Myanmar, India & Sri Lanka

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Take advantage of three days to immerse yourself in the Burmese culture. Explore Mandalay, the last capital of the kingdom of Burma but also the ancient city of Bagan, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover a rich architectural and handicraft heritage. This programme will be an ideal prelude to your cruise.

Day 1 – Yangon

Meet at the airport – Arrival Hall (look for PONANT sign).

You will be greeted by our local English-speaking representative off the flight selected by PONANT. You will be transferred to the hotel Novotel Yangon Max.

Check-in.

Dinner included.

Day 2 – Yangon/Mandalay

Take away breakfast and check out.

Your piece of luggage for the cruise will be stored in Yangon during this Pre-cruise programme. You will find it at the port of Yangon.

We recommend that you take a small suitcase for your stay in Mandalay and in Bagan.

You will depart the hotel by coach and be transferred to Yangon domestic airport in time for check-in your flight to Mandalay.

Last capital of the Burmese Kingdom, Mandalay is situated in the center of the country, some 668 km due north of Yangon. It is the largest city after Yangon. Mandalay is a showcase for Myanmar art and architecture and it is recognized as the country’s cultural capital with the remains of the old Royal City, sacred monasteries and other places of interest. It is also noted for woodcarvings, silverware, tapestries, silk cloth, and other traditional craft products.

Upon arrival to Mandalay, head out to visit the charming town of Amarapura and its iconic U Bein Bridge, which spans Taungthaman Lake and is the longest teak footbridge in the world. The bridge was deliberately built with a curve to withstand the wind and waves on the lake and was constructed from teak wood salvaged from the ruined Ava Palace. Continue your visit to Amarapura’s famed silk weaving workshop. See how fabrics are still made according to ancestral methods.

Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

After lunch, visit Mahamuni Pagoda, one of the most revered Buddhist places of worship in Myanmar. Locals flock here to see the large Pali Buddha statue which is believed to have been cast in the presence of the Buddha and some consider it to be alive. The statue’s face is ceremoniously washed each day before sunrise.

Next, visit a gold leaf workshop to observe the painstaking process of producing the thin sheets of gold used to cover Buddha statues. Then proceed to a bronze casting workshop which produces some of the impressively large statues which can be seen across Myanmar.

Continue to Shwenandaw Monastery. Ornately decorated with intricately carved panels, the monastery is the last building remaining from the ancient Mandalay Palace, having luckily escaped the great fire which destroyed the complex during World War II.

Finally, visit the Kuthodaw Pagoda, also known as Maha Lawka Marazein Paya. Considered ‘the world’s biggest book’, the stupa is surrounded by 729 marble slabs on which the entire Buddhist cannon, or Tripitaka, is inscribed.

Then, you will be transferred to the hotel Mercure Mandalay Hill Resort for check-in your room.

Enjoy time at leisure before dinner with traditional culture show at the hotel.

Day 3 – Mandalay/Bagan

Breakfast and check-out.

You will be transferred to Mandalay airport in time for check-in your flight to Bagan.

The ancient city of Bagan is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bagan was the 11th century capital of Myanmar and provides one of Asia’s most extraordinary travel experiences. The flat plains that stretch out across Bagan are dotted with the remains of over 2,000 pagodas, temples and stupas which once stood in splendor before the sword of Kublai Khan. An inspirational destination, Bagan is evocative of a bygone era – a living history for all to see.

Upon arrival in Bagan, you will proceed to the local market in Nyaung Oo. Soak up the lively atmosphere of this market where local residents gather to buy and sell fresh fruit and vegetables.

Next, visit Gu Byauk Gyi Temple in the quaint village of Wetkyi-In. Dating back to the early 13th century, the temple has a pyramid-shaped spire very similar to that of the Mahabodhi Temple in Monywa. Inside the temple are some of Bagan’s finest frescoes depicting famous Buddhist stories.

Bagan is not only famous for the profusion of pagodas but also for its artistic handicrafts and local lacquer-ware store where the process of making a piece can be seen.

Transfer to Bagan Lodge. Enjoy lunch at the hotel and check-in.

This afternoon visit Ananda Temple, one of the best-preserved temples in Bagan. Built in AD 1090, the temple houses four golden Buddha statues and the remains of a monastery. The walls are decorated with murals depicting Burmese life in the 11th to 13th centuries.

Travel by traditional horse cart ride to the jetty. Embark on a scenic sunset cruise on the majestic Ayeyarwady River. The boat travels upstream for a short distance before the captain turns off the engine and allows the vessel to cruise in silence, carried along by the current. Sample some Burmese snacks, watching the changing colors of the sky. After the sun sets over the surrounding plateau, the boat returns to the jetty.

Lastly, visit the Shwezigon Pagoda at night, which was built to house the relics of Buddha including a collarbone, frontal bone and tooth. The location of the pagoda was determined by a white elephant released from Ceylon that stopped at this precise spot while carrying the Buddha’s tooth.

