www.myanmarholiday.com THE GOLDEN LAND Bridging Splendid Services 2 www.myanmarholiday.com THE GOLDEN LAND This is Burma And it is unlikely any other land that you know about. Rudyard Kipling Myanmar is situated in Southeast Asia and bordered on the north and northeast by China, on the east and southeast by Laos and Thailand, on the south by the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal and on west by the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and on the northwest by India. It is located between latitudes 09°32’N and 28°31’N and longitudes 92°10’E and 101°11’E. With the total area of 676,577 sq km, it is about the size of United Kingdom and France combined. To this day Myanmar remains one of the most mysterious and undiscovered destinations in the world - a land of breathtaking beauty and charm yet only recently emerging into the modern world. What can the casual visitor therefore expect upon arrival, and why should one embark on such a journey in the first place? Myanmar offers all the traditional delights of Asia in one fascinating country-virgin jungles, snow-capped mountains and pristine beaches, combined with a rich and glorious heritage spanning more than two thousand years. Spectacular monuments and ancient cities attest to a vibrant culture that is still home to 135 different ethnic groups. The main national races are Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine and Shan and Bamar is the majority. Population is estimated to be over 60 million. All these 135 different ethnic races, with their own languages, beliefs and customs, live in peace and harmony in the Golden Land of Myanmar. The country’s tourism infrastructure boasts five star properties, intimate boutique hotels and family guest houses in all the major centers, as well as stunning mountain and beach resorts. Myanmar is also proud of being one of the lowest tourist crime records in the world, so visitors can rest assured their holidays will be carefree from start to finish. www.myanmarholiday.com 3 CONTENT WELCOME 6 About us 7 General information DESTINATIONS 8 Yangon and environs 13 Mandalay and environs 19 Bagan and environs 22 Inle Lake and environs 27 Pha-an 28 Kyaikhtiyo 29 Mawlamyaing 30 Mrauk U 31 Beaches 32 Kachin State 36 Nat Ma Taung (Mt. Victoria) 37 Mergui Archipelago PROGRAMS 38 Classical tour programs 44 Extension programs SERVICES 47 Festivals 49 Transportations ABOUT US The inbound tour specialist Interconnection travels is formed by an experienced local team and was born in 2002 as a sister company and leisure travel arm of SUN FAR travels and tours, the major ticketing agent for both domestic and international tickets. Our sister company SUN FAR travels and tours is an accredited member of International Air Transport Association (IATA). With our highly qualified, motivated and energetic staff, we are offering the best services to ensure the best memorable experience for our clients. For the convenience of our clients, we open branch offices throughout the major destinations in Myanmar. We are a registered limited company licensed by Ministry of Hotels and Tourism under license no. KHA-244. We are also a member of Union of Myanmar Travel Association (UMTA) and Myanmar Marketing Committee (MMC). ADDRESS OUR SERVICES OUR MOTTO 24-26, 37th Street, Kyauktada Culture Tours, Incentive Tours, “Bridging Splendid Services” Township, Yangon 11182, Myanmar. Archaeological Tours, River Cruise Tel: +951-371691, 371692, 376109 Tours, Nature and Eco-tours, Fax: +951-371692 Birding Tours, Adventure Tours, E-mail: info@myanmarholiday.com Meditation and Pilgrimage Tours, http://www.myanmarholiday.com Marine Expedition Tours, Scuba Diving Tours, Language Guide Services, Domestic and International Air Tickets with most reasonable prices, Reservation for Hotel, Train and Bus, Wide Range of Specially Requested Tours, Any Tourism Related Services within Myanmar. 6 www.myanmarholiday.com GENERAL INFORMATION ■ THE GOLDEN LAND AND ITS GEOGRAPHY Myanmar sits at the crossroads of Asia’s great civilizations of India and China, and looks out onto the vast Indian Ocean next to Thailand. One of Southeast Asia’s largest and most diverse countries, Myanmar stretches from the sparkling islands of the Andaman Sea in the south right up into the Eastern Himalayan mountain range. To this day Myanmar remains one of the most mysterious and undiscovered destinations in the world - a land of breathtaking beauty and charm yet only recently emerging into the modern world. What can the casual visitor therefore expect upon arrival, and why should one embark on such a journey in the first place? Myanmar offers all the traditional delights of Asia in one fascinating country- virgin jungles, snow-capped mountains and pristine beaches, combined with a rich and glorious heritage spanning more than two thousand years. Spectacular monuments and ancient cities attest to a vibrant culture that is still home to 135 different ethnic groups. The country’s tourism infrastructure