Itinerary Form

Itinerary Brief

Day 1 Arrive Bangkok
Day 2 Bangkok to Yangon
Day 3 Yangon
Day 4 Yangon to Inle Lake
Day 5 & 6 Inle Lake
Day 7 Inle to Kalaw
Day 8 Kalaw to Mandalay
Day 9 Mandalay
Day 10 to 12 Putao
Day 13 Mandalay to Monywa
Day 11 Monywa to Popa
Day 12 Popa to Bagan
Day 13 & 14 Bagan
Day 15 Bagan to Bangkok

Private custom tour focusing on the rich natural and cultural highlights of long-slumbering Myanmar (Burma), one of the last, unspoiled frontiers of Asia.

This trip will encompass popular highlights and far lesser known ones, along with unique activities, including emphasis on customs, arts, cuisine, religion at the heart of Myanmar, rural village life, and personal encounters where few tourists venture. The trip will sample some of the country's stunning diversity of landscapes, from the snow-capped mountains of the Burma Himalaya, pristine beaches along the west coast, over 800 islands in the Andaman Sea, great rivers, to the lowland plains around Bagan and Mandalay. Special focus on photography, with optimal times for shooting arranged throughout.

Cultural highlights include remote hilltribe encounters, rich and varied cuisine, including recommendations to a wide variety of the region's best restaurants, and the country's finest luxury hotels. Personal encounters (including home, school and monastery visits), always a highlight of travel in Myanmar, will be emphasized. Despite political unrest, the country is safe for foreigners and the Burmese people themselves welcome and delight in the opportunity to share their exceptionally beautiful and culturally fascinating country with travelers.

Professional English-speaking guides are top-tier university graduates and/or most-experienced and knowledgeable in their region or field. Regional Tour Director Doug Graham will monitor all aspects of the journey from Yangon and will be available by mobile phone at any time. Accommodations in Myanmar are a delightful surprise and this trip will feature the finest luxury properties, chosen for historical interest, character, amenities, location and/or staff and client favorites.

I T I N E R A R Y

Day 1

Bangkok to Yangon

Yangon Downtown

Upon arrival at Bangkok International Airport, transit within terminal to one-hour Thai Airways flight to Yangon (formerly Rangoon).

After arrival, meet escort and transfer to resort. Balance of afternoon free to relax at the resort after the long journey or, by preference, begin exploration of the busy old capital where decaying, majestic colonial-era buildings contrast with squalid shanty towns. Dinner in town or banquet with show at the resort. (B)

Note: Visa authorization form required for all travelers entering Myanmar. Authorization form will be sent to travelers by Indochina Travel about one week before your travels. Valid for 30 days entry.

Flight	Departure	Time	Arrival	Time	Remarks
TBD	Bangkok	TBD	Yangon	TBD	TBD

TBD (mobile, 24 hours)

Governor's Residence (Pansea), 35 Taw Win Road, Dagon, Tel: (951) 229860 (Governor's Room)

Yangon General Hospital, Lanmadaw Road, Tel: 283022

Day 2

Yangon

Shwedagon Pagoda

Exploration of the aged Yangon, including Chaukhtatkyi Pagoda, a colossal reclining Buddha; and the National Museum, rich with an abundance of artifacts and cultural exhibits of Myanmar, and the awe-inspiring Shwedagon Pagoda, followed by exploration of Botataung Pagoda which retains many ancient relics. Afterwards, lunch in Chinatown before exploring the historic Scott Market, a sprawling 75 year-old complex noted for its variety of handicrafts and other items from throughout the country. Afternoon tea at the historic Strand Hotel before retiring to resort for dinner. (B)

Yangon (Rangoon) is the largest city in Myanmar, with over four million inhabitants. Located in the Irrawaddy delta, it is surrounded by water on three sides. A legacy of the British presence in remains in structures that were built between the mid-19th century and the outbreak of World War II in 1940. Some Yangon hotels are located in old renovated buildings, including the Strand Hotel and Governors. The well-known Strand Hotel built in 1901 was at one time along with the Oriental Hotel in Bangkok, was one of the top Hotels in Southeast Asia. Restored and furbished with some modern-day amenities, the Strand still retains some original fittings such as teak wainscoting, ceiling fans, marble bathrooms, canopied beds and Burma works of art.

