MYANMAR RIVER CRUISES

Road to Mandalay

WEDNESDAY
Upon morning arrival at Mandalay, transfer to the ‘Road To Mandalay’ berthed on the Ayeyarwady River at Shwe Kyet Yet opposite the beautiful Sagaing Hills studded with numerous white pagodas. The ship’s Captain, Hotel Manager and staff will greet you before you settle into the comfort of your private cabin, complete with en-suite facilities. After lunch, the ship will get underway on its voyage to northern Myanmar (Burma). Pass by Mandalay lying to the east of the river with a clear view of Mandalay Hill in the distan ce. The ship anchors off Mingun and a shore excursion is organized to view the largest brick-built pagoda in the world and the world’s largest un-cracked bell. Back on the ship, dinner is served in the Restaurant followed by local entertainment on the upper deck.

THURSDAY
The ship makes an early start, transiting the plain to the north and west of Mandalay before entering the 3rd Defile (gorge) at Singu around midday. The ‘Road To Mandalay’ then passes the town of Kyaukmyaung and the picturesque island pagoda of Thihadaw. Relax on the top deck, sip a cool drink and watch the countryside pass by – distant hills and many small river habitations call to be photographed. In the late afternoon the ship will be brought to anchor off the delightful and picturesque village of Male, with its curious blend of Indian and Burmese cultures. After anchorage, join the sunset tour ashore. In the evening, enjoy the cocktail party on the ship’s upper deck and get to know your fellow travellers.

FRIDAY
The ship makes an early start to continue the journey up river. Sailing further north, vast stretches of the river spread before you with many interesting rural villages on its shores. During the afternoon get to know the secrets of Thanaka and enjoy the Lecture in the Forward Lounge. Tonight the ship will be anchored off the old market town of Katha famous as the site where, in May 1942, the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company scuttled as many as 75 ships to deny them to the Japanese.

SATURDAY
Visit Katha by trishaw in the early morning and watch the local market greet another day. Afterward, ‘Road To Mandalay’ will continue its journey north through the expansive scenery, with the distant mountains marking the 2nd Defile coming into view in the afternoon. The ship anchors off the splendid island pagoda of Shwe Paw just north of the town of Shwegu. Boats will take you ashore to explore the ancient site. After dinner, join a lecture in the Observation Lounge punctuated with anecdotes about the country.

SUNDAY
Today the ship passes through the magnificent 2nd Defile, with its green-clad mountains reaching down to the narrowing channel. The ship holds close to one or other of the banks to avoid the main strength of the current under the guidance of the Captain and Pilots, while they take the ship past logging camps and an old colonial village at Zinbon. You may be witness to some of the local fauna - monkeys chattering in the trees, elephants and water buffaloes ashore, or the Irrawaddy Dolphins. The ship will pass the famous Parrot’s Beak rock in the early morning. Having cleared the 2nd Defile, we pass to the west of Bhamo at mid-morning and continue north towards the challenging 1st Defile. ‘Road To Mandalay’ will sail up as far north as possible and will then turn around and drop anchor off Bhamo. The scenery in this un-spoilt area is spectacular. Returning, you will have the opportunity of visiting Bhamo with Mr. “Bannarjee”. For those who want to see more of the magic of Myanmar, we have the Royal Acrobatic Show on the upper deck, after dinner.

MONDAY
Visit the town of Bhamo, contested over the years by Burmans, Kachins, Chinese, British, Japanese and Americans. The famous Ledo Road ran through Bhamo to China. The town is barely 50 miles, as the crow flies, from the Chinese border in the Foothills of Yunnan that can be clearly seen to the east. Mid morning, Dyna trucks will carry you into the countryside, past paddy fields and towards the mountains before returning to the ‘Road To Mandalay’ for an early afternoon departure. The ship will run swiftly through the 2nd Defile and anchor in a quiet stretch of river to the north of Katha.

TUESDAY
The ship will anchor off Katha in the morning. After breakfast, board an antique train for a journey into thick Kachin jungle and discover the way to the forest station of Naba. See a presentation of cultural dancing performed for you by charming local children who have rarely if at all seen westerners before. Return through the rainforest to ‘Road To Mandalay’ where lunch is waiting, and continue sailing for the beautiful river port of Tigyaing. Disembark for a walk in the early evening. Later on-board the locals will entertain you on deck.

WEDNESDAY
An early start from Tigyaing and soon the ship re-enters the 3rd Defile, but within an hour comes to anchor off the ferry point at Thabeikkyin, on the east bank. The area is heavily wooded and was the scene of much heavy fighting in 1945. Various attractions will await you. After returning aboard, the ‘Road To Mandalay’ heads south again.

THURSDAY
Mandalay comes into view early morning, and you will be ferried ashore to Mandalay Pier. Luxury coaches will take you on a varied tour of the city that will include lunch at the Sedona Hotel, adjacent to the moat surrounding the old Mandalay Palace grounds. You rejoin the ship at Shwe Kyet Yet and can look forward to a Music and Folkloric display after a splendid dinner.

FRIDAY
‘Road To Mandalay’ will set sail early morning, as it must make Bagan by sunset. Along the way you will see many villages with women doing the household chores by the river and waving children, accustomed to seeing the ‘Road to Mandalay’ plying this section of the river.

By mid-afternoon you will be on your way into the ancient city of Bagan, to witness the sunset from a 12th century pagoda, which will whet your appetite for the tours next day. The evening will allow you to see the famous puppeteers of Bagan perform in the forward lounge.

SATURDAY
Your final day offers you the opportunity to visit more of the ancient sites in and around Bagan
with the experienced guide or perhaps taking a local horse-drawn cart or bicycle to explore on your own. An optional afternoon tour to Mount Popa, legendary sacred home of the Nats, with its impressive summit monastery is also available. Or you may book your private tour at reception to see more of the unforgettable Bagan. A Cocktail Party will be held on Top Deck to mark the end of a most memorable voyage.

SUNDAY
An early departure this morning to Bagan airport for your flight to Yangon.