You are then transferred to the hotel.

Enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Day 4 – Bagan/Yangon

Optional excursion: Balloon ride over Bagan (Excursion to be booked and paid before your cruise – subject to availability, weather and wind conditions)

Early wake-up call by 04: 30am

Depart the hotel at 05: 00am for a transfer to the take-off site.

Safety rules and flight procedures will be explained as the team prepares and inflates the hot air balloons. You will then board the hot air balloons for a 45-minute trip (approx.) over Bagan.

Rise early this morning for an enchanting sunrise experience that takes you up into the skies of Bagan in a hot air balloon. As you float higher and higher above the ground, the true magnitude of the “Golden Land” is revealed and you can see impressive views of the Ayeyarwady River along with countless pagodas and temples stretching far across the horizon.

Coffee and cookies will be served at the landing site during debrief.

You will return to your hotel around 08: 00am.

Breakfast served at the hotel.

After checking-out of your hotel this morning, you will be transferred to Nyaung Oo Domestic airport in time for check-in your flight to back to Yangon.

Upon arrival, proceed to Kandawgyi Park for a leisurely stroll around the peaceful lake and observe the rhythm of daily life in Yangon. Along your walk, you’ll have an excellent view of the Karaweik Barge, a full-size model of the royal barge used by previous kings.

Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

After lunch, head out with your guide to Botataung Pagoda, a 40-meter-tall (131-foot) hollow stupa which you can walk inside. The original pagoda was hit by an allied bomb in 1943. During the clean-up, a golden casket containing a hair and two other relics of Buddha were allegedly found and are now on display inside the stupa.

Proceed to Hla Day Artisans store where you are able to do some shopping for artisan’s products.

You will then be transferred to the port to embark on board your ship.

Your hotels:

Novotel Yangon Max is a 20-minute drive from Yangon International Airport. It has 354 rooms with a contemporary design tinged with Burmese touches and equipped with modern equipment to offer you a haven of tranquility. You can cool off with a few fathoms or admire the famous Shwedagon pagoda from the pool terrace. The hotel also has a fitness centre.

Mercure Mandalay Hill Resort lies over nearly 12 acres, at the foot of Mandalay Hill with a panoramic view of a myriad of pagodas and faces the distinctive architecture of the Royal Palace and its beautiful moat. The 410 sq. Ft. (38 m²) Deluxe Hill view room features a King bed, in room safe, TV and views of Mandalay Hill. The hotel offers an outdoor pool as well as a spa and a fitness centre. Free Wi-Fi access is available.

The 4-star Bagan Lodge sets in a total peaceful place. It offers luxurious bungalows with a canvas roofs and a patio. All modern rooms are fitted with a satellite TV and a safety deposit box. The hotel features a spa and an outdoor pool. Free Wi-Fi access is available.

Higher categories of rooms are available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel agent for further detail.

Your programme includes:

• Domestic flights in economy class: Yangon/Mandalay/Bagan/Yangon, on regular airlines. 
• 1-night accommodation in Deluxe room at the hotel Novotel Yangon Max (or similar).
• 1-night accommodation in Deluxe room Hill View at the hotel Mercure Mandalay Hill Resort (or similar).
• 1-night accommodation in Villa room at Bagan Lodge (or similar).
• Transfers, visits and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
• Full Board (3 breakfast, 3 lunches and 3 dinners including one dinner with cultural show).
• Beverage package during lunches (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea).
• Beverage package during dinners (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of wine + 1 coffee or tea).
• Transportation and storage of your piece of luggage dedicated to the cruise at Yangon.
• Services of local English-speaking guides.
• Tips for the drivers and local guides.

Your programme does not include:

• Visa fees.
• Overweight baggage.
• Optional balloon flight over Bagan.
• Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

