Burma (Myanmar) proposed itinerary
Jul 1st, 2012, 06:23 AM
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Burma (Myanmar) proposed itinerary
Needless to say the many trip reports posted by the generous participants on these forums have been invaluable guides for planning our upcoming Burma (Myanmar) adventure.
I want to have a defined travel schedule before contacting a local Myanmar travel agent. Please comment on our proposed itinerary outlined below. History/architecture and local culture are what enhance our travels.
Arrive Yangon Feb 7, 2013 at 17:10. Feb 8, initial exploration of Yangon.
Feb 9, 2013 fly to Heho, 07:30 departure and 09:20 arrival. Arrange driver to take us to Kakku on the way to hotel. Feb 10, 11 and morning of 12th to explore Inle Lake. Late checkout on Feb 12. Fly to Mandalay, 15:45 – 16:15,
Mandalay, arrive late on Feb 12. Arrange driver for Feb 13 to take us to Amarapura, Sagaing and sunset at U Bein Bridge. Late departure on Feb 14, use the morning for more Mandalay exploration. (Do we need to schedule an additional full day? Depart on Feb. 15?)
Fly Mandalay to Nyaung U (Bagan), Feb 14, 17:05 arrival. Tour Bagan Feb 15 & 16, half day on Feb 17. Arrange tours with one of the many recommended guides on Fodor’s or Tripadvisor forums. (is this really enough time in Bagan?)
Fly Nyaung U to Yangon; Feb 17, arrive at 18:20. Feb 18, full day to explore more of Yangon. Driver and guide? Is driver sufficient?
Yangon to BKK: Feb 19; 08:30 – 10:15
I want to have a defined travel schedule before contacting a local Myanmar travel agent. Please comment on our proposed itinerary outlined below. History/architecture and local culture are what enhance our travels.
Arrive Yangon Feb 7, 2013 at 17:10. Feb 8, initial exploration of Yangon.
Feb 9, 2013 fly to Heho, 07:30 departure and 09:20 arrival. Arrange driver to take us to Kakku on the way to hotel. Feb 10, 11 and morning of 12th to explore Inle Lake. Late checkout on Feb 12. Fly to Mandalay, 15:45 – 16:15,
Mandalay, arrive late on Feb 12. Arrange driver for Feb 13 to take us to Amarapura, Sagaing and sunset at U Bein Bridge. Late departure on Feb 14, use the morning for more Mandalay exploration. (Do we need to schedule an additional full day? Depart on Feb. 15?)
Fly Mandalay to Nyaung U (Bagan), Feb 14, 17:05 arrival. Tour Bagan Feb 15 & 16, half day on Feb 17. Arrange tours with one of the many recommended guides on Fodor’s or Tripadvisor forums. (is this really enough time in Bagan?)
Fly Nyaung U to Yangon; Feb 17, arrive at 18:20. Feb 18, full day to explore more of Yangon. Driver and guide? Is driver sufficient?
Yangon to BKK: Feb 19; 08:30 – 10:15
Jul 1st, 2012, 07:10 AM
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It looks like you have done your research! Overall this is a good itinerary.
A couple of comments: all of your planning for flights and being able to squeeze in another half day of sightseeing is likely for naught. The airlines change their schedules at whim, so even among all of the airlines there may no longer be the morning flight or afternoon flight you are looking for. Nonetheless, as I read your schedule, a changes in the flight times won't make that much difference in the overall trip.
You would be better off saving Yangon until last. I'd suggest flying to HeHo as early as possible the first morning in Yangon. In fact, can you take an earlier flight in to Yangon and fly to HeHo the same day?
I found Mandalay the least compelling of the places we visited in Burma. I think you have enough time for an overview of the ancient cities. Make sure you visit the Mahamuni Paya, the second most sacred site in Burma. The main Buddha image there was taken from Mrauk U as the spoils of war, as were the two Angkorian Bronzes you'll see there. Sagaing was our favorite of the ancient cities and we enjoyed U Bien Bridge. If I were to do it again, I'd skip the rest of Amarapura (where people go to watch the monks eat) and it looks like you have opted to skip Ava, which I would as well next time.
For me, two days would not be enough for Bagan. We spent three full days there our first trip and a day and a half the second trip. There is still much we did not see. But it depends on how you feel about temples. For some people, two days would be plenty.
