Burma_Feb 2017_ITIN

Burma FEBRUARY 15 – MARCH 2, 2017 TOUR LEADER: JUDY TENZING

The vast landscape of Bagan

Burma

Overview From its ancient origins in settlement by Hindu Sakyas from India, through millennia of spiritual and political change, Burma has emerged with all that is quintessentially Burmese intact and as enchanting and enriching as it has always been. This tour takes you into the heart of old Burma – the sleepy town of Nyaungshwe on the edge of Lake Inle, the last royal capital of Mandalay, the vast Buddhist pagoda-studded plain of Bagan, and the splendour of the great pagodas of Yangon. Each place offers up another layer of Burma’s complex past – a history that evokes all the romance of the East, from glorious golden kingdoms of old to centuries of colonial rule and eventually Burma’s emergence into the 21st century. Burma has much to teach us and on this tour we begin our learning journey.

Your tour leader Judy Tenzing has a lifelong passion for travel and over 30 years experience as a tour leader on the sub-continent and in Asia. Judy has a degree in South Asian History and has regularly presented courses at Sydney University’s Centre for Continuing Education on the history and culture of this remarkable region.

Tour dates: February 15 – March 2, 2017 Tour leader: Judy Tenzing Tour Price: $8,985 pp, twin share (land only) Single Supplement: $1,495 for sole use of double room Booking deposit: $500 per person Recommended airline: Singapore Airlines Maximum places: 20 Itinerary: Yangon (1 night), Lake Inle (3 nights), Maymyo (2 nights), Mandalay (3 nights), Ayeyerwaddy River (1 night), Bagan (3 nights), Yangon (2 nights) Date published: March 31, 2016

Judy’s interests in Southeast Asia are varied and while its history – from ancient times through the period of the Raj and post-independence – is her great passion, she is also keenly interested in, and has taught courses, on the role Aung San Suu Kyi and the emergence of democracy has played in Burma.

For Judy Burma’s emergence from a long military dictatorship into a fledgling democratic nation and Aung San Suu Kyi’s role in this is the single greatest issue facing the nation today. “It’s a question that’s on everyone’s mind. Suu Kyi will get around the constitutional issues of her leadership by, “leading from above”, creating a role for herself, above that of President or Prime Minister. Thus far, the overwhelming win for the National League for Democracy in the recent elections have been accepted by the ruling military. I think even the old guard can see that opening up offers more opportunity for all, including them. Plus they are an ageing group and the younger generations of the ruling elite have grown up more engaged with the broader world. Suu Kyi and the new government has a massive job ahead but everyone in Myanmar is cautiously optimistic. It’s an exciting time with tourism leading the way in showing all Burmese how a free Burma can move forward. It’s a fantastic time visit with tourists reaping the rewards of making a contribution to this transition.”

Since 2013, Judy has developed and led many successful tours to Burma and Academy Travel, always receiving wonderful feedback from her clients. A passenger on Judy’s most recent tour commented: “Judy Tenzing was an excellent tour leader and the tour was very well paced.

The accommodation choices were excellent.”

Enquiries and bookings For further information and to secure a place on this tour please contact Erin Laffin at Academy Travel on 9235 0023 or 1800 639 699 (outside Sydney) or email erin@academytravel.com.au

Dhammayangyi Phaya, Bagan

Dammayamgyi Phaya: The cursed pagoda The plains of Bagan are famously covered with over 2000 temples, which vary greatly in size, structure and architectural style.

During our time in Bagan, we encounter some of the larger and more beautifully decorated pagodas and temples, but also one that is steeped in intrigue and a murky history: Dhammayangyi Phaya.

Thought to have been constructed between 1167 and 1170 AD, Dhammayangyi is the legacy of one of the cruellest rulers in the history of Burma, King Narathu. While the temple is the largest on the plain, it is not the most impressive. A simple structure with a similar layout to Ananda Temple, the pagoda’s ground plan takes the shape of a Greek Cross with four entrance halls of equal size and a pyramidal structure rising above.

Legend claims that Narathu may have undertaken construction of the massive building as atonement for his sins although others attribute it to Narathu’s father, King Sithu I. He was a popular king who increased the prosperity of the kingdom through trade routes over land and sea. Sithu I was also a pious ruler, who practised Theravada Buddhism, undertook many acts of piety, and commissioned many religious monuments. Yet after Sithu fell ill, Narathu removed him from the palace and smothered him in his bed, denying his brother, Min Shin Shaw, the throne too by quickly despatching him with poison. Atonement for sins, indeed!

