“This is Burma, and it will be quite unlike any land you know about” (Rudyard Kipling)
When Rudyard Kipling visited Burma a hundred years ago he described it as “quite unlike any land you know about”. In the ensuing century little has changed, having been isolated for so many years, it is one of the few untouched, unspoiled destinations in the world today that can truly bring you back in time and experience to the Asia of old.
“A Tree may be alone in the field, a man alone in the world but a Jew will never alone on his holydays.”
Join us to keep the Jewish spirit alive in Burma. Burma Experience Jewish Heritage Tour 9 Days/8 Nights trip to Myanmar (Burma)
Highlights
Visit 110 year old beautiful Rangoon Synagogue and the threatened Jewish Cemetery
Memorable Shabbat in Rangoon and filling the quiet synagogue with joy and song
Learn the escape of Jewish community from Japanese occupation in WWII
Explore colonial and spiritual heritage of Yangon and observe the influences of other cultures in the region
Discover the world famous golden Shwedagon Pagoda
Visit Bagan and get stunning with its spectacular massive ancient temples
Visit ancient capitals – Ava, Amarapura and Sagaing
Travel by traditional horse cart through scenic countryside to explore temples in Bagan
Cruising the tranquil waters of Inle Lake to see extraordinary floating gardens and ethnic minority villages
In every tour package, Myanmar Shalom thoughtfully includes every conceivable luxuries, adventures and wonderful experiences so that you may discover the beauty and essence of this very special land.
Day1: Yangon (Thursday)
Arrive Rangoon and welcome by our tour guide at the airport. Enjoy private tour to explore the colonial heritage of one of Southeast Asia�s most impressive capitals. Drive through the city � downtown area and visit colonial buildings and Independent monument. Stop at China town and India quarter to take stroll to get a sense of the city and greet the vendors and let them introduce you to their wares – some familiar, some exotic. Nothing will prepare you for Shwedagon Pagoda, with its glittering gold stupa. Its beauty will take your breath away. We’ll see local pilgrims and saffron-robed monks offering their devotions as we enjoy the spectacular architecture and design as the sun sets.
Day 2: Yangon (Friday)
Visit the over 100 year old beautiful Rangoon Synagogue. Meet with Trustee of the Synagogue and some members of local community. Other amazing features of this incredible synagogue are the 120 years two old Torah from Baghdad, Iraq, Souvenir shop where you can see Burmese handmade Jewish items and historical photos of the Synagogue and community. Visit neighborhoods that reflect Yangon’s Burmese, British, Indian and indigenous influences. Then visit the 130 years old Jewish Cemetery with over 600 graves. Visit Nanthida Jetty to see river life on the Yangon River. Shabbat service will make this quite but beautiful Synagogue with joy and songs again. Shabbat dinner & overnight at the Hotel.
Day 3: Shabbat in Yangon (Saturday)
Today tour guide will take you to the walking tour to the Neighborhood (Sandwith Road, York Road) where many Jews from Rangoon used to live. (The Jewish School building in that area where once over 200 Jewish students attended is now changed to government High School building. Most of the houses in that area are now renovated to new buildings.) Dinner at the Hotel. After dinner, “Searching for Baghdad – Iraqi Jews in Southeast Asia: A Daughter’s Journey” documentary film (Histories & Stories about Iraqi Jews in Burma, Singapore & Hong Kong) will show at small theater room at the Hotel. (This documentary was shown in many Jewish Film festivals)
Day 4: Bagan (Sunday)
Early morning fly to Bagan considered one of the greatest sights of Asia! Begin our exploration of Bagan by visiting a busy local market to see the vast variety of fresh fruit and vegetables for sale and gain an insight into the bustling market atmosphere in Bagan. Visit to a diverse selection of the most important pagodas and temples. Late afternoon, you will explore Bagan from a different perspective as you explore the area by Pony cart. The cart can explore areas that cars are unable to enter giving a different feel of Bagan. We end our tour for today by climbing to the top of the Temple for sunset views. Sit back relax and be amazed by the beauty of Bagan as you watch the sun slowly set behind the ancient Pagodas.
Day 5: Bagan , Mandalay, Amarapura (Monday)
Today continue your Myanmar Tour with a flight to legendary Mandalay, a city of great cultural importance. It was the last Burmese capital before the British took over and moved the capital to Yangon. Upon arrive in Mandalay set out to discover three of Myanmar’s ancient capitals: Amarapura, Ava and Sagaing. Before ending the day with twilight stroll across a 200-year-old teak bridge – the most photographed sight in Myanmar. Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 6: Mandalay and Mingun (Tuesday)
You cannot leave this enchanting country without getting to know its heart and soul – the magical Irrawaddy River. Private boat trip on the Ayeyarwaddy River to Mingun is about one hour and visit the Mingun Bell (the world’s largest intact bronze bell) and the unfinished Mingun Pagoda (built with the intention of being the world’s biggest pagoda). If time permit visit Mandalay Palace & Golden palace Monastery famous for its intricate woodcarvings. In the late afternoon return to Mandalay.
Day 7: Mandalay and Inle Lake (Wednesday)
Today you fly to Heho, the gateway for your excursion to the idyllic Inle Lake. From Heho airport drive for a stunning drive (approximate 1- hour drive) and you will arrive at the dock to find a private motorboat waiting for you for a boat ride to the Hotel. Enjoy the tour by boat – visit to a village where a 5-day market is held to witness Shan ethnic tribes who come to buy and sell a variety of goods. Enjoy a boat ride to floating villages and see the lake and its unique rowers. Intha people row standing up with one leg wrapped around an oar. Inle is a peaceful and tranquil place. Late afternoon, return to Inle Lake and transfer back to Hotel.
Day 8: Inle Lake and Yangon (Thursday)
Continue sightseeing in Inle by boat. Fly back to Yangon in the afternoon. Upon arrival enjoy a visit to Scott Market (Bogyoke Aung San Market) the sprawling 80-year-old Market. At the market you will find a whole variety of interesting Burmese souvenirs, from lacquer ware to gems & jewelry – bargain at the stores to fully experience the Burmese market atmosphere! Farewell dinner at the Hotel.
Day 9: Yangon – Departure (Friday)
After breakfast, day at leisure until transfer to airport for International departure flight.