I have never used a guide in Yangon. Indeed, we opted to just use taxis and did not hire a driver for the day, but do it in the way that feels most comfortable and convenient for you.
Have a wonderful trip!
A couple of comments: all of your planning for flights and being able to squeeze in another half day of sightseeing is likely for naught. The airlines change their schedules at whim, so even among all of the airlines there may no longer be the morning flight or afternoon flight you are looking for. Nonetheless, as I read your schedule, a changes in the flight times won't make that much difference in the overall trip.
You would be better off saving Yangon until last. I'd suggest flying to HeHo as early as possible the first morning in Yangon. In fact, can you take an earlier flight in to Yangon and fly to HeHo the same day?
I found Mandalay the least compelling of the places we visited in Burma. I think you have enough time for an overview of the ancient cities. Make sure you visit the Mahamuni Paya, the second most sacred site in Burma. The main Buddha image there was taken from Mrauk U as the spoils of war, as were the two Angkorian Bronzes you'll see there. Sagaing was our favorite of the ancient cities and we enjoyed U Bien Bridge. If I were to do it again, I'd skip the rest of Amarapura (where people go to watch the monks eat) and it looks like you have opted to skip Ava, which I would as well next time.
For me, two days would not be enough for Bagan. We spent three full days there our first trip and a day and a half the second trip. There is still much we did not see. But it depends on how you feel about temples. For some people, two days would be plenty.
I have never used a guide in Yangon. Indeed, we opted to just use taxis and did not hire a driver for the day, but do it in the way that feels most comfortable and convenient for you.
Have a wonderful trip!
Jul 1st, 2012, 07:46 AM
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Kakku is not really "on the way" to Inle Lake. However for many who have been, visiting Kakku before heading to their Inle Lake hotel made sense. We did a day trip from Inle Lake to Kakku which took all day with stops at the Central Market in Taungyi, the Aythaya Winery, our guide's home in Taungyi and numerous photo stops along the way.
As Kathie said, unless you are really into temples, 2 days in Bagan is plenty. The early morning balloon ride is an experience not to be missed and is one of our all-time greatest travel moments.
As Kathie said, unless you are really into temples, 2 days in Bagan is plenty. The early morning balloon ride is an experience not to be missed and is one of our all-time greatest travel moments.
Jul 1st, 2012, 09:10 AM
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An early flight to Yangon is not an option for us. We have an early flight on Bangkok Airways from Sukhothai to Suvarnabhumi then have to transfer to Don Mueang airport for a late afternoon flight to Yangon on Air Asia. An overnight in Yangon and the earliest flight to HeHo makes sense. We can save Yangon for the end of the trip rather than making it two separate tours.
The $600 (for 2 people) price tag on Balloons Over Bagan seems a little steep. Is it really that phenomenal?
Kathie, Craig, Bob, Pook, Shellely, live42day, Carol and so many other Fodor’s contributors thank you for sharing your personal travel experiences and insights.
The $600 (for 2 people) price tag on Balloons Over Bagan seems a little steep. Is it really that phenomenal?
Kathie, Craig, Bob, Pook, Shellely, live42day, Carol and so many other Fodor’s contributors thank you for sharing your personal travel experiences and insights.
Jul 5th, 2012, 05:09 PM
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Hi Kathy,
Im new on this site. I wanted to see if u might be able to help me.I would love to visit Burma in Jan.Shall I book here in the U.S.or Bangkok when I arrive?
It seems very costly looking at Journeys International ...THANKS
Im new on this site. I wanted to see if u might be able to help me.I would love to visit Burma in Jan.Shall I book here in the U.S.or Bangkok when I arrive?
It seems very costly looking at Journeys International ...THANKS
Jul 5th, 2012, 05:41 PM
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Hi zoso, and welcome to Fodors.
You will need to book ahead. Burma is being overwhelmed with visitors now, so you need to book ahead to get both flights and accommodation. You will get the best prices by booking through a local agent. Many of us here have used Santa Maria in Yangon. US agents are very expensive, indeed, and they don't have the access that agents in-country have.
Follow Brenda's lead and begin by outlining your itinerary. Then contact an agent to book your trip.
Feel free to post your proposed itinerary here for comments.
