e-brochure myanmar & thailand v2€¦ · myanmar & the beaches of thailand the following...

Myanmar & the Beaches of Thailand

The following itinerary explains in more detail about this unforgettable holiday to this wonderful part of Myanmar & Thailand.

14 Nights/15 Days

citrusholidays.com

Inclusions

Ÿ We take care of flights from

the UK to Yangon

Ÿ 2 nights stay at the Grand

Laurel hotel (superior) in

Yangon

Ÿ Circle train tour in Yangon;

station transfer, train tickets

& English speaking guide

Ÿ Be swept away from Yangon

to Heho via domestic flights

Ÿ 2 nights stay at the

Paramount Inle Lake

(superior)

Ÿ Private boat tour across the

lake w/ English speaking

guide & entrance tickets

Ÿ Daytime coach trip from Inle

Lake to Bagan, stopping at

villages and towns

Ÿ Mout Popa Tour w/ private

car & chauffer, lunch at Popa

& English speaking guide

Ÿ 3 nights stay at the Razagyo

hotel (superior) in Bagan

Ÿ Overnight Luxury coach trip

from Bagan to Mandalay

Ÿ 1 night stay at the Yadanabon

hotel (superior) in Mandalay

Ÿ Swift flight from Mandalay to

Bangkok & private transfers

to Hua Hin

Ÿ 5 nights stay at D Varee Diva

Kiang Haad Beach Hotel

(deluxe pool view) in Hua Hin

Ÿ Private return transfers from

Hua Hin to Bangkok Airport

Ÿ We take care of flights from

Bangkok to the UK

Ÿ All airport/jetty transfers by

private car & English

speaking guide

Ÿ Daily breakfast included at

each hotel

UK–YANGON

Day 1

Itinerary exclusively designed for Citrus Holidays

citrusholidays.com

Your journey of a lifetime begins in Yangon,

formerly known as Rangoon. Arrive at the

international airport where you’ll be met by

our local guide and transferred to your hotel.

After checking in, spend the rest of the day

immersing in the atmosphere of the bustling

metropolis.

A stay in Yangon is akin to residing in

your very own “Garden City of the East” as

Yangon’s wide, tree-lined avenues and the

precious jewels of British Colonial Rangoon

stretch down to pristine lakes filled with

impossibly green waters. Yangon is a city of

contrasts: from history-stained streets and

golden pagodas to grand colonial hotels that

bear testimony to a glorious colonial past. It

is the city that moved the

influential British journalist, Norman Lewis,

to write his book “Golden Earth: Travels in

Burma”.

OVERNIGHT IN YANGON

YANGON

Day 2

Circle Train Across Yangon

Are you looking for a unique way to

experience the everyday life of the largest

city in Myanmar? We have the answer: a half-

day sightseeing tour on board the “circle

train” featuring a guide who will take you

around a large loop of colour and culture.

After breakfast, you will start this

special adventure by boarding the circular

train from the Central Railway Station.


citrusholidays.com

On your way to Da Nyin Gone Station you will

see the colonial buildings and the frenzy of

daily street life. Sightseeing features a stroll

through a market, where Buddhist monks

and nuns carry out their morning alms.

Continue across the suburban areas to

Pazundaung station, where we stop for

lunch at a local restaurant. If time permits,

indulge in a spot of shopping at the main

bazaars.

OVERNIGHT IN YANGONSoutheast Asia are some of the experiences

that you will find at Inle Lake. As the hotel is

berthed majestically in the heart of the lake,

you will have plenty of time to explore this

destination. Sail to a nearby floating bazaar

or on land take a horse-drawn carriage.

Whether you decide to visit the winery,

spring pools, floating villages or pagodas,

there is no better way to begin your trip to

Inle Lake than with a leisurely day here.

During the evenings, national sport

“chinlone” is played on the green and is a

delightful sight to come across. Essentially,

it’s a game of keepy-uppy performed in

awkward positions like balancing on one

hand on a chair, while the women are clad in

sequined cheerleading outfits.

OVERNIGHT IN INLE LAKE

YANGON-INLE LAKE

Day 3

After breakfast, enjoy free time before being

transferred to Yangon airport for a morning

departure flight to Heho. On arrival at the

airport, you will proceed to Nyaung Shwe

where you will be whisked away by car to the

jetty for a boat ride and transfer to your hotel

in Inle Lake. After check-in, the afternoon is

free for you to explore the beautiful sights

and sounds of life surrounding the lake.

