What do you think, deal or steal????

Dear fellow tripadvisors,

Please have a look at the following itin and suggested hotel list. constructed very efficiently by ***** for USD 1800.00 per person. I was hoping to have more internal flights, but perhaps the destinations are not connected by air travel??? Any comments on air travel as opposed to long car journies????

BELOW ARE HOTELS

Yangon Kandawgyi Palace Hotel superior room

Bagan Myanmar Treasure Resort – superior room

Mandalay Mandalay Hill Resort – superior room

Kalaw Pine Hill Resort – superior room

Inle Myanmar Treasure Resort – deluxe room

ITINERARY

DAY 1: YANGON ARRIVAL ( L,D)

Arrive at Yangon Airport, meet the assigned guide and transfer to hotel. Check in hotel. Lunch in the hotel. Afternoon visit Chaukhtatgyi Reclining Buddha Image and Shwedagon Pagoda, one of the wonders of the world, where one can see and enjoy the beauties of the Pagoda and the life style of Myanmar People. Dinner at a restaurant with traditional music and dances. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 2: YANGON / BAGAN (by flight) ( B,L,D)

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Airport and fly to Bagan, the Ancient Capital and Birth place of Myanmar Culture. Morning sightseeing begins with visit to the Shwezigon Pagoda, prototype of later Myanmar satupas; Wetkyi-in Gubyakkyi Temple, with fine mural paintings of jataka scenes; Htilominlo Temple, noted for its plaster carvings; Tharaba City Gate, the oldest extent of Bagan architecture. Lunch at Local Restaurant. Afternoon visit begins with lacquer-ware factory, Myinkaba Gubyaukkyi Temple, a typical Mon style temple; Manuha Temple, a captured king%26#39;s impression of life in prison; Nanpaya Temple; an earliest masterpiece with its fine stone carvings; photo stop at Seinnyet Nyima Pagodas, a temple and a stupa with exquisite design and Mingala zedi pagoda, on of the last ones built in Bagan; sunset from a suitable temple or pagoda. Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

DAY 3: BAGAN ( B,L,D)

Breakfast at hotel. Morning sightseeing in South East Bagan featuring 13th century temples; Nandamanya; Thambula and Lemyethna Temples, noted for their fine mural paintings of Mahayanist character. Lunch at Local Restaurant. Ananda Temple, an architectural masterpiece resembling a Greek Cross; and Thatbyinnyu, the highest of Bagan Temples; and Bupaya Pagoda, a Pyu style pagoda on the brink of the majestic Ayeyarwaddy River. Dinner at a restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 4: BAGAN / MANDALAY (by car) ( B,L,D)

Breakfast at hotel. Morning transfer by car to Mandalay, the Capital of the last Myanmar monarch, a 300 km north east of Bagan. the land route journey is about 8 hrs allowing to see the vegetation of the central dry zone, the way of life of farmers and rice cultivation. Lunch en route. Arrive Mandalay. Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

DAY 5: MANDALAY / MINGUN / MANDALAY (by boat) ( B,L,D)

Breakfast at hotel. Excursion to Mingun, a village on the western bank of Ayeyarwaddy River. Tour highlights include Settawya Pagoda with a marble foot print of Buddha; Pondawyapaya, nearby the river; Pahtodawgyi, an enormous pile of bricks is all that remains of King Bodawpaya%26#39;s grandiose scheme; Mingun Bell, the world%26#39;s largest ringing bell weighing 90 tons; Mingun Village; and Shinbume Pagoda, most attractive pagoda built in 1816 by King Bodawpaya%26#39;s grandson in memory of one of his wives. Lunch en route. After lunch, visit Maha Muni Buddha Image and handy crafts workshops such as making of gold leaves, woodcarvings, marble carvings etc.Then proceed to Shwe Kyaung, a monastery once King Mindon’s royal palace apartment for meditation, incomparable Atumashi monastery and ending up the day with Mandalay Hill, vantage point for the view of Mandalay. Dinner in a typical restaurant. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 6: MANDALAY/AMARAPURA/SAGAING/MANDALAY (by car) (B,L,D)

Breakfast at hotel. Morning excursion to Ancient Capital Amarapura, 11 Kilometres south of Mandalay visiting Mahagandayon monastery; 1.2 Kilometer long U Bein Wooden Bridge and visit handicraft workshop. Lunch en route. Afternoon excursion to Sagaing driving over Inwa (Ava) Bridge across the Ayeyarwaddy River. Tour highlights are Ywataung Village, silver smith workshop and Sagaing Hills, a retreat for Buddhist devotees with numerous pagodas and monasteries. Return to Mandalay. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 7: MANDALAY / MAYMYO / MANDALAY (by car) ( B,L,D)

Breakfast at hotel. Excursion starts with 2 hours drive to cool, hill station of Pyin U Lwin, 80 km away from Mandalay with waterfalls, beautiful gardens and its colonial era housings. Also visit Peik Chin Myaun cave, and (if available) horse drawn cart riding. Return to Mandalay. Dinner and overnight in Mandalay.

