In a Nutshell

The Belmond Road to Mandalay is the definitive Irrawaddy cruiser in Burma; classic and elegant, yet modern and exceptionally luxurious.

At a Glance

  • The Road to Mandalay offers cruises from Mandalay to Bagan (and vice versa) from two to seven nights
  • Classic, luxurious cruiser with all the facilities you would want from a swimming pool and spa treatments
  • Superb cabins
  • Excellent cuisine and wonderful guides to see the sights
$ $ $
Ship
Gym
43
Rooms
Spa
Swimming Pool

The Detail

The Road to Mandalay began life cruising the Rhine and was one of the first to cruise the Irrawaddy in 1996. It had a full make-over in 2008 and is still the benchmark on which other ships aspire. There are just 43 cabins carrying a total of 82 guests, ensuring the experience is intimate and you will be travelling alongside like-minded guests. You can opt for short 2 or 3 night cruises between Bagan or Mandalay (and vice-versa) or longer immersive 4 or 7 night itineraries that take you more off-the-beaten track.

There are four decks on the Road to Mandalay, on the top you find the Observation Deck and small pool with the bar. The Main deck contains the restaurant, bar and lounge. Down from that you have the State Deck where you find the State Cabins, Governor’s Suite and small Superior Cabins. Below that you have the Deluxe and Single Cabins. All cabins and outward facing, have TVs, iPod docking stations and have en-suite bathrooms featuring Bulgari toiletries. They offer nice little touches such as offering bathrobes, slippers and plenty of constantly replaced bottled water.  The entry level Superior (with twin beds) and Single Cabins are very small (11 square metres). The Deluxe Cabins are on the lower deck and offer 18 square metres of space. The popular and larger State Cabins (23 square metres) have a small sitting area, with a larger bathroom and are the deck above so offer better views. Both State and Deluxe Cabins can come with twin or double beds. The Governors Suite has its own sitting room and even larger en-suite bathroom. Laundry is available so don’t worry when getting a little dusty on shore excursions!

Dining is superb, offering a wide range of Asian and International dishes. Generally,  breakfast and lunch are buffet style, followed by an afternoon tea in the Piano Bar. Dinner follows a multi course gourmet menu. Don’t worry too much about dressing up, the atmosphere is relaxed, yet elegant. All meals and drinks are included, except from the international drinks selection

The excursions are also included, being led by expert guides that showcase the off-the-beaten track highlights of the Irrawaddy whether it is exploring the pottery village of Yandabo, exploring monasteries or local markets. Most guests then retreat to the Observation Deck to watch the world go by, possibly dipping into the pool (which isn’t so large in all truth), or getting a glass of this or that from the bar and returning to your lounger. In all truth, it’s really rather refined on the Road to Mandalay!

Belmond Road to Mandalay Itineraries

Travel is all about those unique and special moments which make you smile. Our aim is simple: to offer exceptionally unique and innovative itineraries that are totally personalised around you.

The Road to Mandalay: Cruising the Irrawaddy

Yangon - Mandalay - Irrawaddy Cruise - Bagan - Inle Lake - Ngapali Beach  

Nothing quite compares to a gentle cruise along the Irrawaddy from Mandalay to Bagan. You’ll see the major sights of Burma, but also see the traditional villages and rural charm along the banks of the river.

12 days from £3795 p. p.

Experiences

Travel is all about those unique and special moments which make you smile. Our aim is simple: to offer exceptionally unique and innovative itineraries that are totally personalised around you.