Mergui Archipelago

MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO

Myeik or Mergui Archipelago, located in southernmost part of Myanmar (Burma), comprises over 800 beautiful islands. Due to its virtual isolation, the islands and surrounding seas are alive with an amazing diversity of flora & fauna and very beautiful underwater scenes and marine life.

Mergui Archipelago

Just north of the Surin Islands, an imaginary line divides Thai waters from Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago. Also known as the Myeik (Burma) Archipelago, this immense area covers approximately 36,000 sp km (14,000 sq miles) and included roughly 800 islands. Diving here is still in its infancy, as the entire region has been off-limits to outsiders since the late 1940s. After several years of negotiation by Phuket dive operators, the archipelago was opened for tourism in 1997, yet much of the area remains unexplored.

The islands are similar to their Thai counterparts, with rugged, high-profile limestone and granite topography. One obvious difference, aside from the sheer number of Myanmar(Burma) islands, is their unspoiled terrestrial scenery. Dense brush and rain forest cover most areas above the high-tide line, while vast stretches of mangroves and magnificent white-sand beaches are interspersed with rocky headlands, tidal creeks and a few freshwater rivers. Though several of the larger islands are home to small communities of Moken ‘sea gypsies,’ the vast majority are uninhabited and largely untouched by humans.

Underwater, this region offers scenic reefs, fascinating topography and prolific fish and invertebrate life. One of the main attractions for divers is the strong possibility of seeing big animals, especially sharks and rays. More dependable, however, is the tremendous variety of smaller fish and reef creatures, including many unusual species, some of which are rarely encountered in Thai waters. Add to this the allure of diving where few people have before and you’ve got all the ingredients for a top-notch dive destination. Considering the vast number of islands and reefs, many more dive sites are undoubtedly waiting to be discovered.

The diving here has tremendous potential, yet serious environmental problems threaten the reefs. Trawling and long line fishing have put heavy pressure on fish populations and the marine habitat in general, but the biggest threat is blast fishing with dynamite, which Myanmar(Burma) has done little to discourage. You are likely to hear bombs go off at least once during a multi-day trip anywhere in the archipelago. Virtually all Mergui sites show at least some evidence of blast fishing, from craters of broken coral to piles of orange cup corals and even huge chunks of rock that have been blasted off vertical walls.

Despite the environmental threats, the diving in the Mergui is still excellent. Even at sites that are bombed regularly, soft corals, anemones and gorgonian fans usually survive undamaged, as do nudibranches, cuttlefishes, octopuses and other invertebrates. Fish that lack swim bladders (like sharks, rays and moray eels) also seem unaffected, unless the explosion is very close. Also, since many fish move from reef to reef, new fish seem to show up all the time.

In addition to dedicated drive trips, several companies offer eco-adventure trips in Mergui Archipelago, combining sailing, snorkeling, diving, beach-combing, island exploration and, in some cases, kayaking. It is too early to say what this area’s long-term prospects are, but hopefully, increasing interest in ecotourism will provide enough incentive for the authorities to take action and protect the reefs before it is too late.

MERGUI TOURS

1. Pristine Islands & Coral Reefs
5 days cruises – kayak – trek
2. Mergui Island Safari
8 days charterred cruises/ diving/ trekking
3.The spirit of Mergui
10 days cruises + Andaman Resort
Full of activities and beach relaxation

BEST HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS:

Andaman Resort
Rate: from $ 180 ++
Awthaung Hotel
Rate: from $ 60++

TOP MERGUI ATTRACTIONS:

– Myauk Ni Island
– Pulau Beda ( Nyaung Wee)
– The Sisters ( Langan)
-Lampi Island
– Wa Ale Island
– Salet Galet

OTHER CITY GUIDES:
YANGON
BAGAN
INLE LAKE
NGAPALI BEACH

Zooming Through Vietnam

The Vietnamese bus tout are convinced they’ll get business from us. “Bus to Sa Pa” they call as we tuck away our passports, re-attach helmets and roll bicycles down a short but sheer ramp from border control into Vietnam proper. “We go by bicycle,” we reply. They shake heads. “No…. you go bus.” I look the youngest and most hopeful tout in the eyes and assure him that we’re very strong. He shakes his head in response: “Sa Pa? You go by bus?”

Cat Cat village rice fields

We cross into the country with Mirko, an Italian cyclist who is also headed up to Vietnam’s premier hill top town. He (perhaps wisely) opts for the bus, leaving us to conquer the 28km climb alone. Pedalling away from the river, the border town of Lao Cai passes by in a blur of motorcycles and baguette stalls before the climbing really begins about 5km in. We’re soon in thick jungle interspersed with roadside shacks selling beer and food, following a road which heads relentlessly up. The heat is a new challenge and almost instantly the sweat factor is so high that the water is rolling off my cheeks. Three hours later, just as our legs are threatening to turn to jelly, we hit the outskirts of Sa Pa and our incredibly disproportionate reward of a five day break.A tranquil hill-top village with stunning views of rice terraces and Vietnam’s highest peak, Fansipan, Sa Pa’s stretch of swank hotels and 5-star dining options is about as far from Vietnam-proper as Invercargill is from London. A mist hangs over the valley for much of the week, only occasionally clearing to reveal the rice terraces below. A constant throng of woman from local villages cluster together in small groups along the main street. In a swirl of brightly embroidered garments, they’re in town to sell local handicrafts, but we suspect the bigger business is taking visitors on tours to the villages. Hundreds of camera-toting tourists follow a parade of brightly clad villagers past our hotel pied-piper style every morning, leaving us envisaging their village destination as a vast factory of souvenir manufacturing.

We’re up early one morning to take advantage of an “all you can eat” breakfast buffet in town, and burn off the calories by hiking past Cat Cat village, which lies at the other end of Sa Pa. We’re quickly away from the well-maintained paths lined with souvenir stalls and find ourselves on a path which eventually leads to Fansipan peak. Taking a steep off-piste ‘short-cut’ back to the main path, I get a little too close to nature, resulting in three impressive leech bites, though we never saw the little brighter.

Unusual cloud halo

Arriving in Dien Bien Phu after a few days where our diet has been dominated by rice based products, we enjoy its slightly bigger town feel, staying for a couple of nights and stocking up on Vietnamese coffee.

Justin is cleaning bicycles in the courtyard when a couple of Austrian cycle tourists check in. Philipp and Valeska are also heading home after a long period away and we had a lot to talk about in our last evening in Vietnam. With a big climb ahead of us to the border it made sense to team up to cross into Laos.

Source: http://www.rolling-tales.com

EXPERIENCE SAPA

Attractive eco-friendly valleys, terraced slope attributes as well as tribes nevertheless subsequent their own historic customs — encouraged in order to Sapa.

Situated 350kms north-west associated with Hanoi, simply timid from the Chinese language edge may be the Lao Cai Land exactly where you’ll discover Sapa. It’s environment as well as amazing scenery tend to be about the reduce inclines from the Hoang Lien Boy hill variety, that additionally features Vietnam’s greatest hill Fansipan, having a elevation associated with 3142 metre distances.

Sapa is actually filled with a varied number of cultural minorities like the Hmong, Yao, Tay as well as Giay organizations. Considered to possess lived on the region because the 1800′s, these types of Sapa slope tribes continue to be close to these days ongoing their own life-style as well as customs because they did for hundreds of years.

The elements is extremely periodic, throughout the summer time it is very reasonable as well as wet. Throughout the winter season it may be chilly, misty as well as obtain the unusual compacted snow. Suggested occasions to visit tend to be 03 via Might as well as middle Sept in order to earlier Dec to obtain a hotter as well as better encounter.

Arranging your own go Sapa ahead of time via a journey professional is actually recommended. The easiest method to reach Sapa is actually through immediately teach, exactly where vacationers may rest the actual trip aside. Through Hanoi the actual trip requires around 10 several hours and also the locomotives go away every day. You will find 14 locomotives that offer the actual come back trip in between Hanoi as well as Lao Cai, just about all supplying air-conditioning as well as comfy cabins along with several berth choices. You will awaken rejuvenated as well as prepared for the Sapa experience to start whenever you appear in to Lao Cai earlier the following early morning.

Place your own strolling footwear upon as well as discover the actual valleys providing breathless surroundings top you to definitely nearby towns. The actual closest town associated with Kitty Kitty is just 3kms through Sapa, an additional choice is actually Ta Phin town house in order to Red-colored Dzao around 10kms aside. The majority of vacationers looks for helpful information as well as has a Xe Om (motorcycle) to some starting place 8kms through Sapa, after that journey the 14km cycle round the region going to towns on the way. There is lots of walking as well as hiking choices in the region for those health and fitness amounts, going to slope group towns as well as waterfalls. For that severe mountaineer why don’t you undertake the actual 19km trip towards the peak associated with Fansipan, Vietnam’s greatest maximum?

An additional appeal associated with any kind of Sapa journey may be the marketplaces. You will find several marketplaces kept round the region usually about the weekend break upon whether Sunday or even Weekend. The well-known marketplace may be the Back ‘Weekend marketplace, the industry buying and selling center as well as conference location with regard to family and friends. You will discover the neighborhood minorities putting on their own conventional clothes, the actual Hmong tend to be recognized through their own indigo stitched garb and also the Red-colored Dao through their own red-colored headdresses along with hanging cash as well as waistcoats which are intricately stitched as well as put on through the ladies. The actual Adore Marketplace is actually an additional famous marketplace — typically it had been a location in which the youths from the nearby slope tribes might arrive to locate a partner.

If you have fulfilled the actual local people, trekked the actual valleys as well as marvelled the actual sights associated with significantly terraced grain areas, shopped in the marketplaces and also have your own cherished times taken, you’ll return in order to Lao Cai train station for the immediately teach to Hanoi. The Sapa journey experience is really a particular emphasize associated with any kind of day at Vietnam.

Source: wannawatch.info

RV Mahaythi Cruise Myanmar

RV Mahaythi Cruise is the only Myanmar River Cruises offers sunrise, sunset and daily boat ride along Yangon River besides long trips on Irrawaddy & Chindwin Rivers.

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RV Mahaythi is the first ever tourist class boat introduced Yangon river sightseeing cruises since 2006 October. It started with day cruise tours to Twante and Yangon River sunset cruises on daily guarantee departure basic. Up on completion of our second vessel RV Mahaythi-02, we have extended our operation by running overnight cruises to Ayeyarwaddy Delta Area on charter basic as well as regular departure basic. Unfortunately, our first boat was destroyed in May 2008 by Tropical Cyclone Nargis. Then, we have replaced her with two smaller boats named RV Mahaythi-01 and RV Mahaythi-03. Our fleet currently consists of three boats which can accommodate different numbers of clients comfortably.

