CONTENTS:

INTRODUCTION & MAP

DAY BY DAY SUMMARY OF THE TRIP

PRICE & INCLUSIONS

TOUR INFORMATION

ITINERARY IN DETAIL

ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION

CLASSIC BURMA GROUP TOUR 26 OCTOBER 2011

AN INTRODUCTION TO OUR CLASSIC BURMA TOUR

With years of experience in operating tours to Burma, or as it is now known, Audley has designed this very comprehensive tour. It includes the main points of interest such as Rangoon's shimmering Shwedagon , the stilted villages of Inle Lake, wonderfully evocative Mandalay and the thirty square miles of temples and at Pagan. The tour also includes a day trip to the colonial hill station of Maymyo or Pwin Oo Lwin as it is now known and an overnight visit to the Golden Rock Pagoda, at Kyaiktiyo. The tour has been planned by Kate who is the Regional Manager for Burma and has travelled to the country many times with Audley Travel, visiting many of the more remote areas. For this trip we have included a two night cruise, which traverses the Irrawaddy River between Pagan and Mandalay. We are also offering an optional hot air balloon flight over Pagan at sunrise – worth every penny to get a different perspective on the temples of Pagan.

The tour this year also includes a visit to the school that Audley has rebuilt following cyclone Nargis in May 2008 with the help of contributions from staff and clients. Near to departure we will be able to give you a list of useful items that you may wish to take with you to donate to the school.

CLIMATE The best time to visit Burma is between November and March. The weather is likely to be generally dry and hot throughout the day with temperatures dropping slightly in the evenings. At Inle Lake it has been to known to be very cold first thing in the morning and in the evening. You may encounter some rain although showers are likely to be short lived.

OUR BURMA SPECIALISTS We have a team of three Burma specialists which includes Matthew Callaway, Mark Robinson and Stewart Towell. They are all passionate about this part of the world and know it inside out having travelled extensively to all corners of the country. Throughout the year each of them returns at least once to keep up with all new developments. Please feel free to contact them on 01993 838105.

Our team of Burma specialists: from left, Matthew, Mark and Stewart

• Front cover photograph – Burmese ladies taking Buddhist offerings to the .

CLASSIC BURMA GROUP TOUR 26 OCTOBER 2011

DAY BY DAY SUMMARY

DAY DATE ITINERARY IN BRIEF ACCOMMODATION ARRANGEMENTS

1 Wednesday 26 Fly from London to Bangkok with Thai Overnight on board the aircraft October 2011 Airways departing Heathrow at 1150.

2 Thursday 27 In Bangkok connect with your flight to The Governor's Residence, Rangoon October 2011 Rangoon arriving at 0845. Once through Garden View room immigration you will be met by your guide Breakfast and dinner are included and driver and transferred to your hotel in the leafy Embassy Quarter of the city. You will have time to relax and freshen up before an afternoon visit to the shimmering Shwedagon Pagoda, the impressive centrepiece of Rangoon.

This evening a welcome dinner will be held at the Governor's Residence.

3 Friday 28 Travelling by road from Rangoon, the group The Governor's Residence, Rangoon October 2011 will visit the small pottery village of Twante Garden View room as well as the school that was rebuilt with Breakfast and lunch are included the help of Audley staff and client donations after the cyclone of May 2008. Return to Rangoon for a late lunch.

4 Saturday 29 You will be transferred to the airport for Inle Princess Resort, Inle Lake October 2011 your morning flight to Heho. From here it is Lake Front View Chalet around an hour's drive to the small village Breakfast and lunch are included of Nyaung Shwe where you will board a small boat for your journey to your charming lakeside hotel.

5 Sunday 30 You have a full day tour of the picturesque Inle Princess Resort, Inle Lake October 2011 Inle lake by boat. The tour will take in Lake Front View Chalet several interesting pagodas and Breakfast and lunch are included monasteries, as well as the fascinating temple complex at Indein.

6 Monday 31 The group has another day to explore Inle Inle Princess Resort, Inle Lake October 2011 Lake. Lake Front View Chalet Breakfast and lunch are included

7 Tuesday 01 Morning at leisure to relax at the hotel or Thande Bungalows, Pagan November 2011 explore the area on your own before you Deluxe Riverview Room depart for Heho airport for your flight to Breakfast and lunch are included Pagan. On arrival in Pagan you will be transferred to your riverside accommodation.

CLASSIC BURMA GROUP TOUR 26 OCTOBER 2011

DAY DATE ITINERARY IN BRIEF ACCOMMODATION ARRANGEMENTS

8 Wednesday 02 Today you explore the spectacular temple Thande Bungalows, Pagan November 2011 landscape of pagan with your Deluxe Riverview Room knowledgeable guide. Breakfast and lunch are included

9 Thursday 03 Venturing into the hills above Pagan you will Thande Bungalows, Pagan November 2011 visit Mount Popa home of the revered Nat Deluxe Riverview Room shrines and volcanic outcrop. Breakfast and lunch are included

10 Friday 04 This morning you have the option of taking RV Paukan 2007, Pagan November 2011 a dawn balloon flight over the temples of Upper Deck Pagan. This is highly recommended as the All meals are included views from the balloon help give you a greater awareness of the sheer volumes of temples and abandoned stupas that dot the plains of Pagan.

After breakfast you will depart for the jetty to board the Paukan for your two-night cruise upstream to Mandalay.

11 Saturday 05 Enjoy the scenery and service as you cruise RV Paukan 2007, Pagan November 2011 towards Mandalay. There will be stops along Upper Deck the way to explore places of interest. All meals are included

12 Sunday 06 Today the Paukan arrives in Mandalay. You Red Canal, Mandalay November 2011 will be met at the Gawein jetty and taken on Shan Suite a tour of the former capital of Sagaing Breakfast and lunch are included where you can visit the hill top pagodas, a nunnery and well-regarded silver-smith workshops. After lunch you will visit the former capital of Ava by horse cart before ending the day at U Bein's bridge for sunset.

13 Monday 07 This morning you will visit Amarapura's Red Canal, Mandalay November 2011 Mahaghandayon monastery to see the lunch Shan Suite offering to the monks. The rest of the day Breakfast and lunch are included will be spent exploring some of Mandalays's cottage industries as well as the famous Mahamuni Pagoda, Shwenandaw Monastery and the World's Largest Book - the Kuthodaw Pagoda. Visit Mandalay Hill at sunset for a view over the city.

14 Tuesday 08 Full day excursion to the nearby hill station Red Canal, Mandalay November 2011 of Maymyo. Shan Suite Breakfast and lunch are included

CLASSIC BURMA GROUP TOUR 26 OCTOBER 2011

DAY DATE ITINERARY IN BRIEF ACCOMMODATION ARRANGEMENTS

15 Wednesday 09 Transfer to the airport in time for your Savoy Hotel November 2011 morning flight to Rangoon. On arrival you Deluxe Room will be transferred to your hotel. You then Breakfast and lunch are included have chance to visit some of Rangoon's main sites.

16 Thursday 10 This morning you leave for Rangoon for Mountain Top Inn, Kyaiktiyo November 2011 Kyaiktiyo and the Golden Rock. A site of Deluxe pilgrimage for many Burmese. All meals are included

The Governor's Residence, Rangoon 17 Friday 11 Today the group returns to Rangoon. Garden View room November 2011 Enroute you will have chance to visit the Breakfast and dinner are included Htaukkyant WWII cemetery before arriving into the city. This afternoon you can choose to relax by the pool or revisit the city for a spot of last minute shopping or sightseeing.

Farewell Dinner will be held at Le Planteur this evening.

