Home > Destinations > Burma > Cruising the Irrawaddy River
CRUISING THE IRRAWADDY RIVER
Day 1 London Heathrow to Bangkok
Depart London Heathrow on the Thai Airways non-stop flight to Bangkok.
Day 2 Bangkok to Yangon - by air
Arrive into Bangkok in the morning and connect directly onto Yangon, capital
of Myanmar. In the afternoon explore the city with your guide ending the afternoon
at the golden Shwedagon Pagoda. Stay overnight at the Governor’s Residence
Hotel. (N)
Day 3 Yangon to Mandalay – by air
Board the RV Katha Pandaw
This morning return to Yangon Airport for your onward flight to Mandalay. On your
arrival you will be met and transferred to the RV Katha Pandaw cruise boat which will
be your base for the next ten nights. Later cruise upstream and moor overnight at a
jungle village north of Mandalay. (B/L/D)
Day 4 Visit Ngwe Nyein and Mingun
This morning arrive in the village of Ngwe Nyein and visit the spectacular potteries
nearby. Later return downstream to Mingun site of the world’s largest intact bronze
bell. (B/L/D)
Day 5 Visit Mandalay, Ava and Amarapura
Today tour central Mandalay visiting the Mahamuni Pagoda and Shwe Nan Daw Kyaung teak
carved monastery. The last royal capital of the Burmese kingdom, Mandalay retains a great
importance in the country as a cultural and historical centre. In the afternoon leave Mandalay
and visit the ancient capitals of Ava and Amarapura. (B/L/D)
Day 6 Cruise to Yandabo
This morning disembark at the very small rural village of Yandabo, a place known for its
pot making. There is also an opportunity to take time to visit the Pandaw School built
with past donations from Pandaw passengers. (B/L/D)
Day 7 Arrive in Bagan
Today enjoy a full day visit to the World Heritage Site of Bagan – one of the most important
archaeological sites in Asia. Visit the main Shwezigon Pagoda, which is surrounded by thousands
of temples and pagodas dotting the vast flood plain of the Irrawaddy. At sunset end the day with
a marvellous panoramic view of the pagodas. (B/L/D)
Day 8 Visit Tan-chi-taung and Sale
This morning climb Tan-chi-taung Mountain either by foot or by WWII jeep for the spectacular
sunrise over Bagan. Later cruise to Sale to visit a number of teak monasteries including the
Yout-saun-kyaung with its spectacular wood carvings. There is also the opportunity to explore
splendid colonial houses. Later dock for the spectacular sunset over Bagan. (B/L/D)
Day 9 Visit Myat-Thalon Pagoda
Today cruise south and in the afternoon climb the river bank and wind your way through
a labyrinth of passages and paths to reach the magnificent Myat-thalon Pagoda. Constructed
with solid gold bricks, there are many Nat shrines and hermitages within the temple complex. (B/L/D)
Day 10 Cruise to Minhla and Gwechaung
Cruise to the two forts at Minhla and Gwechaung – both captured by the British in the 3rd Anglo-Burmese
War. Later in the afternoon climb to the magnificent Myat-thalon Pagoda. (B/L/D)
Day 11 Cruise to Thayetmyo
Today visit the pleasant colonial town of Thayetmyo. Once the border between Royal British Burma
many of the buildings here date from the mid 19th Century and there is also a fascinating covered
market. (B/L/D)
Day 12 Cruise to Prome
This morning visit the 5th to 8th century archaeological site of Thiri-ya-kittiya, former centre
of the Pyu civilization with a fascinating museum of early Buddhist artifacts and sculpture.
(B/L/D)
Day 13 Prome to Yangon
With the conclusion of the cruise, transfer by car back to Yangon where you will stay overnight
at the Governor’s Residence Hotel. (B)
Day 14 Yangon to Bangkok – by air
This afternoon return to Yangon Airport for your onward flight back to Bangkok.
(B)
Day 15 Bangkok to London Heathrow
Depart Bangkok just after midnight on the Thai Airways flight back to London
Heathrow
STAYING ON
Relax on the unspoilt, and relatively undiscovered, Ngapali Beach. Only a short flight from Yangon is a haven of golden beaches, clear blue waters and charming hotels – the best being the Bay View Beach Resort and the Sandaway Beach Resort.
Discover the unique Inle Lake – home to the local Intha people and famous for its floating villages, markets and crops. Stunningly beautiful, this hidden gem highlights the diversity of Myanmar and is far removed from the busy modern world.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – CRUISING THE IRRAWADDY RIVER
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £4,200. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
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