Remembrance Tour in Burma (Myanmar)

Many soldiers joining the war between British Kingdom and Burma (Myanmar) in the past now want to return to see how the country has changed since those days. Also, they want to pay their respects to fallen soldiers at Htaukkyan, Maymyo (Pyin Oo Lwin), Mogok, Thanbyuzayat WWII cemetaries which contain almost thousands of graves.

Check out our Remembrance Tour Burma for better information.

Day 01 Yangon arrival

Upon arrival in Yangon you will be met by your guide and driver and chauffeured to your hotel in the city and enjoy the rest of your morning at your leisure after your long haul fligh. The highlight of the day is a visit to the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, the most outstanding and revered Buddhist pagoda in Burma, whose golden stupa dominates the skyline of Yangon. This is also the most ideal spot from which to watch the sunset in Yangon. Return to the hotel for rest and free to discover the city at night.
Accommodation in Yangon
Meal: Welcomed dinner

Day 02 Yangon Sightseeing

Today we set out to explore the fascinating city of Yangon and its famous colonial British buildings and religious monuments. Highlights include Chaukhtagyi Paya and Sule Pagoda, Maha Bandoola Park, City Hall and the High Court. After a break for lunch we visit the Naga Cave monastic school. End the day with a visit to Scott's Market.
Accommodation in Yangon
Meal: Breakfast

Day 03 A visit to Htaukkyan Cemetary

Visit the Taukkyan War Cemetery, a memorial to the Allied soldiers of the British Commonwealth who died in Burma during the Second World War. Here the four battlefields of Akyab, Mandalay, Meiktila and Sahmaw were brought together, as their original locations were deemed too difficult to access. After paying our respects to the fallen soldiers we head to visit the Botantaung Pagoda and Nanthida Jetty.
Accommodation in Yangon
Meal: Breakfast

Day 04 Visit Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Trinity

This day we spend the morning at leisure. After lunchtime, attend Evensong Rangoon's Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. Free at leisure or to discover the night life of Yangon capital.
Accommodation in Yangon
Meal: Breakfast

Day 05 Yangon - Maymyo

Morning flight to Mandalay then transfer to Maymyo, now called Pyin Oo Lwin, after a scenic two-hour drive. You will find out many reminders of the colonial era still present now in Pyin Oo Lwin, including brick and timber houses. Lay back on a leisurely traditional horse and carriage ride through the town and walk around to see the beautiful recently renovated Botanical Gardens. You also have chance to visit the local market in the center of the town near to the clock tower. In the afternoon, we will take an excursion to the Railway Station and impressive Anisakan waterfalls, north of Pyin Oo Lwin.
Accommodation in Pyin Oo Lwin
Meal: Breakfast

Day 06 Mandalay Sightseeing

The highlights of this day include Mahamuni Image Pagoda, Imperial Palace. After lunchtime, we will continues with another visit to the Shwenandaw Monastery which is well known for its exquisite wood carvings, followed by Atumashi Monastery and Kuthodaw pagoda - the world’s largest book with its 729 slabs of Marble engrave with Buddha scriptures. The evening ends with a stunning view treated at Mandalay Hill.
Accommodation in Mandalay
Meal: Breakfast

Day 07 Mandalay - Fly to Myitkyina

Fly to Myitkyina and check in at Pansun Hotel. Local tours of old barracks, polo field site and former RAF/USAAF airfield.
Accommodation in Myitkyina
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 08 On train to Mandalay

Depart Myitkyina by charter train to Mandalay passing through Blackpool, White City, Nankwin and Hopin with some stops en route. Overnight on board train.
Accommodation on train
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 09 On train to Mandalay

Continue train journey to Mandalay passing through Mawlu, Indaw and Wuntho with some stops en route. Overnight on board train.
Accommodation on train
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 Mandalay - Fly back to Yangon

