Burma Selective Journeys

BURMA
Selective Journeys
AN INTRODUCTION TO
SELECTIVE JOURNEYS
Myanmar, or Burma as it was once known, is a land full
of culture and ancient beliefs. It is a destination to be
absorbed, slowly and without haste. Time is not
important here.
Gradually emerging from a troubled history, the
country has, unshakably, held firm to its strong
Buddhist beliefs. Its unique ambience harks back to
more tranquil times and it continues to capture the
hearts and minds of travellers as it has done for
centuries. Burma (Myanmar) holds endless wonders,
waiting to be revealed.
Myanmar is referred to Amarapura, the Land of
Immortality, and Yadanarbon, the Land of the Gems.
Today it is known as Suvanabhomi, the Golden Land.
Experience the rich heritage and natural resources of
Myanmar with our Selective Journeys, and you will see
just why these titles are such a true reflection of this
fascinating land.
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BURMA
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WALKING THE BLESSING TRAIL
Early morning call to prayer, burning incense, palm reading,
colorful Hindu temples and Buddhist monks in deep red robes
- downtown Yangon is ibrant and this walking tour unveils a
diverse side of Myanmar that few tourists get to experience.
Although Myanmar is predominately Buddhist, there are
several forms of religion practiced in the country, most of
which were introduced by immigrant populations.
Exploring the diverse religions in downtown Yangon provides
an insight into the rich tapestry of cultures in Myanmar and
unveils a side of the city rarely explored by visitors. Start your
tour at Kheng Hock Keong Temple, Chinatown's largest
temple, and continue walking through western downtown.
Along the way visit mosques, churches, Hindu temples and
even a synagogue before finishing at Sule Paya. Your guide will
explain the rich diversity of the religions in Yangon and teach
you about offerings and blessings in each place of worship.
Beyond the major regions, you will also discover local Burmese
traditions such as ancestor worship, Nat worship, astrology and
even the lottery! While walking through this lively section of
town stumble upon local markets selling everything from fresh
produce to temple offerings to traditional medicine. Sit and
enjoy tea on a leafy side street, sampling local snacks and meet
friendly locals.
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BALLOONS OVER BAGAN
Imagine floating over thousand year old pagodas and the mighty
Ayeyarwaddy River, as the sun sinks slowly behind distant
mountains. Balloons over Bagan gives visitors a unique
opportunity to see this ancient kingdom from above. The sunrise
and sunset champagne flights last just under one hour and take
off daily from October through to the end of March. The
balloons are guided by gentle winds not exceeding 15mph,
allowing passengers a serene and peaceful bird’s-eye-view of
ancient temples drifting by. Using his skills, the pilot is able to
guide the balloon to a gentle landing on the banks of the
Ayeyarwaddy River, or in an open field, where the crew and the
celebratory glass of champagne will be on hand.
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COOKING WITH THE INTHAS
Immerse yourself into the life of the Inthar people, who live in
stilted homes perched above Inle Lake’s tranquil waters. While
Inle lake is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere with immense
fresh floating orchards, it’s not the only thing this laidback land
has to offer its visitors. Behind the rustic doors of its typical
wooden stilt houses is an amazing world of Intha culture.
People say to explore a culture; the quickest way is through its
cuisine. During the tour, you will take a comprehensive and
interactive journey through the livelihood of the local Inthar
people of Inle Lake. Dressed in traditional Inthar clothing, join
local fisherman and have a go at fishing on the lake. Visit the
local market and observe the way locals choose to buy and sell
fresh food. Finally join the local Inthar family in their kitchen to
cook local dishes then sit on the floor at a round table and dine
in the local way.
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THE ART OF MEDITATION
Practice meditation in one of Myanmar’s most sacred places,
with this exclusive Sagaing excursion. In a forest monastery on
the famous Sagaing Hill, relax the mind and rejuvenate the spirit
with a one-hour session using traditional Burmese meditation
techniques.
Considered by many to be the centre of Buddhism in Myanmar,
Sagaing is the perfect place to practice meditation. There are
more than 600 monasteries, nunneries and stupas in Sagaing and
around 5000 monks living within its borders. During your visit
stop at a tranquil forest monastery with many individual niches
for meditation. Learn traditional techniques used by the Burmese
Buddhists for meditation, then it is time to relax your mind and
practice meditation.
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COLORS OF THE COUNTRYSIDE
Explore the colorful countryside surrounding the busy city of
Yangon. Travel by ferry across the Yangon River to the town of
Dhala, where a trishaw ride exposes the natural beauty and local
customs of this rural town. Although close to Yangon, the pace
of life is dramatically different.
Stop at the local monastery to learn about the cultural and
spiritual beliefs of the people before returning to Yangon. The
boat ride to Dhala takes 15 minutes and offers great views of the
waterways as well as a fun chance to interact with the curious
locals as they make their way across the river. Upon reaching
Dhala, travel by local trishaw through the town. The scenic town
is remarkably different from nearby Yangon, with many trees,
local neighbourhoods and quiet side streets filling the area.
While in Dhala visit the market and interact with the friendly
locals. After visiting the village and market, proceed to the
monastery to learn about monastic life in Myanmar. The
monastery also serves as a community centre and is an
important part of rural Burmese life.