DAY 8: MANDALAY / KALAW (by car) ( B,L,D)

Breakfast at hotel. Then, leading the road to Shan State, the Shan State known for its colorful markets, scenery, country-sides and especially its people, a mixture of tribal races (about 10hrs drive). Lunch en route. Arrive Kalaw, former hill station of British Raj and still bear the atmosphere of colonial era. From Kalaw there are good trekking and hiking possibilities to the neighboring hill tribe villages, which still alive the same as they did centuries ago. Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

DAY 9: KALAW ( B,L,D)

Breakfast at hotel. Day at leisure. Enjoy walking through Kalaw, visiting the local market, the tiny train station. Lunch at local restaurant. Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

Optional Trekking Tour: Take a walk through the hills. At first a steep track leads up to a view point which offers great views over Kalaw. From there we walk down to Taung Min Gyi, a village of the Pa O tribe. The Palaung cultivate cheroot, tea, damsons and mangoes on the hillsides. From here the track crosses the valley floor before climbing very steeply again to the Palaung village of Pinnabin. The village has an interesting long house for eight families. Observe tribal village life and how the Palaung people dry cheroot in a specially designed oven. Formerly animists, the Palaung people have mostly converted to Buddhism. Return to your hotel.

DAY 10: KALAW / PINDAYA / INLE (by car) ( B,L,D)

Breakfast at hotel. Morning sightseeing around Kalaw. Then transfer to Pindaya, a small quiet town with beautiful lake. Visit Pindaya Cave with its numerous Buddha images in different styles and from different periods, picturesque Boutaloke Lake, beautifully set amongst huge old trees, some local houses where families produce Shan paper and parasols. Lunch en route. Transfer to Inle Lake, about 100 km away from Pindaya. Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

DAY 11: INLE ( B,L,D)

Breakfast at hotel. Excursion of the lake well known for its scenic beauty and its unique leg rower. Tour highlights include Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda; wonderful floating gardens; floating market on its market day;native method of fishing ; traditional weaving villages; and village life in the lake. Lunch at a local restaurant. (Please note that the floating market is once every 5 days, but may vary according to the Buddhist Sabathdays.) Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

DAY 12: INLE / HEHO (by car) ( B,L,D)- HEHO/ YANGON (by flight)

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Heho for the flight to Yangon. Lunch in a restaurant. Afternoon photo stop around Sule Pagoda and City Centre and shopping. Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

DAY 13: YANGON departure( B)

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Yangon International Airport for departure flight.

What do you think, deal or steal????

Just 2 observations:

It is a very ambitious itinerary and given the condition of roads in Myanmar I personally would find it tiring, but for you it may not be a problem. My trip would probably be Yangon/ Bagan/ Mandalay and Inle Lake, and by air.

I also think of the Shwedagon as one of the wonders of the world but urge anyone to visit in the evening when all the tourists are dining elsewhere. Then you not only have the full effect of the lighting which is pure magic but also mingle with the local people instead of other tourists. I would give up any entertainment Yangon has to offer to spend an evening, not an afternoon, at the Pagoda, and I have done this since my first visit in 1981.

What do you think, deal or steal????

Thanks for your feedback, I too am concerned with the high amount of time spent in the car.

I am not sure how to trim the itin, as there is travelling on day trips around Mandalay.

What do you think of the price and hotels that have been suggested, on this forum some of the places chosen such as in Yangon and Mandalay better options are available for us.

My only comment would be this.. you can do a whole lot of travelling for USD 1,800.00 (per person) in Myanmar....

Last year two of us spent less than that... (for 2 people).. we were in the country for 17 days and or nights.. .. we went to a few of the hotels you mention... incl. Kandawgyi Palace Hotel (and Traders)... bought airline tickets... had great food and plenty of beer... Were generous with transport, guides and tips... and still had money left over for a few mementos.

Read a guidebook.. do a bit more homework on this forum and on the lonely planet Thorntree.. make a few (simple) arrangements and go with the flow (of tourists).. There%26#39;s beaten path along the iteneary that you mention... You just can%26#39;t go wrong... and if you do.. you get put back on-track instantly.... Hotels can be booked on-line.. sites such as hoteltravel and asiarooms, are good places to begin looking and use the googler... Happy travels:-)

I think the amount is fair considering the cost of gas with all your traveling by car. Unless you are someone who wants to see everything I think you could give up some of the day trips - that%26#39;s a lot of bouncing around on poor roads.