18 Saturday 12 This morning transfer to the airport for your November 2011 flight to Bangkok. In Bangkok connect with your flight to London Heathrow. Arrive UK early evening.

Please note that there are sometimes schedule changes imposed by the domestic airlines we use and the itinerary may have to be amended accordingly.

CLASSIC BURMA GROUP TOUR 26 OCTOBER 2011

PRICES

Classic Burma tour per person £3,895 Hot Air Balloon Flight over Pagan per person £210 Single supplement £1,150

Visa for Burma £55

Per person deposit required to confirm these arrangements £560

PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN BURMA

HOW TO BOOK If you have any questions regarding the tour or would like to hold a no obligation option for a place on the tour, please feel free to contact our Burma specialists on 01993 838 105 who will be delighted to assist you. To confirm an option, please send us a completed booking form and the deposit specified above, plus any applicable visa and insurance premiums. This can be paid by cheque, bank transfer or credit / debit card.

FULLY BONDED ARRANGEMENTS Audley Travel Group Ltd holds an ATOL licence number 4817. We are fully bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority so you can have complete confidence that your monies are protected when you book with us.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE • International long-haul flights as specified in the itinerary with UK airport taxes. • All short-haul flights as specified in the itinerary. • Full-time services of an experienced local guide. • Sightseeing and entrance fees. • Private coach transfers where specified. • All boat journeys and excursions. • Twin share accommodation as specified. • All meals onboard the Paukan, breakfast and lunch throughout except on the first and last day in Rangoon where an arrival and farewell dinner will be arranged instead. Dinner is also included at Golden Rock. Most lunches will be at local restaurants and dinners (other than those mentioned) will be at your own arrangement.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE • Local airport departure taxes - payable locally on each departure (10 USD from Rangoon) • Visa for Burma. Audley Travel can arrange this for you – see price above. • Travel insurance. • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, etc. • Tips for your guide and driver (discretionary). • Any camera or video fees at any sites.

VISAS

• Burma • • UK and US citizens visiting Burma require a visa. The Audley Travel visa service will send UK clients the appropriate forms and apply for the visa on your behalf. Your passport will be required for a few days for the visa to be stamped in. Ordinary tourist visas are valid for one month. Clients resident in the US or Canada will be sent details of our visa agent who will apply for the visa on your behalf.

Important Note: We cannot under any circumstances guarantee that your visa application for any country will be accepted. However, in our experience refusals are extremely rare. Visa information is given in good faith and is accurate to the best of our knowledge.

CLASSIC BURMA GROUP TOUR 26 OCTOBER 2011

TOUR INFORMATION

HOME TRUTHS We aim to provide accurate and detailed information and to make you aware of the less positive aspects of the journey you are undertaking, some facts you should be aware of are outlined below:

Internal flight schedules within Burma are often changed at short notice and a degree of flexibility when travelling in Burma is highly recommended! Generally, the timings only alter by an hour or two, but changes are sometimes more serious. If any of your flights are changed after booking we will notify you and amend your itinerary accordingly. Serious changes can result in additional costs which in some cases will have to be met by you.

GROUP SIZE The group size is kept to a maximum of sixteen, this ensures that the trip is a more personal experience and that you can always hear and speak to your tour manager and guides. The small group size also ensures that your experience of a particular sight is not marred by presence of too many people.

SINGLE TRAVELLERS We especially welcome single travellers on our tours. You have two options, you can choose to share a room with another single traveller on the tour and pay the standard tour price or you can choose to guarantee sole occupancy of a room, in which case a supplement is payable.

TOUR MANAGERS AND LOCAL GUIDES An experienced English-speaking local guide will meet you on arrival in Burma and travel with you throughout your time in the destination. Our local guides are carefully selected for their in-depth knowledge, interpretation, and ability to manage large groups as well as their skills as charming hosts.

DINING All meals onboard the Paukan, breakfasts and lunches throughout (except on the first and last evening in Rangoon where an arrival and farewell dinner will be arranged instead). Dinner is also included at Golden Rock. Most lunches will be at local restaurants and dinners (other than those mentioned) will be at your own arrangement.

EXTENDING YOUR TRIP After or before the tour, you have the option to extend your trip, maybe with a few days relaxing by the beach or discovering a nearby region on a short tour. You may also choose to break the journey to and from Burma with a stop over in Bangkok. You may also like to consider extending the tour to include time at a beach resort in Thailand or Burma. On any extension, you will be looked after by our carefully selected local agent. Please contact the Burma specialists to discuss the options for extending your stay.

FINANCIAL SECURITY We are fully bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) who has issued us with an Air Tour Operator’s License (ATOL) which means that your money is 100% safe when you book. Our ATOL bonding protects all your arrangements beginning with your flight from the UK. If your arrangements do not begin in the UK or are accommodation and/or ground arrangements only i.e. no international flights then you are covered by our ABTA membership. More details on both methods of financial protection can be found below. If you would like to discuss financial protection, please call us and we will be happy to explain how either scheme operates.

Air Tour Operator License The air inclusive holidays (where the flight element originates from the UK) in our brochures are ATOL protected, since we hold an Air Travel Operator’s License granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 4817. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking. For further information contact: ATOL, Consumer Protection Group, Civil Aviation Authority, CAA House, 45-59 Kingsway, London WC2B 6TE. Telephone 020 7453 6424. You can also visit their website www.atol.org.uk

ABTA Membership For all holidays which do not begin in the UK or which are accommodation and/or ground arrangements only. i.e. no international flights have been booked by Audley, your monies are protected as part of out ABTA membership. In the unlikely event of our insolvency this ABTA membership will provide a refund of any monies you have paid to us for an advance booking and/or your repatriation to the place where your holiday arrangements with us commenced.

TRAVEL ADVICE The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice Unit monitors all overseas destinations and offers safety advice to British travellers. You can contact the service on 0870 6060 290. Internet: www.fco.gov.uk/travel. CLASSIC BURMA GROUP TOUR 26 OCTOBER 2011

HEALTH It is essential that you see your GP or a travel clinic before travelling to make sure that you have taken all the necessary health precautions. Some vaccinations require more than one visit with a period of weeks between injections. You should visit your GP at least six weeks before departure. For up to date medical advice you may wish to call the Medical Advisory Service for Travellers Abroad (MASTA).

MASTA Traveller’s Health Line Before travelling abroad, you can telephone 0906 550 1402 (premium rate call 60p/minute) to obtain a ‘Health Brief’ specifically tailored to your journey. Your brief will give information about immunisation and malaria as well as any Foreign Office advice and the latest health news. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. MASTA, 52 Margaret Street, London W1W 8SQ. Internet: www.masta.org.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) The issue of DVT on long haul flights has received much recent attention. The majority of international airlines now issue advice on how to lessen the risk of this, however, if you have any concerns, we recommend that you consult your doctor.

Pre-existing medical conditions/Disabled passengers It is essential that you advise us before booking if you have any disability or pre-existing medical conditions that you feel may be relevant. The nature of many of the destinations featured within our brochures means that in the majority of cases they are unsuitable for those who are wheelchair bound or have a lack of mobility. We will be delighted to discuss the feasibility of creating a tailor-made itinerary for you that takes into consideration your level of mobility. On our escorted group tours the Tour Manager is, unfortunately, unable to offer additional assistance to passengers with limited mobility as this may compromise the level of attention they would be able to offer the rest of the group. We may request that you provide a letter from your doctor confirming your fitness to travel.

High altitude Your itinerary may include sections where the altitude exceeds 10,000 feet. If you suffer from circulation, heart or respiratory problems we advise that you consult with your doctor before confirming your booking.

