INTRODUCTION • Established in 1999 and is widely recognized as one of the pioneers to bring luxury and event travel to South East Asia • Operate throughout 6 showcased destinations – Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar and Bali • 250 staff across the region and 8 centrally managed and owned regional and international offices • Truly multi-cultural with representatives from across the globe, as well as Market Based Sales & Marketing Directors in the UK, US, Australia/New Zealand plus full language fluency for Spanish Speaking Markets • Competitive advantage lies in our bespoke and customized charter as well as a focus on the continual development of a Tailored Experiences range that is offered exclusively to our valued partners • We focus on the delivery of a truly “hand-held” experience and tailored itineraries • Our team will follow you throughout the region, wherever your event make take you • We action a strict 24 hour turn around on all enquiries • Our Grounds Operations Teams throughout the region also ensure you are plugged into our network of contacts, products and support services • Bamam (Burman) settlers arrived and became dominant in 9th century AD and the capital established in Bagan • Theravada Buddhism declared as the official religion, founding an era of great architectural, religious and artistic achievement. • In 13th century, Mongols ended Bagan kingdoms • Myanmar colonized as part of British India from 1886–1948. • Independence in 1948 – Democratic Republic. • Rule by Military Junta 1962 – present • Devoutly Buddhist population • Pagodas everywhere – many covered in gold or gold leaf • Many colonial buildings, especially in Yangon • Thanaka face painting is worn by many women and some men • Very few new cars (due to embargo) • An average tour length is 7 – 10 days • Most tours choose to visit Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan and Inle Lake – YANGON – Former capital, colonial history, large commercial center – BAGAN – centuries-old temples as far as you can see, former royal capital, small towns, very rural – MANDALAY – commercial business center, fantastic views & temples from Mandalay hill & Sagaing hill – INLE LAKE – beautiful rural scenery in Shan state. • Gateway to Myanmar • Myanmar’s largest city – it was capital city until 2005 • 5 million population • Many historic buildings • Colorful street life & pagodas • Recommended stay of 2-3 nights Shwedagon Pagoda Colonial History Sule Pagoda Oil lamp ceremony at Shwedagon Cooking class at Padonmar Pagoda Restaurant TAILOR EXPERIENCE COLLECTION Multicultural evening walking Puppet show at Htwe Oo Myanmar tour in Yangon Traditional Puppet Theatre Bago Dalla Thanlyin • Former capital and important religious center • About 2 hours from Yangon • Can be a really nice day trip for clients with an extra day in Yangon • Bago is seen on the way to Golden Rock, so careful not to double up itineraries Shwemawdaw Pagoda Kyeikpun (4 Buddha) Pagoda Largest reclining Buddha Allied WWII Cemetary • 30 minutes from airport to most hotels • E-Visa is available for a lot of countries. Still recommend clients to arrange at home before travel • FD City tour lasts all day. Can finish with sunset at Shwedagon • Lots of walking & stairs • Clients need to take their shoes off many times to enter temples • This is a sign of respect, not necessarily to keep the temple clean • Indeed, feet will get dirty – be aware of this The Governor’s Residence The Strand Yangon Savoy Hotel Sule – Shangrila Yangon Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon Sedona Yangon Summit Parkview Hotel Kandawyi Palace hotel • One of the holiest Buddhist sites in the country • 2Day/1Night trip from Yangon • Moderately adventurous to get there – lets of walking up hill • Accommodation at the site is 3 star basic (clean, but no frills) • Recommended for adventurous clients The Golden Rock Pagoda – Balanced on the hair of a Buddha Local life, and many local pilgrims Mountain Top hotel Kyaik Hto hotel . 161 km north of Yangon . City on half way between Yangon & Bagan . 5-6 hours drive from Yangon . An important commercial center for trade between the Ayeyarwady Delta. Akauktaung Mountain Shwemyethman Paya Shwesandaw pagoda Shwenattaung Paya • Located in Tanintharyi Region – southernmost of Myanmar • It was known as Victoria point during British rule (1824-1948) • Border with Ranong - Thailand at eastside • Most of the terrain in the area is mountainous. • The entry point to the Myeik (Mergui) Archipelago boasting over 800 tropical islands and plenty of beaches LOGISTICS 3 hours from Yangon via Myeik (MGZ) and Dawei (TVY) Can be reached by minibus from Thailand: Ranong (1 hour by car and boat trip) Surat Thani (with 3 – 4 hours) Phuket (4-5 hours) Bangkok (8-9 hours) • Remote & well off the beaten path • Accessible by River only • Former capital of Arakan Kingdom (Pre colonial) • Best to visit on 4D/3N trip from Yangon (minimum) • Fly to Sittwe, then boat up river to Mrauk-U • Fly Yangon to Sittwe (1.5 