Day 3

Yangon to Inle Lake (via Heho)

Inle Lake

Leisurely breakfast at the hotel before returning to the airport for one-hour flight to Heho, located in the Shan State. After arrival, transfer by car to nearby Inle Lake. Located nearly 1,000 meters above sea level and nearly 60 miles long, the lake is surrounded by over two hundred villages marked by floating gardens. Highlights in this sublime setting include fisherman rowing in the one-legged style and floating villages. Another attraction is the unique ‘jumping cats’ monastery, Phaungdaw U Pagoda and cottage industries in the area. (B,L)

As well as supporting a significant trade in fishing, Inle Lake is one of the three fresh water lakes in the country serving as wildlife sanctuaries for the breeding of water birds and resting places for migratory waterfowl.

Flight	Departure	Time	Arrival	Time	Duration	Remarks
TBD	Yangon	TBD	Heho	TBD	1hr 15m	TBD

TBD (mobile, 24 hours)

Inle Princess Resort, Magyizin Village, Tel: (95 81) 29055 (Lake Front View)

Day 4

Inle Lake

Inle Lake

Today, exploration of Inle Lake by private boat, cruising past floating villages, fisherman and gardens hanging over the water, providing a multitude of unique photographic possibilities. Also, visiting the Nan Pan 5-Day Market if it is in the area, the largest market at Inle Lake, and continuing on to visit to Indein, a town with enchanting 16th century pagodas. Skilled silk weavers work in these floating villages, creating luxurious ikat silk with stunning pre-dyed, free flowing patterns. Also stopping to observe paper makers and other cottage industries by preference. In the afternoon, return to the resort to relax before dinner and sunset on the deck. (B)

Day 5

Inle Lake

Continued half-day sightseeing in around Inle Lake by preference. In the afternoon, a relaxing cruise on the lake at sunset before returning to resort for dinner. (B)

Day 6

Inle Lake to Kalaw

Palaaung Children near Kalaw

Today, venturing into the Kalaw Highlands on a road flanked by beautifully manicured fields where much of Myanmar’s produce comes from (two hours). Kalaw, a former British hillstation, sits at nearly 1,300 meters altitude and features colonial architecture and pastoral mountain scenery with expansive views of the area. Similar to the Cameron Highlands in Indonesia, Kalaw was a popular escape from the high heat on plains. The cooler region is also inhabited by a diversity of hilltribes, such as the colorful Pala'aung (right).

As well as taking in the highlights of the town, optional light hiking in the area to visit and meet hilltribes and the local market if it is market week in Kalaw (a traditional hilltribes market in the region that rotates between location over five days).

In the afternoon, return to the hotel to freshen up before dinner in town which offers several dining options. Overnight in Kalaw. (B,L)

Day 7

Kalaw to Mandalay

At the Nan Pan Market

After breakfast and brief visit to the local market, return to Heho for short flight to Mandalay, the country's spiritual capital of Kipling fame. Late afternoon exploring the heart of the town before dinner. (B,L)

Mandalay, the long-time spiritual capital of Myanmar and the final capital of the kingdom until British conquest in 1885. The city holds more picturesque sites than any other and some are unforgettable by the light of sunset, such as U-Bein Bridge, built from over 1,000 teak logs, and Mandalay Hill overlooking the palace and beyond. The arts and crafts are also richly represented, the city and surrounding towns forming the largest repository of arts and crafts in country. Artisans create tapestry, ivory, wood, marble and stone carving and engravings, silverware and bronze statues according tradition. Silk-weaving and gold-leaf making are also of interest.

Flight	Departure	Time	Arrival	Time	Duration	Remarks
W9 TBD	Heho	TBD	Mandalay	TBD	0hr 30m	Bagan Air

TBD (mobile, 24 hours)

Rupar Mandalar Resort, Corner of 53rd & 30th Streets, Tel: Tel: (952) 61555

Day 8

Mandalay

Mandalay Palace

After breakfast, traveling outside Mandalay to the former royal capital of Amarapura, including an interesting stop at the Mahagandayon Monastery, a school for novice monks. Also visit to U Bein Bridge, a 200 year-old bridge and the longest teak one in the world.