Smoking Most airlines do not permit smoking on the aircraft. At the request of the majority of our passengers we do not allow smoking on any form of transport used for our escorted group tours. Stops are regularly made where you will be able to smoke.

Health and safety standards Each country has its own regulations and enforcement levels relating to health and safety standards. These do not always match the very high standards we are used to in the UK. Please note, as health and safety standards may not match UK levels we recommend that you follow a few precautionary safety procedures. Always check where the nearest fire exit is and how to raise the fire alarm. Do not enter a swimming pool before checking the water depth first.

FLIGHTS AND AIRLINES The difference between a direct flight and a non-stop flight can cause confusion. To clarify, on a direct flight no change of aircraft is required but touchdowns will be made en-route either to refuel or to board or disembark. On non-stop flights no change of aircraft is required and no stops are made en-route. Virtually all of the flights that we use are direct and many are non-stop. Exact details will be given with your itinerary.

Premium Economy, Business and First Class If you require Business or First Class flights, these can be arranged on Thai Airways at very competitive rates. Thai does not have a premium economy cabin, but we can arrange flights to Bangkok on BA using their World Traveller Plus service, or on EVA using their Elite service if this is what you would prefer. Please call us for details.

Specific seat requests Specific seat requests are normally accepted by the airline but they cannot be guaranteed, we will do all we can to secure a specific seat. Please note that policies do vary by airline.

Flight amendments We generally use special ‘inclusive tour’ fares when we purchase your air tickets from the airlines. While these fares are very good value they are inflexible in terms of changes and offer no refunds on tickets once issued. Once your flight is confirmed the airlines will charge an amendment fee or insist on the purchase of a completely new ticket if you make changes.

Internal flights Smaller local airlines are often more likely to change their schedule at short notice. We will endeavour to inform you of any changes in advance of travelling but this may not always be possible. CLASSIC BURMA GROUP TOUR 26 OCTOBER 2011

Frequent Flyer Clubs If you collect points through any of the airline frequent flyer clubs please provide your membership details on the Booking Form and we will ensure that these are recorded against your flight reservation. Please note that on some of our specially negotiated ‘inclusive tour’ fares, points are not always awarded.

BROCHURE AND ITINERARY ACCURACY We thoroughly check all the information that is included within our brochures and individual tour itineraries, however, changes do occur. Airlines may change their schedules, roads may close and government regulations may alter. Should there be any changes to the holiday on which you are booked we will do our best to keep you informed of the situation prior to departure.

DATA PROTECTION ACT We will hold your name, address and any other details you supply us with on our database. This information will be used to make your travel arrangements and to send you information about Audley Travel. In order to make your travel arrangements we will need to pass your details to companies and individuals outside of the EC where less stringent data protection controls may be in place. We will not pass on your details to third parties that are not responsible for your travel arrangements.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS Special diets should be requested on the booking form, however, it is unrealistic to expect special diets to be catered for in some of the destinations we feature. We will advise the hotels and airlines of your request but we cannot guarantee their availability.

UK AIRPORT HOTELS, CAR PARKING AND LOUNGES We are able to arrange airport hotel accommodation, car parking and airport lounge access in the UK. To arrange any of these services please call Sonia Bullin on 01993 838 070 or Sarah McGarry on 01993 838 065.

TRAVEL IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD Many of our destinations are in the developing world where attitudes, infrastructure, priorities, lifestyles and cultures are very different from our own. This is often the very reason to visit the destination but certain aspects may be frustrating. We always advise that the first thing you should pack is your sense of humour. This can prove invaluable when travelling over rougher roads, waiting for a delayed aircraft and communicating with hotel staff whose first language is not English.

TOUR HEALTH & FITNESS REQUIREMENTS To ensure that all participants get the most out of the tour, it is important that you are fully aware of the level of activity and fitness and medical health required to successfully complete this itinerary. Please read this dossier carefully prior to confirming your place on the tour, and having established the facts, it is your responsibility to contact us with any concerns regarding individual levels of fitness, health or ability. Please be aware that our tour leaders have the right to exclude customers from the tour if they feel they are not sufficiently fit, healthy or able to complete the tour without affecting its safety, comfort or smooth progress. If you would like to discuss any of these issues further please call Mark on 01993 838 107 to discuss in more detail.

ACTIVITY LEVEL – LOW The vast majority of this trip does not require any significant level of physical fitness or agility. However, there are a few elements which involve getting in and out of boats or walking on rough unsurfaced paths and so a certain degree of physical dexterity will be required. An experienced guide will be on hand to help anyone should they need it. Some excursions also involve an option to climb steps or paths which may be steep, loose and/or wet underfoot. You should also be aware and prepared for the following on this trip:

* High altitude – there are no high altitude elements on this tour. * At Golden Rock a short but steep climb to the pagoda from your hotel is necessary although sedan chairs are available for a small fee. * At Inle Lake longtail boats are used to transport you from the gateway town of Nyaung Shwe to your accommodation on the lake, as well as for sightseeing. A certain level of dexterity is required for stepping in and out of the boats. * Some of the roads in Burma are poorly maintained making some journeys quite bumpy. * It may on occasion be necessary to carry your own luggage through airports or from the vehicles to hotels and vice versa.

CLASSIC BURMA GROUP TOUR 26 OCTOBER 2011

AITO QUALITY CHARTER

THE ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT TOUR OPERATORS AITO is the association for independent and specialist holiday companies. Our member companies, usually owner-managed, strive to create overseas holidays with high levels of professionalism and a shared concern for quality and personal service. The Association encourages the highest standards in all aspects of tour operating.

EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP AITO sets criteria regarding ownership, finance and quality which must be satisfied before new companies are admitted to membership. All members are required to adhere to a Code of Business Practice which encourages high operational standards and conduct.

FINANCIAL SECURITY An AITO member is required to protect money paid by customers to the member for any holiday sold under the AITO logo. This protection applies to customers who are in the UK at the time of booking or to overseas customers who have booked directly with the member. Members have to comply with UK Government Regulations in this respect. Members submit details of their bonding and guarantee arrangements to the Association on a regular basis

ACCURATE BROCHURES AND WEB SITES All members do their utmost to ensure that all their brochures and other publications, print or electronic, clearly and accurately describe the holidays and services offered.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AND CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENTS All members are committed to high standards of service and believe in regular and thorough training of employees. Members continually seek to review and improve their holidays. They listen to their customers and always welcome suggestions for improving standards.

MONITORING STANDARDS AITO endeavours to monitor quality standards regularly. All customers should receive a post-holiday questionnaire the results of which are scrutinised by the Association.

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM All members acknowledge the importance of AITO’s Responsible Tourism guidelines, which recognise the social, economic and environmental responsibilities of tour operating. Those demonstrating their achievements beyond the pure acceptance of this principle are recognised by the award of 2 or 3 star status.

CUSTOMER RELATIONS All members endeavour to deal swiftly and fairly with any issues their customers may raise. In the unlikely event that a dispute between an AITO member and a customer cannot be settled amicably, AITO’s low-cost Independent Dispute Settlement Service may be called upon by either side to bring the matter to a speedy and acceptable conclusion.

Audley is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. To contact the Association, visit www.aito.co.uk or call 020 8744 9280.

CLASSIC BURMA GROUP TOUR 26 OCTOBER 2011

AUDLEY’S SELECTION OF CHARITIES

IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

AUDLEY TRAVEL AND RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL Audley Travel’s Responsible Travel policy has recently seen a significant change; whilst the company as a whole has been supporting carbon reduction projects through Friends of Conservation since 2005, each individual department has now also been given the opportunity to support a charity of their choice with a yearly financial donation. Here in the Southeast Asia Department we have researched many different charities and, after much discussion, have elected to support two. These are Big Brother Mouse, based in Laos and the World Land Trust, based in the UK. In addition to an annual donation the Southeast Asia team will be fundraising for these two charities through a number of initiatives.

