Mandalay, Bagan and the Mergui Archipelago
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Highlights:
For the adventurous traveler we offer a chance to visit a fascinating part of Asian history. If Myanmar is not well-known by tourists, the Mergui Archipelago in Southern Myanmar is even less known yet its port city of Myeik was a major port for the East Indian Trading Company long before Rangoon and Mandalay were developed.
In addition to spectacular beaches, the area is now a centre of fishing and the pearl-trades which you will learn about in depth. All hotels are first class but focused more on comfort versus elegance. To compensate, you might spend the afternoon with sea gypsies and learn about their way of life.
For the adventurous traveler we offer a chance to visit a fascinating part of Asian history. If Myanmar is not well-known by tourists, the Mergui Archipelago in Southern Myanmar is even less known yet its port city of Myeik was a major port for the East Indian Trading Company long before Rangoon and Mandalay were developed.
In addition to spectacular beaches, the area is now a centre of fishing and the pearl-trades which you will learn about in depth. All hotels are first class but focused more on comfort versus elegance. To compensate, you might spend the afternoon with sea gypsies and learn about their way of life.
SKU:
Explore: MANDALAY, BAGAN AND THE MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO
Customizable Itinerary - 12 Days (from $2,456 per person)
Days 1 & 2: USA-Myanmar
Board an aircraft for a flight to Myanmar. You cross the International Date Line and “lose” a day which you will recoup on your return home.
Day 3: Mandalay Arrival
Arrive in Mandalay, the country’s cultural capital. You are greeted by one of our guides and taken to your hotel where the rest of the day is left open.
Day 4: Highlights of Mandalay
Meet your guide in the morning and start your tour with a visit to the top of Mandalay Hill which rises 750 feet above the city allowing great views of the surrounding countryside, Irrawaddy River and the city centre. Continue your tour with guided visits to noted Palaces and Pagodas. Take a break for lunch at either a local curry shop or tea house to experience one of the city’s notable noodle dishes. In the afternoon, explore the craft shops of Mandalay which has long been known as a centre of skilled craftsmen dating back to the Royal Court. Continue to 63rd street in the late afternoon when the locals gather outside the temple to enjoy a multitude of street stalls selling snacks, temple offerings and small toys.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 5: Sagaing Days and Mandalay Nights
After breakfast, your guide will take you to the jetty to board a local boat to Mingun. Upon arrival you will visit the Mingun Pahtodawqyi. This huge brick structure was left unfinished after an astrologer predicted the king would die if the temple was completed. Next, visit Sagaing; covered with 600 white, painted pagodas and monasteries, Sagaing Hill is widely regarded as the religious center of Myanmar. It is home to more than 3,000 monks and 100 meditation centers. Afterwards head to the local market, little-visited by tourists. Here you will find a range of items for sale including locally made pottery, silver and other handicrafts. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and in the afternoon, drive to Amarapura, a former capital whose name means ‘City of Immortality.’ First, visit a silk weaving workshop which produces exquisite handmade products. Then, continue to U Bein Bridge, a 200 year old bridge constructed of 984 teak posts. At half a mile it is the world’s longest wood construction. Return to Mandalay where you will be picked up at your hotel by hosts riding on motorcycles. Riding pillion, you explore the scenery of Mandalay’s streets after dark, stopping at markets, restaurants and bars along the way. This is a great way to experience the best food, drinks and nightlife Mandalay has to offer with your individual designated driver.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: To Bagan by Boat on the Irrawaddy
In the morning you will be transferred to a boat that will take to you to Bagan on the famous Irrawaddy River. You will stop at a village along the way to get a glimpse of life on the river and enjoy lunch as you cruise. Arriving in Bagan you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7: Introduction to Bagan
Your guide will meet you after breakfast to give you an overview of Bagan’s unique history, culture and local lifestyles. Spend the early morning visiting a variety of temples before the tour bus arrives. Then head to Myinkaba Village to visit two workshops producing Bagan’s most famous products; lacquerware and woodcrafts. Watch as the skilled craftsmen use techniques passed down through generations. Take a break with lunch at a local restaurant and then return to the hotel for a short rest and to escape the heat of the midday sun. Later in the afternoon, take a relaxing horse cart ride through the temple area, winding along tiny roads past dozens of monuments. Continue to an elevated viewpoint and watch the sunset over the plains before returning to the hotel.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 8: The Legend of Lord Buddha’s Tooth
