|
AN
EXPLORATION OF VIETNAM & BURMA
A World Heritage Sites Tour of Vietnam and Burma |
 |
Vietnam
and Myanmar have certainly played an important role in
modern day history, especially now with the opening of
the isolated
country of Burma (Myanmar). Our 24-day in depth and relaxed
style journey combines these two august countries in the
Pacific in an attempt to provide an experience of the history,
culture, people and traditions that have evolved over the
years in these two magnificent countries.
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Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
|
01
|
Arrive
Saigon |
|
02
|
Saigon |
| 03 |
Saigon |
|
04
|
Saigon
/ Dalat |
|
05
|
Dalat / Nha Trang |
|
06
|
Nha
Trang |
|
07
|
Nha
Trang / Danang / Hoi An |
|
08
|
Hoi
An |
|
09
|
Hoi
An / Hue |
|
10
|
Hue
|
|
11
|
Hue
/ Hanoi |
| 12 |
Hanoi |
| 13 |
Hanoi |
| 14 |
Hanoi
/ Yangon |
| 15 |
Yangon |
| 16 |
Yangon
/ Bagan |
| 17 |
Bagan |
| 18 |
Bagan
/ Mandalay |
| 19 |
Mandalay |
| 20 |
Mandalay |
| 21 |
Mandaly
/ Kalaw |
| 22 |
Kalaw
/ Inle Lake |
| 23 |
Inle
Lake / Heho / Yangon |
| 24 |
Yangon
/ Depart |
|
|
 |
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
|
World Heritage Sites in Vietnam covered on this tour |
|
Complex of Hue Monuments (1993) |
Established
as the capital of unified Vietnam in 1802, Hue was not
only the political but also the cultural and religious
centre under the Nguyen Dynasty until 1945. The Perfume
River winds its way through the Capital City, the Imperial
City, the Forbidden Purple City and Inner City, adding
natural beauty to this unique feudal capital. |
| Ha
Long Bay (1994, 2000) |
Ha
Long Bay, located in the Gulf of Tonkin, includes some
1600 islands and islets forming a spectacular seascape
of limestone pillars. Because of their precipitous nature,
most of the islands are uninhabited and unaffected by
man. The exceptional esthetic values of this site are
complimented by its great biological interest. |
|
Hoi An Ancient Town (1999) |
Hoi
An constitutes an exceptionally well preserved example
of a South-East Asian trading port from the period of
the 15th to 19th centuries. Its buildings and its street
pattern reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign,
that combined to produce this unique heritage site. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day
1 Sunday: Arrive Saigon (VIETNAM)
Chào ban! (Welcome in Vietnamese) Upon arrival to one of Vietnam’s
largest cities we are met and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Duxton Hotel, Saigon (3 nights)
Day 2 Monday: Saigon
We have a whole day to explore some of the most interesting sites, including
the beautiful neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, the
Opera House also known as “Saigon Concert Hall’, the Jade Emperor
Pagoda with its colorful and mysterious ambiance, the Reunification Palace and
Ben Thanh Market. We also visit the Giam Lam Pagoda built at the end of the 17th
century and the oldest pagoda in Saigon, Binh Tay Market, and finally the Thien
Hau Pagoda, one of the most active in Cholon. (B)
Day
3 Tuesday: Saigon
Today we take an interesting excursion to My Tho, the capital of Tien Giang Province.
The economy of My Tho is based on fishing and the cultivation of rice, coconuts,
bananas, mangos, longans and citrus fruits. We have the opportunity to visit
the centuries-old My Tho Church and experience the Central Market, filled with
stalls selling everything from fresh food and bulk tobacco to boat propellers.
Cao Dai Temple in the Long An Province, is a smaller temple than the one at Tay
Ninh, but is well worth a visit. The Vinh Trang Pagoda is a beautiful and well-maintained
sanctuary where charitable monks provide a home to needy children. Finally, we
visit Dragon Island with its many longan orchards and lush, palm-fringed shores
lined with traditional wooden fishing boats. (B)
Day 4 Wednesday: Saigon/Dalat (Drive 298
kms/185 miles)
This morning we journey northeast for Dalat. En Route we have the opportunity
to stop at Dambri Falls, the highest falls in Vietnam, where the views are breathtaking.
This area is inhabited chiefly by Montagnards. We also stop at Pongour Falls
that, during the rainy season, form a full semicircle. Next on our journey is
Langa Lake, a reservoir that is crossed by a bridge and is residence to many
floating houses. Finally we explore Dinh Quan, where we will find 3 inactive
volcanic craters dating from the late Jurassic period.
