Intrepid Burma (Myanmar) - Audley Travel/media/files/group-tours/continents/s… · Mandalay with its deserted ancient cities where temples and monastic culture are plentiful. The

Intrepid Burma (Myanmar) Escorted Group Tour

2 November 2016

Nuns learning their chants in a nunnery in the Sagaing Hills

We are very proud to have received a number of awards over recent years from The Guardian and Observer, The Telegraph newspaper and Ultratravel magazine, and Wanderlust, as voted by their readers. We are a Which? Recommended Provider achieving the maximum five star rating across all categories and have also won awards with The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and Condé Nast Traveller. Additionally, we have achieved two stars from the Best Company organisation for our great working environment. These awards are widely recognised as being the most respected in the travel industry as they are professional surveys of the publications’ readerships. With over 500 travel companies for you to choose from in the UK alone, we hope you find these awards are an additional reassurance of the quality of service you can expect from Audley.

Contents

Introduction to tour ______________________________ 5

Flights & visas ___________________________________ 7

Day by day summary of our Intrepid Myanmar arrangements 8

Price _________________________________________ 11

Why travel with us? ______________________________ 12

Introduction to the region _________________________ 13

Photographs of the region __________________________ 18

Your itinerary in detail ____________________________ 20

Accommodation information ________________________ 37

Charity support _________________________________ 43

General information ______________________________ 44

Terms and conditions _____________________________ 47

Meet our Burma Specialists

4 Meet our specialists

Audley have been arranging trips to Burma for our clients for over 15 years. Since the release from house arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi and the announcement that she now welcomes careful visitors, demand has grown and we now have 12 Burma specialists. They have travelled to all corners of the country and are passionate about ensuring that every trip we put together considers how to travel responsibly in Burma. We raised funds to rebuild a school after the 2008 cyclone and we are constantly looking for ways to preserve the culture, heritage and environment of this beautiful country.

Introduction to our Intrepid Burma tour

Introduction to our Intrepid Burma tour 5

• Introduction to the tour With years of experience in operating tours to Burma, we have designed this intrepid tour on where you experience Burma’s highlights as well as several off the beaten track locations and events, including the Taunggyi Balloon Festival. Beginning in Yangon, you explore its suburbs and spend sunset at the majestic Shwedagon Pagoda which will give you an introduction to the city and its charming people. Next is Pyin Oo Lwin with its grand colonial homes and botanical gardens. Continue your journey by train through remote jungle clad landscape and over the Goteik Viaduct to Hsipaw. Visit Mandalay with its deserted ancient cities where temples and monastic culture are plentiful. The impressive U Bein’s bridge makes for a wonderful backdrop at sunset. Next you travel off the beaten track to Monywa home to sandstone caves of Hpo Win Daung and rock hewn temples. With over 3,000 temples Bagan is an archaeological site not to be missed; an optional balloon flight is a real highlight. Travel to Taunggyi to witness the annual hot air balloon festival, a lively occasion which is great fun to watch. Next visit Inle Lake which provides you with the chance to explore the lake and small stilted villages by boat as well as watching the unique leg-rowing fishermen. Spend time trekking in the hills around Kyaingtung and surrounding villages, a charming but seldom visited area. Venture overland into Thailand and spend your last two nights relaxing in the Golden Triangle.

• Home truths

Burma is a country where things are changing faster than we can type them! We try to keep on top of the changes, but please let us know if while you are travelling you spot any information that is now outdated. We aim to provide accurate and detailed information and to make you aware of the less positive aspects of the journey you are undertaking, some facts you should be aware of are outlined below: Internal flight schedules are often changed at short notice, and sometimes the airline as well as the timings may change. Please see the Introduction to Burma for further information. The local currency in Burma is kyat although US dollars are also accepted in many places. A number of private banks operate a number of Foreign Exchange bureaux in Yangon and also at the key domestic airports around the country - Bagan, Mandalay and Heho. Amounts are limited to around US$500 per transaction at some bureaux and you will need to show your passport or at least be able to give your passport number. Your local guide will be able to assist you with exchanging money throughout your trip. Exchange rates vary but as a general rule expect 1000-1200 kyat per one US dollar. Larger notes attract a better exchange rate. The use of credit cards, whilst now more common since the country has opened up to tourism and foreign investment, can at times be unreliable. Please note that payment by credit card for sundries at hotels and in restaurants can incur a surcharge of between 4-7% on each transaction. We would still suggest that you travel with a supply of US dollars in new bills. Euros are also now accepted at some international standard hotels and can be exchanged into Kyat at the new exchange bureaus in cities and at airports, although US dollars are still the preferred currency. ATMs are now commonplace in Burma although please be aware that exchange rates and commission charges may not be competitive. They dispense in Kyat and you can take out a maximum of 300,000 Kyat (around $300) per transaction and three transactions are permitted per day.

• Single Travellers

Although we welcome single travellers, due to the complicated logistics of this tour, the single supplement can make this an expensive option. There are two options for single travellers; you can choose to share a room with another single traveller on the tour and pay the standard tour price (this option will only be available if another single traveller of the same sex is also willing to share otherwise a single supplement will apply), or to guarantee sole occupancy of a room, a single supplement of £1,210 will be payable. Please note that due to limited numbers of rooms at some of the lodges on the tour, we are only able to accept a maximum of two single travellers unless you are prepared to share a room.

• Group size

The group size is kept to a maximum of 16, this ensures that the trip is a more personal experience and that you can always hear and speak to your guides. The small group size also ensures that your experience of a particular sight is not marred by presence of too many people. There is a minimum requirement of eight passengers to run this tour, so the first eight people to book will be done so on a provisional basis until minimum numbers are reached. Deposits for those first eight people will be fully refunded should the tour not operate.


6 Introduction to our Intrepid Burma tour

• Local guide

An experienced English-speaking local tour leader will meet you on arrival in Burma and travel with you throughout your time in the destination. When you cross over the border into Thailand you will be handed over to a Thai guide who will accompany you for the last day of the tour. Our local guides are carefully selected for their in-depth knowledge, interpretation, and ability to manage large groups as well as their skills as charming hosts.

• Dining

Daily breakfasts are included throughout your trip. There is a welcome dinner in Yangon and a farewell dinner in Chiang Rai as well as an additional five lunches and seven dinners, all of which are included in the tour. Other meals than those mentioned will be at your own arrangement and restaurant recommendations will be provided for your benefit prior to travel. If you have any special dietary requirements please do let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your needs

• Extending your trip

You have the option to extend your trip, maybe with a few days relaxing by the beach or discovering a nearby region on a short tour. You may also choose to break the journey to and from Burma with a stopover in Bangkok. On any extension, you will be looked after by our carefully selected local agent. Please contact Alex, Will or Mark on 019993 838105 to discuss options.

• Health & Fitness requirements

To ensure that all participants get the most out of the tour, it is important that you are fully aware of the level of activity and fitness and medical health required to successfully complete this itinerary. Please read this dossier carefully prior to confirming your place on the tour, and having established the facts, it is your responsibility to contact us with any concerns regarding individual levels of fitness, health or ability. Please be aware that our tour leaders have the right to exclude customers from the tour if they feel they are not sufficiently fit, healthy or able to complete the tour without affecting its safety, comfort or smooth progress. If you would like to discuss any of these issues further please call our Burma specialists on 01993 838 105.

• Activity Levels - Medium

The vast majority of this trip does not require any significant level of physical fitness or agility but you should be physically active. However, there are many elements which involve getting in and out of boats or walking on rough unsurfaced paths and so a certain degree of physical dexterity will be required. Some excursions also involve an option to climb steps or paths which may be steep, loose and/or wet underfoot. Although speed is not required, a medium level of fitness is advisable. An experienced guide will be on hand to help anyone should they need it. There are a significant number of long drives in the itinerary and many of the roads in Burma are poorly maintained making journeys quite bumpy at times. Finally it may also be necessary to carry your own luggage through airports or from the vehicles to hotels and vice versa. Please also refer to the General Information section for further information on health requirements for group tours.

• Early starts and logistics

There are a number of early starts in the itinerary. For this reason we have built in time at leisure, often in the middle of the day, when you can relax. There are also long days in the vehicle, often on bumpy roads, due to the distances covered during this itinerary and the remoteness of the areas visited. The vehicle will stop regularly for comfort breaks, but this tour would not be recommended for those who find it uncomfortable to be seated for large periods of time.

• Standard of accommodation

The accommodation included in this group tour is a mix of a 'Medium' & "Simple" standard. These hotels are typically comfortable and clean but have been selected due to their locations and the accessibility to unique experiences. The quality of food is usually good but simple, be sure to tell your specialist if you have any special dietary requirements.


Introduction to our Intrepid Burma tour 7

Visas

Burma (Myanmar)

UK citizens visiting Burma (Myanmar) require a visa. Ordinary tourist visas are valid for one month from the date of entry into Burma. You must enter Burma within three months of the visa being issued. If you choose to use the Audley Travel visa service, we will send you the appropriate forms in good time. The visa application process with the Burmese embassy has been known to be quite erratic, but on average takes two weeks to complete. With this in mind, we strongly urge people to apply as soon as they receive the forms from us. Alternatively, and providing you are of an eligible nationality, it is possible to apply for an E-Visa online. The charge is US$50 and takes around one week to process the visa. Applications can be submitted at http://evisa.moip.gov.mm/

Please note, your passport must be valid for six months after the date of return to the UK and you must have at least two full blank pages available.

Thailand UK citizens, along with the citizens of 38 other countries, do not currently require a visa for stays of up to 30 days in Thailand if arriving by air, but your passport must be valid for six months from the date of entry into Thailand. Passport holders from 21 other countries can obtain a 15 day visa on arrival. Other nationalities need to apply for a visa in advance. If crossing into Thailand from one of its land borders, UK citizens are permitted to stay for 15 days without a visa. This can be extended with an additional fee of 500 baht a day (up to a limit of 30 days), which is paid on departure.

Important Note: We cannot under any circumstances guarantee that your visa application for any country will be accepted. However, in our experience refusals are extremely rare. Visa information is given in good faith and is accurate to the best of our knowledge.

Day by day summary

8 Day by day summary

1 Wednesday 02 November 2016

Start your adventure by flying from London to Bangkok with Thai Airways. We can arrange flights from alternative departure airports if required.

Overnight on board the aircraft

2 Thursday 03 November 2016

In Bangkok you will transit to your flight to Yangon. Once through immigration you will be met by your guide and driver and transferred to your hotel in the city.

Hotel M, Yangon (Rangoon) Executive room No meals are included

3 Friday 04 November 2016

A full day of sightseeing taking in the colonial history of the city as well as a stop at a local tea shop. Later this afternoon visit the spectacular highlight of Yangon - the Shwedagon pagoda. The day ends with some exploration of 19th street where you have the chance to try a beer with the locals. A welcome dinner has been arranged this evening giving you the opportunity to get to know the rest of the group.

Hotel M, Yangon (Rangoon) Executive room Breakfast and welcome dinner included

4 Saturday 05 November 2016

After a flight to Mandalay you travel by road to the former hill station of Pyin Oo Lwin. With a cooler climate this area is famed for its botanical gardens and fruit and its colonial buildings which you explore on arrival.

Hotel Pyin Oo Lwin, Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo) Deluxe room Breakfast and lunch are included

5 Sunday 06 November 2016

Head north by train which takes you through some of the Shan state`s most picturesque countryside and across the impressive Goteik Viaduct. The train makes a slow and steady journey through remote jungle clad landscape towards Hsipaw.

Riverside @ Hsipaw Resort, Hsipaw Deluxe room Breakfast and dinner are included

6 Monday 07 November 2016

Spend the day exploring the small and atmospheric town of Hsipaw.

Riverside @ Hsipaw Resort, Hsipaw Deluxe room Breakfast and dinner are included

7 Tuesday 08 November 2016

Today the group will return to Mandalay by road, most of the day will be spent travelling. Lunch is included today at the beautiful Dataw Gyaint waterfall.

Yadanarpon Dynasty Hotel, Mandalay Villa Breakfast and lunch are included


The group will head out to visit the many ancient kingdoms that had their cities around Mandalay. You will explore Sagaing, the oldest dating from 1760, Waso monastery and Amarapura, home of U Bein`s bridge. Lunch is included today at a local restaurant.

Yadanarpon Dynasty Hotel, Mandalay Villa Breakfast and lunch are included


A fascinating and diverse morning spent discovering Mandalay`s various sights and attractions. Highlights include the railway bazaar, jade market and private cyclo ride.

Win Unity Resort Hotel, Monywa Superior room Breakfast is included


Start the day by visiting Monywa`s main sights, continuing the tour with time spent at Shwe Ba Hill and Po Win Daung Temple complex. The complex is an impressive network of richly decorated caves containing over 400,000 Buddha statues carved from the sandstone.

Win Unity Resort Hotel, Monywa Superior room Breakfast and lunch are included


Continue on your journey towards Pakokku where you will board a river boat and meander down to Bagan taking in life on the river as you go. En-route to the hotel in Bagan you may have time to explore some of the temples before dinner.

Bagan Thande Hotel, Bagan (Pagan) Deluxe River View room Breakfast and lunch are included

Day by day summary

Day by day summary 9


This morning there is the opportunity to take a dawn balloon flight over the temples of Pagan. This is highly recommended as you will be rewarded with amazing views over the temples and abandoned stupas that dot the plains of Pagan. The group has a full day discovering the majestic temples and ruins of Pagan today. They are an awe inspiring sight as they cover such a vast area and you will visit many of the most interesting temples. Enjoy a home hosted dinner this evening.

