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  • Amazing Trek to Hill Tribes

    Code: MOT04 - Duration: 12 Days
    Start: Yangon | Finish: Yangon
  • As one of the most mysterious and undiscovered destinations in the world, Myanmar offers all the traditional delights of Asia. Amazing Trek to Hill Tribes is designed to capture the real beauty of Myanmar. We start the trip with a visit to historical Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, the most revered Buddhist temple in Burma. Followed by Keng Tung, half way between Thailand and China to explore the beautiful landscape with diverse minority villages of Ahn, Akha, Lahu and dozens of other minority people. Each village has their own culture and language. A short excursion to Inle Lake, known for its floating gardens, leg rowers and colorful markets before returning to Yangon for your departure.

    Highlights:

    • Discover the bustling former capital Yangon with its magnificent and holy pagodas, incredible giant Buddhas
    • Explore the majestic Shwedagon Pagoda, towering over the city of Yangon
    • Admire the architecture marvels of Bagan and Mandalay
    • An unique opportunity to know the hidden and self-contained tribes at the same time walking through the nature’s amazing home of Keng Tung 
    • Cruise on the tranquil Inle Lake and experience the unique lifestyle of local floating farmers
    • Charming hotels in great locations
    • Comfortable & spacious vehicle for transfers

    Itinerary in brief:Amazing Trek to Hill Tribes 12 days

    Day 1: Yangon Arrival (-/-/-)
    Day 2: Yangon - Flight to Bagan  (B/-/-)
    Day 3: Bagan (B/-/-)
    Day 4: Bagan - Flight to Mandalay (B/-/-)
    Day 5: Mandalay - Mingun Sightseeing (B/-/-)
    Day 6: Mandalay - Flight to Kyaing Tong (B/-/-)
    Day 7: Keng Tung Village Sightseeing (B/-/-)
    Day 8: Keng Tung Sightseeing (B/-/-)
    Day 9: Keng Tung - Flight to Heho - Inle Lake (B/-/-)
    Day 10: Inle Lake Sightseeing (B/-/-)
    Day 11: Inle Lake - Heho - Flight to Yangon (B/-/-)
    Day 12: Yangon - Departure (B/-/-)

    • Ability to change the direction of the program
    • Possibility of an extension in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia or Vietnam 

    Notes:

    - We specialize in “tailor-made” tours for groups of two or more. We carefully inspect each step of your journey from the accommodation to the perfect guide to suit your needs
    - The itinerary is open to modification to fit your personal travel needs
    - Modifications to the itinerary may increase the price of the package
    - For the price of this trip, just ask for a quote by clicking on "TOUR PRICE"

    - If you are looking for a trip modified to your requirements, please send us your needs by filling out the form in Customize your trip” 
    - We will contact and send you a quote, excluding holiday period, within 48 hours of receiving your request. 

  • Day 1: Yangon Arrival (-/-/-)

    Yangon - Airport: 14km, ~15min drive

    yangonUpon arrival at Yangon airport, you will be met and transferred to hotel by our guide and driver. After making sure of your successful hotel check-in, they will be pleased to leave you free time for your own lunch and leisure to recover after the long flight.

    We then set out our orientation tour in Yangon including Sule Pagoda (Land Mark in city centre), Legend said that it is 2,000 years old and the central stupa is said to enshrine a hair of the Buddha. Every corner around Sule Pagoda on a walking tour, you will discover a unique charm of Yangon with its old colonial architecture buildings such as City Hall, High Court, etc.  Evening great sunset at marvelous Shwedagon pagoda & its pagoda bazaar. The massive and magnificent gold-encrusted Shwedagon Pagoda (100 meter high), is one of the wonders of the world. It was built 2500 years ago and enshrined with hair relics of the Buddha and a place to meet devoted Buddhists at meditation and pray.