In the afternoon, sightseeing in central Mandalay, focusing on the outstanding, well-preserved pagodas including Mahamuni Pagoda, Shwe Inbin Monastery; Shwenandaw Monastery, noted for its exquisite wood carvings; Kuthodaw Pagoda, renowned for its stone slabs of the Buddhist scriptures. During our pagodas circuit, we'll pause to visit a family in their home to understand what life is like and has been in the second capital. Also witness gold leaf hammering which local craftsmen are known for, before hiking up Mandalay Hill for panoramic views of the city and palace at dusk. After, return to hotel to freshen up before dinner. (B,L)

Day 9

Mandalay to Putao

The Irrawaddy forms

Early morning flight to Putao in the northernmost Kachin State, unknown to most Burmese – remote, inaccessible and ringed by snow-capped Himalayan mountains. Putao, or Fort Hertz, was one of the British Empire's most remote outposts. Today, the area attracts rare adventurous travelers, lured by tales of rare species of orchids, the discovery of new breeds of snakes and the presence of the clouded leopard and the rare thakin. The area is also home to the world's only Mongoloid pygmies.

The Burmese Himalayas are the least-visited stretch of the Himalayas combining lush tropical forests with the cool mountain climates of the Himalayas. A veritable paradise on earth – cool streams, bucolic landscapes, and unjaded peoples of the Rawan, Lisu, Khamti-Shan, Jingphaw and Kachin hilltribes. Simple, direct, hard working, and hospitable, they make a living in the lower areas by growing paddy, fruits, roots and medical plants. Steep fields in the valleys around Putao are cultivated with gardens of hill rice, maize and millet within patches of colocasia, mixed with cereal crops, cucumbers, gourds and huge marrows. Grape fruit, American lime, Washington navel fruit, varieties of peaches, oranges, Ginseng and musk, are also grown. Many species of orchid and other exotic flora and fauna such as musk deer, takin and flying squirrel are native to this region.

Mirroring a similar course of the Mekong, the famed Irrawaddy River, lifeline of the Burmese people, flows down here from the Burma Himalayas springing forth in two rivulets, the Mae Kha and Mali Kha (Myitsone) Rivers and after a long, meandering journey empties its brown water into the Irrawaddy Delta and into the Andaman Sea around and west of Yangon.

Flight	Departure	Time	Arrival	Time	Duration	Remarks
W9 251	Mandalay	6:30 AM	Putao	10:35 AM	3hr 50m	Air Bagan

Malikha Lodge, Putao, Tel: (95-1) 513-300

Day 10 & 11

Putao

Free at leisure in Putao, with optional activities including rafting, hiking, cycling, elephant trekking, visiting remote villages and markets in the region by private jeep. (B)

Day 12

Putao to Mandalay

Free at leisure until return flight to Mandalay. Balance of day visiting secondary pagodas, markets and other attractions. At dusk, photography of the palace and city from Mandalay Hill before dinner. (B)

Flight	Departure	Time	Arrival	Time	Duration	Remarks
TBD	Putao	TBD	Mandalay	TBD	4hr 05m	Air Bagan

Day 13

Mandalay to Monywa

Thanboddhay Temple

After breakfast, transfer from Mandalay through Ondaw, west into the desert landscape of central Myanmar where lumbering bullock carts outnumber cars. Situated on the Chindwin River, this region is a major center of trade for agricultural produce. There are several interesting sites to explore on the way to the provincial capital of Monywa including a pagoda with over 300,000 Buddha images and a monumental reclining Buddha as well agrarian villages. The Thanboddhay Temple is Monywa's most famous sight (right). Dinner and accommodation in Monywa. (B)

Win Unity Hotel, Bogyoke Road, Tel: (95-71) 22438 (Deluxe Lake View)

Day 14

Monywa to Mount Popa

Mount Popa

Traveling south along the beautiful river valley, in the morning visit to Pho Win Taung and Shweba hilltribe villages. Afterwards, continue onto Pakkoku to rendezvous with boat for cruise to Bagan. After arrival, transfer through the picturesque countryside to Mount Popa. On arrival to the foothill, hiking up the hundreds of steps to reach the summit of extinct volcano, known as the the abode of Nats (spirit gods), to the temple resting on the top offering wide panoramic views of the area. The Popa Resort provides a unique and unforgettable evening atop the mountain. Note: wild monkeys are aggressive and will try trying snatch things in your hand away. (B)

Popa Resort, Bagan Mt. Popa, Tel: (95-2) 69168 (Deluxe Taunggalut View)

Day 15

Mount Popa to Bagan

Bagan Plain

After a leisurely breakfast, taking in the views under the rising sun of the surrounding area before completing the journey to Bagan, a short drive up the road.

