Tuesday, October 21, 2014

226. Myanmar tour 13D/12N Dec 19-31, 2014

(4 N/5 )
DESIGN TRAVEL PTE LTD
13 days/12 nights Myanmar Tour in December 19 - 31, 2014
Yangon-Mandalay-Pyin Oo Lwin-Bagan-Mt.Popa-Inle-Mt.Kyaikthtiyoe-Yangon-Yangon

Day 1        (19.12.14)     (Friday)       Arrival Yangon
(SQ 998,  09:20AM)  (_,_,_)                          _                                                                     
Arrival at Yangon international airport by Singapore Airlines at 9.20 am. Our guide will meet you and drive you to the hotel for checking in. After a short rest, start the sightseeing from Chauk Htat Gyi, reclining Buddha. Then we visit the famous Shwedagon Pagoda, the world greatest pagoda gilded with golden leaves. There, you will see pilgrims offering flowers, incense sticks and candles to the Buddha Images and appreciate part the Buddhism culture of the Myanmar people. After that we visit a royal floating barge on Kandawgyi Lake for your photography stop. There will be traffic jams in downtown Yangon nowadays. You will see very old apartments besides the and new buildings and hotels, as Yangon is now developed by investors after the removal of US sanctions.  In the late afternoon, we send you back to your hotel. Overnight at hotel in Yangon.
Day 2              (20.12.14)     (Saturday) Yangon-Mandalay  (ETD 5:00 PM)    (B,_,_)                                                                     
After a hotel breakfast, a morning visit to Sule surroundings,Mahabandoola Park with the Independence Monument, colonial buildings such as City Hall, High Court and the Ports. If time permits, we visit the Bogyoke market to visit the various arts stalls, food, clothing, jewellry, crafts and souvenior retailers. You can buy gifts such as Myanmar paintings of your tour for friends at home. After lunch, we go to the Yangon train station to take the train to Mandalay overnight. Our local guide will accompany you on the train ride. 
Day 3              (21.12.14)    (Sunday)  Arrival Mandalay-Amarapura-Mandalay(by train/by car)(B,_,_)                                                                     
Morning your train arrives in Mandalay. Your train guide will introduce another local guide. Check-in at hotel before sightseeing of the Mandalay surroundings such as the Maha Gandaryon Monastery, the Buddhist University and the silk and cotton weaving outlets, Then to U Bein Bridge, 1.2 km long teak bridge, Mahamuni Pagoda, You will see a Buddha Bronze Image which was casted during Buddha’s life time, with a reproduction of his features.

Afternoon, you will visit Mandalay Royal Palace, Zaygyo market, Shwenandaw Monastery noted for its wood carvings. The Autumashi (Incomparable) Monastery which is declared National Treasure and Kuthodaw Pagoda, known as the world’s biggest book for its stone slabs of Buddhist Sculptures. We go to Mandalay Hill which has a panoramic view of Mandalay City. Overnight at hotel in Mandalay.
Day 4              (22.12.14)    (Monday)  Mandalay-Pyin Oo Lwin-Mandalay (by car)     (B,_,_)                                                                                       
           After hotel breakfast, we go to the famous Botanical Garden in Pyin Oo Lwin which is a popular hill station about 69km away from Mandalay.The British colonial officers used to stay there to escape the summer heat of Yangon. In the Garden, you will see different kinds of  floral species and many exotic fruits, flowers and shady trees. View roadside vendors, villages and the surrounding coffee plantations and military bases, a car drive back to Mandalay. Overnight at hotel in Mandalay.

Day 5              (23.12.14)    (Tueday)  Mandalay-Bagan       (by boat)     (B,_,_)                                
After hotel breakfast, a car transfer to the jetty for your Bagan boat trip. Sight-seeing of the hills, mountains and villages on your boat cruise with many good sights for photography. In the evening, you arrive at the Nyaung Oo jetty & the local guide will take you to check-in at the hotel.Overnight at Hotel in Bagan. 

Day 6              (24.12.14)    (Wednesday) Bagan sightseeeing    (by car)   (B,_,_)                             After hotel breakfast, you will visit Bagan, the richest archaeological site in Asia where thousands of temples, pagodas and ruins can be seen. Sightseeing include : Shwezigon pagoda, the prototype of later Myanmar stupas, built in early 11th century; Wetkyi-inn Gubyaukgyi temple, with fine mural paintings of Jakata scenes.