Bagan Thande Hotel, Bagan (Pagan) Deluxe River View room Breakfast and hosted dinner included


Fly to Heho today and transfer to Nyaung Shwe where you then have time to relax before tonight`s excursion. Held once a year, the Taunggyi Balloon Festival is a great event to see. The festival really comes to life as the sun starts to drop and the large balloons float upwards in to the sky by candle light. Expect to see giant elephant, owl, fish and oxen follow the wind and disappear in to the night sky! Lunch today is included at a local restaurant

Royal Nadi Resort, Nyaung Shwe Lake view villa Breakfast and lunch are included

14 Tuesday 15 November 2016

Spend the day visiting local villages and the floating gardens of Inle Lake.

Royal Nadi Resort, Nyaung Shwe Lake view villa Breakfast and dinner are included


Today you will visit the markets and ruins around Taungto before exploring the pottery village of Kyauk Taing.

Royal Nadi Resort, Nyaung Shwe Lake view villa Breakfast and dinner are included


Leaving Nyaung Shwe behind you will transfer back to Heho airport. From here you will take the short flight to Kyaingtong and spend the afternoon discovering the town.

Princess Hotel, Kyaingtong (Kengtung) Superior room Breakfast is included


Today you have the opportunity to discover some stunning scenery and meet several hill tribe villages that inhabit the town`s surrounding mountains. A trekking route will take you to the area of Pin Tauk where you will trek to visit villages of Akha and Ann tribes. The Ann live on the higher slopes to the Akha tribes and are more commonly known as the Black Teeth.

Princess Hotel, Kyaingtong (Kengtung) Superior room Breakfast and lunch box included


Venture overland today to the border town of Tachilek. You bid farewell to Burma and cross into Thailand for the drive to Chiang Rai. You have the rest of the day at leisure.

The Legend Boutique River Resort & Spa, Chiang Rai Superior studio Breakfast and dinner are included


Enjoy an optional sightseeing tour of Chiang Rai before having the rest of the day at leisure. This evening a farewell dinner is included at the hotel

The Legend Boutique River Resort & Spa, Chiang Rai Superior studio Breakfast and farewell dinner included

Day by day summary

10 Day by day summary


Transfer to the airport for your morning flight to Bangkok where you connect with your flight to London.

Prices

Prices 11

Arrangements as specified per person _____________________________________________________ £4,845

..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Please note the following supplements and/or upgrade options per person:

Single Supplement ________________________________________________________________ £1,210

Single entry tourist visa for Myanmar (Burma) _______________________________________________ £65

..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Per person deposit required to confirm these arrangements ________________________________ £1,200

Optional carbon off-setting for your flights per person (see General Information section for further details) ____ £15

The deposit required is shown above and relates to the itinerary detailed in this quotation. For Burma bookings we have to ask for more than our standard 15% as most hotels and all boats in Burma require at least partial payment at the time of booking. These are the payment and cancellation conditions imposed by our providers. Anything paid as part of your deposit is likely to be non-refundable, so please make sure you have fully comprehensive travel insurance to ensure you are covered should you need to cancel. Please note if you confirm your booking within 60 days of your departure date full payment is required at the time of booking. The date will be specified on your invoice. Please refer to the Terms and Conditions section at the back of this booklet for full details. By paying the deposit you are confirming you have read and agree to our Terms and Conditions on behalf of all persons named on the booking.

How to book If you have any questions regarding the tour or would like to hold a no obligation option for a place on the tour, please feel free to contact Mark, Alex or Will on 01993 838 105 who will be delighted to assist you. To confirm an option, please send us a completed booking form and the deposit specified above. The deposit can be paid by cheque, bank transfer or credit / debit card. Please make cheques payable to Audley Travel. Please see below for more information on paying by credit card. Payment by credit card Please note that we do not charge a fee on deposit payments by credit card, except when a deposit is more than 15%. In this situation a charge will apply. Credit card fees are detailed on the booking form. We charge a credit card fee due to the high fees charged to tour operators by the credit card companies. Balance or full payment is subject to a 1.3% fee to cover the credit card issuer’s commission. There is a 2% fee for AMEX. We make a credit card fee due to the high fees charged to tour operators by the credit card companies: we do not make a profit on this charge. We have chosen to make this transparent rather than including it within the trip price. You may therefore wish to pay the balance by bank transfer, debit card or personal cheque. Terms and Conditions The Terms and Conditions that apply to all of our holidays are detailed at the back of this booklet. By paying the deposit you are confirming you have read and accept the Terms and Conditions on behalf of all persons named on the booking.

Included in the price • All flights as specified in the itinerary • Twin share accommodation as specified • All transfers and excursions as specified • Services of experienced local guides • Sightseeing and entrance fees • Meals as specified in the itinerary Not included in the price • Meals not indicated within your itinerary • Where applicable, local airport departure taxes; payable

locally on departure in some locations • Where applicable, locally payable car hire related

charges, including optional excess reduction • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, etc. • Tips for your guide and driver (discretionary) • Any camera or video fees at any sites • Entrance fees and other costs when on 'free time’ • Travel insurance (see general information section)

Why travel with us?

12 Why travel with us?

The New Mill, our offices on the outskirts of Witney in west Oxfordshire Reputation and quality Well over 80% of our clients have travelled with us in the past or have had Audley recommended to them. When you book with us you are assured of quality arrangements if only for the fact that we simply cannot afford to risk our excellent reputation. Our service has been recognised by the readers of well-known publications including the Guardian & Observer, the Daily Telegraph and Wanderlust magazine, where we have consistently featured in their ‘best tour operator’ awards for a number of years. Personal service We are committed to offering you a very personal service, with all your arrangements being handled by one country specialist. They will remain your one point of contact and will take responsibility for the smooth operation of your trip. They are supported by a team of specialists for that region and a professional administration and management team. From the moment you contact us, we are here to answer your questions accurately and honestly, be they about specific arrangements or any more general queries you may have. We are experienced travellers with a thorough and in-depth knowledge of our specialist destinations, and the benefit of this experience is yours throughout. When we do not know the answer to a question we will endeavour to find out and get back to you as soon as possible.

Quality service when you are travelling We take a good deal of care when choosing our travel partners overseas, taking into account their quality of service, guides and vehicles. We have built up many long-standing relationships, ensuring that they deliver the level of service demanded by Audley clients. Our local guides and drivers, where appropriate, are the people you will meet. In many cases we know them personally, in all cases we ensure that they are of the highest calibre. They are there to do much more than show you specific sights and provide factual information. They will be able to tell you about local life, culture, cuisines and customs; and, where applicable, act as translator. In certain parts of the world a specialist guide is more appropriate, for example, a wildlife expert.

First class guides A smooth journey We have procedures in place for dealing quickly and efficiently with mishaps from minor flight time alterations to more fundamental changes. If problems do occur we will rapidly rearrange your itinerary to make best use of your time given the changed circumstances, not simply cancel part of your trip or leave you sitting in an airport waiting for hours for a rescheduled flight. Importantly, in these situations we will do everything possible to minimise any extra costs involved – in the vast majority of cases no extra charges will be made. If a problem does occur while you are travelling you can contact us on our 24 hour number. We will do everything in our power to rectify the problem immediately rather than allow it to spoil your trip.

Detailed travel documents Approximately two to three weeks before you travel we will send you all your travel documents presented in a convenient travel organiser. As well as your full itinerary and travel documents, there will also be additional information such as recommended restaurants and practical tips. A few days before you travel your specialist will call you to have a final talk through your itinerary and answer any last minute questions you may have.

Responsible travel We have a firm commitment to minimising the environmental and social impact of travel, and strive to ensure that a visit from an Audley client has a positive effect on the destination. We have a firm commitment to the principles of ‘responsible travel’ and have been awarded AITO 5 star status (the highest achievable) for our policies and practises. We continue to work with AITO, and a number of other bodies, to improve our policies. For more details please refer to our website (www.audleytravel.com/rt) where you will find details of our responsible travel policy and also our Travellers’ Code. If you are particularly interested in these issues, your country specialist will be able to tell you more. Legal liability We are a UK company and hence must fully comply with English law. When booking with us you can rest assured that your arrangements are carefully planned as we have a reputation to maintain and are legally liable for any omissions or negligent acts. You may not find you have this level of reassurance if you make your own travel arrangements independently.

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Introduction to Burma (Myanmar)

Introduction to the region 13

Key facts:

Population: 50.02 million

Land area: 678.50 thousand square kilometres

Major languages spoken: Burmese

Currency: Myanmar Kyat

Time difference: GMT+6 1/2 hours

Capital city: Naypyidaw

Introduction

During its years of isolation, Burma (Myanmar) became frozen in time; capturing an enchanting country of geographical variety and natural beauty. A nation rich in culture, the friendly locals can be seen dressed in longyis and smoking cheroots. Their deep-rooted belief in Buddhism and spirit worship is evident in the many ornate pagodas and temples that sprinkle the area, from the Himalayan foothills to the jungles of the south. Burma has a great deal to offer, from archaeological wonders to beaches, hill tribe villages, crumbling colonial buildings and the mighty Ayeyarwady River that bisects this rural land.

Useful information when travelling in Burma:

Whilst newer vehicles are gradually being seen on the roads, the majority of the vehicles used in the tourist industry are older models, safe but basic, and not to the standard of developed countries. Furthermore, the wear and tear on vehicles is high due to the condition of local roads, which are at their worst after the monsoon period (June to October) when heavy rain can wash away road surfaces, leaving huge potholes behind. Some overland journeys can be quite bumpy and when a flight is possible, it is often the preferred mode of transport.

You should be aware that flying internally in Burma presents a number of challenges. Local flight schedules are subject to change without warning.

There are concerns over the safety standards of some airlines operating in Burma. However, the EU does not currently include any of these airlines on its list of carriers which are banned from operating within the EU on the basis that they are operating below essential safety levels. This list is applicable to all carriers, whether they operate international and/or domestic flights inside or outside the EU. The British FCO notes the concerns over safety standards but does not offer any advice on individual airlines.

The domestic airlines in Burma operate a circular network, which means that depending on your itinerary, some of your flights may go via one or two airports before reaching your final destination. Please note that as flight schedules in Burma are likely to change at short notice, exact timings will be confirmed upon your arrival. Your guide will ensure that your flights are reconfirmed on your behalf. The overhead lockers on the ATR aircraft used for internal flights are a little shallower than on larger aircraft. Large items of hand luggage may have to go in the hold.

Please note that whilst we are aware of and plan for the most prominent festivals throughout the country, pagoda ceremonies can happen at any time without any warning as they are often instigated by a donation or event in the local community. Depending on which hotel you are staying at, it may be possible to hear music and chanting from nearby pagodas.

On your travels in Burma, and particularly in the more visited areas such as Bagan and Mandalay, you will encounter lots of children with beaming smiles and inquisitive chatter. In most cases they simply want to interact with tourists and learn a little about where you have come from, but unfortunately the practice of handing out money and gifts directly to the children by tourists is commonplace and some children now expect it. If you would like to help a local community, we would suggest a donation to a local school or monastery as teachers and village elders will be able to allocate funds for various purposes. Donations can help mend roofs, buy rice for poor families, purchase school books and pay for medicines. Your guide will be able to help arrange this or help purchase some of these items, which you can give in person to a local school or monastery.


14 Introduction to the region

Mandalay

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Avg Max Day Temperature (0C)

Avg Min Night Temperature (0C)

Avg Hours of Sunshine

Monthly Rainfall (mm) 4 2 1 37 140 123 74 130 155 177 39 7

Inle Lake






Bagan (Pagan)






Yangon (Rangoon)








Introduction to Thailand

16 Introduction to the region

Key facts:

Population: 63.39 million

Land area: 514.00 thousand square kilometres

Major languages spoken: Thai and English

Currency: Thai Baht

Time difference: GMT+7 hours

Capital city: Bangkok

Introduction

Swathed in virgin jungle, with sun-bleached shores caressed by clear blue waters, Thailand is an exotic beauty. The modern cities of this kingdom flourish whilst birds and orchids fill the national parks; wild elephants roam through forests and dolphins swim in the Indian Ocean. From the mountains of the north, down through fertile plains and on to southern tropical islands, you will discover an exciting blend of culinary delights, ancient ruins and mystical temples. A factor that draws people to the Kingdom of Thailand is the friendliness of the people. You will often hear Thailand called 'The Land of Smiles' and for a very good reason. Thai people are very courteous and polite and will invariably greet you with a smile and a traditional 'wai'. The 'wai' is a gesture made by putting the palms of the hands together as if praying, and shows respect to the person that you direct it to. Thai society is hierarchical, based mainly on age. When meeting a senior, you must 'wai' to show your respect. It is very important that you 'wai' when meeting a monk, or anyone holding a position of authority, such as a policeman. If somebody greets you with a 'wai' you should 'wai' back to them. If service personnel greet you with a 'wai', it is not necessary to 'wai' back; however, if you would like to be most polite then this is perfectly acceptable. His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the King of Thailand, is the longest reigning monarch in the world and is highly revered in Thailand. You will see portraits of the King and Queen in almost all businesses and homes in Thailand, and outside all government buildings and hotels.

One of the best things about travelling in Thailand is the food. Some of the ingredients used in Thai cooking are: lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, lime juice, chillis, galangal, fish sauce, and coconut milk. In Thai towns and cities, most people eat out as it is cheaper and easier than cooking at home, and many people do not have cooking facilities in their homes, especially in the city. Noodle soup is eaten from street stalls, as a snack, just as we might eat a sandwich. As a quick meal, fried food is popular in Thailand, and again is often eaten from street stalls. Traditionally, meals are shared in Thailand, and are seen as a time for sanuuk (fun). The oldest male orders a few different dishes (and pays), and everybody helps themselves to plain rice and a bit of each dish. Eating in Thailand is very much a friendly affair.

