Mandalay Hill rises up above the city and provides a great observation point at sunrise and sunset. Pic: Myanmar Times archive

WHAT better way to flee the stresses and irritations of work and daily life than taking a long vacation?

And with the extension of public holidays for the Thingyan period there has never been a better excuse to get away for a break.

Local travel agents, airlines and transport companies are more than happy to oblige and offer a range of international and domestic holiday locations and packages for travellers.

You may want to explore the natural beauty of Myanmar’s western coastline, tour around Myanmar’s heritage sites in central Myanmar or enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Shan State’s eastern plateau; whatever you choose there is a package waiting for you.

One local travel agent, Gandawin Shwebagan travel service, is offering different packages for many points inside Myanmar as well as trips to Bangkok, all for the Thingyan period.

“We are offering a tour package to Bangkok for four days and five nights that costs about K670,000 and includes airfares, accommodation and meals,” said Ma Sandar, the operations manager.

Gandawin Shwebagan is also offering trips to another famous destination in Southeast Asia – the Golden Triangle.

There is a land route to the triangle that passes through Shan State and runs from Yangon to Kyaington, Mongla, Tachileik, Maesai and finally the Golden Triangle. Travellers should expect to pay K420,000 but this fee includes transportation costs, accommodation and meals.

The firm also offers trips from Yangon to northern Myanmar’s Kachin State and Myitkyina – the state’s capital – and Putao, which is at the foot of the Himalayas. The all-expense paid trip costs K600,000.

For those planning a religious getaway, Gandawin Shwebagan offers trips to several historic locations in Myanmar. One tour takes tourists to Alaungdaw Kathapha, while another heads to Bagan and Shwe Sat Daw. Both packages are five days and six nights and cost K150,000.

Many travel companies and airlines are taking advantage of the longer holiday period to offer tours to beach destinations where tourists can indulge in the pleasures of a seaside adventure.

Amarapura in Mandalay Division

“We are also arranging pilgrimage tours to Sittwe for touring ancient pagodas in Mrauk U. It costs about K350,000 for four nights and five days for our all-inclusive packages,” Ma Sandar said, adding that Ngapali beach packages were only K230,000 for the same time period.

Amazing Holidays Travels and Tours Company is offering three days and two nights (Amazing Summer) packages for those who would like to discover the beach atmosphere at Myanmar's most famous beach, Ngapali. The cost is K195,000 for locals and FEC 215 for foreigners.

“It includes Yangon-Thandwe return tickets, two-night’s accommodation at Amazing Ngapali Resort and airport transfer,” said Ma Phyu Phyu Khaing, a staff member at Amazing Travels and Tours. She said that for bookings of more than 10 people the hotel would provide a free bonfire party to entertain guests.

Yuzana Resort at Ngwe Saung beach offers packages for three nights and four days that include return bus transportation, three night’s accommodation and meals. The trips will take place from April 13 – 16 and April 18 – 21.

“Costs will range from K117,500 to K147,500 for locals and FEC 134 to FEC 171 for foreigners, depending on the choice of room,” said Ma Yin Myat, a staff member from the hotel.

Ma Yin Myat said the hotel would also offer entertainment in the form of dancers and models from 6pm to 9pm.

Another local travel agent, Shan Yoma Travels and Tours, provides a range of different tour packages to Mandalay – Myanmar’s cultural home and scene of some spectacular Water Festival celebrations. There are also a number of packages to Ngapali beach.

“Fares range from K200,000 to K280,000 for three nights and four days packages inclusive of accommodation, breakfasts and airport transfers,” said U Hla Aye, managing director of Shan Yoma Travels and Tours.

For the Mandalay trip, Shan Yoma offers a two-night, three-day package for K160,000 per person including airfare, airport transfer and accommodation at Mandalay Hill Resort.

“We are also very happy to provide complimentary consultations for locals who want to travel to other destinations around the country,” said U Hla Aye.

Myanmar’s third domestic airline, Air Mandalay, also provides three-day, two-night packages to Mandalay, Inle Lake in Shan State, and Bagan – Myanmar’s premier tourist attraction – as special Thingyan packages.

“The package includes two nights accommodation with breakfasts and airfare and costs FEC 140 for Mandalay, FEC 134 for Inle and FEC 116 for Bagan,” said Ma Juliet Tun, marketing and communications manager at Air Mandalay.