If you tour Burma, do not forget to buy some handicraft souvenirs, made by skilled craftsmen, or other unique ones as the wonderful presents for your beloveds and friends. Here are a number of the best places for shopping we recommend to you so that you can purchase high-quality items in your tours of Myanmar.1. Ko Than Hlaing SilkBesides lacquerware, silk is also chosen by a lot of visitors as a nice souvenir in their tours of Myanmar. Although there are silk-weaving workshops in Nampan village, Ko Than Hlaing Silk, a family-owned enterprise, is not quite so crowded out by tour groups. Arranged over three floors is the rickety wooden workshop where you can watch women spin the silk by hand and weave intricately patterned dress lengths on handlooms. Don’t miss the process of extracting delicate fibers from the lotus flower stem. The lotus stem fibers were originally woven into weather-proof shawls for prominent Buddhist monks and now are used by exclusive Italian fabric house named Loro Piana. The extensive shop sells cotton and silk clothing, lotus and silk shawls and scarves in a lot of colors and sizes. Prices are fixed. Address: Inpawkhon Village, Inle Lake Contact: silkandlotusweaving.biz Getting there: hire a boat Opening times: daily, 9am-6pm Payment type: credit cards not accepted 2. Thein Nyo SilkAmarapura was once a former royal city, which explains why silk weaving has developed there. Thein Nyo Silk is one of the most accessible workshops that you can find during your Myanmar travel. Visitors can wander through the building, watching men dye the silk skeins and supervise the reeling and spinning. In another area of the workshop are women weaving intricately patterned longyi skirts priced at hundreds of dollars. The attached shop sells lengths of cotton and hand-loomed silk in jewel colors, both patterned and plain. There are covetable woolen scarves, plain and plaid which are wonderful presents for men in a smaller room next door. Prices are fixed. Address: Oh Taw Quarter, Amarapura Getting there: cycle or hire a horse cart Opening times: daily, 9am-9pm Payment type: credit cards not accepted 3. U Ba NyeinIf you are interested in high-class lacquerware created by traditional way, make a visit to U Ba Nyein in your tours of Myanmar. There are 70 people working at the workshop and you can watch the whole process from weaving the bamboo and horsehair bowl frames to etching the intricate designs. The shop sells the whole range of lacquerware, from traditional, eight-sided, collapsible tables to lucky owls decorated in gold leaf. At the back of the shop are its 'special room’ displaying the more expensive artisan pieces. You should go there before 10 am or after 4 pm to avoid tour groups; however, notice that the workshop closes at 5 pm. It will take you at least an hour to watch the production processes for the different types of lacquerware. Address: Main Road, New Bagan Contact: 00 95 616 5056 Getting there: cycle or hire a horse cart Opening times: daily, 9am-9pm Payment type: credit cards not accepted 4. Ngapali PearlsNgapali Beach is not only an ideal place for relaxation, with the stunning sea scenery and luxury resorts, but also the best address to purchase pearls when you tour Myanmar. Here local women sell strings of local pearls (white, black, beige and pink) on stalls located along the beach. A necklace of dyed black pearls will take $20 out of your wallet while misshapen pink pearls cost just a few dollars. Attractive ladles and spoons made locally from buffalo horn and mother-of-pearl boxes are also on sale. The younger women often speak English quite well, so do not hesitate to sit down for a chat to learn about their lives. Address: Ngapali Beach Getting there: Walk Opening times: daily, 10am-6pm Payment type: credit cards not accepted 5. Bagan Book HouseThis bookshop may be one of the most special places you have visited during your Burma tours as you can find here the gems in a mess. Indeed, the shop houses facsimile copies of 19th- and 20th-century books on Burma. Some are good photocopies of the originals; others are reprints from the Thai publisher, White Lotus Books. It’s the best find accounts by travelers to Burma and colonial officials. Address: 100, 37th Street in block north of Merchant Street Contact: 00 95 1 377 227 Getting there: walk or take a taxi Opening times: daily, 9am-6pm Payment type: credit cards not accepted During your tours in Myanmar, spend your time visiting these places to have the best souvenirs. They will remind you of the charming and friendly Myanmar and the wonderful time you had there when you come back your home. Seemore: https://voyagebirmanie.tumblr.com/
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What are brought back from your tours to Myanmar? The answers may be very diverse as you can find a variety of unique and interesting souvenirs in Burma, from colorful fabrics and carpets to sophisticated wooden carving and gemstones. To ensure that you can purchase your favorite souvenirs at a reasonable price, we recommend these places to shop when you tour Burma.See more: https://lisashetty6.wixsite.com/voyagevietmam/ 1. Augustine's SouvenirsThis treasure used to be called Augustine’s Antiques; however as the Burmese government doesn’t allow antiques to be sold outside the country’s border, its name has been changed. Today, the shop concentrates on newer items but the quality remains to be guaranteed. Visiting Augustine's Souvenirs in your tours to Myanmar, you can find carvings from Mandalay workshops, colonial-style furniture, lacquer from producers in the Shan States, gilded