Overnight: Novotel Hotel, Dalat (1 night) (B)
Day 5 Thursday: Dalat/Nha Trang (Drive 213 kms/132 miles)
Today is our day to tour Dalat beginning with the Hang Nga Art Gallery, a café and
art gallery run by the gallery's eccentric owner. The French District is a delightful
area for walking around, and is reminiscent of a French provincial town. Next
we are off to Cam Ly Falls, the grassy areas around the 15m/16 yard-high cascades
are the habitat of horses and Dalat cowboys. The Valley Of Love was named the
Valley of Peace by the Emperor, however in 1972 its name was changed by romantically-minded
students. Dalat Cathedral was built between 1931 and 1942 for use by French residents
and holidaymakers and features stained-glass windows that put us in medieval
Europe. Domaine De Marie Convent is a pink tile-roofed structure and was once
home to 300 nuns. Thien Vuong Pagoda, also known as the Chinese pagoda is set
on a hilltop amid pine trees. Later this afternoon we depart for Nha Trang, the
home of tens of thousands of descendents of the Cham people.
Overnight: Hai Au Hotel, Nha Trang (2 nights) (B)
Day
6 Friday: Nha Trang
This day is full of interesting sites! The Po Nagar Cham Towers, built between
the 7th and 12th centuries, were used for Hindu worship as early as the 2nd century
AD. The Oceanographic Institute has an aquarium and specimen room open to the
public. Next we are off to the Lang Son Pagoda, with an exquisite entrance and
roofs decorated with mosaic dragons. At the top of the hill, behind the pagoda,
is the huge white Buddha seated on a lotus blossom. Nha Trang Cathedral, built
in the French Gothic style, stands on a small hill overlooking the train station.
The Bao Dai Villas, formerly the retreat of Bao Dai Vietnam's last emperor, were
used by high-ranking officials of the South Vietnamese government. (B)
Day 7 Saturday: Nha Trang/Danang/Hoi An (Flight/Drive
30 kms/18 miles)
We are transferred to the airport for a short flight to Danang where we start
our tour with the Cham Museum. Founded in 1915 by the Ecole Francaise d'Extreme
Orient, it has the finest open-air collection of Cham sculptures in the world.
China Beach, made famous in the American TV series of the same name, stretches
north and south of the Marble Mountains. The Marble Mountains consist of 5 stone
hillocks made of marble and each is said to represent one of the five elements
of the universe. The largest and most famous, Thuy Son, has a number of natural
caves, in which Buddhist sanctuaries have been built over the centuries. We continue
to Hoi An, a picturesque riverside town south of Danang. Known as Faifo to early
western traders, it was one of South East Asia's major international ports from
the 17th to 19th centuries.
Overnight: Hoi An Beach Resort, Hoi An (2 nights) (B)
Day 8 Sunday: Hoi An
A full day visiting the many interesting sites of Hoi An, including Quan Cong
Temple, founded in 1653. The Phuoc Kien Pagoda is a typical example of the Chinese
'clans' that were established in the Hoi An area, was built around 1690. The
Japanese Covered Bridge, constructed in 1593 was built by the Japanese community
of Hoi An, to link them with the Chinese quarters across the river. The Sa Huynh
Museum contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An's history. Finally
we visit the Phung Hung House, a structure that combines Vietnamese, Japanese
and Chinese architectural styles and has been the home to one family for eight
generations. (B)
Day 9 Monday: Hoi An/Hue (Drive 132 kms/82
miles)
A scenic drive to Hue begins this day. Upon arrival, our afternoon tour includes
the 19th Century Imperial City that was for a long time the cultural and intellectual
center of Vietnam. Our tour includes the Citadel that was built in the early
19th century and modeled after the Forbidden City in Peking. Ngo Mon Gate is
the principal entrance to the Imperial Enclosure and faces the Flag Tower. The
Forbidden Purple City was reserved for the personal use of the emperor and the
only servants allowed into the compound were eunuchs. Evening is free to mix
and mingle with the local Hue people.
Overnight: Saigon Morin Hotel, Hue (2 nights) (B)
Day
10 Tuesday: Hue
A jaunt to Tu Duc Tomb, once the Royal Palace of Tu Duc, begins our day’s
tour. Constructed between 1864 and 1867, its pavilions are framed in a tranquil
setting of forested hills and lakes. The Khai Dinh Tomb, the last monument of
the Nguyen dynasty, sits magnificently on the slopes of Chau E Mountain in Chau
Chau Village and houses a long staircase flanked by dragons and decorated with
stunning ceiling murals and ceramic frescoes. Located just outside of Hue on
the bank of the Perfume River, Thien Mu Pagoda was a hotbed of anti-government
protests during the early 1960s. The Emperor Minh Mang Tomb complex built in
1840, is known for its magnificent architecture, military statuaries and elaborate
decorations. It is perhaps the most beautiful of Hue's pagodas and tombs, a fitting
end to a spectacular day. (B)
Day 11 Wednesday: Hue/Hanoi (Flight)
Morning free at leisure till we are transferred for our short flight to Hanoi,
a city of lakes. Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a charming city of peaceful
shaded boulevards, French style buildings and public parks. Balance of the day
at leisure.
