Myanmar Highlights
Trip Notes Introduction
Dossier Last Updated: 15-08-2019
Tour Code: BUMH
Duration: 8 nights / 9 days
Joining City: Mandalay
Departure City: Yangon
Nearest Joining International Airport: Mandalay International Airport (MDL)
Nearest Departing International Airport: Yangon International Airport (RGN)
Price From: US$860
Please check this document just before departing in case of last minute changes to your tour.
Itinerary
Day 1 to 1 - Arrive Mandalay
Welcome to Myanmar, more formally named the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and previously and possibly better known in many countries as Burma.
Mandalay, a name that evokes splendours of old Burma, captured by Rudyard Kipling in poem Mandalay. “This is Burma” he wrote, “and it is quite unlike any place you know about!” Destroyed by a fire and heavily bombed during World War Two, the Burma of old is more difficult to find but when you do, it astounds you.
With a turbulent history, after thousands were killed in a military uprising, Burma changed its name to Myanmar in 1989. Myanmar today has only recently opened its border to travellers after the Military Junta, in control since 1962 was dissolved after years of internal struggle as recently as 2011. As this largely rural country remains unaffected by long term tourism it offers us a wonderful insight into Southeast Asian life.
Why not visit the Mahamuni Pagoda with its old Buddha statue. Typically a lively temple, men put gold leaves into the statue. Here you can also shop around for the perfect souvenir, your own small statue made of bronze or wood. If you can't find what you are looking for, the marble carving street should have a treat in store. Walking through the Mahagandayon monastery complex, see hundreds of monks heading to prayers.
Tonight, you can visit the Yadanar night market to get a feel for the real Mandalay. Grab some traditional snacks before enjoying a beer at a famous beer station and a delicious meal at one of Mandalay's traditional BBQ restaurants.
Optional Excursions
Mahamuni Buddha Temple & Paleik Pagodas – MMK 10000 • Bike rental – USD$10
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Oway Grand Hotel or similar 
Day 2 to 4 - Bagan
Bagan is home to more Buddhist temples than anywhere in the world. They poke out of the trees and have a graceful aging process. It is here that the sunsets are some of the best in the world.
On arrival, we enjoy a half day guided orientation tour of the area where you will see some of the best temples in the region. Discover Ananda, Sulamani, and Thatbyinnyu, the latter being one of the highest monuments in Bagan.
The best way to see the many hundreds of temples in the area of Bagan is by bicycle and the day after arriving in Bagan, we take a guided tour of the site by bicycle The flat landscape makes a bike tour an easy excursion and your guide will show you some of the most spectacular ancient temples away from the crowds. Cycle through the palm trees and bamboo huts finding temples along the way.
With two full days in Bagan, should you want to visit the surrounding areas, you can take optional excursions to see what else the region has to offer. You can visit Mount Popa, the birthplace of the 37 'nats' of Myanmar which are the protective spirits. You can get off the beaten track by visiting rural villages as well as fruit and flower markets.
One of the highlights of Bagan enjoyed by many, is a sunrise hot air balloon ride offering stunning views over the temple zone. Of course seats are limited and can book up early so booking in advance is recommended to avoid disappointment. Your Adventure Specialist will be able to advise on the best ride for you and how to book.
Included Excursions
Half day Bagan orientation tour,Bike tour through Bagan
Optional Excursions
Rent a bike – USD 10 • Temple Zone – USD 20 • Ballooning over Bagan – From USD 320 (seasonal - from October to April. Book online before your tour to avoid missing out. Contact your Adventure Specialist for more information.)
Accommodation
3 night(s) in hotels at Staying at Hotel Umbra or similar
Meals
3 Buffet Breakfast(s)
Day 5 to 5 - Kalaw
Leaving Bagan, on the way to Kalaw we visit the Elephant Conservation Centre. A community project only recently established here, protects the jungle, the wildlife that resides in it and the traditions of the local people living in the area. The project also protects some of Myanmar’s endangered elephants which, without this protection, may have been hunted down and killed or sold into the tourism trade.
