Burma Private Charter

This one-off departure is now EXCLUSIVELY on sale through RB Collection…

In Association with: Dr Michael Marett-Crosby and University College Oxford

Maximum group size: 44

Perfect for: Culture, Cruising, Adventure

Departs: 23rd January 2017

An Exclusive charter of Burma’s most Luxurious Boat
The Belmond Orcaella, which has been chosen for this private charter, is the best on the Irrawaddy River. The sumptuous interiors and stylish deck space mean that life on board feels utterly spoiling, whilst the calibre of our hand-picked guides ensures an outstanding level of knowledge and passion for all land excursions. Working with the team at Belmond, this one-off itinerary is very special and every day is designed to be truly memorable.

https://youtu.be/EMbMi59aeu8?list=PL4CVP5dmoMNJNNYiKaSA-tipgMaYaN2At

Special Events and Insider Access in Yangon
The tour has been created with Dr Marett-Crosby and a fantastic team in Yangon to curate some very special access to local experts who are dedicated to improving the lives of the local people. Special contacts will open doors to heritage buildings which are not usually open to the public and take guests behind the scenes of this remarkable city. A fun and lively cocktail party and dinner will be held in the stunning gardens of the Governor’s Residence where guests can meet truly inspiring Burmese people from all walks of life in a relaxed and informal setting.

Peak Season Navigation
This route has been timed to fit with Burma’s very best weather conditions. Late January is in the middle of the dry season when balmy, sunny days give way to crisp, clear nights. These conditions are perfect for sight-seeing before the humidity levels and temperatures start to increase in March.

Travel with Special Guest Speaker, Dr Marett-Crosby
Having Dr Marett-Crosby on board this private charter to Burma in 2017 makes for a truly exciting opportunity. Dr Marett-Crosby works closely with Aung San Suu Kyi in their shared belief for the growth of civil society and democracy in Burma. He is deeply passionate about this wonderful country, which has been his second home in recent years. His understanding of Burmese politics and culture will give guests a significant insight into the political journey the country has undertaken in recent years and where it may be headed just over a year after the 2015 elections.

A Partnership with University College, Oxford
This Escorted Journey is in partnership with University College, Oxford. Inbuilt donations will go towards a bursary, which will enable academically eligible students to study at the College.

Itinerary

23rd January 2017: Arrive in Yangon

  • On arrival at Yangon International Airport, you will be met by a guide and transferred to the Governor’s Residence.
  • Shake off the flight and relax by the pool in the sumptuous surroundings of the hotel, or if you would like to do some sight-seeing, we would be happy to organise this for you.
  • In the early evening, gather together in the pretty gardens of the hotel to meet Dr Michael Marett-Crosby for a private dinner in a relaxed and informal setting.

24th January – A day of discovery in Yangon

  • Today you will explore Yangon in a truly unique way in order to understand the city far from the usual tourist trail.
  • This is a chance to visit historic sites and meet local experts not usually available to the public. These meetings have been personally arranged by Dr Marett-Crosby.
  • After lunch at a fun local restaurant in town, the afternoon will be spent marvelling at the spectacular Shwedagon Pagoda, the ‘heart’ of Buddhist Myanmar.
  • Enjoy a private, more formal dinner at the Governor’s Residence with special guests joining to talk about their fascinating experiences in post-election Burma.

25th January – Set sail upstream to the Sagaing Hills

  • After a short flight to Mandalay, a private vehicle will take you to board The Orcaella.
  • The journey begins with a sail to Mingun to see this wonderful Pagoda and world’s largest un-cracked bell.
  • Return to Mandalay for a welcome cocktail and dinner party on board the boat.

26th January – A full day in Mandalay

  • A full day has been set aside today for our guests to explore the very best of Mandalay City.
  • Discover “the world’s biggest book” at Kuthodaw Pagoda and the atmospheric Shwenandaw Monastery.
  • Enjoy lunch at Aung Chan Tha Monastery, where food offerings to the monks are made.
  • Explore the famous Mandalay Palace and the Mahamuni Temple, here you can witness local gold leaf beaters. You will also have a chance to see marble carving workshops, puppet making and weaving.
  • End this extraordinary day by watching the sun set over the U Bein Bridge

https://youtu.be/DinTdVDa4FI?list=PL4CVP5dmoMNJNNYiKaSA-tipgMaYaN2At

27th January – Cruise to Pauk Taw Myaing

  • A morning visit to travel into the Sagaing Hills with stunning views of the world below from the Soon U-Ponnyashin Pagoda.
  • This afternoon guests will explore the traditional and quaint village of Pauk Taw Myaing.
  • An introductory talk from Dr Marret-Crosby on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her journey back to Burma, will give a deeper level of understanding and background to this extraordinary country.

28th January – Visit Yandabo Pottery Village

  • Walk to Yandabo village in the morning light. This tiny village is famous for its production of terracotta pottery from the riverbank clay. Meet local artisans to understand the importance of the ceramic tradition and watch the village come alive with burning kilns and clay diggers.
  • The afternoon is free to relax on board. Watch the world go by from the top deck of Orcaella or from the floor-to-ceiling windows of the luxurious cabins and enjoy a stirring lecture from Dr Marett-Crosby on the 2015 election.
  • A special surprise event has been planned for this evening on the top deck after dinner.