wooden statues and some beautiful 20th-century silver and brass temple offering bowls, which are sold by families in need of the cash. Make sure that you receive a receipt and a stamped letter proving that the items you purchase are not antiques. Address: 23 Attiyar Street, off Thirimingalar Street, Kamayut Township Contact: 00 95 1 705 969; augustinesouvenir.com Getting there: take a taxi Opening times: Mon-Fri, midday-7pm; Sat, Sun, 2pm-7pm Payment type: credit cards not accepted 2. Pansodan GalleryIf you make a great effort into painting collection, do not miss this place in your tours to Myanmar. Hundreds of paintings are stacked around the walls of the fine art gallery on the edge of the colonial quarter. At first sight, you may be discouraged by the ramshackle state of the place, but don not leaves away: some of Aung Soe Min's artists sell internationally and he nurtures rising talents from all over Myanmar. Everyone will able to find something for themselves here: portraits, landscapes, and abstract works, mostly in acrylics. If you buy to purchase a large canvas, it can be taken off its wooden stretcher and rolled up to transport back home at ease. Address: 1st Floor, 286 Pansodan Street, Kyauktada Township, Yangon Contact: 00 95 9 513 0846; pansodan.com Getting there: walk or take a taxi Opening times: daily, 10am-6pm Payment type: credit cards accepted 3. Bogyoke Aung San MarketThe Market is always included in the must-visit destination list of Yangon when you have a Myanmar travel. Built by the British in 1926, the market was considered as the larger and oriental version of London’s Covent Garden market. It’s now largely given over to stalls designed to draw tourists: woodcarving from Mandalay, lacquerware from Bagan and woven textiles from the Chin and Naga tribes. Friendly saleswomen will size you up for a traditional longyi skirt and blouse, made-to-measure upstairs in minutes. Make your outfit more perfect with a pair of traditional velvet slippers which are sold on the south side. Along the west side is a range of antique shops although much is new-made-old these days. On the south side are also several currency shops with goods with good rates for changing dollars into kyats. Do not pay attention to the roving moneychangers. Address: Bogyoke Aung San Road, Yangon Contact: bogyokemarket.com Getting there: walk or take a taxi Opening times: Tue-Sun, 8.30am-4.30pm Payment type: credit cards not accepted 4. PomeloEvery visitor in their tours to Myanmar should buy something at this fair-trade shop. It sells extremely high-quality crafts made by some of the most disadvantaged people in the country: orphans, destitute families, and AIDS sufferers. Here you can buy soft toys made by convent girls, silk purses by AIDS sufferers from troubled Rakhine state, cross-stitched iPad cases designed by Shan villagers as well as hand-woven fabrics, homewares, and jewelry. Support handloom weaving among the Chin tribe by purchasing a Sone-Tu table runner. Address: 89 Thein Phyu Road, Yangon Contact: pomeloyangon.com Getting there: take a taxi or walk Opening times: daily, 10am-9pm Payment type: credit cards not accepted 5. Myanmar LacquerwareLacquerware is considered one of the most typical souvenirs visitors bring back from their tours to Myanmar. The shop sells a large selection of well-made bowls, plates, trays and boxes in both traditional and modern styles at very affordable price. The simple black lacquer bowls lined with gold leaf, the most beautiful items, costs only $10 here while they cost US $40 in Bagan. Lacquerware chips and cracks easily so it’s better for you to ask staff to pack it and take it back as hand luggage if you can. The staff are very helpful and speak English quite well so you don't need to worry about communication when having Burma tours. Address: 7, 13th Street, Yangon Contact: 00 95 1 226261; myanmarlacquerware.com Getting there: take a taxi or walk Opening times: Mon-Sat, 9.30am-5pm Payment type: credit cards not accepted Besides these above-mentioned addresses, there are a lot of other ideal places to shop in Burma which are described in our next articles. Purchasing a meaningful item in your tours to Myanmar will be a wonderful way to keep the best Myanmar’s characteristics. Source: http://ancharm-myanmar.com/travel-guide/travel-experiences/go-shopping-tours-myanmar/ The Irrawaddy River (also known as Ayeyarwady River) flows through the heart of Myanmar, with some of the country’s most iconic sights located on its banks. Here are top 6 reasons why taking a river cruise Burma on the Irrawaddy is so special, with useful tips and opinions from tourists who have enjoyed this remarkable voyage for themselves1. A window onto real lifeNow matter when you go in Myanmar, the warmth and hospitability of the locals will surprise you. However, when making a visit to remote communities along the Irrawaddy River, who may see a small number of international visitors a month, their keenness excitement to meet and interact with travelers is all the more special. Visiting these remote riverside communities, you can be sure what you see and experience is the locals’ real lifestyle – nothing is “performed” for visitors. Paul, a UK traveler, shares his own idea about this phenomenon that when you cruise Burma, you have an opportunity to explore a different side of a country. Seen from the river, where people have very little contact with tourists, the interaction with the locals (especially the children) is a much more genuine and unforgettable experience. 