· Return airfares from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Rangoon with Thai International, and two domestic flights within Burma.

· A 12-day tour of Burma by coach, plane and boat. Although this is one of the world’s poorest countries, it is rich in culture with lovely, friendly people and magnificent scenery.

· A two-night stopover in Bangkok.

· Good accommodation, mainly three to three-and-a-half star.

· Breakfast daily in Bangkok and Rangoon, with all meals supplied outside these two cities.

· All transport and transfers.

· Service of Burmese and Thai tour guides and also an Australian tour leader for the flights between Sydney and Bangkok and for the stay in Bangkok.

We will make every effort to match up single travellers who wish to travel at twin share rates. For anyone requiring a single room, there will be an extra charge of $355.

NOTE: Burma is very much a third-world country so not everything always goes to plan. Also, some of the roads are quite rough so road travel can take longer than expected.

Itinerary for Burma (Myanmar) Tour – May 2005
Please note: that breakfast is included daily plus any other meals listed in the itinerary. (Breakfast = B, Lunch = L, Dinner = D)


11/05/05
Depart Melbourne at 4.20pm on TG 982, arriving in Bangkok at 10.40pm.
Depart Brisbane at 10.40pm on TG 984, arriving in Bangkok at 5.00am the next morning (12.5.05).
Depart Sydney at 4.30pm on TG992, arriving in Bangkok at 10.55pm.

All flights will be met at Bangkok Airport and transferred to the Manhattan Hotel, centrally situated in the Sukhumvit shopping and entertainment area and close to Bangkok’s Monorail.


12/05/05 (B)
A morning optional tour of one of the seven wonders of the world, Bangkok’s magnificent Grand Palace, Coronation Hall, Emerald Buddha and replica of Angkor Watt. This is followed by a visit to the temple of the huge reclining Buddha, with its massive Mother-of-Pearl feet. Price $33.00


13/05/05 (B)
Transfer to Bangkok International Airport, Departing at 8.15am on TG303 and arriving at Yangon (Rangoon) at 9.05am.

Yangon

Meet on arrival at Yangon International airport and transfer to your hotel. Proceed on a sightseeing tour that includes: the old colonial-style city centre, and the gilded Sule Pagoda, dating back over 2,000 years. The tour continues to Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda, a huge reclining Buddha image, followed by a photo-stop at the Karaweik royal floating barge. An extended visit is made to Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the world’s most spectacular religious monuments. The golden dome rises 98 metres above its base and is covered with 60 tons of pure gold.

Overnight at Summit Park View Hotel.


14/05/05 (B,L) Yangon – Bago – Yangon

Full day excursion out of Yangon to Bago (84 km – 2 hours). In Bago sightseeing includes the Shwemawdaw Pagoda, as well as the 55-metre-long reclining Buddha called Shwethalyaung, an image that is among the country’s most revered. On the way back to Yangon, visit Htaukkyan War Cemetery, which houses the graves of more than 27,000 allied soldiers. Lunch today is included.

Overnight at Summit Park View Hotel.


15/05/05 (B,L,D) Yangon – Bagan
Transfer to Yangon Airport for domestic flight to Bagan.

Upon arrival in Bagan, transfer to the hotel and proceed on a sightseeing tour, starting with a busy local market and continuing with visits to a diverse selection of the most important pagodas and temples, such as: Shwezigon Pagoda, built by King Anawrahta in the early 11th century; Ku Byauk Gyi, a temple with exquisite murals of Jataka scenes; Khay Min Ga Temple, noted for its spectacular panoramic view of the area’s many monuments; and Ananda Temple with four huge standing-Buddha images and numerous seated figures arranged around the interior gallery.

Lunch (included) at local restaurant.

After lunch visit a lacquer craftsmen’s workshop in nearby Myinkaba village. Sightseeing continues with visits to: Manuha Temple, built in Mon style in 1059; Nanbaya Temple, a unique sandstone monument that is said to have been the palace of King Manuha; and Myingaba Gu Byaukgyi Temple (under the protection of UNESCO), noted for its ancient mural paintings. The Archaeological Museum and its collection of bronze, stone and lacquer Buddha images, clothes and gems, may also be visited.

Observe a sunset in the vicinity of Bagan’s ancient monuments. Dinner (included) is at a riverside restaurant and overnight at Bagan Ruby True Hotel.


16/05/05 (B,L,D) Bagan
Visit the site of Tayokepyay Temple in Min Nan Thu Village, the Phaya Thone Zu and Nandamanya Temples (noted for exquisite 13th century murals), and Kyat Kan Cave monastery, a famous meditation centre in Bagan. Visit farming villages around Bagan.