Unfortunately due to the slash and burn clearance of palm oil plantations in Indonesia the haze that can sometimes be found above the skies of Southeast Asia drifted over Thailand during September/October 2015. The situation was particularly bad due to the prolonged dry season with air pollution affecting flights for a short time. 2015 was exceptional, but for anyone with breathing difficulties we recommend you speak to your specialist for further information.

Yellow fever: please note that if you are travelling to Thailand from a country that is considered to have a risk of yellow fever by the World Health Organization (WHO), then you may be asked to provide proof of vaccination against the disease upon arrival. Please see the 'populations at risk' section of the WHO website for further details and consult with your GP for up-to-date advice: www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs100/en/index.html.

Chiang Rai









18 Photographs of the region

Top: The Shwedagon pagoda shines bright in the evening Left: Young novitiate, Amarapura Lower left: Hsipaw, Burma (Myanmar)


Photographs of the region 19

Top: Buddhas at Po Win Hill. Left: Sunset on the Ayeyarwady, Bagan, Burma (Myanmar) Right: Novice monks walk to exams in the grounds of a temple at Nyaung Shwe

Itinerary in Detail

20 Itinerary in Detail

Wednesday 02 November, 2016

London Heathrow Terminal: 2 to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Thai Airways - Flight No: TG 911 - Dep: 11:50 - Arr: 06:15 - (next day) - Duration: 11hr 25min; Class: Economy Class; Non-stop flight

Thursday 03 November, 2016

Hotel M, Yangon (Rangoon) No meals are included

Reclining Buddha at Chaukhtatgyi Paya, Yangon

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi to Yangon (Rangoon) Thai Airways - Flight No: TG 303 - Dep: 08:00 - Arr: 08:45 - (same day) - Duration: 01hr 15min; Class: Economy Class; Non-stop flight

Yangon (Rangoon) introduction Now known as Yangon, the former capital of Burma still retains much of its colonial character. The grand buildings of the downtown area and the old mansions in the diplomatic quarter are clear testament to the former British presence. In contrast to this, the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda is perhaps the most vivid demonstration of how seriously the Burmese take their Buddhist faith, with a stream of devotees bringing offerings to the various shrines within the temple complex.

The city has an eclectic mix of cultures and religions, with the golden spires of many ancient pagodas glistening in the heat of the day alongside modern-day Hindu and Chinese temples, cathedrals and mosques. The bustling streets and narrow alleys of downtown Yangon capture the diversity of this intriguing city.

Tea-houses are layered with the smoke of cheroots, the markets of Chinatown burst with an unfathomable array of goods, and the aromas of freshly-milled spices and freshly-cooked snacks are carried on a breeze from the Indian Quarter. Yangon is well known for its shops and markets, the most famous of which is the Bogyoke Aung San Market (or Scott Market), as well as for a burgeoning and well-respected art scene. Galleries and antique shops have been established in various parts of the city, presenting the visitor with many tempting shopping opportunities.

Sunset over Shwedagon, Yangon, Burma (Myanmar)

Arrival transfer from airport to hotel group-tour transfer On arrival, once all of the group members have cleared any immigration formalities, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.

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Friday 04 November, 2016

Hotel M, Yangon (Rangoon) Breakfast and dinner are included

Morning tour of colonial Yangon group tour excursion Yangon dates to 1852, when British troops seized a village near the mouth of the Ayeyarwady River during the Second Anglo-Burmese War. The capital was moved from Mawlamyine, and Yangon (at the time known as Rangoon) became the seat of power for British Burma. It wasn't until the early 20th century that most of the city's grand public buildings were erected. Today the old surpasses the new as Yangon’s Anglo-Indian architecture still provides the ideal living environment for the climate. Built in an age when air conditioning was unknown and architectural features kept the elements at bay, these structures are still performing the functions for which they were designed.

After breakfast at your hotel, you will begin a morning tour of the city's colonial architecture, including the High Court, Central Telegraph Office, the Strand Hotel and Custom House, stopping to enjoy traditional refreshments at a local tea shop. After the tour, which lasts approximately four hours, you will be driven back to your hotel for lunch and some time to relax.

The Secretariat in donwtown Yangon (Rangoon), Burma (Myanmar)

Shwedagon Pagoda at sunset group tour excursion Around 4pm in the afternoon you will head out for a visit to the famous Shwedagon Pagoda. Visiting at this time affords a wonderful opportunity to people watch as the city's residents come to pay their respects after finishing work or school. It is worth finding a quiet spot to sit and soak up this magical atmosphere as the sun dips below the horizon and darkness falls in this most sacred of places. After a visit to the Pagoda your guide will accompany you to 19th Street, this small side street in Chinatown comes to life at dusk as locals gather here after work to enjoy cold draft beers and a BBQ. Find a busy stall and order a cold Myanmar Beer (cost included) and enjoy the hustle and bustle of this popular spot.

A welcome dinner has been arranged for the group at La Planteur

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Saturday 05 November, 2016

Hotel Pyin Oo Lwin, Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo) Breakfast and lunch are included

Old man at market, Pyin U Lwin

Transfer from hotel to airport group tour transfer The group will be collected from the hotel and transferred directly to the airport in time for your flight.

Yangon (Rangoon) to Mandalay To be advised - Flight No: TBA - (same day); Class: Economy Class; Non-stop flight

Mandalay introduction Mandalay is a large and sprawling city whose centre is dominated by the enormous Mandalay Fort, which measures two kilometres in length on each side. The fort once contained the royal city and the fabled Glass Palace, however this was almost entirely reconstructed as a result of the damage inflicted during the Second World War. The city of Mandalay only started to take its shape in around 1857 and lasted only briefly as Myanmar's capital from 1861 until the British takeover of Upper Burma (as it was then known) in 1885. Surrounding Mandalay, there are interesting remnants of several former royal capital cities dating from different periods in the region's history; including Inwa (Ava), Amarapura, Sagaing and Mingun.

Main focal points in the city include Mandalay Hill in the northeast, Shwenandaw Kyaung - a large monastery constructed of golden teak and the former home of King Mindon, Mahamuni Paya , which houses one of Burma's most famous seated Buddha images, and Kuthodaw Paya - home to the world's largest book.

Mandalay food market

Mandalay to Pyin Oo Lwin by road group tour transfer Once all of the group have collected their luggage you will depart Mandalay and head to Pyin Oo Lwin. The journey takes around two hours on a windy road which takes you across plains before climbing into the hills to reach the former hill-station.

Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo) introduction Established as a British military outpost in the 19th century, the small hill town of Pyin Oo Lwin still retains a much anglicised feel, with many colonial buildings still intact. The British arrived here after capturing Mandalay at the conclusion of the Third Burmese War, and the town was renamed Maymyo (May Town) after Colonel May, the commander of the post and a veteran of the Indian Mutiny. The town later became a hill station as well as the summer residence of the British

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Government in Burma due to its cooler temperatures compared to the heat and humidity of Rangoon. During British rule, Pyin Oo Lwin was also an important educational centre, with Government English High Schools such as St. Albert's, St. Joseph's Convent, St. Mary's, St. Michael's and Colgate all based here. Maymyo was renamed as Pyin Oo Lwin in 1989 when the government abandoned colonial titles, replacing them with the original Myanmar names used before British rule.

In the town there is an colourful Hindu temple, and on some days a dawn farms market, though it is best to check with your guide as the days vary.

Spices, Pyin U Lwin market

Exploring the former hill station of Pyin Oo Lwin group tour excursion The main attraction of Pyin Oo Lwin is the mature botanical garden with rose beds and orchid houses reminiscent of the formal gardens at Kew. A very pleasant afternoon can be spent here simply relaxing and strolling around the lake. The gardens are situated 1,098 metres above sea level and located in 1.8 square kilometres, which include countless specimens of Burma's natural resources: there are 589 local and foreign tree species, 75 bamboo species, 75 croton species, 300 orchid species and open parkland. The gardens were established in 1915 by Alex Rodger, a Forest Research Officer, and Lady Charlotte Wheeler Cuffe, a noted botanist from the famous Kew Botanical Gardens. By 1942 it contained 178 species of orchids, today it has the biggest collection of these plants in Burma.

You're free to spend as much or as little time here and your guide will either accompany you or leave you to wander at leisure. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then explore the town itself with its charming colonial properties, including the town's centrepiece - the Purcell Tower, as well as the colourful local market.

Sunday 06 November, 2016

Riverside @ Hsipaw Resort, Hsipaw Breakfast and dinner are included

Journey from Pyin Oo Lwin to Hsipaw via the Goteik viaduct group tour transfer by road and rail From Pyin Oo Lwin the group will be driven to the station at Naung Cho, a journey of about 75 minutes, to board the local train to Naung Pein. The train will have made a very early departure from Mandalay (4:45am) and continues up to Lashio, arriving there at 8pm, so delays can be expected, but departure from Naung Cho is usually around 10:15hrs. Boarding your train at Naung Cho, you sit in the hard seat carriage with open windows and all the hustle and bustle of every day train travel in Burma carrying on around you. It is a great chance to enjoy a snapshot of life in Burma away from the tourist scene. This part of the rail journey travels over the famous Goteik Viaduct and the views from the viaduct are impressive. After crossing the viaduct the following stop is Naung Pein, a small

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Hsipaw, Burma (Myanmar)

town deep in Shan territory, around midday. From here the group will be driven by bus on to the small town of Hsipaw, a journey of around two hours.

Hsipaw introduction Hsipaw is a small and atmospheric town that is well worth a few days of exploration. It was once the capital of an autonomous Shan state and a modest Shan palace still stands. From Hsipaw it is possible to trek into the surrounding hills and take boat trips to the confluence of the Namtu and Dotawaddy Rivers, stopping at small local villages and riverside monasteries enroute.

Hsipaw, Burma (Myanmar)

Monday 07 November, 2016

Riverside @ Hsipaw Resort, Hsipaw Breakfast and dinner are included

Day exploring Hsipaw group tour excursion The group will set off from the hotel after breakfast and begin the four hour round trip walking tour passing a local noodle factory on the outskirts of Hsipaw before heading into the countryside and the surrounding Shan villages. During your walk through the scenic villages and paddy fields you will be able to witness numerous cottage industries that provide the main income to these communities such as seasonal crops, bamboo hand fans, soya cakes, basket weaving and cheroot rolling. This is a pleasant way to spend a morning enjoying some beautiful scenery around a town that sees few visitors. Return to the hotel where you will have some free time to rest and have some lunch (at own expense) before heading out this afternoon. Travel to the riverside where the group will board a local boat and travel upstream to the confluence of the Namtu and Dotawaddy Rivers. The journey takes you through some beautiful scenery dotted with small villages only accessible by boat. On the return journey, if time allows, there may be opportunity to stop at a Buddhist Monastery and a small rural village which the train to Lashio passes through. The locals, if not working in the fields, will be pleased to welcome you as not many tourists visit this part of Shan state.

Tuesday 08 November, 2016

Yadanarpon Dynasty Hotel, Mandalay Breakfast and lunch are included

Hsipaw to Mandalay by road transfer by private vehicle with driver and guide Morning at leisure.

fter lunch you will depart Hsipaw for the journey to Pyin Oo Lwin via Goak Twin Valley. The transfer should take four hours, allowing for photo and rest stops on the way.

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U Bein bridge at Sunset


Yadanarpon Dynasty Hotel, Mandalay Breakfast and lunch are included

Horse carts outside Bagaya Monastery, Inwa

Waso monastery, Sagiang and Amarapura small group excursion with guide The group will be collected from the hotel this morning to begin your day's exploration of the ancient cities surrounding Mandalay. On the western bank of the Ayeyarwady River lie the Sagaing Hills, one of the most beautiful places in Asia, with many magical and peaceful pagodas to explore. Sagaing was a former capital of an autonomous Shan kingdom during the 14th century and again in the 18th century, albeit for a short time. Today this tranquil area is an important centre for Buddhism, with numerous monasteries and nunneries scattered all over the hill. The winding lanes are a treasure to explore, with many old buildings and flowering bougainvillea. One of the most interesting temples at the top of the hill is the Ponnyashin Pagoda - the views over Mandalay and the Ayeyarwady from here are stunning.

Back in Mandalay you will visit the impressive Waso Monastery before driving south to the former capital of Amarapura. Here you will take a boat ride on the lake to watch the sunset over U Bein's Bridge. Constructed in teak and nearly a mile in length, it spans Taungthaman Lake. The group will then travel back to Mandalay city and return to the hotel.


Win Unity Resort Hotel, Monywa Breakfast is included

Aung Setkya Paya, Monywa

Mandalay morning explorer tour group tour excursion Mandalay has a surprising amount to offer for those seeking lesser-known sites and activities. This half day tour has been designed to reveal Mandalay from an interesting, diverse perspective.

You will visit a lovely tea house where you can stop to try a cup of local tea or coffee and watch the locals go about their daily business. You can also opt to eat breakfast here if you wish as it serves a tasty selection of Indian breads, vegetables, eggs and noodles. Continuing your exploration, you head to the railway bazaar, a fascinating market experience where the locals ply their trade on the railway track, scattering each time a train comes along. A vibrant cacophony of sights, smells and sounds offering a host of photo opportunities, this market is a must see for anyone who wishes to witness a unique side of life in Burma.

Please also note that lunch is not included today, however your guide will be able

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to recommend suitable options

Travel from Mandalay to Monywa by road group tour transfer After spending the morning exploring Mandalay the group will travel to Monywa. The distance between Mandalay and Monywa is approximately 140 kilometres and the journey takes around four hours. It is possible to make various stops along the way, dependent on time, which will increase the length of the journey to around six hours.