• This programme is not recommended for guests in wheelchairs; and those with mobility issues.
• We strongly recommend that all guests contact their medical practitioners prior to travel for advice on the appropriate anti malaria precautions and/or any other inoculations, vaccinations etc.
• Myanmar is a developing country. Being a third world country, the standards are not as you might be accustomed to, buses vary in condition but are the best available.
• The meals are entirely made up of local food. Please note that some dishes may be a little spicy.
• Tap water is non-drinkable water. We recommend that you drink bottled water only, with no ice.
• Toilets in Bagan can vary in condition and are mostly Asian style. Western style toilets can be found at hotels and restaurants.
• We strongly recommend that all guests contact their medical practitioners prior to travel for advice on the appropriate anti malaria precautions and/or any other inoculations, vaccinations etc.
• We recommend that you pack comfortable lightweight clothing. Remember that the Buddhist culture expects modesty, so cover up at monasteries and temples. To visit temples, it is advisable to wear appropriately discreet clothing. Full length pants, knees covered skirts, shirts or blouses with sleeves are recommended. Shorts, tights, miniskirts, sleeveless/see-through shirts or blouses are not allowed. Don't forget to remove your shoes and socks when visiting temples. Please take sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat/head covering and a lightweight raincoat. Binoculars are always useful as well as the cameras.
• We recommend that you take a small suitcase for this Pre-cruise programme while your big piece of luggage for the cruise will be stored in Yangon by our local representative. Please make sure that your last name/first name are clearly mentioned.
• Baggage allowance on the domestic flights: 1 piece of baggage with a maximum of weight of 20kg for the regular flights Yangon/Mandalay/Bagan/Yangon. Hand baggage: 1 piece with a maximum weight of 5kg and the sum of three dimensions shall not exceed 115 cm (56 x 30 x 18 cm) or (22 x 12 x – 6 ½ inches).
• Optional excursion: Balloon ride over Bagan: Guests over 125 kilograms (280 pounds) will be requested to pay a surcharge of one (1) additional ticket. Pregnant women and children below eight years of age are not permitted. Transfers from/to the hotel are provided by the ballooning company. Wear clothes suitable for the season and comfortable shoes are recommended. Balloon capacity: 16 people in 1 basket.

Contact of your hotels:

Novotel Yangon Max

459 Pyay Road, Kamayut Tsp, PO BOX 895

Yangon 11041, Myanmar

Telephone: +95 1 2305858

Mercure Mandalay Hill Resort

No. (9), Kwin (416.B), 10th Street At the foot of Mandalay Hill, Aungmyaythanzan Township

100101 Mandalay, Myanmar

Telephone: +95 2 4035638

Bagan Lodge

Myat Lay Road, New Bagan

Nyaung Oo Township, Myanmar

Telephone: +95 9777-077-334

Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

*** The programme’s escort is subject to a minimum of 20 participants.

Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organizes your transfer between your port of disembarkation and the airport.

Colombo

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.

Discover the highlights of Colombo. You will visit first the famous Gangarama Temple a 30 minutes’drive from the harbour. Built in the 1800s, Gangarama Temple is the most important place of Buddhist learning and worship in Colombo. Packed with worshippers, tourists, clouds of incense, chanting, elephants (alive and stuffed), the temple complex has a library, a museum and an extraordinarily eclectic array of bejewelled and gilded gifts presented by devotees and well-wishers over the years.

You will then start a panoramic tour by coach of the city of Colombo, Sri Lanka's commercial capital and largest city, a blend of both historic value and modern vibes. Dating back over 600 years, Colombo was a trading hub for sea merchants and colonial rulers. One of the first things you will notice on your tour is how diverse the city has become. Buddhist temples, Hindu temples, mosques and churches reflect the various beliefs practised all over the island and the beautiful facades of the old, colonial buildings contrast with the modern but elegant shopping arcades that have been developed inside. Your panoramic tour will take you past the Pettah bazar area, the Wolfendhal Dutch Church, the Old Parliament complex, The Bandaranaike International Memorial Hall, Nelum Pokuna Theatre, Viharamahadevi Park, the Independence Square and the National Museum. A stop will be made to purchase souvenirs.

After lunch, you will proceed to Kelaniya Buddhist Temple on the outskirts of Colombo city. Kelaniya is an active Buddhist temple, built on a site believed to have been visited by the Buddha himself, over 2,000 years ago. It is said that here he preached his doctrine to a gathering of serpent-kings. Today human worshippers come to lay sprigs of lotus flowers around the great white dagoba, light oil lamps, and sprinkle the base of the Tree of Enlightenment with purifying water. Artistic highlights of the temple are the very fine carvings and lovely frescoes, fascinating geometrically patterned ceiling paintings, and three important images of the Buddha - two in a sitting position and one in a reclining pose. Adorning the outer walls is more light-hearted work - rows of whimsical dwarfs and elephants in bas-relief.

You will continue your journey towards Negombo, old fishing village where old-fashioned catamarans are moored. You will be charmed by its pretty palm-fringed beaches, its Dutch-built canal, its colonial architecture and colorful boutiques. You will notice that ornate churches pepper the landscape in this part of the country since most people here are Christian.

Enjoy an early dinner before being transferred to the airport, in time for check-in of the PONANT selected flight.

Your programme includes:

• Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
• One lunch and one dinner.
• Beverage package during meals: bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea.
• Services of a local English-speaking guide.
• Tips for the driver and local guide.

Your programme does not include:

• Visa fees if necessary.
• Personal expenses.
• Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

• We strongly recommend that all guests contact their medical practitioners prior to travel for advice on the appropriate anti malaria precautions and/or any other inoculations, vaccinations etc.
• We advise you to wear light cotton clothing (avoid synthetic materials) and comfortable shoes. To visit temples, it is advisable to respect dress codes (covering the upper body and legs below the knees.) We suggest bringing along a pair of thick socks as the pavement will be hot.
• We recommend that you drink bottled water and avoid ice.

Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel agent; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.