Sightseeing continues after lunch (included) with an excursion by boat on the Ayeyarwaddy River to the nostalgic Nat Htaung Kyaung, a monastery famous for woodcarvings, built in 1781 by a group of monks. Admire the monastery’s collection of ancient Buddha statues and lacquer boxes.

Dinner (included) at a local restaurant and overnight at Bagan Ruby True Hotel.


17/05/05 (B,L,D) Bagan – Mandalay
Overland journey (300kms – 8 hours) to Mandalay. En route visit Mount Popa, an extinct volcano with a shrine dedicated to animal spirits known as “Nats”. For the energetic, time to climb 777 steps to a shrine at the top of the volcanic plug.

Continue to Meikhtila and stop for lunch (included) at a local restaurant en route. Continue to Mandalay, a scenic journey of varied agricultural landscapes and small villages.

Dinner (included) and overnight at Mandalay City Hotel.


18/05/05 (B,L,D) Manadalay
Drive to Amarapura, 15km from Mandalay. Visit Mahagandayon, a famous Buddhist monastery, where more than a thousand monks live and study; continue to the 200-year-old U Bein Teaki bridge, built in1851 at the time when Amarapura was the royal capital. Visit Bagaya Monastery with its superb collection of Buddha statues.

After lunch (included) proceed on a comprehensive sightseeing tour in Mandalay. Included are: Manhamuni Pagoda, with its spectacular Buddha image covered with thick layers of gold leaves; Shwe Nan Daw Kyaung (or Golden Palace Monastery), a superb example of a traditional wooden building; and Kuthodaw Pagoda (known as the world’s largest book), consisting of 729 marble slabs engraved with Buddhist scriptures. Sunset from Mandalay Hill.

Dinner (included) at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Mandalay City Hotel.


19/05/05 (B,L,D) Mandalay – Maymyo
This morning we leave Mandalay for a scenic drive (80km – 2 hours) to the cool hill-station of Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo) with its lovely lake and waterfalls, botanical garden and colonial era buildings. Explore the town centre by horse-drawn carriages. Sightseeing continues after lunch (included) with the famous National Kandawgyi Gardens, the beautiful botanical gardens of Pyin Oo Lwin. The cooler weather allows many flowers and fruit, commonly found in temperate climates to thrive here.

Dinner is included tonight. Overnight at Royal Park View Hotel.


20/05/05 (B,L,D) Maymyo – Mandalay
Today we return to Mandalay having lunch (included), en route at a local restaurant, then proceed on a boat trip to Mingun, site of a brick pagoda towering 50 metres above the Ayeyarwady River, and home to the world’s largest bell. The boat trip is interesting because you see all types of wooden boats and bamboo rafts, carrying goods up and down the river. Return to Mandalay to visit Zegyo market. Dinner (included) is at a local restaurant tonight . Overnight at Mandalay City Hotel.


21/05/05 (B,L,D) Mandalay – Pindaya
Early departure for a full day’s drive to Pindaya with stop in Meikhtila. Lunch at a local restaurant (included) or boxed lunch. Visit the Pindaya Caves, set in a limestone ridge overlooking a picturesque lake where thousands of Buddha images are on display in the various cave chambers centuries. Dinner (included) and overnight at Pindaya Conqueror Hotel.


22/05/05 (B,L,D) Pindaya – Nyuang Shwe – Inle Lake
Today we drive to Nyaung Shwe (90km – 2 ½ hours) and transfer to our hotel. Enjoy a boat trip on Inle Lake. See the lake’s unique “leg rowers” – the Intha people row standing up with one leg wrapped around an oar. Lunch (included) at a local restaurant on the lake. Visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, then see traditional handicrafts – silk weaving on wooden handlooms and a blacksmith shop. Pass endless floating gardens. Continue by boat to viosit Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery, one of the oldest monestaries on the lake and see ancient Buddha statues which are more than 2000 years old. Dinner is included and accommodation tonight is at the Paradise Hotel (Nyaung Shwe)


23/05/05 (B) Inle Lake – Heho – Yangon
This morning we enjoy a boat tour to Indaing, at the western end of the lake. The boat takes you through a long channel where you watch the farmers cultivate their produce. This ride is one of the most scenic boat tours on Lake Inle. Transfer to Heho airport for domestic flight to Yangon.