Monywa introduction Monywa is the capital of Sagaing Division with a population of over 500,000. It sits on the banks of the Chindwin River and is primarily a main trading point for produce heading south towards Mandalay or upriver to Homalin and beyond to India. During British rule it was a busy port town for teak exporters, and a small number of colonial houses can be found along the river road, near to the main jetty. There is also a lively night market located between the statue of General Aung San to the clock tower roundabout, where you can find lots of local delicacies. Highlights of the city include Bodhi-taunt Pagoda ('one thousand Bodhi trees'), Shwe Thar Laung (a 100 metre reclining Buddha), Bay Kyun Setkyar (a 126 metre standing Buddha - the largest in Burma), Shwe Ba Hill and Po Win Temple, an impressive network of sandstone caves containing over 400,000 Buddha images.

ThanBoddhay, Monywa


Win Unity Resort Hotel, Monywa Breakfast and lunch are included

Full day exploring Monywa, Shwe Ba Hill and Po Win Daung Temple complex group tour excursion An exploration of Monywa this morning takes in the highlights including visits to the three major pagodas in and around the town including the Bodhi-ta-taung Pagoda (one thousand Bo Trees), the Kyauka Shweguni Pagoda and the magnificent Thanbodhyi Pagoda with over 500,000 Buddha images. The group will then be driven down to the riverside where a local boat takes you over the other side of the Chindwin river to Nyaung Bin Gyi Village. Here a local pick up truck will be waiting for you and you will be driven off into the remote countryside, passing quintessential rural scenes and farm land. After approximately 45 minutes you will arrive at Shwe Ba Hill. This is where, according to legend, one monk single-handedly carved a series of temples out of the rock with his bare hands. The result, whoever was actually responsible for it, is a small complex of subterranean temples and streets, all hewn from the local bedrock. It is an impressive achievement and

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the lack of visitors makes it a quite unique site to visit. Leaving Shwe Ba Hill you go on to Po Win Daung Temple complex. This is a series of cave temples, niches and rock pagodas spread over a hillside which date back to the 17th century (though local legend attributes the construction to a 4th century alchemist!). It is a really scenic spot and is also home to some ancient murals depicting the demise of Buddha and various scenes from Buddhist hell. After everyone has finished exploring the group will return to the hotel.


Bagan Thande Hotel, Bagan (Pagan) Breakfast and dinner are included

Ox and cart of Bagan

Monywa to Bagan via Pakokku market group tour transfer The first part of today's journey is by road from Monywa to Pakokku which takes approximately two hours. Upon arrival in Pakokku you will visit the charming local market where you will have a chance to collect some provisions for your onward boat journey to Bagan. Enjoy a peaceful journey along the Ayeyarwaddy River which takes approximately two hours. Arriving into Bagan this afternoon allows the group chance to enjoy some sightseeing en-route to the hotel. You will have your first glimpse of this stunning landscape dotted with over 3,000 temples and stupas. After exploring a few of the temples with your guide continue onto the hotel and your rooms should be ready for check in.

Bagan (Pagan) introduction Though Bagan had been a major city since King Pyinbya moved the capital here in AD874, it was not until the Bamar King Anawrahta converted to Theravada Buddhism in the mid-11th century that the 'golden period' of Bagan commenced. In 1057, he overwhelmed the Mon capital of Thaton, capturing over 30,000 prisoners, including the Mon royal family. Yet the influence of the Mons was key to the development of Bagan. During Anawrahta's 33-year reign, the Mon language became the official Royal language, instead of Pali and Sanskrit, and Theravada Buddhism became the state religion.

It was in honour of this new-found religious fervour that Anawrahta ordered temples to be erected; the most notable being the Shwezigon Pagoda. It was, however, under the reign of King Kyanzittha (1084 - 1113) that temple construction reached new heights, perhaps the most famous being the Ananda, with its 51.81-metre golden hti or stupa.

By the start of the 13th century, Bagan had become known as the 'city of four million pagodas', and a complex system of irrigation supported extensive rice cultivation on the otherwise arid plain on which Bagan sits. The end of Bagan’s dominance was heralded when King Narathihapate assassinated an ambassador of Kublai Khan, bringing down on himself and his people the considerable wrath of the Mongol empire in 1287.

Over the next four or five centuries Bagan was left to the elements, and was considered by many as a region haunted by nats (spirits). The earthquake in 1975 destroyed almost half the pagodas, and although what remains today may be just a glimpse of Bagan at the height of its powers, it is, without a doubt, a remarkable footprint of a once glorious period in Burma's history.

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View of Bagan, from balloon

Dinner has been arranged for the group this evening.


Bagan Thande Hotel, Bagan (Pagan) Breakfast and lunch are included

NOTE The balloon flight is a highly recommended optional extra, but we will need to ask your weight!

Dawn Balloon Flight over Bagan (Optional) shared excursion with guide The Balloons over Bagan experience is a fantastic way to see the temple landscape of Bagan from the breath-taking perspective of a hot air balloon. The team will pick you up from your hotel and take you over to the landing site early this morning, making the most of the cooler and calmer air. Pick-up time is normally around 5.30am - 6am. Once briefed, you will board your basket and take to the air. The flight will last approximately 50 minutes and the direction is changeable as this is dictated by the wind, but from your vantage point you will be able to take in the best views of the 3,000 temples and pagodas as the sun rises, with the Ayeyarwady River visible in the distance.

After landing safely by the Ayeyarwady River, you will be provided with refreshments and a glass of sparkling wine to celebrate and reflect on your once-in-a-lifetime experience. You will then be transferred back to your hotel.

There are some safety precautions outlined by the team of Balloons over Bagan that we would like you to consider before committing to the trip:

1. Unfortunately, children under the age of eight are not permitted to fly.

2. Passengers over 125 kilograms (280 lbs) are required to pay a 100% surcharge on the fee of the balloon

3. Passengers with mobility issues must note that boarding the balloon can be quite

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Bagan, Burma (Myanmar)

difficult, although help is at hand. You must be able to stand unaided for the duration of the flight. No sticks are allowed.

4. As the wind is a major factor in the operation of the flight, the take-off and landing site does vary daily, and flights can be postponed at the last minute if winds are too strong.

5. Balloons are required to fly above 300ft and are not permitted to pass over, or land in the central monument zone (this loosely translates as Old Bagan, which includes all of the major historic temples such as Ananda, Shwesandaw and Shwezigon). If it's deemed that the wind direction will carry the balloon over this area, all balloon companies are required to cancel the flight on the day and a full refund will be given

Full day discovering Bagan's temples and ruins group tour excursion Today you have a full day to explore the fantastic temples of Bagan. The guide will organise the day depending on the interest of the group. An in-depth tour and commentary will be available if there are people interested, and the guide will be sure to pick out the most interesting spots. You will break for lunch at a local restaurant and to have a rest during the midday heat, before heading out again in good time to watch the sunset. The tour normally begins at Bagan Market, which you can explore before visiting the museum (fees to be paid locally). The Bagan Museum houses some of the precious relics removed from the temples and pagodas over time, many of which were only discovered in the 1975 earthquake. Afterwards, you begin your tour of the temples and ruins.

Highlights include:

Ananda - Considered one of the most beautiful pagodas in Bagan, it plays host to its annual festival in January/February, when pilgrims from all over the country gather to celebrate the wisdom of Buddha with music, worship and plenty of high spirits.

Dhammayangyi - Built by the merciless King Narathu as a supposed sign of atonement for his evil rule, Dhammayangyi Pahto is more commonly referred to as the 'bad luck' temple. Legend has it that its impeccable brickwork was a result of the king threatening to amputate the masons' arms should he be able to fit a pin between the bricks.

Shwezigon - This beautifully ornate stupa, decorated in gold leaf, is supposed to house one of four replicas of the Buddha's tooth, all of which are scattered in pagodas around Bagan. It is said that if you visit all four in one day, you will receive prosperity and luck. The shape of the large bell here is believed to be the prototype of all bells later produced throughout the country.

Thatbyinnyu - Standing proud as the tallest pagoda in Bagan, Thatbyinnyu was built by King Alaungsithu (1113-1163) as one of the earliest creations of a double storey temple. Its style is quite different from similarly tall temples built later on, as it was constructed during a transitional time, and so has an air of an experiment in its new form.

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Village girl relaxing, Bagan, Burma (Myanmar)


Royal Nadi Resort, Nyaung Shwe Breakfast and dinner are included

Transfer from hotel to airport group-tour transfer The group will be met at the hotel and transferred directly to the airport in time for your flight.

Bagan (Pagan) to Heho To be advised - Flight No: TBA - (same day); Class: Economy Class; Non-stop flight

Heho introduction Heho is a small town in Shan State, in the east of Burma. The town itself is generally not considered an attraction, but it is the primary gateway to the main sites in the region, such as Kalaw, Pindaya and Inle Lake.

Lady at Heho Market, Burma (Myanmar)

Heho airport to Nyaung Shwe by road group tour transfer On arrival at Heho airport the group will travel to Nyaung Shwe by road, the journey time is around one hour. Check in to the hotel and you then have some time at leisure to relax.

Nyaung Shwe introduction

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Nyaung Shwe is the gateway town for those travelling to Inle Lake. Despite being a tourist hub with a number of guesthouses and restaurants, the town is still a busy trading post for the villages on the lake.

An evening at the Taunggyi Balloon Festival group tour excursion At around 4:00pm the group will be collected from the hotel and journey to Taunggyi to witness the annual balloon festival. This is a lively, sometimes chaotic, affair where locals set up and let loose a wide variety of homemade hot air balloons, some successfully, some not! It is a very local occasion and great fun to watch. Please bear in mind though that weather conditions may affect the number of balloons flying so it is not possible to guarantee the number of balloons taking part. After an evening enjoying the festival the group will travel back to the hotel arriving around midnight.

Tuesday 15 November, 2016

Royal Nadi Resort, Nyaung Shwe Breakfast and lunch are included

Man on boat

Full day visiting Inpawkhone & Nampan villages and the floating gardens of Inle group tour excursion The day starts early and you will be collected from your hotel to start your exploration of Inle Lake. Around Inle Lake there are many small villages which connect to the main lake by means of narrow canals. Once out on the lake you may see the unique leg-rowing fishermen who stand up on their boats to give them a bird's eye view of the fish in the very shallow waters. During the day you will visit Inpawkhone village which is famous for its silk and cotton hand weaving. The village is also well known for its Lotus weaving, a process that is used to create monk's robes, and the longyis created here are distributed throughout the country. During your boat trip on Inle Lake you will also visit a cheroot-rolling workshop. From take a short canoe trip that will take you into the local stilt villages. This gives you a real flavour of daily life on the lake, particularly as the tourist boats are not able to negotiate the small canals, so you will have lots of spectators and 'hellos'! Return to the hotel this evening.


Royal Nadi Resort, Nyaung Shwe Breakfast and lunch are included

Full day exploring Taungto and Kyauk Taing group excursion The group will depart the hotel and travel by longtail boat to Inle Lake which allows you to catch a last glimpse of daily life on the charming body of water. During the day the group will visit the Taungto five day market and Kyauktaing pottery village. Head off the lake down one of the tributary rivers to explore a temple complex with its collection of abandoned stupas. Today takes you through some beautiful scenery and there is opportunity to stop off at some of the local

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villages along the way to observe village life. Keep your camera handy and also be sure to use plenty of sun cream because you are exposed for most of the day. After a full day exploring the lake and surrounding area you will make your way back to the hotel.


Princess Hotel, Kyaingtong (Kengtung) Breakfast is included

Local Ann lady, Kyaingtong

Inle Lake introduction Ringed by small fishing villages and majestic rolling hills, Inle Lake offers a scenic insight into rural life in Burma. The Intha (meaning 'sons of the lake') people live on the lake in stilted houses and travel across the water using a bizarre style of leg rowing, which involves standing on one leg at the stern of the boat while the other leg is wrapped around the oar. This style of rowing evolved as the lake's reeds and floating plants make it difficult to see above them when sitting down.

Inle lake stretches for 35 kilometres, and is best explored by boat. On a day trip you can visit local villages, where silk weaving and cheroot rolling are a way of life. You can also watch blacksmiths and silversmiths at work, and see the floating market that moves between the area's villages on a five day rota. Within the vicinity of Inle Lake lies the temple complex of Indein, situated along a pretty tributary and surrounded by Pa-O villages, as well as Taung Tho on the western shores of the lake. Nearly 200 stupas have been discovered here, and it is still relatively undeveloped. However, part of the lake's shoreline is now a designated hotel zone, which will see significant development over the next few years and could potentially impact the scenic beauty of this particular area. We will be making a conscious effort to avoid hotels in this zone.

Inle Lake, Burma (Myanmar)

Inle Lake to Heho airport group tour transfer The group will depart the hotel by boat and make the journey to Nyaung Shwe which takes about half an hour and will allow you to catch a last glimpse of daily life on the lake. At Nyaung Shwe you will be met by your driver who will then drive the group to Heho airport which takes approximately one hour.

Heho to Kyaingtong (Kengtung) To be advised - Flight No: TBA - (same day); Class: Economy Class; Non-stop flight

Kyaingtong (Kengtung) introduction The town of Kengtung is situated in the far eastern part of Shan state. This sleepy town has had an interesting past and has played host to Chinese traders, British

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officials in the late 19th century, pilgrims and missionaries, as well as famous writers. Somerset Maugham devoted two chapters of his 1930 travel book to the Kengtung market.