Now he was installed as king, Narathu continued construction on the grand monument. Skilled artisans used advanced techniques to lay each brick with a mortar using only mud, so the layers appear as one smooth wall and display some of the finest masonry and brick-laying work in Narathu’s kingdom. Narathu insisted that not even a pin should be able to penetrate the gaps between the bricks; masons who failed in this task were executed.

Meanwhile Narathu busied himself with dynastic succession, marrying an Indian princess, Pe-thida, who had been sent as a tribute to his father King Sithu by the chief of Pateikkhaya (a state in modern-day West Bengal). Pe-thida was a Hindu and her religious rituals angered Naruthu, whose murderous ways did not abate. He is said to have killed Pe-thida with his bare hands in a violent rage! Angered by the murder of his daughter, the chief of Pateikkhaya sent eight assassins disguised as Brahmin astrologers to kill the king. Hiding their swords under their robes, they quickly dispatched Naruthu and promptly committed suicide.

Today, the inner halls and passage ways of Dhammayangyi are filled with rubble. Some suggest that construction workers did this out of contempt for the evil king, when construction was halted. Narathu’s death, the ending to this tragic tale, thus seems to have signified that this mysterious temple, with its dark history, was never completed.

Tour Highlights  A magical sunset at the golden-domed Shwedagon Pagoda, the greatest in Burma  Exploring the monasteries, pagodas, floating villages and gardens all built on stilts over Lake Inle  Roaming through the magnificent National Botanic Gardens in Maymyo, with its four-acre orchid garden  The old royal capital of Mandalay with its teak monasteries, the U Bein Bridge and the world’s largest book  An overnight cruise meandering along the Ayeyarwady River aboard the Irrawaddy Princess  The amazing pagoda-studded plains of Bagan with over 2000 individual temples, each unique in design and decoration  A step back to the colonial era with tea at the Strand Hotel  Witness a tradition of fine arts and culture with a performance of the Mandalay Marionettes and superb lacquer ware craftsmanship in Bagan  Colonial architecture and history, a remnant of the British Raj in Maymyo and Yangon Above: Glittering Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon

Above: A parasol is a monks only accessory

Above: U Bein Bridge is the longest teak bridge in the world

Above: Vegetable gardens thrive floating on Lake Inle

Detailed itinerary Included meals are shown with the symbols B, L and D. Wednesday 15 February Arrive in Yangon

A transfer from Yangon airport to our hotel will be available for those who have booked flights through Academy Travel.

Thursday 16 February Yangon

After a morning tour briefing, we begin our explorations with a tour of Yangon’s British era buildings including City Hall, Central Telegraph office and the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company, the heart of colonial architecture in Yangon. We take tea in style at the elegant Strand hotel before a welcome lunch in a local restaurant. This afternoon we visit the home of former General Aung San, a Burmese revolutionary and hero responsible for bringing Myanmar independence from British rule. The highlight of any trip to Yangon is a visit to the famed Shwedagon Pagoda, the largest and most significant in Myanmar. We visit at the end of the day when the sunset casts a brilliant light over the gold stupa and onto the temple platform below. (B, L) Friday 17 February Yangon to Lake Inle

Today we take a morning flight to Heho and drive to Nyaungshwe, the major township of the Inle Lake region where we stop for lunch. En route we will visit the Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery, built from teak and more than 150 years old it features oval shaped windows which are unusual for this style of building. Continuing to our lakeside hotel, we check in and have some free time to relax before dinner. (B, L, D) Saturday 18 February On Lake Inle

We spend the day exploring the lake which covers an area of 116 square kilometres. We see the famed leg-rowers casting their nets and visit the thriving silk weaving village of In Phaw Khon, the floating gardens, local markets and entire communities built on stilts. After lunch in a local restaurant we visit the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda housing five sacred and almost shapeless Buddha images. (B, L, D) Sunday 19 February Indein

We set out this morning by boat to the small village of Indein, famed for its ancient stupas. We visit the crumbling stupas known as Nyuang Ohak and the main complex of Shwe Inn Thein, weather beaten but largely still intact. After lunch at a local restaurant we return to by boat to our hotel.

(B, L, D)

monday 20 february To MAymyo

This morning we head to Heho Airport and take a flight to Mandalay before the one hour drive to our hotel in Maymyo.