Afternoon, you will visit the Archaeological Museum, Anada temple, architectural masterpiece: Anada Okkyaung, a monastery with 18th century mural paintings and Thatbyinyu, the highest temple in Bagan where you will have a sunset view of Bagan surroundings and take great photographs. Let your guide know early if you wish to book a balloon flight over Bagan. This balloon flight, at your expense, may be fully booked or not available, depending on the weather. Overnight at hotel in Bagan.
  
Day 7          (25.12.14)   (Thursday)       Bagan-Mt.Popa     (by car)                   (B,_,_)
After hotel breakfast, a morning drive to Mt.Popa which rises 1518 meter from the flat surroundings. It is a core of an extinct volcano and is believed to be the abode of  the legendary “Nats” or the Spirit Gods. It is equivalent to the "Mount Olympus". Climb up the steps to the top of Mt Popa.
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On the way to Mt. Popa, you will visit the Toddy field to observe how the locals make Jeggery, Toddy Juice and Peanut Oil. Then,overnight at a cool hill resort near Mt.Popa.

Day 8         (26.12.14)    (Friday)           Mt.Popa-Bagan   (by car)                      (B,_,_)
After hotel breakfast, drive back to Bagan. Our car driver will show you the arts and crafts shops, the the Irrawaddy River and the new Bagan town. You can visit the Htilominlo Temple with its plaster carvings, Gawdaupalin and the Tharabar Gate, Myazedi Pagoda, Shwegugyi Temple and Shwesandaw Pagoda, Dhammayangyi Temple. Please let the local guide know if you wish to take a horse carriage ride or cycle your rented bicycle ride around the town, at your own expense. Overnight at hotel in Bagan.

Day 9         (27.12.14)    (Saturday)       Bagan-Heho-Inle    (by flight/by car/by boat)                   (B,_,_)
After hotel breakfast, a morning transfer to the airport for the flight to Heho which is near Inle Lake. At the Heho airport, the local guide will meet you and drive you for check-in at the hotel in Inle Lake. Sightseeing includes Phaungdaw Oo Pagoda, Ngaphechaung Monastery once famous for its dancing cats, silversmith workshops, traditional lotus weaving factory,  blacksmith and cigar making factory. You will see the floating garden homes of Inle Lake, the farms and villages. Overnight at Hotel in Inle.

Day 10        (28.12.14)    (Sunday)          Inle-Indein-Inle     (by boat)                               (B,_,_)
After hotel breakfast,  a visit to Shwe Indein Pagoda Complex to view the ruined 17th century stupas including the beautifully carved mythical and celestial beings of stucco. On the boat ride, you will see the famous leg paddling fishermen fishing in the Inle Lake, Some trekking along the base of the green hills to trek past villages and the market places in the afternoon.

Overnight at Hotel in Nyaung Shwe (or)Inle Lake.

Day 11     (29.12.14)   Monday)                         Inle-Heho-Yangon-Mt.Kyaikhtiyoe (by flight/by car/by truck)          (B,_,_)
After hotel breakfast, a morning transfer to the airport for flight back to Yangon.When you arrive at Yangon airport, the car & local guide will take you directly to Kyaik Hto for sight-seeing of the Mt.Kyaikhtiyoe (Golden Rock), It is 3615 ft above sea level and was built on the   huge steep rock overlooking the panoramic view over the Sittaung river valley, green forest and beautiful mountain ranges. Leisure walk around the hilly areas.  Overnight at hotel near the Golden Rock Pagoda.

Day 12     (30.12.14)     (Tuesday) Mt.Kyaikhtiyoe-Bago-Yangon    (by truck/by car)          (B,_,_)
After hotel breakfast. a truck ride downhill to the Kinpun base camp and depart by car to Yangon.
On the way, you will  visit Bago, the ancient Mon Capital. Sightseeing includes: Shwemawdaw which is  one of the most venerated pagodas in Myanmar; Shwethalyaung with its life reclining Buddha image and Kayikpun Pagoda which was built in the 15th century by  King Damazedi famous for its background story of 4 gigantic sitting images back to back.  Overnight at hotel in Yangon.    
                                                                
Day 13    (31.12.14)     ( Wednesday)   Yangon departure      (SQ 997,10:25 AM)             (B,_,_)
After hotel breakfast, transfer to airport for your departure flight at 10.25 am

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NOTES:

1.  The local guide will advise you on good places for lunches and dinners or let him or her know early if you have you own favourite eateries and food and beverage.

