Cruising the Golden Land Myanmar Oct 2018 on Pandaw cruises

INTRODUCTION

On this sweeping Myanmar cruise on R/V Indochina Pandaw, sail from Bagan to Mandalay, two of Burma's former kingdoms. On the way, discover centuries-old Buddhist monuments and opulent royal palaces, encountering the landscapes, history and people of a country that was for decades closed off to the outside world.

ITINERARY

OCT 11 / ARRIVE IN YANGON

Upon arrival, we will be met by local assistant and transfer to our hotel. Settle into Hotel Parami, which gives a good view of the city.

Accommodation: Hotel Parami (deluxe room) or similar (2 nights)

OCT 12 / YANGON (B)

A day of sightseeing will include the 2000-year-old Sule Pagoda, Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scott Market), the huge reclining Buddha at Chauk Htat Kyi and finally the spectacular gold-clad Shwedagon Pagoda.

OCT 13 / YANGON – BAGAN – EMBARKATION (B, L, D) 

Morning flight to Bagan followed by an archeological history tour on Bagan. Bagan is one of the richest archeological sites in the world and the highlight of every tour through Myanmar. This afternoon we will visit a selection of temples including Htee Lo Min Lo, a Buddhist temple three stories tall built with red brick.

Accommodation: onboard RV Indochina Pandaw (7 nights)

OCT 14 / BAGAN (PAGAN) (B, L, D)

During the next 7 days, we will enjoy the splendours of the towns and villages along the banks of the Irrawaddy, Myanmar’s principal river from aboard the R/V Orient Pandaw. We will spend the day exploring Bagan further and visit a lacquer workshop.

OCT 15 / SALAY – TAN-CHI-TAUNG – MIN-NAN-THU (B, L, D)

An early morning sail to Salay, a once bustling trading port, and now filled with colonial architectural treasures and timeless teak monasteries. In the afternoon, we will visit the Tan-Chi-Taung mountains and see a selection of 3,000 listed monuments at this World Heritage Site.

OCT 16 / PAKOKKU (B, L, D)

We will visit the market and town centre by tuk tuk and marvel at the authentic way of life for most Myanmar people.

OCT 17 / YANDABO (B, L, D)

Explore Yandabo village, which is famous for its production of terracotta pottery from the river bank clay.

OCT 18 / SAGAING – AMARAPURA (B, L, D)

Discover Sagaing and its 1000 hermitages and sanctuaries, rich in woodcarving and religious art. In the afternoon, we will make our way to Amarapura, the former capital of Myanmar and take a sunset boat ride under the world’s longest teak bridge, U Bein Bridge.

OCT 19 / MINGUN – MANDALAY (B, L, D)

In Mingun, we will be exploring on-foot the world’s largest working bell and unfinished pagoda.

Next is a drive to Mandalay Hill and visit the temple with the largest book in the world.

OCT 20 / MANDALAY – DISEMBARKATION – YANGON DEPARTURE (B)

Disembark in Mandalay and transfers to Mandalay airport for our Yangon return flight and onward for the journey home.

 

B – breakfast / L – lunch / D – dinner

  

RECOMMENDED INLE LAKE EXTENSION

OCT 20 / MANDALAY – DISEMBARKATION – INLE LAKE (B)

Disembark in Mandalay and transfer to Mandalay airport for our flight to Heho, gateway to Inle Lake. Upon arrival, we will have a short visit to Shwe Yaung Pyae Kyaung Monastery, before venturing onto the lake by private boat.

Accommodation: Inle Lake View Resort (deluxe room) or similar (3 nights)

OCT 21 / INLE LAKE (B)

Inle Lake is literally dotted with interesting villages and floating gardens and is one of the most picturesque locations in all of Myanmar. We will visit the five-ancient gold-covered Buddha images at Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the holiest monastery on the lake. We will continue with a visit to the temple at Nga Hpe Kyaung and witness the unique technique of leg rowing which is so synonymous with Intha fisherman.

OCT 22 / INLE LAKE – INNDEIN – INLE LAKE (B)

Visit and explore a local market which is a great place to observe local life with many of the ethnic minorities attending to buy and sell their goods. After exploring the market, we will make a stop at the ruined stupas and temples in the village of Inndein and Nampan village to see local cigar (cheroot) making.

OCT 23 / INLE LAKE – YANGON – DEPARTURE (B)

We bid a fond farewell and we will be transferred to Heho airport in order to connect with our return flight to Yangon and begin journey back home.

 

INCLUSIONS

•    Domestic flights and transfers in Myanmar.

•    All shore excursions as described in the itinerary (except optional tours). 

•    Port charges and gratuities for the Cruise Director and crew.

EXCLUSIONS

\International airfare to/from Yangon, gratuities for land and cruise shore excursions, Myanmar visa fee and travel, health, accident or other insurance and any items not specifically mentioned above.  

  

PRICING & TERMS 

Main Deck Stateroom         CDN $3,710 per person

Upper Deck Stateroom       CDN $4,340 per person

Single supplement available upon request, although a very limited number of single cabins is available.

 

OPTIONAL INLE LAKE EXTENSION

Deluxe Room                     CDN $1,210 per person

 

 

PAYMENT

Upon booking:                     20% of the total price

Before July 6, 2018             Balance due

 

CANCELLATION PENALTY 

Up to 91 days prior to departure      $750 per person

90-65 days prior to departure          $1,050 per person

64-45 days prior to departure          60% of tour price

44-31 days prior to departure          75% of tour price

30 days or less prior to departure     100% of tour price

We strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation or comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking. Please contact us for a quotation.

All related travel services described herein are subject to the detailed terms & conditions of GLP Worldwide which are available at any time upon request and which will be provided with your booking confirmation.

Contact Me (Michele) to book or for more details. 604-605-5176 or email: michelej@travelg.com

Take a Pandaw Cruise on The Irrawaddy River

Myanmar at its Best!


If you are looking for a true Burmese Experience, consider the Pandaw Cruise from Mandalay to Pagan or reverse.  I strongly recommend this as it is one of the best ways to see the emerging Myanmar.  This cruise is on a intimate,  smaller  30 cabin (60 passenger) ship built in Vietnam in 2008 with all the luxuries of a larger ship.  Everything from the quality linens to the daily turndown service is meant to please.  This ship is not for the general cruisers so keep in mind that this is Experiential travel meant for those who are looking for something new and adventurous. There are no shows at night and no casinos on board. It is all about experiencing the culture.
This cruise allows you to visit villages along the river and immerses you in the local's daily lives.
With the friendly Burmese staff, incredible food and the guest lectures, this holiday adventure will leave you with a lasting love for this beautiful country. Please visit it now before it becomes a tourist trap!

Tag on a two day visit to Inle lake with a stay at the beautiful Sanctum Inle Resort and your satisfaction will be complete..
http://sanctum-inle-resort.com







A day in Yangon and Mandalay on either end is enough to experience these large Asian cities.


http://www.travelfortravellers.com/travelgroup-mjoel/itinerary/mandalay-pagan-packet
http://glpworldwide.com/itinerary/exotic-myanmar-hong-kong
http://myanmar.travel




Canadian citizens require a passport valid for 6 months after the last date of travel in Mynamar as well as a visa.  Visas can be obtained online in advance by visiting the Myanmar Department of Immigration.