Arrive Mandalay. Travel to Ava, Amarapura to discover the Maha Aungmye Bonzan, Gabaya Monastery, Leaning Nam Myint Tower and the nearby attractions. Enjoy a walk over U Bein bridge, the longest teak wood bridge in Burma (Myanmar). Transfer to the airport for your flight to the ancient capital of Bagan, one of Asia’s most extraordinary destinations. Fly to Yangon in the late afternoon.
Accommodation in Yangon
Meal: Breakfast

Day 11 Yangon departure

Rest on your own until the driver pick you up for the departure flight.
Accommodation not included
Meal: Breakfast


Reference:
Burma Caravan Tours
Myanmar Motorhome Tours
Burma Luxury Tours
Burma Cultural Tours

Myanmar land border crossing

It is now possible to travel freely over land between Myanmar and Thailand, China and India as long as we have a special pre-processed permission documents issued by Myanmar Government.

When travelling over land to Myanmar, you must always obtain your visa at an embassy or consulate beforehand; it is normally not possible to get Myanmar visas at the border.

More information on individual crossing points can be seen at the Burma Senses Travel & Tours website.

Thailand crossings

Four Thai/Myanmar border points are now officially open to foreigners for through travel, although permission is subject to change from the Thai and Myanmar authorities. Infrastructure on the Myanmar side of the border crossings is very basic, and roads can become impassable during the rainy season.

Thailand offers visa-free travel for the citizens of many countries, but the length of the stay period depends on what country you are from – varying from 14 days to 3 months.

Mae Sot/Myawaddy

The Mae Sot (Thailand, Tak Province) / Myawaddy (Myanmar, Kayin State) crossing point is the most practical place to cross for onward travel into Myanmar, because of its relative proximity to the main Myanmar transport network and places of interest such as Mount Kyaiktiyo (the Golden Rock), Hpa An and Mawlamyine.

At the passport control points (located on either side of the ‘Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge’ river crossing), there are separate windows for foreigners – you do not have to stand in the same (sometimes long) line as the locals. The border is located about one kilometre from Myawaddy bus station on the Myanmar side and five kilometres from Mae Sot town on the Thai side; there are usually plenty of motorbike taxis on both sides. Mae Sot has daily direct flights and frequent buses to Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Mae Sai/Tachileik

Foreigners can cross the border at Mae Sai (Thailand, Chiang Rai Province) / Tachileik (Myanmar, Shan State) and travel as far as Keng Tung in Myanmar. To travel over land further than this you may need a permit, or you may not be allowed at all. However, Keng Tung does have an airport with internal flight connections to destinations such as Mandalay and Yangon.

Tachileik’s economy is based on cross-border trade and tourism, and Thai baht – not Myanmar kyat – is the main currency. To find out more about onwards travel from Tachileik into Myanmar, go to Keng Tung.

Phunaron (for Kanchanaburi)/Htee Kee

This remote border crossing allows access between Phunaron (Phu Nam Ron) (Thailand – nearest town Kanchanaburi) and Htee Kee (Myanmar, Tanintharyi Division – nearest town Dawei).

There are four buses per day from Kanchanaburi to the small border town of Phunaron (70 baht), which has one guest house. The Thai and Myanmar border posts are separated by six kilometres of no-mans land that can only be crossed by vehicle (walking is not permitted); you can take a motorbike taxi (around 100 baht) or try to hitchhike.

From the Myanmar side of the border, it takes 4 to 5 hours to get to Dawei. There are usually cars or minibuses waiting, costing around K30,000 (bear in mind that if you arrive late in the day there may be no transport, and the road can become impassable during the rainy season).

Ranong/Kawthaung

The crossing between Ranong (Thailand, Ranong Province) and Kawthaung (Myanmar, Tanintharyi Region) offers options for further travel in Myanmar – both cruises in the Myeik Archipelago and public boats on to Myeik and Dawei. Overland travel may be possible, but is extremely slow.

There are regular longtail boats between Ranong and Kawthaung, taking 20 minutes and costing around 100 Bhat.

If you are on a short stay or visa run from Thailand, you will not need a Myanmar visa, but you will need your passport and a copy of the photo page, plus US$10 in crisp notes.