2. If you want a more leisuredly tour with less visits to the numerous pagodas or prefer to spend more time in certain places for photography, let the local guide and driver know early.

3. If you like to visit certain places, let the local guide and driver know early. 





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QUOTATION VALID FROM OCT 22 - 29, 2014



19 Dec 2014 Arrival Yangon            (SQ 998, 09:20 AM)
20 Dec 2014 Yangon-Mandalay       (ETD 05:00 PM)
21 Dec 2014 Arrival Mandalay-Amarapura-Mandalay         (by car)
22 Dec 2014 Mandalay-Pyin Oo Lwin-Mandalay                (by car)
23 Dec 2014 Mandalay-Bagan         (by boat)
24 Dec 2014 Bagan sightseeing       (by car)
25 Dec 2014 Bagan-Mt.Popa           (by car)
26 Dec 2014 Mt.Popa-Bagan           (by car)
27 Dec 2014 Bagan-Heho-Inle         (by flight/by  car/by boat)
28 Dec 2014 Inle-Indein-Inle            (by boat)
29 Dec 2014 Inle-Heho-Yangon-Mt.Kyaikhtiyoe     (by flight/by car/by truck)
30 Dec 2014 Mt.Kyaikhtiyoe-Yangon                    (by truck/by car)
31 Dec 2014 Yangon departure                            (SQ997,10:25 AM)

Tour Fare   : USD 4760 net per person. (Based on one pax).

Services Include:

*11 nights accommodation in air-conditioned single room, including breakfast.
*One night on train (local guide accompanies on overnight train till arrival at Mandalay).
*Sightseeing and transfer with air-conditioned car.
*Train tickets for Yangon-Mandalay trip.
*Boat tickets for Mandalay-Bagan trip.
*Open-truck fee for driving you up and down Mt.Kyaikthiyoe (Golden Rock) from base camp with other tourists sharing the same truck.
*Domestic airfares for Nyaung Oo-Heho (Bagan to Lake Inle) and Heho-Yangon (Lake Inle to Yangon) with airport tax.
*Private boat excursion in Inle Lake.
*English station speaking guide. (Different guide at each place).  Remark: 20 Dec 2014. a local guide for the overnight train trip from Yangon to Mandalay.
*All zone and admission fees.

Yangon            :    Shwedagon pagoda
Mandalay         :    Zone Fee
Pyin Oo Lwin    :   Botanical Garden
Bagan              :     Zone Fee
Inle                  :     Zone Fee
Kyaik Hto       :      Kyaikhtiyoe pagoda admission fee

Services Exclude:

*International airfares.
*Myanmar entry visa.
*Video and camera fees.
*Meals (Lunch and Dinner). Local guides will recommend good eateries or eateries of your choice.  
*Personal expenses e.g. laundry service, tips, beverage, drinks.
*Insurance (medical,travel,properties)
*Any items not mentioned in the "Services Include"

4-star hotels to be used are ;

Yangon      :        Sule Shangri-La Hotel       (Deluxe Room)
Mandalay   :        Mandalay Hill Hotel          (Superior Room)
Bagan        :        Aureum Palace Hotel         (Deluxe Room)
Inle            :        Aureum Resort Hotel         (Villa)
Mt.Popa    :         Popa Mountain Resort       (Superior Room)
Kyaik Hto  :        Mountain Top Hotel          (Deluxe Room)


Quotation is valid for 7 days from Oct 22 to 29, 2014. December is a peak tourist season and hotel bookings need to be confirmed now.

If you accept the quotation, please transfer payment of USD 4760 to:
Design Travel Pte Ltd,  DBS Bank, Singapore,
Current Account Number:  0005-000883-01-0-022 USD

DBS Bank Ltd
12 Marina Boulevard, Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, Singapore 018982
www.dbs.com


1002, Toa Payoh Lor 8, 01-1477, Singapore 319074.
Tel +65 9668-6468 (or SMS for faster reply),  9668-6469, 6254-3326. Mr David Sing,

Nov 18, 2014
TOUR IS CONFIRMED.


Monday, October 13, 2014

227. Myanmar tour by train, boat and plane in Dec 19 - 31 2014

Please let me know whether the following travelling time is suitable for you.

List the mode of travel you want (e.g. Ygn to Mandaly by air. Mandalay to Bagan by boat. Bagan to Inle by air). I will then plan the itinerary for your approval.