2. Get off the beaten trackA river cruise Burma takes you to many remote locations totally cut off from the outside world, and only accessible from the water. Cruising the Irrawaddy River allows access to the real Myanmar, and visit communities and beautiful landscapes unfamiliar to most tourists during their Myanmar travel. Places such as Yandabo, a picturesque community famous for its incredible pottery, and Hpowindaung, a unique Buddhist cave complex, are unlikely to be included in the itineraries of land-based travelers but can be easily reached from the river. 3. See the sights from a different perspectiveMyanmar houses countless incomparable sights, from majestic ancient temples in Bagan, to the sparkling Shwedagon Pagoda, but few can admire these incredible places from the water. Making a river cruise Burma on the Irrawaddy enables you to gain a new perspective on these iconic sights, as Liz from USA found in her journey last year: “The highlight in Myanmar for me was spending a day around the temples of Bagan and then getting to see them all dotted along the river banks as we sailed onwards, to see them from that perspective was really something. Plus you can view it all from the comfort of your cabin or from the top deck or even when in the pool!” 4. Spend time sightseeing, not packingIf you want to see and experience all of Myanmar, moving from place to place daily, but you have been bored to death with packing and unpacking every day, then a river cruise Burma is for you! Why you have to waste your valuable time check in and check out hotels while you can spend that time going out and exploring the charming country. On your cruises on the Irrawaddy River, these quandaries no longer happen. You just get into your ship, unpack once, and spend the rest of your time exploring the interesting destination. 5. Relax, everything is taken care ofOn a river cruise Burma, you can relax and enjoy your Burma tours, feel comfortable in the knowledge that everything from touring and excursions, to meals and entertainment, is taken care of. Drinking and dining are commonly included in your voyage cost – no dashing back to your cabin to take your wallet, no deliberating over which restaurant to choose – you can just sit back and what the go by from the riverbank. 6. Get to know your hostsInstead of moving from hotel to hotel and contacting totally strange staff, on a river cruise you will get to know the on-board crew and staff by the end of your journey. Not only will you quickly be on first-name terms, but they will be able to serve perfect services without even asking, from knowing your favorite wine, to being able to recommend a dish from the menu which they think you might be interested in. Are these reasons enough for you to cruise Burma on the Irrawaddy? In fact, once you travel to Myanmar, you will realize that too many reasons are not necessary as the only reason that Myanmar is so enchanting is enough persuasive. See more: https://www.reddit.com/user/Renaudtrave/ The boat floats in the middle of the river; on the river banks are beautiful quite villages. Magnificent temples appear in the distance and space is full of golden and red light. The picturesque scenery like that is one of the numberless memorable moments visitors can catch in their Irrawaddy River cruise holidays. If you desire to have your river cruise on the Irrawaddy in style, there are a lot of travel companies offering various ships for your voyage. We recommend some of the popular ones so that you can choose the river cruise ship which is most suitable for your want and need.Belmond - Road to Mandalay The Road to Mandalay offers three- to 11-night itineraries from Yangon in the south to the town of Bhamo, only 50 miles in the north to the Chinese border. The ship started to cruise the Irrawaddy River in 1996. It was refurbished in 2008 after being damaged by Cyclone Nargis, and guest capacity reduced to 82 passengers to increase space and comfort. Road to Mandalay is more like a floating boutique hotel than a big river cruise ship. Overall décor is light and airy, combined with local carvings and antiques. The ship comprises 40 luxurious cabins, with TV, DVD, wardrobe, and bathrooms with showers. There is also an Observation Deck with swimming pool, and gourmet dining, including both Western and Eastern menus. In addition, a gym and a small spa provide guests with various services. Ship Facts: Crew: 87 Launched: 1996 Decks: 4 Tonnage: 900 Passengers: 82 See more: https://laurachiset.tumblr.com/ Belmond – Orcaella Orcaella, the baby sister of Road to Mandalay, offer the similar itineraries to its sister. The river cruise ship was created by local craftsmen in Yangon, and the elegant interior was designed by Francois Greck -- a French-born architect who now lives in Asia. The ship has 25 spacious staterooms with private bathrooms, of which four are interconnecting and 17 are suites. The amenities include flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations, DVD players and air-conditioning. Meals are served in the main restaurant on the Upper Deck, and lunch can be served alfresco on the Observation Deck if the weather is fine. Afternoon tea is served in the Piano Bar (Upper Deck), and early-morning tea and coffee can be served in cabins on request. Tea, coffee and bottled water are free of charge and available at all times. There are also a fitness center, spa and splash pool on the Observation Deck which can be a highlight for your Myanmar travel. Moreover, a shop, hair salon and medical facility with an onboard doctor are present on the ship. The river cruise ship is ready for use from July to December and January to April. The price included all