Sangkhla Buri/Payathonzu – the Three Pagodas Pass

Currently the crossing at Sangkhla Buri (Thailand, Kanchanaburi Province) and Payathonzu (Myanmar, Kayin State) is not open to foreigners. Even when it has been, it has only been on the Thai side, with foreigners not allowed to travel further into Myanmar.

China crossing

To cross the land border at Ruili (China, Yunnan Province) / Muse (Myanmar, Shan State), you will need to arrange a special tour package by filling out this form; the package will include a guide and mandatory private transportation. An alternative is to go to a travel agent in Kunming.

Getting the permit to cross from Myanmar to China can be difficult, but from China to Myanmar is usually straightforward – although you will need to apply at least one month in advance of your travel date. The Myanmar consulate in Kunming may tell you that the border is officially shut, but this, in fact, will probably not be the case.

The Muse/Ruili border point is expected to fully open to foreigners (with no need for a permit) sometime in 2014.

Yangon, Mandalay and Kunming all have embassies or consulates where you can apply for the relevant visa (Myanmar or Chinese). For details, go to embassies and other useful information. The Mong La border crossing is currently shut.

India crossing

In the remote north of Myanmar, a crossing exists between Moreh (India, Manipur state) and Tamu (Myanmar, Sagaing Division). Locals are allowed to travel between the countries at this point on day trips, but currently foreigners require special permission from a Myanmar embassy, which can be difficult to obtain. However, permission is no longer required for foreigners to travel in these parts of Sagaing Division (Myanmar) and Manipur State (India) in general.

The Bangladesh and Laos crossing

Border crossings at Bangladesh and Laos are currently shut.

Entering Myanmar with your own vehicle

Crossing into Myanmar with your own vehicle (motorhome, car or motorbike) requires special permission which can be difficult to obtain and is expensive (likely around $10,000 – although costs can be reduced with larger groups). You will also have to be accompanied by a tour guide and a Ministry of Hotels and Tourism liaison officer. Self-drive motor tours can be arranged by filling out this form.

Reference:
Burma Caravan Tour
Myanmar Adventure Tours
Burma Off Beaten Track Tour
Burma Package Tours

A Holy Limestone Cave in Karen State

Lush green paddy fields and limestone cliffs create a beautiful landscape in southeastern Burma’s Karen State, home to the ethnic Karen people. The Kawgun cave, a natural limestone cavern, is about two miles from the state capital Pa-an, and can be reached by motorbike on a cement road. Along the way, a bridge crosses over the Salween River, where police and military officers once checked the IDs of anyone who passed, though the checkpoint has been removed since the political reforms of 2011.

Many visitors who take the Burma cultural tours from Burma Senses, including foreign tourists, stop at the Kawgun cave, which is filled with Buddha statues and Buddhist artifacts dating back to the seventh century. Ethnic Mon people also travel to worship there, driving cars and motorbikes from Moulmein, the capital of Mon State, which borders Karen State.

During a visit by The Irrawaddy, Karen monks were taking care of cave grounds. Some monks
said the cave had been damaged by a government-owned cement factory that is situated on the west bank of the Salween River. They said the cement company routinely blasts the mountains of the Kawgun area to extract limestone. Buddha images in the cave have been cracked as a result. At a swimming pond near the cave, local people and youths splash and play in the water.

Source: Irrawaddy.org

Reference:
Myanmar Classic Tours
Myanmar Package Tours
Myanmar Cruise Tours

Burma Unique Adventures

Burma offers the excellently unique adventures that you may not know. Here below as some of the best ones:

1. Motorbiking in Mandalay/ Pyin Oo Lwin/ Mogok/ Shan State
Cultural Mandalay City is an undispensible spot to visit when travelling to Burma (Myanmar). Most of travellers assume that it is illegal to ride motorbikes in Myanmar, but it is true to apply to certain areas. In fact, this experience is top-notch. It shows you the landscapes without glasses, everything is simply face to face. From Mandalay, you can ask Zach, who is an expert in motorbiking in Mandalay, he can help you to arrange self-drive journey or guided motorbike tours to explore the less-know sides of Mandalay region including some hidden waterfalls, nice villages. Zach offers new step-through style 125cc motorbikes, brand new fleet of 125cc Honda XR Enduros and Honda CRF250L. The bikes are in perfect working order and meticulously maintained by our mechanic.