This afternoon we visit some of the old colonial buildings, such as the British Garrison Church and Candecraig, the former British Officers club. (B, L, D) tuesday 21 february In Maymyo

We spend the morning exploring the magnificent National Botanic Gardens, established in 1915. There are over 480 species of flowers, shrubs and trees, including a stunning four-acre orchid garden. The afternoon includes a relaxed wander about the small town centre, and a drive past some of the beautifully maintained old residences of the British Raj era. (B, L, D) wednesday 22 february To MAndalay

This morning we return to Mandalay. After checking in to the hotel, there is free time to relax before a visit to Amarapura the "City of Immortals". Amarapura was the capital of upper Myanmar before Mandalay, and is known today for its traditional silk and cotton weaving and for its bronze casting artisans. We visit the Bagaya Kyaung - a wooden monastery founded by King Mindon and the famous U Bein Bridge -150 years old and the longest teak bridge in the world. (B, D) thursday 23 february tour to MIngun

This morning we travel by boat to Mingun, located on the west bank of the Ayeyarwady River, to the site of the Mingun Pahtodawgyi Pagoda. King Bodawpaya commenced construction of this monumental pagoda in 1790. It remains uncompleted however, due to an astrologer claiming that once the temple was finished, the king would die.

Consequently only the lower third of the structure was built.

The edifice was badly damaged from the earthquake of 1839 and large cracks are visible throughout the structure. King Bodawpaya also had the Mingun Bell, a gigantic bell cast to go with his huge stupa, and today it is the largest ringing bell in the world. (B, L) friday 24 february IN MANDALAY

Today commences with the Kuthodaw Pagoda, known as the world’s largest book. Constructed by King Mindon the complex houses a complete set of Buddhist texts inscribed by hand on alabaster and marble. Next we visit the Shwenandaw Monastery, famous for its intricate woodcarvings of Buddhist myths and legends. Originally built as a royal apartment for King Mindon, this ornate teak structure serves as a fragile reminder of the old Mandalay Palace and

Images clockwise top left: Stilted Houses are a way of life on Lake Inle; Pahtodawgyi Pagoda shows its cracks from the 1839 earthquake at Mingun; ornately carved teak designs adorn Shenandaw Monastery; crumbling stupas lean precariously at Indein; while the famous leg fisherman of Inle seek the catch of the day

is now a monastery. After lunch we visit the Maha Muni Pagoda which houses one of Myanmar’s most revered Buddha images and see the production of gold leaf in a local factory. This evening we attend a performance of the famous Mandalay Marionettes an extraordinary puppet troupe. (B, L) saturday 25 february ayeyarwady River

Today we embark on our overnight cruise down the Ayeyarwady to Bagan. We meander downstream to Bagan, stopping at the small village of Yandabo. There is time to explore before heading back to the boat and continuing the voyage downstream, mooring at a point on the riverbank for the night. (B, L, D) sunday 26 february Arrive Bagan

We disembark after breakfast and drive the short distance to the hotel, where we check in have time to freshen up before lunch. After lunch we explore some of the most significant of the 2,200 pagodas in Bagan. We begin with the Ananda temple continuing to the beautiful Htilominlo Pagoda known for its elaborate plaster mouldings and see the vibrant frescoes adorning the Gubyaukgyi Temple. (B, L, D) monday 27 february Mt Popa

After breakfast we drive to Mt Popa an extinct volcano that is home to Myanmar's most powerful "nats” – pre Buddhist animist spirits still worshipped by many Burmese. We visit the Nat Museum with its life-sized statues and enjoy lunch overlooking Mt Popa. Returning to Bagan we visit a lacquerware shop to see the various stages of the techniques of lacquer production. This particular artisan has been a guest exhibitor at the British Museum and his work is the very best in Myanmar. (B, L) tuesday 28 february in bagan

This morning we begin with the 11th century Shwezigon Pagoda, built by King Anawrahta founder of the first Burmese Empire. We also visit Dhammayangyi Phaya a massive walled temple and the largest in Bagan. (B, L) Wednesday 1 march to Yangon

We return to Yangon by air where the remainder of the day will be free to rest or make some last minute purchases before drinks and a final dinner in a local restaurant. (B, D) thursday 2 march Depart Yangon

Transfers will be arranged to Yangon airport to coincide with your flight for passengers booking their flights through Academy Travel. (B)

Temple Etiquette

Buddhist etiquette at active temples and pagodas dictates that you will need to remove your shoes and socks. In some cases this may require walking over stony or sandy ground for several metres before reaching the paved temple area. On some days we may go through this process several times a day particularly during our visit to Bagan. You are welcome to wait for the group outside the temple if you find this process uncomfortable.