Gentle and humorous tribal people,

solitary fishermen, landscapes dotted with

thousands of floating gardens, and a sense

of travelling back in time to the days of old


citrusholidays.com

Exploring Lake Inle Boat Excursion

After breakfast, an excellent motor

boat ride across the lake promises a

spectacular cultural experience. As you

whoosh across the calm waters, you will

catch a glimpse of a way of life largely

unchanged for centuries.

Allow Lake Inle’s unique charm to

capture your hearts as you immerse yourself

in a world far away from the stresses of city

life. Watch fishermen balancing on one leg

and steering their boats with the other while

hauling their catch!

During your first stop you will have the

opportunity to visit the Monastery of the

Jumping Cats, “Nga Hpe Chung Monastery”

and see the magnificent Shan Buddah

Images. It is believed that the monks who

live here have trained the cats that hang

around the monastery to leap through hoops

for treats!

Day 4

INLE LAKE

Another highlight is the Phaung Daw Oo

Pagoda with its 800 years old images of the

Buddha that are covered in genuine gold leaf:

it is the holiest religious site in Shan State.

The images are thought to have been

brought to the region by Alaung Sithu, King

of the Bagan Dynasty in the 12th century.

You will also visit weaving village,

Inpawkhone and a “cheroot” factory, where

the typical Burmese cigars are made by

hand. If time permits, enjoy a short walk

through one of the lakeside villages.

OVERNIGHT IN INLE LAKE


After breakfast, you will be transferred to the

bus station to board a daytime bus to Bagan.

The journey is a memorable one as we stop

at small towns and villages, well off the

tourist track, full of restaurants, pagodas and

markets. With over 130 ethnic groups,

Burma’s people are fantastically diverse.

You’ll see the Intha, the Shan and the

intriguingly named Pa-0 tribes. However,

nothing beats the smiling faces and

delightful children who will greet you in awe.

On arrival, check into your hotel.

Day 5

INLE LAKE – BAGAN

citrusholidays.com

Present-day Bagan is like the Pagan that

“Shway Yoe” in 1882 described in the

following: “Pagan is in many respects the

most remarkable religious city in the world.

Jerusalem, Rome, Kieff (Kiev), Benares none

of these can boast the multitude of temples

and the lavishness of design and ornaments

that make marvellous the deserted capital on

the Irrawaddy.”

Founded in 1044 by King Anawrahta, the

Bagan Dynasty is reflected in the ancient

temples built in various architectural styles.

Bagan was the seat of power for the first

kingdom under the Buddhist king and

witnessed the construction of the temples

we still see today. The literary name of

Bagan, formerly Pagan, was “Arimaddana

pura” which means, “crushing of enemies”.

OVERNIGHT IN BAGAN


citrusholidays.com

In the evening, behold the sight of the sun's

flames exploding in a huge white-yellow

flash over the glimmering pagodas which

tower over the land like alert Meerkats, their

steeples arched in attentive position.

Sunsets in Bagan have bedazzled Burmese

royalty from the 9th to the 13th century.

On your own, Scramble up to the top

of the Shwesandaw Pagoda, one of 2,000

ancient monuments dotted across the bank

of Ayeyarwady and perch next to a crowd of

monks with iPads. The river glimmers as the

sun begins to droop behind a row of hills, the

surrounding sandstone exuding a dusky pink

glow.

OVERNIGHT IN BAGAN

BAGAN

Day 6

Enjoy a fascinating day at leisure exploring

this remarkable city or join our optional tour.

Float above the majesty of thousands

of ancient temples drifting below you in style,

luxury and safety. At sunrise your adventure

of a lifetime starts with a short journey in a

converted vintage bus to the launch site.

You will see the team busy at work

preparing your balloon against a soul-stirring

backdrop. Be welcomed by cups of tea,

coffee and refreshments before the safety

briefing. Proceed to the huge red balloons

that stand like beacons, lighting up the

brightening sky. The crew will assist you into

the basket and as you ascend up into the eye

of the sky you will hear no sound apart from

the odd blast from the burners. Land safely

without a hitch thanks to the pilot’s years of

experience before being served fruit, fresh

pastries and a glass or two of champagne for

celebrating the beauty of Bagan.