CRUISE ITINERARIES:

Day Cruises – Sunset & Sunrise Cruise

Yangon – Maubin – Yangon – 2 nights

Yangon – Pathein – Yangon – 3 nights

Charter Cruise – 4 nights and upper

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Specification

– Length: – 72 feet

– Breadth: – 19 feet

– Draft: – 6 feet

– Engine: – 1 x 140 HP

– Electricity: – 1 x 3 KVA Dynamo (220 Volts)

– 1 x 15 KVA Dynamo (220 Volts)

On board facilities

– Lotus Bar

– Dining Lounge for 22 passengers

– Kitchen with private chef for overnight trips

– Foot Reflexology

– Chess Board & Playing Cards

– Karaoke Room

Capacity:

– 36 passengers for day trips and dinner cruises

– 6 passengers for overnight trips

Cabin:

– 2 Double Room with bath room attached on lower deck

– 1 Twin Rooms with bath room attached on lower deck Cruising Speed: 8-11 knots/hour

Communication: CDMA Telephone Fuel: 1000 Liters

Water: 3500 Liters Operating : 16 /10/06 to 02 /05/08

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RV Mahaythi Cabin	RV Mahaythi Cabin

RV Mahaythi Restaurant	RV Mahaythi Cruise

{tab=Departure Dates}
Please consider that RV Mahaythi or most of the Myanmar Cruises do not operate daily and year round.
Most of the cruises in Myanmar travel on Irrawaddy River and Chindwin river, they start offering trip in late October and finish cruising in April or May.

We highly recommend you to contact us for availability and cruising time.

Amazing rocky walls in Cham Islet

When touring Cham Islet, or Cu Lao Cham in the ancient city of Hoi An in Quang Nam Province you are bewitched by splendid landscapes with wonderful sandy beaches, forested hills and the glorious clear, blue sea.

A view of Cham islet in Hoi An ancient town, Quang Nam Province

The location is a popular spot for tourists to go camping, swimming and scuba-diving to explore coral reefs and beautiful marine life.
However, with a small boat you can take a cruise around the islet and travelers will discover it is enhanced due to its rocky mountain walls.

Forested hills and the glorious clear, blue sea

Cham Islet, 20 kilometres offshore of Hoi An, has been named a global biosphere reserve by UNESCO’s International Coordination Council of Man and the Biosphere Program.

It takes about twenty minutes by boat or canoe but it is worth the short wait as you drift amidst the sky and sea and then as if by magic the islets appear in all their glory.

Cham Islands consists of eight islets with a total surface area of 40,000 hectares. Lao, Dai, Mo, Kho Me, Kho Con, La, Tai and Ong islets are home to only about 3,000 residents leaving the landscapes largely in pristine condition. The islet has 1,549 hectares of tropical forest and nearly 1,000 species of marine life.The islets are cool and fresh all-year round, so tourists can come there anytime. The immense green of the forests harmonize with the blue of the sea to create an endless green airspace. White sand beaches and peaceful fishing villages make the islet more poetic and fanciful.

Cham Islet’s Huong and Ong beaches are popular options for tourists because of the smooth sand and the small waves. Cham Islet is also home to diverse flora and fauna, especially abalone and sanglaganes, birds which have long been considered a delicacy by aristocrats and the wealthy. The islet also boasts 135 species of coral which are exciting discoveries for tourists.

However, the islet is especially impressive with vertical mountain walls covered by rocks in varied and weird shapes. Small and large waves crash on them and toss white sponges and create interesting sounds. Rocky mounts change their shapes as you travel on your cruising boat. Sometimes the water is clear, sometimes vaporous as it lets travelers indulge into the vastness of this beautiful location.

Source: SGT

Pandaw Cruise Myanmar

Pandaw run expedition cruises in four South-East Asian countries: Burma, on the Irrawaddy and Chindwin Rivers; through Cambodia and Vietnam on the Mekong River; and in Malaysian Borneo on the Rajang River.
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The Irrawaddy Flotilla Company was established by Scots merchants in 1865. By the 1920s the company ran over 650 vessels on the rivers of Burma. It had become the largest privately owned fleet of ships in the world. Mainly paddle steamers, the largest class of vessels were 350ft long and licensed for 4,000 passengers. In 1942 the fleet in its entirety was scuppered as an Act of Denial when the Japanese invaded.

In 1998 Paul Strachan discovered an original Clyde-built steamer called the Pandaw and arranged for its lease and restoration. Thus Pandaw was born and a unique concept and style of river cruising was created.
In 2003 we took our Pandaw concept to the Mekong River in Indochina where in 2012 we will have five Pandaws plying between Saigon in Vietnam and Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Here, the Pandaws broke the seemingly impenetrable river border between two very different countries. In high water our vessels accomplished the first cross navigation of the Tonle Sap, an inland sea previously un-navigated by anything other than local speed boats.

In 2009 we inaugurated new cruises on the Rajang in Borneo and Ganges in India. Another two magnificent Asian rivers, rich in things to do and see, with varied topography of great beauty. We pulled out of India as a result of operational and safety issues.
By 2012 we will have ten beautifully crafted ships that we built ourselves. Each ship, hand finished in brass and teak by traditional craftsmen are in themselves objects of great beauty. The secret of our success is that on our ships, whilst luxury and comfort are discreetly present, it is the colonial character and friendly atmosphere that predominate.
All our Pandaws have ultra shallow drafts and can travel to remote areas, which would be unreachable by other vessels, let alone overland.

CRUISE ITINERARIES:

Chindwin and upper Irrawaddy River – 20 nights

Golden Land of Burma – 8 nights

The Irrawaddy – 14 nights

Mandalay to Prome – 10 nights

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Length: 200ft / 60m

Beam: 36ft / 11m

Draught: 4ft / 1.5m

Berths: 64 pax

Decks: 4: Lower, Main, Upper, Sun

Engines: 2 x 550bhp Isuzu

Propulsion: Inboard system

Built: 2003

Comms: Cell phones, Sat phones (where permitted by local authorities) VHF and SSB radio, internal phone system, PA system and tannoy system for navigation purposes.

Safety: Smoke detectors in all cabins and public places, emergency lighting and generator, fire pump, hydrants and hoses, fire extinguishers, life jackets for all on board and life rafts.

Navigation

Navigation lights, ships horn, searchlight, GPS, Radar (where permitted by local authorities).

Amenities

On board laundry, bakery, fully equipped galley and refrigeration units; air conditioning for all inside areas.

Water

Treatment plants for desalination, desedimentation and purification using UV and osmosis.

Sewage

Microbiotic treatment plants.

Class

Myanmar DMA Inland Water (based on Lloyds Inland Water Class).

Flag

Country flags in areas of operation.

Insurance

Ship Owners UK: P&I policies with over USD45 million per vessel.

Crew

28 per vessel of mixed Asian nationalities.

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Pandaw Cruise Cabin	Pandaw Cruise State Cabin

Pandaw Cruise Sundeck	Pandaw Cruise Balcony

Pandaw Cruise Toilet	Pandaw Cruise Restaurant

{tab=Departure Dates}
Please consider that Pandaw Cruise or most of the Myanmar Cruises do not operate daily and year round.
Most of the cruises in Myanmar travel on Irrawaddy River and Chindwin river, they start offering trip in late October and finish cruising in April or May.

We highly recommend you to contact us for all the availabilities and cruising time.

Pandaw 1947 Cruise

Built in Scotland 1947 (by Yarrow & Co. Scotland), converted to a Passenger Cruise Vessel 1997 by Irrawaddy Flotilla Co. Refitted and refurbished 2003-04 by IWT (Inland Water Transport) & Ayravata Cruises.
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Rv Paukan was built in Scotland on the Clyde by the famous ships builder Yarrow & Co on 1947 with the same design of the pre-war Quarter Wheeler steamers of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company. After being boarded up in order to protect her from the sea waves, she left Scotland for the delivery voyage to Burma on the 1950. On the 12th January 1951 she started to serve the Inland Water Transport (Irrawaddy Flotilla was nationalized on the 1st of June 1948) on the route Mandalay- Bhamo for both cargo and passengers transportation.

In the 1998 she was hired from Inland Water Transport and converted into a 16 cabins luxurious river cruise vessel by the Historian Mr. Paul Strachan and his wife, who is also the founder of the revived Irrawaddy Flotilla Company.
After 5 successful years of cultural cruises operations in the Irrawaddy and Chindwin rivers of Myanmar, IFC decided to not renew the charter contract with IWT anymore because the Old Lady Rv Paukan needed some major repairs and refitting, an investment that IFC probably deemed not convenient as they have already built two bigger new Pandaw replicas with higher passenger capacity.

In the second half of the 2003 Interconnection Co. Ltd signed the charter agreement with IWT and the Paukan underwent to major renovations in the Marine Side at the Yangon Dalla Dockyards. As far as the Hotel side is concerned new furniture has been specially designed and new Food and Beverage equipment have been bought.

CRUISE ITINERARIES:

From Royal Mandalay to Ancient Bagan
Duration: 3 days 2 nights
Departure:
Route: Mandalay – Bhamo

From Bagan to Mandalay
Duration: 3 days 2 nights
Departure:
Route: Mandalay – Yandaboo – Bagan

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Hull Steel

Length 150ft (45.72 Mt)

Beam 34ft (11.5 Mt)

Draft 2.6ft (0.8 Mt)

Decks 3

Main Deck (6 Cabins) * Upper Deck (10 Cabins-Saloon-Dining Room)
* Sundeck / Solarium (Length 20 Mt. – Furnished with Steamer Chairs/Sun Lounges/ Rattan Armchairs for 32 pax)

Diesel Engines 2 x 300hp MWM * Model: TBD-234V6

Propulsion Schotel Outboard * Model: SRP-100/110

Max. Upriver Speed 6 Miles per Hour

Max. Downriver Speed 11 Miles per Hour

Navigation Navigation lights, ships horn, searchlight

Comms Gsm phone, Internal phone system, Tannoy for navigation

Generators 2 x 95 kva Denyo Gensets

Fire Protection 21 Smoke Detectors, 4 Heat Detectors, 8 Manual alarms stations,
Electronic Control Panel Silent Knight (Made in USA) – 20 Fire Extinguishers – 8 Fire Hose Cabinets, fire pump

Safety Emergency lights, Emergency Generator, life jackets for all on board and life rafts

HOTEL

Cabins 16 deluxe cabins with own shower/wc (Berths 32)

Size: 3,35 Mt X 4.00 Mt (132″ X 158″)

Bar 1

Dining Room 1 (32 Seats)

Kitchen 1 Fully Equipped Kitchen

Water Desedimentation and full water treatment – Reverse Osmosis System for the Kitchen.