Hotels Hotels on this tour are all of a very comfortable four- and five-star standard. The Shangri-La in Yangon is well located in the city centre and within walking distance to Bogyoke Markets. The Irrawaddy Princess is a locally owned and run boutique ship with 20 air-conditioned cabins with private bathrooms and hot and cold showers.  Yangon, Sule Shangri-La Hotel (2 nights) www.shangri-la.com/yangon/suleshangrila/  Lake Inle, Myanmar Treasure (3 nights) www.myanmartreasureresorts.com/  Maymyo, Pyin Oo Lwin Hotel (2 nights) www.hotelpyinoolwin.com/  Mandalay, Sedona Hotel (3 nights) www.sedonahotels.com.sg/mandalay/  Ayeyrwaddy Cruise, Irrawaddy Princess 2 (1 night) www.irrawaddyprincess2.com/  Bagan, Thiripyitsaya Resort (3 nights) www.thiripyitsaya-resort.com/  Yangon, Sule Shangri-La Hotel (1 night) www.shangri-la.com/yangon/suleshangrila/ * Hotels may be subject to change (to another hotel of equivalent quality). Any changes will be advised to all clients booked on the tour.

Images clockwise top left: Ananda Temple is known as Burma’s Westminster Abbey; even pigeons seek Buddha’s wise counsel at Shwedagon Pagoda; superb lacquerware is trademark of artisanal craftsmanship in Bagan; Mt Popa acts as a crown on an extinct volcano; Temples raise the heads in the morning light at Bagan

Tour Inclusions Included in the tour price  15 nights’ accommodation in carefully selected hotels  Economy class flights from Yangon to Heho, Heho to Mandalay, Bagan to Yangon  Overnight cruise from Mandalay to Bagan  All breakfasts, 12 lunches, and 9 dinners in hotels or local restaurants  Services of tour leader from arrival in Yangon to departure from Yangon  Services of an English-speaking Burmese guide  Background talks and tour notes  Land travel throughout by air-conditioned coach  All entrance fees to sites mentioned in itinerary  All tips to local guides, drivers and restaurants  Porterage of one piece of luggage at all hotels  Visa costs for Australian passport holders Not included in the tour price  International airfares  Travel insurance  Expenses of a personal nature, such as laundry, phone etc

Air travel The tour price quoted is for land content only. For this tour we recommend Singapore Airlines which offers daily flights into and out of Yangon from most Australian cities. Please contact us for the best possible prices on economy, business or first class fares. Transfers between airport and hotel are included for all passengers booking their flights through Academy Travel. These may be group or individual transfers.

Enquiries and bookings For further information and to secure a place on this tour please contact Erin Laffin at Academy Travel on 9235 0023 or 1800 639 699 (outside Sydney) or email erin@academytravel.com.au

Weather on Tour Burma has three distinct seasons and our tours are scheduled during the cool, dry months. February should see average daytime temperatures of between 26-31 degrees Celsius in the low lying regions of Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan. The mountainous regions of Maymyo and Inle vary between day and night with temperatures dropping close to zero in the early mornings and evening.

Fitness Requirements of THIS tour Grade Two It is important both for you and for your fellow travellers that you are fit enough to be able to enjoy all the activities on this tour. To give you an indication of the level of physical fitness required to participate on our tours, we have given them a star grading. Academy Travel’s tours tend to feature extended walking tours and site visits, which require greater fitness than coach touring. We ask you to carefully consider your ability to meet the physical demands of the tour.

Participation criteria for this tour This Grade Two tour is designed for people who lead active lives and can comfortably participate in up to five hours of physical activity per day on most days, including longer walking tours, challenging archaeological sites, climbing stairs, embarking and disembarking trains and/or boats, and a more demanding tour schedule with one night stops or several internal flights.

You should be able to:  keep up with the group at all times  walk for 4-5 kilometres at a moderate pace with only short breaks  stand for a reasonable length of time in galleries and museums  tolerate uncomfortable climatic conditions  walk up and down slopes  negotiate steps and slopes on archaeological sites, which are often uneven and unstable  get on and off a large coach with steep stairs, train or boat unassisted, possibly with luggage  move your luggage a short distance if required A note for older travellers If you are more than 80 years old, or have restricted mobility, it is highly likely that you will find this itinerary challenging.

You will have to miss several activities and will not get the full value of the tour. Your booking will not be accepted until after you have contacted Academy Travel to discuss your situation and the exact physical requirements of this tour.

While we will do our best to reasonably accommodate the physical needs of all group members, we reserve the right to refuse bookings if we feel that the requirements of the tour are too demanding for you and/or if local conditions mean we cannot reasonably accommodate your condition.