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BURMA & THE TEMPLES OF ANGKOR January 14-February 1, 2011
FRI, JAN 14 - DEPART LOS ANGELES Our adventure begins late this evening as we board a Thai Airways jet bound for Bangkok. SAT, JAN 15 - EN ROUTE A day is lost crossing the International Date Line. SUN, JAN 16 - BANGKOK-SIEM REAP We arrive in Bangkok early this morning and connect with a flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel to rest up from the long flight. Siem Reap is our base for visiting the superb temples at Angkor. These temples were constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries around the Khmer interpretation of Indian religious and political beliefs that ultimately evolved from Hinduism to Buddhism. In the afternoon we visit Angkor Wat, built sometime between 1112 and 1152 to honor the god-king Vishnu. Its complex architectural grandeur, remarkable reliefs, towers, pools, and absolute immensity are unmatched among ancient temples anywhere. Angkor Palace Resort (D) MON, JAN 17 - SIEM REAP Shortly after dawn, when the trees are shrouded in mist, we visit Angkor Thom. As the sun rises, light first hits the tip of the central tower of the Bayon, then moves down the monument to illuminate face after face of the more than 200 carved into its 54 stone towers. Nearby, the Terrace of Elephants, built in the early 13th century, was the grand reviewing stand for the kings of the Angkor era. Afterward, we enjoy a leisurely elephant ride through Angkor Thom's South Gate. This afternoon we take a cruise on Tonle Sap, the largest lake in Asia, to see the Cambodian houses on stilts, Vietnamese floating village, and photograph activity along the shore. Angkor Palace Resort (BLD) TUE, JAN 18 - SIEM REAP Sunrise photography at Angkor Wat this morning before continuing on to the artistic jewel of Banteay Srei, a Hindu temple built in the late 10th century and dedicated to Shiva. Though not particularly extensive, the site is wonderfully well preserved and its reliefs are among the most accomplished Angkor has to offer. The jungle has literally grown up right through the Buddhist temple of Ta Prohm, constructed during the 12th century. Massive trees are attached to dismembered parts of the structure, roots ooze through the stone of the courtyards to the jungle floor. Reliefs are choked by moss and vines, creating many opportunities for the imaginative photographer. We will visit Ta Prohm this afternoon. Angkor Palace Resort (BLD) WED, JAN 19 - SIEM REAP-BANGKOK-YANGON This morning we fly to Yangon (formerly Rangoon), the capital of Burma (now known as Myanmar). The remainder of the day is at leisure. Summit Parkview Hotel (BD) THU, JAN 20 - YANGON The highlight of any visit to Yangon, and indeed to Burma itself, is Shwedagon Pagoda. For Burmese Buddhists, Shwedagon is the most sacred of all Buddhist sites in the country. Around the main golden stupa, which rises over 300 feet, is a visual cacophony of Technicolor glitter, an incredible assortment of smaller zedis, statues, temples, shrines, images, and small pavilions. We spend time at Shwedagon this morning, then see the huge Reclining Buddha at Kyaukhtatgyi. Our city tour includes Kandawgyi Lake with the Karaweik restaurant in the form of a king's ornate barge, the renowned Strand Hotel, Sule Pagoda, and colonial British architecture. Summit Parkview Hotel (BLD) FRI, JAN 21 - YANGON / BAGO An all-day excursion takes us to Bago (formerly Pegu), once the capital of the powerful Mon Kingdom. We stop at the British War Cemetery at Htaukkyant, burial site of some 27,000 Allied soldiers killed during the World War II campaign in Burma. Halfway between Yangon and Bago, government stalls in Hlegu take deliveries from the newly harvested rice paddies during the harvest months of January and February. Observing the people at work, one gets a clear sense of the easygoing, cheerful spirit which, combined with a deep respect for the tenets of Buddhism, has determined the pattern of village life here for centuries. Sightseeing in Bago itself includes the colorful riverside market, Shwemawdaw Pagoda overlooking the city, the Shwethalyaung Reclining Buddha, and the four enormous seated Buddhas of Kyaikpun. Summit Parkview Hotel (BLD) SAT, JAN 22 - YANGON-MANDALAY This morning we fly to Mandalay, the last capital of Burma before the British took over. It still has considerable cultural and religious significance and its Buddhist monasteries are among the most important in the country -- about 60% of all the monks in Burma reside in the Mandalay area. Our afternoon sightseeing includes the grounds of the reconstructed Royal Palace; Kuthodaw Pagoda, known for its 729 marble slabs on which are inscribed the entire Tripitaka (Buddhist canon); Kyauktawgyi Pagoda, with its huge seated Buddha image carved from a single