Optional Hot Air Balloon Flight over Bagan!


citrusholidays.com

BAGAN-MANDALAY

Day 8

After breakfast, the day is free to explore

more outstanding attractions found in

Bagan. In the evening, you will take a night

bus, accessed from nearby your hotel, to

Mandalay.

Mandalay, founded in 1857 by King

Mindon, is regarded as the last royal capital

of the Myanmar Kingdom. After breakfast,

explore the splendour of Mandalay also

known as “Gem City”, set on the eastern

banks of the Ayeyarwaddy River. Titanic

forces of nature have created the 236 metres

high Mandalay Hill covered with pagodas.

According to legend, the Buddha came here

and prophesised that a great city would be

found at the foot of this hill.

OVERNIGHT ON BUS

One of the religious centres in Myanmar, we

will visit The Yoke Sone Monastery which

exhibits antique lacquer ware, wooden

reliefs and a large standing gilded Buddha

image. In the afternoon, enjoy a swift

transfer back to Bagan.

OVERNIGHT IN BAGAN

BAGAN

Day 7

Mount Popa Excursion

Romance is in the air as we arrive at

Mount Popa, meaning Flower Mountain.

Discover great natural beauty as you behold

the sight of the sun striking its glowing cupid

arrow onto the mountain rising 1518 metres

above a sprawling forest.

Mount Popa cannot be left out of Burma’s

treasure trail! Frequented by people even

before the advent of the Domestic-Lord-of-

the-Great Mountain, the mountain is

believed to be a special abode of nats and

other spirits. The Burmese still say: “Love

the Buddha, fear the nats.”

On the lower flank of the mountain is

the huge outcrop that has given way to the

name of Popa Taung Kalat. We will head to

the peak or if you are feeling adventurous

you can opt to climb. You can get a real feel of

its past as you view the mountain’s small

shrine at the foot of the outcrop dedicated to

these 37 spirits. Lunch at the restaurant of

Mount Popa Resort. Continue south to the

small town of Salay.


citrusholidays.com

After breakfast, enjoy a day at leisure before

being transferred to Mandalay airport for a

departure flight to Bangkok. On arrival at

Donmuang airport, you’ll be met by our

driver and transferred to your hotel in Hua

Hin for check-in. It is recommended that you

spend the rest of the day in your hotel to

recuperate from the journey.

The u l t imate beach -hopp ing

destination and Thailand’s oldest resort, Hua

Hin has wow factor printed into its pristine

sands. Once a modest fishing town, Hua Hin

has risen to become one of Thailand’s most

cosmopolitan seaside towns.

This charming holiday resort bursts

with warmth, history, creativity and colour

like no other destination: from its wide

sweeping beaches to thickly forested peaks;

from the temples glittering in the sunlight to

the plush condominiums overlooking the

ocean, you will find a vibrant visual

concoction throughout. There’s a sunbed on

the beach with your name on it!

OVERNIGHT IN HUA HIN

Day 10

MANDALAY - BANGKOK - HUA HIN

MANDALAY

Day 9

Arrive at the bus station in Mandalay, where

you’ll be met by our driver and tour guide

before being transferred to your hotel. After

breakfast, you can choose to take an optional

guided full day Mandalay city sights tour or

explore on your own. Any extra time can be

spent at leisure.

You will enjoy a guided sightseeing

tour of Mandalay with a visit to Mahamuni

Pagoda and its revered Buddha images

covered in gold leaf. Nearby we’ll visit a

workshop where sleek wood carvings and

“kalaga” tapestries are constructed using

age-old techniques.

In the afternoon, we’ll stop at the

Kuthodaw Paya. Kuthodaw is called the

biggest book in the world, due to the

surrounding 729 marble slabs. Another

highlight is the Shwenandaw Monastery,

with its lavish wood carvings from the 19th

century. Lastly, we’ll ascend to the top of

Mandalay Hill where spiral staircases lead to

sweeping views of the city and its temples.

Optional Full Day Mandalay City Tour

OVERNIGHT IN MANDALAY


citrusholidays.com

HUA HIN

Day 11

After breakfast, you will start your relaxing

part of the holiday with a day at leisure. Feel

free to succumb to the gentle pace of life and

roll from the comfort of your sun lounger into

the hotel’s cool swimming pool, but for

those who crave it, paradise is just waiting to

be explored.

