Myanmar River Cruise
Myanmar (Burma)
Myanmar (Burma)
Myanmar is fast becoming one of Asia's most popular river cruise destinations. Today there are at least four major cruise companies, running their ships on the Irrawaddy (Ayeyarwady) River. Viking Cruises runs two ships while Pandaw River Expeditions, operates eight riverboats in Burma. Sanctuary Retreats has recently launched the Sanctuary Ananda. While Belmond (formerly Orient-Express Hotels) which pioneered short cruises on the Irrawaddy between Mandalay and Bagan has recently added a smaller ship for longer excursions.
This tour combines the highlights of Burma with several days on a luxury cruise on the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River. After an introductory tour of Yangon, fly to Mandalay to board the cruise. Take a guided tour of the key sights of Mandalay and later the fascinating ruins of Bagan. A private extension to the Inle Lake, home of the Intha people can be arranged. All touring is with your own private guides and drivers, and accommodation is at the Burma’s best luxury hotels and resorts.
TRAVEL UNTAMED ON THIS 9-DAY MYANMAR RIVER CRUISE...
And, experience Myanmar’s highlights; Yangon, Bagan & Inle Lake.
Myanmar River Cruise Experience the highlights of Myanmar (Burma) and take luxury cruise on the Ayeyarwady River.
(9 Days. Fixed Date Departures)
Yangon, Ayeyarwady River Cruise, Bagan, Inle Lake
Begin in Yangon, the capital city. With your private guide and driver, tour cultural highlights such as the glittering Shwe Dagon Pagoda. Perched on a hill like a gold beacon, huge and bell-shaped it dominates the city and the surrounding countryside. Also, visit Bogyoke (Scott) Market, which has a vast selection of traditional Burmese handicrafts.
Next, fly to Mandalay, the cultural heart of Myanmar. On arrival transfer to the luxury cruise boat 'Road to Mandalay' or 'Sanctuary Ananda' berthed on the Irrawaddy River. Later, take a guided tour of Mandalay, the centre for Burmese culture and Buddhist learning. Return to Road to Mandalay and admire the sunset over the river. Next day, visit the Sagaing Hills, famous for its silversmiths who still work in much the same way as their ancestors did. The rest of the day is spent relaxing on board observing the local river life from the top deck.
Arrive in the awe-inspiring Bagan, where thousands of pagodas and temples stretch from the Irrawaddy River out across miles of arid plains. Spend the day touring the structures, built between the 11th and 13th centuries when Bagan was a major Buddhist centre of Southeast Asia, and learn about the history carved in their layered facades, painted in their interior frescoes and sculpted in their Buddhist statues.
After the cruise, fly to Heho for a private extension in the Inle Lake, home of the Intha people. Take a canoe ride through canals; pass through stilted villages inhabited by the Intha people, known for leg-rowing their flat-bottomed boats. Visit local crafts villages to shop for distinctive textiles, ceramics and lacquerware. Also enjoy wine tasting at a local vineyard. Return to Yangon for overnight and connect with onward flight.
Day 1 – Arrive Myanmar
Yangon Private arrival transfer to the hotel for overnight.
Afternoon private city touring.
Day 2 – Transfer
Mandalay Transfer and flight to Mandalay for private touring.
Board luxury cruise for three nights.
Day 3 – Cruise
Mandalay & environs Cruising, including private shore excursion.
Evening aboard cruise.
Day 4 – Cruise
Bagan Full-day private touring of ruins.
Evening aboard cruise.
Day 5 – Tour
Bagan Disembark ship in Bagan for overnight stay at hotel.
Full-day private touring of ruins.
Horse-drawn carriage ride at sunset.
Day 6 – Transfer
Inle Lake Private transfer to airport for flight to Inle Lake for two-night stay.
Day 7 – Tour
Inle Lake Full-day private touring in Inle Lake region.
Day 8 – Transfer
Yangon Transfer and flight to Yangon for overnight stay.
Afternoon private city touring.
Day 9 – Depart
Yangon Private airport transfer.
Hotels
Make this your holiday
Getting There Myanmar has two international airports: In the capital Yangon and at Mandalay. Due to the lack of travel services in Myanmar most airlines fly to Yangon via Bangkok, Kaula Lumpur or Singapore. Also, there are flights connecting Chiang Mai (in Thailand) to Yangon and Mandalay. It is best to check prices for flights to Bangkok and from there to Yangon return as buying two tickets can be cheaper. We suggest that you book in advance to get the best rates for flights.
When to go The best time to visit Myanmar is between October and April when the weather is dry and not so hot. At this time the warm and sunny days are ideal for sightseeing throughout the country. The temperatures start to rise in March and May to September is best avoided as this is the rainy season when sightseeing can become difficult.
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