block of marble; and Shwenandaw Kyaung, a lovely old teak monastery. Our day ends with sunset on Mandalay Hill. Mandalay Swan (BLD) SUN, JAN 23 - MANDALAY This morning we cruise upriver to the ancient city of Mingun. A footpath runs beside the river, and here we see Mingun Pagoda, split by an earthquake in 1838, reducing it to possibly the world's largest pile of bricks; the colossal Mingun Bell; Hsinbyume Pagoda, with its seven wavy terraces representing the seven mountain ranges around Mount Meru; and the Buddhist Infirmary, a nursing home for the elderly. After lunch we spend some time at workshops in the Tampawaddy Quarter specializing in Burmese embroidery, bronze casting, wood carving, and stone carving. Our sightseeing in Sagaing includes the beautiful Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda and a stop at the Zeyathiengi Buddhist nunnery. Mandalay Swan (BLD) MON, JAN 24 - MANDALAY This morning we visit Mahamuni Temple, then drive to nearby Amarapura to see the procession of monks at Mahagandhayon Kyaung as they carry their bowls to the dining room for their midday meal. Afterward, we visit Shwe In Bin Kyaung, an elegant wooden monastery commissioned in 1895 by a pair of wealthy jade merchants. In late afternoon we return to Amarapura for a boat ride across the lake to Kyauktawgyi Pagoda and Taungthaman village, then walk across the long and rickety teak U Bein’s Bridge and photograph it at sunset. Mandalay Swan (BLD) TUE, JAN 25 - MANDALAY-BAGAN Time permitting before our morning flight to Bagan, we visit the colorful Zegyo Market. Bagan, "Land of a Thousand Pagodas," is one of the richest archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. Its remains, scattered across a vast arid plain, positively exude antiquity and mystery, recalling this area's former greatness. Tharabar Gate Hotel (BLD) WED, JAN 26 - BAGAN One morning is set aside for a fabulous optional hot-air balloon ride at dawn over the plains and their pagodas. Highlights of our two days here include visits to the Nyaung U market, a lacquerware factory, and some of the more well-known temples and pagodas in the area: Ananda, Shweguggyi, Thatbyinnyu, Shwezigon, Htilominlo, Sulamani, Dhammayangyi, Gubyukgyi, Myazedi, Manuha Paya, Nanpaya, the pagoda field near Tayoke Pyay, and Ghammayazika. Late this afternoon we enjoy sunset photography from Shwesandaw Pagoda, the extraordinary view encompassing silhouettes of the monuments within Old Bagan. Tharabar Gate Hotel (BLD) THU, JAN 27 - BAGAN Continued sightseeing from previous day, sunset photography from Pyathatgyi. Tharabar Gate Hotel (BLD) FRI, JAN 28 - BAGAN-INLE LAKE This morning we fly to Heho, then drive to Nyaungshwe with a stop at Shwe Yan Pye Kaung with its young monks peering through oval windows, quite photogenic! After lunch we board longtail boats which deliver us to our lovely hotel sitting on stilts in serene Inle Lake. Remainder of day at leisure before a late-afternoon cruise on the lake. Paradise Inle Resort (BLD) SAT, JAN 29 - INLE LAKE In Shan State, community markets are held on a rotating basis in which each town or village within a given area hosts a market every five days. For the next two days we have an opportunity to explore the peaceful Inle Lake area via boat and photograph markets; its famed Intha leg-rowing fishermen with their unique nets; wander through the village of In Dein to visit the temple, pagoda, and monastery; stop at villages which make umbrellas, cheroots, and textiles; and see the floating gardens and Nga Phe Kyaung with its jumping cats. Sunset cruise on the lake late this afternoon. Paradise Inle Resort (BL) SUN, JAN 30 - INLE LAKE Very early this morning we visit Ywama, the lake's largest village, its streets a web of canals, each piece of "land" connected by arched wooden bridges and causeways. Two-story houses are built on large wooden poles driven directly into the lake bed, the space below the first floor being used as a boathouse. A pivot of social life is the five-day floating market. Here, chattering businesswomen in conical straw hats maneuver elegant canoes filled with all manner of produce. Afterward, we visit Mine Thauk village and continue our exploration of the Inle Lake area by boat. Paradise Inle Resort (BLD) MON, JAN 31 - INLE LAKE-YANGON Today we explore the fascinating five-day market at Taung Tho. This afternoon we fly to Yangon. Farewell dinner this evening in a local restaurant. Summit Parkview Hotel (BLD) TUE, FEB 1 - YANGON-BANGKOK-LOS ANGELES Our Southeast Asian adventure comes to a close as we board a midday flight to Bangkok, where we connect with a flight to Los Angeles, arriving the evening of the same day. (B)
Note: Included meals are indicated by B, L, and D for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
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