meals, excursions, transfers and domestic flights. Ship Facts Crew: 58 Launched: 2013 Decks: 4 Tonnage: 200 feet Passengers: 50 Sanctuary Retreats - Sanctuary Ananda Sanctuary Ananda sails on eight itineraries, from three-night cruises between Bagan and Mandalay to 11-night ones along the Irrawaddy and Chindwin rivers. The river cruise ship comprises 21 cabins, located on three decks, of which 4 are Luxury staterooms. All staterooms have balconies with room to sit outside. The cabins are decorated with local fabrics, wood and lacquerware and vintage photography on the walls; they have iPod docking station and iPad connectivity, personal electronic safety deposit boxes and air-conditioning. Meals are served in the main dining room, Talifoo Restaurant, and alfresco lunch is available in the Mindoon Restaurant. On the upper Bhamo Deck is Kansi panorama lounge, a sun deck and plunge pool. There is also the Thambayadine Spa, where local treatments and massages are available. All meals, soft drinks, local beer and guided sightseeing are included in the cost of Sanctuary Retreats. Both domestic and international flights are not included. Ship Facts Crew: 45 Launched: Late 2014 Decks: 4 Tonnage: 200 feet Passengers: 46 adults, plus 4 children Pandaw – Seven river cruise shipsPandaw pioneered cruises on the Irrawaddy River in the 1990s. The fleet of seven ships sail one-, two-, seven-, 10-, 14- and 20-night Burma itineraries on the Irrawaddy and Chindwin rivers: RV Indochina Pandaw (60 passengers), RV Orient Pandaw (60 passengers), RV Pandaw 2 (48 passengers, RV Kindat Pandaw (40 passengers), RV Kalaw Pandaw (40 passengers), RV Katha Pandaw (32 passengers), and RY Kalay Pandaw (10 passengers). Tea, coffee, beer, soft drinks, and domestic spirits are free of charge and served at the bar/library on the upper deck. Having Irrawaddy River cruise holidays in style during your Burma tours may be not easy for all tourists as the price is relatively high. But you will able to have the best time with perfect services on a luxurious river cruise ship in exchange. The Irrawaddy River (also known as Ayeyarwady River) is the largest river and the most important commercial waterway in Burma. In recent years, together with the general development of Myanmar tourism, the river has attracted more and more travelers all over the world. There are a lot of different itineraries for an Irrawaddy River cruise offered by various travel agencies. We recommend some of those popular so that you can choose the one which is most suitable for your taste and time.Popular Irrawaddy River Cruise ItinerariesThree to Four Nights: The river cruise itineraries between Mandalay and Bagan are the most important. These journeys usually last three or four days and give a wonderful taste of this magical country and its serene river. The initial and final points, Mandalay and Bagan, are two of most culturally significant sites in Burma. You will be able to experience Burmese daily life and culture during organized excursions offered on the extended stays in both cities. Seven Nights: A number of travel agencies are also offering longer voyages from Bagan to Yangon (and vice versa), while other run their vessels from the city of Pyay, situated between Yangon and Bagan. The longer Ayeyarwady river cruise gives a true immersion into the contrasts of this country and visits the places which remain unfamiliar to mass tourism, such as Magwe with its famous Myathalon Pagoda. Longer Voyages: Even more remote areas can be experienced during an 11- or 12-night Irrawaddy river cruise through the gorges of the river upper reaches. Several of these sailings head north from Mandalay and Bagan to Bhamo, which is just 30 miles south of the border of China. Recently, a range of luxury vessels has begun their adventurous voyages to the Chindwin River. These longer duration journeys reach as far north as Homalin close to the border of India and are seasonally held because of the challenges posed by the ever-changing river conditions. See more: http://voyageaubirmanie.kinja.com/ Irrawaddy River Cruise Port HighlightsBagan: The ancient city of Bagan, the former capital of the Burmese empire, is the spiritual heart of Burma. In a period of three centuries (the 11th-century to the end of the 13th-century), devout Burmese monarchs built over 4,000 temples across a 20 square-mile area. Although many of the original pagodas have been devastated and ruined by time, there are more than 2,200 ones rising from the dusty terrain. In this mysterious city, white stupas contrast with red-brick temples, some soaring 180 feet in height with sophisticated terraces, porticos, and carvings. Come and have a Myanmar travel to explore by yourself. Mandalay: The city was once the royal capital of Burma, and now is a cosmopolitan city. King Mindon, who ruled from 1853 to 1878, originally named the city Yadanapon, which means “the city of Gems” in the Burmese language, and then the city was renamed after Mandalay Hill located in the northeast of the city. You can visit the famous attractions of Mandalay such as Kuthodaw Pagoda, where 729 pillars are inscribed with Buddhist Tripitaka scriptures; the Golden Palace Monastery with its elaborate wood carving; the hills full of pagodas in Sagaing, the spiritual capital of Burma; and Mingun, home to the largest 'ringing bell' in the world. Yangon: The incomparable Shwedagon Pagoda, the jewel of Yangon with gilded temples, stupas, and statues, is the first must-visit destination in the city. The heady air is filled with the sound of chanting and incense. Barefoot pilgrims and monks in maroon outfits