Photographing the Best of Myanmar
Dec 1 – 13, 2020
Photo Tour Summary:
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It's the Golden Land of thousand year Buddhism, the history and traidition mark this ancient country. A poet said,"If you would like to understand Myanmar, you must visit and experience at least two places: Bagan with thousand sacred temples, and Inle Lake with its mind-purifying water."
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Whether you are landscape shooter or street/portrait lovers, this tour is designed for you. As travel photographers, we will photograph the best Myanmar can offer at its best season, capturing images of saffron-robed monks, tattooed villagers, bustling markets and shining pagodas. Embarking on sunrise and sunset photo shoots in iconic Ubein bridge of Mandalay. Witnessing the dawn and dusk on the stupa-studded plains of Bagan, photographing fishermen poling past the floating gardens of Inle Lake, and tribes of unique cultures in the mountain region of Chin state. Join us with this amazing adventure into the heart of Myanmar.
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When: Dec 1 – 13, 2020
Where: Myanmar
Price: USD 5,299 based on double occupancy. (USD700 extra for single occupancy)
Group size: 10 maximum
Category: Photography Tour
Tour Leader & Photography Instructor: William Yu
Language spoken: English
Workshop URL: www.williamyuphotoworkshops.com/myanmar2020
Contact: william@williamyuphotography.com
Tour Highlights: ​
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Shooting the iconic sunrise and sunset over Ubein bridge at Mandalay.
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Taking photos of stunning architecture and market in Yangon.
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Capturing the famous leg-rowing fishermen and floating villages on Inle Lake.
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Visiting Long Neck Tribe near Inle Lake, Myanmar.
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Enjoying the nature in Natmataung National Park and photographing tribal villagers of unique tattoos in Chin State.
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Photographing the world renowned Bagan valley with thousands of pagodas, monks, and hot air ballon.
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Balloon flight over Bagan at dawn (optional and USD400 extra).
The cost includes:
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11 nights (Dec 2 - 12, 2019) of hotels with double occupancy. (Single occupany USD700 extra).
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Domestic airfare Yangon-Inle Lake, Inle Lake-Bagan, and Bagan-Mandalay.
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Transportation: Dedicated bus will be with our group for the entire trip.
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Entrance fees of scenic areas, parks.
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Expert local guide throughout the tour.
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2 Meals per day ( Dec 2 and 13).
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3 Meals per day (Dec 3 – 12)
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The cost does NOT include:
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International Airfare to/from Myanmar
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Hotel on the first night of Dec 1, 2020. You will book it online by yourself. Details at itineary below.
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Alcohol, snacks and beverages.
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Tourist visa fees and visa arrangements for Myanmar
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The gratuities for the driver and local guide.
Physical demand: Easy
The entire trip is relatively easy physically, no long or tedious hikes/climbs.
Important Notes:
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Please email info@williamyuphotoworkshops.com if you have any food allergy.
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The power voltage in Myanmar is 220V/50Hz. Although most cameras and laptops are made to work from 110V to 240V. Please bring adapter.
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In Myanmar, the average December temperatures are 72-86F (22-30C). Please bring mosquito repellent.
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ATM machine are rare in Myanmar, you shall bring new, uncreased US Dollar bills to spend or exchange Myanmar KATs. Old or wear-out US bills will be refused. Also bring a major credit card since Myanmar as now is accepting credit cards in many places.
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The tour will end in Mandalay on Dec 13. You will book your own flight out of Mandalay.
Tour Itinerary:​
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Day 1: Dec 1. Meet and Greet in Yangon (RGN)
Our group will greet and meet 6:00pm at the appointed hotel lobby in Yangon, the former capital and the largest city of Myanmar. (The hotel info will be emailed to you upon signup).
Day 2: Dec 2. Yangon
Our bus will pick up our group in the morning, we will photograph Yangon full day, including the giant sleeping Budda at Chaukhtatgyi Monastery, the old train station, the bustling Bogyoke market, and finally the renowned golden Shwedagon Pagoda at sunset time . Overnight in Yangon.
Day 3: Dec 3. Yangon – Taunggyi
After breakfast, we fly from Yangon to Taunggyi, on the bank of Inle Lake. We will take the boat, shuttling around the lake, visiting local fabric weaving mill, and two Buddhist temples on the lake. Photographing leg-rowing fishermen during sunset. Overnight in floating hotel on Inle Lake.
