlwin River and Mawlamyine We board a private board boat for a cruise on the Thanlwin (Salween) River one of the longest rivers in Myanmar ending in Mon State. As the river is quite narrow we have fantastic views of life on the river banks. We stop in Pa Lin village for a walk around the community which is home to Kayin, Shan, Mon, Bamar and PaO people. Continue along the river and stop at a small jetty in U Na Auk village from where we take a tuk tuk to visit the amazing carvings and decorations of the temples and ordination hall donated to the village by Mr Na Auk; a successful Mon trader during the British period and whose story is taught in modern schoolbooks. On arrival in the city of Mawlamyine we visit a local house where you will enjoy a home cooked lunch of Mon specialities. This afternoon we visit the Mon Museum which has some interesting displays of Mon culture. We walk around the area with impressive buildings from colonial times when writers like Orwell and Kipling lived in the city and we visit the first Baptist church. Finally today we visit the Seindon Mibaya Monastery with its exquisite wood carvings. Return to Hpa An for the evening. Overnight at Hotel Gabana or similar (BL) Day 18 Hpa An Bago Train to Yangon We journey back north passing through rural villages and towns of Mon and Kayin State. Just after leaving Hpa An visit Kawgun cave. The artwork of clay Buddha statues dates back from the 7th century, the period of the Mon kingdom. After about 3 hours we stop for a visit at the former Royal Palace I Bago. From Bago we continue by train back to Yangon, a great way to take in the scenery. On arrival at Yangon station transfer to the hotel. Overnight at Aung Tha Pyay or similar (B) Day 19 Depart Yangon Transfer to the airport for your international flight (B) Tour Inclusions/Exclusions Inclusions: Arrival and departure transfers Domestic flights All accommodation Services of English speaking guide / tour leader where mentioned Meals as listed (B Breakfast, L Lunch, D Dinner) Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary Excluded: International flights Any airport taxes Travel Insurance Visas Drinks Important Information

9 Foreign Government Travel Warnings We constantly monitor the advice posted by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). In particular, we will always advise clients of any travel warnings. At present there are no warnings against travel to any of the areas we visit in Burma. It should be noted that this information applies to British citizens. Other nationals are asked to check the current position of their respective government. Accommodation and Meals Accommodation Rating The accommodation on this tour is in small hotels and guesthouses. With a few exceptions you can expect rooms to be en-suite, with private bathroom and when necessary air-conditioning will be provided. There is one night spent in a traditional village house, which has basic and shared facilities. Some properties may have a restaurant and/or bar. We welcome solo travellers and single rooms will be allocated subject to the applicable tour supplement. Please note that on occasions you may not always be allocated a double or twin room, as some hotels have designated single rooms. These may be smaller in size. However, the supplement payable takes this into consideration. Food & Drink The daily meal basis is shown in the tour itinerary; breakfast (B), lunch (L) and dinner (D). Please note that lunch may be a picnic. Drinks are not included and will be payable locally in cash. Dietary Requirements If you have any special dietary requirements you must notify us at the time of booking. While we will make every effort to cater for you, we cannot guarantee that this will be possible. Budgeting for your Tour You will need some extra money to cover meals and drinks not included in the tour price, any optional sightseeing, souvenirs and items of a personal nature such as laundry. Food The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more. Myanmar dishes from $5 Thai, Indian and Chinese dishes from $5 Western dishes from $10 Drink The prices for drinks can vary greatly depending upon location and the prices detailed below are an average guide. In general, you would expect that drinks purchased in a supermarket or local bar to be less expensive, whilst drinks in an upmarket bar or restaurant may be more expensive. Local Beer $3 Water $1