Sewage Treatment plant

Cruise Management Company: AYRAVATA CRUISES

DMA Registry Permission to drive in the Myanmar rivers (No. NA/KHA/32/Yangon) issued on the 11 Sep 03 by the department of Marine Administration of the Union of Myanmar

Tourist Transport Licence No. PA/195A on 27 January 2004 issued by MHT

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Pandaw 1947 Cabin	Pandaw 1947 deluxe cabin

Pandaw 1947 cruise Restaurant	Pandaw 1947 cruise Bar

{tab=Departure Dates}
Please consider that Paukan Cruise or most of the Myanmar Cruises do not operate daily and year round.
Most of the cruises in Myanmar travel on Irrawaddy River and Chindwin river, they start offering trip in late October and finish cruising in April or May.

We highly recommend you to contact us for all the availabilities and cruising time.

Pu Hu Nature Reserve

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA and GIZ (Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit in Vietnam) working together in a survey of responsible tourism project in Pu Hu Nature Reserve, Thanh hoa province, Vietnam.

The survey trip will be held in middle of December, 2011 by Active Travel Asia team with support of GIZ Vietnam. ATA inspection team will spend about 3 days to scan this area, evaluating the suitable activities for a tourist site. This activity is a part of project “Protection of the forest and wildlife” implemented by GIZ Vietnam, under the management of Forest Protection Department of Thanh Hoa Province.

Pu Hu Nature Reserve is situated in the North-West of Thanh Hoa Province. It has a big diversity of plants and animals with 508 plant species and 266 animals species. It also has a role in protecting the catchment of the Ma river. The inhabitants of the nature reserve and buffer zone belong to the Thai, Hmong, Dao and Kinh ethnic groups.

The tourist will discover illegal cutting of trees, hunting and other illegal activities in the forest. Their movement in the forest will help to keep these illegal activities under control and is therefore very important!

As Mr. Georg Kloeble, Senior Advisor Natural Recource Management of GIZ said “Pu Hu is very rugged and mountainous and might be demanding on the fitness of the participants! Rainforest, it might be misty and wet. I myself was only one time in there, hiking for one day! It was fantastic!”

After the trip, ATA inspection team is going to propose interesting activities, suitable routes which would make Pu Hu nature reserve to be a tourist site. ATA also works with GIZ Vietnam to run and manage the potential trip tours here to complete one of the most important parts of project.

Active Travel Asia Announced the Prizes for the Contest “Indochina in Your Eyes”!

First word Active Travel Asia sent to you to joint our competition “Indochina in yours eyes” most sincere thanks!

contest “Indochina in Your Eyes” - Active Travel Asia

“Indochina in yours eyes” contest lasted over 2 months (1st Sep 2011 to 20th Nov 2011) and ends on 20 Nov 2011. Organizing Committee has received many entries with unique ideas, deeply felt and very sincere, especially from customers love traveling and traveled to Indochina in a lifetime.

Now is the time to honor the winner. The winner is the person who has the amount of LIKE ranked highest on our facebook page plus 2 travel news sites. It meant that many people had read and liked your story.

The highest prize of the contest “Indochina in your eyes” is Yasmine Khater with entry “South to North Vietnam : An Unforgettable Experience”.

The prize is a 3 day 2 night tour costing from 700$ – 1000$ for 2 persons. The winner can choose one of out door activities including Trekking, Cycling, Motorcycling, and Kayaking in wide areas of Indochina plus interesting gifts.

• Kayaking Halong Bay

• Trekking Sapa and homestay

• Mai Chau Trekking

• Motorcycling the Ho Chi Minh Trail

• Biking Angkor Wat

Besides the highest prize, to encourage the writers ATA awards 3 incentive prizes for the entry which had the amount of “Like” followed by the highest:

• Andrew Faulks with entry “Pol Pot’s Clipper”

• Raelene Kwong with entry “An expedition to Vietnam’s Son Doong Cave – what could go wrong?”

• Manasi Subramaniam with entry “How Saigon Feels”

The incentive prize is a full day city tour for 2 persons. Besides, you will get some extra values as below:

• a couple of sleeping bags by fabric filter.

• a couple of T-shirts with ATA logo.

• 2 water puppet tickets

• lunch included

• 1 hour Cyclo (Xich Lo) around old quarter.

All the prizes will be available in 2 years from the day of award announcement (Nov 30th, 2011.)

Active Travel Asia thank all of your contest whether your felt and shared were not high rank but your sharing for ATA is the most precious. All good thoughts of you for Indochina and ATA will be the core values which always lead to ATA.

Please thank most respectfully to you, wish you good luck and congratulations again!

Please refer any questions about the award to us at: event@activetravel.asia.

Vietnam – A cultural feast

I envisioned hiking to remote villages to find mountain hill tribes; people living in indigenous villages, untouched by outside influences.

Instead, as we pulled into Sapa, in the northern part of Vietnam, a group of Black Hmong women gathered on the side of the road as our shuttle pulled into the center of town. A welcoming committee, perhaps?

As the van came to a stop, my jaw dropped as the entire group charged at our vehicle screaming “You buy from me!”

This was not the authentic Vietnamese experience I had in mind.

Returning to Southeast Asia was a dream of mine since my last trip to Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia eight years ago. So when the time finally came for my boyfriend and I to head out for a three-week romp around Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia this past September, I went with a backpack full of expectations, hoping to get off the beaten path and discover the “authentic” cultures of Southeast Asia.

Expectations and reality are hardly ever one in the same, as I was soon reminded. As a tourist, I had as much to do with the cultural changes taking place in the places I visited as the people who live there. The fact is that with tourism spreading rapidly throughout Third World countries, “off the beaten path” is now the most-sought after destination.

East meets West
We began our trip with two days in Hanoi, a city well known for its organized chaos. Hanoi is a perfect blend of Eastern mystery and Western old world charm dating back to the early French colonialists.

The narrow streets were choked with a million scooters driving alongside street-hawkers selling their wares. All the while, the constant smell of delicious Vietnamese food wafted out from the thousands of restaurants and sidewalk food stands. Vietnamese women wearing traditional woven cone hats sold everything from T-shirts and balloons to exotic fruits and chickens (both living and dead) from their yoke-slung baskets. Spend a morning sipping Vietnamese coffee and eating tiramisu at a cafe on the banks of Hoan Kiem Lake and watch the world go by and you could be in an Asian-style Paris.

To dive into Hanoi’s culture headfirst is to master the art of crossing the road and bartering. It’s also a commitment to eating anything and everything cooked on the street, in spite of any Western health warnings. So this is what we did.

In a city where traffic lights mean nothing and the only road rule seems to be to keep moving, we began our road-crossing lesson by subtly tagging along with locals as they crossed. The key is to cross slowly and steadily and trust that the one million scooters, cyclists, cars and other pedestrians that share the road will flow around you — a belief that contradicts all western road-crossing training.

The art of bartering was our next cultural lesson and my boyfriend approached it with game and gusto while I, recognizing his strength and my relative weakness, timidly left all negotiations to him. He proved his mastery after intense, extensive negotiations for a .25 cent Zippo lighter. Eventually, the sales person shoved the lighter in his hands, refused his money and said “go away.”

While haggling was his fortay, eating was my greatest strength. I attacked the street cuisine, inhaling delicious pho noodle soups, rich French pastries and baguettes, and any street-side delicacy set in front of me. I was never disappointed. Hanoi proved to be a foodies paradise, not just for the amazing flavors, but for the whole experience. Eating on the street is a must as, for one, it is usually the cheapest option and two, it will give you the most authentic Vietnamese food experience.

Our last day in Hanoi, we were enticed away from shopping to a street cafe where we were the only non-Asian diners. We sat on plastic child-sized chairs and watched as eight small dishes of food, some recognizable, most not, were immediately placed in front of us in dim sum style. Delicious! Next to us a family of servers/cooks rushed around, dishing up trays of food for our fellow enthusiastic diners as they loudly slurped and chatted.

Ha Long Bay-Sapa-Hanoi
From Hanoi we headed east for a two night stay on a traditional junk boat in Ha Long Bay. This UNESCO World Heritage site on the Northeastern coast covers an area of 1,553 km (965 miles) and is made up of almost 2,000 stunning, mainly limestone islets rising from the Tonkin Gulf. Scattered throughout the islets are small floating fishing villages whose inhabitants farm oysters, mussels and fish for food and trade.

It is possible at times to be distracted from the allure of the area by the amount and effects of tourism there. The 450 boats anchored in the crowded bay host thousands of tourists a day. The amount of trash floating in the otherwise emerald waters is a sad reminder of how the desire for tourist dollars can become more important than protecting tourist destinations. However as the sun sets on the limestone karst and the last of the water traders ply their goods to colorful tourist filled junk boats, of which you are a part of, it is impossible not to appreciate the obvious beauty and cultural significance of Ha Long Bay.

Next stop, Sapa, a small French colonial town in the misty northern mountains of the Lao Cai provence. Located near the Chinese boarder, it is home to several different ethnic minority groups whose villages are scattered among the rice terrace-covered mountains and valleys. We took a night train to get from Hanoi to Sapa, sleeping in quaint bunk beds that conjured up historic images of an Orient Express experience, to Lao Cai and from there, took a shuttle to Sapa.

Our initial surprise and fear of the welcoming committee was replaced with curiosity on our hikes to nearby Black Hmong villages with our guide, Quong. Traditionally dressed Black Hmong ladies casually followed along, asking a series of basic questions over and over again: “What’s your name?” “Where you from?” “How many children you have?” and inevitably “You my friend?… You buy from me?” as they dug into their woven baskets for both handmade, and Chinese-made goods. The question of why we were hiking to meet the Black H’mong when they had already made the hike to meet us was ever present. Ever the entertainer and salesman himself, my boyfriend asked them to buy his handmade fly fishing flies and individual pieces of chewing gum. He did eventually manage a trade, a piece of gum for a hand-made bracelet, much to the frustration of the Hmong lady who soon realized she didn’t like the taste of the gum.

Despite the never-ending sales pitch, it was impossible to ignore the magnificent scenery surrounding us: waterfalls, rivers and terraced rice paddies in mist-covered mountains.

Our home-stay was a fun-filled night of amazing food and home-brewed “happy water,” which broke down all cultural and social walls and had us convinced we were fluent in local dialects. Our morning headaches reminded us otherwise. Waking before the rest of our group, my boyfriend and I spent the morning with our host, who spoke no English, and her outgoing five-year-old grandson. We got a glimpse into their everyday life, as our host’s son and daughter-in-law puttered around doing morning chores.

We returned to Hanoi from Sapa the same way we arrived, by sleeper train, and spent one more night in the energetic city, surprised to see capitalism thriving so well in this still communist country. The next morning we headed off to our next stop, a whirlwind two days in Bangkok.