Destinations
Most customers are traveling from Mandalay to places all over the country. They are traveling up into the mountain of Shan State, South to Mon State, West to Monywa and Pakokku and north to Shwebo.

Unfortunately, some areas are off limits to motorcycle travel. Bagan and Inle Lake are off limits for foreigners on motorcycles without a permit. In Yangon the permit doesn't help because only certain government workers are allowed on motorcycles. The good news is that Zach can arrange a permit for you but it takes a few weeks.

He put some maps that he makes using Google Maps up on here occasionally to give trip ideas to clients but He also helps people plan right from his home with maps spread out across our dining room table. You can let him know what you want to see while in Myanmar or where you would like to go and he will help you plan as much as he can.

2. Kayaking in Putao
So far, many visitors to Putao simply follow the Putao tour packages which are adventurous but Putao is home to so many beautiful river valleys located under the foothill of Himalaya range, the water from this mountain range is abundant to feed the rivers and surely offering chances to enjoy rafting or kayaking every time you visit.
Head north and book a free package with kayak, raft courses from a Burma local tour operator like Burma Senses Travel & Tours, you will have much fun here.

3. Travel by bus to Mrauk U
It is not new that when you ask for a tour to Mrauk U, majority of tour operators in Yangon will suggest yo to take a flight to Sittwe then connect with a river cruise to Mrauk U. Reaching Mrauk U by bus from Yangon or Bagan passing by Sittwe requests more about your personal effort to deal with local bus, drivers who do not speak English.
The rewarding time on the bus will be the landscapes of remote Rakhin state.

Note: to visit Myanmar, you need to obtain Myanmar Visa in advance.

Reference:
Burma Trekking Tours
Burma Luxury Tours
Burma Cruise Tours
Myitkyina Manaw Festival Tours

Visa on arrival for Burma Myanmar

In this article, we would like to show you the instructions to do Myanmar Visa on Arrival and Visa Extension for tourists coming to Burma (Myanmar). This Myanmar Visa on arrival (VOA) in other name is called Pre-arranged visa on arrival in Myanmar.

Myanmar pre-arranged visa on arrival

Myanmar pre-arranged visa on arrival is actually linked with an Burma authorized tour operator who has license to offer you the service. All you have to do is to send the visa application form and your photo to your choosen tour operator, they will help you to obtain a document stating Visa on Arrival, allowing you to get visa upon arrival.

We will require the following facts together with p/p size scan photo from each applicant is as under:

Your full name as in your p/p
Gender (sex)
Father's name
Nationality
Race
Religion
p/p related 5 data: passport (a) number (b) issue / expired date (c) place of issue & (d) issuing authority
Date of birth (D - M - Y)
Place of birth
Occupation in native country
Full address in your present native country -- (not PO Box No. or C/o address)
Purpose of visit to Myanmar
Arrival / departure dates to / from Myanmar
Flight number & airline that you will fly in / out of Myanmar
Personal related four data, colour of your (a) hair (b) eyes (c) complexion & (d) your height

Important : We also require your tour plan and hotel booking which is a must for us to be able to apply your Myanmar Visa on Arrival at the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism. We can also book Hotels for your stay in Myanmar.

If approved, we will send you the ‘Approval Letter’ that you have to show upon arrival at the Yangon International Airport. Note: we let you know in advance that visa fee is not yet collected and to be paid on arrival at the Immigration Counter at the Yangon Airport.

Visa Extension 

Visitors can apply Visa Extension (2 weeks extension only) as below:

A. Fill in th Extension form  we provide.

B. If you are sure you will be need Visa Extension before you arrive, you can give us the form, your original passport and 2 photos and USD 50 for 2 weeks extension.