If you are interested in wine I suggest visiting one of the vineyards near Inle Lake (your hotel can arrange it). This is wine country and the reds are surprisingly good - in fact I brought a few bottles home.

And remember in Yangon the best evening entertainment, no matter what your guide says, is at the Shwedagon IMO.

Enjoy!

A new quote from another operator, the price is 1077 per person?

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Day 01 Arrive Yangon with evening flight

Meet on arrival at Yangon International airport transfer to hotel for check in. Overnight at Summit Parkview hotel ***, superior room.

Day 02 Full day excursion in Yangon

After breakfast visit to Chaukhtatgyi reclining Buddha image then to Sule Pagoda, Maha Bandoola Park with Independence Monument , located at the heart of the city. Tour continue to Bogyoke market- a shopping market with more than 2000 shops selling all kinds of products but of special mention is the beautiful exotic “Shan Bag” velvet slippers, lacquer ware, Gems shorps and all sorts of handicraft.

Early evening visit to Botataung Pagoda and Nanthida jetty. Then visit to the 2,500 years old magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda sheathed in 11 tons of pure gold and 4,350 diamonds weighing 1800 carats! At sunset, the Shwedagon offers visitor a spectacular show of lights and shadows. Overnight at Summit Parkview Hotel. (B)

Day 03 Yangon – Mandalay by am flight – Amarapura by car

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transfer to airport for flight to Mandalay . On arrival to Tada-Oo International Airport , you will be proceeding to an ancient city of Amarapura, 11 km south of Mandalay highlighting Mahagandayon Monastery, Bagaya Monastery with a famous collection of Buddha images. Then proceed to 1.2 km long U Bein Wooden Bridge, built since 1782 with over 1700 huge teak pillars, is one of the worth visiting sites. The clients can have leisurely walk on the 1.2 KM long bridge.

Then on the way to Hotel, visit to the famous Mahamuni Pagoda, one of the most sacred Buddha Image in Mandalay . Then a short visit to Gold foil making cottage industry. Check-in at hotel and followed by afternoon sightseeing that begins with Mandalay Palace, Shwenandaw Monastery, noted for its exquisite wood carvings; Kuthodaw Pagoda, known as the World’s Biggest Book for its stone slabs of Buddhist scriptures. Tour continues to Mandalay Hill, a vantage point for a panoramic view of the city and a spectacular sunset view.

It is worthy to have a stroll up the hill enjoying panoramic views from different location. Return can be made by car as there is also a car track by the base of elevator just before the platform. Overnight at Mandalay City Hotel ***, Deluxe room. (B)

Day 04 Mandalay – Mingun – Ava – Sagaing excursion

After breakfast transfer to jetty for 45 minutes boat trip to Mingun. Sightseeing around Mingun includes: Mingun pagoda known as the biggest brick pile, biggest ringing Mingun bell and Myatheintan Pagoda.

Then visit to Inwa ( Ava ), a historical capital founded by King Thado Minbya in 1364. Extended visit will be made to Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery which is a fine example of Myanmar masonry art and architecture, Mainu Brick Monastery and old watch tower.

Tour continues to picturesque Sagaing Hills, 21 km south-east of Mandalay and west bank of Ayeyarwaddy River. Sagaing Hills is a retreat for Buddhist devotees with numerous pagodas and monasteries. Return to Mandalay and overnight at Mandalay City Hotel. (B)

Day 05 Mandalay – Bagan by boat

After breakfast transfer to Jetty for a whole riverine cruise on the majestic Ayeyarwaddy River from Mandalay to Nyaung Oo. Enjoy the extraordinary scenic and interesting sights along the picturesque Ayeyarwaddy River on Shwe Kein Nayee OR Malikha boat with the capacity of (200) passengers, Hall provided with comfortable reclining seats. On arrival transfer to hotel for check in and overnight at Thande Hotel ***, Superior room. (B)

Day 06 Bagan excursion

After breakfast visit to Shwezigon Pagoda a prototype of later Myanmar stupa. Then to Wetkyi-in Gubyaukkyi Temple with fine mural pain-tings of Jataka scenes. After that , transfer to Hotel for check-in.

Afternoon sightseeing tour continues with visits to lacquer ware industry where you can study traditional Myanmar lacquerware making, Manuha Temple with gigantic Buddha images, a captive king%26#39;s impression of life in prison; Nanpaya, an Early-style temple with the finest stone carvings. Although it has spots lights installed, it would be safer to bring your own touch as electricity supply can be shut-off from time to time.

In the evening you will be visiting the Ananda Temple, an architectural masterpiece resembling a Greek Cross.

Overnight at Thande Hotel. (B)

(In Bagan there are more than 2000 temples %26amp; stupas. Indeed it is difficult to cover all temples within limited time. Therefore we have carefully selected only some major temples for you in order to avoid hectic tourism. But if you want to see more temples, just let your guide or driver knows. They can show you as much temples as possible within your stay.)