Source: vaildaily

Ha Long Bay is New Wonder of Nature

Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay is one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, announced the New7WondersFoundation on November 12 after the first count of global voting ended a day earlier.

Halong Bay

In alphabetical order, the seven winners are the Amazon, Ha Long Bay, Iguazu Falls, Jeju Island, Komodo, Puerto Princesa Underground River and Table Mountain.

The New7Wonders of Nature campaign have been carried out over the past four years, starting with more than 440 locations from about 220 countries.

The New7Wonders of Nature have been chosen from the 28 finalist candidates, according to Bernard Weber, founding president of Switzerland-based New7Wonders Foundation.

According to the foundation, the results are provisional and based on the first tally of votes. The votes still need to be checked, validated and independently verified.

Once the voting validation process is complete, in early 2012, New7Wonders will then work with the confirmed winners to organize the official inauguration events.

The foundation also noted that it is possible that one or more of the provisional winners will not be confirmed during the validation process. New7Wonders will issue a media update if that occurs.“When the New7Wonders of Nature are confirmed, they will join the man-made New 7 Wonders of the World in becoming part of global memory for humankind forever,” Weber said.

Ha Long Bay is located in the northern province of Quang Ninh. It features thousands of limestone karsts and isles of various sizes and shapes. The bay has a 120-kilometer long coastline and is approximately 1,553 square kilometers in size, with 1969 islets.

Several of the islands are hollow, with enormous caves. Others support floating villages of fishermen, who ply the shallow waters for 200 species of fish and 450 different kinds of mollusks.

Another feature of Ha Long Bay is its abundance of lakes inside the limestone islands. For example, Dau Be island has six enclosed lakes. All these island lakes occupy drowned dolines within fengcong karst.

Source: thanhniennews

Amara Cruise Myanmar

Amara is a tradition Myanmar River Cruise along Ayayewaddy River and Chindwin River.
The boat features a cozy atmosphere combining with relaxing moment and authentic feeling of Burmese culture.

{tab=Cruise Introduction}

The Amara River Cruise has a total of seven cabins, each with their own bathroom with hot and cold shower. Communal areas, bar and canopied sun deck. Amenities include on-board laundry, fully equipped kitchen and refrigerators. All bed linen and towels as well as dining service and bar equipment are provided. Freshly prepared local and European dishes and many kinds of tropical fruit cocktails are prepared by our well-trained cook and served by our friendly staff at regular mealtimes and upon special order.

Electricity is provided by a generator and battery 24 hours a day. A 3500 liter water tanks and a sewage treatment unit make the boat self-sufficient and provide a high ecological standard. Safety is provided by smoke detectors in all cabins, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, life jackets and a dinghy.

You will be taken care of by our friendly and hospitable staff and be able to relax and enjoy the personal atmosphere on board.

CRUISE ITINERARIES:
From Mandalay to Bhamo
Duration: 7 days 6 nights
Departure: upon request
Route: Mandalay – Katha – Bhamo

View details >>

Between Royal Mandalay and Ancient Bagan
Duration: 3 days 2 night
Departure: upon request
Route: Mandalay – Yandaboo – Bagan

{tab=Cruise Fact}

Built – between 2002 – 2003

Design – Teak Wood

Length – 30 Meter/100 feet

Width – 7 Meter/23 feet

Draft – 0.85 Meter/2.5 feet

Engine – 2 x 180 hp Hino engines/diesel (Japan made)

Power – 1 x 20 KW diesel generator/emergency lighting by battery

Cabins – total of 7:6 standard double (4.2 x 2.3 meter) with own shower (hot/cold), WC 1 deluxe cabin front double (4.4 x 4.2 meter) with own shower (hot/cold), WC

Public – bar/saloon/sun deck

Water – 2500 litre fresh water

Sewage – Treatment Unit

Safety – smoke detectors in all cabins, emergency lighting, fire extinguisher, pumps and houses, life jackets, ships boat

Navigation – Searchlight, Horn

Amenities – Laundry, Kitchen, Refrigerators

Service – All bedding, towels, dining services, bar equipment, others

Crew – Team of 8

Social – 50% of all profit will be donated for schools and hospitals within Myanmar

{tab=Cruise Gallery}


Amara Cruise Cabin	Amara Cruise Sundeck

Amara Cruise	Amara Cruise Restaurant

{tab=Departure Dates}
Please consider that Amara Cruise or most of the Myanmar Cruises do not operate daily and year round.
Most of the cruises in Myanmar travel on Irrawaddy River and Chindwin river, they start offering trip in late October and finish cruising in April or May.

We highly recommend you to contact us for all the availabilities and cruising time.

Paukan Cruise Myanmar

Paukan is the ancient name of Bagan, the old city of two thousand temples on the bank of theIrrawaddy River.
RV Paukan was built in 2007 at the Myanmar Shipyards in Yangon for Ayravata Cruises.
{tab=Cruise Introduction}

ON BOARD
The lovely Paukan is a boutique hotel on the river, beautifully furnished with a unique combination of modern and traditional motifs. The timber-walled cabins are furnished with colonial style cupboards,dresser and doors while the ceiling is traditional Myanmar. The single or double beds are proper andcomfortable ones and not mere bunks, enough room for 55 passengers who will be looked after by a30-member crew.

For luxury-living, Paukan has suites, deluxe or superior cabins as well as singles for guest or guides.There are two massage rooms on the lower deck offering traditional Myanmar massage designed togive soothing relaxation.
The sun deck has a stage for cultural performances, and a bar and lounge for relaxation and fun. Theupper deck has a lecture / movie room with lcd projector and lcd TV screen.
Meals in the dining room on the main deck will include both East and West cuisine, and dinner menus ofdelicious dishes. Vegetarian meals can be prepared when informed in advance.

CRUISE ITINERARIES:
From Royal Mandalay To Bhamo
Duration: 7 days 6 nights
Departure: Route: Mandalay – Bhamo
Details

From Bagan to Mandalay
Duration: 3 days 2 nights
Departure:
Route: Mandalay – Yandaboo – Bagan
View details

{tab=Cruise Fact}

SPECIFICATIONS

BUILT IN YANGON 2006-2007BY AYRAVATA CRUISES AT MYANMA SHIPYARDS (YANGON-MYANMAR)

Length : 183 FT (55.78 MT)

Beam: 38 FT (11.58 MT)

Design Draft: 3.09 FT (1.14 MT)

DECKS: 3

Diesel Engine: 2 X 425 HP Cummins Marine/ Model KT19-M425.

Propulsion: Schotel type outboard * MODEL: NAV180

Design speed: 10 KNOTS

Max : upstream speed 8 Nautical miles per hour (DRY SEASON)

Navigation: Navigation lights, ships horn, search light

Comms: GSM phone, Internal Phone system, Tannoy For Navigation

Generators: 2 X 175 KVA +1 X 50 KVA CUMMINS/MARATHON MARINE
Smoke detectors, heat Detectors, Manual

FIRE PROTECTION: EMERGENCY LIGHTS, EMERGENCY GENSET, LIFE JACKETS, LIFE RAFTSALARMS STATIONS, FIRE EXTINGUISHERS, FIRE HOSE

SAFETY: CABINETS, FIRE PUMPS
MAX. DOWNSTREAM SPEED 12 NAUTICAL MILES PER HOUR (DRY SEASON)

CREW: 30

HOTEL

Passenger: 55

Cabins: 29 with private bath room and shower

UPPER DECK

14 Deluxe (6 Double, 8 twin) * 21 SQ.MT/226 SQ. FT.

2 Suite (Bow) : 40 SQ.MT / 430 SQ. FT.

MAIN DECK

10 Superior Twins * 15 SQ.MT./161 SQ. FT.

LOWER DECK

3 Single for guests: 10 SQ MT / 107 SQ. FT.

4 Single for guides/TL: 8 SQ MT / 86 SQ. FT.

LOUNGE & BAR: ON THE SUNDECK/SOLARIUM (CAPACITY 35 SEATS)

DINING ROOM: ON THE MAIN DECK (CAPACITY: 56 SEATS)

MASSAGE ROOM : 2 ON THE LOWER DECK

LECTURES ROOM: FULLY EQUIPPED WITH LCD PROJECTOR/LCD TV (35 SEATS)

{tab=Cruise Gallery}


Paukan Cruise View	Paukan Cruise Entertainmentt

Paukan Twin Dining	Paukan Cruise Sundec

The First Expedition to Son Doong Cave with ATA – Unrevealed Stories!

On 28th Sep, 2011, carrying the eager to explore the grandeur of nature, the first travelers together with ATA’s product manager – Mr. Tony Tran had launched the discovery to Son Doong Cave, the biggest cave in the world.

Accompany with the group is Mr. Ho Khanh who found the Son Doong Cave as a tour guide. The first meet with Mr. Ho Khanh really impressed everyone. Just a warm smile, a strong handshake from him is enough to make everyone feel warm at heart. At Ho Khanh ‘s house, the group had the moments of relax with green tea, a simple lunch with steamed rice cake and salted peanut and an open conversation. All of that was promising for a memorable journey.

Mr. Ho Khanh in old costume of troop

The first obstacle for the group is leaches. They are everywhere and all in hungry for blood. It was really a nightmare at first but as time passes, the scare was fade when everyone got used to them and they weren’t the obstacle anymore. In the deep jungle under shade, the expedition team followed jungle trails that on limestone Mountains to the Swallow Cave.

As planned, the expedition team would camp at the Swallow Cave. But “Man proposes, God disposes”, everything weren’t going as planned, it was dark so quickly so the expedition had to camp at a clear ground that is 30 minutes walking to the Swallow Cave. The tents were pitched up, dinner was also cooked and everyone had a good time to eat dinner together. Camping in the deep jungle, it was indeed an interesting experience!

Everything was not easier on the next morning. Although the sky seemed so bright, no rain and the ground was dry, the obstacles was still waiting for them. This time was the torrential river bank. If the expedition team couldn’t cross the torrent, that meant they wouldn’t be able to get to Son Doong Cave. This case forced everyone had to discuss and find the way to cross the torrent and after that decided if they could go any further or not.

In the torrential river bank….

Ho Khanh proved himself as a local guide with many years of experiences. At the hard times, his skill is very essential. He swam to the other side with a rope, he tied it to a tree then he led them crossing the river one by one. After much effort, finally, the group crossed the river safety. With the hope “After a storm comes a calm”, everything would be smooth but the obstacle has passed, another comes. A lake blocks the way to Son Doong Cave. To cross the lake at that time was impossible and instead of risking themselves, it was better to take the photos of Swallow Cave then head back to the other side of the cave using rope to cross the river again.

The trek back is so nice with not climbing and great view. Crossing over shallow stream, walking through banana forest and spending sometime for hot green tea in Doong Village. All of that little things made a memorable tour.