ABOUT BIG BROTHER MOUSE A unique and incredibly effective charity, Big Brother Mouse (BBM) was set up in 2006 by Sasha Alyson and Khamla Panyasouk, in response to the glaring lack of reading material that is available in Laos. Reading in Laos has never been a popular or widespread activity and literacy rates remain extremely low, especially in rural areas, which account for approximately 80% of the population. Books, where available, are invariably text books and very dull to read. BBM publishes its own storybooks, written and illustrated by Lao volunteers, and distributes them to rural communities. The books aim to make reading fun for children and adults alike, and provide the impetus for children to continue their education. As BBM say, “Books should be an adventure of discovery and delight”. They have also now begun translating such classics as Aesop’s Fables. The result has been a dramatic increase in literacy in the areas they have been targeting, providing a very positive foundation for the prosperity of these rural communities in the future.

Khamla at the BBM shop in Luang Prabang

AUDLEY AND BIG BROTHER MOUSE IN THE FUTURE With the assistance of our ground agents in Laos, Audley are helping to sponsor BBM and to bring the important work of the charity to the attention of a wider audience. Visitors who may be keen on a more hands-on interaction can drop into the shop in Luang Prabang or Vientiane and buy sets of story books to take to a local village in order to donate them to the school or village chief. This helps the communities to set up a library from which children can borrow books. BBM also arrange book parties, taking visitors to a local village where they give a book to each child plus another 50 to a teacher for swapping. They will also help the children develop other skills, such as drawing, and teach them songs about books and reading. They then spend some time playing games with the children before teaching them about the benefits of reading. Visitors are encouraged to take part in the fun.

If you would like further information please speak to a Laos Country Specialist on 01993 838 125 or visit Big Brother Mouse’s excellent website at www.bigbrothermouse.com

CLASSIC BURMA GROUP TOUR 26 OCTOBER 2011

THE WORLD LAND TRUST (WLT) AND THEIR CONSERVATION WORK IN BORNEO WLT is a UK charity, established in 1989, which works internationally to help create nature reserves by funding the purchase of privately owned land that has high conservation value. They have identified land in the lower Kinabatangan flood plain area of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo that connects two already protected government owned reserves. The incredibly high levels of bio-diversity found in the Kinabatangan river basin is attributed to the seven distinct and different ecosystems found in the area, which provide a habitat and source of food for a vast array of animals and plant life. Of particular note are the endangered Bornean orang-utan, nine other species of primates including the proboscis monkey and western tarsier, the Bornean pygmy elephant and all eight species of hornbill. If this land is not purchased as part of this initiative, it will become another palm oil plantation. Palm oil is used in one out of every ten products found in British supermarkets and is also a popular bio-fuel. The palm oil industry has allegedly been responsible for a 50% reduction in orang-utan habitat between 1992 – 2003. If this specific tract of land becomes a plantation it would create two separate “wildlife islands” unable to sustain viable animal populations, especially acute for the orang-utan. However, linking these areas up will create a much larger “wildlife corridor” helping to ensure the future prosperity of all species in this unique ecosystem.

Leopard Cat, Kinabatangan River basin, Sabah, Borneo

AUDLEY AND THE WORLD LAND TRUST (WLT) IN BORNEO WLT need to raise £343,364 urgently to buy this crucial piece of land. Sadly the WLT have only been given a finite amount of time to raise this money before the land will be sold to other ventures. Should they exceed the target required for this initial land purchase, all additional money raised will be channelled into other schemes for the preservation of this wildlife corridor. These will include education and training of local communities who will be instrumental in the ongoing conservation of the area and its magnificent wildlife.

If you would like further information about this WLT project, please speak to your Southeast Asia Specialist on 01993 838 100 or visit the WLT website - www.worldlandtrust.org/projects/malaysia.htm

CLASSIC BURMA GROUP TOUR 26 OCTOBER 2011

Burmese Monks

ITINERARY IN DETAIL

Wednesday 26 LONDON TO BANGKOK October 2011 Thai Airways flight - Flt No: TG 911 - Dep: 1150 - Arr: 0610 - (next day) Economy class; Non-stop flight;

Thursday 27 BANGKOK TO RANGOON October 2011 Thai Airways flight - Flt No: TG 303 - Dep: 0800 - Arr: 0845 - (same day) Economy class; Non-stop flight;

BURMA INTRODUCTION During its years of isolation Burma became frozen in time, capturing an enchanting country of geographical variety and natural beauty. A nation rich in culture, the friendly locals can be seen dressed in longyis and smoking cheroots. Their deep-rooted belief in Buddhism and spirit worship is evident in the many ornate pagodas and temples that sprinkle the area, from the Himalayan foothills to the jungles of the south. Burma has a great deal to offer, from archaeological wonders to beaches, hill tribe villages, crumbling colonial buildings and touring the Irrawaddy River that bisects this rural land.

Please note that Travellers Cheques are not accepted in Burma. Credit cards will also be of limited use as only a very few hotels accept them. Please ensure that you have enough US dollars cash for your trip in NEW dollar bills as hotels, shops, restaurants and money changers will not accept old or damaged notes.

Please note that flight schedules in Burma are likely to change at short notice and exact timings will be confirmed upon your arrival. Your guide in each area will ensure that your flights are reconfirmed on your behalf. On board hand luggage space is very limited.

RANGOON INTRODUCTION Now known as , Rangoon is the former capital of Burma and still retains much of its colonial character. The grand buildings of the downtown area and the old mansions in the diplomatic quarter are clear testament to the former British presence. In contrast to this, the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda is perhaps the most vivid demonstration of how seriously the Burmese take their Buddhist faith, with a stream of devotees bringing offerings to the various shrines within the temple complex. No visit to Burma is complete without at least a few hours spent at the Shwedagon. The city has an eclectic mix of cultures and religions, with the golden spires of many ancient pagodas glistening in the heat of the day alongside modern-day Hindu and Chinese temples, cathedrals and mosques. The bustling streets and narrow alleys of downtown Rangoon capture the diversity of this intriguing city: tea-houses are layered with the smoke of cheroots, the markets of Chinatown burst with an unfathomable array of goods and the aromas of freshly-milled spices and freshly-cooked snacks are carried on a breeze from the Indian Quarter. Rangoon is well-known for its shops and markets, the most famous of which is the Bogyoke Aung San Market (or Scott Market), as well as for a burgeoning and well-respected art scene. Galleries and antique shops have been established in various parts of the city, presenting the visitor with many tempting shopping opportunities.

CLASSIC BURMA GROUP TOUR 26 OCTOBER 2011

TRANSFER FROM AIRPORT TO HOTEL On arrival, once you have cleared any airport immigration formalities, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.

YANGON: SHWEDAGON SUNSET Around 4pm in the afternoon you will be met by your vehicle, driver and guide for an evening visit to the famous Shwedagon Pagoda. You will witness the magical atmosphere as the sun dips below the horizon and darkness falls in this most holy of places. Afterwards return to your hotel.

The Shwedagon pagoda illuminated at night

Welcome dinner included this evening at the Governor’s Residence.