The area was opened up to foreign visitors in 1993, and is a seldom-seen part of Burma, with remote mountain valleys and stunning natural beauty. The town and surrounding area is an eclectic blend of many cultures, including Shan, Burmese and Thai, which renders this part of the country deeply fascinating, and rather enchanting.

The ethnic villages that inhabit the hills include the Khun, Wa, Ann, (an animist tribe), Akha, Palaung and Lahu tribes which have all in part managed to preserve their ancient customs and heritage, as well as their traditional dress. Kengtung is a rewarding destination, providing you have a sense of adventure! The tourist infrastructure in this part of the country is generally of a much lower standard than other, more popular destinations in Burma.

We work with two basic family-run hotels that do not have the same level of service or attention to detail that can be found in the hotels of Yangon or Mandalay, for example. Vehicles and guides are arranged through these hotels, so it is harder to have direct control over their quality. We do our utmost to secure the best vehicles and guides available in the region, but please do be prepared for lower standards than in other areas.

As the country has opened up, a better standard of vehicle is crossing the border

from Thailand, and used by these hotels. The local guides may not have excellent English, but they do have good local knowledge, however, and communicate well with the tribal communities. You will be accompanied by a local guide.

Child at local village near Kengtung

Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Kyaingtong group tour transfer Collect all your luggage and then transfer from the airport to your hotel in Kyaingtong. The journey should take approximately twenty to thirty minutes.

Afternoon tour of Kyaingtong group tour excursion Head out this afternoon on a short tour of Kyaingtong. The group will visit the

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traditional pottery works at Yan-Gone village on the northern outskirts of the town. For a panoramic view of Kyaingtong head to Lone Tree Hill to the south of the town, stopping at the wood monastery Wat Pha That Jom Mo on your way up. Just before sunset head to the picturesque Naung Tung Lake for a stroll, a perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of this sleepy town as the locals end their working day at the numerous tea-shops scattered around the edge of the lake.


Princess Hotel, Kyaingtong (Kengtung) Breakfast and lunch are included

Day spent trekking in the Shan hills group tour excursion Your guide will be able to suggest the best itinerary for the group depending on everyone's ability and how far you wish to travel. A typical day's trekking in the area involves an hour's drive through scenic countryside and rice fields to a small Lahu village before an hour's walk up into the hills to an Akha tribe. It is better to arrive late morning as many of the villagers will be out in the fields. From here you will walk further into the mountains to visit an animist Ann tribe. It is quite common to be invited into the home of the village Shaman who will offer tea and a recital of the tribe's traditional music. After a picnic lunch your hike continues taking in further Akha tribes as well as red and silver Palaung, many of which can be seen working in the fields in their traditional dress. At the end of the day travel back to Kyaingtong where you will be dropped off at the hotel.


The Legend Boutique River Resort & Spa, Chiang Rai Breakfast included

Couple from the Akha tribe, Chiang Rai

Travel overland to Tachilek border crossing and onto Chiang Rai group tour transfer Today you will venture overland to the border town of Tachilek. The journey should take approximately three hours and takes you through the stunning Shan scenery. From Tachilek town centre, it is not too far from the bridge that marks the border between Burma and Thailand. There is quite a humdrum of organised chaos with officials, those passing the border and taxis, but your guide will always be on hand to assist. Here at the border you will bid farewell to you guide from Burma and be welcomed by your Thai guide. After forms are stamped and exchanged, you will cross the bridge and head into Mae Sai, the border town on the Thai side. To give you an idea it usually takes about 30 minutes to pass through the border. Once into Thailand it is about a one hour drive to your hotel in Chiang Rai.

Chiang Rai introduction Chiang Rai is situated 180 kilometres north of Chiang Mai, and is known as the gateway to the Golden Triangle. The city was founded in the 1200s, when King Mangrai, ruler of Chiang Saen, went searching for his favourite elephant that had run away to the south. On this journey, he discovered the Kok River, and decided to establish the walled city of Chiang Rai on its banks. At this time it was part of the Lanna kingdom, and it suffered for many years from wars with the Burmese.

It became a Thai territory in 1786, and a province in 1910. Famous for being the original home of the emerald Buddha (now found in Bangkok), Wat Phra Kaew is the city’s most revered temple. There are many other temples in the town that are worth exploring. Chiang Rai is also a popular starting point for expeditions in to the Golden Triangle. Activities include trekking, rafting and elephant riding.

Itinerary in Detail


The White Temple, Chiang Rai


The Legend Boutique River Resort & Spa, Chiang Rai Breakfast and farewell dinner included

Chiang Rai sightseeing and temples tour (half day) group tour excursion Explore the northernmost city of Thailand this morning, accompanied by your guide and driver. Visit the temple of Wat Phra Kaew, the original home of Bangkok's Emerald Buddha, before taking a longtail boat to Tham Pra cave. Afterwards you will journey just outside of town to Wat Rong Khun, a majestic white temple renowned for its beautiful and intricate carvings. Time permitting you can take a rickshaw ride to the town's market giving you a wonderful opportunity to observe local life in the north of Thailand.

Flower at the White Temple, Chiang Rai, Thailand

Farewell dinner arranged this evening


Transfer from your hotel to Chiang Rai airport group tour transfer This morning, once the group have all checked out, you will make the transfer to the airport to arrive in plenty of time for your flight. The journey is relatively short

Itinerary in Detail


and should take around twenty to thirty minutes.

Chiang Rai to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Airways - Flight No: PG 232 - Dep: 09:45 - Arr: 11:05 - (same day) - Duration: 01hr 20min; Class: Economy; Non-stop flight

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi to London Heathrow Terminal: 2 Thai Airways - Flight No: TG 916 - Dep: 13:20 - Arr: 19:35 - (same day) - Duration: 13hr 15min; Class: Economy Class; Non-stop flight

Important Notes • Flight times and the daily order of sightseeing are subject to change. • Transfer times are approximate and subject to local conditions at the time of travel. • All flight times are local.

Accommodation

Accommodation 37

OUR ACCOMMODATION GRADING SYSTEM

Your accommodation is described on the following pages. Please do not hesitate to call us if you require any further information about any of the properties. We classify accommodation into the following categories. These are for your guidance only, they are based on the opinions of our staff and are therefore quite subjective.

Basic: Very primitive accommodation where we are not aware of anything better in the region. Simple: Clean and simple but limited facilities. Medium: A good standard of accommodation, reasonable range of facilities. First Class: A high standard of accommodation with a wide range of facilities. Deluxe: Superb accommodation with facilities and service to match. Opulent: The world’s most unashamedly luxurious hotels, resorts and lodges.

Accommodation

38 Accommodation

HOTEL M, YANGON (RANGOON) Medium Located in a quiet residential area in the exclusive Golden Valley, the Hotel M is a good option for anyone looking to experience a more relaxed side of the city. The hotel consists of 38 carefully appointed rooms, each equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, air conditioning, cable TV, a safe, en suite bathroom and a sitting area. Facilities on site include a gym, outdoor swimming pool and restaurant. Due to it’s close proximity to Inya Lake - an area that is home to some of the city’s best dining options - the property is an extremely convenient choice for eating out locally.

HOTEL PYIN OO LWIN, PYIN OO LWIN (MAYMYO) Simple Hotel Pyin Oo Lwin is located near the lake and close to the National Botanical Gardens, providing a central base to explore the historical town of Maymyo. The accommodation has 36 en suite rooms spread over 18 spacious bungalows, each with air conditioning, a satellite TV, free Wi-Fi access and a balcony or terrace looking out onto the lush tropical gardens. The hotel also has an unheated indoor pool, a fitness centre, pool table, cosy bar and a restaurant serving a range of international dishes.

Accommodation

Accommodation 39

the river.

RIVERSIDE @ HSIPAW RESORT, HSIPAW Simple Situated across the river from Hsipaw, Riverside @ Hsipaw Resort is a lovely little getaway from the hustle and bustle of this small town, perfectly situated for river excursions. There is a small local village and monastery to explore, within easy walking distance.

This friendly resort features 20 simple, but spacious, guest rooms, each with air conditioning and its own terrace overlooking the river and town beyond. A good range of facilities are available here, including Wi-Fi in public areas, a bar, and a lovely garden, where you can relax after a day trekking or sightseeing in the Shan Hills. The riverside restaurant offers Shan, Western and Chinese cuisine. Guests can also make use of the complimentary boat ride over to the main town offered by the property, which takes around one minute across

Accommodation

40 Accommodation

YADANARPON DYNASTY HOTEL, MANDALAY Medium Yadanarpon Dynasty Hotel is a ten minute walk from the Mandalay Royal Palace in a quieter part of town. The hotel's 58 rooms are decorated in a contemporary style mixed with traditional Burmese touches. The main three storey building is surrounded by single story villas and gardens. Superior rooms are a comfortable size and well furnished, while deluxe rooms also offer a private balcony. Meanwhile, the villas are more spacious and boast private terraces, with their interiors decorated in a more traditional style. All rooms offer air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee facilities and a shower/bath. The restaurant is located on the ground floor of the property and offers Burmese, Chinese, European and Thai cuisine at moderate prices. There is also a roof terrace for al fresco dining.

Our opinion: The Win Unity is by far the best accommodation available in the city, providing a comfortable and functional base for a short stay in Monywa.

Please note that there is a monastery nearby, and on occasions you may hear the monks chanting, mostly in the early mornings or evenings.

WIN UNITY RESORT HOTEL, MONYWA Simple The Win Unity Resort Hotel is situated on Kan Thar Yar Lake in Monywa, set within green, landscaped gardens with palm trees. The property has 18 standard rooms in a five storey building and 107 cottage-style semi-detached bungalows. Each of the rooms (with the exception of standard rooms) has its own veranda overlooking the resort's landscaped gardens, with some offering wonderful views of the lake. All are air conditioned and feature en suite bathrooms.

This is a quiet and peaceful spot, and the hotel offers a reasonable range of facilities, including a spa, gym and swimming pool with poolside bar. You can choose to dine in the air conditioned restaurant or on the terrace overlooking the swimming pool and lake.

Accommodation

Accommodation 41

BAGAN THANDE HOTEL, BAGAN (PAGAN) Medium The Thande is one of the oldest hotels in the area, having opened in 1922 for the visit of King Edward VIII. This is a good value hotel with an unrivaled central location overlooking the Ayeyarwady River. All 78 rooms are clean, comfortable and offer en suite facilities. The property is set in well-tended grounds, with a small swimming pool providing a welcome relief from the heat of the Bagan plains. There is a delightful riverside restaurant on site, serving a range of international and local cuisine, while breakfast is served in the garden when the weather is fine.

bikes are on offer for exploring the surroundings, with a shuttle bus to Nyaung Shwe Jetty also available. During your stay, you can dine at the all-day restaurant, which serves Myanmar, Shan, Chinese and European cuisine, relax on the lakeside terrace whilst taking in beautiful views, or treat yourself at the health spa.

ROYAL NADI RESORT, NYAUNG SHWE Medium Royal Nadi Resort is located beside the Nadi Mingalar Lake (Nyaung Shwe), Bawrithatt Village, which lies between Shwe Nyaung and Nyaung Shwe. It is a ten minute drive from Nyaung Shwe Township and a 45 minute drive from Heho Airport.

The 74 rooms are surrounded by breathtaking views of the mountains and the lake of Shan state. There are three two-storey buildings, each containing ten superior rooms as well as 15 standalone bungalows and 24 lakefront villas. Each room is well equipped with Wi-Fi access, air conditioning, a safe, satellite TV and mini fridge.

The staff is happy to provide information on nearby places of interest, and complimentary mountain

Accommodation

42 Accommodation

PRINCESS HOTEL, KYAINGTONG (KENGTUNG) Simple The Princess Hotel is a clean and comfortable property, and although lacking in facilities, it is the better option in Kyaingtong. It has a good location just a five minute walk from the central market, and there are a number of local shops and restaurants close by. All superior rooms have basic en suite facilities, air conditioning (which can be very noisy!), complimentary Wi-Fi, a fridge and a satellite TV. Each morning, a set Western-style breakfast is served in the small restaurant downstairs.

Our opinion: This is a basic hotel with simple amenities, but the best option in the town. Staff are very helpful and knowledgeable about the area.

THE LEGEND BOUTIQUE RIVER RESORT & SPA, CHIANG RAI Medium The Legend Resort, located just outside of the main city centre on the banks of the Mae Kok River, is a comfortable option for a short stay before either travelling further into northern Thailand or overland into Laos. The resort has 78 contemporary-style rooms, including a number of pool villas, and offers views of either the river or the lush gardens. Facilities include a riverside restaurant, an intimate Thai restaurant, a spa and a swimming pool.

Our opinion: A comfortable resort with a relaxing riverside setting.

Charity support

Charity support 43

Audley has been supporting carbon reduction projects through Friends of Conservation since 2005 and in addition to this, each individual department also supports a charity or charities of their choice with a yearly financial donation. These charities are close to their hearts and the team often chooses to fundraise to add to this amount. The Southeast Asia team has chosen to support The Goodwill Centre in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. About The Goodwill Centre Recovering from its recent turbulent history, Cambodia is one of the world’s poorest countries. Poverty is obvious to foreign visitors and particularly affects the younger generation, who are struggling to rebuild an education system which came close to eradication in the 1970’s. The Goodwill Centre is a small, unique project which aims to address these issues through education and life skills training, enabling children to break out of the poverty trap and take control of their future. With a regular staff of four, the centre caters for over 160 children and young adults who have limited access to schooling, fresh water and basic sanitation.

