Odysseys Unlimited

Day 1: Depart U.S. for Bangkok, Thailand

Day 2: Arrive Thailand Upon arrival late this evening, we transfer directly to our airport hotel.

Day 3: Bangkok/Yangon, Myanmar We fly this morning to Yangon, Myanmar’s largest and most interesting city. We tour the downtown area, redolent with Yangon’s British past (as Rangoon), where well-preserved colonial buildings flank ancient pagodas. Highlights include revered Shwedagon Pagoda, a wonder of the religious world and Kipling’s 2,500-year-old “golden mystery.” Shwedagon’s gold-leafed dome sparkles with 4,531 diamonds, crowned by a single diamond of 76 carats. Tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner at our hotel. B,L,D

Day 4: Yangon Early this morning we visit Kandawgyi Park to watch the sun rise over the lake and gleaming Shwedagon. Then we call on Kalaywa Tawa Monastery, where we learn from the monks about the fundamental role of Buddhism in Burmese culture. Later we see the colossal Chauk Htat Gyi Reclining Buddha, at 203 feet, one of the country’s largest Buddha images. Next: a trip to the Scott Market, featuring a large selection of Burmese handcrafts and other goods. Early this evening we wander through Yangon’s vibrant fresh fruit market. B,L

Day 5: Yangon/Bagan This morning we fly to Bagan, “city of four million pagodas” and one of the richest archaeological sites in all of Asia. With some 2,000 pagaodas, temples, and monasteries (still standing) spread over a 16-square-mile site on the Eastern shores of the Irrawaddy, Bagan distills the very essence of Myanmar’s Buddhist culture. Upon arrival, we visit several important shrines, including revered Ananda with its golden spires. This afternoon we encounter Bagan’s rich artistic heritage as we see artisans craft lacquerware. Then we return to Bagan to watch the sun set over this sacred site. Tonight we dine in the home of a local Burmese family. B,L,D

Day 6: Bagan Today we encounter everyday Burmese life up close, first at the bustling Nyaung Oo fruit and vegetable market then at Phwar Saw Village. After lunch we return to Bagan where we explore by pony cart, venturing into areas inaccessible by car or bus. Early this evening we embark on a cruise along the Irrawaddy as the sun sets over Bagan. We dine on our own tonight. B,L

Day 7: Bagan/Mandalay We fly this morning to fabled Mandalay, Myanmar’s second largest city at once a center of commerce and a repository of ancient culture. Upon arrival we visit the former royal capital of Amarapura, with its iconic pedestrian U Bein Bridge built of teak posts that spans lovely Taungthaman Lake. Our tour here features Mahamuni Pagoda, the country’s most sacred site after Shwedagon. After lunch we proceed to peaceful Shwe Kyaung, the “Golden Palace Monastery” that is all that remains of the former 19th-century wooden Royal Palace; and Kuthodaw Pagoda, housing the Buddhist scripture carved on 729 marble slabs. Our tour concludes with a panoramic view from atop Mandalay Hill. B,L,D

Day 8: Mandalay/Mingun We return to the Irrawaddy for a cruise to Mingun, famed for Mingun Paya (pagoda), begun in 1790 by King Bodawpaya but left unfinished because of a prophecy that he would die when the temple was completed. We visit the huge temple then continue on to Myatheindan Paya, with its seven circular terraces; and the 90-ton Mingun Bell. This afternoon we visit artisans creating works of marble and silk. Then we watch the setting sun paint vivid pictures as pedestrians cross wooden U Bein Bridge. B,L

Day 9: Mandalay/Heho/Kalaw After flying to Heho, we travel by motorcoach about 1½ hours to the peaceful hill station of Kalaw, home to several of Myanmar’s many ethnic peoples. En route we visit farming villages of the Pa-O and Shan people. After lunch together in a local restaurant we proceed to Kalaw and check in at our hotel there. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this popular town with its churches and Tudor-style architecture from the colonial past.  Dinner tonight is on our own. B,L

Day 10: Kalaw/Inle Lake Area Our day begins at the Kalaw market, where the region’s ethnic minorities come to sell their wares. Then we travel to beautiful Inle Lake, whose shore and islands host 17 villages on stilts inhabited mostly by native Intha people. Primarily farmers and fishermen, the Intha propel their flat-bottomed boats with one leg and an oar – a unique style that we’ll see during our stay. We arrive in Nyaung Shwe, gateway to Inle Lake, where we visit Shwe Yan Pyae Monastery known for its oval windows. We also see Phaung Daw U Pagoda, with its five gilded Buddha images; and visit villages known for cigar (cheroot) making, canoe carving, and silk weaving. Tonight we dine at our hotel.  B,L,D

Day 11: Inle Lake/Inndein A morning visit to the Inndein temple complex of decaying wooden stupas surrounded and overtaken by huge banyan trees offers an evocative and contemplative scene reminiscent of the Khmer temples at Angkor Wat. Lunch today is a small group highlight as we dine in the floating home of a local Intha family. Returning to our hotel, we see the fishermen engaged in their unique styles of rowing and fishing, and also visit one of the lake’s improbable floating farms. Dinner tonight is at our hotel. B,L,D

Day 12: Inle Lake We encounter various ethnic minorities today at the Five-Day Market, where hill tribespeople come from all over the Lake Region – in their traditional tribal colors – to trade with the Intha. From here we visit the “Jumping Cat” monastery, with a prized collection of ancient Buddha images. Tonight we enjoy a farewell dinner at our hotel. B,L,D

Day 13: Inle Lake/HeHo/Yangon/Bangkok We return to Heho for the flight to Yangon, where we have hotel day rooms. The afternoon is at leisure before this evening’s flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, we transfer directly to our hotel; dinner is on our own tonight. B,L

Day 14: Depart for U.S. Today is at leisure, with our rooms available for late check-out. If you like you can take a scenic ride on one of the many boats that ply Bangkok's Chao Phraya River, operating as public transportation for the people of this bustling city. Or you may wish to hunt for Asian treasures at some of Bangkok’s fine stores; visit the acclaimed National Museum housing centuries of Thai art and artifacts; or tour the Royal Barges National Museum, dedicated to the fantastically decorated ceremonial boats used in special processions along the river. Possibilities abound; your tour director will be happy to offer suggestions. Lunch and dinner today are on your own; this is your opportunity to get a taste of the
excellent cuisine for which Thailand is famous. This evening we board our overnight flight to the U.S. B

Day 15: Arrive U.S. We arrive in the U.S. this morning and connect with our flights home. 

Please note: This trip involves considerable walking on uneven terrain and embarkation/disembarkation on small river and lake boats. You should be in good physical ­con­dition to enjoy the tour to its fullest.