BY AIR  morning flight
Ygn to Mandalay   1 hr 24 min  
Mandalay to Bagan  30 min
Bagan to Inle  40 min
Inle to Ygn  1 hr 10 min




 Dear Designtravel,

I would like to visit Mynamar this Christmas period. I have from the 19. to the 30./31.

A good cross-section of the country would be my goal.

What would you recommend ?

I would arrive from Singapore and return there.

Yours sincerely

K

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Thank you for your email. I am David Sing, Manager, Design Travel.

1. Pl get your visa done in your country soon.
2. Pl let me know if the following itinerary is OK with you.
Dec 19, 2014  Singapore to Yangon. Overnight in Yangon.
Dec 20             Yangon to Bagan. Overnight in Bagan
Dec 21              Bagan to Mount Popa. Overnight in Mount Popa 
Dec 22              Mount Popa to Bagan.  Bagan to Inle Lake. Overnight in Inle Lake.
Dec 23              Inle Lake
Dec 24              Inle Lake and Indein Lake
Dec 25              Inle Lake to Mandalay
Dec 26              Mandalay
Dec 27              Mandalay to Yangon
Dec 28              Yangon to Golden Rock
Dec 29              Golden Rock
Dec 30              Golden Rock to Yangon
Dec 31              Yangon to Singapore

Pl let me know if you like this itinerary before I proceed further. Thank you.

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Traveller is interested in a mixture of boat, bus and plane itinerary. The following info is provided:

Oct 14, 2014

BY TRAIN
Ygn to Mandalay   14 hr  (6.30 pm to 8.20 am next day)
Ygn to Bagan        6 hrs         (9.42 am to 4.25 pm)  
     


BY BOAT 
Mandalay to Bagan  9 hrs (7am to 4 pm) one departure only
Bagan to Mandalay 9 hrs  (7am to 4pm).

BY BUS
Ygn to Mandalay    9 hrs   8.30 am to 5 pm first departure  
Mandalay to Bagan  4 hrs  8.30 am to 12.30 pm first departure
Bagan to Inle  9 hrs          7.30 am to 3 pm first departure
Inle (Taungyi) to Mandalay    9 hrs      6am to 3.30 pm 
Mandalay to Ygn    9hrs  8.30 am to 5 pm first departure 
Ygn to Inle (Taungyi)       10 hrs            5am to 3pm 

I propose Ygn to Mandalay by train. Mandalay to Bagan by boat. Then Bagan to Inle by air. Inle to Ygn by air. Ygn to Golden Rock by bus/car.
Pl note that it is best to take the first morning air flight as there may be delays sometimes.

Usually 2-3 stops on bus journey.

Half a day is not enough in Inle Lake and Bagan as there is much sight-seeing to do, visiting villages and market places. Lunches and dinners take some time. But much depends on what you want to do in your travel as each individual has different interests.


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Oct 16, 2014 proposed itinerary


Pl let me know if the following itinerary is OK with you before I make proper travel arrangements and give quotations to you.

You may need strong legs as there is a lot of walking. A local tour guide and car will be with you at the places visited. 3-4 star hotel. One pax
Dec 19, 2014  Singapore to Yangon. Overnight in Yangon.
Dec 20             Yangon to Mandalay by TRAIN.  6.30pm - 8.20 am. 14 hours. Arrive Mandalay at 8.20 am on Dec 21. Overnight in TRAIN
Dec 21             Mandalay. Arrived at 8.20 am. Overnight in Mandalay  
Dec 22             Mandalay Pwin Oo Lin (British colonials stay there in summer to escape Yangon's heat) by CAR. Overnight in Mandalay.
Dec 23             Mandalay to Bagan by BOAT 7am - 4pm  9 hours.    Overnight in Bagan
Dec 24             Bagan. Overnight in Bagan. .
Dec 25             Bagan to Mount Popa by CAR. Overnight in Mount Popa.
Dec 26             Mount Popa ("Mount Olympus" of Myanmar).visit. Back to Bagan in the afternoon. Overnight in Bagan.
Dec 27             Bagan to Inle Lake. AIR. MORNING FLIGHT. Overnight in Inle Lake.
Dec 28             Inle Lake. Overnight in Inle Lake.
Dec 29             Inle Lake to Yangon AIR. MORNING FLIGHT.  Car to Golden Rock. Overnight in Golden Rock.
Dec 30             Golden Rock to Yangon. CAR.  Overnight in Yangon.
Dec 31             Yangon to Singapore