Upon arrival in Yangon, you are transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay at Summit Park View Hotel.

24/05/05 (B)
After breakfast, transfer to Yangon International Airport, departing on TG304 at 10.05am and arriving in Bangkok at 11.50am.

Sydney passengers depart Bangkok at 6.15pm on TG991, arriving in Sydney at 6.15am the next morning (25.05.05).

Brisbane passengers depart Bangkok at 10.55pm on TG983 arriving in Brisbane at 10.55am the next morning (25.05.05).


25/05/05
Melbourne passengers depart Bangkok on TG981 at 12.15am, arriving in Melbourne at 12.05pm.

NB: In reference to the long wait at Bangkok Airport, particularly for Brisbane and Melbourne passengers, it may be better to have a couple of days stopover in Bangkok on the way home. Accommodation is available at the Manhattan Hotel, with breakfast for $35 per person per day twin share or $60 single room.

All flights will be met at Bangkok Airport and transferred to the Manhattan Hotel, centrally situated in the Sukhumvit shopping and entertainment area and close to Bangkok’s Monorail.


21.07.05
A morning optional tour of one of the seven wonders of the world, Bangkok’s magnificent Grand Palace, Coronation Hall, Emerald Buddha and replica of Angkor Watt. This is followed by a visit to the temple of the huge reclining Buddha, with its massive Mother-of-Pearl feet. Price $33.00


22.07.05
Transfer to Bangkok International Airport, Departing at 8.15am on TG303 and arriving at Yangon (Rangoon) at 9.05am.

Yangon

Meet on arrival at Yangon International airport and transfer to your hotel. Proceed on a sightseeing tour that includes: the old colonial-style city centre, and the gilded Sule Pagoda, dating back over 2,000 years. The tour continues to Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda, a huge reclining Buddha image, followed by a photo-stop at the Karaweik royal floating barge. An extended visit is made to Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the world’s most spectacular religious monuments. The golden dome rises 98 metres above its base and is covered with 60 tons of pure gold.

Overnight at Summit Park View Hotel.


23.07.05 Yangon – Bago – Yangon
Full day excursion out of Yangon to Bago (84 km – 2 hours). In Bago sightseeing includes the Shwemawdaw Pagoda, as well as the 55-metre-long reclining Buddha called Shwethalyaung, an image that is among the country’s most revered. On the way back to Yangon, visit Htaukkyan War Cemetery, which houses the graves of more than 27,000 allied soldiers. Lunch today is included.

Overnight at Summit Park View Hotel.


24.07.05 Yangon – Bagan
Transfer to Yangon Airport for domestic flight to Bagan.

Upon arrival in Bagan, transfer to the hotel and proceed on a sightseeing tour, starting with a busy local market and continuing with visits to a diverse selection of the most important pagodas and temples, such as: Shwezigon Pagoda, built by King Anawrahta in the early 11th century; Ku Byauk Gyi, a temple with exquisite murals of Jataka scenes; Khay Min Ga Temple, noted for its spectacular panoramic view of the area’s many monuments; and Ananda Temple with four huge standing-Buddha images and numerous seated figures arranged around the interior gallery.

Lunch (included) at local restaurant.

After lunch visit a lacquer craftsmen’s workshop in nearby Myinkaba village. Sightseeing continues with visits to: Manuha Temple, built in Mon style in 1059; Nanbaya Temple, a unique sandstone monument that is said to have been the palace of King Manuha; and Myingaba Gu Byaukgyi Temple (under the protection of UNESCO), noted for its ancient mural paintings. The Archaeological Museum and its collection of bronze, stone and lacquer Buddha images, clothes and gems, may also be visited.

Observe a sunset in the vicinity of Bagan’s ancient monuments. Dinner (included) is at a riverside restaurant and overnight at Bagan Ruby True Hotel.


25.07.05 Bagan
Visit the site of Tayokepyay Temple in Min Nan Thu Village, the Phaya Thone Zu and Nandamanya Temples (noted for exquisite 13th century murals), and Kyat Kan Cave monastery, a famous meditation centre in Bagan. Visit farming villages around Bagan.

Sightseeing continues after lunch (included) with an excursion by boat on the Ayeyarwaddy River to the nostalgic Nat Htaung Kyaung, a monastery famous for woodcarvings, built in 1781 by a group of monks. Admire the monastery’s collection of ancient Buddha statues and lacquer boxes.

Dinner (included) at a local restaurant and overnight at Bagan Ruby True Hotel.