From golf and horse riding, to

sensational water sports including

kiteboarding , to fun-filled days at Black

Mountain Waterpark and snorkelling, this

sandy world truly is your oyster!

We can’t help but crave our daily phad

thai and ice-cold Singha, but serious foodies

should head down to The Pier to sample a

taste of the local delicacy that is steamed

crab, or venture into the colourful Hua Hin

Night Market to discover an enthralling mix

of flavours from a variety of food stalls.

Unwind with a glass of award-winning wine

at the Hua Hin Hills vineyard.


HUA HIN

Day 12

After breakfast, you will have the day free to

visit the town’s other remarkable sites such

as the summer residence of Thailand’s Royal

Family.

Known as Klai Klangwon Palace,

meaning “far from worries”, this palace was

built in Spanish style architecture in 1929

and the gardens are beautifully designed and

full of art from Java.



citrusholidays.com

HUA HIN

Day 13


continue exploring this magical resort.

Other remarkable sites include the

fascinating Maruekatayawan Palace,

designed by King Rama VI in 1932 and

“chopstick hill”, Khao Takiap can be explored

within the heart of the resort – not to

mention the wonderful Buddha statue found

in Wat Khao Lad.

For a better understanding of Hua Hin

be sure to take a trip to Hua Hin Railway

Station, found at the top end of Damnoern

Kasem Road.


HUA HIN

Day 14


continue exploring this beautiful seaside

town.

If you’re looking to venture outside

the resort, north of Hua Hin is Cha Am, the

quieter fishing resort that shies away from

the limelight, happy with its lot! And who

wouldn’t be: the talcum powder beaches are

unspoilt, the atmosphere laid-back

throughout and the restaurant scene

understated in luxury.

Another place to fall head over hills

with is Chaolai for the awe-inspiring Wat

Nerancharma, featuring a six-armed statue

of Buddha.

HUA HIN–BANGKOK–UK

Day 15

After breakfast, spend free time at leisure. If

you’re feeling energetic, step outside onto

the streets of Hua Hin.

Between its vividly painted buildings,

you will find the culinary delights of the

bustling markets. Later during the day, it is

time to head home via transfer to Bangkok

for a flight back to the UK.

BOARD YOUR FLIGHT HOME

In the evening, be swept along in the party

crowd of locals and students from Bangkok

and experience a true sense of authentic Thai

culture as colourful decorations hang

beneath casuarina trees.


Where you’ll stay

citrusholidays.com

City Hotel Room Type Meal PlanNo.of nights

Yangon Grand Laurel Hotel Superior BB 2

Inle Lake Paramount Inle Lake Superior BB 2

Bagan Razagyo Hotel Superior BB 3

Mandalay Yadanabon Hotel Superior BB 1

Hua Hin D Varee Diva Kiang Haad Beach Hotel Deluxe Pool View BB 5

Exclusions

citrusholidays.com

Ÿ Personal expenses like room service charges, telephone calls, laundry charges, tips of

personal nature, porterage at hotels

Ÿ Any additional meals not mentioned in the package inclusions

Ÿ Anything not specifically mentioned in the package includes column

Ÿ Meals will generally be Buffet meals unless otherwise stated to you on the confirmation

Ÿ Visa arrangements for Myanmar

Ÿ International departure Airport Tax Yangon (USD 10pp at present)

Ÿ Regional English speaking guides for your first arrival transfer in each city except Thailand

Ÿ Optional Hot Air ballooning over Bagan can be added to the tour at an additional cost of

GBP 229 pp (Surcharges of GBP 35pp during December and January)

Ÿ Our endeavor will always be to confirm the hotels listed in the package chosen, however

in rarest of cases where we are not able to confirm certain hotel(s), like for like

alternatives will be provided.

Ÿ We recommend that you buy a travel Insurance as any costs incurred due to mishaps,

strikes, political unrest etc. are not included and will be passenger’s responsibility.

Ÿ Accommodation will be on twin sharing Basis unless otherwise stated

Ÿ The package is non-refundable for any inclusion items not used/taken

Ÿ Hot air ballooning excursion comes with its own set of instructions and terms which will

be categorically mentioned on the confirmation document

Notes

e-brochure myanmar & thailand v2€¦ · myanmar & the beaches of thailand the following...

Documents