C. If you are not sure, print out this form and call us at +84977343986 when you are in Yangon. We will collect recommendation for your hotel the form, passport, 2 photos and 50 USD for 2 weeks extension.

D. For Visa 1st one must obtain a letter of endorsement from Ministry of Hotel & Tourism and then submit to Ministry of Immigration. It will take at least 2 days and max 5 days to get Tourist Visa extended.

E. If you home any Further Question Please refer to our FAQ section or send us an e-mail.

Up to date:
Since 10/03/ 2014, Myanmar Visa on Arrival for tourist is suspended. Almost Burma travel agencies cannot help you with this issue but we are entirely able to assist if you book Myanmar Tour Package or Burma Tour Package via us.

Ngapali Scuba Diving

While many travelers head to Ngapali to enjoy the best beach of Burma which has abundance of white sand, fascinating village, some come to experience the scuba diving which is totally in good condition. To its best, Ngapali has more things to offer than that.
Those who fancy a short hike through jungle, rice fields or historical monument, Thandwe town which is just 20 minutes far way is a good choice to do so. From here you can enjoy the river cruise trip, knowing some traditional work by the Bay of Bengal. This area is very likely to offer some inspiration to make a part of Burma Photo Tour with unique villages and colorful culture.
Above all, there is a great chance to do Scuba Diving in Ngapali both near the shore and off shore.

Easy Scuba Diving
08:30 Pick the clients up from Hotel to Jetty by car.
09:00 Boat Leaves from Port/Harbour and head to Maung Shwe Lay Village and then proceed to Local Dive site.
10:00 Dive briefing and enjoy Dive No.1
11:00 Up to the surface and get back to the boat. Refresh yourself and discuss for next dive.
12:00 Start and enjoy Dive No.2
13:00 Back to the boat and have a shower & Lunch.
14:00 Visit to the fishing village” Mg Shwe Lay” to see the lifestyle of the local fishermen.
15:00 Leave the village and back to Lone Thar Jetty.
16:00 Arrive and transfer to Hotel.

In Depth Scuba Diving Trip
07:30 Pick the clients up from Hotel to Jetty by car.
08:00 Boat Leaves from Port/Harbour and head to Off Shore Dive Site. Dive briefing about the dive sites on the way and relax.
11:30 Start and Enjoy Dive No.1
12:30 Back to the boat and relaxing
13:30 Start and Enjoy Dive No.2
14:30 Back to the boat and have a shower & Lunch.
15:00 Way back to Jetty to Lone Thar Jetty
18:00 Arrive and transfer to Hotel.

These tours are best booked in advance to know if you can share the trip with other travelers.
In Burma, you can also Diving in Mergui with our introduction of Mergui Diving Tour

Ecotourism sites cannot be missed in Burma (Myanmar)

National Botanical Garden
It is located in Pyin Oo Lwin, Mandalay Division. It larges 13792 hectares and established in 1915. You can study about 344 species of forest tree, 42 spices of orchid, and 25 species of Rose. There are inland indigenous birds (resident forest birds), reptiles, small mammal species and insects are present.

Moeyungyi Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in Bago and Waw Townships of Bago Division, 112 km from Yangon along the Yangon -Bago- Pyinpongyi Highway. It is 104 square kilometers large and Established in 1986. you can see more then twenty species of aquatic and herb ( Emergent macrophytes ) including kaing grass and water are present in the sanctuary and Notsaba ( Oxyza officinalis) grow particular in shallow area of the sanctuary. Especially Kaing grassland are the most suitable breeding ground for water birds.

Nat Ma Taung National Park
Located in Kanpetlet, Mindut and Matupi Townships of Chin State. It has 723 square kilometers and established in 1994. There are 4 kinds of Forest such as: Hill Evergreen Forests, moist Upper Mixed Deciduous Forests, Pine Forests (above 2700 m) and Hill Savannah. You can study mammals such as tiger, bear wild board, leopard, goar, serow, gibbon, etc. and 159 bird species, reptiles and butterfly.