Overnight: Anise Hotel, Hanoi (3 nights) (B)
Day 12 Thursday: Hanoi
The first of our two full day of Hanoi sightseeing includes the One Pillar Pagoda
built by the Emperor Ly Thai Tong. Built of wood on a single stone pillar, this
structure was designed to resemble a lotus blossom. Hoan Kiem Lake is located
in the heart of Hanoi and is home to a small Tortoise Pagoda topped with a red
star perched on an islet in the middle of the lake. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
is the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s great leader of independence.
Our journey today concludes with a visit to St Joseph Cathedral, a striking neo-Gothic
cathedral noteworthy for its square towers, elaborate altar and colourful stained-glass
windows. (B)
Day 13 Friday: Hanoi
Our excursion to Ha Long bay includes a boat ride to Hang Dau Go, a huge cave
consisting of three chambers that are reached climbing 90 steps. The cave derives
its Vietnamese name from the third of the chambers, which is said to have been
used by Tran Hung Dao during the 13th century to store bamboo stakes that were
used against Mongol invaders. Bo Nau is the 'Pelican' cave of interest. Thien
Cung is "Heaven Palace". (B)
Day 14 Saturday: Hanoi/ Yangon (BURMA) (Flight)
Mingalaba! (Welcome) Yangon lies in the fertile delta of the Yangon River and
gives the impression of being full of trees, shade and shimmering stupas floating
above the treetops. Our afternoon tour includes the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda
which dates back about 2500 years and was built to house eight sacred hairs of
the Buddha. Its bell-shaped superstructure is covered in about 60 tons of gold
leaf. The National Museum holds several interesting exhibits, including the mammoth
Sihasana Lion Throne as well as many treasures of Burmese royalty. The Sule Pagoda
has a 48 meter/52 yard high golden dome used, when it was rebuilt in the 1880s,
by the British as the nucleus of their grid pattern for the city.
Overnight: Summit Parkview Hotel, Yangon (2 nights) (B)
Day 15 Sunday: Yangon
An interesting experience today includes mingling in the Bogyoke Aung San Market,
also known as Scott Market, and its 2000 little shops. The Kyaukhtatkyi Pagoda
contains a gaudy, modern, 70m/76 yard-long reclining Buddha built in 1966 and
housed in a formidable iron pavilion. The temple doubles as a monastery, as well
as a center for the study of Buddhist manuscripts. Mailamu Pagoda has a series
of interesting images of the Buddha in his previous incarnations as well as a
lovely reclining Buddha image. (B)
Day
16 Monday: Yangon/Bagan (Flight)
A short flight gets us to Bagan with its spectacular plain dotted with thousands
of ancient temple ruins. Although human habitation in Bagan dates back almost
to the beginning of the Christian era, Bagan only entered its golden period with
the conquest of Thaton in 1057 AD. Our tour includes Ananda Pahto, one of the
finest, best preserved and most revered of the Bagan temples thought to have
been built around 1105, and the Shwegugyi temple, built in 1311. We also visit
Thatbyinnyu Pahto, Nathlaung Kyaung, Bagan's only Hindu Vaishnavite temple, and
the Pahtothamya. Gawdawpalin Pahto, one of the largest and most imposing of the
Bagan temples. Bupaya is a cylindrical Pyu-style stupa said to be the oldest
in Bagan; local residents claim it dates to the 3rd century.
Overnight: Bagan Hotel, Bagan (2 nights) (B)
Day 17 Tuesday: Bagan
Our excursion to Mount Popa, gives us an interesting picture of life in the countryside.
We also visit Salay famous as the historic home of Salay U Ponya, a Bagan Era
writer/poet. We go to many interesting sites including Payathonzu, an interconnected
complex of three brick shrines; Thadanayaunggyi Kyaung, an ancient monastery
in continuous use for several centuries, and Mogok Vipassan Yeiktha, a meditation
center. We will also have the opportunity to see Nan Paya, home to a large lacquer
Buddha dating back to the 13th century, and an old brick and stucco Buddhist
scripture library. We finish the day with a visit to Youqson Kyaung, the oldest
surviving wooden monastery hall in the Bagan area. (B)
Day 18 Wednesday: Bagan/Mandalay (Drive 200
kms/124 miles)
This morning we depart by road to Mandalay, the last capital of Myanmar before
the British took over. Mandalay is of great cultural and historical importance
and is the most “Burmese” of Myanmar’s large cities. Mandalay's
Buddhist monasteries are the most important in the country - about 60% of all
the monks in Myanmar reside in the Mandalay area.
