Myanmar: 13-day tour of ancient temples, sacred sites for $3,299

It’s a new era in Myanmar as the country opens up to political reforms — and to a growing number of tourists. Long isolated and little known to Westerners, the country once known as Burma offers a window on life in Asia before the advent of Starbucks and W hotels.

Friendly Planet Travel offers a 13-day tour called Mystical Myanmar with airfare from Los Angeles for $3,299 per person -- and an extra $100 discount for those who book soon. The tour starts with a flight to the former capital Yangon via Taipei, Taiwan.

The itinerary makes a loop from Bagan to Mandalay, Heho and Inle Lake before returning to Yangon. Pagodas and temples are the draw in Bagan where pony carts take tourists to hard-to-get-to places. Participants also help serve lunch to schoolchildren in a village during their stay.

The trip accents stops at monasteries and pagodas with sacred statues in Mandalay, a five-day market in Inle Lake and a look at traditions such as silk weaving, arts and crafts, and culinary style along the way.

The deal: Use the Travelzoo code “TZ101012” and receive a $100 discount per person if you reserve by Oct. 24.

Dates: Trips leave L.A. on Feb. 23, March 9 and 23, April 13 and 27, and May 11.

Price: $3,299 per person, double occupancy. It includes round-trip airfare from Los Angeles on China Airlines, domestic flights, accommodations, some meals, tours and tour guide.

Info: Friendly Planet/Travelzoo, (800) 555-5765

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MaryForgione@latimes.com
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