Itinerary Expand all Day 1 Start Yangon.The day is free to recover from the flight or to explore the teeming city of Yangon.Grand United Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 2 Fly to Bagan; free time until sunset tour.This morning we leave early for our short flight to the ancient wonder of Bagan (Pagan), where we will do a short orientation walk on arrival. There are over 2000 temples and pagodas in many shapes and sizes to explore amongst the 25 square miles of brick that compare to the Angkor kingdom of Cambodia, Chichen Itza and Machu Picchu as one of the world's most spectacular archaeological sites. This is where Buddhism, Hinduism and Nat worship come together in an array of different shrines. There is free time to explore the area by bike or on foot (optional) before this evening's visit to Shwezigon Paya one of Bagan's most famous temples. This is the only temple which is a Buddhist Temple as well as a Nat Shrine in the same compound, and reflects the local beliefs here which combine both religions.Su Tine San Royal Palace Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 Full day at Bagan's temples.A full day spent exploring the temple complex spreading out as far as the horizon with its peaks of brick stupas that dot the skyline in many shapes and forms. After the former Kings of Bagan introduced Theravada Buddhism in the mid‐11th century building commenced, a string of Kings followed building temples to worship their gods. Ananda Pahto with its bejewelled umbrella (hti), Dhammayangyi pahto and Shwesandaw Paya are the largest and most impressive sights we will visit along with the smaller hidden gems well away from the main tourist route which offer unique opportunities to delve deeper into the history. We will finish the day with sunset at Shwe Sandaw Temple with its stunning 360 degree views, don't forget to look behind as the sun hits the many temples nearby, a truly magical experience and a photographer's paradise.For those that would like to do the optional balloon ride on day 3 or 4, please consult the Optional Extras section.Su Tine San Royal Palace Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Morning sightseeing at Bagan; fly to Yangon.Returning to the huge site of Bagan this morning we will visit more temples including Manuha Paya and the bas relief figures at Nan Paya. Away from the other temples we'll also see the 13th century temple of Wetkyi‐In‐Gubyaukgyi with its impressive frescoes. Later we'll visit a traditional lacquerware artisan, as this area is famous for these beautiful products. This afternoon we will have some free time before leaving for our return flight to Yangon.Grand United Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 5 End YangonThe extension ends after breakfast. The main tour begins on this day. Meals included: Breakfast
Myanmar (Burma)Nearly all nationalities require a visa to enter Myanmar (Burma), and this must be obtained prior to departure. Passengers without a visa will not be allowed to enter the country. For further information please see our Myanmar Visa Information Sheet. For nationalities where there is no Burmese embassy please contact the Exodus office for assistance.
Myanmar (Burma)There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for this trip.Recommended vaccinations for this trip are: Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A.There is no risk of yellow fever, however, a vaccination certificate is required for travellers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. The risk of malaria on this trip is slight, but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice.Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited on this trip. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.Zika fever is a mosquito‐borne viral disease and a known risk in places visited on this trip. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, we therefore strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
HotelsWe stay in standard hotels on this extension. Because of the surge in tourism since 2011 some areas are experiencing a shortage of hotels. This has increased the price of hotels and the quality may vary. Overall you should be prepared for the service and quality of hotels to be less than in neighbouring south east Asian countries such as Vietnam and Cambodia however most hotels are still of a good tourist standard. There is mesh on the hotel windows where needed. Internet connection is now available at most of the accommodation, but can be intermittent. Single accommodation (available on request).
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