Impressive Gorges: Mandalay – Bhamo – Bagan

Day 1

Mandalay – Mingun – KuaungMyaung

Welcome on board and enjoy lunch while we cast off Mandalay. In early afternoon we visit Mingun, the world’s largest, unfinished brick pagoda. It also has a 90-ton bell, said to be the largest, undamaged bell in the world. Enjoy a welcome dinner with a performance of Burmese traditional costumes by our staffs.

Mandalay – Mingun : 6 miles
Mingun – KyaungMyaung : 46 miles

Day 2

KuangMyaung – Tagaung

After breakfast visit KyaungMyaung, which is famous for its manufacture of large glazed earthernware pots known as Martaban jars. The biggest of these jars can hold about 105 gallons (over 400 liters). Later we sail past the beautiful island pagoda of Thihadaw toward Tagaung.

KyaungMyaung – Tagaung : 75 miiles

Day 3

Tagaung – Katha

In the morning visit Tagaung, the shring of Bo BoGyi a famous nat, the archaeological area and the fortifications. The ruins of the fort walls and traces of moat are the only remnants of this ancient site. The western wall appears to have washed away by the river. Continue cruising upstream for the rest of the day.

Tagaung – Katha : 66 miles

Day 4

Katha – Shwegu

In the morning take a trishaw to explore the enchanting colonial town of Katha. Katha is the site of George Orwell’s famous book, “Burmese Days.” A story of what life was like in a remote station during the colonial era. The town is still charming with tis teak homes and quaint streets. In the afternoon take a small boat to visit Shwegu, the village lies at the end of the spectacular second Shwegu features large family potteries making large quantities of unglazed earthenware pots employing a technique of throwing and beating. You will find many bargains here on hand-carved, wooden gold-panning bowls.

Katha – Shwegu : 44 miles

Day 5

Shwegu – Bhamo

Today we will cruise from Shwegu toward Bhamo, where the river cuts its way with a narrow channel through this most beautiful Gorge with high cliffs and thick forests. Drop anchor and take a tour to Bhamo. The town is one end of a famous old caravan trail into China. Only a track through the mountains, it was centuries old when Marco Polo discovered it in the 13th century and the route is still in use today. Explore local markets often filled with ethnic tribes such as Kachin, Lisu and Shan. Visit magnificent Theindawgyi Paya pagoda. From here you can also take a small launch to explore the First Groge of the Ayeyarwady River. Cruise down river and anchor at Shwe Paw.

Shwegu – Bhamo : 40 miles
Bhamo – ShwePaw : 40 miles

Day 6

ShwePaw – Katha

In the morning visit picturesque island of ShwePaw Myanmar and its ancient pagodas. Then continue cruising to visit the riverside village of Mae Dar before cruising downstream toward Katha.

ShwePaw – Katha : 44 miles

Day 7

Katha – KyanHnydat

In the morning take a train to the forest station of Naba and journey into the thick Kachin jungle and tea forests. Back on board and enjoy cruising with a nice river view.

Katha – Naba : 14 miles by train
Katha – KyanHnydat : 86 miles

Day 8

KyanHnydat – Mogok

In the morning cruise to Thabeitkyin and take a tour of Mogok. Mogok has been famous since ancient times for its gemstones, especially ruby and sapphire, but semi-precious stones such as lapis lazuli, garnet, moonstone, peridot and chrysoberyl are also found. The gens are found in alluvial limestone gravels by means of panning, tunneling and digging pits by hand. You will travel by road towards Mogok where you will see the forest in which there are many rare botanical specimens used for production of essential oils. You will be driven further into a Burmese teak forest to meet working elephants. In the afternoon our ship will sail downstream toward Mandalay.

KyanHnydat – Thabeitkyin : 30 miles
Thabeitkyin – Mandalay : 77 miles

Day 9

Mandalay

Arrive Mandalay in the early morning. After breakfast take a tour to Ava by horse cart. The ancient city was founded in 1364 by King Thadomin as his capital. Little remains of the old city but it is noted for the MahaAungmyeBonzan Monastery and Mae Nu Oak Kyaung, which are the fine examples of Myanmar masonry, art and architecture. Enjoy lunch at local restaurant then visit the Sagaing Hills. Enjoy the spectacular panoramic views and stop by a convent, Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda and a silversmith. Drive onto Amarapura and visit a textile workshop before visiting the U Bein Bridge, the longest and oldest teakwood bridge in the world, at sunset.

Day 10

Mandalay – Bagan

Relax on board while cruising downstream to Bagan. Late morning we will visit Yandabo, a remote village by river bank. It is famous for the production of terracotta pottery made from river bank mud and you can view the pottery making process at various stages. Yandabo is also famous in Burmese history as the place where the Treaty of Yandabo was signed in 1855 between the Burmese king and the British.

Mandalay – Yandabo : 47 miles
Yandabo – Bagan : 82 miles

Day 11

Bagan

In the early morning take a tour to visit magnificent Bagan, the capital city of Burma from 1044 to 1287. This plain east of the curving Ayeyarwady is one of the most wondrous sights in Myanmar. We visit several of the 3,000 listed monuments, including DhammayazikaPaya, with its amazing view from the terrace, and the biggest temple, Dhammayangyi – both built int he 12th century – and one of the best preserved of all Bagan temples, the 11th century Ananda. Enjoy a farewell dinner with a traditional puppet show. (Optional Bagan tour in the morning and Mt. Popa in the afternoon).

Day 12

Bagan

Bid farewell to the crew and disembark in Bagan.

Anawrahta
Luxury Cruise