Overnight: Mandalay Hill Resort, Mandalay (3 nights) (B)
Day 19 Thursday: Mandalay
Constructed in 1857, Mandalay Fort (Fort Dufferin) is an imposing walled palace
compound encircled by an impressive moat. We get a glimpse of history at the
Mandalay Museum and Library, known for their large collection of Mandalay regalia,
royally commissioned art and palm-leaf manuscripts that were formerly housed
in the palace. Next we visit the Kyauktawgyi Pagoda, home to a huge seated marble-image
of the Buddha; the Sandamani Paya, a cluster of slender whitewashed stupas and
the Shwenandaw Kyaung, fine example of a traditional Burmese wooden monastery. (B)
Day 20 Friday: Mandalay
Today we visit the one time capital of Inwa followed by Sagaing and Amarapura
where we visit Nanmyin, Maha Aungmye Bonzan, and Bagaya Kyaung, a monastery built
of teakwood and supported by 267 teak posts. Sagaing is widely regarded as the
religious center of Myanmar and is popularly known as 'Little Pagan' as the Sagaing
ridge is littered with around 600 pagodas and living monasteries. We also visit
Thabyedan Fort, Kaunghmudaw Paya, Sagaing's most important temple, Tupayon Paya
with its unique architecture and Hsinmyashin Paya, known as the Pagoda of Many
Elephants. Amarapura means City of Immortality, however its period as capital
was brief. We visit Pahtodawgyi, and Bagaya Kyaung - a museum and library known
for its collection of palm-leaf manuscripts. (B)
Day 21 Saturday: Mandalay/Kalaw (Drive 200
kms/124 miles)
Our destination today is Kalaw, a popular hill station in the British days. Kalaw
sits high on the western edge of the Shan Plateau and is still a peaceful and
quiet place with an atmosphere reminiscent of the colonial era. The small population
is a mix of Shan, Indian Muslims, Bamar and Nepalis making for an interesting
cultural experience. Our afternoon tour includes Aung Chang Tha Zedi, a glittering
stupa covered in gold-colored mosaics, Dhamma Yon, a two-story temple provides
a fair view of the town, Dhamma Yanthi Paya and the ruins of the Hsu Taung Pye
Paya. Nee Paya, and Christ The King Church, wrap up our days sightseeing.
Overnight: Pine Hill Resort, Kalaw (1 night) (B)
Day 22 Sunday: Kalaw/Inle Lake (Drive 100 kms/62 miles)
We drive to Inle Lake, located in Shan State. The lake is beautiful, with its
serene waters dotted with patches of floating vegetation and fishing canoes.
High hills rim the lake on both sides creating a cozy and tranquil setting. The
lakeshore and lake islands bear 17 villages on stilts, mostly inhabited by the
unique Intha people.
Overnight: Inle Lake View Resort, Inle Lake (1 night) (B)
Day 23 Monday: Inle Lake/Heho/Yangon (Drive/Flight)
This morning, we enjoy a boat trip on the serene Inle Lake followed by a scenic
and countryside drive to Heho where we catch our flight back to Yangon.
Overnight: Summit Parkview Hotel, Yangon (1 night) (B)
Day 24 Tuesday: Depart Yangon
Today we bid farewell after what will have been an awe-inspiring journey. We
are transferred to the airport for our departure flight with unforgettable memories
of extraordinary cultures.
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|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
|
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|
Departure Dates |
|
2010
Jan
10 & 24, Feb 21 & 28, Mar 71 & 21, Apr 04 &
18, May 09 & 23, Jun 06 & 20, Jul 04 & 18, Aug
08 & 22, Sep 12 & 26, Oct 10 & 24, Nov 07 &
21, Dec 05 & 19
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| Prices |
| Season |
Tour
Price US$ |
Single
Sup US$ |
|
2010 |
4595 |
995 |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
• Hotel accommodation as mentioned or similar
• Meal plan as mentioned (B = Breakfast)
• All sightseeing and transfers
• Entrance Fees to Museums and Sites
• Services of local English speaking guides
|
•
International Airfare / Departure Taxes
• Insurances
• Visa Fees
• Drinks / Beverages with meals
• Tips / Gratuities to Drivers & Guides |
| Domestic
/ Regional Airfare INCLUDED in Tour Price |
| Nha
Trang / Danang, Hue / Hanoi, Hanoi / Yangon, Yangon
/ Bagan and Heho / Yangon. |
| Estimated
International Airfare(NOT
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US
$ 1400 |
| West
Coast |
US
$ 1200 |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of 15
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
|
|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 206–8678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
|
30
years in small group journeys
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Site
updated Jun 01, 2009
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