The charity encourages participation in a range of activities outside school hours, aiming to keep children off the streets. Classes are offered in English and Khmer literacy, computer studies, basic science and arts and crafts. With a strong hygiene program, it promotes health, physical education and has its own ambitious football team. This safe environment encourages play, teamwork and the development of social skills. Current work and future plans The centre plays a vital role in the local community as it assists with school fees, organises monthly food drops and has established a soap making project with the women in the village to supplement their income. It also provides medical care, a helpline to refer children to specialised clinics and an emergency transport service to the hospital in Phnom Penh. In the future, it hopes to create a nursery room, employ a full time Khmer carer and outreach worker and launch a nutrition programme providing one free meal a day to disadvantaged children. Audley are amazed at the difference the Goodwill Centre makes to the everyday lives of the children and what has been achieved here with so little. The Southeast Asia team will also be fundraising throughout the year to add to our contribution. For more information please visit http://goodwillcentersihanoukville.wordpress.com or ask your specialist.

General information

44 General information

Travel insurance It is advisable to take out your travel insurance at the time of booking your trip as cover will commence for pre-departure cancellation from the policy issue date. This will, therefore, provide cover should you have to cancel your trip for an insured reason such as illness or serious accident.

We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are adequately insured, providing financial protection against unforeseen circumstances. Cover should include medical expenses and repatriation in the event of accident or illness. In addition, we strongly recommend that you have cover for personal belongings, delay at your outward or homeward point of departure, personal liability, overseas legal expenses and cancellation. If you are undertaking any sports or adventurous activities, including trekking, on your trip you should also make sure that your policy covers these. Please also ensure you read the policy conditions and exclusions.

The type of trips we create and the requirements of Audley clients vary greatly. We have therefore listed below a number of companies who offer policies which may suit these varying requirements. You can find links to the companies' websites, at www.audleytravel.com/insurance. Other companies and policies are also available. We are unable to provide you with more detailed information and you should contact the company concerned directly for this. Please note this is general information only. We are not providing any specific advice on travel insurance or recommending any particular policy or insurer.

Trips of up to £5,000 pp A large number of companies offer insurance policies which include cover for cancellation charges of up to the full holiday cost.

Trips over £5,000 pp It can be more challenging to get insurance which includes cover for cancellation charges of up to the full holiday cost for higher value trips. A number of companies do, however, offer such policies. Thomson (in partnership with AXA) (0845 366 2212) offer cancellation cover up to £20,000 per person, American Express (0800 232 277) offer cancellation cover up to £12,500 per person and Insure and Go (0844 888 2787) offer cancellation cover up to £7,500 per person.

This information can also be found on our website www.audleytravel.com/insurance with links to the insurers’ websites.

Clients over 65 years of age Many companies now offer cover to people over 65 years of age. However, if you are finding it difficult to get cover you could try Age UK (0845 600 3348) or Saga (0800 015 0757) both of whom currently have no upper age limit on their policies. See also the companies referred to under pre-existing medical conditions below. This information can also be found on our website www.audleytravel.com/insurance with links to the insurers’ websites.

Pre-existing medical conditions If you have a pre-existing medical condition, there are a number of companies that may be able to help you. P J Hayman / Free Spirit (0845 230 5000) will consider most pre-existing medical conditions and they have no upper age limit on single trip policies. Age UK (0845 600 3348) and Insure and Go (0844 888 2787) will also consider a number of pre-existing conditions and may be able to help. Cancer Travel Insurance Services (0845 880 0163) specialise in travel insurance for people with non-terminal cancer and have no upper age limit on their policies. This information can also be found at www.audleytravel.com/insurance with links to the insurers’ websites.

Non-UK residents If you are not a UK resident you will usually need to get insurance in your country of residence. Some insurance companies, such as Columbus Direct (0845 888 8893), will consider policies for non-UK residents. This information can also be found on our website www.audleytravel.com/insurance with links to the insurers’ websites.

Once you have a travel insurance policy in place, please let your specialist know who your insurance company is and your policy number.

The above information is provided in good faith and is correct to the best of our knowledge. No liability is, however, accepted for any errors and all information must be checked directly with the insurance company.

Financial security We hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence (ATOL) issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number

4817). All the flight-inclusive holidays* that we provide are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay, you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please check to ensure that everything you booked is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information about financial protection and www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate for further information on the ATOL Certificate. *The flight inclusive holidays we arrange are ATOL protected providing they are made available in the UK. For further information, visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk

Not all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us will be protected by the ATOL scheme. Those package arrangements which are not protected by our

ATOL are covered by ABTOT, the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust. This insurance means your money will be refunded or you will be returned to the starting point of your contracted arrangements if already abroad in the unlikely event of our being unable to provide your holiday due to our insolvency. (For more details please see Section 12 of the Terms and Conditions.) In these instances you will not receive an ATOL certificate with your invoice. Health It is essential that you see your GP or a travel clinic before booking your trip and before travelling to make sure that you have taken all the necessary health precautions. Some vaccinations require more than one visit with a period of weeks between injections. You should visit your GP at least six weeks before departure. For up to date medical advice you may wish to use the Medical Advisory Service for Travellers Abroad (MASTA).

MASTA Traveller’s Health Brief Before travelling abroad, you can visit www.masta-travel-health.com to obtain a ‘Health Brief’ specifically tailored to your journey. Your brief will give information about immunisations and malaria as well as any Foreign Office advice and the latest health news.

General information

General information 45

Other health information services are available, including www.nathnac.org and www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) The majority of international airlines now issue advice on how to lessen the risk of DVT, however, if you have any concerns, we recommend that you consult your doctor.

Pre-existing medical conditions/Disabled passengers It is essential that you advise us before booking if you have any disability or pre-existing medical condition which may affect your holiday, or any special requirements as a result of any disability or medical condition (including any which affect the booking process) so that we can assist you in considering the suitability of the arrangements and/or making the booking. It will also enable us to make sure you receive the relevant level of assistance when you fly. Full details must be confirmed in writing at the time of booking and whenever any change in the condition or disability occurs. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. The nature of many of the destinations we travel to means that in the majority of cases they are unsuitable for those who are wheelchair-bound or have a lack of mobility. We will be delighted to discuss the feasibility of creating a tailor-made itinerary for you that takes into consideration your level of mobility. On our escorted group tours the Tour Leader is, unfortunately, unable to offer additional assistance to passengers with limited mobility and all such assistance will need to be provided by whoever the passenger is travelling with. We may request that you provide a letter from your doctor confirming your fitness to travel.

High altitude Your itinerary may include sections where the altitude exceeds 10,000 feet (3,048 metres). If you suffer from circulation, heart or respiratory problems we advise that you consult with your doctor before confirming your booking.

Smoking Airlines do not permit smoking on the aircraft. At the request of the majority of our clients we do not allow smoking on any form of transport used for our escorted group tours. Stops are regularly made where you will be able to smoke. For smokers travelling on a tailor-made tour we request that you check with your driver or guide whether smoking is permitted in the vehicle. Health and safety standards Each country has its own regulations and enforcement levels relating to health and safety standards. These do not always match the very high standards we are used to in the UK. We therefore recommend that you follow a few precautionary safety procedures. Always check where the nearest fire exit is and how to raise the fire alarm. Do not enter a swimming pool before checking the water depth first. For more suggestions please see the Important Information section in your Travel Organiser. Passport and visa information for British Citizens Passengers must hold a passport which is valid for at least six months following the return date of your holiday. British passport holders (full British Citizens) currently require visas, in advance of travel, for the following destinations featured in our brochures and on our website: Australia, Bhutan, Burma, China, Cuba, India, Kenya, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea (also available on arrival), Russia, Tanzania, Tibet, Uganda, the USA*, Uzbekistan and Vietnam**. Visas may be required for other countries but can be arranged on arrival. * British Citizens travelling to the USA require an ESTA – please speak to your specialist for more information ** Visitors to Vietnam can obtain a visa on arrival but require a letter of authorisation from ourselves – please speak to your specialist We are normally able to obtain visas on your behalf, please ask for details at the time of booking. Non-British passport holders should check with the relevant embassies as visa requirements may be different to those of British passport holders. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation and visa stamp(s) for all sectors of your journey. Failure or inability to obtain all required visas for whatever reason does not entitle you to cancel without paying the applicable cancellation charges.

Travel advice The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice Unit monitors all overseas destinations and offers advice to British travellers. In order to be fully informed of safety issues, crime rates, political stability and local customs you can view the advice at www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. Flights and airlines The difference between a direct flight and a non-stop flight can cause confusion. To clarify, on a direct flight no change of aircraft is scheduled but touchdowns will be made en route either to refuel or to board or disembark passengers. On non-stop flights no change of aircraft is required and no stops are made en route. Exact details of your route will be given in your itinerary.

Premium Economy, Business and First Class If you require business or first class flights these can be arranged on most airlines at very competitive rates. Premium economy can be arranged on certain airlines, please call us for details.

Specific seat requests We will do all we can to try to reserve a specific seat for you, if you have a preference. However, whilst airlines may allow us to request seats, they will not guarantee any specific seat reservation. If this is important to you, it is always best to arrive for your flight early, regardless of having made this request in advance. Please make it clear on your booking form if you have a specific request.

Flight amendments We generally use special ‘inclusive tour’ fares when we purchase your air tickets from the airlines. While these fares are very good value they are inflexible in terms of changes and offer no refunds once the tickets are issued. Once your flight is confirmed the airlines will charge an amendment fee or insist on the purchase of a completely new ticket if you make changes.

Internal flights Smaller local airlines are often more likely to change their schedule at short notice. We will endeavour to inform you of any changes in advance of travelling but this may not always be possible.

General information

46 General information

Frequent Flyer Clubs If you collect points through any of the airline frequent flyer clubs please provide your membership details on the booking form and we will ensure that these are recorded against your flight reservation. Please note that on some of our specially negotiated ‘inclusive tour’ fares points are not always awarded. Carbon offsetting Please let your specialist know if you would like to carbon offset your flights. We work with Friends of Conservation (FOC) and all offsetting payments are donated through them. For more details visit www.audleytravel.com/offset. The suggested contributions are based on the approximate levels of CO2 expended on an average flight, with the cost per tonne of carbon taken from industry averages. Flight information previously provided by TICOS, now part of Beyond Carbon. UK airport hotels, car parking and lounges We are able to arrange airport hotel accommodation, car parking, meet and greet services and airport lounge access in the UK, subject to availability. To arrange any of these services please call us on 01993 838 051. Hotel information There is often confusion over the terminology used for bed arrangements in hotel rooms. A ‘double’ is recognised as meaning a room with a double bed, this may be two single beds pushed together. A ‘twin’ is a room with two single beds. Please note that all rooms are allocated at the discretion of the hotel and cannot be guaranteed.

Single rooms Single rooms tend to be smaller than double or twin rooms, however, many hotels do not have single rooms, in which case you will be allocated a twin or double room. Special dietary requirements Special diets should be requested on the booking form; however, it is unrealistic to expect special diets to be catered for in some of the destinations we feature. We will advise the hotels and airlines of your request but we cannot guarantee their availability. If you have an airborne nut allergy you must make us aware at the time of booking as most airlines require this information in advance of travel.

Accuracy of information We thoroughly check all the information that is included within our brochures, website and individual tour itineraries, however, changes do occur and errors are occasionally made. Airlines may change their schedules, roads may close and government regulations may alter. Should there be any changes to the travel arrangements you have booked we will do our best to keep you informed of the situation prior to departure. Travel in the developing world Many of our destinations are in the developing world where attitudes, infrastructure, priorities, lifestyles and cultures are very different from our own. This is often the very reason to visit the destination but certain aspects may be frustrating. We always advise that the first thing you should pack is your sense of humour. This can prove invaluable when travelling over rougher roads, waiting for a delayed aircraft and communicating with hotel staff whose first language is not English. Data Protection Act We will hold your name, address and any other details you supply us with on our database. This information will be used to make your travel arrangements and to send you information about Audley Travel. In order to make your travel arrangements we will need to pass your details to companies and individuals outside the EU where less stringent data protection controls may be in place. We will not pass on your details to third parties for any other purposes. AITO Quality Charter: The Association of Independent Tour Operators

AITO is the Association for independent and specialist holiday companies. Our member companies, usually owner-managed, strive to create overseas holidays with high levels of professionalism and a shared concern for quality and personal service. The Association encourages the highest standards in all aspects of tour operating. Exclusive membership AITO sets criteria regarding ownership, finance and quality which must be satisfied before new companies are admitted to membership. All members are required to adhere to a Code of Business Practice which encourages high operational standards and conduct.

Financial security An AITO member is required to arrange financial protection for all holidays and other arrangements (including accommodation only) booked by customers with the member under the AITO logo. This financial protection applies to customers who are resident in the UK at the time of booking and to most overseas customers who have booked directly with the member. In doing so, the member must comply with UK government regulations. Members are required to submit details of their financial protection arrangements to AITO on a regular basis Accurate brochures and web sites All members do their utmost to ensure that all their brochures and other publications, print or electronic, clearly and accurately describe the holidays and services offered. Professional service and continual improvement All members are committed to high standards of service and believe in regular and thorough training of employees. Members continually seek to review and improve their holidays. They listen to their customers and always welcome suggestions for improving standards. Monitoring standards AITO endeavours to monitor quality standards regularly. All customers should receive a post-holiday questionnaire the results of which are scrutinised by the Association. Sustainable tourism All Members acknowledge the importance of AITO’s Sustainable Tourism ethos, which recognises the social, economic and environmental responsibilities of tour operating. Customer relations All members endeavour to deal swiftly and fairly with any issues their customers may raise. In the unlikely event that a dispute between an AITO member and a customer cannot be settled amicably, AITO’s low-cost Independent Dispute Settlement Service may be called upon by either side to bring the matter to a speedy and acceptable conclusion. Audley Travel is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. To contact the Association, visit www.aito.com or call 020 8744 9280.