Popa Mountain
Located in Kyaukpadaung Township of Mandalay Division and only 1 hour drive from Bagan. It is 129 square kilometers and Established in 1983 and opened as Park in 1989. You can see Monkey, barking deer, wild pig; jungle cat; wild dog and about 140 avifauna species inhabit the Popa area. The dusky leaf monkey is a scarce animal and about 150 monkeys live in the Popa Mountain Park. About 40 medicinal plants and some climbers are growing in the Popa Mountain Park. These plants and climbers are being explored through filed research works.

Hkakaborazi National Park
Located in Naungmung Township of Kachin State. Its area is 3816 square kilometers and Established in 1996. There lies Evergreen Forests, Hill Pine Forests and Moist Upper Mixed Deciduous Forests. In addition to rare species such as Takin, Musk Deer, Blue Sheep, Black Barking Deer, Phet Gyi (Muntiaus putaoensis), mammal species and insects such as butterflies are present.

Inle Wetland
Located in Naung Shwe, Pinlaung and Peh Kon Townships of Southern Shan State. Its area is 1665 square kilometers and established in 1985. You can study Otyza granulata , Dalbergia spinosa, Hypericm prunizolium, Coladium spp.., Desmodium oblongum, Enhydra zluctuans, Panicum sarmentosum grow on the natura floating islets. Salix tetrasperma , Ficus spp. Crataexa nurvala , Mitragyna parvizolia Salmalia malabarica syn.., Bombax malabaricum are found in shallow water or on the shores. There is a residence of 37 species of birds, 27 species of wetland birds, 14 species of migratory birds, 40 species of freshwater fishes, otter and turtle.

Sein Ye Forest Camp
Located in Oaktwin Township of Bago Division with the area of 40 hectares. It is established in 1996 and you can reach there by car from Yangon to Oaktwin , 268km and Oaktwin to Sein-Ye camp, 32 km along Bago Yoma crossing. It is a home of Asia elephant tiger , leopard ,guar banteng or wild cow, sun bear, wild boar, sambur, sneeze and resident birds.

Yangon Zoological Garden
It is 27.7 hectares large and Established in 1906. It is situated in close proximity of the Great Shwedagon Pagoda, Royal Lake, Aquarium, Karaweik Hall and Yangon Railway station. There are about 300 tree species, totaling over 15,000 trees, are planted and 59 species of mammals, 60 species of birds and 18 species of reptiles, amounting to over 1300 species are kept in additional, elephant, rhinoceros, tapir, hippopotamus, camel, tiger, lion, deer, various species of monkey, snake, tortoise, crocodile and various species of birds, a pair of tusks, of the white elephant which died in 1219 during the region of King Thibaw, skeleton of a whale 21.6 meters in length and a statue of Stegosaurus are exhibited.

Myaing Hay Wun Elephant Camp
It is located in Taikkyi Township of Yangon Division and larges 4 hectares. It is established in 1986. You can see Elephant, Gaur, Banteng, Barking deer, Wild boar, Hare Wild cat, Green Peafowl, Ruddy sheld duck, Butterflies, Moths, Snakes, Monitar lizard, Ground lizard, Grass lizard and Chameleon.

Hlawga Park
Located in Htaukkyant Model Village, Mingaladon Township, Yangon Division with 216 hectares, comprising a wildlife park (327 hectares), a mini-zoo (25 hectares) and a buffer zone (264 hectares). It is established on 30 September 1982. There are Thamin, hog deer, barking deer, sambar deer, rhesus monkey, pythons, pangolin, mythun, all have in the fenced wildlife park. In the mini-zoo small mammals, birds, tigers, leopards, bears and estuarine crocodiles are being displayed more freely in large in spacious cages, aviaries and moated enclosures, built with modern zoo concept.

Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in Bogalay Township of Ayeyawaddy Division. Its area is 137 square kilometers and established in 1986. There is of Otter, sambar, hog deer, wild boar, crab-eating kra, wild dog, turtles and tortoiseds, estuarine crocodiles, fish, prawn, crab and 34 bird species are known to occur in the area and Ayeyawaddy Dolphin is said to occur occasionally in the area.