The Governor's Residence, Rangoon Breakfast and Welcome Dinner are included

Friday 28 VISIT TO PAYA NGOTO SCHOOL AND TWANTE POTTERY VILLAGE BY ROAD October 2011 After the devastating effects of Cyclone Nargis in May 2008, Audley wanted to raise funds to help a community affected by one of the worst natural disasters of all time. Our local agent in Burma helped us to identify a small primary school in Paya Ngoto village which had been virtually destroyed and was in desperate need of a donor to help rebuild the school and move the 55 students out of temporary bamboo classrooms back into the main schoolhouse. After months of fundraising and the hard work of a local contractor and workforce, the school was completed and the children moved back into their brighter, larger and better equipped schoolhouse. This is a project that we are immensely proud of and we would like to encourage all of our clients to visit, particularly as so many generously donated and supported our fundraising efforts.

Paya Ngoto is situated near Twante and we recommend that you also pay a visit to the small pottery industries that are located here. After breakfast your guide and driver will transfer you to the jetty in Rangoon for the short river crossing to Dala. From here you will be driven to Twante, the journey should take around one hour. The town is visited by very few tourists and offers a fascinating insight into local life outside of central Rangoon. After a trishaw ride to the Shwe San Daw pagoda and market in the town itself you head off to the small surrounding villages where some of the locals make a living from pottery. Here you will witness how pots of all shapes and sizes are produced inside local homes. With skills inherited from their ancestors, a man can shape a pot in a matter of seconds before the pots are taken to the giant kilns for glazing and baking. From Twante, you head back towards Dala but stop en route to spend time at the Paya Ngoto Primary School. At the school, you will have chance to meet all of the children and schoolteachers, as well as observing lessons and helping the children with their studies. As part of today’s visit we will be sponsoring lunch for all the children and teachers. CLASSIC BURMA GROUP TOUR 26 OCTOBER 2011

After visiting the school you will be driven thirty minutes to Dala for the short ferry crossing to the main jetty in Rangoon. A car will be waiting at the jetty to transfer you to a restaurant for lunch.

Opening Ceremony at the Paga Ngoto School

This afternoon there will be chance to explore a little more of the city with your guide such as the Karaweik Royal Barge (a photo opportunity for some or a rather garish replica of a royal barge for others!) and Chaukhtatkyi Reclining Buddha. This is a relatively unpublicised religious monument, a short distance northeast of the Shwedagon Pagoda. The building which houses the Buddha is surrounded by fortune tellers who will be happy to offer astrological and palm readings. A short walk from the jetty on Strand Road is the Botataung Paya which was unfortunately hit by an allied bomb in an air raid during the Second World War and has been subsequently rebuilt. The Paya is hollow which allows you to walk inside and view the ancient relics and artefacts which are kept in glass showcases. The golden stupa reaches a height of 40 metres.

The Governor's Residence, Rangoon Breakfast and lunch are included

Saturday 29 FREE TIME IN RANGOON October 2011 TRANSFER FROM HOTEL TO AIRPORT You will be collected from your hotel and taken by private transfer to the airport in plenty of time for your onward flight.

RANGOON TO HEHO Yangon Airways flight - Flt No: YH731 - Dep: 1500 - Arr: 1610 - (same day) Economy class; Non-stop flight;

HEHO TO INLE LAKE The journey from Heho airport to the town of Nyaung Shwe takes about one hour. Along the way you will see locals travelling using a fabulous array of vehicles including trucks, motorbikes, water buffalo carts and horse-drawn carts From the boat landing jetty at Nyaung Shwe you will board a local long boat. The journey to your hotel will take approximately half an hour depending on which hotel you stay at on the lake and will allow you to catch glimpses of life on this magical lake as you pass by stilted villages and floating islands.

CLASSIC BURMA GROUP TOUR 26 OCTOBER 2011

INLE LAKE INTRODUCTION The shallow waters of Inle Lake stretch for 35 kilometres, ringed by small fishing villages and majestic rolling hills. The Intha people live on the lake, building their houses on stilts and travelling across the lake using their bizarre style of leg rowing. The best way to explore is by boat: in a day trip you can visit the various cottage industries such as silk weaving and cheroot rolling, watch blacksmiths and silversmiths at work and see the floating market that moves between the area’s villages on a five-day rota. During October, the famous Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda festival takes place and is a magical sight to behold. This two-week long celebration sees the journey of an ornate ceremonial barge carrying four of five revered gold Buddha images. With a considerable entourage, the procession travels from the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda and tours each of the villages around the lake, resting overnight at local monasteries and bringing blessings to all involved.

A young leg rower on Inle Lake, Burma

Inle Princess Resort, Inle Lake Breakfast and lunch are included

Sunday 30 INDEIN EXCURSION October 2011 Today head off the lake down one of the tributary rivers to the Indein temple complex. The journey takes you through some truly stunning scenery where you are welcome to stop off at any of the tribal Pa-O villages along the way. There is little or no information about the temples themselves. Another interesting similar temple site is Kakku, but the road journey there is six hours return.

The overgrown stupas of Indein, Burma

Inle Princess Resort, Inle Lake Breakfast and lunch are included

CLASSIC BURMA GROUP TOUR 26 OCTOBER 2011

Monday 31 BOAT TRIP ON INLE LAKE October 2011 Around Inle Lake there are many small villages which connect to the main lake by means of narrow canals. Once out on the lake you may see the unique leg-rowing fishermen who stand up on their boats to give them a bird's eye view of the fish in the very shallow waters. You may also be able to visit some of the villagers in their homes above the silk and cotton weaving looms where they work. The Phaung Daw Oo Paya is one of the holiest sites in this area of as it houses a collection of five highly-revered small Buddha images. These are now unrecognisable as devout Buddhists have adorned them with gold leaf, During the Phaung Daw Oo festival in October four of these images are transported around the lake, spending each night in a different village. Adjacent to the paya you can see the ornate boats that carry these revered images around the lake. You will also have the opportunity to visit Nga Hpe Chaung, locally known as Jumping Cat Monastery. This is a beautiful wooden monastery which houses an impressive collection of Buddha images, all representing different styles of design found within the country.

Riverine life, Inle Lake, Burma

Inle Princess Resort, Inle Lake Breakfast and lunch are included

Tuesday 01 You will have the morning for further sightseeing before the flight to Pagan. November 2011 INLE LAKE TO HEHO AIRPORT Depending on which hotel you are staying in on the lake, the journey by boat to Nyaung Shwe takes about half an hour and allows you to catch a last glimpse of life on this magical lake as you pass by stilted villages and floating islands. At Nyaung Shwe you will meet your driver who will transfer you to the airport which takes approximately one hour.

HEHO TO PAGAN Yangon Airways flight - Flt No: YH731 - Dep: 16:25- Arr: 17:40 - (same day) Economy class; One stop enroute;

PAGAN INTRODUCTION Pagan () is an amazing archaeological site covering a thirty square mile area by the banks of the Irrawaddy River. This is one of the most significant groups of ruins anywhere in the world. The government has only relatively recently lifted its closed door policy, this has meant that only a few people have ever had the chance to wander across the plain and marvel at the more than two thousand temples and pagodas scattered across it.

TRANSFER FROM AIRPORT TO HOTEL On arrival, once you have cleared any airport immigration formalities, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.

Thande Bungalows, Pagan Breakfast and lunch are included

CLASSIC BURMA GROUP TOUR 26 OCTOBER 2011

Wednesday 02 DISCOVERING PAGAN’S TEMPLES AND RUINS (FULL DAY) November 2011 Spend the morning at leisure and take lunch at your hotel. Your guide will then collect you for an afternoon tour of Pagan. An in-depth tour and commentary will be available if you wish, alternatively if you would prefer a more informal approach you may adapt the itinerary in consultation with your guide to suit your interests. The tour begins at Pagan market which you can explore before visiting the museum. Afterwards you begin your tour of the temples and ruins.