These elephants are ‘retired’ from working life and we will have the opportunity to wash and feed the elephants but riding them is strictly not allowed. Returning to the camp, we will enjoy lunch before continuing our journey to Kalaw. Travelling by private vehicle, we might make multiple stops on the way to Kalaw in local villages. We may learn how to make toddy and jaggery (palm sugar) from the sap of the toddy palm.
Included Excursions
Elephant Conservation Centre
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels
Meals
1 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es)
Day 6 to 7 - Inle Lake
Leaving Kalaw we make our way to the picturesque colonial train station where we board our train to Inle Lake and the town of Shwe Nyaung. This scenic journey travels over the Shan mountains and through the valleys towards Inle Lake. A unique local experience that offers great views and a glimpse of local life in the Shan mountains en route. The train has been used by locals and westerners alike for over 100 years and has a distinctive colonial feel to it. This train can't be prebooked so you may be seated in the "ordinary class" giving you a real taste of how locals travel by train. An interesting and sustainable way to travel!
Arriving at Shwe Nyaung a transfer will take us to our hotel. The following day, we spend a full day on the lake, travelling by boat between traditional villages built on stilts and inhabited by the Intha people. We visit floating gardens, pass some of the fishermen who row their boats using their legs, balancing precariously on the other. One of the main highlights of the excursion is the lunch made by a local family. You will experience authentic Intha food including the famous tomato salad, meat cakes steamed in banana leaves and more. You will also visit traditional markets in different villages depending on the day we travel. If time allows, we will also visit a cheroot factory where Burmese cigars are made, floating tomato gardens, Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda and Intha Heritage House where Burmese cats are bred.
Well known for its weaving, on Inle Lake we have the chance to purchase souvenirs including the Burmese tote-bags and high quality silk fabrics. You can also try traditional Shan cuisine including Htamin Jin, a delicious meal of rice, tomato, potato or fish in round balls, wrapped in crisp fried onion and marinated in garlic.
Included Excursions
Shan mountain train journey,Day excursion on Inle Lake and local Intha lunch
Optional Excursions
Buddha Museum – USD 2 • Bike rental – USD 10 • Boat rental – USD 30 per boat
Accommodation
2 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Maine Li or similar
Meals
2 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(es)
Day 8 to 8 - Yangon
Today we fly to Yangon, a city filled with British, Burmese, Chinese and Indian influences. Despite being a city, here it is common to see locals walking down the street barefoot with natural sunblock from the Thanaka tree rubbed on their faces. There is plenty to do in this bustling city from food tours, local markets, lakes and pagodas.
The largest and most beautiful pagoda is the Shwedagon Pagoda and it is the most religion site in Myanmar. It was originally built in the 6th century AD and has been rebuilt and developed over time to become the sprawling, golden site of today. It is also a meeting point for locals. Children play, monks chat and women gossip while it is possible to pick up some souvenirs from the shops outside the site.
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Clover City Centre Hotel or similar
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
Day 9 to 9 - Depart Yangon
Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.
Meals
1 Breakfast(s)
What you need to know
- We will try to run your tour as close to the itinerary as conditions will allow. On very rare occasions, local events may affect the way your itinerary operates. We ask for your flexibility and understanding in these situations.
- Many countries have strict rules on the age and quality of foreign cash. We therefore recommend you bring only new, unmarked and undamaged bank notes. This includes your Local Payment on tours where required.
- Most temples require you to wear modest clothing and walk around barefoot. Remember to pack shoes that you can slip on and off easily and clothes that cover the knees and shoulders.
- This tour includes a compulsory Local Payment that needs to be paid to the Tour Leader on Day 1 of your tour. For more information on our Local Payments please click here.
What's Included
Excursions & Activities
- Half day Bagan orientation tour
- Bike tour through Bagan
- Elephant Conservation Centre
- Shan mountain train journey
- Day excursion on Inle Lake and local Intha lunch
Accommodation
8 night(s) in hotels
Transportation
Boat, Train, Tuk-Tuk, flight(s)
Meals
1 Buffet Breakfast(s), 7 Breakfast(s), 2 Lunch(es)
What's Not Included
- Visas and travel insurance
- Spending money – budget for meals, snacks, drinks, limited souvenirs, laundry, tips and any extras
- International flights to/from the start/end of your tour and departure taxes
- Tips on excursions, visas, travel insurance, personal items and single rooms.
