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HIDDEN BURMA
Land of Serenity and Mystery
Burma – also known recently as Myanmar – is an ancient land that’s always been cloaked in mystery, hidden from the World. It has retained its culture, age-old traditions, distinct religious practices, and many forms of art.
It contains an astounding array of wonders – square miles of jungle temples a thousand years old, unique cultures such as the “giraffe women,” gigantic Buddhist shrines covered in solid gold, lakes of mystical serenity, balloons over ancient temples, the most beautiful beach in all Asia, and a welcoming people of warmth and gentleness.
We will take you to all this and more as we experience the serenity and mystery of Burma together.
HIDDEN BURMA
Land of Serenity and Mystery
Burma – also known recently as Myanmar – is an ancient land that’s always been cloaked in mystery, hidden from the World. It has retained its culture, age-old traditions, distinct religious practices, and many forms of art.
It contains an astounding array of wonders – square miles of jungle temples a thousand years old, unique cultures such as the “giraffe women,” gigantic Buddhist shrines covered in solid gold, lakes of mystical serenity, balloons over ancient temples, the most beautiful beach in all Asia, and a welcoming people of warmth and gentleness. We will take you to all this and more as we experience the serenity and mystery of Burma together.
Explore the Fabled Mandalay
We start in the fabled city of Mandalay. Mandalay lies on the east bank of the Irrawaddy River. On the west bank is a collection of forested hills festooned with fabulous pagodas, temples, and shrines.
At the Mahamuni Pagoda, Burma’s most sacred place, we see devotees pressing paper-thin leaves of pure gold onto the world’s only statue said to be the actual likeness of Gautama Buddha created 2,500 years ago.
Explore the Fabled Mandalay
We start in the fabled city of Mandalay. Mandalay lies on the east bank of the Irrawaddy River. On the west bank is a collection of forested hills festooned with fabulous pagodas, temples, and shrines. At the Mahamuni Pagoda, Burma’s most sacred place, we see devotees pressing paper-thin leaves of pure gold onto the world’s only statue said to be the actual likeness of Gautama Buddha created 2,500 years ago.
Discover the Pindaya Caves
In Heho in the Shan State, we find the Pindaya Caves. For centuries, Buddhist pilgrims have venerated these caves by placing gilded statues and images of the Buddha along the cave walls and in the crevices.
We discover the caves and enter a cavern world that is simply unbelievable…and overwhelming with over 8,000 golden Buddhas.
Discover the Pindaya Caves
In Heho in the Shan State, we find the Pindaya Caves. For centuries, Buddhist pilgrims have venerated these caves by placing gilded statues and images of the Buddha along the cave walls and in the crevices. We discover the caves and enter a cavern world that is simply unbelievable…and overwhelming with over 8,000 golden Buddhas.
Experience the Elephant Sanctuary
This afternoon will be an experience you will treasure. The timber industry in Burma uses elephants to haul the huge logs. But what happens to them when they get old? To set them loose into the jungle in which they no longer know how to survive may lead to their death.
So a family of thoughtful Burmese have created an Elephant Sanctuary where they are cared for – and here you can join in. You can help feed and even bathe them in the river! Imagine washing an elephant in a jungle river – and the elephants love and appreciate it. You’ll love it too.
Experience the Elephant Sanctuary
This afternoon will be an experience you will treasure. The timber industry in Burma uses elephants to haul the huge logs. But what happens to them when they get old? To set them loose into the jungle in which they no longer know how to survive may lead to their death. So a family of thoughtful Burmese have created an Elephant Sanctuary where they are cared for – and here you can join in. You can help feed and even bathe them in the river! Imagine washing an elephant in a jungle river – and the elephants love and appreciate it. You’ll love it too.
Meet a Tribe of Burmese “Giraffe” Women
We travel through a roadless remote valley in the Karen Hills, to find the Kayan tribe, whose women practice a unique tradition of beautification. Starting at age five, girls have a few brass coils placed around their necks, adding to them as they grow until they are wearing as many as two dozen – the world knows them as Giraffe women.
The Karen people call them “Padaung” meaning “long-necked,” but they call themselves Kayan.) Padaung women wear their rings in order to look like the goddess they worship, Nih-gaw Mah-doe, the Dragon Princess with her beautiful long neck. We are not here to gawk. We are here to make friends, treat them respectfully, and learn about their traditions. It is an intensely memorable experience to meet these ladies.
Meet a Tribe of Burmese “Giraffe” Women
There are many beautiful beaches in Asia, so to be called the “most beautiful” is a bold claim. When we arrive at the northern end of Inle, to luxuriate in the bliss of our resort, you’ll know how this secret retreat is an exclusive getaway. Our balcony here will be an oasis of tranquility as we watch the sunset. There’s plenty to do, snorkeling, diving, fishing with local fishermen. This is your time for an ultimate unwind as you watch the sunset in the Indian Ocean.