Pagan’s incredible temple landscape

Thande Bungalows, Pagan Breakfast and lunch are included

Thursday 03 MOUNT POPA EXCURSION - SPIRITS & GODS November 2011 Driving 50 miles south-east of Pagan you reach the famous Mount Popa (meaning 'flower'), Rising 2,000 feet out of the Irrawaddy flood plain Mount Popa is one of the most sacred sites in Burma and home to the 'nats' (Burmese spirits). Most of the Burmese, no matter what their religion worship "nats" originally animistic- associated with hills, trees, lakes and other natural features- the Burmese believe that the "nats" control all aspects of day to day life. There are 37 nats in all and particular ones are worshipped depending on various factors such as the day of the week you were born or how many siblings you may have. If you wish you can climb part way up the mountain to visit some of the pagodas and temples that dot its slopes. The main reason for visiting this area is the volcanic outcrop which has become one of the holiest sites in Burma. There are 777 steps to climb to the shrine at the top of the outcrop, and if you have the energy it is worth the climb for some fantastic views. Don't take food however, as there are some hungry monkeys en route!

The mystical Mount Popa is the perfect destination to cool down from the heat of the lowlands

Thande Bungalows, Pagan Breakfast and lunch are included

CLASSIC BURMA GROUP TOUR 26 OCTOBER 2011

Friday 04 DAWN BALLOON FLIGHT OVER PAGAN – OPTIONAL EXCURSION November 2011 In the morning you will be driven to the take-off site for the balloon, rising into the air you will float over the Pagan temples on a flight lasting just under an hour. Landing by the banks of the Irrawaddy River you celebrate with a glass of champagne.

Balloons over Bagan

TRANSFER FROM YOUR HOTEL TO THE RIVERSIDE You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the jetty in Pagan in time to board the Paukan 2007 to Mandalay.

ANCIENT BAGAN TO ROYAL MANDALAY (UPSTREAM) ON THE PAUKAN 2007 - DAY ONE The Paukan 2007 is the newest addition to the Ayravata Cruise fleet. The vessel plies the famous Irrawaddy River between Pagan and Mandalay on one and two night journeys. Leaving Pagan on Tuesday the embarkation time is 11.30am at Pagan Aye -Yar- Jetty. The trip begins with a welcome cocktail in the saloon. The cast-off time is 12 noon and lunch will be served at 1300. In the late afternoon you will visit a typical river village. Cruise all day and moor overnight near a typical river village or a sand bank.

This program is set by the cruise company and is subject to change at short notice.

RV Paukan 2007, Pagan All meals are included

CLASSIC BURMA GROUP TOUR 26 OCTOBER 2011

Saturday 05 ANCIENT BAGAN TO ROYAL MANDALAY (UPSTREAM) ON THE PAUKAN 2007 - November 2011 DAY TWO After breakfast, arrive at Shwe Pyi Thar Village in the morning and enjoy a visit. Cruise all day with a stop to visit Yandabo, a typical river village which specialise in Pot-Making, where the peace treaty of the First Anglo-Burmese war was signed on Feb. 24, 1826 in the evening you will moor overnight near Sa Mei Kone.

RV Paukan

RV Paukan 2007, Pagan All meals are included

Sunday 06 ANCIENT BAGAN TO ROYAL MANDALAY (UPSTREAM) ON THE PAUKAN 2007 - November 2011 DAY THREE After an early breakfast, you will disembark at the Gawein jetty at around 09.30/10.00 hrs.

MANDALAY INTRODUCTION Mandalay is a large and sprawling city whose centre is dominated by the enormous Royal Palace, now almost entirely reconstructed after the damage inflicted during the Second World War. Mandalay is a centre for many traditional craftsmen, including marble sculptors who will be proud to tell you that their Buddha images are often made to order and exported to Thailand, Taiwan, China and the US. Around Mandalay there are the remnants of several former capitals dating from different periods in the region's history.

SAGAING, AVA AND SUNSET AT U BEIN'S BRIDGE You will disembark the Paukan at the Sagaing Jetty, on the western bank of the Irrawaddy River, to explore the Sagaing Hills. This is one of the most beautiful places in Asia with many magical and peaceful pagodas to explore. Sagaing was a former capital of an autonomous Shan kingdom during the 14th Century and again in the 18th Century albeit for a short time. Today this tranquil area is an important centre for Buddhism with numerous monasteries and nunneries scattered all over the hill. The winding lanes are a treasure to explore with many old buildings and flowering bougainvillea. One of the most interesting temples at the top of the hill is the Ponnyashin Pagoda - the views over Mandalay and the Irrawaddy from here are stunning.

CLASSIC BURMA GROUP TOUR 26 OCTOBER 2011

The ancient city of Inwa (Ava) was capital of a Burmese kingdom for nearly 400 years until power shifted to Amarapura in 1841. The best way to explore this 'lost city' is by pony and trap which will take you along dusty paths to the brick and stucco monastery of Aungmye Bonzan, built in 1818, the impressive teak monastery of Bagaya which is supported by 267 teak posts and the former dilapidated watchtower known locally as the 'leaning tower of Ava'. Scattered amongst this dry and arid landscape are numerous crumbling zedi and other reminders of a former royal city such as the swimming baths and the vast entrance gates, one remains in particularly good condition.

The final stop of the day will be one of your most memorable experiences in Burma, watching the magical sunset at U Bein's Bridge. Constructed in teak and nearly a mile in length it spans Taungthaman lake, the bridge forms an artery for local people crossing the lake with their bicycles and produce from the fields. You will arrive in good time for sunset. The guide can arrange the hire of a small boat (at your own expense, around $5) to take you out on the lake for the fantastic views as the sun slowly sets behind the bridge. A truly magical travel experience, sunset at U Bein's is absolutely wonderful and on the cover of the latest Lonely Planet.

U Bein's Bridge, Amarapura, Near Mandalay

Red Canal, Mandalay Breakfast and lunch are included

Monday 07 DISCOVERING MANDALAY’S PAGODAS, HANDICRAFTS & HISTORY (FULL DAY) November 2011 Mandalay is a city of great religious, cultural and historical significance and is also the handicraft centre of the country. During your time here you can see buddha statues being sculptured from marble and bronze, woodcarving, and families who still practice the age old art of Burmese puppetry.

During the day you will also visit some of the main religious sites including the Shwenandaw monastery, a magnificent intricately carved wooden building. Once part of the old Mandalay Palace it was dismantled and rebuilt outside the palace walls after being deemed likely to bring bad fortune following the death of King Mindon inside the building. As a result it was the only building from the palace to survive the devastating fire that destroyed the Royal Palace as the Allies fought to retake Mandalay at the end of the Second World War.

CLASSIC BURMA GROUP TOUR 26 OCTOBER 2011

Shwenandaw (Golden Palace) Monastery

At the Mahamuni Paya, originally built by King Bodawpaya in 1784, you will see the highly revered Mahamuni buddha image that dates back to possibly the 1st Century AD. It was seized from in in 1784 and brought to Mandalay. The current Paya that stands today is fairly recent as the original shrine was destroyed by fire in 1884. The image is heavily laden with layer upon layer of gold leaf presented by worshipping men (women are not permitted to enter the inner chamber in which the Buddha sits) to the point that it is rather misshapen!

The afternoon brings you to the Kuthodaw, a collection of 729 marble slabs inscribed with the teachings of the Lord Buddha and known as the 'world's largest book', at the foot of Mandalay Hill. From here it is a short distance to the base of Mandalay Hill and you can opt to climb barefoot (this is a religious shrine) the 1,729 steps to the summit, passing the stalls of fortune tellers and betel sellers until you reach the Two Snake Pagoda. Once at the top with the Shan Hills behind you, a stunning panorama of Burma’s old capitals presents itself, with the Irrawaddy and the plains fading into the distant haze. If you are feeling less energetic it is possible to drive half-way up the hill where an escalator takes you to the very top.