26.07.05 Bagan – Mandalay
Overland journey (300kms – 8 hours) to Mandalay. En route visit Mount Popa, an extinct volcano with a shrine dedicated to animal spirits known as “Nats”. For the energetic, time to climb 777 steps to a shrine at the top of the volcanic plug.

Continue to Meikhtila and stop for lunch (included) at a local restaurant en route. Continue to Mandalay, a scenic journey of varied agricultural landscapes and small villages.

Dinner (included) and overnight at Mandalay City Hotel.


27.07.05 Manadalay
Drive to Amarapura, 15km from Mandalay. Visit Mahagandayon, a famous Buddhist monastery, where more than a thousand monks live and study; continue to the 200-year-old U Bein Teaki bridge, built in1851 at the time when Amarapura was the royal capital. Visit Bagaya Monastery with its superb collection of Buddha statues.

After lunch (included) proceed on a comprehensive sightseeing tour in Mandalay. Included are: Manhamuni Pagoda, with its spectacular Buddha image covered with thick layers of gold leaves; Shwe Nan Daw Kyaung (or Golden Palace Monastery), a superb example of a traditional wooden building; and Kuthodaw Pagoda (known as the world’s largest book), consisting of 729 marble slabs engraved with Buddhist scriptures. Sunset from Mandalay Hill.

Dinner (included) at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Mandalay City Hotel.


28.07.05 Mandalay – Maymyo
This morning we leave Mandalay for a scenic drive (80km – 2 hours) to the cool hill-station of Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo) with its lovely lake and waterfalls, botanical garden and colonial era buildings. Explore the town centre by horse-drawn carriages. Sightseeing continues after lunch (included) with the famous National Kandawgyi Gardens, the beautiful botanical gardens of Pyin Oo Lwin. The cooler weather allows many flowers and fruit, commonly found in temperate climates to thrive here.

Dinner is included tonight. Overnight at Royal Park View Hotel.


29.07.05 Maymyo – Mandalay
Today we return to Mandalay having lunch (included), en route at a local restaurant, then proceed on a boat trip to Mingun, site of a brick pagoda towering 50 metres above the Ayeyarwady River, and home to the world’s largest bell. The boat trip is interesting because you see all types of wooden boats and bamboo rafts, carrying goods up and down the river. Return to Mandalay to visit Zegyo market. Dinner (included) is at a local restaurant tonight . Overnight at Mandalay City Hotel.


30.07.05 Mandalay – Pindaya
Early departure for a full day’s drive to Pindaya with stop in Meikhtila. Lunch at a local restaurant (included) or boxed lunch. Visit the Pindaya Caves, set in a limestone ridge overlooking a picturesque lake where thousands of Buddha images are on display in the various cave chambers centuries. Dinner (included) and overnight at Pindaya Conqueror Hotel.


31.07.05 Pindaya – Nyuang Shwe – Inle Lake
Today we drive to Nyaung Shwe (90km – 2 ½ hours) and transfer to our hotel. Enjoy a boat trip on Inle Lake. See the lake’s unique “leg rowers” – the Intha people row standing up with one leg wrapped around an oar. Lunch (included) at a local restaurant on the lake. Visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, then see traditional handicrafts – silk weaving on wooden handlooms and a blacksmith shop. Pass endless floating gardens. Continue by boat to viosit Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery, one of the oldest monestaries on the lake and see ancient Buddha statues which are more than 2000 years old. Dinner is included and accommodation tonight is at the Paradise Hotel (Nyaung Shwe)


01.08.05 Inle Lake – Heho – Yangon
This morning we enjoy a boat tour to Indaing, at the western end of the lake. The boat takes you through a long channel where you watch the farmers cultivate their produce. This ride is one of the most scenic boat tours on Lake Inle. Transfer to Heho airport for domestic flight to Yangon.

Upon arrival in Yangon, you are transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay at Summit Park View Hotel.


02.08.05
After breakfast, transfer to Yangon International Airport, departing on TG304 at 10.05am and arriving in Bangkok at 11.50am.

Sydney passengers depart Bangkok at 6.15pm on TG991, arriving in Sydney at 6.15am the next morning (3.8.05).

Brisbane passengers depart Bangkok at 10.55pm on TG983 arriving in Brisbane at 10.55am the next morning (3.8.05).

03.08.05
Melbourne passengers depart Bangkok on TG981 at 12.15am, arriving in Melbourne at 12.05pm.


NB: In reference to the long wait at Bangkok Airport, particularly for Brisbane and Melbourne passengers, it may be better to have a couple of days stopover in Bangkok on the way home. Accommodation is available at the Manhattan Hotel, with breakfast for $35 per person per day twin share or $60 single room.

