Idea 1
You might well have been to Burma before, but you can add on a visit to Inle Lake after your cruise.
The Story
Best time to go: July & August
Best for: River Cruises, Repeat Visitors, Longer Journeys, Slow Travel, Cultural & Immersive
Best for: River Cruises, Repeat Visitors, Longer Journeys, Slow Travel, Cultural & Immersive
2017 SAILING DATES FROM MANDALAY: 15th JULY 2017, 31st JULY 2017, 15th AUGUST 2017
The Chindwin River takes you into the remote corners of Burma, and is also possible during the summer months when the higher water levels mean you get further into Burma’s rural heartlands. Most guests who visit Burma tend to just cruise from Mandalay to Bangan, or possibly down to Yangon. Now you can explore the Upper Irrawaddy and Chindwin Rivers, meaning you can see the breathtakingly amazing authentic culture which makes Burma such a vivid and dramatic destination to visit. There are simply no hotels to speak of in this part of Burma, so the only way to access it is by boat. Get off at local villages and see the traditional way of life, see glittering golden pagodas as you drift along the river.
Guide Pricing
Starting At
| £6150 |
|---|
Price per person including all accommodation, private transfers, unique experiences and excluding international flights. We can arrange international flights should you wish.
Highlights
- Begin the cruise in Mandalay with two days to explore the city
- Get off-the-beaten track into the remote corners of Burma along the Chindwin River
- Stay on the Belmond Orcaella, one of the most luxurious boats cruising the rivers of Burma
- Head out on immersive experiences along the river, exploring local villages and meeting the locals
- The cruise ends in Bagan before your return to Yangon
| Days | Location | Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Mandalay | The Hotel by the Red Canal |
| Days 2-11 | Chindwin River | Belmond Orcaella |
| Days 12-13 | Yangon | Governor’s Residence |
Day 1-2
Mandalay
The Hotel by the Red Canal
Fly to Mandalay and transfer to your hotel. This evening head to Mandalay Hill for sunset. The following day, visit the medieval city of Ava where you can explore on horse-cart or on bikes. Finish at U Bein Bridge.
Day 3
Mandalay
Belmond Orcaella
Transfer to the Belmond Orcaella seeing the major sights of Mandalay on the way such as Mahamuni Temple, Kyaukisittan and Shwe Kyuang en route. Sail past the golden temples of Sagaing followed by a cocktail reception.
Day 4
Monywa
Belmond Orcaella
Sail towards Monywa seeing the colourful Thanboddhay Pagoda and 424ft standing Buddha at Bodha Tataung.
Day 5
Moktaw
Belmond Orcaella
Take a walking tour of the traditional farming village of Moktaw, and see a right-of-passage ceremony at the local monastery.
Day 6
Maukkadaw
Belmond Orcaella
Visit the ‘Teak Port’ of Maukkadaw before gently cruising down the river. There is a history lecture on offer during the afternoon.
Day 7
Mawleik
Belmond Orcaella
Visit the small village of Kalay, seeing the traditional way of life on display and then cruise onto Mawleik where you will enjoy a barbecue on the shore.
Day 8
Sitthaung
Belmond Orcaella
Visit Mawleik, once the base of the Bombay Burma Trading Company. See the Mawleik Elephant Camp before exploring the town before sailing onto Sitthaung.
Day 9
Nuang San Kyin
See the pretty rural village of Sitthaung, accessing it along a short walk through the paddy-fields. Sail onto Nuang San Kyin.
Day 10
Nan Maw Leik
Belmond Orcaella
Visit Homalin today, firstly taking a leisurely riverside walk before exploring the morning market and Buddha Lotus Garden. You then sail onto Nan Maw Leik.
Day 11
Kyidaung
Belmond Orcaella
Sail onto Kyidaung where you have a short rural walk followed by visiting the local Oo monastery.
Day 12
Kani
Belmond Orcaella
Visit Mingin, including the superb Mahar Minkyaung Monastery before heading to Kani in the afternoon.
Day 13
Bagan
Belmond Orcaella
Arrive into Bagan and explore the site with a guide.
Day 14
Bagan
Belmond Orcaella
Visit the morning market in Nyaung Oo followed by a further tour of the temples of Bagan. In the afternoon either see more of Bagan or head to Mt Popa. You can also opt for a balloon ride over Bagan this morning.
Day 15
Yangon
Governor’s Residence
Fly to Yangon and transfer to your hotel. See Shwedagon Pagoda at sunset.
Day 16
Yangon
Governor’s Residence
Explore Yangon with a private guide, exploring the colonial district on foot.
Day 17
Fly Home
Fly back from Yangon
Suggested Hotels
Itinerary Experiences
Customise Your Itinerary
We can tweak and change any element of this itinerary and you can depart on any day you want, add nights here and there, and we can fully customise your day-to-day experiences depending on your interests. Here are just a few ideas of many that we can look at and discuss when we come to plan your tailor-made itinerary.
Idea 2
For a beach stay, the Chindwin Cruises generally take place in the summer, so best to fly to Bangkok and down to Koh Samui where the weather is perfect.