Henri Yule, one of the first Westerners to see Bagan in 1855 said "The whole, as seen from the river, might pass for a scene in another planet, so fantastic and unearthly was the architecture." You will savor this same view coming onto the ruins. After early lunch at the resort, begin formal sightseeing tour of one of Asia's most renowned archeological sites. Visiting primary or secondary temples by preference, but should include the temples of Nagayon ("sheltered by serpent"), Gubaukgyi, in the old Bagan village of Myinkaba, which is an early period temple with well preserved paintings inside; and Mingalazedi, the very last of the Late Period monuments built before the kingdom’s decline. As the day wanes exploration of Bupaya, a Pyu-style stupa which is located on the banks of the Ayeyarwaddy River. After, commence a scenic boat ride on the river upstream before return to town and dinner. (B)

Bagan was the capital of Burma for two and a half centuries (1044-1286 A.D.) under which a dynasty of temple-builders, the kingdom of Bagan became strong and powerful. During this period an estimate 4.500 temples were built of which just over 2,000 survive, spread over 40 square kilometers. Several of these monuments are still highly venerated by the population, and attract numerous pilgrims and devotees from all over the country, particularly at festival times. Obviously worthy of designation, as far back as 1996 UNESCO has attempted to designate Bagan a World Heritage site but has not succeeded in garnering cooperation from the government.

Aureum Palace, Palace Ward 6, Governor's Hill, Tel: (95-85) 21901, 21902 (Island Villa)

Day 16

Bagan

Balloon over Bagan

Continued exploration of Bagan. At dawn, a spectacular glimpse of Bagan, floating high above the temples plain in untethered balloon. After, visiting Nyaung Oo Market; and many of Bagan’s distinctive pagodas such as Shwezigon, a prototype of later Myanmar stupas; Wetkyi-in- Gubyaukgyi , a 13th century ‘cave temple with interesting fine frescoes.

After, return to hotel before afternoon visit to the distinctive Dhammayangyi Pahto, a massive, later period temple with the finest brickwork in Bagan. As the sun goes down, enjoy an ideal viewing at a site chosen by your guide, including Ananda Pagoda, one of the finest, largest and best preserved in Old Bagan; and next to it Ananda Ok Kyaung, one of the few surviving brick monastery buildings from the Early Bagan period.

In the evening, return to resort for dinner. (B)

Day 17 & 18

Bagan

Sunrise photography with guide at pre-determined locations. After, return for breakfast at the resort overlooking the temple plain, then off again for a formal sightseeing tour of one of Asia's most renowned archeological sites, Bagan, visiting primary or secondary temples by preference or free at leisure in villa (guide and driver on call). (B)

Day 19

Bagan to Yangon, Yangon to Bangkok

Morning transfer to airport for flight to Yangon. After arrival, transit to Bangkok flight and international flight. Depending on flight times, driver escort on call for dinner and sightseeing in Bangkok if stopover is necessary. Overnight at Novotel Airport Hotel or the Peninsula along the Chao Praya River by preference. (B)

Flight	Departure	Time	Arrival	Time	Duration	Remarks
Air Mandalay	Bagan	8:35 AM	Yangon	10:00 AM	1hr 25m	Paper
Thai Airways	Yangon	TBD	Bangkok	TBD	1hr 00m

[END OF SERVICES]

Legend:

this flight is operated by another carrier

Electronic ticket (e-ticket) issued for this flight, please check-in with passport and/or reservation number

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner (Reservations and transportation provided for meals may be exclusive of cost)
Please verify actual flight dates and times on ticket. Regional tickets issued in-country.

Special Requests/Notes*

Emphasize: TBD
Emphasize: TBD
Dietary: TBD

Regional Map

Accommodation

All Deluxe Room Class

Bangkok

Peninsula Bangkok

333 Charoennakorn Road

(66-2) 861 2888

Yangon

Governor's Residence (Pansea)

35 Taw Win Road, Dagon

(95-1) 229-860

Inle Lake

Inle Princess Resort

Magyizin Village

(95-81) 29055

Mandalay

Rupar Mandalar Resort

Corner of 53rd & 30th Streets

(95-2) 61555

Mount Popa

Mount Popa Resort

Mount Popa

(95-2) 69168

Bagan

Aureum Palace

Ward 6, Governor's Hill

(95-85) 21901, 21902

Bangkok

Novotel Airport

999 Suvarnabhumi Airport

(66-2) 131-1111

Suggested Reading (full reading list included in your pre-tour packet)

Burmese Days by George Orwell. His first novel and a classic, semi biographical novel from Orwell's service in Burma where he spent 5 years in Burma as a police officer. "A searing portrait of colonial life in a small down near Mandalay, Orwell weaves a dark, perhaps unintentionally satiric portrait of a miserable cast of characters living a dissolute life in the waning days of the British Empire."