    Meals Included: None
    Accommodation: Hotel in Yangon

    Day 2: Yangon - Flight to Bagan (B/-/-)

    Yangon - Bagan: 630km, ~1h46min flight

    baganEarly in the morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to airport for flight to Bagan which was the capital of first Burmese Empire. It covers more than 49 square kilometers containing over 2000 pagodas and one of the richest archaeological sites in Asia. Sightseeing starts with Bagan Archaeological Museum and Shwezigon Pagoda – built by King Anawrahta, a prototype of later Myanmar stupas, Htilominlo Temple well-known for its old mural, fine plaster carving and glazed sandstone decoration. 

    In the afternoon, we continue to discover Old Bagan where most beautiful testimonies of the splendors and the richness of this site conceal. Anada Temple – one of the finest in architecture and most revered temples with its four standing Bagan style Buddha images and huge carved teak doors, Ananda Oakkyaung - simply a Monastery built with red bricks, located within the precincts of the Ananda Temple. It was built in 1137 AD and paintings of the 18th century are seen in the walls of the monastery, Thatbyinnyu Temple – 201ft tall, the tallest in Bagan and it is shaped like a cross, but is not symmetrical. The temple has two primaries storey, with the seated Buddha image located on the second storey. Dhammayangyi Temple – the widest temple in Bagan, and is built in a plan similar to that of Anada Temple. In the evening a horse-cart ride will take you among magnificent Temples about 2 hrs. Then, enjoy the memorable sunset over the world famous Archaeological complex from the upper terrace of one of the Bagan Temples.

    Meals Included: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan

    Day 3: Bagan (B/-/-)

    bagan 2In the morning after breakfast, let’s not waste the time and continue to discover Bagan starting with archaeological museum, Manuha Temple - built in Mon Style in 1059 and Nanpaya Temple – famous for its fine masonry work of sandstone block facings integrated over a brick core. And the visit continues to admire more highlighted temples to gain a true impression of Bagan and its history.

    Afternoon highlights include the visit Myinkabar Gubyaukgyi Temple and Myinkabar Village for Traditional lacquer ware workshop home industry and craft men. Lacquer-ware is one of the best possible souvenirs of Myanmar. A pleasant stroll will take you through a village. Explore local cheroot making by using maize leaf, cooking oil production in local method, cotton waving, archaeological museum and more…

    Meals Included: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Hotel in Bagan

    Day 4: Bagan - Flight to Mandalay (B/-/-)

    Bagan - Mandalay: 293km, 25min flight

    amarapuraIn the morning after breakfast, we transfer to the airport for flight to Mandalay, which was founded in 1857-1860 as the capital by King Mindon and remained the capital city of the Konboung, Myanmar’s last dynasty. Tour of Mandalay will take you to its significant sites includes Mahamuni Buddha Image - the most revered Buddha image in Mandalay and 4 meters high seated image is cast in bronze. Transfer to 18th century Amarapura, situated about 11 km south of Mandalay and about 15 minutes drives. Visit to Maha Gandayon Kyaung, one of Amarapura’s treasures, is a famous Buddhist monastery where more than thousand monks live and study. The morning meals procession of thousands of monks is very interesting. Amarapura is also known as a weaving city where silk dresses are woven and silk and cotton weaving workshops can be seen. You can walk the famous 200 years old U Bein Bridge - the world’s longest wooden Bridge across the Thaungthaman lake and 1208 meters long. 

    After lunch time, we will be exploring more about Mandalay. Craftsmen ‘s quarters to observe brasses molding works, stone and marble carvers, gold leaf pressing, tapestry workshop, cotton and silk textile weaving, silver smith workshop. Shwenandawkyaung or Golden Palace Monastery - a very magnificent building beautifully carved in wood, dating back to 19th century. It is of great interest, not only as a fine example of a traditional Burmese wooden monastery, but also as a fragile reminder of the old Mandalay Palace. And then visit to Kuthodaw Paya - the world’s largest book of 729 marble slabs inscribed the entire Tripitaka.