hr) • Overnight in Sittwe (small town with limited sights – interesting market) • Early 2nd day river trip upstream to Mrauk-U • 4-5 hours by boat, depending on tide & season • Best to visit from Oct – March • From April onwards, it is too hot Centuries old temples Amazing River Scenery Simple local life Stepping back in time Watching sunrise over the Mrauk-U Valley Underground passageways Buddha image ruins at the 90,000 Buddha temple Mrauk-U Princess resort Shwe Thazin hotel - Sittwe • 1 hour flight from Yangon • Wonder of the world archaeological site with over 2000 pagodas over 26sq miles. • Capital of Burman kingdom from 9th – 13th century • Recommended stay of 3 nights Temples Balloon Ride Colorful Local Market Mountain top Temple (Tuang Kalat) – Next to Mt Popa Amazing Sunset View TAILOR EXPERIENCE COLLECTIONS Bagan Sunset Cocktail Cruise on Ayeyarwaddy (Irrawaddy) Novitiation Ceremony in Bagan (Nov, Dec, Jan, Mar & Apr only) Location: - 42 Km from Bagan and three hour by boat. - Four hours from Monywa Highlights: Shwegu and Thiho-Shin Pagoda Cheroot factory Local town & market Aureum Palace Hotel Bagan Lodge The Hotel @ Tharabar Gate Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort Bagan Thande Hotel Myanmar Treasure Resort (Bagan) • 1.5 hr flight from Yangon (via Bagan) • Last royal capital of Burmese Kingdom • Along the Ayeyarwaddy River • Recommended stay of 1-2 nights Amarapura Monastery U-Bein Bridge Innva (Ava) Sagaing Mandalay Hill Craft Villages Kuthodaw Temple Mingun Pyin Oo Lwin Sedona Hotel Mandalay Mandalay Hill Resort Hotel RUPAR MANDALAR HOTEL • Gateway to the entire western Chindwin and Ayeyarwady rivers, and pave a passage to Indian border across Chin Hills. • Located 136 km northwest of Mandalay on the eastern bank of the River Chindwin with 3 and half hours drive from Mandalay. Thanbodday Pagoda Pakhangyi Monastery Po Win Daung Cave Base of Bodhi Ta Taung Buddha Win Unity Hotel Monywa Hotel HSIPAW • 200 kilometers northeast of Mandalay along the railway line to Lashio with 6 hours drive from Mandalay and 15 hours by train • Mild climate, rugged mountains and famous waterfalls. • A perfect base for trekking adventures on Shan State. Trekking to Hsipaw waterfall In & Out Hsipaw Riverside @ Hsipaw Resort Mr. Charles guest house . Two hour & 20 minutes fly from Mandalay via Myitkyina (Tuesday & Sunday) . 50 minutes fly from Myitkyina Adventure Activity Malikha Lodge • 5 star, luxury river cruise • 43 cabins / 82 pax capacity • Restaurant, observation lounge, piano bar, top deck lounge, swimming pool • 1 Governor’s Suite, 18 State Cabins, 16 Deluxe Cabins, 4 Superior Cabins, 4 Single Cabins. ORCAELLA CRUISE • 5 star, luxury river cruise • 25 cabins / 50 pax capacity • Restaurant, Open Sun Deck & Lounge, Bar, Fitness & Massage Centre, swimming pool. • 2 Balcony Suites, 16 State and 8 Deluxe cabins. • 1 hour drive from Heho airport. • Heho is 2 hours from Yangon, via Bagan & Mandalay • Outdoor activities: boat trip, trekking, bicycling, birdwatching, etc • Recommended stay of 2-3 nights Amazing Scenery Leg Rowers Floating Houses Indein Complex Pagodas Workshops 5 days market TAILORED EXPERIENCE COLLECTION House Renovation at Inle Lake (Nov - May) Boat racing in Inle Lake (Nov - May) Bird watching in Inle Lake • Two hours from Heho. • 1 hour from Kalaw and 3 hours from Nyaung Shwe • Day trip from Inle Lake or first day visit from Heho airport. • Highlights: Pindaya caves, local villages and workshops. • 2 and 3 stars standard hotel only. • 70 Km west of Taungyi • Two hours drive from Pindaya, Nyaung Shwe • Day trip from Inle Lake or first, second day visit from Heho airport. • Highlights: 5 days market; Trekking; Elephant camp • 3 stars standard hotel only. • 2 and half hours drive from Nyaung Shwe • Day trip from Inle Lake • Highlights: Kakku Stupas, Pa Oh Village • Heho is 30 mins from Mandalay, 1 hour from Bagan, • 2 hr + from Yangon • Clients fly into Heho, then drive to Nyuang Shwe, the edge of the lake • Most will then transfer to boat and have FD lake tour, then go to hotel in late afternoon • Some hotels are only accessible by boat • Best classic Itinerary: • Day 1: Arrive Heho, visit Pindaya, transfer to Kalaw. • Day 2: Full day Kalaw – transfer to Inle Lake • Day 3: Full day boat trip in Inle • Day 4: Depart Inle Princess Resort Inle Lake View Resort and Spa Aureum Palace Hotel Villa Inle Resort & Spa Pristine Lotus Spa Resort Inle Shwe Inn Tha Floaing Resort • Beautiful Bengal Sea Beaches • Short flight from Yangon (45 mins) • Still un-touristy • Good option for clients who would like a few days on the beach at the end of their holiday while staying Myanmar. Quiet and beautiful beaches Peace & Quiet: not many vendors, no Many “Excellent” local seafood speedboats, etc restaurants around • 45 mins from Yangon to Thandwe • There is local immigration at airport where clients must register (free) • Then 10-30 mins drive to resort • Most resorts offer free airport transfer and have representatives waiting at airport. • 3D/2N sample being loaded.