Terms and conditions

Terms and conditions 47

Please read the following conditions carefully. All holidays are sold by us subject to these conditions and the other general information in this booklet, our brochures and quotations. Audley Travel Group Ltd (whose administrative offices are at New Mill, New Mill Lane, Witney, Oxon OX29 9SX) are members of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. Audley Travel Group Ltd (hereafter referred to as ‘we’, ‘us’, ‘our’) offers a number of products and the trading names we use are ‘Audley’, and ‘Audley Travel’. In these Terms & Conditions, ‘you’ and ‘your’ means all persons named on the booking, or any of them as applicable (including anyone who is added or substituted at a later date). Your contract with us and all matters arising out of it are governed by English law. We both agree that any dispute, claim or other matter which arises out of or in connection with this contract or your holiday, will be dealt with by the AITO Arbitration Scheme - see clause 9 or the Courts of England and Wales only unless, in the case of Court proceedings, you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland. In this case, proceedings may be brought in the Courts of your home country. If proceedings are brought in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you may choose to have your contract governed by the law of Scotland/Northern Ireland as applicable. If you do not so choose, English law will apply. 1. Paying for your holiday (i) The procedure for making a booking is shown in your itinerary quotation and on our website. All bookings are subject to these terms and conditions and by asking us to confirm your booking, and by paying a deposit, the person who makes the booking is taken to have accepted these booking conditions on behalf of all persons named on the booking. Once we have received the applicable payment(s) due at the time of booking (see below), we will, subject to availability of the requested arrangements, send you your invoice. It is at the point when we issue this to you that a valid contract will come into existence between us. Please check your confirmation/invoice and all tickets/documents carefully as soon as you receive them and contact us immediately if you think any details are incorrect. We regret we cannot accept any liability if we are not notified of any inaccuracies (for which we are responsible) in any document within ten days of our sending it out (five days for tickets).We will do our best to rectify any mistake notified to us outside these time limits but you must meet any costs involved in doing so. (ii) The deposit is part payment of the holiday. The deposit required will be shown on the quotation page of your itinerary. In addition to the deposit, full or part payment of certain elements of your holiday (such as flights) may be required at the time booking or at some point between booking and balance due date. Also see clause I (iv). The deposit and all such additional payments are non-refundable except as set out in clause 4. The balance must be paid not later than the date specified on the invoice. This is normally no less than 8 weeks before the departure date. However, there are a few destinations or trip components that require payment no less than 90 days before the departure date which will be specified on your invoice and quotation. Please note if we do not receive all payments due (including any surcharge where applicable) in full and on time, we are entitled to assume that you wish to cancel your booking. In this case, we will be entitled to keep all amounts paid or due at that date. If we do not cancel straight away because you have promised to make payment, you must pay the cancellation charges shown in clause 3 depending on the date we reasonably treat your booking as cancelled. (iii) Full payment is required at the time of booking for all bookings made after balance due date as above. (iv) On occasions, we may be asked by suppliers to make payment to them earlier than normal. Such requests may, for example, be made in order to secure accommodation and other services during periods of peak demand. Whilst suppliers may have no contractual right to make such requests, failure to comply with them may result in the loss of confirmed arrangements. Where this situation arises, we reserve the right to ask you to make payment of the requested sum within a stipulated period and prior to balance due date. We will of course endeavour to avoid doing so if we can. Any such early payment will be non refundable except as set out in clause 4. (v) If you are booking your holiday through one of our authorised travel agents the balance must be paid to the agent two weeks prior to the applicable balance due date as specified on the invoice and quotation. All payments made to one of our authorised travel agents for the arrangements

we have contracted to provide will be held by them on our behalf. If you book your holiday through a travel agent who is not a member of ABTA, all payments must be made to us directly and not your travel agent. 2. If you change your holiday If, after the contract between us has come into existence, you want to change your holiday we will do our best to pass your request to the relevant supplier, however we cannot guarantee that such changes can be made. Where a change can be made, we will charge for any additional costs incurred including any costs imposed or incurred by any of our suppliers, and including for example cancellation charges that may be incurred for sectors cancelled. You should note, for example, that a change of name on or other alteration to an airline ticket will usually incur a 100% cancellation charge and full rebooking fee. 3. If you cancel your holiday If you have to cancel part of the booking or cancel the entire booking once it has been confirmed by us, written notification must be sent to us by recorded delivery post or by email. As proof of receipt by email of your notification to cancel you must receive and retain written acknowledgement from Audley Travel. Charges will be applied from the date the letter is received, or the email is acknowledged by Audley Travel, according to the scale below. The charges are applied as a percentage of the total holiday cost excluding any amendment charges and any amounts paid in addition to the deposit at the time of booking or before balance due date (see clauses 1(ii) and I(iv)) which are non-refundable in the event of cancellation. The following cancellation charges apply if your final balance due date is 8 weeks prior to departure. Please note, different cancellation charges apply in relation to certain products – please see your quote for details. Period before departure Cancellation date within which written Charge notification is received at Per Person our offices Up to balance due date Deposit only Balance due date-43 days 30% 42-29 days 60% 28-3 days 90% Within 2 days 100% Alterations or cancellations by you after commencement of travel and unused services We will do our best to implement any changes to your arrangements you request once they have commenced, but we cannot guarantee this will be possible. In the event of such amendments being made you will be liable for any cancellation charges that may be levied for the services originally booked, and for the cost of booking the revised arrangements and the arrangements themselves. As a basic principle, no refunds will be paid to clients who do not complete a tour. However where we ourselves are able to obtain a refund from hotels or principals for services not used, we will pass this on to you, less any reasonable administration charges. THE IMPORTANCE OF TRAVEL INSURANCE If you have taken out holiday insurance you may, depending on the detail of your policy, be able to recover the cancellation charges, check your policy for details. Never travel without insurance, the unexpected can always happen. It is your responsibility to ensure you are adequately covered by insurance for all elements of your trip. Please read your policy and take it on holiday with you. 4. If we change your holiday We start planning the holidays we offer many months in advance. Occasionally, we have to make changes to and correct errors in itineraries and other details both before and after bookings have been confirmed and cancel confirmed bookings. Whilst we always endeavour to avoid changes and cancellations, we must reserve the right to do so. However, we promise we will only cancel your confirmed booking after balance due date where you have failed to comply with any requirement of these booking conditions entitling us to cancel (such as paying on time) or where we are forced to do so as a result of ‘force majeure’ as defined in clause 5 below. We will not cancel after this date for any other reason. Most changes are minor. Occasionally, we have to make a ‘significant change’. A significant change is a change made before departure which, taking account of the information you give us at the time of booking and which we can reasonably be expected to know as a tour operator, we

can reasonably expect to have a major effect on your holiday. Significant changes are likely to include the following changes when made before departure; a change of accommodation to that of a lower official classification or standard for the whole or a major part of the time you are away*, a change of accommodation area for the whole or a major part of the time you are away, a change of UK outward departure time or overall length of time you are away of twelve or more hours, or a change of UK departure airport to one which is more inconvenient for you (except as between Gatwick and Heathrow). *Please note: A change affecting a stay in a hotel during a tour where the hotel itself is not the focus of the tour, does not constitute a significant change. If we have to make a significant change or cancel, we will tell you as soon as possible. If there is time to do so before departure, we will offer you the choice of the following options:- (a) (for significant changes) accepting the changed arrangements or (b) purchasing an alternative holiday from us, of a similar standard to that originally booked if available. Please note: Due to the original and individual nature of our holidays it frequently may not be possible to offer you a comparable holiday to that originally booked. (c) cancelling or accepting the cancellation in which case you will receive a full and quick refund of all monies you have paid to us. You must advise us of your decision within 7 days of the date on which we notified you of the significant change or cancellation. Please note, the above options are not available where any change made is a minor one. A minor change is any change which, taking account of the information you have given us at the time of booking or which we can reasonably be expected to know as a tour operator, we could not reasonably expect to have a significant effect on your confirmed holiday. If we have to make a significant change or cancellation we will pay you the compensation set out below subject to the following exceptions. Compensation will not be payable and no liability beyond offering the above mentioned choices can be accepted where (1) we are forced to make a change or cancel as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we could not have avoided even with all due care or (2) we have to cancel because the minimum number of bookings necessary for us to operate your holiday has not been reached - in this case we will notify you no less than 60 days before departure. Please note: all escorted group trips are based on group arrangements involving a given minimum number of passengers. No compensation will be payable and the above options will not be available if we cancel as a result of your failure to comply with any requirement of these booking conditions entitling us to cancel (such as paying on time). Period of notification of Compensation change before scheduled per person departure date More than 60 days Nil 60-43 days £10 42-29 days £20 28-15 days £30 14-0 days £40 In the unlikely event that we become unable to provide a significant proportion of the services you have booked after you depart, we will make alternative arrangements for you at no extra charge, or, if this is impossible, or you do not accept these alternative arrangements for a good reason, we will provide you with transport back to the point where your holiday arrangements with us commenced. If we are forced by ‘force majeure’ (see clause 5) to change or terminate your holiday after departure but before the scheduled end of your time away, we regret we will be unable to make any refunds (unless we obtain any refunds from our suppliers), pay you any compensation or meet any costs or expenses you incur as a result except as set out above. 5. Force majeure Except as set out in these terms and conditions, we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected, or you otherwise


48 Terms and conditions

suffer any loss or damage (as more fully described in clause 7 (i) below) as a result of circumstances amounting to ‘force majeure’. In these terms and conditions ‘force majeure’ means any event or circumstances which we or the supplier of the services in question could not foresee or avoid even with all due care. Such events and circumstances may include, whether actual or threatened, war, insurrection, riots, strikes, civil action, decisions by governments or governing authority, technical or maintenance problems with transport, changes of schedules or operational decisions of air carriers, terrorist activity, industrial action, natural or nuclear activity, epidemics/pandemics, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events outside our control. 6. Surcharges Once the price of your chosen holiday has been confirmed at the time of booking, we will only increase or decrease it in the following circumstances. Price increases or decreases after booking will be passed on by way of a surcharge or refund. A surcharge or refund (as applicable) will be payable, subject to the conditions set out in this clause, if transportation costs (e.g. fuel, scheduled airfares and any other airline surcharges which are part of the contract between airlines (and their agents) and the tour operator) or dues, taxes or fees payable for services such as landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports or airports change. Even in the above cases, only if the amount of the increase in our costs exceeds 2% of the total cost of your holiday (excluding any amendment charges), will we levy a surcharge. If any surcharge is greater than 10% of the cost of your holiday (excluding any amendment charges), you will be entitled to cancel your booking and receive a full refund of all monies you have paid to us (except for any amendment charges) or alternatively purchase another holiday from us as referred to in clause 4 ‘If we change your holiday’. Please note that travel arrangements are not always purchased in local currency and some apparent changes have no impact on the price of your travel due to contractual and other protection in place. A refund will only be payable if the decrease in our costs exceeds 2% as set out above. Where a refund is due, we will pay you the full amount of the decrease in our costs. You have 14 days from the issue date printed on the surcharge invoice to tell us if you want to cancel or purchase another holiday where applicable. If you do not tell us that you wish to do so within this period of time, we are entitled to assume that you will pay the surcharge. Any surcharge must be paid with the balance of the cost of the holiday or within 14 days of the issue date printed on the surcharge invoice, whichever is the later. We reserve the right to make changes to and correct errors in quoted prices at any time before your holiday is confirmed. We will advise you of any error of which we are aware and of the then applicable price at the time of booking. 7. Our responsibility (i) We promise to make sure that all parts of the holiday we have agreed to arrange, perform or provide as part of our contract with you are arranged, performed or provided with reasonable skill and care. This means that, subject to these booking conditions, we will accept responsibility if, for example, you suffer death or personal injury or your contracted holiday arrangements are not provided as promised or prove deficient as a result of the failure of ourselves, our employees, agents or suppliers to use reasonable skill and care in making, performing or providing, as applicable, your contracted holiday arrangements. Please note, it is your responsibility to show that reasonable skill and care has not been used if you wish to make a claim against us. In addition, we will only be responsible for what our employees, agents and suppliers do or do not do if they were at the time acting within the course of their employment (for employees) or carrying out work we had asked them to do (for agents and suppliers). We will not be responsible for any injury, illness, death, loss (including loss of enjoyment), damage, expense, cost or other sum or claim of any description whatsoever which results from any of the following:- (a) the fault of the person(s) affected or any member(s) of their party or (b) the fault of a third party not connected with the provision of your holiday which we could not have predicted or avoided or