    Meals Included: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay

    Day 5: Mandalay - Mingun Sightseeing (B/-/-)

    mandalayIn the morning after breakfast, you will be taken to jetty for boat trip to Mingun which is 11 km upriver from Mandalay on the western bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River. It is noted for the Mingun Paya, a huge unfinished pagoda, Myatheindan Pagoda and a gigantic 90-ton bell - the largest uncracked ringing bell in the world. The 45 minute boat trip to Mingun is a very pleasant way to see the life along the Ayeyarwaddy River. 

    Return back to Mandalay and in the evening, you will be taken to Mandalay Hill, 230 meters in elevation, is the natural landmark of Mandalay, a vantage-point for a full panoramic sunset view of the city.

    Meals Included: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay

    Day 6: Mandalay - Flight to Keng Tung (B/-/-)

    Mandalay - Keng Tung: 769km, 1h39min flight

    keng tungAfter breakfast at hotel, your domestic flight will take you to Keng Tung. Kyaing Tong is in eastern Shan State and is the perfect base for tips to ethnic-minority villages. It is located on the edge of the famous Golden Triangle region, the town teems with genuine local atmosphere and is the ideal base of operations from which to explore rarely visited ethnic villages in the surrounding hills. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

    Afternoon discovery of Kyaing Tong starts with Maha Myat Muni Pagoda (Wat Pha Jao Lung), the most glorious temple of Kyaing Tong. Then, the Khun Shan monastery of Wat Zom Kham. Legend says that Wat Zom Kham dates back to a visit by Gautama Buddha the most impressive among all the Shan temples in the city with the interior wall filled up with gold leaves on lacquer Jakata. A visit to a lacquer ware workshop where the unique Shan lacquer wares are produced will be a great experience. One should not miss this!

    Meals Included: Breakfast                        
    Accommodation: Hotel in Kyaing Tong

    Day 7: Keng Tung Village Sightseeing (B/-/-)

    keng tungAfter breakfast, our 1 ½ hour scenic drive will take you to the Akha village of Wan Pin, north of Kyaing Tong. This is where your trekking starts. On the way, we will visit Ahn, Akha and Lahu ethnic minorities in a comfortable pace. Akha women are in their colorful clothing decorated with the silver coins, buttons and seed beads. Trekking will last 2 to 6 hours depending on the number of villages you wish to visit. At Pin Tauk waterfall, enjoy your picnic lunch in relax style.

    In the afternoon, we will drive you back to Kyaing Tong. On the way, stop at the Li-Shan village of Wan Kwan to observe the local ‘fire water’ rice wine favored by all mountain tribes of the region.

    Meals Included: Breakfast               Accommodation: Hotel in Keng Tung

    Day 8: Keng Tung Sightseeing (B/-/-)

    keng tung sightseeingAfter having breakfast, it’s time for adventure. 1 ½ hours bumpy drive on a narrow road will take you to a hill station features a number of old colonial buildings and over a century-old Catholic church. This small hill station is 33 km southeast of Kyaing Tong. The main attraction is the scenery on the ascent to Loi-mwe passing through forests, terraced rice fields and a lake. On the way, stop at the Wa national village of Naung Cho known as the birth place of one of the earliest ethnic tribes of Shan country. Then, our visit continues to the Old Catholic church built by the Italian missionary early in the 19th century and sees some of the colonial houses built as summer residences during the British colonial era. Picnic style packed lunch.

    After lunch, trek mostly down-hill for 3 to 5 hours to the four Akha villages near Ho Jing. You will experience the unique and traditional way of life of the Akhas also known for their individual religious beliefs. Return to Kyaing Tong.

    Meals Included: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Hotel in Keng Tung

    Day 9: Keng Tung - Flight to Heho – Inle Lake (B/-/-)

    Keng Tung - Heho: 483km, 39min flight

    inle lakeMorning after breakfast, time is free for relaxation at the hotel. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport for flight to Heho (Shan State), upon arrival heading to Nyaung Shwe village, the starting point of the trip into the Inle Lake, passing through breath-taking scenery in many ways, with great panoramic picturesque landscaping, Pa-O and Danu women in colorful traditional dresses and their ethnic villages. It is also famous for Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery which is elegant ancient monastery with its oval-shaped windows. 