Itinerary for Burma (Myanmar) Tour – September 2005
Please note: that breakfast is included daily plus any other meals listed in the itinerary. (Breakfast = B, Lunch = L, Dinner = D)


31.08.05
Depart Melbourne at 4.20pm on TG 982, arriving in Bangkok at 10.40pm.
Depart Brisbane at 10.40pm on TG 984, arriving in Bangkok at 5.00am the next morning (1.9.05).
Depart Sydney at 4.30pm on TG992, arriving in Bangkok at 10.55pm.

All flights will be met at Bangkok Airport and transferred to the Manhattan Hotel, centrally situated in the Sukhumvit shopping and entertainment area and close to Bangkok’s Monorail.


01.09.05
A morning optional tour of one of the seven wonders of the world, Bangkok’s magnificent Grand Palace, Coronation Hall, Emerald Buddha and replica of Angkor Watt. This is followed by a visit to the temple of the huge reclining Buddha, with its massive Mother-of-Pearl feet. Price $33.00


02.09.05
Transfer to Bangkok International Airport, Departing at 8.15am on TG303 and arriving at Yangon (Rangoon) at 9.05am.

Yangon

Meet on arrival at Yangon International airport and transfer to your hotel. Proceed on a sightseeing tour that includes: the old colonial-style city centre, and the gilded Sule Pagoda, dating back over 2,000 years. The tour continues to Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda, a huge reclining Buddha image, followed by a photo-stop at the Karaweik royal floating barge. An extended visit is made to Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the world’s most spectacular religious monuments. The golden dome rises 98 metres above its base and is covered with 60 tons of pure gold.

Overnight at Summit Park View Hotel.


03.09.05 Yangon – Bago – Yangon
Full day excursion out of Yangon to Bago (84 km – 2 hours). In Bago sightseeing includes the Shwemawdaw Pagoda, as well as the 55-metre-long reclining Buddha called Shwethalyaung, an image that is among the country’s most revered. On the way back to Yangon, visit Htaukkyan War Cemetery, which houses the graves of more than 27,000 allied soldiers. Lunch today is included.

Overnight at Summit Park View Hotel.


04.09.05 Yangon – Bagan
Transfer to Yangon Airport for domestic flight to Bagan.

Upon arrival in Bagan, transfer to the hotel and proceed on a sightseeing tour, starting with a busy local market and continuing with visits to a diverse selection of the most important pagodas and temples, such as: Shwezigon Pagoda, built by King Anawrahta in the early 11th century; Ku Byauk Gyi, a temple with exquisite murals of Jataka scenes; Khay Min Ga Temple, noted for its spectacular panoramic view of the area’s many monuments; and Ananda Temple with four huge standing-Buddha images and numerous seated figures arranged around the interior gallery.

Lunch (included) at local restaurant.

After lunch visit a lacquer craftsmen’s workshop in nearby Myinkaba village. Sightseeing continues with visits to: Manuha Temple, built in Mon style in 1059; Nanbaya Temple, a unique sandstone monument that is said to have been the palace of King Manuha; and Myingaba Gu Byaukgyi Temple (under the protection of UNESCO), noted for its ancient mural paintings. The Archaeological Museum and its collection of bronze, stone and lacquer Buddha images, clothes and gems, may also be visited.

Observe a sunset in the vicinity of Bagan’s ancient monuments. Dinner (included) is at a riverside restaurant and overnight at Bagan Ruby True Hotel.


05.09.05 Bagan
Visit the site of Tayokepyay Temple in Min Nan Thu Village, the Phaya Thone Zu and Nandamanya Temples (noted for exquisite 13th century murals), and Kyat Kan Cave monastery, a famous meditation centre in Bagan. Visit farming villages around Bagan.

Sightseeing continues after lunch (included) with an excursion by boat on the Ayeyarwaddy River to the nostalgic Nat Htaung Kyaung, a monastery famous for woodcarvings, built in 1781 by a group of monks. Admire the monastery’s collection of ancient Buddha statues and lacquer boxes.

Dinner (included) at a local restaurant and overnight at Bagan Ruby True Hotel.


06.09.05 Bagan – Mandalay
Overland journey (300kms – 8 hours) to Mandalay. En route visit Mount Popa, an extinct volcano with a shrine dedicated to animal spirits known as “Nats”. For the energetic, time to climb 777 steps to a shrine at the top of the volcanic plug.