donate offerings of fruit and flowers. The ancient Sule Pagoda is also an attractive site in the city full of golden pagodas. Built in 1920, the busy 70-year-old Bogyoke Market is a massive bazaar that sells everything from wood carvings to brightly-colored fabrics and tapestries. Pyay: The city is another highlight on the Irrawaddy river cruise or your Burma tours. You can make a visit to the Shwe Myet Hman pagoda to see the unique Buddha wearing gold sunglasses. At the old city of Thayekhittata, discover a wealth of stupas in different sizes built between the 4th and the 13th centuries. The Shwesandaw Paya temple is famous for housing what are said to be Buddha's hair and also one of his teeth, whose form is like a golden bell and is publicized only during the full-moon festival in November. Whether you choose a short or long itinerary, your river cuisine will be a wonderful opportunity to discover the charming and friendly Myanmar. The Irrawaddy River (also known as the Ayeyarwady River) has shaped Burma's history; it is not only the country’s economic lifeblood but also the indispensable part of the Burmese spiritual life. Cruises on the Irrawaddy River offer travelers the great opportunity to contemplate incomparable scenery and explore the simple daily life of Burmese people along the river. If you strongly feel that you must travel to the majestic river, here is some practical information for you to have a successful tourist experience.Best time for cruises on the Irrawaddy RiverIt’s better for you to visit the river during cool, dry season between November and February. It’s warm in the daytime but gets cooler at night. In March, the temperature and humidity level are dramatically higher. The rainy season lasts nearly 5 months, from late May through October. Due to the water levels of the Irrawaddy, the best time for cruises on the Irrawaddy River between Mandalay and Bagan runs from September through to April. Longer river cruises between Yangon (in the south) and Bagan and Mandalay (in the north) also happen at the same time. The voyages on the Chindwin River are undertaken in July, August, and September, while the in-depth journeys to Bhamo operate in August and September. See more: http://voyagevietnam2018.blogspot.com Irrawaddy River Cruise LinesPandaw (pandawexpeditions.co.uk, 0208 326 5620) has pioneered cruises on the Irrawaddy River since the 1990s, and Pandaw River Cruises has an atmospheric fleet of vessels. Besides, Belmond (formerly Orient Express) has both the acclaimed Road to Mandalay and the Orcaella which is luxury and boutique in style. Sanctuary Retreats operates the brand-new Sanctuary Ananda. Both Scenic and Vantage use the Irrawaddy Explorer, and Grand Circle Cruise Lines sells Ayravatacruises, aboard the traditional R/V Paukan. Tips for cruises on the Irrawaddy RiverVisa: All visitors to Myanmar can require and obtain their visas through local consulates. From 2014, citizens of 100 countries can apply online for a tourist e-visa for entry by air via Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi using an online application form. It costs US $50 and takes five working days for processing, and applicants will receive an eVisa Approval Letter, which is valid for 90 days. Bring cash with yourself for Myanmar travel: Only a number of luxury hotels and upmarket restaurants in Myanmar accept credit payment. As a result, bring cash with me is very necessary for Burma travels in general and cruises on the Irrawaddy River in particular. Although US dollar is widely used in Burma, only the Burmese currency, Kyat, is accepted in some particular places, and you can change your money for Kyat at your hotels/guesthouses, airports or banks. The exchange rate hovers around 980 Kyats to the dollar; however, many Burmese people apply 1000 Kyats against one dollar in common transactions. Look for packages: Most river cruise operators offer ones including international flights into Mandalay or Yangon, as well as pre- and post-cruise hotels. It’s better for you to take advantage of these since you can rarely book online domestic flights from Yangon to Mandalay or Bagan and the flights are subject to change at short notice. Pre and post tours: Ask your tour representatives to suggest independent sightseeing tours. Pre- and post-cruise extension tours include a few days staying at the peaceful Inle Lake, where you can discover the unique culture of ethnic minority groups surrounding the lake, and admire the stunning natural scenery as well as ancient pagodas. Alternatively, do a relaxing stay at Ngapali, the most unspoiled beach in Myanmar, where you can swim or fish in the crystal-clear waters, enjoying fresh seafood or rejuvenate yourself with spa treatments. Show respect: Myanmar is quite conservative in dressing under the Buddhist impacts. Shoulders and knees must be covered when visiting temples or religious sites. Sandals and flip-flop are a good idea because shoes and socks must be removed before entering temples and pagodas. Due to high temperature and humidity, clothes made of lightweight materials such as cotton are recommended. As it can cool down in the evenings between October and February, it’s better for you to take jacket or light wrap. Sunglasses, sunhats, sunscreen and mosquito repellent are very necessary. If malaria-preventing medicines are recommended or required on your river cruise, ask the tour operator. Cruises on the Irrawaddy River may be one of the most memorable parts in your Burma tours. Pay attention to the information about weather conditions, cultural differences, and other tips so that you will be