- Optional excursions - On each trip, you may find there are some excursions that are not included. This might be because they are not to everyone's taste or there may be various options of differing value to choose from. More information on the excursions we recommend is listed under each day of your itinerary though prices may vary. If you are after something in particular, don't hesitate to ask your tour leader.
Joining hotel details
Your joining location is:
Oway Grand Hotel
No. 624, 78th Street (between 30th & 31st Street)
Central Mandalay
Mandalay
Tel: + 95 9 421171181, 91014161, 02-72395
This hotel has wi-fi and a laundry service.
There are safe deposit boxes for your use. Please leave all of your important documents here when you go out but remember to carry some form of ID and a photocopy of your passport with you.It is not advisable to wear chains or expensive looking watches or jewellery while in major cities. You should also keep your camera concealed when not in use and carry daypacks on your front for extra safety.
Arriving in Mandalay
The airport has both ATMs and money exchange services. If you have booked a transfer on arrival, a driver will be waiting for you at the arrival gate, holding a Tucan Travel sign.
Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are not included in the tour price and must be booked separately in advance through Tucan Travel. If you have booked an airport/hotel transfer with us, please look out for someone with a sign which has your name, Tucan Travel, or both after exiting the customs hall.
If you have booked an arrival transfer with us and you are going to be delayed by more than two hours, you must advise us of the delay at least six hours before arrival. If we are advised in time, we will make every effort to reschedule your transfer and your driver will be asked to wait for two hours after your new expected arrival time. However, if we are not made aware of any change, the driver will only wait for two hours after the original scheduled arrival time and after this point it will be up to you to arrange transport to your hotel at your own expense. Please contact us on the emergency contact details below if you are likely to be delayed.
Making your own way
To get from Mandalay airport to the joining hotel, you can find a Taxi Counter in the arrivals terminal, where you can buy a coupon for the taxi - there is a set price for each destination so there are so scams. Outside the airport, there will be a line of taxis. You just need to give the coupon to the taxi driver.
Local Payment - How it works
The majority of our tours are divided into two separate payments. The tour price is paid directly to your travel consultant when you book and before you depart for your tour and the second amount is the Local Payment, which is paid locally when you join the tour.
The Local Payment ensures your Tour Leader has a supply of cash to run some of the tour if access to banking facilities is limited or nonexistent. This helps to save operational and administrative costs, which in turn helps to keep the cost of our tours competitive so we can pass the savings on to you. The Local Payment also helps us get cash directly into local businesses to provide communities with an immediate economic benefit.
The Local Payment is a portion of the total tour cost and must be paid directly to your Tour Leader in the currency as indicated on your tour vouchers. The Local Payment is not optional and failure to pay this money in cash may result in you being excluded from starting the tour. It must be paid in high denomination notes only (100s, 50s, 20s). The notes must be crisp with no tears or markings and should be no older than 2013.
For more information on why we have the Local Payment please click here.
Local Payment on this tour
For this tour the Local Payment must be paid in USD. Please note - Local Payment must be paid in new, high denomination notes only. Notes must be crisp with no tears or markings and should be no older than 2013.
Emergency Contact Details
In the unlikely event of an emergency, please contact our Asia Destinations Manager on +44 (0)203 129 3763
Emergency contact details are a service for emergency calls only. We respectfully request that you consider the urgency of your enquiry. Non-urgent enquiries should be made during office hours. Visit contact us page for office hours.
Visas
It is the responsibility of the traveller to arrange any required visas you need for this trip. The majority of countries will ask for proof of onward travel before issuing a tourist visa on arrival. Please ensure you have printed off your tour itinerary showing your departure date and/or any onward flight tickets.
Keeping in Touch
Your tour leader will point out internet cafes in all major cities and towns and Wi-Fi may be available in some hotels. Mobile phones may not work locally depending on your network. If you have an unlocked phone you may be able to purchase a local SIM card. Hotel details are listed on your tour dossier but can be subject to change. If someone needs to contact you urgently during your tour the best method is to contact our office who can pass a message on to the tour leader.