Continue to Meikhtila and stop for lunch (included) at a local restaurant en route. Continue to Mandalay, a scenic journey of varied agricultural landscapes and small villages.

Dinner (included) and overnight at Mandalay City Hotel.

07.09.05 Manadalay
Drive to Amarapura, 15km from Mandalay. Visit Mahagandayon, a famous Buddhist monastery, where more than a thousand monks live and study; continue to the 200-year-old U Bein Teaki bridge, built in1851 at the time when Amarapura was the royal capital. Visit Bagaya Monastery with its superb collection of Buddha statues.

After lunch (included) proceed on a comprehensive sightseeing tour in Mandalay. Included are: Manhamuni Pagoda, with its spectacular Buddha image covered with thick layers of gold leaves; Shwe Nan Daw Kyaung (or Golden Palace Monastery), a superb example of a traditional wooden building; and Kuthodaw Pagoda (known as the world’s largest book), consisting of 729 marble slabs engraved with Buddhist scriptures. Sunset from Mandalay Hill.

Dinner (included) at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Mandalay City Hotel.


08.09.05 Mandalay – Maymyo
This morning we leave Mandalay for a scenic drive (80km – 2 hours) to the cool hill-station of Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo) with its lovely lake and waterfalls, botanical garden and colonial era buildings. Explore the town centre by horse-drawn carriages. Sightseeing continues after lunch (included) with the famous National Kandawgyi Gardens, the beautiful botanical gardens of Pyin Oo Lwin. The cooler weather allows many flowers and fruit, commonly found in temperate climates to thrive here.

Dinner is included tonight. Overnight at Royal Park View Hotel.


09.09.05 Maymyo – Mandalay
Today we return to Mandalay having lunch (included), en route at a local restaurant, then proceed on a boat trip to Mingun, site of a brick pagoda towering 50 metres above the Ayeyarwady River, and home to the world’s largest bell. The boat trip is interesting because you see all types of wooden boats and bamboo rafts, carrying goods up and down the river. Return to Mandalay to visit Zegyo market. Dinner (included) is at a local restaurant tonight . Overnight at Mandalay City Hotel.


10.09.05 Mandalay – Pindaya
Early departure for a full day’s drive to Pindaya with stop in Meikhtila. Lunch at a local restaurant (included) or boxed lunch. Visit the Pindaya Caves, set in a limestone ridge overlooking a picturesque lake where thousands of Buddha images are on display in the various cave chambers centuries. Dinner (included) and overnight at Pindaya Conqueror Hotel.


11.09.05 Pindaya – Nyuang Shwe – Inle Lake
Today we drive to Nyaung Shwe (90km – 2 ½ hours) and transfer to our hotel. Enjoy a boat trip on Inle Lake. See the lake’s unique “leg rowers” – the Intha people row standing up with one leg wrapped around an oar. Lunch (included) at a local restaurant on the lake. Visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, then see traditional handicrafts – silk weaving on wooden handlooms and a blacksmith shop. Pass endless floating gardens. Continue by boat to viosit Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery, one of the oldest monestaries on the lake and see ancient Buddha statues which are more than 2000 years old. Dinner is included and accommodation tonight is at the Paradise Hotel (Nyaung Shwe)


12.09.05 Inle Lake – Heho – Yangon
This morning we enjoy a boat tour to Indaing, at the western end of the lake. The boat takes you through a long channel where you watch the farmers cultivate their produce. This ride is one of the most scenic boat tours on Lake Inle. Transfer to Heho airport for domestic flight to Yangon.

Upon arrival in Yangon, you are transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay at Summit Park View Hotel.


13.09.05
After breakfast, transfer to Yangon International Airport, departing on TG304 at 10.05am and arriving in Bangkok at 11.50am.

Sydney passengers depart Bangkok at 6.15pm on TG991, arriving in Sydney at 6.15am the next morning (14.9.05).

Brisbane passengers depart Bangkok at 10.55pm on TG983 arriving in Brisbane at 10.55am the next morning (14.9.05).


14.09.05
Melbourne passengers depart Bangkok on TG981 at 12.15am, arriving in Melbourne at 12.05pm.


NB: In reference to the long wait at Bangkok Airport, particularly for Brisbane and Melbourne passengers, it may be better to have a couple of days stopover in Bangkok on the way home. Accommodation is available at the Manhattan Hotel, with breakfast for $35 per person per day twin share or $60 single room.