The Road to Mandalay: Cruising the Irrawaddy

Many boats cruise the Irrawaddy between Mandalay and Bagan, and for this journey we have chosen the luxurious Belmond Road to Mandalay. So we can also offer other ships to suit your dates, style and budget. Around the cruise, you see the major highlights of Burma on a private tour. This takes in Yangon, Inle Lake and a beach finale at Ngapali. As ever, the whole trip is private and tailored to you.

A Cruise at the Heart

The idea here is simple: a great river journey, beautifully framed. So the cruise links Mandalay and Bagan in real style. Meanwhile, private guiding handles the land legs. The pace, in turn, is relaxed throughout. As a result, you see the headline sights without the rush.

Yangon: Golden Beginnings

Begin in Yangon, heading to the golden Shwedagon Pagoda for sunset. So the next day you explore the city with your private guide. There are colonial streets, markets and gilded stupas at every turn. The vast Shwedagon is a breathtaking opener. As a result, the trip starts on a high.

Mandalay and Sagaing

Next, fly to Mandalay and climb the hill for a famous sunset. So the following day takes in the Sagaing Hills and their many monasteries. Then you see the main sights before boarding the ship. The temples of Mandalay are a craftsman’s wonderland. You board the Belmond Road to Mandalay.

Down the Irrawaddy

Then settle into the rhythm of the river. So you take a walking tour of Shwe Kyet Yet village and its rural way of life. Meanwhile, the ship glides gently downstream. The Irrawaddy is Burma’s great artery. As a result, the journey itself becomes the experience.

Bagan: A Plain of Temples

Soon you arrive in Bagan, where your guide shows you the most important temples and pagodas. So the afternoon is yours to explore further. The keen can take a dawn balloon ride over the plain. The temple-studded plain of Bagan is simply staggering. It is the highlight for many.

Inle Lake: Life on Stilts

Next, fly to Heho and transfer to Inle Lake. So a private boat carries you across the water to your hotel. Another day explores the stilt villages, floating gardens and lakeside markets. The leg-rowers of Inle Lake are unforgettable. You stay at the Sanctum Inle Lake or Villa Inle.

Ngapali: Beach Finale

Finally, fly to Thandwe and the beaches of Ngapali. So you spend three days unwinding by the Indian Ocean. There you can swim, snorkel or simply relax on the sand. As a result, the trip ends in calm. You stay at Ngapali Bay Villas or the Sandoway Resort.

Where You Stay

Naturally, the stays are chosen with care. The Belmond Road to Mandalay on the river. Then the Sanctum Inle Lake. Finally, the beach at Ngapali Bay Villas.

Who It Suits

Above all, this suits first-time visitors to Burma. For example, it gathers the highlights around a great cruise. Equally, it rewards anyone who loves river journeys. Couples enjoy it most.

Best Time to Travel

Generally, October to April brings the best cruising weather. By contrast, the summer months are hot and wet. River levels, meanwhile, shape the sailing dates. So we tailor the timing to your plans. Either way, we advise on the ideal window for your dates.

A Land of Contrasts

The variety is the whole appeal. First come the gilded pagodas of Yangon. Then the craft workshops of Mandalay. Soon after, the temple plain of Bagan. Finally, the calm of the lake and the sea. So no two days feel the same.

A Relaxed Rhythm

For all it covers, the trip never rushes. So the cruise carries you gently between the great towns. Meanwhile, the land legs are privately guided and unhurried. As a result, you return refreshed rather than weary.

A Seamless Journey

Above all, every detail is handled for you. So the flights, transfers and timings simply work. Meanwhile, your guides bring each place to life. As a result, you relax from start to finish.

A Cruise to Treasure

In the end, the river journey makes this trip special. So the days afloat stay with you long after. Meanwhile, the highlights either side complete the picture. As a result, it lingers in the memory.

Who It Suits

Above all, this suits those who love a great river journey. For example, it is ideal for a first, comprehensive trip. Equally, it rewards anyone who values comfort afloat. Couples enjoy it most.

Designed Around You

As ever, this is only a starting point. So we shape the ship, the pace and the hotels to suit. In the end, the journey is entirely your own.

A Warm Welcome

Throughout, Burmese hospitality shines through. So a chat at a riverside village lingers long after. Meanwhile, your guide bridges every encounter. As a result, the country feels genuinely welcoming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose a different ship?

Yes. The Road to Mandalay is our suggestion, but we offer many boats. So we match the ship to your dates and budget.

How long is the cruise?

This itinerary uses a three-night cruise. Longer and shorter sailings are available. We will shape it to suit you.

When is the best time to go?

Generally, October to April is most comfortable. We will advise on timing for your dates.

Can it be tailored?

Entirely. The ship, the pace and the hotels are all shaped around you. Simply share your dates and interests, and we will craft the rest.