The River of Lost Footsteps by Thant Myint-U. Recent publciation (2008). Very readable history of Myanmar available. Read it before you go and you will marvel at how the once great and rich cities (like Martaban, Syriam, and Mrauk-U) have been transformed into the dingy and smoky villages of today.

The Piano Tuner by Daniel Mason. A novel made into a movie, certainly not one of the best written books but a staff favorite. On a misty London afternoon in 1886, piano tuner Edgar Drake receives a strange request from the War Office: he must leave his wife, and his quiet life in London, to travel to the jungles of Burma to tune a rare Erhard grand piano. Daniel Mason received his bachelor's degree in biology at Harvard in 1998 and spent a year studying malaria on the Thailand-Myanmar border, where much of The Piano Tuner was written and then went on to become a medical student at the University of California, San Francisco.

Hotel Profile

THE PENINSULA, Bangkok, Thailand

Peninsula Terrace

Sleek 370-room luxury tower hotel on the west bank of the animated Chao Phraya River across from The Oriental. Panoramic and oversize river view rooms feature every conceivable amenity. Superb dining choices include Mei Jiang for exquisite Cantonese cuisine. Dramatic 200-foot outdoor tiered pool with Thai-style lounging pavilions, state-of-the-art fitness center and spa, plus convenient riverboat shuttle service to opposite bank of Chao Phraya.

The Peninsula is consistently rated a top three property in Asia and provides The Oriental with some genuine competition.

GOVERNOR'S PALACE, Yangon

Governor's Palace

This Orient Express property (formerly the Pansea) is a luxury teak mansion hotel dating from the 1920s within the elegant Embassy Quarter of Yangon and close to the Shwedagon Pagoda. The hotel is notable for exceptional service and mixture between western comfort and Asian style. The hotel offers forty-five Deluxe Rooms and two Junior Suites, all luxuriously decorated with teak furniture, tropical cottons and silks and each has a large handmade, free-form bath. The Mandalay Restaurant and Mindon Lounge offer an enticing selection of gourmet delights both in and outdoors. Swimming, cooking classes, and spa round out amenities for a pleasant stay in the capital city. MORE :[Governor's Web Site]

INLE PRINCESS, Inle Lake

Inle Princess

Sublime setting facing the lake surrounded by gardens of colorful trees and exotic flowers, the Inle Princess has 46 chalets, 27 with lake and 19 with garden views. The resort features a library, spa, lounge, and restaurant serving a variety of cuisines. Outdoor dining upon request. Along with the Governor's and Mount Popa Resort, the Inle is a past traveler favorite.
MORE [Princess Web Site]

MALIKHA LODGE, Putao

Malikha Lodge

Located above the Nam Lang River in the remote Northern Kachin State on the edge of the Himalayan Mountains in Myanmar's remote northwest corner, the Malikha Lodge is one of the most exclusive retreats in the world, cut off from the outside by millions of acres of subtropical rainforest and jagged peaks. The lodge, designed by noted architect Jean Michel Gathy of the Aman Resorts, offers a similar level of sublime luxury replete with modern amenities, services, and cuisine in a secluded wilderness setting.

The lodge is ideally located for nearby rafting and kayaking on the Nam Lang and tributaries as well elephant and nature treks with expert guides through lush surrounding forested mountains and jungle terrain to hilltribe villages in the region. The lodge provides massage and spa services, comfortable lounging areas, swimming pool, and gourmet fusion cuisine with an extensive collection of wines and cocktails. Teak baths and other design facets unique touches to the lodge making it an unforgettable stay.

Note: Malikha Lodge is only accessible during the dry cool months of October to April. MORE [Malikha Lodge Web Site]

AUREUM PALACE, Bagan

Aureum Pool

Bagan's newest (2010) and finest property, the Aureum raises the bar for luxury and design for hotels that have served as a base for exploring the ruins of Bagan. With an ideal location on a sprawling 27 acres adjacent to the temples and a small lake, the Auruem provides spacious, luxury villas with with balconies, jacuzzi, air conditioning, and superb views over the temples.