10 Tipping Guide and Drivers Tipping is common practice in Asia. If your local guide has been helpful then you could think about tipping. As a rough guide, drivers can be tipped between $2-4 per day and guides between $7-15 per day these figures are per group, not per person. Foreign Exchange ATM Availability: There are now ATM machines in a growing number of places in Myanmar- we recommend that you check with your card issuer as to the locations Credit and Debit Card Acceptance: Although some of the larger hotels will accept Visa or Mastercard, officially these are not accepted due to international sanctions Local Currency: Kyat (Chat) Recommended Currency for Exchange: US Dollars - you must ensure your notes are clean and crisp many places will not accept notes with even small blemishes. In addition to this US$100 notes with the CB prefix for the serial number will not be exchanged. Where to Exchange: Yangon or another major city your guide will advise you. Joining your Tour Flight Information Our advertised prices do not include the cost of international flights. Please contact us if you would like a quotation to book a flight inclusive package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme. Joining Tour Abroad Customers booked on the Land Only arrangements will receive a free airport transfer, both on arrival and departure. In order that the transfer can be arranged please ensure that you advise us of your flight information once available. Please advise the date, time and flight number for your arrival/departure. If we have not been advised of this information at least 2 weeks before travel, then you will be required to make your own way to the hotel on Day 1 of your tour. Travel Insurance It is a condition of booking with Undiscovered Destinations that you have adequate valid travel insurance, the cost of which is not included in the price of the tour. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude, please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. Visa Information Most nationals including UK, EU and US visitors require a visa for entry to Myanmar. Although visa regulations can change and you should always check the current requirements at the time of booking, at present the Myanmar Government offers an e-visa for many nationals. This includes UK, EU, US, Australian and New Zealand passport holders. For further details please visit

11 Passports It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, valid for at least six months after the date of return to the UK. We strongly advise that your passport contains a minimum of two blank pages, as this may be a requirement of the local immigration authorities. In addition certain countries will stipulate that the two blank pages are opposite each other. If you are unable to meet these requirements you may be refused boarding by your airline or denied entry by the immigration authorities. For specific information about the requirements for your destination please check with the country s embassy or consulate. Alternatively UK citizens can visit Vaccinations & Protection As with travel to most parts of Asia, we strongly recommend that you contact your doctor s surgery or a specialist travel clinic for up-to-date information, advice and the necessary vaccinations. Yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. For a visit of less than one month, almost certainly you will be advised to have immunisations against the following: Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Meningitis. Anti-malaria medication will also be required and the use of a DEET-containing insect repellent is highly recommended. Preparing for your tour Climate Myanmar has 3 different seasons: winter (mid Oct Feb), summer (March May) and green season (June mid Oct). These seasons are very similar to the seasons in Thailand. Every season has its own advantages and disadvantages to travel. March May (summer) The whole country can be hot (especially in the afternoon around 35 degrees Celsius) so you re advised to plan sightseeing more in the mornings and evenings. Landscapes are a bit dry - excellent time to visit the beaches and to visit higher parts of Myanmar. November February (winter) The most popular season for tourists to travel because of the lower temperatures (evenings in the mountains can be cold- 10 degrees Celsius) while the chance of rain is less. Daytime temperature is around 30 degrees Celsius. A good time to visit any place in the country but it can be busy at the major tourist locations. June mid October (Green season)

12 The temperatures drop (till about degrees Celsius) and the scenery is green. Sightseeing is not too hot and not too dusty. A perfect period to visit Bagan and Mandalay where it isn t raining a lot (if it does, it is a short shower at the end of the day). Avoid the beaches in this period (it s raining more at the coast and most hotels are closed in this period). Yangon can get quite some rain as well so it is better to spend just 1or 2 nights here. Sightseeing is great as there aren t many other tourists around yet it s Myanmar at its best! Clothing When it comes to clothing it is usually recommended that lighter clothes are worn through the day, and warmer layers at night. It can get cold in the mountain areas at night. A hat is also advised to be worn through the day to protect from the sun, along with at least one piece of waterproof clothing for any days that the weather may be wet or windy. Equipment The first thing on your list should be a first aid kit. Whilst there is no undue cause for alarm, travellers are best advised to travel well-prepared and to be adequately immunized. A good insect repellent and bite cream is advisable. Suncream/sunblock is a must please ensure you bring enough as it may not be available locally. Insect repellent, including a bite spray will also be useful to have. You may find a torch useful to have. Footwear Footwear is a main priority on this tour. Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes/boots are recommended. Luggage on tour Your luggage should not exceed 20kgs (44lbs). One large rucksack, and one small hand luggage rucksack is acceptable. Electric Supply & Plugs Electrical supply is 220V/50 Hz and plugs have a variety of pins, but mostly two pins. Tour Itinerary Versions Please ensure that you have an up-to-date copy of these tour notes immediately before you travel, as from time to time our itineraries may be amended, either for operational reasons or in response to feedback from customers. You will be informed of any major changes to your tour but small changes may just be added to these tour notes. These tour notes were updated on 15/08/2017