Alaungdaw Kathapha National Park
Located in Mingin Township of Sagaing Division its area is 1608 square kilometers. Established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1941 and opened as a nation park in 1984.Type of the forests are Moist Upper Mixed Deciduous Forest, Dry Upper Mixed Deciduous Forests, Lower Mixed Deciduous Forests, Indaing Forests, Pine Forests. Wild life: Elephant, tiger, leopard, gaur, banteng, sambur, barking deer, jungle goat, mountain goat, bear, wild boar, jungle cat many kinds of birds inhabit Alungdaw Kathapa.

Chatthin Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in Kanbula Township of Sagaing Division, larges 268 square kilometers. It was established in 1941. There are 5 kinds of Forest such as: Low Indaing Forests, High Indaing Forests, Flooded Indaing Forests, Upper Mixed Deciduous Forests and Grass Savanna Matric Forests. It hosted Macaca species, barking deer, wild dog leopard cat species, bat and Guano species, amphibian species and 158 of birds and approximately 1530 number of Thamin reside in the park.

Indawgyi Lake Wildlife Sancturay
Located in Mohnyin Township of Kachin State with area of 776 square kilometers and Established in 1999. It has an annual year round raining season with an average 1440 mm rainfall. In summer, average temperature is 27.9 C and in the cold season 17.2 C. There are Leopard, golden cat, the Malaya sun bear, gaur, banteng or wild cow, serow , goral, sport-billed pelican, vulture, other water birds,120 species of forest birds Myanmar peacock and Soft-shell turle in this sanctuary.

Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in Minbu, Setote-taya, Saku and Ngapeh Townships of Magwe Division. Its area is 553 square kilometers. It was establishment as Wildlife Sanctuary in 1940 and strengthened with more staff in 1985. There are 3 kinds of forest Such as: Than-dahat Forest, Low ‘Indaing’(Dry Dipterocarp) Forest, Dry Deciduous Forest. There are Bear, Gaur, Sambar, Barking Deer, Eld’s deer, Wild boar and various types of wild cats, wild dogs and birds live in this area. In accordance with 1998 inventory, the population of thamin is increasing by (1088 ฑ 269) and the rare star tortoise (Geochelone platynota) is also present.

Reference:
Burma Adventure Tours
Burma Ecotourism
Burma Ngapali Beach Extension Tour

Chin State, hidden jewel of Mrauk U

Home to stunning geographical landscapes and friendly people, Myanmar offers some of the world’s best trekking and hiking trails. Explore this alluring region with the local operator. From light day hikes in the hilltribes of Myanmar to some relaxation in the resort, we can offer the itineraries to suit your needs. Our expert adventure teams know the best routes and hidden paths in the unspoiled wilderness of the region for your trekking adventure holiday.

Some useful information:
Chin State, Mrauk U is really magnificent both for landscape and ethnic culture. T
o visit this place, you need to have Myanmar Visa then start your trip either in Mandalay or Yangon with a short flight o Bagan. From Bagan, you head west to explore Chin rugged area.
Burma Tour Operator offers this tour only from November to April.

Day 01: Bagan - Ponetaung Ponenyar - Mindut

Crossed the mighty Ayeyarwaddy as dawn smashes, start to drive to Mindut. The stops around small stupas and nat shrines at the summit for photography will create breathtaking emotion inside our hearts. Our delicious lunch will be in a village namely Paut. Arrive at Mindut, in the evening, for check-in at a small hotel before strolling around the town. Take pleasure in dinner at a restaurant and spend night stay at hotel.

Day 02: Mindut - Khone Eai village

Drive first for 14 miles to the west of the town by jeep in the light of the early morning. It is pursued by the pine forest trekking to the target, Hilaung Village situated on the valley of the pine forest mountain with about 400 villagers, for about one hour. The dense forest there is a sort of factor generating the cold weather. It is Helong Village on the way and one site worthy for sightseeing in it is a Buddhist stupa donated by King Alaungsithu of Bagan by the time of making a trip to Chin State. A memorable trek to Khone Eai Village is the next one in order for evening sightseeing and all will end up with charming dinner and night span at a traditional house.

