Activity Level: Occasional Duration: 8 Days/7 Nights The Comforts of Quiet Experience Myanmar It is the quiet mystique of Myanmar that proves so compelling. Here is a nation that, for many, feels largely undiscovered and yet is one of the gems of Southeast Asia and one of the most extraordinary trips in B&R s long history. From biking the lush countryside, to strolling through ancient villages and spectacular temples, to exploring sleepy fishing villages, we take in Myanmar at a pace that reflects the gentle character of the country and reveals a land that will forever live in your imagination. THE B&R DIFFERENCE I can t imagine a better trip! Every moment, every experience, every meal, every guide, was exceptional. This trip is as good as it gets and I will have nothing but fond memories of this magical adventure. Lida Lahola, Myanmar Biking LAND OF THE GOLDEN PAGODAS We experience the everyday spectacle of life along the banks of the Ayeyarwady River and get a true glimpse of village life. We navigate narrow canals in a long boat arriving in a village that seems right out of an Indiana Jones movie. Visit the villages of Inle Lake, with floating gardens, cottage industries and traditional silk weavers, who supply their stunning work to such fashion institutions as the House of Chanel. Call us at 800 678 1147 the journey p.2 view > / notes from the road p.6 view > / the details p.7 view > / next steps p.8 view >
The Journey 2 the journey Days 1, 2 & 3 Floating Villages of Inle Lake From Yangon, we fly to Heho in north-western Myanmar, near the Shan Mountains. After a short drive from the airport, start our walk at one of the country s only wineries where we ll have the opportunity to sample its recent vintages. Our walk is a great introduction to this intriguing country, taking in trails through vineyards and rural farmland and passing ancient monasteries, stupas and pagodas to finish in the small bustling town of Nyuang Shwe where we get to enjoy a local Shan tasting menu for lunch. After lunch we stroll through the town, exploring the local market and taking the opportunity for an unforgettable visit to a Buddhist nunnery. Over a special dinner, we ll toast our first day in Myanmar, a truly remote and exotic land. out the local style of weaving in which they use lotus root instead of cotton! Later, we ll lunch on the lake at an entrepreneurial project that houses amongst other things a hotel school, a local art gallery and a sanctuary dedicated to preserving the lineage of the Burmese Cat This afternoon we ll explore the unique floating gardens Inle Lake is famous for and watch the local fishermen as they demonstrate their unique and baffling rowing technique which goes back many centuries. On the journey back to the lodge, you have the opportunity to either stretch your legs on a beautiful walk through rural farmland or return to the lodge to relax. On our second day in the lake region we will set off by boat for the sleepy villages on the western shore. After exploring the snack making industries your local guide will take you through a guided meditation at a monastery before we pick up the meandering trail through bamboo forests and farmland. After a delightful picnic lunch in the forest, we stroll down to the shore of the lake and boat back to the lodge. Tonight we have an unforgettable dinner planned at our hotel. The following day we explore Inle the way the locals do: by boat. From our hotel we head south to the bustling stilt village of Nam Pan where the morning is spent with friends in the surrounding villages. Here, we ll check HOTEL Inle Princess Resort, Inle Lake A magnificent and restful retreat on the shores of the serene Inle Lake, surrounded by lush green rice fields and the Shan Hills. The rooms were built by local craftsmen from teak and bamboo in the traditional style. THE ACTIVITY Day 1: A 7 km (4 mi.) walk through vineyards, sugar cane plantations and villages in the Inle Valley. Day 2: A 10.5 km (6 mi.) walk through Inthar villages and bamboo forest on the western shores. Day 3: A 5 km (3 mi.) walk alongside paddies and thatched houses on the eastern shore.
