Destination Training and Updates: Myanmar - buffalo tours

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Myanmar. In 1898, poet and novelist Rudyard Kipling described Burma as “quite unlike anyplace you know about”. Over
Destination Training and Updates: Myanmar February 2016

Myanmar An overview

Population : 55.2 million

People : Barma 68% Shan, Karen, Rakhine, others 32%

Language : Burmese

Currency : Kyat (MMK)

Time zone : GMT +6:30 Hours

Myanmar In 1898, poet and novelist Rudyard Kipling described Burma as “quite unlike anyplace you know about”. Over a century later – after decades of political upheaval and civil unrest – Burma, also known as Myanmar, would emerge from its seclusion, but retain the same fascinating aura of mystery that once captivated the wordsmith. Timeless, mysterious and utterly magical, Burma is perhaps Asia’s last remaining destination to explore a culture that time forgot – and discover for yourself what still makes Burma the “Golden Land of Asia”.

Myanmar Explore the people, architecture, history and cultures that makes Burma unique. Wander vast landscapes dotted with ancient temples, visit vibrant cities that still swell with colonial charm and experience the uncommon warmth of the locals. In Asia’s most enduringly idyllic nation, rediscover the thrill and colour of true adventure.

Myanmar Highlights • Visit Pyin Oo Lin, Mandalay • Yangon street food • Cat monastery, Inle Lake • Visit Mrauk-U • Hike up to Golden Rock • Cool off on the Coast • Float above Bagan • Trek in Kalaw • Cruise Inle Lake • U-Bein Bridge

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Yangon No longer the capital, this distinctive city is still a must-see in Burma. With fading colonial architecture, vibrant streets, historical sites, temples and mosques, Yangon offers a spectacular taste of urban life in otherwise sleepy Burma. This bustling city is bursting with local culture, from the hoards of newspaper stands, tea shops, betel leaf vendors and friendly curious locals dressed in longyi.

Mandalay The last royal capital of Mandalay lies in the shadow of Mandalay Hill. With the reconstructed Royal palace at its centre surrounded by a large moat, it is encompassed by the ancient capitals of Amarapura, Sagaing and the ‘leaning tower of Ava’ in Inwa. Close by are the Pyu ancient cities, partially excavated archaeological remains of the Pyu kingdom dating from as early as 200 BCE. Mandalay, however, is a more modern city constructed in the 19th century, and was completely made of teak structures before its partial demolition during the second World War – making it a fascinating destination for history buffs.

Beaches Myanmar’s uniterrupted and still largely undiscovered coastline – from the Bay of Bengal to the Andaman Sea is home to some of the most idyllic and remote beaches in Asia. These small towns are a great way to wind down from a journey through the country, or as a holiday itself. The best time to explore the coastal areas is between November and March. During the monsoon months of April to October, the resorts and hotels close for business.

Inle Lake At around 900m above sea level, Inle Lake is the second largest lake in the country are around 22 kilometres in length. Aside from the breathtaking landscape of surrounding mountains, It is also home to many ethnic groups including the predominate Intha.

Bagan One of the most breathtaking sights is sunset over the thousands of ancient pagodas of Bagan. Located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, Bagan offers a glimpse into the ancient world of the once bustling Silk Road between India and China under the Kingdom of Pagan. 9

Myanmar Map

Mandalay 5hrs by bus

Bagan

Inle Lake

1h20m flight 1h15m flight

Yangon

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Our Tours Local Life and Other Tours

Local Life Tours • Experiential, interactive, half or full day tour. • SIC for up to 10 PAX. • Connects travellers with authentic Asian people & culture. • Low environmental impact. • A percentage of our revenue goes directly back into local communities. • Help preserve and share local communities’ tradition & heritage.

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Local Life: Myanmar Dala Urban Discovery Cross the Yangon river to visit the township of Dala, a bustling area where many commute to Yangon city centre. Take the ferry with local people and explore intriguing temples full of statues and snakes !

• Discover the rural township of Dala a quick ferry ride across the river where the weird and wonderful meet. • See how the country folk live with a rickshaw ride along the waterfront and through tree shaded lanes • Take a short walk to see the Chinese pond with Confucius type statues, owls, deers and golden lions with heads that look like monkeys. 13

Local Life: Myanmar Rangoon By Rail Experience the authentic local lifestyles in Yangon with a ride on the city’s iconic public transportation, the Circle train. Rub shoulders with local commuters and food vendors, wander through a local market an discover Yangon’s infamous Insein Prison before sitting down for a cup of Burmese tea.

• Start your day among the locals with a ride on the circle train departing from downtown. • Disembark at Insein station and walk a bit further on to arrive at a bustling local market. • Visit the nearby Insein Prison, a notorious institution that’s still in use today, and learn the grizzly stories about its past. 14

Other Recommended Tours • We have a diverse portfolio of touring products in all destinations across Myanmar. • Our excellent team on the ground ensure that your clients will connect with the true nature of their destination, in a way that suits them and their interests. • Speak to your Buffalo Tours representative for more information on these, or any other tours available.