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SWE DAW LAY SUU
LEGENDARY - BAGAN
Discover one of Bagan's most famous legends as you follow in the
tracks of King Anawrahta and his precious white elephant. By
boat, car and jeep visit four auspicious sites and travel amid rural
villages, bringing the legend to reality while getting a chance to
see Burmese local life. The tale states that the King was given a
replica of Lord Buddha's tooth and he placed this on the sacred
elephant's back and set him free. The elephant stopped at four
places around Bagan, and later the King built stupas at each of
these locations. Thus the local Burmese believe that by visiting all
four of these places in one day your wish will be fulfilled.
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LOCAL RIDE
YANGON'S CIRCLE TRAIN
Take a ride on the circular train for a journey to the outskirts
of town, observing the lively and colorful life of the rural
Burmese people en route. Disembark to visit Insein market,
where a variety of street vendors sell colorful wares. Meet with
the friendly locals before returning to Yangon to explore
downtown area. Take a short walking tour through Chinatown
and Little India, two fabulously diverse and vibrant
neighborhoods of Yangon. You will see street markets, snack
vendors and many places of worship as you walk along the
street.
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MANDALAY'S ROYAL CAPITALS
Step back in time as you visit the legendary ancient royal
capitals around Mandalay on this guided full-day excursion.
Travel by horsecart through the villages and temples of Ava,
explore the markets and monasteries of Sagaing and walk across
the world’s longest teak bridge in Amarapura. Cross a bridge
over the Irrawaddy River to Sagaing. Covered with 600 whitepainted pagodas and monasteries, Sagaing Hill is widely
regarded as the religious center of Myanmar. It is home to 3,000
monks and 100 meditation centers and you will visit pagodas
such as Swan Oo Pon Nya Shin and U Min Thone Sae. Visit
Sagaing’s local market, a typical Burmese market that few
tourists visit. Here you will find a range of items for sale
including locally made pottery, silver and other handicrafts.
Then continue south of the city to Ava, the capital from 14th to
18th century, where a short ferry ride will take u across to visit
the old wooden Bagaya Monastery and the remains of the Royal
Palace and Fort. Finally stop at Amarapura, a former capital
whose name means ‘City of Immortality’. After touring this
tranquil site, continue to U Bein Bridge for a walk along this 200
year-old teak bridge which is 1.2 kilometers in length making it
the world’s longest teak span. Enjoy a stroll along the bridge and
the fabulous views of the surrounding farms and streams.
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VINTAGE RAIL RIDE FROM
BAGAN TO MOUNT POPA
Travel on a vintage steam train from Bagan to Kyauk Padaung
near Mount Popa. The train manufactured in England in 1947
was used on Myanmar’s railway system for 55 years between
1950 and 2005 before retiring. It has now been brought back
into service and provides a unique experience, gently trundling
along the plains at 10mph, allowing passengers plenty of time to
photograph the surrounding golden landscape. The train has
just three carriages carrying a maximum of 120 passengers. The
ride provides a glimpse into rural life with historic associations
stretching back to mid-20th Century and is a wonderful
experience for any traveller.
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THE BURMESE MARIONETTE
There are many endearing character traits to Burmese life and the
marionette is one that always one to capture the traveller’s
imagination. It is generally believed that the Burmese marionette
was developed to depict Buddhist tales as live dancers were
considered to impure to impersonate the principal characters of
the former incarnations of the Buddha. Watch the intricate
craftsmanship at a puppet maker’s home as they hand craft each
puppet before taking a break to sit down with the family and talk
about life in Burma over lunch.
Later continue to Htwe Oo Myanmar Traditional Puppet Show.
The stories told depict traditional life in Myanmar and recount a
compelling history. After the show dine at House of Memories
restaurant in an old colonial style mansion. The beautiful house
still has much of its original antique furniture – doubling as a
museum for colonial artefacts with a room named after General
Aung San that was once his private office.
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HIGH TEA AT THE STRAND
Transport yourself into the days of Colonial Yangon when
Rudyard Kipling and Somerset Maugham stayed at the iconic
Strand Hotel with an unforgettable afternoon tea experience.
The elegant colonial building retains is grandeur, with high
ceilings, slow moving fans and classic rattan furniture. Enjoy a
full, British-style ‘high tea’ or opt for the Myanmar high tea at
the atmospheric Strand Cafe. The western version features small
sandwiches, pastries and other sweets while the local version
offers gourmet spring rolls, local-style cakes and traditional light
bites. The presentation is immaculate with silver multi-tiered
trays and fine china.
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THE MANDALAY TEA SHOP TOUR
The Mandalay Tea Shop tour is all about trying out authentic
local food in the tea shops that abound in Myanmar. Scattered all
over the city, the tea shops are where locals sit hunched over a
steaming cup of sweet tea and fresh snacks, gossiping, catching
up with friends or reading the daily paper. Travel on a classic
Mandalay rickshaw to explore the best snacks that Mandalay has
to offer. From the famous morning noodle dish mohinga, to
Myanmar pancake, samosa, Mandalay salad, Shan noodles and
numerous sweet snacks that will leave you with a firm
understanding of why Myanmar people walk around with a
smile on their face all day. Resident food enthusiasts will explain
the detail and some of the secrets behind this delicious food.
There is no need to pedal, your rickshaw chauffeur will take you
from place to place so that you only have to worry about the
eating not the pedalling. If you love sampling local food this trip
will no doubt delight your taste buds.
Selective Journeys
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Selective Journeys
Avanta Harrow
79 College Road
Harrow - HA1 1BD
Tel: +44 (0)20 8901 7320
[email protected]
www.indusexperiences.co.uk