Money
For personal spending money we recommend bringing US dollars, Pounds Sterling or Euros to exchange for or use alongside local currency. While bank cards provide a very good way to access funds overall, it is not recommended to rely on them as your sole source of funds as cash machines do not always work and may not be available in remote locations. Carry a mix of cards and cash with you, including notes in small denominations.
ATMs are fairly commonplace and pay out in local currency, except in Cambodia where US dollars is the main form of currency. If the ATM doesn’t work after the first two attempts, find another machine as it may retain your card the third time. Always make sure no one else sees your PIN number when using ATMs.
Your spending money should cover some meals, optional excursions, souvenirs, drinks, laundry, border and airport taxes and any visas obtained locally. We provide guideline prices for optional excursions in the itinerary to help you budget, but ultimately the amount you will need to budget for your trip very much depends on your individual requirements. We recommend bringing extra money to cover emergencies or unexpected situations.
Tipping
Tipping is a part of the life in Asia, but you should not feel obliged or pressured to tip if you have not received good service. A gratuity of 10% of the total bill is recommended in restaurants. Gratuities are usually expected for local guides on included and optional excursions. Tips are also appreciated by Tucan Travel tour leaders at the end of your tour and we recommend an average of $2-$4 per person per day for the duration of your tour. This is only if you feel that their service was up to standard and is completely at your own discretion.
Packing List
The best advice when packing is to travel light and leave space for souvenirs in your bag.
Luggage
It is important to bring luggage you can carry and lift comfortably, potentially up several flights of stairs in hotels where elevators are not available and between bus/train stations and hotels. There may be times when you have to get your luggage through crowded streets which may be cobbled or store your luggage in lockers. Luggage too large for lockers will have to be left insecurely or carried for the duration of the day.
We recommend a frameless backpack or a sports type shoulder bag which fits comfortably on your shoulders, as they are less bulky and easier to handle than rigid suitcases or framed backpacks. Hardcase/Hardshell suitcases are not suitable for our tours and are not recommended. Tucan Travel takes no responsibility for damage to your luggage while on tour.
In addition to your main bag, you will need a small daypack for your everyday excursions. Try to keep this bag as light as possible and make sure that all main sections of your bags can be padlocked. This daypack should have enough room to carry food and snacks for long hikes and treks and space to carry belongings for overnight excursions.
Please note: Tucan Travel tours have a checked luggage restriction of up to 20kg in total. Some tours in Asia which include domestic flights are also subject to the local carrier conditions of booking and have their own luggage restrictions which may be a maximum of 15kg. Any excess luggage charges on tour or on flights must be paid by the client. Hand luggage allowance will, vary from airline to airline. Due to variances in airline regulations and for your own comfort while travelling, we recommend a luggage weight of no more than 15kg checked luggage and 5kg hand luggage
Sleeping Sheet
Sleeping bags are not required on this tour, but a sleeping bag liner/sleep sheet is optional if you wish to bring one along. Some passengers like to use them on long bus journeys and overnight trains.
Clothing and Footwear
We recommend packing lightweight and durable clothes. Nights can be cold at higher altitude, so it is a good idea to bring at least one pair of warm trousers plus several thinner sweaters / fleeces which you can layer. Please avoid military or camouflage-patterned clothing as it can cause problems and in some countries may be illegal. In some sacred and religious areas you will be required to cover your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect (this often applies to men as well as women). A sarong or light scarf can be very useful in these scenarios.
Good, comfortable walking shoes are essential. These do not need to be expensive boots, but they should have good ankle support and grip, be worn in and ideally waterproof.
Essential items:
- A lightweight water/windproof jacket with hood
- Easy to pack wide-brimmed hat of cap
- Towel - you will need a towel for most overnight excursions
- Swimwear
- Sandals or thongs/jandals/flip flops
Suggested items:
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Laundry
There are usually laundromats or laundry services in or near most of our hotels. Hotel services can be pretty costly however your tour leader will be able to recommend cheaper options. If you wash clothes yourself take care not to be too obvious where you hang them as most hotels do not like guests washing and drying their clothes in the hotel rooms.