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Other Tours : Myanmar Yangon Full Day Bago Tour Spend the day exploring the city and famed temples including Kyaik Pun Pagoda, home to the four seated Buddha shrine and the impressive 55m long reclining Buddha at Shwetha Lyaung that was found in the undergrowth of thick jungle.

• Drive to the charming town of Bago a former capital city of the Mon Empire. • Visit the Taukkyan Allied War Cemetery where more than 27,000 Commonwealth Soldiers names are etched upon the walls of remembrance. • Pop into a roadside pottery village where clay is hand beaten into pots. 16

Other Tours : Myanmar Golden Rock – Hpa An Sightseeing Journey from Golden Rock to the town of Hpa An for the next leg of your tour. A picturesque river-side town surrounded by majestic karsts, unique rock formations and home to ethnic hill tribes.

• Discover the hot spring lake of Bayint Nyi Cave. • Visit Kaw Gun cave, home to thousands of etched stone tablets and hundreds of Buddha statues. • Enjoy the picturesque river-side town surrounded by majestic karsts, unique rock formations and home to ethnic hill tribes.

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Other Tours : Myanmar Cooking Class at Green Elephant This is a hands-on lesson with a local chef who will introduce you to the unique flavors. Discover what makes Myanmar food a culinary treat as you enjoy your creations over lunch.

• Meet the chef for an early morning exploration of the nearby wet market. • Purchase the vegetables and spices that go into making Myanmar cuisine. • Head to cooking school and pop on your chef’s apron and get slicing and dicing. 18

Other Tours : Myanmar Bagan to Mandalay By Cruise Set sail for Mandalay on board a river cruise ship and watch as the countryside unfolds. Relax with the rhythm of the river arriving into Mandalay later in the afternoon.

• On board a Malikha cruise with lunch and watch as the countryside unfolds. • This slower pace of travel gives you an opportunity see a traditional way of life unchanged over time. • Have a relaxing moment on the river as you sailing to Mandalay and arriving later in the afternoon. 19

Other Tours : Myanmar Hot Air Balloon Over Bagan By far the best way to view Bagan is from the sky. It’s an early morning start as you climb into the basket of the hot air balloon for a sunrise, birds-eye view of the ancient city.

• Have a birds-eye view of the ancient city on a hot air balloon. • See the famed temple in the distance and depending on the winds, float above villages. • Watch as the landscape drifts by and enjoy the serene atmosphere. • Enjoy a celebratory glass of champagne upon landing. 20

Other Tours : Myanmar Mandalay to Pyin Oo Lwin Visit Pyin Oo Lwin, a former British Colonial Hill Station. Originally named Maymyo, after the British General who founded the town, it is renowned for its beautiful botanical gardens that were built by Turkish prisoners of war during the First World War.

• Visit Pyin Oo Lwin, a former British Colonial Hill Station. • Explore the Purcell tower, the morning vegetable market. • Visit the hilltop pagoda of Naung Kan Gyi Paya from where the entire town can be seen. • Lunch at a local restaurant in the picturesque town before returning to Mandalay. 21

Other Tours : Myanmar Mandalay to Bagan By Cruise Cruise by small boat to Indein nested on the banks of the lake. The village is famous for its overgrown and mystifying 16th century stupas as well its artisanal handicrafts.

• Morning visit one of the local markets and get approaching into the way of life of the tribal residents who come to these markets to sell their commodities. • See craftsman at work building wooden boats, creating Buddha images made from the powder of dried flowers and watch as workers hand roll Burmese cigars. • Walk around a local Intha village to observe the rural life. 22

Other Tours : Myanmar Inle Lake Half Day Tour Take a boat ride across the lake and admire the unique one-legged rowing style as you pass by floating gardens filled with fruits and vegetables that provide an income to the lake dwellers.

• Visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, famed for its five small goldgilded Buddha images, now covered in so much gold leaf they are more like round balls. • See traditional handicrafts village and Nga Pe Kyaung Monastery better known as the Jumping Cat Monastery. • A boat ride across the lake and take in the beautiful of the floating gardens. 23

Bringing it all together A truly unique journey

Classic Myanmar | 14D

Discover the enchanting story of Myanmar with a classic tour of its most iconic destinations. Between exploring Yangon’s charming colonial architecture and the vast temple plains of Bagan, watch the one-legged rowers on Inle Lake and witness the longest teakwood bridge in the world. • • •

Discover the vast, rustic plain home to thousands of temple ruins scattered across the dusty landscape. Explore rural fishing villages, meander breezy coastal trails and kick back on gloriously untainted beach enclaves. Cruise across the vast expanse of stilted houses, floating gardens and fishermen famous for their unique, one-legged rowing technique. 25

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