able to have a wonderful trip. Being the longest river in South Asia, Mekong River is characterized by the second richest biodiversity in the world, just after that of the Amazon, which includes 20,000 species of plants, 430 of mammals, 1,200 of birds, 850 of fishes and 800 of reptiles. A Mekong river tour is the great opportunity to admire the incredible scenery and discover local discover the local daily life along the river. If you are planning for your Mekong River cruises 2017, we will recommend the popular itineraries as a useful reference for you.Best Time for Mekong River cruises 2017Although Mekong River itineraries are offered for most of the year, an ideal time to make your trip is during the winter, from November to February. The reason is that it’s cooler (although still plenty hot) and the rainy season, from July to October, has finished. But even during the rainy season, a Mekong river tour is not such a bad choice that rains typically last only 30 minutes or so. As the water levels of Lake Tonle Sap in Cambodia are seasonally affected, the itineraries of Mekong River cruises 2017 may be altered. The river reaches its highest water level in September. There is a strange fact that the Tonle Sap River linking the lake and the Mekong River together reverses its flow during flooding periods. The surge of river water makes the lake’s size six-fold larger and transforms it into one of the most productive fisheries in the world. See more: https://blogsportugal.com/perfil/voyagebirmanie Popular itineraries of Mekong River cruises 2017A Mekong river tour is commonly made as part of a long land trip (two weeks or more), including several nights in hotels and other overnights aboard ship. Therefore, you should consider thoroughly the total package when choosing your cruise for a Myanmar travel. If you want only the portion of a river cruise, look for a seven-night trip such as the one offered by Avalon Waterways. Most Mekong River cruises start and end in Vietnam. The initial point is Hanoi and the final one is Ho Chi Minh City (popularly called Saigon) or vice versa. Included in the itineraries are a flight to Siem Reap and a sail on the Mekong, with ports in Vietnam and Cambodia. In general, the itineraries are quite similar, consisting of the abovementioned cities and Phnom Penh, plus important temples; famous sites such as the Hanoi Museum of Ethnology and the Killing Fields; and major markets and rural villages along the Mekong. It’s slightly different from them in terms of stops; for example, a visit to a local orphanage in Kampong Cham is included in the tours of Viking River Cruises as the company supports the orphanage, while AmaWaterways adds a stop at the English-language school in Ta Toum that they sponsor. All lines offer an opportunity to shop for local handicrafts, such as weaving, silver and lacquer pieces, but the exact addresses of shopping may be different. If you feel very necessary to see Ha Long Bay (one of the best world’s natural wonder) in your Mekong River cruises 2017, note that some lines include the bay in their basic itineraries, such as AmaWaterways. Other lines offer Ha Long Bay as an additional choice to their cruise, and you have to pay an extra fee. Bangkok is another popular extension. For most travelers, it takes a long time (several hours) by air to get to Southeast Asia, so stay as long as you can and see as much as you can as long as budget and time permit. Mekong River Cruise LinesThe major river cruise lines offer a variety of Mekong tours in Cambodia and Vietnam. These include Avalon Waterways, Pandaw, AmaWaterways, Uniworld, CroisiEurope Aqua Expeditions, Vantage Deluxe World Travel and Viking Cruises. As the itineraries are quite similar among the cruise lines, the best strategy to choose a suitable Mekong River tour for you is taking a look at your budget and the services included in the cruise fare for your Burma tours. Uniworld, for instance, provides beer and wine throughout the day while the others offer free beer and wine at dinner (and possibly lunch as well). Be a smart customer to have a comfortable and pleasant trip! A river cruise in Asia is something really special for those with a spirit of advance to admire stunning natural landscapes and unique local cultures. The big three for Asia's river cruise regions are the Irrawaddy in Myanmar, the Yangtze in China and the Mekong in Myanmar, Vietnam, and Cambodia. In the scope of this article, we provide you with the useful information about a Mekong river cruise so that you will be able to have a successful trip.General informationThe Mekong River is the longest in South Asia, at 4,350 km (2,700 miles). The Upper Mekong rises in the Tsinghai province of China and flows through Yunnan province and the eastern part of the Tibet Autonomous Region. The Lower Mekong forms part of the border between Myanmar and Laos, and between Laos and Thailand. Vientiane and Phnom Penh, the capitals of Laos and Cambodia respectively, are both directly located on the banks of the river, which flows into the South China Sea to the South of Ho Chi Minh city (formerly Saigon), Vietnam. Mekong river cruise has increasingly chosen by long-haul travelers, and with it, the choice of type and style of ship and itineraries. The typical itinerary of a Mekong river cruise is to travel between Siem Reap in northwest Cambodia, gateway to the Angkor region, and Phnom Penh, or between Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City. The route is full of prosperous cities, peaceful rural communities, floating villages such as Kompong Luong, floating markets, pagodas, and