Electricity Supply
The power supply in Asia differs not only from country to country but sometimes from region to region within a country.
- Vietnam, Thailand & Laos require a European plug with two circular metal pins
- Singapore and Malaysia requires a three square pin power sockets as in the UK.
- Japan requires a plug with two flat parallel prongs similar to those used in North and Central America. However, the Japanese plug has two identical flat prongs.
- China use a Japanese-style plug with two parallel flat blades; Australian-style plug with two flat angled blades and one vertical grounding blade; British-style plug with two flat blades and one flat grounding blade; South African/Indian-style plug with two circular metal pins above a large circular
- Cambodia uses a European plug with two circular metal pins or Japanese-style plug with two parallel flat blades.
- Nepal uses 2 or 3 round prongs as found in the US. You will also need a voltage converter.
- India use South African/Indian-style plug with two circular metal pins above a large circular grounding pin.
- Central Asia, Indonesia, Russia and Mongolia use a European plug with two circular metal pins.
We recommend bringing a universal plug adaptor with you.
Health, Fitness & Safety
Altitude Sickness
Some of our tours in Asia, especially Nepal, reach dizzying heights and sometimes people can be affected by altitude sickness. For more information please read our High Altitude guide as well as consulting your doctor if you are worried you may be affected.
Vaccinations
It is important to consult your doctor or travel clinic in good time before your tour departs to determine what vaccinations you require. You may need several vaccinations and/or malaria tablets and you should be aware that some inoculations require more than one visit and can take several weeks to administer. Always carry your International Certificate of Vaccination with your passport.
Malaria can be found in some parts of Asia. The risk is greater in rainforests or other areas at sea level. If required make sure you pack sufficient prophylactics for the duration of your tour and the incubation period after. You should take a good insect repellent (with DEET) and apply liberally and regularly. Flying-insect spray or mosquito coils (containing a pyrethroid insecticide) can help clear rooms of mosquitoes and may be worth bringing.
Pack a Medical Kit
A medical kit is handy for minor wounds and ailments. In areas with limited or dubious medical facilities, an emergency medical kit containing sterile syringes is also advisable. By law our staff are not allowed to administer first aid or give drugs to travellers, so please be prepared with your own supplies.
If you are taking medication, please ensure you bring an adequate supply and a letter from your doctor to avoid potential issues at border crossings.
Fitness & Suitability
This is a public transport-based tour so it is essential that you be able to carry your bags over distances between bus and train stations and hotels, generally for up to 20 minutes. Disruptions happen and while your tour leader will make every effort to ensure your trip runs smoothly, patience, a sense of humour and willingness to get involved and help your tour leader are essential ingredients for a successful and happy group.
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions please let us know at the time you book or as early before departure as possible. Depending on the severity of the condition, you may be asked to produce a medical certificate from your doctor approving your participation in this tour. While this would only happen in very exceptional circumstances, if we consider you incapable completing this tour or you have concealed an existing medical condition which is affecting your ability to participate in the tour of Tucan Travel reserve the right to turn you away without reimbursement.
Safety & Security
Asia is generally safe, even more so in a group. Reasonable precaution is advised; do not bring valuable jewellery or watches (even fakes can catch the eye of a thief), do not walk by yourself at night, heed your tour leader’s advice and always keep an eye and a hand on your camera and bags in public places. Tucan Travel cannot accept responsibility for any valuables left in safe deposits in hotels or on public transport.
Age Restrictions
We have a minimum age on all our Worldwide Adventures group tours of 16 years old. Children aged 16 and 17 must each be accompanied by a legal guardian or parent and we recommend that children have a companion of a similar age to them so that they have company along the way. While we do not have an upper age limit, the nature of our group tours can be very fast paced and travellers might be required to walk long distances, often in the heat. As a result, we may ask that you fill our a form found here to guarantee your enjoyment of the trip. Please read through our Tour Suitability page or contact a member of our Reservations Team if in doubt.