Three villas offer private pools and 24-hour butler service. Spa services include aromatherapy, body scrubs, and "Ayurvedic" rituals, a traditional treatment. Although the setting, services, and design are on par with the Nam Hai and Amans, the details are not as perfect but you can expect to also pay a much lower rate than at these properties.
MORE [Aureum Bagan Web Site] | Fact Sheet (pdf)

Offices-Agents

Address

Tel

Fax

Bangkok, Thailand

99/265 Manthana, On Nuch, Prawet

(66-2) 346-6119

(66-2) 346-7245

Hanoi, Vietnam

No 8/67 Thai Thinh Street

(84-4) 3562-6665

(84-4) 3853-7920

Luang Prabang

107 Nongxai Road

(856-20) 577-1646

(855) 23-218398

Saigon, Vietnam

69/3 Nguyen Trai Street

(84-8) 3924-4207

(84-8) 3924-4209

San Francisco, USA

1283 12th Avenue, San Francisco, CA

(415) 731-4377

(888) 681-0808

Phnom Penh, Camb.

120 Norodom Blvd

(855) 23-218398

(855-23) 218-398

Yangon, Myanmar

37 Signal Pagoda Road

(951) 371383

(951) 371935

Thimpu, Bhutan

Deki Lam, Changangkha

(975) 232-8875

(975) 233-1781

Tokyo (Transit)

2-3-11, Higashi-Shinagawa

(03) 5796-5481

(03) 5495-0684

Singapore (Transit)

Mr. Garry Koh

(65) 9858-3310 (mobile)

N/A

Hong Kong (Transit)

Ms. Danna Cheng

(852) 2301-1824

N/A

Medical Emergencies

Address

Tel

Fax

SOS Hanoi

1 Dang Thai Mai

4-3934-0666

(84-4) 934 0556

SOS Saigon

167A Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St, Dist. 3

8-3829-8520

(84-8) 3829 8524

SOS Laos

N/A

(66-2) 205-7777 (Bangkok)

(66-2) 256-6340

SOS Cambodia

House 161, Street 51

(855-12) 816 911

(855-23) 215 811

SOS Bangkok

93/1 Wireless Road, Lumpini

(66-2) 205-7777

(66-2) 256-6340

SOS Yangon

37 Kaba Aye Pagoda Road

(95-1) 667 879

(95-1) 667 866

Managers

Office

Mobile Number (24-hour)

Title

Ruay Kwantongthum

Bangkok, Thailand

(66-81) 455-9990

Office Manager

Supakorn Saripha

Bangkok, Thailand

(66-81) 797-1722

Managing Director

Danielle Stewardson

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

(855) 99 718 695

Office Manager

Chitthavone Philavanh

Luang Prabang, Laos

(856-20) 577-1646

Managing Director

Hien Truong

Hanoi, Vietnam

(84-91) 324-8542

Office Manager

Quyet Trinh

Hanoi, Vietnam

(84-98) 397-6486

Tours Manager

Viet Nguyen

Saigon, Vietnam

(84-91) 391-9040

Managing Director

Sonam Dorjee

Thimpu, Bhutan

(975) 1711-1755

Managing Director

Aung Naing

Yangon, Myanmar

(959) 500 1620

Tours Manager

Doug Graham

Yangon, Myanmar

(959) 506 3248

Managing Director

Dialing instructions:
USA to Asia: 011 + country code + telephone number (for example, dial (011-844) 3562-6665 for our Hanoi office).
Within Vietnam: Area code (unless calling within same area code) + telephone number (including 0). For example, to call Hanoi from another area code dial 04-562-2733. From within Hanoi dial 562-2733. If you are delayed en route to Asia, please call our U.S., Hanoi, or Bangkok office as soon as possible.

Manager Profile | Myanmar

Doug Graham, Tours Director MYANMAR

A native Australian, Doug has lived in Myanmar since the early 90s when he began work as a tour manager in Yangon. Since then, he has developed many unique itineraries covering more than the classic highlights, including our annual digital photography tour, bird watching, and in the remote Kachin State, where the Malikha Lodge is located in Putao.

Doug will ensure your trip goes to plan and is available seven days a wek to answer any questions, even as simple as a restaurant recommendation.