Legend states that King Anawrahta was given a replica of Lord Buddha’s tooth. He placed this relic on his sacred white elephant’s back and set him free. The elephant stopped at four places around Bagan and later, stupas were built at each location. The locals believe that by visiting all four places in one day, all wishes will be fulfilled. Wishes made, you meet your guide and start with Shwezigon Pagoda - already famous but not because of the legend. Then continue to Tu Yin Taung, a hilltop stupa that you reach by passing 500 monk statues lining the road. The elevated location offers fabulous views of the surrounding plains. The third stop is Lawka Nandar which is on the banks of the Irrawaddy River and still functions as a place of everyday worship. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant before finalizing your ‘quest.' After lunch you board a private boat to cross the Irrawaddy River. Upon landing you are driven through the countryside to Tant Kyi Taung. This temple is of unique significance in Bagan since it is believed that the Buddha stopped on the hill where the temple now stands. After your final visit, return to the river and cross back to Bagan hoping that your wishes will be fulfilled.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 9: Myeik and the Mergui Archipelago
In the morning you are transferred to the airport for the town of Myeik which is located on the Mergui archipelago which is in the far south of Myanmar facing the Andaman Sea. Upon arrival you will be taken to your hotel to check-in. In the afternoon your guide will give you a tour of Myeik one of the oldest port cities in Myanmar. As early as the 17th Century, the East Indian Trading Company was using Myeik to unload their ships. Most of the goods were taken inland to Tanintharyi from there they would go overland to Ayutthaya the old capital of Siam. Today, “Beik” as the locals call, is focused on the ocean and its bounty. You will begin by visiting a softshell crab and lobster farm and learn about the fishing industry. Have lunch and then stroll through the old colonial quarter and visit the Royal Pearl trading shop, owned by the same family for over 150 years. Learn about the difficulties of cultivating pearls and the challenges facing the industry today. Finish your day at Thein Daw Gyi Pagoda for spectacular views of the Archipelago at sunset.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 10: Dome island and Lunch with the Sea Gypsies
After breakfast you are picked up and transferred to Seik Nge Jetty for a cruise to Dome Island and the surrounding area. As you cruise you feel the sea breeze while passing beautiful mangrove forests. Observe locals catching fish, crab, mussels and oysters in the tiny villages lining the coast. Your first stop will be Dome Waterfall which cascades from the land down into the ocean. Feel free to take a dip in the refreshing waters. Lunch will be served in one of the small villages along the way. Populated by the Moken people, also known as sea gypsies, the village lifestyle is reminiscent of a simpler time. Many spend their life permanently at sea during the dry season; only seeking the shelter of land when the heavy rains come. After lunch you cruise to Thel Lett Tin or Two-Face Island for swimming and snorkeling in pristine waters. The island name comes from two long white sand beaches. Though the beaches face opposite directions, they are only separated by a thin strip of land. As the sun begins to set you return to town.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 11: A Grouper Farm and Turtle Egg Island
After breakfast you leave on another adventure in the Archipelago. Start at a grouper farm. Fishermen catch the wild grouper when they are babies and keep them for up to 10 years. The fish can reach up to three feet and weigh almost 90 Lbs. after your visit you are taken to Marcus Island for some relaxation on the beautiful beaches. Umbrellas and deck chairs will be provided as well as snorkeling gear. A lunch of freshly grill seafood will be offered. In the afternoon you will head back to Myeik stopping off at Turtle Egg Island. The island is known for a series of fishermen’s huts precariously clinging to rock outcroppings. The scene creates a photographer’s dream.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 12: Tanintharyi and the Tagu River
Today you will explore on land as you get truly off the beaten path with an excursion to the trading post of Tanintharyi. Along the way, drop by a local rubber plantation as local farmers show the traditional methods of making sheets of rubber. Drive up a picturesque mountain Road to the village of Tagu where lunch will be served. You then board a boat and cruise down the untouched Tagu River. Tanintharyi is an old harbor town about four hours up river from Myeik. This is where the goods from Myeik were unloaded for the overland transfer to Siam. Take a tour of the ancient town. The old wooden long leg houses show that the area is still famous for teak trading. Finish the tour at the town pagoda, with views overlooking the entire area. In the afternoon drive back to Myeik by car and arrive in the early evening in time for a swim in the pool. Breakfast and Lunch
Day 13: Return to USA
In the morning you will be transferred to the airport to begin your journey back home, regaining the day you lost on the flight over.