Also, do read some of the many trip reports here on Burma. Go to the top of this page and choose "view by country" and choose Burma.
You will need to book ahead. Burma is being overwhelmed with visitors now, so you need to book ahead to get both flights and accommodation. You will get the best prices by booking through a local agent. Many of us here have used Santa Maria in Yangon. US agents are very expensive, indeed, and they don't have the access that agents in-country have.
Follow Brenda's lead and begin by outlining your itinerary. Then contact an agent to book your trip.
Feel free to post your proposed itinerary here for comments.
Also, do read some of the many trip reports here on Burma. Go to the top of this page and choose "view by country" and choose Burma.
Jul 5th, 2012, 06:54 PM
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K, Thank u for your quick reply!
Have u ever looked at the Journeys International site re Burma?? Let me know what u think on the itinerary if possible. There is also G- adventures,and Journeys within I thik it was.
Have u ever looked at the Journeys International site re Burma?? Let me know what u think on the itinerary if possible. There is also G- adventures,and Journeys within I thik it was.
Jul 5th, 2012, 07:04 PM
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Ok, I just went to their website and looked at their itineraries. I don't like them, frankly. They don't give you enough time in places.
Looking at itineraries from tour companies can be a good place to start, but they often have you "see" many places and experience none of them, IMO.
How much time do you have?
Let me refer you to my two trip reports: www.fodors.com/community/asia/burma-at-last.cfm from 2009 (note that some of the money practicalities changed from 2009 to 2011)
and http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...d-by-burma.cfm from 2011.
Photos from both trips are at www.marlandc.com
Looking at itineraries from tour companies can be a good place to start, but they often have you "see" many places and experience none of them, IMO.
How much time do you have?
Let me refer you to my two trip reports: www.fodors.com/community/asia/burma-at-last.cfm from 2009 (note that some of the money practicalities changed from 2009 to 2011)
and http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...d-by-burma.cfm from 2011.
Photos from both trips are at www.marlandc.com
Jul 6th, 2012, 06:26 AM
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Burma is perhaps the safest country I've ever visited. And there are many locals who speak English. I wouldn't hesitate to travel solo in Burma. You'll meet plenty of other travelers.
Three weeks is a good amount of time in Burma. Spend some time with the Lonely Planet Guide (the only current English-language guidebook fro Burma. Note that even though it was published at the end of 2011, a number of things changed after it went to press. In particular, the money situation has changed - there are now banks changing money at the airports and in downtown Yangon. Also, the hotel prices have gone up - often doubled or tripled since publication.
Three weeks is a good amount of time in Burma. Spend some time with the Lonely Planet Guide (the only current English-language guidebook fro Burma. Note that even though it was published at the end of 2011, a number of things changed after it went to press. In particular, the money situation has changed - there are now banks changing money at the airports and in downtown Yangon. Also, the hotel prices have gone up - often doubled or tripled since publication.
Jul 7th, 2012, 02:42 AM
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I'm in Burma right now, just in the middle of our trip. I will be doing a full trip report when I return but based on our experience so far, I would add a day to Bagan and cut out either your first or last day in Yangon. We spent 4 full days in Bagan (with Min Thu and his brother) and did many more things than just going to temples and pagodas. We arrived in Mandalay today and will spend tomorrow touring the ancient capitals so I can't say yet whether it is worth the stop, but we really loved Bagan and I don't think 2 1/2 days is enough. Congrats that you decided on Burma.
Jul 7th, 2012, 06:18 AM
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From DC, I'm so glad you are enjoying Burma! Cheryl and I were just talking last night about how next trip, we may spend a week in Bagan (and we've been there twice already!).
I'm looking forward to your trip report.
I'm looking forward to your trip report.
Jul 7th, 2012, 05:31 PM
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Thanks, Kathie. Today is our trip to Sagaing etc, we leave tomorrow for Inle Lake. To us, the countrysides are so much more interesting than the cities. Internet access has been much better than I thought it would be so far.
Dec 10th, 2012, 12:44 PM
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Our travel agent in Yangon is arranging the visas. We have to scan our passports and passport sized photos then email the files (.jpg or .pdf) as well as personal information. Our agent provided the list of required information. He needs the information at least 3 weeks before our planned trip. We plan to do it 2 months in advance in case there’s a problem.