boasts five star properties, intimate boutique hotels and family guest houses in all the major centers, as well as stunning mountain and beach resorts. Myanmar also boasts one of the lowest tourist crime records in the world, so visitors can rest assured their holiday will be carefree from start to finish. Wherever you go in Myanmar, whether it is cruising down the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River in style, drifting over the ancient city of Bagan by hot air balloon, or searching for that elusive tiger on the back of an elephant, there is always a feeling of adventure. With modern internal airlines upgrading and expanding their networks, new and exciting destinations off the beaten track are gradually being opened - from mountain trekking and rafting in the far north to world class diving in the Mergui Archipelago. But above all, Myanmar offers the warmest welcome in Asia. Myanmar is the largest country on the main land in the Southeast Asia bordered by Thailand, Laos, China, India and Bangladesh. Southern and southwestern part is bordering by Andaman Sea. ■ POPULATION, RACES AND can obtain their tourist visas from those *Hot Season - March through May with ETHNIC GROUPS respective embassies. Tourist visa is valid average temperatures 30°-35° C Although, as many as 135 different ethnic for a stay of up to 28 days. Visa on arrival *Wet Season - June through September groups are residing in Myanmar, Bamar can be pre-arranged for the visitors from with average temperatures 25°-30° C are the majority alongside with Mon, countries where there are no Myanmar The ideal time to visit Myanmar is during Shan, Kachin, Chin, Rakhine, Kayin and Embassies and Consulates. The process the cool season. However, even during Kayah etc. More than 60 million people would take at least two weeks. the wet season, Yangon normally receives are living in a total area of 676,577 sq morning and afternoon showers while km. How all those 135 different ethnic ■ MYANMAR CURRENCY rainfall in Bagan and Mandalay is very groups with their own languages, beliefs The Myanmar currency is called “Kyat”. low. The weather around Inle Lake and and culture can mingle and live peacefully Visitors can purchase “Kyat” at hotels or in Shan State is quite pleasant all year in Myanmar is an interesting point for at authorized money changers. The biggest round but cold to chill at night from foreign visitors to find out when visiting denomination is 10000 Kyat. Credit cards December to February. the country. and Travelers check are not widely accepted in Myanmar. ■ HEALTH AND INSURANCE ■ RELIGION Starting from 01 Oct 2011, Myanmar As per the report prepared by WHO for The majority of the people of Myanmar Foreign exchange counters open in Yangon information purpose, all the travelers to (almost 80%) are Buddhist although at Theinbyu street where Foreigners and Myanmar are recommended to consult Christianity, Islam and Hinduism are also locals can exchange USD, Euro and with the personal physicians before practised. Singapore Dollar (cash only) with prevailing traveling to Myanmar although the exchange rates. Some private banks also vaccination is not formally recommended. ■ ENTRY POINTS FOR FOREIGN have license to trade foreign currencies Mosquito and insect repellents should VISITORS and you could find the currency exchange be brought personally and mosquito bites Currently, the main entry point for kiosks of those banks in major cities. should be avoided whenever possible. international visitors is the business hub, Limited numbers of ATMs are available The vaccination for tropical diseases like Yangon, by scheduled and chartered at some major cities. Holders of visa, Hepatitis, Typhoid, Tuberculosis and airlines. Mandalay, the second largest master and union pay cards can withdraw Tetanus should be considered for the city of Myanmar also has Mandalay cash (kyats) from those machines but travelers who would like to travel to International Airport but there are only please be aware of the possible unfavorable remote area of Myanmar. very few scheduled international airlines currency exchange rates and other charges The food from street side vendors is not flying there so far. The new international before you make your withdrawal. recommended. Fresh vegetables and airport which is recently finished at the new tropical fruits are abundant. Drink only capital, Naypyitaw and another one at north ■ TELECOMMUNICATIONS bottled water and boiled water which is of Yangon which is underplanning are also Telephones & fax facilities are available easily available. be another entry points. at most hotels in Yangon and Mandalay We recommend the travelers to purchase Border crossings at Muse by the China but charges are expensive. E-mail and the insurance from its own country or border; Tachileik and Kawthaung by the internet facilities are available at many reliable international insurance company Thailand border are also allowed for hotels, internet café in major cities.