2013-07-26



Discover the Magic of Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)

Voyage #21338, Nov. 25 -Dec. 8, 2013

Nov 25  Singapore (Embark)      

Nov 26  Pangkor Island (Pulau Pangkor), Malaysia                        

Nov 27  Langkawi Island (Pulau Langkawi), Mayaysia        

Nov 28  Phi Phi Don Island (Ko Phi Phi Don), Thailand     

              Patong Bay (Phuket), Thailand                            

Nov 29  Similan Islands, Thailand                                                 

Nov 30  Pila Kyun Island, Burma

Dec 01  At Sea  
* Dec 02  Yangon (Rangoon) Burma (Overnight)
* Dec 03  Yangon (Rangoon) Burma (Overnight)
* Dec 04  Yangon (Rangoon) Burma                       

Dec 05  At Sea  

Dec 06  Khao Lak, Thailand                                             

Dec 07  Lanta Yai Island (Ko Lanta Yai), Thailand              

Dec 08  Phuket,Thailand (Debark)



Pangkor Island (Pulau Pangkor), Malaysia, just off the central Malaysian coast was probably first settled when refugees fled in the path of powerful armies that swept along the peninsula. Later, with expanding European spice trade, pirates discovered hidden Pangkor coves, but modern ‘settlers’ gather to enjoy sun and sand at places like Pantai Puteri Dewi, Teluk Belanga, and Pasir Bogak. There are also quiet coves at Tortoise Bay, Teluk Nipah and Teluk Chempedak.

Langkawi Island (Pulau Langkawi), Mayaysia, long a secret backpacker’s destination is the largest member of the 99-island Langkawi Archipelago and the doorway to Malaysia’s most spectacular jungle wilderness. Fairies once gathered in the ponds below Telaga Tujuh (Seven Wells) Waterfall, just 45-minutes from the port. According to local lore, the ponds’ curative powers spring from this magic. Among the island’s other natural wonders in the region, 2,890-ft/880-m Gunung Raya is the tallest natural formation.

SeaDream Land Adventure, Wild Langkawi
SeaDream Land Adventure, Langkawi Highlights

Phi Phi Don Island (Ko Phi Phi Don), Thailand, as striking as it is tiny, Ko Phi Phi is shaped by dramatic cliffs and sparkling sugary white sand. A flat sand bar links the eastern and western island sections. Two bays: Ao Ton Sai and Ao Loh Dalum, offer sheltered spots for those who want to enjoy sun and surf. Not surprisingly, it is also the island’s main resort area.

SeaDream Land Adventure, Snorkeling Around Phi Phi Island By Speedboat

Patong Bay (Phuket), Thailand, is home to Ao Patong (Patong Beach), on the southwestern shore. Join your fellow SeaDreamer’s for a Phang Nga cruise or find your inner James Bond aboard … an elephant! The yacht has also arranged several other Land Adventure options including an excursion to one of the island’s world-class golf resorts.

SeaDream Land Adventure, Highlights Of Phuket & Panoramic Drive
SeaDream Land Adventure, James Bond Island By Speedboat
SeaDream Land Adventure, Golfing At Blue Canyon Country Club

Similan Islands, Thailand, After visiting the tiny Similan Archipelago, visitors have often remarked that the color blue has an entirely new meaning. Part of Thailand’s Kuraburi Province, the surrounding waters are rich in colorful marine life, including brightly colored polyps and coral, painted spiny lobster and giant clams. Not surprisingly, the National park is an attractive scuba diving site. Snorkelers are also well rewarded.

SeaDream Land Adventure, Snorkeling Around Similian Island By Speedboat

Pila Kyun Island, Burma and The Mergui Archipelago, 800 islands line the Malay Peninsula like sugar crystals across a spectacular 36,000 sq km/14,000 sq mi stretch of the Andaman Sea. Seclusion and tropical waters nurture a broadly diverse ecosystem – both on land and in the sea. Like the rest of Myanmar, the region was closed for more than 40 years. There are no permanent communities in the islands, but groups of sea gypsies inhabit the region – dwelling aboard their boats during the dry season and sheltering on land in rainy season.

* Yangon (Rangoon) Burma, First-time visitors are often in awe at the sight of eerie saffron-robed Buddhist monks who seem to float along city streets begging alms for their morning meal. Their lives are governed by austere rules built around three core philosophical gems: ‘I take refuge in the Dhamma (Buddhist teachings); I take refuge in the Buddha; I take refuge in Sangha (Buddha’s disciples).’ Yangon and its high-topped monuments is an enchanting place. The magnificent Shwe Dagon Pagoda is a site to behold. SeaDream has arranged several exclusive over-land adventures to explore Ancient Bagan and Mandalay. Guests also have various options to explore the city of Yangon.

