DCourt has indicated that this thread is about Myanmar
It looks like a good itinerary to me, though most people include Mandalay (you could squeeze this in before/after Bagan, but you'd need to allow two nights really). I love Mandalay. The city itself isn't beautiful, but it's worth visiting for Mandalay Hill, and some of the surrounding attractions, like U Bein bridge. It's just pleasant to explore. Bagan's also great - you can rent a moped or push bike for a few dollars, and, with the roads pretty quiet, explore the temples more or less at leisure.
I gather the trekking around Kalaw is fantastic, though I haven't done it. I've been to the town and the countryside is beautiful. Also quite high so a lot cooler than Bagan/Mandalay.
I think you're going at a good time of year, if you don't mind a bit of rain. I was there for a few weeks in April - 45 degrees Celsius each day, which was a bit much for me.
I agree that Mandalay is great and should definitely be included in your itinerary if you can. There are some interesting ancient cities in the surrounding areas which make a good day trip. I didn't think that Yangon was particularly great and there isn't loads to do there, so I'd spend 1 day there and 2 days in Mandalay instead.
I travelled around Myanmar using public buses which weren't too bad, and used Bagan airlines (who were fine) for an internal flight from Bagan back to Yangon. I also used a boat from Mandalay to Bagan which was quite a nice way to do that stretch.
Like what bex76 and MGane mentioned, you might be better off including Mandalay in your itinerary, even for just a couple of days. Include Inwa, Sagaing, Mingun and U Bein Bridge in an out of town day trip from Mandalay (with sunset at U Bein). I spent a week in Myanmar earlier this year and went to Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan.
Lake Inle is also a must see destination, especially since it is in between Yangon and Mandalay. So yes, you can travel from Kalaw/Lake Inle to Bagan or do a Yangon-Mandalay-Bagan-Lake Inle route (or include it before Bagan).
Two weeks is enough time to include the areas east and south of Yangon, so in addition to Kinpun, you may want to go to Mawlamyine.
Train rides aren't exhorbitant, but they are outdated by South East Asian standards. The overnight train from Yangon to Mandalay costs $33 for the sleeper cabin, but it is not airconditioned and the trains are leftovers from the British colonial time. If you're not up to the experience of riding the train, I would recommend the overnight buses that cost about 18,000 kyat - and these are the really nice ones.
And finally, make sure to catch both the sunrise and sunset in Bagan - it's one of the greatest sights anywhere in the world.
0 Response to "Would appreciate feedback on our Myanmar Itinerary"
Post a Comment