SUNSET ON MANDALAY HILL At dusk you arrive at the foot of Mandalay Hill. Afterwards, you climb the 1,729 steps to the summit, passing the stalls of fortune tellers and betel sellers until you reach the Two Snake Pagoda. With the Shan Hills behind you, a stunning panorama of Burma’s old capitals presents itself, with the Irrawaddy and the plains fading into the distant haze. If you are feeling less energetic you can drive virtually all the way to the top of the hill instead!

Red Canal, Mandalay Breakfast and lunch are included

Tuesday 08 MAYMYO COLONIAL HILL STATION (FULL DAY EXCURSION) November 2011 An early start to escape the heat of Mandalay and head for the hill station of Maymyo (two hour drive). Built by the British as a retreat from soaring summer temperatures, when Norman Lewis visited in the 1950’s he wrote that ‘it was like Reading at the end of a very dry August’. Perhaps a little more imagination is required today, but the small town retains a much anglicised feel.

A short distance beyond Maymyo is the Penkchin Mhyan Cave which is filled with many thousands of Buddha images and is a place of pilgrimage for many Burmese. You may wish to try out one of the little horse-drawn stagecoaches which are unique to the town during your time here.

CLASSIC BURMA GROUP TOUR 26 OCTOBER 2011

The jewel in Maymyo’ s crown however, must be the magnificent mature botanical gardens with rose beds and orchid houses reminiscent of the royal gardens at Kew. You may simply relax and stroll around the lake here - more adventurous souls can take the very steep path to the Dadtaw Kyaint waterfall a few kilometres from Maymyo. Water tumbles more than 100 feet over a rocky cliff hitting the jade green pool below with such a force as to create a natural jacuzzi to swim in!

Return to Mandalay for the night.

Stagecoaches, Maymyo

Red Canal, Mandalay Breakfast and lunch are included

Wednesday 09 November 2011

Mandalay Hill overlooks the Palace and surrounding moat

TRANSFER FROM HOTEL TO AIRPORT You will be collected from your hotel and taken by private transfer to the airport in plenty of time for your onward flight.

TRANSFER FROM AIRPORT TO HOTEL On arrival, once you have cleared any airport immigration formalities, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.

MANDALAY TO RANGOON Yangon Airlines flight - Flt No: YH910 - Dep: 08:40 - Arr: 10:05 - (same day) Economy class; Non-stop flight;

CLASSIC BURMA GROUP TOUR 26 OCTOBER 2011

AFTERNOON EXPLORING RANGOON WITH YOUR GUIDE – SUGGESTIONS It is often worth a second visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda to witness the 'sweeping ritual' where the devout gain merit by brushing clear the courtyards around the golden spires and to take a little longer to sit and people watch. It is a very tranquil place and in stark contrast to the bustle of downtown Rangoon.

A ride on a trishaw or a stroll around downtown Rangoon will give you opportunities to gain a real insight into local Burmese life. The downtown architectural landscape is an eclectic mix; you will pass Buddhist pagodas, Hindu and Chinese temples, Islamic mosques, Anglican cathedrals and even a synagogue all juxtaposed against government buildings, commercial shops, makeshift and permanent markets all against a background of a faded colonial facade. The most prominent pagoda in this area is the Sule Pagoda on the intersection of Mahabandoola and Sule Paya Road. This temple is said to enshrine a hair of the Buddha and is 2,000 years old. If you are in the area late afternoon as offices close for the day it is worth paying a visit as locals come to pay their respects before heading home for the evening. From here continue west along Mahabandoola Road for an early evening stroll through the busy Indian and Chinese quarters of the city where every street is crammed with shops and street vendors.

Orange Seller, Rangoon

Markets are integral to Burmese life and the Indian market on Anawrahta Street where vociferous merchants sell sweet smelling cinnamon bark, tropical fruit, fiery chillies, medicinal herbs and fish of every description, is well worth a visit. If you wish to hunt for some souvenirs the busiest and most colourful bazaar is the Aung San market or Scott Market. Burma has some incredibly good value handicrafts and art pieces on display in the various markets and craft shops which are abundant throughout the country and the Scott Market is a great place to pick up various pieces. It is open from 10am to 5pm but closed on Monday and public holidays. Hledon Market (closed on Public Holidays) is best known for its fresh fruit, vegetables and meats. This is a very local market and is best visited in the morning.

If shopping (or browsing!) is of interest, Rangoon has a burgeoning art scene with many galleries now opening in various parts of the city. Furthermore there are many excellent souvenir and antique shops including Augustine, Bondon (in Scott Market), Daw Mya Mya Sein (lacquer-ware only) as well as a few independent antique shops on Dhammazedi Road.

Burma is a spiritual country and most males are expected to spend some time studying in a monastery. A visit to the Kalaywa Tawya Monastery where over 1300 monks and novices reside is also highly recommended. You will be able to witness them gathering to partake in the midday meal, which is the last of the day.

The Savoy, Rangoon Breakfast and lunch are included

CLASSIC BURMA GROUP TOUR 26 OCTOBER 2011

Thursday 10 RANGOON TO KYAIKTIYO AND THE GOLDEN ROCK BY ROAD November 2011 Leaving Rangoon in the morning, in your private car, you drive for two hours until you reach the town of Pegu (Bago). En-route you may pay a short visit to a ‘Nat (spirit) House’ where the driver will have the car blessed - the Burmese are very superstitious and wouldn't dream of travelling very far without the protection of their favourite spirit! You will also pass the Htaukkyant war cemetery which you will visit on your return from Kyaiktiyo. From Pegu it takes another couple of hours to reach the foot of the trail that leads to the pagoda, in Kinpun. Here you swap vehicles and take a seat in the back of a truck with other tourists and locals, which takes visitors along the final twisty 20 km towards the Golden Rock. This is a precarious journey along a rough track and can be uncomfortable if the truck is full, but it only lasts 45 minutes. On disembarking from the truck, you have a bit of a walk up the path that leads to the pagoda before reaching the Mountain Top Inn. This usually takes between 45 minutes and an hour and there are porters available to carry your bags . If you start to feel tired or are feeling the heat there are sedan chairs available to carry you to the summit. These sedan chairs are actually deck chairs tied to bamboo poles; they do however do the job more than adequately. Prices for this service vary (depending on your negotiating skills).

KYAIKTIYO INTRODUCTION The Golden Rock at Kyaiktiyo is one of the most sacred, must-see sights in Burma. The huge gold-leafed boulder balances precariously above you on the edge of a cliff. Topped with its glittering stupa, it is said to house a single Buddha hair that maintains its equilibrium. The rock has mysteriously remained in this fragile position despite the area suffering from major earthquakes in the past.

VISIT TO THE GOLDEN ROCK PAGODA FROM THE MOUNTAIN TOP INN Leaving your hotel you walk along the remainder of the pilgrim's path towards the top of Mt. Kyaiktiyo which takes around ten minutes. In the pilgrimage season this path is busy with locals and tourists making their way to the pagoda, and the atmosphere is fascinating. Once at the summit your guide will show you the key sights including the Stone Boat Stupa and the amazing balancing rock. Your guide will spend about an hour showing you around the summit area before making your way back down to the Hotel.