Breakfast
Board an aircraft for a flight to Myanmar. You cross the International Date Line and “lose” a day which you will recoup on your return home.
Day 3: Mandalay Arrival
Arrive in Mandalay, the country’s cultural capital. You are greeted by one of our guides and taken to your hotel where the rest of the day is left open.
Day 4: Highlights of Mandalay
Meet your guide in the morning and start your tour with a visit to the top of Mandalay Hill which rises 750 feet above the city allowing great views of the surrounding countryside, Irrawaddy River and the city centre. Continue your tour with guided visits to noted Palaces and Pagodas. Take a break for lunch at either a local curry shop or tea house to experience one of the city’s notable noodle dishes. In the afternoon, explore the craft shops of Mandalay which has long been known as a centre of skilled craftsmen dating back to the Royal Court. Continue to 63rd street in the late afternoon when the locals gather outside the temple to enjoy a multitude of street stalls selling snacks, temple offerings and small toys.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 5: Sagaing Days and Mandalay Nights
After breakfast, your guide will take you to the jetty to board a local boat to Mingun. Upon arrival you will visit the Mingun Pahtodawqyi. This huge brick structure was left unfinished after an astrologer predicted the king would die if the temple was completed. Next, visit Sagaing; covered with 600 white, painted pagodas and monasteries, Sagaing Hill is widely regarded as the religious center of Myanmar. It is home to more than 3,000 monks and 100 meditation centers. Afterwards head to the local market, little-visited by tourists. Here you will find a range of items for sale including locally made pottery, silver and other handicrafts. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and in the afternoon, drive to Amarapura, a former capital whose name means ‘City of Immortality.’ First, visit a silk weaving workshop which produces exquisite handmade products. Then, continue to U Bein Bridge, a 200 year old bridge constructed of 984 teak posts. At half a mile it is the world’s longest wood construction. Return to Mandalay where you will be picked up at your hotel by hosts riding on motorcycles. Riding pillion, you explore the scenery of Mandalay’s streets after dark, stopping at markets, restaurants and bars along the way. This is a great way to experience the best food, drinks and nightlife Mandalay has to offer with your individual designated driver.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: To Bagan by Boat on the Irrawaddy
In the morning you will be transferred to a boat that will take to you to Bagan on the famous Irrawaddy River. You will stop at a village along the way to get a glimpse of life on the river and enjoy lunch as you cruise. Arriving in Bagan you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7: Introduction to Bagan
Your guide will meet you after breakfast to give you an overview of Bagan’s unique history, culture and local lifestyles. Spend the early morning visiting a variety of temples before the tour bus arrives. Then head to Myinkaba Village to visit two workshops producing Bagan’s most famous products; lacquerware and woodcrafts. Watch as the skilled craftsmen use techniques passed down through generations. Take a break with lunch at a local restaurant and then return to the hotel for a short rest and to escape the heat of the midday sun. Later in the afternoon, take a relaxing horse cart ride through the temple area, winding along tiny roads past dozens of monuments. Continue to an elevated viewpoint and watch the sunset over the plains before returning to the hotel.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 8: The Legend of Lord Buddha’s Tooth
Legend states that King Anawrahta was given a replica of Lord Buddha’s tooth. He placed this relic on his sacred white elephant’s back and set him free. The elephant stopped at four places around Bagan and later, stupas were built at each location. The locals believe that by visiting all four places in one day, all wishes will be fulfilled. Wishes made, you meet your guide and start with Shwezigon Pagoda - already famous but not because of the legend. Then continue to Tu Yin Taung, a hilltop stupa that you reach by passing 500 monk statues lining the road. The elevated location offers fabulous views of the surrounding plains. The third stop is Lawka Nandar which is on the banks of the Irrawaddy River and still functions as a place of everyday worship. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant before finalizing your ‘quest.' After lunch you board a private boat to cross the Irrawaddy River. Upon landing you are driven through the countryside to Tant Kyi Taung. This temple is of unique significance in Bagan since it is believed that the Buddha stopped on the hill where the temple now stands. After your final visit, return to the river and cross back to Bagan hoping that your wishes will be fulfilled.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 9: Myeik and the Mergui Archipelago