The Journey You ll often see women and children wearing a yellowishwhite paste on their faces; it is made from ground tree bark and is used as a natural sunscreen. 3 Day 4 & 5 The Golden Temples of Bagan For those wanting an unforgettable view of this magical landscape, there is the option for an early morning hotair balloon ride. This extra experience is not included in your B&R trip cost as not all travellers are keen to partake. If you d like to sign up, contact the company directly at www.easternsafaris.com/balloonsoverbagan_home.html. You should book this trip for Day 5 of your B&R trip. HOTEL Aureum Palace, Bagan Overlooking 800 years of history, the Aureum Palace was originally built in the style of a traditional Burmese temple and now offers luxurious accommodations for all guests. It boasts one of the most beautiful pools in Myanmar. THE ACTIVITY Day 4: An 10 km (6 mi.) walk weaving through Bagan s many temples. Day 5: An 8.5 km (5 mi.) walk along footpaths and local roads. Today we bid farewall to Inle Lake, making a stop on our way to the airport at a local paper and parasol workshop. It s a short flight to Bagan, the biggest city in the world (in the 11th century, that is), where pagodas are spread as far as the eye can see. The birthplace of Buddhism in Myanmar, this area is rich in art, history, religion and architecture, and we explore it in depth with our local expert. On today s walk we will uncover some of its hidden gems, taking in 11th century frescos and panoramic views on the road less traveled. We end the day with dinner overlooking the temples from our hotel. The next morning, we embark on foot to view some of the best-preserved temples, such as the large and magnificent Ananda Pahto. We visit a local lacquerware workshop to see the incredibly skilled craftsmen in action and perhaps do some shopping. Options this afternoon include a visit to a local market or resting back at the hotel. Our dinner is located in an undisclosed venue... and that s all we can say for now!
The Journey Myanmar is home to the majority of the world s remaining teak forests. 4 Days 6 & 7 Ngapali Beach Bidding farewell to the antiquity and majesty of Bagan we push further west today with a morning flight to Ngapali Beach, a pristine stretch on the Indian Ocean. After a short transfer, we begin our walk along the beautiful beaches of Ngapali before turning off to explore the fishing village of Gyeiktaw. Back on the beach, we push away from civilisation to discover our own private beach where a splendid fish BBQ awaits us. After an opportunity to snooze off your lunch or take a dip in the warm waters of the Bay of Bengal, we take a leisurely boat ride to your hotel, arriving in time for a little R&R beach side before dinner in the hotel this evening. HOTEL Aureum Ngapali Hotel, Ngapali Beach A beautiful collection of beach side, individual cottages make up this stunning resort. With white sand beaches and the blue Bay of Bengal stretching out in front of you, it s easy to forget that the resort boasts an incredible spa, perfect after a day spent exploring. THE ACTIVITY Day 6: A 6 km (4 mi.) walk along the beach and through a rural village. Day 7: A 11 km (7 mi.) hike through scenic farmland and rural villages. The following morning we ll take a short drive to the beginning of our walk in the neighbouring village of Thandwe. This scenic trail follows a route through farmland, past interesting micro-industries and takes in stunning views from ancient pagodas and reclining buddhas. We stop en route to have a picnic lunch on the banks of a river in the heart of a small rural village, before making the return journey back to Ngapali for more beach time. Our final night together will be a special affair, entirely in keeping with where we are.
The Journey Bagan has over 4,400 temples all contained within an area no bigger than the island of Manhattan. 5 Day 8 Homeward Bound Shortly after breakfast, we will fly to Yangon to meet our international connections. If you are planning to spend a few more days exploring Yangon, your guides can help arrange your transportation to the Governor s Residence.
Notes From the Road 6 A Golden Mystery By Tyler Dillon Myanmar is one of the last of the untouched places in Southeast Asia. Its name conjures images of thick jungles, long summer days sipping tea, and one of the most secretive and magical countries in the world. In this land of ancient cities, exotic wildlife and golden temples stretching to the horizon, you soon realize that this is not just a trip, but an adventure. We ll start our adventure in the hustle of Yangon, before flying north to Inle Lake. Here the days feel longer than usual, yet when night falls on the lake, the stars seem to be right on time. Entire villages on stilts are interspersed with avenues of floating tomato gardens, one of the main exports of the area. It is hard to tell where the lake ends and rivers begin and the surrounding hills are lined with paths through ancient villages and serene Buddhist monasteries. This is a land that has long drawn visitors, both curious and ambitious. Marco Polo has talked about it, Mongols zipped through it and the British mined its rich resources. Leaving the city behind we trade the bustling river banks for the serenity of the sands of the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean. Sleepy fishing villages and golden sand beaches irresistibly blend making it the perfect place to explore and get to know the locals and their distinctive way of life. Today Myanmar again awaits discovery. As it has for centuries. From rural Inle we fly to the ancient city of Bagan. On the shores of the mighty Ayeyarwady we walk through a vast maze of temples that once belonged to the largest city in the world, the epicentre of Asia at a time when Paris and London were just wayward villages. B&R REGIONAL EXPERT Tyler Dillon Born in California and raised in rural Georgia, Tyler has spent his adult life travelling and working around the world largely in Ireland, China and Vietnam. Aside from being an ESL teacher, Tyler is also B&R s Regional Expert for Myanmar and Peru.