Due to bad weather, the expedition might not succeed as planned but everyone was all happy with what they experienced. Son Doong – We will come back soon.

Vietnam: Gems of the North

Vietnam is increasingly becoming a popular destination for travelers each year. Its large chaotic cities are popular stop-offs for young travelers, and a great place to spend a few days. However, it can be nice to get away from the hustle and bustle, and northern Vietnam boasts fantastic scenery for those able to pull themselves away from the captivating capital of Hanoi.

Northern Vietnam boasts fantastic scenery

Hanoi is a bustling city, riddled with motorcycles, bright lights, and street vendors; it can be hard to keep up with. There is much to see in and around the city and plenty of culture to absorb in the ancient architecture which is dotted throughout the vibrant city.

Although everyone advises you to try the street food, be careful what you order as Vietnam is notorious for its taste for dog, and locals prefer boiled eggs with developing chicks in to dunking eggs with toast soldiers…

Amid the shops selling richly-coloured, handmade clothing and ornaments you may also find propaganda art shops selling reprints of posters from various areas of Vietnam culture and the Vietnam War.

If you have a few days to spare however, it’s worth going a bit further afield, as northern Vietnam has some fantastic varied landscapes; the two most popular being the protruding rock formations of Halong Bay, and the terraced farms of Sapa.

Halong Bay is a UNESCO world heritage site and consists of over 3,000 islands scattered across the sea. You can choose to stay a number of nights on a trip to the bay, but two days one night is plenty of time. Make sure to visit the famous cave; with three increasingly large chambers to walk through, it is quite a sight to behold. There is also an opportunity to go kayaking which I would recommend.

If offered the choice of staying on land or boat, I would advise you stay onboard as the sea is calm and it’s quite an experience waking up and walking out of your cabin to such a spectacular view. Unfortunately, the ever-increasing number of tourists means the ocean is usually scattered with other boats making it a slightly less unique experience but it is worth a trip none-the-less.

From Halong Bay, you will need to detour back through Hanoi in order to get a night train to Sapa (pictured below). These trains are very different to the sleeper trains of Thailand, in which you are bundled into bunk beds lining either side of the carriage, as most trains running this journey have four-bed carriages which seem quite luxurious in comparison. You may either book a tour or decide to freestyle on arrival (which will often get you a cheaper trekking trip), however due to lack of time on my trip, I decided to book a tour.

From the train station in Sapa it is a dodgy drive up through misty mountains; the morning I arrived you could barely see the white markings in the road six feet ahead of the minibus! The somewhat frightening experience seems even more surreal when you glance out the window to see the lush green hills and terraced farms that almost give the impression of an optical illusion.

On my trip I was unfortunately greeted by torrential downpour, and with only my canvas plimsolls I resorted to plastic bagging my shoes, so be warned – the weather is unpredictable, particularly in rainy season (May to September).

A trek is a great way to take in the scenery and if booking a tour beforehand, most travel agents will offer the opportunity of a homestay, which if you are willing to rough it, I would highly recommend. The place I stayed was very basic, a cement building with curtains separating the beds from the main living area, and an upper terrace with mattresses and mosquito nets for the guests.

The family spoke very little English, but our guide stayed over and was happy to translate. The food was delicious traditional Vietnamese cuisine, and despite the basic facilities of the homestay, the location was fantastic in the dip of a valley by a river in which you could view local children fishing, and at walking distance from local villages.

The local saleswomen are persistent, and be warned that they will walk alongside you for the duration of the trek until you buy something from them unless you make clear at the start that you are not going to make a purchase. Back in the town at Sapa, there is also a large market selling many different things, but always be prepared to barter as they will normally ask for almost twice above the selling price.

Embrace the overland travel, that’s when you’re likely to see the most unspoilt landscapes and the towns that are really representative of the country’s economy and lifestyle. Vietnam is a country with varied landscapes, and although the big cities are great to spend some time in, it’s well worth a trip to some of the farther stretches of land to get an understanding of just how diverse the country is.

Source: travelbite

Ngapali Beach Myanmar

NGAPALI BEACH

Being the most beautiful beach in Myanmar, Ngapali boasts a serene beauty with sandy beach, secluded island of Treasure.

For those, who seek for glorious travel moment and impression, Mandalay will meet that much.

From exciting monk monastery to peaceful pagodas, the city offers a real touch to the kingdom of Buddhism. Moreover, sunsets from Mandalay hill, Sagaing hill or Mingun boat on the legendary Ayeyarwaddy River is ever worth a memory.

Splendor history of Mandalay had gone yet its current life reflection is impressive. The beauty of this region goes far more than the exotic life of traditional Burmese monks or the endless awesome sunset by the Ayeyarwaddy River.

NGAPALI ATTRACTIONS

Treasure Island

A small, green island located toward the bay of Bengal is really a place to enjoy some walk and dining by the only restaurant of Pleasant View.

Ngapapli Beach

Stretching for more than 3kms with beautiful resorts, coconut groves and unspoiled sandy beach, Ngapali is ideal place for those who love swimming, relax and unwind

thandwe

Thandwe Town
Only 5 km from Ngapali Beach, Thandwe is an exotic town with beautiful relics and green rice fields. A visit to this town could be nice with some gentle touch to the area that tourism hardly reaches.

BEST HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Sandoway Resort 5*
Rate: from $ 140 ++
2. Amata Resort 5*
Rate: from $ 130 ++
3. Aureum Palace 5*
Rate: from $ 130 ++
4. Silver Beach Resort 4*
Rate: from $ 100 ++
5. Myanmar Treasure 4*
Rate: from $ 75 ++
6. Thazin Garden 3*
Rate: from $ 40 ++

OTHER CITY GUIDES:
YANGON
BAGAN
INLE LAKE
NGAPALI BEACH

Ngwe Saung Beach

NGWE SAUNG BEACH

Known as “ Silver Beach of Myanmar”, Ngwe Saung is the easiest accessable beach from Yangon all the year round.

The sandy beach located on the Bay of Bengal is wonderful. Warm clear water, smooth bottom, vivid coconut groves.

Although to reach the beach, it takes 5 hours driving, you may enjoy the landscapes and surely the leisure time by this beautiful beach. There are plentiful of things to enjoy here but you may merely enjoy the beach with pristine water, visiting nearby villages then unwind, reading and sunning.

For those, who seek for glorious travel moment and impression, Mandalay will meet that much.

BEST HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Aureum Palace Resort 5*
Rate: from $ 100 ++
2.Bay of Bengal
Rate: from $ 90 ++
3. Sunny Paradise
Rate: from $ 85 ++

TOP BAGAN RESTAURANTS

– Aye Yeik Thayar Restaurant
Cruise: Burmese
-Kinnaree Thai & Restaurant
Cuisine: Thai
-Eden B.B.B Restaurant
Cuisine: Asian

OTHER CITY GUIDES:
YANGON
BAGAN
INLE LAKE
MANDALAY

Active Travel Asia Announced to Launch Travel Writing Contest 2011 for Travelers from Across the World.

The participants will have a chance to win special out-door trips by sharing their best holiday experiences in Indochina (Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia).

ACTIVETRAVEL ASIA, a leading adventure tour operator in Indochina, has launched a travel writing contest 2011 for travelers from across the world.

The participants will have a chance to win special out-door trips by sharing their best holiday experiences in Indochina (Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia).

The participants are encouraged to write about their interesting stories, nice memories or any impressive experiences that made the holidays to be the time of their lives.

The winner will receive a trip for 2 persons costing from $700–>$1000 depend on their selections of out door activities including Trekking, Cycling, Motorcycling, Kayaking in wide areas of Indochina.

The entries can be made by email to event@activetravel.asia in 350 – 1000 words and must be original works of the participants along with the entrant’s name, e-mail and telephone number by 20th October 2011.

All eligible entries will be posted on ATA’s facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/Active.Travel) and 2 travel news sites Activetravel Magazines (http://www.activetravelmagazines.com/) & Vietnam Adventure News (http://news.activetravelvietnam.com/). The winner is the entry that has the amount of LIKE ranked highest on facebook page plus on 2 travel news sites.

PRIZE

The winner will receive the prize based on their selection of out door activities such as: Kayaking Halong Bay, Motorcycling Ho Chi Minh Trail, Trekking Luang Prabang, Cycling Angkor Wat…

These tours are designed especially for 2 persons, costing from $700 – $1000. This must be a memorizable exploration & real experience of lifetime.

3 incentive prizes are also available for 3 entries ranked following the winner. The prize is a city tour with the private tour guide for 2 people plus some valuable extra.

For full details of information, please visit the ATA Travel Writing Competition 2011: http://blog.activetravel.asia/p/activetravel-asia-travel-writing-2011_2765.html

Bagan Mandalay Cruise

The Bagan Mandalay Cruise on Paukan or Pandaw Cruise is well designed to meet the expectation of those who wish to enjoy the awesome scenery of Irrawaddy and experience the real life of Burmese.

{tab=Overview}

TRIP IN BRIEF:
Tour type: group tour – can be connected
Trip Duration: 3days 2 nights
Start: Bagan Finish: Mandalay
Departure : view our departure dates
Activities: cruising/ cultural visit

BRIEF ITINERARY:
Day 01: Bagan cruising upstream
Day 02: Cruising to Mandalay
Day 03: Mandalay disembarkation

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

{tab=Detailed Itinerary}

Day 1: Bagan Cruising Upstream
Check-in Time
The embarkation is 11.30 hrs at Bagan Aye Yar jetty. Welcome Cocktail in the Saloon.

Upstream to Mandalay
The Cast off time is at 12 noon . Lunch will be served at 13.00.
In the late afternoon stop in a typical river village.

Day 2: Bagan Cruising to Mandalay
Date: WEDNESDAY / SATURDAY
Cruising To Mandalay (Visit River Village)
Upstream to Mandalay
Cruise all day with stop en route in the morning to visit Yandabo, a typical river village specialize in Pot-Making, where the peace treaty of the First Anglo-Burmese war was signed on Feb. 24, 1826. Moor overnight nearby a village (Ywar Thit Gyi or Pauk Myaing Pauk Taw) few miles away from Ava Bridge.

Day 3: Bagan Disembarkation
Date: THURSDAY / SUNDAY
Mandalay (Sagaing *Thu* – Gawein *Sun*)
Check-Out Time
Enjoy the sunrise. After an early breakfast, the passengers will disembark at Sagaing Jetty (Thursday only) or Gawein jetty (Sunday Only) at around 09.30 hrs.