Golden Rock’s stunning cliff edge location makes it the ultimate pilgrimage for Buddhists in Burma

Mountain Top Inn, Kyaiktiyo All meals are included

Friday 11 KYAIKTIYO AND GOLDEN ROCK TO RANGOON VIA HTAUKKYANT WWII November 2011 CEMETARY

CLASSIC BURMA GROUP TOUR 26 OCTOBER 2011

Departing Golden Rock and Kyaiktiyo you drive back towards Rangoon stopping off two hours in to the journey to stretch your legs at one of the 20th Century's most important wartime resting places. The Htaukkyant World War Two cemetery is where more than 27,000 soldiers, seamen and airmen are laid to rest. The beautifully maintained grounds are a moving tribute to the men and women who fell in the campaigns of World War Two.

You arrive in to Rangoon early afternoon where you will have the chance for a spot of last minute shopping or further sightseeing.

Pilgrims climbing up to the Golden Rock, Burma

The Governor's Residence, Rangoon Breakfast and Farewell Dinner at Le Planteur are included

Saturday 12 TRANSFER FROM HOTEL TO AIRPORT November 2011 You will be collected from your hotel and taken by private transfer to the airport in plenty of time for your onward flight.

RANGOON TO BANGKOK Thai Airways flight - Flt No: TG304 - Dep: 0950 - Arr: 1145 - (same day) Economy class; Non-stop flight;

BANGKOK TO LONDON Thai Airways flight - Flt No: TG916 - Dep: 1330 - Arr: 1935 - (same day) Economy class; Non-stop flight;

CLASSIC BURMA GROUP TOUR 26 OCTOBER 2011

Paying respects and bringing offerings to a shrine at the Shwedagon Pagoda

CLASSIC BURMA GROUP TOUR 26 OCTOBER 2011

ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION

Your accommodation is described below. Please do not hesitate to call us if you require any further information about any of the properties. Upgraded (or simpler) options and rooms are available in many places, particularly in the main towns and cities.

OUR ACCOMMODATION GRADING SYSTEM

Basic: Very primitive accommodation where we are not aware of anything better. Simple: Clean and simple but limited facilities. Medium: A good standard of accommodation, reasonable range of facilities. First Class: A high standard of accommodation with a wide range of facilities. Deluxe: Superb accommodation with facilities and service to match. Opulent: The world’s most unashamedly luxurious hotels and resorts.

The above classifications are for your guidance only; they are the opinions of our staff and are quite subjective.

THE GOVERNOR'S RESIDENCE, RANGOON First Class Formerly a colonial teak mansion, the Governor's Residence has been restored to its pristine glory and stands majestically amidst a lotus garden in the Embassy Quarter of Rangoon. Its teakwood rooms are luxuriously decorated in tropical cottons and silks, overlooking the private, beautifully-tended lotus garden and free-form pool. From here, you may easily regale your spirit with a visit to the golden Shwedagon Pagoda or negotiate the bustling Bogyoke Market.

Our opinion: Managed by Orient Express, the service and attention to detail of this property renders it one of our favourites in Rangoon. It is the perfect place The Governor's Residence, Rangoon to rest after a long flight or for relaxing at the end of your stay, it is also ideal for those who wish to stay in a quiet area of the city. Taxis to the Shwedagon or Scott Market are easy to arrange through the hotel.

Deluxe Room, The Governor's Residence, Rangoon

CLASSIC BURMA GROUP TOUR 26 OCTOBER 2011

INLE PRINCESS RESORT, INLE LAKE First Class Situated on the banks of the river leading to the lake, around 20 minutes by boat from the small town of Nyaung Shwe (or 15 minutes drive by road), the Inle Princess offers guests a wonderfully atmospheric stay. The stilt-mounted chalets are built in traditional Shan style making use of local materials and we will always endeavour to secure rooms with lake views. The rooms are very spacious and have all the amenities that you would need. The hotel has a good restaurant on the shores of the lake, which combines the finest and freshest of ingredients from the resort's garden and around the lake to create traditional Shan dishes as well as European and other ethnic cuisine. There is also a new spa offering three luxury treatment rooms and a small handicraft Inle Princess Resort, Inle Lake village where you can observe local craftsmen creating beautifully designed objects which are then sold in the resort's boutique and also used throughout the resort.

A high standard of accommodation, tastefully designed in a peaceful location. The service and attention to detail is superb.

THANDE BUNGALOWS, PAGAN Medium Situated on the banks of the Irrawaddy River in the grounds of an old colonial hotel the bungalows have a pleasant and quiet location. We endeavour to secure the riverside rooms that command spectacular views across the Irrawaddy River. There is a small pool which provides a welcome relief from the heat of the Pagan plains and the rooms are of a high standard with all the amenities you expect from an international hotel whilst still retaining its quaint charm.

Our opinion: Simple accommodation in a beautiful place within easy walking distance of some of the ruins. Thande Bungalows, Pagan

Deluxe Riverview room, Thande Bungalows, Pagan

CLASSIC BURMA GROUP TOUR 26 OCTOBER 2011

RV PAUKAN 2007 First Class Built in Rangoon and launched in 2007, this elegant vessel is one of the most comfortable and relaxing ways to experience life on the Irrawaddy River. There are three decks and all cabins are ensuite. The sundeck is a perfect place to enjoy a drink while you reflect on the sights you have enjoyed throughout the day.

RV Paukan 2007

The sun deck on the RV Paukan 2007

CLASSIC BURMA GROUP TOUR 26 OCTOBER 2011

RED CANAL, MANDALAY Medium Set parallel to the Red Canal, where the hotel gets its name, is this quaint and cosy boutique-style property. Located in a quiet part of the city, the hotel makes good use of teak, providing it with a very natural and traditional style not found in many of the larger resorts in Mandalay. Each of the rooms are stylishly finished although a little on the compact side. The restaurant serves Indian and Burmese dishes as well as a small selection of international meals, tea's and locally grown coffee are also available. The outdoor swimming pool and spa are ideal retreats during the heat of the day in between exploring the surrounding area.

Our opinion: This is the first boutique The Red Canal, Mandalay accommodation of this standard in Mandalay and is a welcome option alongside the bigger, international- style properties that have previously been the only choice. Whilst the service and facilities may be a little less sophisticated than at the Sedona or Mandalay Hill Resort, the Red Canal has a great deal of charm and very friendly staff.

SAVOY HOTEL, RANGOON Medium Situated within reasonable walking distance of the Shwedagon Pagoda, the Savoy Hotel is a charming property that epitomises the grace and style of the colonial era. The 30 guest rooms are air-conditioned and decorated with rattan furniture and polished wood floors. Cafe Yangon serves a traditional British afternoon tea, Kipling’s Restaurant combines the flavours of east and west and the Captain’s Bar is set by the palm-fringed pool. The service is discreet and friendly, making a stay at the Savoy a memorable experience.

Our opinion: A good standard of accommodation with adequate facilities noted for its character and The swimming pool at the Savoy Hotel, Rangoon relaxed, informal atmosphere.

CLASSIC BURMA GROUP TOUR 26 OCTOBER 2011

MOUNTAIN TOP INN, KYAIKTIYO Simple The Mountain Top Inn is conveniently located close to the Golden Rock Pagoda. It has 15 Standard rooms with superb views over the surrounding countryside and easy access to the Pagoda, which is a 15 minute stroll away. This is the better of the two hotels situated at the top of Mount Kyaiktiyo and the rooms are clean and comfortable. The hotel has a pleasant restaurant with great views, especially at sunrise.

This hotel is the best option if you want to stay at the top of Mt Kyaiktiyo enabling sunset visits to the balancing rock. However the accommodation is still fairly basic but it is one of the best options available. Golden Rock, Kyaiktiyo at sunset

Climbing to the Golden Rock, Kyaiktiyo, Burma

CLASSIC BURMA GROUP TOUR 26 OCTOBER 2011