* SeaDream Over Land Adventure, The Ancient Temples Of Bagan  Bagan is the richest archaeological site in Asia. Founded in 849 AD, Bagan is famous for its more than 3,000 religious monuments, ancient pagodas and temples. Located on the east bank of the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River, these unique buildings and ruins constitute one of the Architectural Wonders of the World SeaDream collaborated with local guides and operators to create a spectacular Land Adventure. You’ll visit all the “must-see” temples including; Shwezigon Stupa, Ananda, Thatbyinnyu, Dhamayangyi, Sulamuni, Gawdawpalin and Gubyaukgyi.

Day 01: Yangon: Following an early breakfast aboard, you’ll disembark SeaDream II and board an air-conditioned motor coach for a short ride to the Yangon Airport. A local licensed guide will assist you with airport check-in. Your flight to Bagan is 80 minutes. Bagan was one of the first capitals of an ancient Burmese empire and today is one of the world’s major heritage sites. With thousands of pagodas and temples dating back more than 1,500 years, ancient Bagan rivals the temples of Angkor and is one of Southeast Asia’s most memorable sights. Upon arrival, you will begin your exploration with a visit to the Nyaung Oo market. View exotic wares and get a colorful introduction to the local way of life. Next stop is the splendid, Shwezigon Pagoda; a paragon in the perfection of its architectural design. Its golden mass giving it an air of weight and stability, the Shwezigon derives its name from Jeyyabhumi, “Ground of Victory”. Two great kings noted for their patronage of the religion are associated with the Shwezigon: Anawrahta (1044-1077) and Kyansittha (1084-1113). After the Shwezigon Pagoda, visit the Gubyaukgyi Temple. This 13th century temple has a spire resembling the Mahabodhi Temple at Buddha. The Gubyaukgyi is noted for its wall paintings depicting scenes from the previous lives of the Buddha. The ceiling of this temple features extensive wall paintings and the halls have enough light to view these clearly. The next stop will be at the Ananda Temple. One of the finest, largest and best preserved of the Bagan temples. Built in 1091 by Kyanzittha, the temple is said to represent the endless wisdom of the Buddha. The central square has sides of 53 metres (175 feet) and rises in terraces above the ground. The Ananda suffered considerable damage in a strong earthquake and in 1979, a reconstruction project took place. We will make an incredible photo stop for you to capture images of the entire Bagan panorama. After your photo stop to take in the stunning panorama of the Bagan temple site, lunch awaits at the Bagan Viewing Tower. After lunch, proceed to the Aureum Palace Hotel for check-in and approximately one hour of free time. Your afternoon will include a guided visit to a lacquer facility. In Myanmar, an adult Thit-si tree produces resin. To acquire the material, notches are sliced at the base of the trunk, on which one fixes small bamboo bowls. The sap of the lacquer tree has a very strong adhesive quality and a splendid brilliance. It adheres to many surfaces; bamboo, wood, metal and leather. It resists insects too. Your journey continues to visit a local village for a glimpse into their everyday life. Next visit the Damayangyi Temple, one of the four most significant monuments of Bagan. The massive structure is similar in architecture to the Ananda Temple. Damayangyi Temple was built by King Narathu (1167-70), who was also known as Kalagya Min, the ‘king killed by Indians’. The temple is located 1 kilometer (.62 miles) southeast of the city walls towards Minnanthu. To conclude the day, you’ll enjoy a short ride by local horse & cart to Sunset Temple for sunset! After a long and exciting day of viewing these amazing sites, return to your hotel and relax. We have arranged a special Myanmar Longyi Demonstration in your Hotel Lobby before dinner. Your guide will explain “How to wear Myanmar Longyi“ which is a sheet of cloth that is worn around the waist extending down to the feet and is held in place by folding the fabric over without tying a knot. SeaDream guests will be provided a Myanmar Longyi as a complementary gift and you may wear it to the special Myanmar dinner at the hotel. After dinner you’ll overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: Enjoy your included breakfast at the hotel and later transfer to the Nuang U airport for your morning flight back to Yangon. Subject to the scheduled flight time, there may be time in Yangon to visit the famous Scott Market, boasting the largest selection of handicrafts under one roof. The Myanmar Overland Adventure ends with a transfer to Bo Aung Kyaw Port, where SeaDream II awaits.

Lanta Yai Island (Ko Lanta Yai), Thailand, is popular with tourists seeking a holiday away from the parties. It’s more walking on the beach and watching the sunset than drinking and dancing. Ko Lanta is a little less well-known than Ko Phi Phi, which has become more commercialized. The beaches on the west coast of Ko Lanta Yai are each strung with a line of resorts and bungalows. Even when the island is at its fullest, there will be a quiet place for you to relax; the beaches are never full.

SeaDream Land Adventure, Diving Thailand’s Best Site



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