Manager Profile | Bhutan

Sonam Dorjee, Tour Manager BHUTAN
A veteran of tourism services. Our operation is guided by his hands-on experience in the field extending as early as 1992, soon after liberalization of tourism in the country. He is one of earliest government licensed, trekking and cultural guides, and one of the few trained in Alpine climbing and guiding in Europe.

Sonam has a degree in Business Administration from Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. In addition to operating and leading tours, Sonam has also consulted for Department of Tourism in preparation of Bhutan’s Tourism Master Plan.

Included Services:

- Please note that our Terms and Conditions apply to all bookings: deposits are non-refundable and other charges may apply in the event of cancellation.
- Private Tour: All services, transport, escort and sightseeing on private basis..
- Comprehensive pre-tour packet, including medical and health information, visa applications, destination details and other trip information.
- All airport transfers per itinerary on private basis (Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore only by prior arrangement).
- Professional English-speaking guides and dedicated in-country tour manager.
- Meals according to itinerary (recommendations, reservations, and transport provided by request).
- Airlines specified in the itinerary, except when noted.
- Ground transportation in private A/C vehicle (complimentary cold towels and drinking water).
- Sightseeing per itinerary including All services, transport, admission, and other fees.
- Accommodation per itinerary. Note: the quality of standard-class hotels in Southeast Asia varies significantly. Indochina Travel does not warrant nor bears any responsibility for the condition of such properties, without exception.
- Access to client Web Site with tour and travel country information (contact us for login information).
- Emergency air evacuation services coverage in Vietnam through SOS International.
- 24-hour x 7 in-country office support.
- Traditional hand-made souvenir.

Excluded Services:

- International airline not specified in itinerary.
- International and domestic airport tax. Airline fuel increases and other surcharges.
- Visas and fees unless specified (visa issued in advance required for Bhutan, Myanmar and Vietnam).
- Trip cancellation insurance (required). Request a quote.
- Items of personal nature, including laundry and telephone.
- Gratuities (customary).
- Electable changes to confirmed itinerary, including hotel and room, flights and any other alterations (subject to cancellation, change and other fees).
- Caveat emptor. Traveler assumes all responsibility for the purchase and/or importation of souvenirs, services, and goods. Indochina Travel will not be responsibility in any way for items purchased during your trip irregardless of local staff or guide recommendations.
- Alterations to itinerary requiring additional expense and beyond the control of Indochina Travel, including delayed or cancelled flights, hotel maintenance problems, adverse weather conditions, illness and issues beyond the control of Indochina Travel.

Notes: Visas for Myanmar, Bhutan and Vietnam are required in advance of arrival (application and instructions mailed with preparation packet). Multiple-entry visa required for more than one entry into Vietnam. Cambodia and Laos visas are issued upon arrival (US$20, $30 respectively with one passport-sized photos). No visa is required for Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Japan or Singapore.

Notes:

- Quoted prices and fees may change by time of final confirmation.
- Accommodation, airlines, and services are not reserved nor confirmed until deposit is received.
- Terms and Conditions apply to all of our bookings, please review carefully. Tour deposits are non-refundable.
- Please inspect confirmed itinerary immediately and contact Indochina Travel immediately with any changes or cancellations: Indochina Travel will not accept responsibility for errors beyond 72 hours from receipt of a confirmed itinerary.
- Paper hotel vouchers are not required unless otherwise noted, all hotel reservations are confirmed under traveler's name with reservation number listed if any.
- Liability Statement: Indochina Travel, L.L.C. and it's subsidiary (VeloAsia), affiliates, and representatives collectively act as agent for travel suppliers, such as transport companies, airlines, freelance escorts, hotels, and other providers, and you understand and agree that Indochina Travel shall not be liable for any loss, injury, expense or damage to persons or property resulting, directly or indirectly, from (1) the acts or omissions of travel suppliers, including but not limited to delays, overbookings, cancellation of services, cessation of operations, accidents or failures of equipment, or changes in in fares, itineraries, or schedules; (2) acts of God, fires, earthquakes, floods, climatic aberrations, acts of government or police authorities, civil unrest, strikes, riots, theft, disease, accidents or failures related to infrastructure, including telecommunications, third party technology systems, and any other cause beyond the control of Indochina Travel.
- Indochina Travel is registered as a California Seller of Travel (#2090856-50) under the California Seller of Travel Law and participates in the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund (TCRC) which may provide refunds for travel services that failed to be delivered as promised by participants in the TCRC.

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Confidential Itinerary. Indochina Travel Company, L.L.C. 2010
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