temples and endless rice paddies. A highlight is a visit to Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, a magnificent 12th-century stone structure and beehive-like towers which built in the jungle near Siem Reap. You could visit the temple complex twice or three times but sunrise or sunset visit is best to avoid both crowds and hot weather during your Myanmar travel. Two typical itinerariesThree-day cruise From Siem Reap, cruise to Chnok Trou (floating village), Kampong Chnang, Kompong Tralech, Koh Chen and end at Phnom Penh. The itinerary may be altered by low water in Tonle Sap Lake. Seven-day cruise From Siem Reap, cruise to Chnok Tru, Kompong Chnang, Kompong Tralach, Phnom Penh, Koh Dek Chau, Chau Doc, Vinh Long, Cai Be, My Theo and end at Ho Chi Minh City. Mekong river cruise tipsBeware of an intestinal upset: Facing stomach issues is an unfortunate fact for a lot of Westerners who visit this region. Even if you're careful to brush your teeth with bottled water only and avoid street food, it can occur. It’s better for you to remedies such as loperamide (Imodium) so that you can minimize discomfort and have a pleasant trip. Don't forget insect repellent: Fire ants and tiny gnats and can be bothersome (especially around temples) even during the day, so preparing the bug spray is popular indeed. Don't pet the monkeys and the dogs: These animals very cute, but they may make you infected with rabies, and the dogs can bite. Learn how to cross the street in Vietnam. In the major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, crossing the street is an adventurous challenge. Crosswalks (zebras, as they're called here) are useless. You should wait until there are no cars or trucks coming, and then step firmly and calmly into the street and cross it. Another solution for you is to wait until a local family crosses, and then merge into their group. Plan for heat: Even in the "cool" season, the temperature in the Mekong Delta is very high. Wear loose clothes and avoid jeans and leggings during Burma tours. Pack extra tops or shirts as you won’t have multiple other choices out of them. Be an adventurous -- but smart – eater: A Mekong river cruise may be certainly a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the appetizing local food, especially Pho (noodle soup). Prices are very, even in big cities. However, watch out when purchasing food from street vendors, particular ice in drinks dairy products, salads, and fruit. Unlike road trips, a river cruise may be a little adventurous. As a result, finding information thoroughly and preparing carefully before your traveling will ensure you a success when you cruise Mekong. See more:http://voaygevietnam.kinja.com/ You may hear the rumors that Myanmar tours and travel are expensive and you will always take money out of the wallet during your Burma tours. Generally, these rumors are a little true as most popular tourist destinations in Myanmar, mostly religious sites, will cost you a fee to enter. However, there are wonderful places to visit without any entrance fee. Remember these to reduce the cost of your Myanmar tours, particularly if you want to make cheap Myanmar tours.Chauk Htat Gyi PagodaIn the pagoda is located one of the largest Buddhas in the world, which is 65m long and beautifully sculpted with 108 sacred symbols drawn on the soles of the feet (all are explained in English). The Buddha is created in a feminine form with blue eye shadow, long eyelashes made of steel wire and pink nails. There is a monastery here and you will see monks returning with food donated by local homeowners in the mid-morning. On the other site of the way is Nga Htat Gyi Pagoda, containing sitting Buddha made in 1990. Address: Shwegondaing Road, Tamwe Township Getting there: take a taxi Opening times: daily, 6am-8pm See more: http://www.mon-premier-blog.fr/voyagevietnam/ Shwe Yaunghwe KyaungIf most travelers consider Inle Lake as the most must-visit destination in Myanmar tours and travel, this monastery by the lake will make the trip to Inle Lake more interesting. The 200-year-old teak Ordination Hall has a magnificent carved wood ceiling and unusual oval windows. In the monastery are thousands of Buddha images, leading to a room full of colored glass mosaics illustrating Buddhist stories. As the light is poor in some areas, you should visit there in the mid-morning and bring with yourself a torch. Address: North of Nyaungshwe Getting there: cycle or walk from Nyaungshwe Opening times: daily, 8am-6pm Mahamuni Buddha TempleTravelers to Mandalay in their Myanmar tours and travel hardly neglect this temple, which has been covered in tons of gold leaf since the 14th century. Every day, a constant stream of pilgrims come to worship, dance and chant in the temple precincts. Beautiful 19th-century murals in the south and west corridors are worth contemplating. There are souvenirs stalls aimed at pilgrims outside the temple, selling some weird mechanical toys made by the Chinese. Address: 82nd Street, Mandalay Getting there: take a taxi Opening times: always open U Bein BridgeU Bein is the longest teak bridge in the world, which is 1,200m long. The bridge was built in 1894, from more than a thousand teak columns taken from the royal palace in nearby Ava. Although some of the teak posts have been replaced by concrete ones, most are originals. Come there at sunrise to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and witness the line of workers breakfast-snack sellers and monks crossing the timbers of the bridge. At sunset, a magnificent color of mixing red and yellow covers the whole of space on the