The Details 7 MYANMAR INDIA BANGLADESH MYANMAR CHINA Bagan Inle Lake Bay of Bengal Yangon Ngapali THAILAND Yangon 2016 Price: From $7,795 ($1,300 single supplement) Single supplement is based on the most affordable rooms within B&R s allocation. Upgrades often available. Duration 8 days / 7 nights Please see our website for list of departures. Start Yangon The Governor s Residence Early morning Finish Yangon Yangon Domestic Airport Mid-day the details HOTEL TYPE Signature Hotels Hotels on our Signature trips are unique expressions of the region. Oftentimes that means they ve had a previous life as a monastery or a castle, but in every case it means they offer both an exceptionally comfortable stay and a taste of the region s culture. Best of all, we re friends with our hoteliers. (Translation? Preferential treatment for you.) WHAT S INCLUDED All hotel accommodation All meals, including wine All internal flights and transfers Use of walking sticks Services of B&R guide(s) Burmese national guide and Burmese local experts, as well as support vehicles All special events and private tours All baggage transportation Detailed maps, route suggestions and water bottle All gratuities for the local guides, baggage, porters and hotel service LEVEL OF ACTIVITY Occasional The terrain is generally fl at throughout our daily walks of 8-11 km (5-7 mi.), although you should expect a few hills and some dirt roads in the countryside, some of which can be busy and potholed. Much of the walking is through small villages and towns. To avoid midday heat, the days tend to start early. THE GOVENOR S RESIDENCE, YANGON www.governorsresidence.com The Governor s Residence is located within the elegant Yangon Embassy Quarter and close to Shwedagon Pagoda. The hotel dates back to the 1920s, when it was built as the official home of one of the governors. It has a beautiful pool, French cuisine, a lotus garden, which is overlooked by the hotel s many verandas, and, more importantly, it is very quiet. Due to the small size of the hotel, it is often fully booked during the peak travel season, so we suggest you make your reservation as far ahead as possible. MORE INFO How do I get to Yangon? The best way to fly into Myanmar is from Bangkok on Thai Airways or from Singapore on Silk Air. The easiest connection by far is via Thai Airways there are two flights daily. From Bangkok you can take a direct, 90 minute flight to Yangon. The itinerary information may vary slightly for your specific departure as we continuously research and develop each trip. Inclement weather may also necessitate minor alterations. Prices are per person and in USD. 2016 Butterfield & Robinson Inc.
Your Next Steps 8 your next steps Weather: Bagan At Butterfield & Robinson, the guiding starts while you re still at home. We make sure you know everything you need to know before you ve even left your living room. month high low Jan/Feb 79 55 Mar/Apr 86 62 May/Jun 84 67 Jul/Aug 79 64 Sep/Oct 77 63 Nov/Dec 77 58 Inle month high low Jan/Feb 83 53 Mar/Apr 91 67 May/Jun 87 70 Jul/Aug 82 69 Sep/Oct 84 68 Nov/Dec 80 56 READY TO BOOK? Call or email a Travel Advisor (or your travel agent) with any remaining questions, and to reserve your space. 1-800-678-1147 / Reserve your flights to and from the region. Book your night before hotel. Make sure your passport is up to date. Enquire after travel insurance. Begin steps to secure a visa for Myanmar. Once you are confirmed on a B&R trip, you will receive a Confirmation Email that links to tons of information to help you prepare for your trip. Then, about a month before you leave, we will send you a list of your fellow travellers, final rendezvous instructions and your hotel contact numbers. HOT AIR BALLOON OPTION As mentioned in the Day-by-Day section, there is the option for an early morning hot-air balloon ride on Day 5. Please ask your Travel Advisor at time of booking to receive more details. STAY IN TOUCH! Sign up to receive The Slow Road our newsletter that is full of travel news, unique offers and B&R insider info. PHOTO CONTEST While on your trip, keep in mind you can win some great prizes with the B&R Photo Contest. We ve created three categories that capture the true spirit of B&R adventure: Faces, Places and Moments. Submit your top shots and show us how you see the world with B&R. Full details are at www.butterfield.com/photocontest. In the meantime, if you have any questions about your B&R experience big, small or downright quirky please call a Travel Advisor, or contact your travel professional. We are always happy to help. The itinerary information may vary slightly for your specific departure as we continuously research and develop each trip. Inclement weather may also necessitate minor alterations. Prices are per person and in USD. 2016 Butterfield & Robinson Inc.