These are 10-day trips, perfect for those who by choice or by necessity, can only afford a short time out.  Generally one week bracketed by 2 weekends, our QuickEscapes provide the nimble and rejuvenating getaway.  And because they are our condensed itineraries especially designed to show you the best of each region, they can also be taken as extensions to other longer trips.  Either way, our Quick Escapes are specially designed to provide you with a unique glimpse of your chosen area of the world under our attentive care.   

Outline Itinerary – 2012

Day 1: DEPART USA

Day 2: EN ROUTE TO BANGKOK

Day 3: ARRIVE BANGKOK & TO YANGON – Flights arrive into Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport early morning. Transfer to connecting flight to Yangon, Burma. Late this afternoon, head out for a sunset visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda complex, which is said to house eight hairs of Lord Buddha. Over 350 ft. tall, gilded in gold and gems, the Shwedagon is the most revered shrine in the country.

Day 4: TO BAGAN – This morning transfer to Yangon’s airport for the flight to historic, ancient Bagan. During its golden age in the 12th Century, Bagan was known as “the city of four million pagodas.” Visit the Gubyaukgyi Temple, an Indian-style monument that features exquisite interior murals. On the way back to Old Bagan, visit the Shwesandaw, a graceful 11th Century temple. Climb the terraces, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding temples, including the 14th Century Shwegugyi temple. At sunset, enjoy a cruise on the Irrawaddy before returning to your hotel for the evening.

Day 5: EXPLORING BAGAN – Today visit the village of Nyaung Oo, with the opportunity to explore the local market. Explore the principal pagodas and temples of the archeological zone by private vehicle, including Shwezigon Pagoda. You then head for the beautiful 12th Century Suliman Pagoda, a classic example of Bagan's later sophisticated temple design. Today you can also experience a majestic Hot Air Balloon ride. The balloon is guided by gentle winds offering a serene and peaceful bird's-eye-view of the ancient temples drifting below. If you would like to take the balloon ride, let us know so we can properly incorporate it into your activities today or tomorrow.

Day 6: TO MANDALAY – This morning transfer to Bagan’s airport for the short flight to Mandalay. During your time in Mandalay, your tour will include many interesting sites including the Shwenandaw Kyaung Pagoda, the Kuthodaw Pagoda with hundreds of marble slabs inscribed with the entire Buddhist canon, and the venerable Mahamuni Pagoda, whose Buddha is covered with gold leaf. You will also have a chance to visit a few of Mandalay's famed handicraft factories. Specialties include gold leaf and woodworks. Late this afternoon, ascend Mandalay Hill for an incredible sunset and spectacular views of the city and the Irrawaddy River. Then return to your hotel for the evening.

Day 7: EXPLORING MANDALAY –After breakfast, drive off to the lovely countryside around Mandalay to explore Amarapura, and visit the monastery at Mahagandayon, where more than 1,000 Buddhist monks live. Witness devotees of the religion offer food to the monks in order to gain merit. Continue to Sagaing, and after crossing the Irrawaddy River, visit Sagaing Hills. Sagaing is dotted with pagodas and there are over 500 monasteries, a retreat for Buddhist devotees. This afternoon take a short ferry trip to Inwa (Ava), to visit the Nanmyint Watchtower, the brick and stucco Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery and Bagayar Ava Monastery. You will then return to Amarapura to U Bein's Bridge at Taungthaman Lake.

Day 8: TO YANGON –Departing Mandalay, make the return flight to Yangon, where you will have time to take in some additional sites and to enjoy your last evening in Myanmar.

Day 9: TO BANGKOK - Today we leave Myanmar, taking the return flight from Yangon to Bangkok. Overnight in Bangkok for our return flight to the USA the next day.

Day 10: ARRIVE USA

Call us toll free at 1-800 MY INDIA (1-800-694-6342) or email us to request a detailed day-to-day itinerary.