{tab=Tour Price and Inclusion}
In each tour ,we will provide you the sample quote with the option of 3 star hotel that is listed below. As the tour can be customized, we are very pleased to give you the free quote with your choice of services

Group size	02 pax	04 pax	06 pax	Single Supplement
Land Tour / person	750	690	640	190

Price is USD based on twin/double sharing accommodation

Tour Inclusion:

– English speaking guide. Other language speaking guides are available upon your request

– Meals indicated in the itinerary

– Entrance fees

– Boat trips

– Cruise Cabin

– Water

Tour exclusion:

– Personal Expense

– Drinks

– Tips

– Visa stamp

– International flights

Myanmar Travel Facts

Rudyard Kipling had mentioned about Myanmar ‘Quite unlike any land you know about’

Burma (also known as Myanmar) is a spectacular jewel that has remained hidden for decades, but which is now opening up to the world revealing astonishing natural beauty and an unparalleled cultural heritage.
With a civilisation that’s more than 2,500 years old, Burma is a mysterious and magical land with magnificent temple architecture set in timeless and sublime landscapes.
Everywhere a visitor travels in Burma, they will encounter hospitable, inquisitive and friendly people more than willing to share their fascinating culture.

TRAVEL TO MYANMAR
By air: there are numbers of airlines from neighboring countries operating flights to Myanmar.You should check for the schedule of the flights as some are not really daily flights.
Flight routes:
– Bangkok – Yangon   Singapore – Yangon
– Kuala Lumpur – Yangon   Chiang Mai – Yangon
– Phu Ket – Yangon    Siem Reap – Yangon
– Hanoi – Yangon    Ho Chi Minh city – Yangon
– Kung Ming – Yangon Peijing – Yangon

Domestic Flights information Myanmar International Flights
By Land:
Not all the borders of Myanmar are open to cross from one country to another.
Borders are available for cross Indochina trips: MAE SAI ( Thailand), RUILI ( China), TAMU (India)

MYANMAR VISITING AREAS:
Major attractions of Myanmar are : Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake, Ngapali, Ngwe Saung, Putao, Kalaw… are opened for your visits.
Restricted areas: Kayah and Chin states
To visit Putao ( north Myanmar ), some Chin villages, Mergui archipelago; you need permission.

MYANMAR TRANSPORTATIONS:
– Most of the small car and minivan in Myanmar are slightly old. They belonged to the models of Toyata which were produced during 1990s. However, Myanmar is going to be emergingly developed, since 2013, new cars have been imported from Japan and China, you can see many new modern cars now in Myanmar (model 2000s)
– Taxis are often without air conditioning.
– Motorbikes are banned in Yangon but not Mandalay.
– Public transportation are not really recommended for tours.
– Traveling by bus is safer and smoother than by train even both take long time. VIP seats on bus is recommended as there will be lavatory on bus. Both bus and train will stop several times on the way for customers to rest and pick up new guests.

MYANMAR COMMUNICATION SERVICE:
– Internet access is not popular in Myanmar except for some major cities including Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan.
– Most of the hotels in Myanmar provide internet services.
– Internet drop off is common. Please be ready for slow access and limited connection.
– It is cheap and easy to buy a sim card in Myanmar from $2 since August 2014, the common one is OOREDOO for foreigner. A guide could help to buy or you can buy it yourself with the passport and visa provided for the shop owner.
– With an OOREDOO SIM, however, you can not use it at Bagan. Normally, locals people will buy MTP sim card which can be used in most area in Myanmar.

MYANMAR GENERAL INFORMATION

* Country name: Republic of the Union of Myanmar
* Area: 421,600 sq miles
* Population 47.4 million (officially)
* Languages Burmese, English
* Currency: Kyat
* Captial: Nay Pyi Daw
* International airport: Yangon
* Border: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, China, India, Bangladesh

IMPORTANT TRAVEL FACTS:

1. Climate:
– Hot season: March – May
– Rainy season June – late Sept
– Cool season: October – Feb

2. Money Matter
– ATMs available
– USD, EURO notes are accepted
– Use local currency for traveling is the best

3. Communications:
– Internet connections: slow
– Mobile phone: available

MYANMAR VISA

Why Travel To Myanmar ?

WHY TRAVEL TO MYANMAR

There are different views on the matter of should you visit Myanmar or not. We, a tour operator who has offices in Vietnam and Myanmar, we have experienced the situation of all Indochina countries and personally we would highly recommend you to come.

WHY YOU SHOULD GO TO MYANMAR?
* Myanmar is astonishingly beautiful and unspoiled
* Myanmar has one of the biggest archaeological site in Asia: Bagan ( others : Angkor and Dhaka)
* Myanmar offers unique Myanmar River Cruises, Beach escapes and various types of tours.
* The government now have been changing to democracy regime and offering more chances for visitors to come.
Obtaining visa to Myanmar is easier and easier
Infrastructure for tourism is getting better
* The vast majority local people you meet want you to come
* The majority of a careful independent traveler`s expense goes into private sector, supporting more local and sustainable tourism
The communication with 2 ways exchange between local and tourists enable the broadening images of the world to local
More projects and campaigns are conducted to support Burmese people: Burma Campaign UK (www.burmacampaignuk.org.uk), Burma Project ( www.burmaproject.org), ..

TOP 10 REASONS TO VISIT MYANMAR IN 2012

IS MYANMAR A SAFE DESTINATION?
* Myanmar is surely a safe destination.
* Visitors/ travelers are well-cared while traveling in Myanmar.
* Local Burmese are very friendly, not to say much hospitalbility.
* Local air lines and transportation are having very good reputation to be safe and qualified.

For those, who seek for glorious travel moment and impression, Mandalay will meet that much.

There are different view on the matter of should you visit Myanmar or not. We, a tour operator who

has offices in Vietnam and Myanmar, we have experienced the situation of all Indochina countries and

personally we would highly recommend you to come.

Each one has its own idea but our point of view may be a good reference for your trip to Indochina,

especially Burma.

Why you should go to Myanmar?

* Myanmar is astonishingly beautiful and unspoiled

* Myanmar has one of the biggest archeological site in Asia: Bagan ( others : Angkor and Dhaka)

* The government now have been changing to democracy regime and offering more chances for visitors

to come.

*Obtaining visa to Myanmar is easier and easier

* Infrastructure for tourism is getting better

* The vast majority local people you meet want you to come

* The majority of a careful independent traveler`s expense goes into private sector, supporting more

local and sustainable tourism

*The communication with 2 ways exchange between local and tourists enable the broadening images of

the world to local

*More projects and campaigns are conducted to support Burmese people: Burma Campaign UK (

www.burmacampaignuk.org.uk), Burma Project ( www.burmaproject.org), ..

* Some references:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/5093832.stm

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/destinations/asia/article1705442.ece

http://travel.uk.msn.com/blog/travel-blogpost.aspx?post=31f7155c-8e1b-43cf-b132-51c889aa821a

Myanmar Visa

MYANMAR VISA

1. Regular Myanmar Visa:
– Travelers from those countries can easily obtain the visa to Myanmar within 1 week by applying visa through Myanmar Embassies locating on their respective countries:

Australia	Bangladesh	Belgium	Brazil
Brunei	Cambodia	Canada	China
Egypt	France	Germany	India
Indonesia	Israel	Italy	Japan
Korea	Laos	Malaysia	Nepal
Pakistan	Philippines	Saudi Arabia	Singapore
Sri Lanka	South Africa	Thailand	Russia
United Kingdom	United States	Vietnam

Details for Myanmar Embassy >>
2. What do you need to apply for regular visa to Myanmar:
+ 02 photos 3cm x 4cm
+ Your passport
+ Your international arrival and departure flight to/ out of Myanmar
+ Your tour/ holiday/ travel package booking with local travel agencies or hotel bookings.
Download Myanmar Tourist visa Application Form

Our tip: you are advised to book the tour packages or travel services in advance before proceeding with visa application.

3, Visa News:
Travelers who take the flight coming to Myanmar from: Siem Reap, Chiang Mai, Guang Zhou are offered to make visa on arrival with passport and photos only.

4. Visa On Arrival:

Just a quick update for those who plan to apply visa from 16 March 2014 for pre-arranged visa on arrival that Myanmar Immigration Department will stop receiving application to make changes. Please advised to try to apply through Embassy if you have any chance to do so. We will update more news on 17 or 18 April about this.

MyanmarVisa’s objective is to facilitate travelers to get Visa without having to go to Myanmar embassy in their countries, thus saving time and money. Otherwise those who want to visit Myanmar , for example, from Russia, visitor has to either send or go personally to Moscow Myanmar Embassy which means to wait 2 weeks by post or take a 12 hours flight to and fro. MyanmarVisa fill in this gap by applying visa on behalf of visitors in accordance with the regulations set out by the Myanmar authorities. More details for Myanmar visa on arrival >>

MYANMAR VISA TIPS

1. You are advised to apply for visa at least 10 days in prior to your travel date.

2. If you travel to Bangkok, Hanoi, Phnom Penh, you can apply for visa by express way.

3. Be sure you will have visa approval letter before boarding the flight for Visa on arrival.

4. In case, your residential place is far from Myanmar Embassy, you can apply for visa on arrival.

5. Applying visa on arrival with local agency means you should book travel services or full tour packages.

6. Visa on arrival is written in Burmese and people applying at the same day will be listed on the same document.

7. There is no type of guarantee that you can have visa without visa approval letter.

8. There is no visa exemption case.

MYANMAR VISA ON ARRIVAL

Bagan Myanmar

BAGAN MYANMAR

Dominated by Buddha temples, sacred pagodas and peaceful monastery, Bagan glory dated back to the period of 11th to 13th century , has mirrored well in its archaeological treasure today. There are so many things to enjoy in this holy land include tempted panorama and incredible sunrises, sunsets cruise on mighty Ayeyarwaddy River

BAGAN

Outstanding Bagan, once defined the centre of powerful Burma empire is still remarkable as one of the riches archaeological sites in the world. Visitors are, no surprise, amazed by its vast sacred plain which is dotted with more than 2200 temples, pagodas and monasteries dating from the 11th to the 13th century.

YANGON ATTRACTIONS:

Shwezigon Pagoda

This is a prototype of Burmese stupas, and consists of a circular gold leaf-gilded stupa surrounded by smaller temples and shrines. Construction of the Shwezigon Pagoda began during the reign of King Anawrahta and was completed in 1102 AD, during the reign of King Kyansittha of the Pagan Dynasty. The pagoda is believed to enshrine a bone and tooth of Gautama Buddha.

Htilomino Temple

A Buddhist temple located in Bagan (formerly Pagan), in Burma/Myanmar, built during the reign of King Htilominlo (also known as Nandaungmya) in 1211. The temple is three stories tall, with a height of 46 metres (150 feet), and built with red brick. It is also known for its elaborate plaster moldings

Dhammayangyi temple
The most massive structure in Bagan which has a similar architectural plan to Ananda Temple. It was built by King Narathu (1167-70), who was also known as Kalagya Min, the ‘king killed by Indians’. The temple is located about a kilometer to the southeast of the city walls directing Minnanthu.