29th January – Visit Sale then cruise downriver to Magwe

  • Travel inland away from the river by road to Sale to see Yout-Saun-Kyaung, a 19th century wooden monastery home to an impressive 20ft bamboo strip lacquer Buddha and the surrounding villages.
  • Later on in the day, Dr Marett-Crosby will talk of the myriad possibilities and challenges that face Burma today.
  • This afternoon expert guides continue the exploration with a visit to Magwe town, travelling by Tuk Tuk to the beautiful Myathalon Pagoda to admire its beauty as the sun sets.

30th January – Visit Gokkyi Village

  • Today a full day has been planned to reach the remote village of Gokkyi, located 3000m above sea level.
  • From Magwe you will make an early morning visit across the river plain into the hills to Gokkyi village to experience rural Burmese life away from the river.
  • Meet the villagers, adorned in traditional colourful dress, who will join you to explore the market area.
  • Feast on a picnic lunch in this charming setting.
  • Cruise further downstream along the Irrawaddy river taking in the changing scenery.

31st January – Visit Gwechaung Fort

  • This morning guests can relax on board and, before lunch, enjoy another fascinating lecture from Dr Marret-Crosby.
  • This afternoon a visit to the awe-inspiring Gwechaung Fort has been planned, built by Italian architects in 1860 to keep the British at bay.
  • A final talk from Dr Marett-Crosby on his hopes for Burma in the coming years.
  • Tonight guests will enjoy a very special dinner in a surprise location.

1st February – A day onboard The Orcaella

  • Today will be a full day of sailing along the Irrawaddy, watching life drift quietly by.
  • Dr Marett-Crosby and a well-known astrologer will team up today for a fun and unique insight into your stars.
  • Early this evening guests will gather together as the sun sets for a special cocktail party.

2nd February – Arrive in Bagan

  • Arrive in Bagan, one of the ancient and most spectacular sites on this extraordinary journey. The Bagan plain has the densest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas and stupas anywhere in the world including the Ananda Temple, one of the finest in all of Burma.
  • We have carefully curated the day, so you will be able to make the most of your time in Bagan.

https://youtu.be/30LhoGl8rzM?list=PL4CVP5dmoMNJNNYiKaSA-tipgMaYaN2At

3rd February – Exploring Bagan and hot air ballooning

  • Rise slightly early to take an otherworldly morning hot air balloon flight over the plains and temples of Bagan*
  • Bagan and all its glory will be explored today. Detailed options will be provided well ahead of time to ensure guests see the sites that most appeal to their senses.
  • A very special farewell cocktail party has been arranged before dinner this evening.
*(Hot air ballooning is not included in the price however we highly recommend the trip and would be delighted to make reservations for those who wish).

4th February – Depart Bagan

  • After disembarking The Orcaella, a short domestic flight will take those returning to Yangon back to the Governor’s Residence this morning.
  • There will be an optional afternoon visit to Scott’s Market, for any last minute purchases.

5th February – Depart Burma

  • Transfers are arranged from Belmond Governor’s Residence to Yangon international airport in time for your flight home.
  • Our tailor-made team are here to help those who would like to extend their time in Asia with private extended travel. Please ask for details.

Guides

Dr Michael Marett-Crosby

Dr Michael Marett-Crosby works for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Nobel Laureate and Leader of the National League for Democracy. He is a trustee of the Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Trust for Health and Education, Prospect Burma, the Tekkatho Foundation and the Lucy Faithfull Foundation. He is a director of the Irrawaddy Literary festival. Prior to working for Daw Suu, he worked in the prison service and as a Catholic priest. Since 2010, he has worked for the growth of civil society and democracy in Burma. He visits Burma regularly to lead on the Hospital Programme and undertakes numerous charitable activities in the fields of healthcare, education and the support of civil society throughout the country.

Christopher Wilmot-Sitwell

Christopher Wilmot-Sitwell, director and co-owner will personally accompany this trip. He set up c+l’s Asia business in 2005 and has travelled extensively in the region ever since. Since then he has designed two highly successful ‘Extraordinary Journeys’ to Burma on the Orcaella and this third journey adds to the previous two itineraries both in terms the access we are planning through on board lecturer-Michael Marett Crosby- but also in adding a new level of originality to venues and activities en route.

Optional Extensions

  • Lake Inle
  • Kalaw
  • Ngapali Beach
  • Bangkok
  • Sonia Kiri (visited by Oliver if you need some personal advice)
  • Amanpuri

Please ask for more details about these optional extensions.

Flights

We recommend the following times:

OUTBOUND
Sun 22nd Jan TG911    LHR – BANGKOK       11:50 – 06:15 +1 day
Mon 23rd Jan TG303  BANGKOK – YANGON   08:00 – 08:45

INBOUND
Sun 5th Feb TG304  YANGON – BANGKOK  09:50 – 11:45
Sun 5th Feb TG916  BANGKOK – LHR  13:20 – 19:35

Space is strictly limited on this tour so please do contact us asap to make a booking or register your interest.