SOUTH EAST ASIA - STA Travel Hub

CLASSIC BURMA ADVENTUREYangon YangonFR$2,84914 DAYSHighlights• Uncover the mysteries of Yangon• Hike to the summit of Golden Rock• Stroll Mandalay’s humbling temples• Float down the Irrawaddy River• Admire ancient Bagan’s imperial ruins• See Burma’s largest reclining Buddha• Relax at the tranquil Inle LakeSOUTH EAST ASIADepartures 2014STARTFINISHJan 04 Jan 17Jan 11 Jan 24Jan 18 Jan 31Feb 08 Feb 21Feb 15 Feb 28Feb 22 Mar 07Mar 08 Mar 21Mar 22 Apr 04Apr 12 Apr 25InclusionsBaganSTARTBURMAYangonMandalayKalawFINISHApr 26 May 09May 10 May 23May 24 Jun 06Jun 14 Jun 27Jun 28 Jul 11Jul 12 Jul 25Jul 26 Aug 08Aug 16 Aug 29Aug 30 Sep 12STARTInle LakeGolden RockFINISHSep 13 Sep 26Sep 27 Oct 10Oct 11 Oct 24Oct 25 Nov 07Nov 15 Nov 28Nov 29 Dec 12Dec 20 Jan 02Trip Style: Classic Service Level: StandardPhysical Grading: 2 Age Group: Any ageAccommodation: Hotels (12 nts), simpleguesthouse (1 nt) Transport: Private bus,public bus, plane, boat, bicycle Meals: 13breakfasts, 1 lunch Budget: Allow USD $250-350 for meals not included Group Leader:Chief Experience Officer (CEO) Group Size:Max 15, Avg 12 Tour Code: GAABCBMy Own Room Available: Fr $1,449You might likeUpgrade your tripBurma Adventure(12 Days, Yangon to Yangon)(GAABBA) Fr $2,999FACEBOOK.COM/STATRAVEL.AUAs a relative newcomer to adventure travel, the enigmatic and fascinating nation ofBurma (Myanmar) is a well-hidden Asian gem, and often feels like an untouched planet.With few other travellers to contend with, it’s guaranteed to give you a truly fulfilling andunforgettable experience. Turn back the clock and get face-to-face with a country thathas barely changed and still happily uses horse and cart in place of cars, buses and trams.Burma will awaken and shake up your senses in every way possible, mesmerising you with itslakes, floating gardens, imperial ruins, palaces and friendly locals.DAY01020304-0506-0809-1011-1213-14ITINERARYYangonStart today off at your own pace and explore Yangon’s quirky warren of historic streets that oozewith an endearing colonial charm. Formerly known as Rangoon, Burma’s capital is an intriguing placeand there is plenty to explore. Later on, you’ll meet up with your tour leader and the rest of yourgroup and, if you fancy, head out for some mouth-watering local cuisine.Golden RockToday kicks off with a visit to the world-famous golden Stupa of Shwedagon Pagoda, the absoluteheart of Buddhist Myanmar and believed to be around 2,500 years old. The glittering Stupa issurrounded by dozens of intricately-decorated buildings and statues. Later, you will travel throughthe delta and over the Sittang River to Kyaikhtiyo, before continuing by truck towards the GoldenRock. Enjoy a one-hour hike to its summit, where a simple but beautifully-located hotel awaits. (B)Bago / MandalayFirst stop this morning is Bago, the ancient capital of the Mon people and home to the biggestreclining Buddha in Burma. After you’ve strolled the markets and visited the Kyaikpun Pagoda with itsfour Sitting Buddhas facing the cardinal points, head back to Yangon for a flight to Mandalay. (B)Mandalay / MingunToday you’ll visit the famous Golden Monastery, Shwe Nandaw, the only building still existing fromthe more than one hundred that once stood on the palace grounds of the Konbaung Kings. Pay a visitalso to the Mahamuni Temple, which houses the country’s holiest Buddha, made from pure gold. OnDay 5, you’ll visit the nearby ancient royal capital of Amarapura, where you can opt to traverse theworld’s longest teak bridge if you’re brave enough! Visit the Mahagandayong monastery, home to over1,000 monks, and travel by boat along the mighty Elephant River enjoying sights of washerwomen,buffalo carts and daily life en route to the charming village of Mingun. (2B)BaganIf you cruise down the Irrawaddy River (Burma’s ‘Super Highway’) you’ll find yourself stumblingacross ancient Bagan, the first and most beautiful capital of the Burmese. Along with Angkor Watin Cambodia, it’s also the most important temple and pagoda system in Asia. Pretty impressive,hey? During your time in Bagan you’ll meander the Nyaung U marketplace and get a glimpse into thelifestyle of the delightful Burmese folk. (3B)KalawOn today’s itinerary: sun-parched plains sprinkled with Palmyra Palms, the Mountain of Deities andMt. Popa. Enjoy a half-day trek up Mt. Popa (Sanscrit for flower), passing local food stalls and storesselling Burmese herbal remedies. You’ll also get to hang out with a local Kalaw hilltribe. (2B, L)Inle LakeOn Day 11, you’ll travel to serene Inle, home to the Intha people. The life of the Intha, who originallycame from the south of Burma, revolves completely around the lake. On Day 12, you’ll visit some ofthe intriguing floating villages and gardens, stopping en route to visit the Pindaya Caves. (2B)YangonToday, you’ll fly Burma’s length and head back to Yangon, where the afternoon is yours to explorethe markets and sights of Yangon, with plenty of time for some last-minute shopping! Bid farewellto your new travel buddies over an optional traditional dinner later this evening. The tour ends afterbreakfast on Day 14, and you’re free to depart at any time. (2B)76VISIT WWW.STATRAVEL.COM.AU