Gawdawpalin Temple
The Gawdawpalin Temple was built by King Narapatisithu after building the Sulamani Temple. But the king did not complete the construction. It was completed by his son Htilominlo. It is located about 3 miles south of the Bu Pagoda on the bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River. It is about 180 feet high and the structure is common like the Sulamani temple.

Sulami Temple

Built in 1181 by Narapatisithu (1174-1211), Sulami temple Combines the horizontal planes of the early period with the vertical lines of the middle, the temple features two storeys standing on broad terraces assembled to create a pyramid effect. The brickwork throughout is considered some of the best in Bagan. Some part of the temple was damaged during 1975 by the earthquake.

Ananda Temple

Ananda temple is considered to be one of the most surviving masterpiece of the Mon architecture. Also known as the finest, largest, best preserved and most revered of the Bagan temples. During the 1975 earthquake, Ananda suffered considerable damage but has been totally restored.

mt.popa Mountain Popa

Mount Popa is also known as an extinct volcano and the adobe of the 37 spirits. The Mount Popa is a distinctive mountain in this region. It is an old volcano forming the northern offshoot of the Bago Yoma mountain range, occupying the lower central region. The mountain is 4900 feet high above the sea-level. From the Ayeyarwaddy River, it is about 65 kilometers away.

BAGAN TOURS:

1. Bagan full day sightseeing
from $ 40/ person – group of 2
2. Bagan – Mt. Popa 1 day
from $ 70/ person – group of 2
3.Bagan – Mandalay River Cruise 3 days
from $750/ person – group of 2
4. Balloon Over Bagan
from $300/ person – group of 1

BEST HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Aureum Palace Resort 5*
Rate: from $ 100 ++
2. Thiriytsaya Sakura Resort 4*
Rate: from $ 90 ++
3. Tharabar Gate Resort 4*
Rate: from $ 85 ++
4. Bagan Resort 4*
Rate: from $ 80 ++
5. Myanmar Treasure 4*
Rate: from $ 75 ++
6. Thazin Garden 3*
Rate: from $ 40 ++

TOP BAGAN RESTAURANTS

– Aye Yeik Thayar Restaurant
Cruise: Burmese
-Kinnaree Thai & Restaurant
Cuisine: Thai
-Eden B.B.B Restaurant
Cuisine: Asian

TOP BAGAN ATTRACTIONS:

– Shwe Sandaw
– Ananda pagoda
– Shwezigon pagoda
-Dhammayangyi temple
– Htilomino temple
– Mt. Popa
– Manuha village & temple

OTHER CITY GUIDES:
YANGON
BAGAN
INLE LAKE
NGAPALI BEACH

Mandalay Myanmar

MANDALAY MYANMAR

For those, who seek for glorious travel moment and impression, Mandalay will meet that much. From exciting monk monastery to peaceful pagodas, the city offers a real touch to the kingdom of Buddhism.

Moreover, sunsets from Mandalay hill, Sagaing hill or Mingun boat on the legendary Ayeyarwaddy River is ever worth a memory. Splendor history of Mandalay had gone yet its current life reflection is impressive. The beauty of this region goes far more than the exotic life of traditional Burmese monks or the endless awesome sunset by the Ayeyarwaddy River

TOP SITES TO VISIT IN MANDALAY

MANDALAY ATTRACTIONS:

Mandalay Palace

The Mandalay Palace is represented for the last royal palace of Myanmar.
The site was set up by King Mindon in two years 1957 and 1959. In 1885, when British army arrived, the regime of royal was over.
Today the site reflects vividly the ancient capital history and imperial rites.

Kothudaw Pagoda

Situated on the southeast stairway of Mandalay Hill, Kothudaw is known as the biggest Buhhda book in the world with 729 stupas and temples. Each stupas is called Pitakas.
The Pitakas are part of teaching Gautama Buddha book.
read about his pagoda >>

mingun

Uncompleted Wall – Mingun
The unfinished temple that lies on the left bank of Irrawaddy river holds a records of being the biggest piles of bricks in the world.
Construction began in 1790, using mostly slave labor, and causing a massive drain on resources and manpower in the area. The project was widely unpopular during its time, which some suspect caused its cessation.

Sandamuni temple
built in 1874 as a memorial to Crown Prince Kanaung, who was assassinated in an attempted coup eight years earlier. Sandamuni is surrounded by green villages and near by a monastery, it is really an interesting place to enjoy the tales of kind Mingdon.

Sagaing – Monk Education centre
The centre of Buddhism with schools for Nats and Monks, Sagaing is the cradle of monk education for all states of Myanmar.

Sagaing Hill and Budda Cave

One of the most unique site on Sagaing Hill is Buddha Cave. There are Buddha statues are together inside a temple which is famous to be a sacred place for pilgrimagers.
From Sagaing Hill, you can easily behold the panorama of Mandalay area and Irrawaddy River.

Ubein Bridge Mandalay
10 km far from Mandalay city, the Ubein features one of the best places to take photo for sunset and visit the ancient capital of Inwa
View more about this bridge >>

Mahamuni Pagoda
One of the most interesting pagoda in Mandalay. Do not miss your visit when you make a tour to Burma
View more about this pagoda >>

Other destinations:
Pyin Oo Lwin Travel Guide
Snake pagoda in Mandalay

MANDALAY CITY TOURS:

1. Mandalay city tour
from $ 80/ person – group of 2
2. Mandalay – Pyn Oo Lwin
from $ 90/ person – group of 2
3. Mandalay traditional villages
from $45/ person – group of 2
4. Mandalay – Bagan Excursion
from $75/ person – group of 2

BEST HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Rupar Mandalar Resort 5*
Rate: from $ 200 ++
2. Mandalay Hill Resort 5*
Rate: from $ 100 ++
3. Red Canal Boutique Resort 4*
Rate: from $ 110 ++
4. Sedona Hotel 5*
Rate: from $ 90 ++
5. Mandalay City 3*
Rate: from $ 48 ++

TOP MANDALAY RESTAURANTS

– Golden Duck
Cruise: Chinese
-A little bit of Mandalay
Cuisine: Burmese
-Aye Myittar Myanmar Cuisine
Cuisine: Burmese

TOP MANDALAY ATTRACTIONS:

– Amarapura & Inwa
– Sagaing Hill
– Monywa
– Mandalay Hill
– Mandalay Palace
– Pyn Oo Lwin

OTHER CITY GUIDES:
YANGON
BAGAN
INLE LAKE
NGAPALI BEACH

Inle Lake Myanmar

INLE LAKE MYANMAR

Sheltered by Shan mountain, Inle lake is stunningly beautiful with crystal water, vivid bird life, reflecting stilt villages and unique local culture. From the surprised one leg rower to the floating vegetation, black and silver smith to traditional boat makers, silk weaving; this peaceful watery escape create an enjoyable relaxation on Shan state.

Hauntingly picturesque, the jewel of Inle Lake is home to floating gardens, stilt villages, lakeside temples and famously unique one –leg rower Intha people. This tranquil water getaway features a wonderful destination to experience the rustic fishermen life, exotic Intha culture with many traditional works included weaving, black and silver smiths…. Sheltered by Shan mountain, Inle lake is stunningly beautiful with crystal water, vivid bird life, reflecting stilt villages and unique local culture. From the surprised one leg rower to the floating vegetation, black and silver smith to traditional boat makers, silk weaving; this peaceful watery escape create an enjoyable relaxation on Shan state.

INLE LAKE ATTRACTIONS:

Intha Rower

There is only one place in the world where fisherman leads his boat by one leg. The technique to be a rower is far different in Inle Lake than other places.

Indein Market

Indein market takes places differently everyday from village to village in Inle Lake. There are many different tribes come to buy and sell farming products at this exotic market including PaO, Pa Daung and Intha people
View indein photos >>

Jumping Cat Pagoda/ Phang Daw Oo Pagoda
The must-see pagoda of Phang Daw Oo features a small circuit with cats and beautiful surroundings. This is also a place where travelers can observe daily activities of local monks.

Floating Garden
Green plantations which are carefully planted are the typical image of Inle Lake.
Majority of local products come from this type of vegetation.

INLE LAKE TOURS:

1. Inle Lake full day sightseeing
from $ 35/ person – group of 2
2. Inle Lake trekking 3 days
from $ 120/ person – group of 2
3. Inle Lake – Loi Kaw Tour 4 days
from $210/ person – group of 2

BEST HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Inle Princess 5*
Rate: from $ 150 ++
2. Pristine Lotus Spa Resort
Rate: from $ 140 ++
3. Aureum Place
Rate: from $ 150 ++
4. Myanmar Treasure Resort 4*
Rate: from $ 80 ++
5. Paramount Inle Resort 3*
Rate: from $ 45 ++

TOP INLE RESTAURANTS

– View Point Restaurant
Cruise: Burmese & Asian

– Pancake Paradise
Cuisine: pancake

TOP INLE ATTRACTIONS:

– Indein Market
– Jumping Cat pagoda
– Phang Daw Oo festival
– Nyang Shwe market

Myanmar Travel Guides

MYANMAR TRAVEL GUIDE

Myanmar is truly an extraordinary country – its people, its landscapes and its culture are all unique. The impression of our country goes further than the friendly, welcoming , smiling people and the magnificence of nature and temples.

Yangon (Rangoon) is Burma’s main city. This is where you’ll find the grand colonial buildings of the colonial age, charmingly neglected in a part of Asia that hasn’t joined the rush to modernise. The people look instead to the Shwedagon Paya, the ‘Golden Pagoda’, a huge hill-top temple at the heart of the city that’s always thronged with devotees. Our land is ever inspirational to those who wish to experience the unlike and the unrivaled. From the golden flash of Shwedagon to the huge temples of Bagan, from the awesome ice-covered mountain of Putao to the pristine beach of Ngapali, Burma offers you more than just a discovery.

Practical Information > Myanmar Visa (Nov 2014 Updated and valid until now) Myanmar Travel Facts Flights to Myanmar /Domestic Flights / Myanmar Trains How to Planning tours to Myanmar	Travel Ideas > Luxury Travel Experience in Myanmar Top Things to do in Myanmar Top Honeymoon destinations Best places for photo shooting in Myanmar 10 reasons to visit Myanmar in 2013
Features > Silk Road Myanmar Best Yangon Galleries Myanmar Cuisine	Myanmar New & Events > Myanmar Visa on arrival pause since March 2014 Re-open Visa on Arrival and Start-up E-visa for customers

Travel Planning Tools Map of Myanmar Myanmar sightseeing suggestions Update visiting allowance inside Myanmar	* Looking for Myanmar Tour Package ? CLICK HERE * Design a trip like you want ? TAILOR MADE YOUR MYANMAR TOUR

Payment

PAYMENT GUIDANCE:
There are numerous difficulties to transfer from your country to Myanmar , however this may not be a bar while you are booking the tours with us.