(c) an event or circumstance which we or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not have predicted or avoided even after taking all reasonable care (see clause 5) (d) the fault of anyone who is not carrying out work for us (generally or in particular) at the time. In addition, we will not be responsible where you do not enjoy your holiday or suffer any problems because of a reason you did not tell us about when you booked your holiday or where any problems you suffer did not result from any breach of our contract or other fault of ourselves or, where we were responsible for them, our suppliers or agents or where any losses, expenses, costs or other sum you have suffered relate to any business. Please note: we cannot accept responsibility for any services which do not form part of our contract. This includes, for example, any additional services or facilities which your hotel or any other supplier agrees to provide for you where the services or facilities are not advertised in our brochure and we have not agreed to arrange them as part of our contract and any excursion you purchase during your holiday. (ii) The promises we make to you about the services we have agreed to provide or arrange as part of our contract - and the laws and regulations of the country in which your claim or complaint occurred - will be used as the basis for deciding whether the services in question had been properly provided. If the particular services which gave rise to the claim or complaint complied with local laws and regulations applicable to those services at the time, the services will be treated as having been properly provided. This will be the case even if the services did not comply with the laws and regulations of the UK which would have applied had those services been provided in the UK. The exception to this is where the claim or complaint concerns the absence of a safety feature which might lead a reasonable holiday maker to refuse to take the holiday in question. (iii) We limit the maximum amount we may have to pay you for any and all claims or parts of claims which do not involve personal injury, illness or death. Except where loss of and/or damage to luggage or personal possessions is concerned or a lower limitation of liability applies to your claim, the maximum amount we will have to pay you for such non personal injury claims if we are found liable to you on any basis is twice the price (excluding any amendment charges) paid by or on behalf of the person(s) affected in total. This maximum amount will only be payable where everything has gone wrong and you have not received any benefit at all from your holiday. Where we are found liable for loss of and/or damage to any luggage or personal possessions (including money), the maximum amount we will have to pay you is £150 per person affected as you are assumed to have taken out adequate insurance at the time of booking. Please also see clause 7(iv) below. (iv) Where any claim or part of a claim concerns or is based on any travel arrangements (including the process of getting on and/or off the transport concerned) provided by any air, sea, rail or road carrier or any stay in a hotel, the maximum amount of compensation we will have to pay you will be limited. The most we will have to pay you for that claim or that part of a claim if we are found liable to you on any basis is the most the carrier or hotel keeper concerned would have to pay under the international convention or regulation which applies to the travel arrangements or hotel stay in question (for example, the Warsaw Convention as amended for international travel by air and/or for airlines with an operating licence granted by an EU country, the EU Regulation on Air Carrier Liability for national and international travel by air, the Athens Convention for international travel by sea and COTIF, the Convention on International Travel by Rail). Please note: Where a carrier or hotel would not be obliged to make any payment to you under the applicable International Convention or Regulation in respect of a claim or part of a claim, we similarly are not obliged to make a payment to you for that claim or part of the claim. When making any payment, we are entitled to deduct any money which you have received or are entitled to receive from the transport provider or hotelier for the complaint or claim in question. (v) You must provide ourselves and our insurers with all assistance we may reasonably require. You must also tell us and the supplier concerned about your claim or complaint as set out in clause 9 below.

8. Flights and your responsibility The flight details shown in your itinerary quotation are for guidance only and are subject to change. Final details will be confirmed on your travel documentation, sent approximately 14 days prior to departure. The times shown on all tickets are local times and check in for both outward and return flights is at least 3 hours prior to the departure times on the travel documents. It is possible that flight times may be changed even after tickets have been dispatched - we will contact you as soon as possible if this occurs. In accordance with EU Directive (EC) No 2111/2005 Article 9, we are required to bring to your attention the existence of a “Community list” which contains details of air carriers who are subject to an operating ban within the EU. The Community list is available for inspection at http://europa.eu.int/comm/transport/air/safety/ flywell_en.htm. In accordance with EU Regulations we are required to advise you of the actual carrier(s) (or, if the actual carrier(s) is not known, the likely carrier(s)) that will operate your flight(s) at the time of booking. Where we are only able to inform you of the likely carrier(s) at the time of booking, we shall inform you of the identity of the actual carrier(s) as soon as we become aware of this. Any change to the operating carrier(s) after your booking has been confirmed will be notified to you as soon as possible. If the carrier with whom you have a confirmed reservation becomes subject to an operating ban as above as a result of which we/ the carrier are unable to offer you a suitable alternative the provisions of clause 4 will apply. Any change in the identity of the carrier, flight timings, and/or aircraft type (if advised) will not entitle you to cancel or change to other arrangements without paying our normal charges except where specified in these conditions. We can accept no responsibility if you arrive late for the check in and miss your flight as a result nor can we accept responsibility for any loss by you of your holiday/flight travel tickets, vouchers or coupons. Air travel is subject to operational decisions of carriers and airports which may result in delays and diversions. Please note that minor carriers sometimes change the departure time of short-haul or domestic flights at short notice, and in some instances, schedules shown in the computers of intercontinental carriers differ from those actually flown by smaller local carriers. We advise you that it is your responsibility to be meticulous in locally reconfirming directly with the carrier operating the flight. We accept no liability for the consequences of flights missed owing to the passenger’s failure to reconfirm. Clients flying in economy class to long-haul destinations should be aware that flights are often full and you may not be able to get seats together. We also recommend that you check in early for a long flight, and in any case not less than 3 hours before the scheduled departure time. If your flight is cancelled or delayed, your flight ticket is downgraded or boarding is denied by your airline in circumstances which would entitle you to claim compensation or any other payment from the airline under EC Regulation No 261/2004 - the Denied Boarding Regulations 2004, you must pursue the airline for the compensation or other payment due to you. All sums you receive or are entitled to receive from the airline concerned by virtue of these Regulations represent the full amount of your entitlement to compensation or any other payment arising from such cancellation, delay, downgrading or denied boarding. This includes any disappointment, distress, inconvenience or effect on any other arrangements. The fact a delay may entitle you to cancel your flight does not automatically entitle you to cancel any other arrangements even where those arrangements have been made in conjunction with your flight. We have no liability to make any payment to you in relation to the Denied Boarding Regulations or in respect of any flight cancellation or delay, downgrading of any flight ticket or denial of any boarding as the full amount of your entitlement to any compensation or other payment (as dealt with above) is covered by the airline's obligations under the Denied Boarding Regulations. If your airline does not comply with these rules, you should complain to the Air Transport Users’ Council on 020 7240 6061 www.auc.org.uk We cannot accept liability for any delay unless it has a material effect on your holiday arrangements. See clause 4.


Terms and conditions 49

You undertake to behave with propriety and in such a manner as in no way causes or is likely to cause distress, danger or annoyance to other clients and/or any third party or damage to property. If, in the view of ourselves, our employees, agents or suppliers, you are in breach of this clause, we reserve the right to terminate your contract and neither we nor the providers of any of the services in question will have any further contractual obligations to you either in respect of covering any expenses, paying any compensation or refunds, or arranging for your return home. When you book with us, you accept responsibility for any damage or loss caused by you. Full payment for any such damage or loss (reasonably estimated if not precisely known) must be paid direct at the time to the accommodation owner or manager or other supplier. If the actual cost of the loss or damage exceeds the amount paid where estimated, you must pay the difference once known. If the actual cost is less than the amount paid, the difference will be refunded. If you fail to do so, you will be responsible for meeting any claims subsequently made against us (together with our own and the other party’s full legal costs) as a result of your actions. You must ensure that all your travel documents, full passports, visas, vaccination certificates, currency and travellers cheques are in order and valid for travel. All costs incurred in obtaining such documentation must be paid by you. We regret we cannot accept any liability if you are refused entry onto any transport or into any country due to failure on your part to carry correct documentation. We are able to give general advice on these matters for British citizens holding a British passport. However, non-British citizens and non-British passport holders should check with their embassy or consulate vis-a-vis current requirements. See also our General Information section. If failure to have any necessary travel or other documents results in fines, surcharges or other financial penalty being imposed on us, you will be responsible for reimbursing us accordingly. The name on your airline tickets must be the name that appears on your full passport. Please note that if you believe that we have stated orally that a particular facility or service should be available, but is not in the brochure or in writing from us, please make reference to it on the booking form so that we may confirm it to you when accepting your booking. 9. Complaints Should you have any complaints about any aspect of your holiday arrangements, you must inform our local representative or tour leader immediately and the supplier of the arrangements concerned. Problems can most easily be dealt with on the spot. Please note, if you do not report a problem or complaint which, if it had been reported at the time it occurred could have been resolved there and then we cannot accept any liability in respect of that problem or complaint. It is sensible to expect a client travelling in the developing world to be reasonably resourceful if things go wrong. If you experience any difficulties, contact us in the UK on our 24 hour emergency telephone service. The number will be found on your pre-departure information and with your tickets. In the unlikely event that an acceptable solution cannot be found, you should then write to us within 28 days of your return with full details of your complaint. If you fail to follow this complaints procedure, your right to claim the compensation you may otherwise have been entitled to may be affected or even lost as a result. If we cannot reach an amicable solution to any dispute you do have the right to refer the dispute to the Association of Independent Tour Operators which operates an Independent Dispute Service (details on request) for resolution of the dispute by a mediator provided the claim does not involve personal accident, injury or illness. 10. The brochure and quotation We have taken every care in ensuring that the information in the brochure and given in quotations/itineraries is correct at the time of publication. However we are sure you will appreciate that subsequently minor alterations may arise. We reserve the right to change any of the prices, services or other particulars contained in this brochure or any quotation at any time before we enter into a contract with you. If there is any change we will notify you before we enter into such contract. Where we state that

additional information, a fact sheet or a dossier is available on a particular itinerary or programme, this information should be regarded as a term of the contract. The hotel classifications given on our website, in our brochures, quotations and dossiers and fact sheets are for guidance only. They are not based on any national or international classification system, they are the opinions of our staff or agents and are quite subjective. The photographs that appear in the accommodation section of your quotation are indicative only and may not be of the exact room you have been quoted for. 11. Special requests If you have any special request, you must advise us in writing at the time of booking. Although we will endeavour to pass any reasonable requests on to the relevant supplier, we regret we cannot guarantee any request will be met. For your own protection, you should obtain confirmation in writing from us that your request will be complied with (where it is possible for us to give this) if your request is important to you. Confirmation that a special request has been noted or passed on to the supplier or the inclusion of the special request on your confirmation invoice or any other documentation is not a guarantee that the request will be met by the relevant supplier. All special requests are subject to availability. We regret we cannot accept any conditional bookings, i.e. any booking which is specified to be conditional on the fulfilment of a particular request. All such bookings will be treated as ‘standard’ bookings subject to the above provisions on special requests. If you have any medical problem or disability which may affect your holiday, please tell us before you confirm your booking so that we can advise as to the suitability of the chosen arrangements. In any event, you must give us full details in writing at the time of booking. You must also promptly advise us if any medical condition or disability which may affect your holiday develops after your booking has been confirmed. If we reasonably feel unable to properly accommodate the particular needs of the person concerned, we must reserve the right to decline their reservation or, if full details are not given at the time of booking, cancel when we become aware of these details. 12. Your financial protection We hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number 4817). When you buy an ATOL protected flight-inclusive holiday* from us, you will receive an ATOL Certificate. This lists the flight, accommodation, car hire and/or other services that are financially protected, where you can get information on what this means for you, and who to contact if things go wrong. We, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL Certificate, will provide you with the services listed on the ATOL Certificate (or a suitable alternative). In some cases, where neither we nor the supplier are able to do so for reasons of insolvency, an alternative ATOL holder may provide you with services you have bought or a suitable alternative (at no extra cost to you). You agree to accept that in those circumstances the alternative ATOL holder will perform those obligations and you agree to pay any money outstanding to be paid by you under your contract to that alternative ATOL holder. However, you also agree that in some cases it will not be possible to appoint an alternative ATOL holder, in which case you will be entitled to make a claim under the ATOL scheme (or your credit card issuer where applicable). If we, or the suppliers identified on your ATOL certificate, are unable to provide the services listed (or a suitable alternative, through an alternative ATOL holder or otherwise) for reasons of insolvency, the Trustees of the Air Travel Trust may make a payment to (or confer a benefit on) you under the ATOL scheme. You agree that in return for such a payment or benefit you assign absolutely to those Trustees any claims which you have or may have arising out of or relating to the non-provision of the services, including any claim against us, the travel agent (or your credit card issuer where applicable).You also agree that any such claims may be re-assigned to another body, if that other body has paid sums you have claimed under the ATOL scheme. *The air inclusive holidays and flights we arrange are ATOL protected providing they are made available in the UK. For further information, visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk Not all holiday or travel services offered and sold by us will be protected by the ATOL scheme.

The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 for Audley Travel (ABTOT Membership number 5297) and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for the following: 1. non-flight packages commencing in and returning to

the UK; 2. non-flight packages commencing and returning to a

country other than the UK; and 3. flight inclusive packages that commence outside of

the UK, which are sold to customers outside of the UK.

1, 2 and 3 provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled. 1 and 3 provides for repatriation. Please note that bookings made outside the UK are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with Audley Travel. 13. Excursions Please note that we do not provide or arrange excursions other than those listed in your itinerary and forming part of the arrangements booked and paid for in the UK. Our local representatives or guides may put you in touch with local organisers of excursions if you request but we can have no liability for such excursions, as your contract for such excursions will be with a local company providing the services and not with us. 14. Prices and Brochure Accuracy Please note, the information and prices shown on our website, in our brochures and/or quotations may have changed by the time you come to book your holiday. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the website, brochures, quotations and prices at the time of printing or when they are given to you, regrettably errors do occasionally occur. You must therefore ensure you check all details of your chosen holiday (including the price) with us at the time of booking. 15. Honeymoon Gift Service All honeymoon bookings and use of Audley's Honeymoon Gift Service are subject to our Terms & Conditions. It is important to note that in the unfortunate event of the cancellation of your booking you will be responsible for all cancellation charges as detailed in our Terms & Conditions. Audley also reserve the right to charge a £150 administration fee to cover refunding all monies to your guests. These refunds will only be made once all cancellation charges have been paid. As the client, you will take on the responsibility for the full payment of the booking as the amount of your guest contributions cannot be guaranteed. Audley Travel Group Limited. Registered Address: New Mill, New Mill Lane, Witney, Oxfordshire OX29 9SX. Registered in England with Company Reg. No. 3190720. VAT Reg. No.125454721. September 2014.

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Intrepid Burma (Myanmar) - Audley Travel/media/files/group-tours/continents/s… · Mandalay with its deserted ancient cities where temples and monastic culture are plentiful. The