    Arrival in Nyaung Shwe, a traditional long boat (motorized) will take you to Inle Lake, the vast, beautiful and picturesque nature lake, 900 meters above sea-level, 22 km long and 10 km across, is one of the main tourist attractions in Myanmar.  It offers an unforgettable pastiche of unique experience and is famous for its scenic beauty, the unique one-leg rowers, floating gardens, attractive villages, colorful markets and prolific birdlife. A boat trip on the lake is very enjoyable and exhilarating with a cool breeze, warm sun and seagulls flying overhead. Transfer to hotel by private boat and check in.

    Meals Included: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Hotel in Inle Lake

    Day 10: Inle Lake Sightseeing (B/-/-)

    inle lake sightseeing Breakfast is served at hotel. We then set out our sightseeing tour including Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda - famous for 800 years old Five Buddha statues which are enshrined in the center of the building, Nga phe kyaung monastery - famous for its “Jumping Cats” and In Paw Khone village - well-known for silk weaving workshops and the technique and creation of the fascinating design of the silk products. Return to the hotel at the end of the evening. Relax and enjoy your stay.

    Meals Included: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Hotel in Inle Lake

    Day 11: Inle Lake - Heho - Flight to Yangon (B/-/-)

    Heho - Yangon: 432km, 1h flight

    yangonAfter having breakfast, you will be transferred to the Heho airport for flight back to Yangon. Upon arrival in Yangon, you will be met and transferred to hotel and check in. And then your day in Yangon starts with Chauk Htat Gyi, a huge reclining Buddha image – housed in a large metal – roofed shed. The feet of the Buddha wear a very readable with the 108 sacred marks. Definitely not miss this colossal image. After that go shopping to Bogyoke Aung San market (formerly Scott Market), where you can find wide range of souvenirs, handicraft shops, gems and jewelry famous for their qualities. 

    Enjoy evening sunset at Botahtaung Pagoda, which is hollow type, like maize inside decorated with glass mosaic and it means the Pagoda guarded by one Thousand vanguards. It is located by the river bank and close to Harbor, attracted by the pleasant atmosphere of the waterfront. You can visit Nathida Jetty and its surrounding to discover the daily working life of Myanmar People.

    Meals Included: Breakfast
    Accommodation: Hotel in Yangon

    Day 12: Yangon - Departure (B/-/-)

    After breakfast at hotel, time is free until our driver meet and transfer you to airport for your flight to next destination. End of our services./.

    Meals Included: Breakfast

  • Prices

    This trip is private and therefore can be altered to suit your needs, date of commencement and budget requirements.

    Prices vary due to a number of specifics:

    • Seasonal: during high season (October-April), the prices of services are generally higher when compared to the low season (May-September).
    • The number of participants: the more of you that travel together the less you will pay!
    • The choice of hotels: Fairly obvious one here; a 5-star hotel can cost ten times as much as a 2 star hotel.
    • The activities during the trip: Two trips on the same itinerary and of the same length can have two different prices depending on the number and nature of activities included.
    • The booking date: In some cases, booking your trip late can drastically affect prices due to their low availability.

    Inclusion:

    • Accommodation as recommended or similar category according to availability.
    • Transfers according to program by private air-conditioned vehicle with driver except free day
    • English-speaking guide’s assistance at every stage
    • Meals as indicated in program (B: Breakfast /L: Lunch / D: Dinner)
    • Entrance fees for attractions included in the program
    • Flights: Yangon-Bagan, Bagan-Mandalay, Mandalay-Keng Tung, Keng Tung-Heho and Heho-Yangon
    • Private local boat trip in Inle Lake
    • Water and cool tissues
    • Government taxes & service charge

    Exclusion:

    • Other drinks and meals not clearly mentioned
    • Early check-in, late check-out
    • Personal expenditures such as camera fees, tips, laundry service, etc.
    • Personal insurance (compulsory)
    • Any service not clearly mentioned in the program
    • International air fare to/from Yangon
    • Visa and visa arrangement
    • Departure tax of US$10/person
    • Compulsory dinner for Christmas & New Year

    Booking

    Here are 2 steps to book your trip with Tonkin-Travel:

    Step 1. Focus on your travel program:

    You can choose this trip as is or customize it to your specific desires. Just click on the “Customize this trip” tab and fill in the form. One of our travel consultants will contact you within 48 hours to develop the travel program based on your specifications.

    Step 2. Booking:

    • Following the first step, tour program is selected and we access the rates.
    • Upon confirmation of the trip, the registration must be accompanied by a deposit up to 25% of the total estimate.
    • For programs with private junk (cruise) and/or 5 star hotels, the deposit is represented by 30% of the total estimate.
    • Tonkin-Travel carries out the booking process upon receipt of the deposit. Confirmation of these reservations is sent to customer within 10 days via email

    Nature of travel

    This trip is private. That implies:

    • You will be escorted by a private guide and driver. This approach guarantees a smooth trip with fewer organizational constraints.
    • You will be the master of your trip. We guarantee flexibility in organizing visits at your request.
    • Our services will be personalized according to your desires. Thus the proposals in this package are not fixed and you can bring suggest all the desired changes.
    • You receive individualized care: ample food, organizing small events (anniversary, honeymoon, etc.), targeted information, followed necessary modifications, etc.

    Accommodation

    • Accommodation is an important expenditure of your trip. When you choose a luxury trip for example, the accommodation can represent three quarters of the price. Thus, your choice of hotels is closely related to your budget.
    • Tonkin-Travel has negotiated rates with a wide range of hotels from 2 to 5 stars.
    • In some places you will have the option to choose ‘home-stay’. Although this provides less comfort that a hotel it is a truly authentic experience and highly recommended for at least one night of your journey.

    Transport

    All transfers during your trip are covered by private vehicle with driver, unless otherwise indicated in our offer. We ensure that our vehicles are new and comfortable. Fuel, tolls, accommodation, compensation and the driver are included in our offer. Only gratuities are not included and are at your discretion.

    The size of the selected vehicle is based on the number of tour participants according to the following quality standards:

    No. of participants

    2 pax

    3 pax

    From 4 to 7 pax

    From 8 to 14 pax

    From 15 to 20 pax

    Vehicle size

    Car 4-7 seats

    Car 7 or minivan 
    16 seats

    Minivan 16 seats

    Bus 24 seats

    Bus 35 or 45 seats

    Domestic flights

    If your trip includes domestic flights if any, they will be operated by Vietnam Airlines, the largest airline in Vietnam. The fleet consists mainly of Airbus and Boeing. On some short trips, the company operates 72 ATR and some Fokker.

    Rail transport

    Train travel can be offered (particularly between Hanoi-Lao Cai and Hanoi-Hue). Travelling at a speed of 60km/h on average it is not necessarily the fastest but an interesting experience nonetheless.

  • This form allows us to establish a tour proposal suitable for your needs. It is free and without obligation

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      Your message (Ex: The desired steps and activities, what you like, what you do not,
      the health condition of the participants, your questions on this trip...)

    • This form allows us to establish a tour proposal suitable for your needs. It is free and without obligation

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        Which country would you like to discover? *
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        Regarding meals, you want the agency to offer you:
        Describe your trip
        These ideas are a guide for creating a trip suitable for your needs and expectations
        • Your desire to travel (culture, adventure, beach extension, local meetings, nature, etc.)
        • The desired pace of your trip (moderate, free and easy, etc.)
        • Your knowledge of the country. Your interests
        • The opportunity of your trip (vacation, wedding anniversary, cultural group, etc.)
        • Remarks (Room types, diet, special requests, etc.)

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