Day 07 Bagan full day tour

After breakfast morning sightseeing tour begins with Shwe Gukyi temple for panoramic morning beauty of old Bagan area. Here you will have the chance to study the ruin palace site of Bagan. Then visit to the highest temple of Bagan “Thatbyinnyu”. Then to Dhammayangyi, a massive temple with the finest brickwork.

Then a last temple before lunch, will be Sulamuni temple where you can see fine frescos from 18th century Kone Baung era and it also has a beautiful back round history so make sure you get that.

Late afternoon visit begins with your option either Lacquer ware making village or Minnan thu village to see the typical Myamar style of village life. Then proceed to Lay Myathna and Phaya Thonezu Temple and have a stroll among the ruin temple. Overview of Bagan temple from nearby temple called Tayoke Pyay and that calls for that day. Overnight at Thande Hotel. (B)

Day 08 Bagan – Heho by am flight – Pindaya – Kalaw by car

After breakfast transfer to airport for flight to Heho. On arrival drive to Pindaya (2 hrs drive), enjoy the scenic beauty of the countryside along the way to town. Visit Pindaya Lake and Pindaya Shwe U Min cave, well – known for its countless Buddha images.

Then proceed to drive to Kalaw (2 hrs drive), check in at hotel and overnight at Pine Hill Resort **, Superior room. (B)

Day 09 Kalaw trekking

After breakfast at hotel, trekking to Palaung Hills in Kalaw surrounding area and visit the hill tribe villages in their colourful costumes. Evening visit Theindaung Monastery, Aung Chan Tha Phayar, Shweohnmin Phayar and caves. Overnight at Pine Hill Resort. (B)

Day 10 Kalaw – Inle by car

After breakfast visit local market then drive to Nyaung Shwe where Inle Lake is situated (2 hrs drive). On arrival check in at hotel then followed by sightseeing to unique leg-rowers and scenic beauty. Tour highlights: Paungdaw Oo Pagoda; wonderful floating gardens; native methods of fishing; Nga Pe Chaung Monastery, and Stilt house villages life on the lake.

Overnight at Treasure Resort ***, Deluxe room. (B)

Day 11 Inle lake excursion

After breakfast at hotel, transfer to jetty for boat to the hidden treasure of Inle Lake ( 1:20 hours boat trip ). It is Shwe Indaing pagoda complex that is newly open to International travelers where one will be totally amaze of ruined stup as from 13” century. On the way, you will enjoy the nature beauty on the way like vegetable gardens, child and young monks ( novices ) enjoying their morning bath in the clear stream, water buffaloes and people among the paddy fields etc.

After a nice stroll among the pagoda complex, walk back along the bamboo forest to the jetty to take back the boat to Inle Lake . Then visit the Silver Smith to experience the local methods of making silver wares. Then visit the Lotus fiber weaving at Ann’s restaurant and enjoy the scenic view of Inle Lake from the terrace. Then return to Nyaung Shew. Overnight at Treasure Resort. (B)

Day 12 Inle – Heho – Yangon by pm flight

After breakfast visit to Eidaung Gyi village, Mine Thauk village. Then transfer to airport for flight back to Yangon . On arrival transfer to hotel and overnight at Summit Parkview Hotel. (B)

Day 13 Departure with am flight

After breakfast transfer to airport for International flight. (B)

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well, a good one though....

Vincent

The second tour is more pleasing to me. Yangon fly to Mandalay.

Boat from Mandalay to Bagan. Fly Bagan to Heho(Inle Lake). Fly Heho to Yangon. Most efficient - less %26#39;car%26#39; time. The price is more in line with reality also. It may suit your style, but I would prefer to explore on my own in many of these places. I went to the Scott Mkt and Schwedagon on my own (as well as other places in Yangon.)

I would again use a guide in Mandalay for one day at least. Whatever you decide, you will find myanmar fascinating. Enjoy.

Hi,

We did 15 days with a tour company who were excellent ( Columbus) We flew everywhere we could, and the car time we did do was quite enough for me! Our hotels were down market from yours, but it was $1000 per person. We would upgrade a bit if going again. I would skip Kalaw for flights and more time at Inle Lake if I were you. It was nice to have some relaxing time and Inle lake is the place.

Helen

don%26#39;t use a tour copany! just fly out there and play it by ear, speak to people when you are there. If you book a trip with a tour company you will be giving 50% of your money to the tour company and the government in Myanmar. I know, I work for a tour company! My advice to everybody in the world is book everything yourself individually!

The poins that ';unwill'; are very valid.... Government issue aside... why indeed pay double and get less, when it%26#39;s so easy to make the arrangements yourself? Pay half and get more.. and support the locals as a bonus.