1, Deposit:
The total amount of deposit varies from 10% to 30% of the tour cost. If your tour costs less than 1000usd/ person, we will require 100usd for deposit.
The deposit should be done either by bank transfer or online payment. – For the option of Bank Transfer, we will provide you our bank account information in Thailand or Vietnam. We reserve some tips while transferring money for your tour deposit and it will be explained during your emails dealing.- For online payment, we will base on your personal information to create a link with your agreement then we can process directly and fast. With this option, you can pay by: credit, visa, master cards.

At the current time, we will ask you to make deposit through our office in Vietnam for online option. For full payment, you can settle in Myanmar with your credit card.

2, Full tour payment:
The balance of any Myanmar Tour or Burma Tour ( minus the deposit) will be settled once you have arrived in Myanmar and in cash or by credit card. The notes should be brand new or new. Torn, folded notes will have lower value while exchanging to Kyat ( local currency). Before to proceed any payment, we highly recommend you to spend time reading our Terms & Condition in which we have indicated clearly about cancellation, refunds…
For the option of credit card, we can accept your payment by credit card, the bank transfer fee is 5%

3, Refund of Unused Services
We always offer great flexibility while you are traveling inside our country. Our personalized travel consultant will discuss with you to get dual agreement for changes of tours and mostly we will refund you for the services that you do not use if it is not a valid services.For example, if you do not visit an attraction, we surely refund you the entrance fee.

Terms & Condition

This ” Terms and Conditions” is an agreement of Holiday Indochina Travel ( owner of www.myanmartours.asia) with all clients and local government. It can be changed any time without any notice to meet the local policies or any reasons from Holiday Indochina. Therefore, it is your responsibility to check it regularly to update information in case there is any change.

* All tours and services can be changed according the seasonal flights schedule, governor policy changes and other factors without prior notice.
* The tour & service rate is valid with specific price since they are confirmed by our travel consultant and the this is net price and quoted in American dollar per person.
* Price for children:
+ Under and 2 years: Free of Charge / Need sharing bed with parents.
+ 2-8 years old: 50% as adult fare.
Children policy are varied upon specific situation and tours.

Payment method :
* In order to give both of us a good feeling that each party will fulfill its obligations. Upon confirmation of any reservation, a 10% – 30% deposit is requested. It must be sent to our account in cash or by credit card ( with 3,85% surcharge ).
The balance can be executed by cash, credit card on arrival. The notes must be new !
* The deposit should be done to our bank in Vietnam/ Thailand or other countries with international bank. This should be done at least 30 days prior to the departure date. If reservations are made less than 30 days prior to departure, the full payment is required. If it is not received on time, we may cancel the reservation and invoke the cancellation fee. For special cases, the payment can be completed when the beginning of tours with our agreement.
* Myanmar also may cancel the bookings without any refund of the sums already paid when the reason impacting from both local government’s policies and the natural disaster.
* Note: Bank fees is on your side in every cases.

payment

Cancellation:
Cancellation fees of booking are not levied for us but for all local suppliers as hotel, carrier and other contractors. In these cases, the client shall be liable to pay those fees to Myanmar Tour.
Cancellation will be charged as follow:
– More than 45 days prior to trip departure. No charge.
– 30 – 45 days before arrival: 20% charge.
– 15 – 29 days before arrival: 50% charge.
– 15 days before arrival: 100% charge.

We highly recommended you to read the Myanmar Checking List before you start your tour

Insurance:
We are not responsible for any loss, injury or damage sustained by passengers incurred due to delay, accidents, natural disaster, political actions and unrest must be borne by passengers.
Passengers are required to have full travel insurance. Airline schedules and local conditions may be affect accommodation and itineraries. Should this occur, will endeavor to substitute suitable arrangement of similar value. Participation on any tour implies full agreement to above conditions by all parties involved.

Claims:
All disputes, claims and litigation regarding the services shall first be settled by negotiation and mutual understanding. In the event such negotiation would fail, it shall finally settled by arbitration of the Myanmar International Arbitration Center at the Chamber of Industry of the Myanmar . All claims must be submitted in writing within 7 days after the end of the services with the clarify documentary.

We kindly advise you to read our terms and condition before proceeding with any payment or deposit

Ba Be National Park, Vietnam – The beautiful Ramsar of the world

Ba Be Lake, the most important part of Ba Be National Park which forms the unique natural beauty in this area has just become the 1,938th Ramsar of the world and the third Ramsar of Vietnam following Xuan Thuy National Park in Nam Dinh Province and Cat Tien National Park in Dong Nai Province.

Located in Bac Kan province, about 300km from Hanoi capital, Ba Be lake is a highlight of northwest forest of Vietnam. Surrounding by limestone hills of up to 500-600 m above sea level, the lake consists of three parts, Pe leng, Pe lu and Pe lam of which the total length is 9 km, the width changes between 0.2 km and 1.7km and the average depth varies from 17 to 23 m (maximum depth reaching 38 m).

The beautiful Ba Be Lake

The Ba Be Lake is connected with the Nang River by Be Cam Channel, to which the water drains during the dry season. The lake thus serves as a natural reservoir for the Nang River system, while the Dau Dang Waterfall plays a role of dam for the lake.

The lake has an abundant ecosystem and also home to many types of water birds. In addition, surveys affirm the unique biodiversity of Ba Be National Park with 1,288 types of vascular plants. Noticeably, it supports a number of globally threatened species such as the endangered burretiodendron hsienmu (a species of flowering plant in the Tiliaceae family) which is considered as an endemic plant in Ba Be Lake and has a habitat restricted to Vietnam and southern China

In terms of animals, the site includes 553 types of vertebrates with 81 beasts, 332 birds, 48 amphibians and 106 fishes. Many of which are listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red Book on endangered species such as the lutra lutra, miniopterus schrebersii, belomys pearsonii, trachypithecus francoisi, hemigalus owstoni and gorsachius magnificus.

With the values endowed by the nature, Ba Be Lake was recognized as one of 68 most important wetlands of high national and international environmental value. This recognition will advertise Ba Be National Park and Bac Kan Province to international tourists, has become a national pride. The potential for outdoor activities is great for adventure tours including trekking and river kayaking tours. The surrounding area make it a good place for trekking tours and exploring culture of Dzao and H’mong ethnic minorities who live in the national park. And the lake seems to be a heaven for kayaking.

Acording to Mr. Tony, The product manager of Active Travel Asia (www.activetravelvietnam.com), – one of the most first-class companies in providing adventure tours: “I have traveled to Ba Be Lake several times and really impressed with its beauty and its potential for outdoor activities. Ba Be Lake with its location and stunning scenery is perfect for designing multi-sport tours. We are offering tours combining trekking in Cao Bang and kayaking in Ba Be”. He added: “Ba be lake is the paradise on earth for kayakers”
Ba Be lake is really a great destination for those who love adventure and want to explore natural beauty.

For more information about Ba Be Tours:

Kayaking & Trekking Ba Be Lake 3 days
Kayaking & Trekking Ba Be Lake 4 days

Customer policy

We guarantee:
1. Up-to-date and unbiased information, useful consultancy:
The information about Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos that we provide will be as up-to-date, accurate and objective as we can make.
We commit to give you the real facts even sometimes they are negative to our travel plan. This will ensure that you may not have any unexpected information or being surprised while traveling with us.
If you wish to know specific information, we will try to find it for you.

2. Fast response and punctual
Either you contact with us through Vietnam or Myanmar offices, we will be on hand everyday to provide information or respond to your queries.
Our standard procedure to handle your request is to reply within 12 hours. If your request takes longer time to check services or access different level of information, we will inform you how long it will take.
If you send your request in the weekend time, you may have our response in the next Monday, however, we try our best to at least confirm the receiving of our email.
If you wish to contact by phone ( mostly phone call will be done from Vietnam), we will be pleased to do that to be sure that your request are well-cared with us.

3. Your personal Tour Operator
Our personal tour operator will be indicated to follow your requests. He/she will be tentative to follow all the changes, requests that you may have regardless of how many they will be.
This tour operator or our staff will welcome you in Myanmar and other countries upon your arrival to make double check with you for the itinerary and arrange services in the most smooth and effortless way.

4. Fair Price – No Hidden Costs
For full package tours, we apply a standard margin to your agreed itinerary that make sure the prices are competitive.
Our personalized tour operator will provide you the true fact of services and travel guide so that you will not meet any unexpected extra costs.
If you want to visit workshops or commercial outlets, there will be no obligation or pressure for you to buy anything.

5. Compensation if we get it wrong
– Hotel booking is the most sensitive problems that we often meet while proceeding your holiday plan arrangement. The number of hotels is limited and it is more difficult to get rooms in high or peak seasons. In case, the proposed hotel is fully booked, we will find another one which is at least as good as the previous one.
– If we fails to deliver part of the agreed contract or tour services, we will reimburse you.

6. Privacy
Your personal information given to us such as full name, email address, home phone, etc… will be used only for correspondence relating to your holiday or tour. Myanmar Tours does not rent or trade your personal information.
We will always ask your permission if we would publicize your feedback after the trip or make references such as a phone call from our potential customers. You are free to say “ NO”

7. Secured Payment
As our companies are registered under Myanmar Administration Board and Vietnam Administration Board, we guarantee that the payment you have done is secured with our immediate report.
Once the money comes to our bank account, we will send you the invoice to let you know that it is transferred.
In case, you cancelled the tour as a result of circumstances beyond our control, such as cancellation or postponement resulting from government action or policy, war, civil unrest or natural disasters, we will refund the deposit you made with us immediately.

MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO

NGAPALI BEACH

NGWE SAUNG BEACH

WHY TRAVEL TO MYANMAR

IS MYANMAR A SAFE DESTINATION? * Myanmar is surely a safe destination.* Visitors/ travelers are well-cared while traveling in Myanmar.* Local Burmese are very friendly, not to say much hospitalbility.* Local air lines and transportation are having very good reputation to be safe and qualified.

MYANMAR VISA

BAGAN MYANMAR

MANDALAY MYANMAR

INLE LAKE MYANMAR

MYANMAR TRAVEL GUIDE

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IS MYANMAR A SAFE DESTINATION?
* Myanmar is surely a safe destination.
* Visitors/ travelers are well-cared while traveling in Myanmar.
* Local Burmese are very friendly, not to say much hospitalbility.
* Local air lines and transportation are having very good reputation to be safe and qualified.