lake, creating an unforgettable moment in visitors’ Myanmar tours and travel. It takes 30 minutes driving from Mandalay to the bridge. Address: Thaung Tha Man Lake, Amarapura Getting there: take a taxi Lintha Village WalkThe fishing village of Lintha is situated around the headland from the hotel strip on Ngapali Beach. Several years ago, a British woman established a school which teaches English to a high standard here. You can visit the school and talk to the students. Along the main street is a library where the donations of books are always welcomed. Residents in the village are very friendly and hospitable. You will able to meet a child who may take you home to meet his or her family. It’s heart-warming to see an enthusiastic village like that in the cold modern world. Address: Lintha Village, Ngapali Getting there: walk or cycle The free-to-visit destinations above are evidently against the bad rumor that you have to pay for everything in Myanmar tours and travel. Do not miss these in your trip! See more Myanmar travel Luxury Myanmar tours will bring you a unique experience in the country of golden pagodas. On a boat, on wheels, from the sky or simply on your feet, you can enjoy the most wonderful things of a charming Myanmar. Here are the most remarkable experiences we recommended for your Myanmar travel.Take hot-air balloon in BaganThe ancient city of Bagan is the home of more than 2,200 religious sites. If you are interested in discovering these majestic pagodas and temples in a very different way, it should be the time to take a hot air balloon experience in your luxury Myanmar tours. As your balloon flies up in the blue sky, the view offers a stunning and pristine watercolor painting. From the sky, you will realize how impressive Bagan is! Magnificent temples and pagodas, idyllic villages where people are doing their daily tasks, the Irrawaddy River winding through the landscape to the horizon, all create an unforgettable memory in your Myanmar tours. Let yourself by be enchanted by legendary manmade constructions and breathtaking natural beauty in your Burma trip. Have a boat journey to discover Inle LakeInle Lake may be the most famous tourist destination in Myanmar, located deep in Burma’s eastern Shan state. Gliding on the water on a local boat, you can admire the amazingly beautiful landscape, picturesque villages perched on stilts, chatting with locals and observing their daily life. During the boat trip, stop a moment to explore wonderful ancient monasteries and pagodas on the way. In addition, the view of the leg-rowing fisherman standing up on their boats to give a glimpse on the fishes under blue clear water is certainly one of the most unique and amazing ones in your Burma tours. In the morning time, you will see the farmers starting their work on their floating gardens, the children going to school and the monks preparing for prayers. In the afternoon, you can hear the sound of nature such as the birdsongs from the tree canopies and the splashes of water in the peaceful environment. Cross the U Bien Bridge at sunrise and sunsetYour luxury Myanmar tours seem not to be perfect if you do not cross the U Bien, the longest teak bridge in the world, which is of up to 1,200m over the Taungthaman Lake, near Amarapura – the ancient Burmese capital. U Bien Bridge is constructed in the mid-1800s on over a thousand teak piles. The bridge is crossed by local people every day to sell their products in the other side of the lake. In your trip to U Bien, get up to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere on the bridge over sunrise and admire a red and yellow dazzling sunset on the lake, which are memorable experiences in your lifetime. See more: http://blogs.ados.fr/voyagevietnam2017/ Ascend the Mount PopaMount Popa is a dramatic extinct volcano with 777 steps, located an hour driving from Bagan. Sacred Popa monastery entirely surrounded by sheer cliff faces offers stunning views stretching infinitely on the plains of the Bagan area and the Irrawaddy River. On the way of between 3 and 4-hour climbing, you can admire the splendid natural beauty of Myanmar adorned by colorful butterflies and flying birds. Starting a journey from old Bagan to Mount Popa, you will go through villages and rural farms where you can watch women making handicraft and their children playing around. Stop for lunch in a nice local restaurant and contemplate the wonderful view overlooking the volcano, and then start the ascent and explore the hidden treasures of Mount Popa. Try the horse cart in BaganHorse cart is a unique and original way to visit Bagan that you should not miss in your luxury Myanmar tours. Relax on a comfortable bench; enjoy the view from the open sides and listen your driver’s interesting stories and legends about ancient Burmese and the history of the temples. On your own path, you can decide to stop at anywhere to take pictures and explore a particular place. This flexible and ecological transport will take you to little villages where you will be able to enjoy a hot tea cup while taking with friendly locals. If intend to contemplate sunset or sunrise, your horse will take you to the most magnificent places to catch the breathtaking scenery of oranges and yellow colors illuminating the temples and covering the horizon. Luxury Myanmar tours are full of surprises and joys one you open your soul and mind to admire a range of cultural heritage and beautiful sites in the country. During your Burma trip, these experiences will give you the extraordinary freedom to discover amazing things. |
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