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Day 4: Dec 4. Inle Lake
Full day of photographing on Inle Lake, from sunrise to sunset, including morning mist over the water, Long-neck tribe, the forest of pagodas, and local people in floating villages, etc. Overnight in Nyaungshwe township.
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Day 5: Dec 5. Inle Lake – Kanpetlet
Today is a travel day. After breakfast, we fly from Inle Lake to Bagan, then transfer to our coach bus, driving 5 hrs to Kanpetlet at Chin State, where is known for beautiful Natmataung national park and Mt. Victoria in the center. Overnight at Kanpetlet.
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Day 6 – 7: Dec 6 – 7. Natmataung National Park and women with face tattoos.
In these two days, we will walk around Natmataung national park, photographing the landscape of Mother Nature, as well as trekking through villages, capturing the unique face-tattooed tribal women, and enjoying the intriguing performance of flutes played with nose instead of mouth. Overnight at Kanpetlet.
Day 8: Dec 8. Kanpetlet – Bagan
Driving to Bagan after breakfast. Upon arrival, we will photograph in multiple locations among pagodas and stupas at Bagan valley, as well as the iconic shot of sunset over thousand pagodas. Overnight in Bagan.
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Day 9 – 10 : Dec 9 – 10. Bagan
Two busy days of photography in Bagan. Including the majestic sunrise and sunset over Bagan valley at different locations; Environmental portraits of monks in several temples; Local markets bustling with people; Farmers working in their villages... Early morning hot air balloon ride is an excellent way to photograph Bagan from above, it's an optional activity, subject to weather and other elements. USD400 extra. Overnight in Bagan.
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Day 11 : Dec 11. Bagan – Mandalay
Flying to Mandalay after breakfast. Visiting one of largest brick pagoda in the world at Mingun Pahtodawgyi. Then photographing sunset over Ubein bridge. Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 12 : Dec 12. Mandalay
After photographing the sunrise at Ubein bridge, we are heading to "the largest book in the world" - Kuthodaw Pagoda. Enjoy the sunset at Mandalay hill, overlooking the city of Mandalay. Overnight in Mandalay.
Day 13: Dec 13. Departure
We will photograph in two locations in the morning. After lunch, we are heading to Mandalay airport, biding farewell to each other, the end of this amazing trip.
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NOTE: We reserve the right to adjust/alter the itinerary on location, adapting to local weather, light conditions, or sudden local event/situation to better manage time and/or photo opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What will cover technically for photography?
The main focus of this tour is to open up your mind's eye, keenly identify photographic opportunities and make creative decisions, then properly execute it in terms of exposure and composition. The process will cover all elements of design: line, shape, form, texture, pattern and color, as well as techniques like long exposure, selecting lenses, using of graduated neutral density filter and polarizing filter, etc. During the breaks, I will review post-processing workflows, techniques using photoshop, lightroom and some third party plug-ins.
I will give instructions/recommendations on every photography opportunities. Questions are always welcome and encouraged. I will have group review every couple of days during downtime.
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What to bring for this trip?
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Your camera, tripod, lenses covering the range of wide angle through telephoto(14mm through 300mm), filters including polarizer, graduated neutral density, neutral density.
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Myanmar requires tourist visa too, its eVisa Program allows tourists to apply for a visa online rather than physically applying at an embassy or consulate.
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How do I sign up and pay for this tour?
A deposit of $400 is required for this tour to hold your spot, you can pay by Visa, Mastercard or PayPal via PayPal.com or send a check (U.S. residents only). The balance is due Sep 1, 2020. You can send the balance with a check or wire transfer. All participants must sign Liability Waiver Form before the tour starts.
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How many participants do you allow?
Photo tour size is limited to 10 attendees, which ensures that every attendee will get full attention.
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What photographic skill level is required to benefit from this tour?
Any people who has a basic understanding of exposure all the way to the advanced amateur and professional who is in search of a fresh perspective!
What is your refund or cancellation policy?
No refunds will be given for delays or cancellations due to inclement weather, (which interestingly, can result in some of the most some amazing shots!), either before or during the tour. If the tour is cancelled by the organizer, we will notify you immediately and you will be issued full refund. we are not responsible for any additional costs you may incur due to any delays or cancellations.
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No Refunds for USD400 deposit if cancelled.
No Refunds if paid in full after Sep 1, 2020 unless the spot is taken by another person.
I have some questions, how do I learn more?
Please send email to info@williamyuphotoworkshops.com