Day 03: Khone Eai village - Amlong village

Have a delightful Chin Hill morning together with a pleasurable trekking enjoying the natural beauty – birding, wildlife nature and scenic vista – of the forest along the mountain range to Htwe Village. The next one hour trekking after Htwe Village is to Htal Pan Village for tasty lunch. The way up walking on the pine forested mountain range is an easy, an hour long trek. The evening sightseeing will be at Amlong Village having about 20 houses. Enchanting dinner and memorable night stay at a small Buddhist monastery on the hill.

Day 04: Amlong village - Kyar Aie Nu village

Commence the full day tour with the down trekking to Chake Chaung River for one and a half hour. A suspension bridge is excellent to experience while crossing the river for the two hour up trekking to Htwe Inn Village populated by animists looked like the people in stone age. Go and see their shaman’s house to observe their beliefs and customs. After lunch, continue to Lee Shee for sightseeing of traditional huts. Arrival at Kyar Aie Nu Village, a big village on the height of 1600 m, will be in the evening and the sightseeing includes Chin traditional hand-made smoking pipe workshops. Have dinner and stay for night at a house.

Day 05: Kyar Aie Nu village - Madat village

Begin with an interesting trek along the hill side of Chin Mountain to villages: Turdo Village, Htay Pan Village and Masan Village. The evening sightseeing will be in Madat Village, the biggest one during our trekking with about 800 populations having a small primary school. The Nat shrine in the middle of the village, a nice one as a garden beside the famous Mt. Victoria, is the most interesting. Charming dinner and cool night stay at the village leader’s house.

Day 06: Madat village - Kyardo village

Morning leisure made us pleased is followed by the trekking and sightseeing in villages of the hill tribes and lunch at Loat Pe Village, there only traditional ways can be viewed, as in their holy wooden poles and stone tombs. Kyardo Village lied on the hill side of the valley of the green mountain range will offer us a lovely evening by their traditional means of life such as in their ancient-styled huts made of wood and bamboo. Tattoo faced women wearing traditional costumes can be watched whilst they are celebrating their authentic Chin traditional dancing there they will serve their traditional wine, Khaungye, as showing their hospitality. Enjoy dinner and overnight at a village house.

Day 07: Kyardo village - Aye village

The full day tour will have a commencement, trekking on the hill of the river valley and cross the river to trek over the mountain range where enjoy bird calls and forests’ natural beauty. After lunch at Khelonethat village, proceed to Aye Village, a small Chin village on the hill side of the forest mountain in Natmataung national park. Having a fascinating beauty as a once British’s hill-camp with some old colonial constructions, the weather there is quite cold. Also there, taking photos of tattoo-faced women and their ways of living is valuable for the use of time. Aye Village will give each and all of us pleasing experience of dinner and night stay.

Day 08: Aye village - Mt. Victorial - Kanpalat

To the base camp of Mt. Victoria by jeep for 10 miles along the scenic forest full of pine trees with the whirling of bird calls is the first program of the day. Take some snacks and water for our trekking and hiking during the time of passing the most famos birding area in Myanmar. Within the 3 hour-trekking to the top of the mountain, 10200 ft above sea level, from the base camp, 6500 ft in height, the first 45 minutes will give us a new experience of the steep and difficult portion of the path. All exhaust, however, will go away by the time of seeing the panoramic view from the summit. After a sufficient rest at the apex, come back to our jeep and it takes for about 2 hours. The relaxing dinner and memorable night stay at a hotel in Kanpalat.

Day 09: Kanpalat - Bagan

The morning after breakfast is programmed with jeep ride to Bagan including a short rest in Saw Village as well as the incident of driving in the pine forest. Lunch at a small local restaurant in Kazunma Village, one of the big Myanmar villages in Magwe Division, has a new sort of taste along the connection between central and western Myanmar. Upon arrival at Bagan, enjoy dinner at a hotel.

Reference:

Myanmar Trekking tour

Burma Cruise