In the morning you are transferred to the airport for the town of Myeik which is located on the Mergui archipelago which is in the far south of Myanmar facing the Andaman Sea. Upon arrival you will be taken to your hotel to check-in. In the afternoon your guide will give you a tour of Myeik one of the oldest port cities in Myanmar. As early as the 17th Century, the East Indian Trading Company was using Myeik to unload their ships. Most of the goods were taken inland to Tanintharyi from there they would go overland to Ayutthaya the old capital of Siam. Today, “Beik” as the locals call, is focused on the ocean and its bounty. You will begin by visiting a softshell crab and lobster farm and learn about the fishing industry. Have lunch and then stroll through the old colonial quarter and visit the Royal Pearl trading shop, owned by the same family for over 150 years. Learn about the difficulties of cultivating pearls and the challenges facing the industry today. Finish your day at Thein Daw Gyi Pagoda for spectacular views of the Archipelago at sunset.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 10: Dome island and Lunch with the Sea Gypsies
After breakfast you are picked up and transferred to Seik Nge Jetty for a cruise to Dome Island and the surrounding area. As you cruise you feel the sea breeze while passing beautiful mangrove forests. Observe locals catching fish, crab, mussels and oysters in the tiny villages lining the coast. Your first stop will be Dome Waterfall which cascades from the land down into the ocean. Feel free to take a dip in the refreshing waters. Lunch will be served in one of the small villages along the way. Populated by the Moken people, also known as sea gypsies, the village lifestyle is reminiscent of a simpler time. Many spend their life permanently at sea during the dry season; only seeking the shelter of land when the heavy rains come. After lunch you cruise to Thel Lett Tin or Two-Face Island for swimming and snorkeling in pristine waters. The island name comes from two long white sand beaches. Though the beaches face opposite directions, they are only separated by a thin strip of land. As the sun begins to set you return to town.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 11: A Grouper Farm and Turtle Egg Island
After breakfast you leave on another adventure in the Archipelago. Start at a grouper farm. Fishermen catch the wild grouper when they are babies and keep them for up to 10 years. The fish can reach up to three feet and weigh almost 90 Lbs. after your visit you are taken to Marcus Island for some relaxation on the beautiful beaches. Umbrellas and deck chairs will be provided as well as snorkeling gear. A lunch of freshly grill seafood will be offered. In the afternoon you will head back to Myeik stopping off at Turtle Egg Island. The island is known for a series of fishermen’s huts precariously clinging to rock outcroppings. The scene creates a photographer’s dream.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 12: Tanintharyi and the Tagu River
Today you will explore on land as you get truly off the beaten path with an excursion to the trading post of Tanintharyi. Along the way, drop by a local rubber plantation as local farmers show the traditional methods of making sheets of rubber. Drive up a picturesque mountain Road to the village of Tagu where lunch will be served. You then board a boat and cruise down the untouched Tagu River. Tanintharyi is an old harbor town about four hours up river from Myeik. This is where the goods from Myeik were unloaded for the overland transfer to Siam. Take a tour of the ancient town. The old wooden long leg houses show that the area is still famous for teak trading. Finish the tour at the town pagoda, with views overlooking the entire area. In the afternoon drive back to Myeik by car and arrive in the early evening in time for a swim in the pool. Breakfast and Lunch
Day 13: Return to USA
In the morning you will be transferred to the airport to begin your journey back home, regaining the day you lost on the flight over.
Breakfast
