There is a breathtaking everlasting appeal about Myanmar's Ayeyarwady River. This river is a testimony to Myanmar's past, springing from Himalayan glaciers and flowing freely for about 2,200 kilometers through the country towards the Indian Ocean. With its ox carts and many-tiered pagodas and teak temples, the kings of medieval Bagan would almost likely recognize its riverside life today.
On Mandalay to Bagan 4 Nights, sincerely titled "Ancient Cities," you will get to immerse in the cultural and spiritual center of ancient Burma in the central Ayeyarwady and its erstwhile royal capitals, including a complete sightseeing day of Mandalay, plus a half day cruising to Mingun’s majestic pagoda. (This cruise excludes a visit to Bagan; please see our downstream itinerary.)
The ultra-luxe Heritage Line Anawrahta combines Burmese culture with British-Colonial luxury will company you on this excursion, pleases to pamper its guests with spacious rooms and remarkable suites, all with meticulous attention to detail and decor, and resort-like amenities such as the vast sun deck with outsized pool and the stunning open-air bar & lounge.
Read on to see the full itinerary, and don't hesitate to give us any questions or requests!
Transfer:
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Near midday, you will board on the Anawrahta docking by the Irrawaddy River on one of the jetties in Bagan. Welcomed by the staffs and enjoy a refreshing cup of juice, you will be escorted to your room.
Enjoy lunch on board as the vessel slowly drift to Pakokku – a former trading hub on the western bank of the Irrawaddy River. Before reaching the town, you will be rewarded with the view of the longest bridge of the country – Pakokku Bridge. Set on your feet on shore, you will be taken to a moderately sized workshop that produces Burmese slippers. Many livelihood of the residents here depend on this footwear. The town is also well known for their tobacco and the famous Burmese cigars. Resume the trip with the visit to Shwegu Temple that are elegantly carved by master artisan. Then we return back on board for the journey upstream. Dinner will be served in the Hintha Restaurant. After dinner, you can enjoy a classic movie night on terrace deck (depending on weather as well as real-time conditions).
Transfer:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
For the early birds, a yoga session will be arranged on board every morning on the terrace deck.
While enjoying the breakfast, the ship will slowly sail from Pakokku to the stop at Yandabo. The place holds a historical milestone which is the signed peace treaty for the first Anglo-Burmese War. Currently, this is a modest village that specializes in water pots. As you walk through the village by foot, the guide will explain to you the special effect of these water pots and the techniques that are displayed by the local residents. Return back on board by the time for lunch.
Before dinner time, you can participate in the demonstration of the two most essentials products of Burmese people – longyi and thanaka. After dinner, you can enjoy a classic movie night on terrace deck (depending on weather as well as real-time conditions).
Transfer:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we disembark to start the excursion by horse-cart though the ancient capital of Ava. First stop is the stunning team monastery Bagaya Kyaung then we continue to another monastery which is built by brick – Maha Aung Mye Bon Zan Monastery before going back to the cruise before lunch. As we slowly make our way to Mandalay, we will pass and have the chance to witness the marvelous Sagaing Hills.
Arrive in Mandalay in the early afternoon. The tour first focuses on local crafts with gold leaves, silk and marble carvings. You can observe the grueling processes that took years to perfect. Last highlight is the U-Bein Bridge which is nearby and an ideal spot to capture the most gorgeous sight of Mandalay. Then we return to the ship.
Before dinner, you can watch the traditional dance show by the local artists and after dinner enjoy the movie night (depending on weather as well as real-time conditions).
Transfer:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you are taken on a journey to discover all the most remarkable monuments of Mandalay this morning. To start things off, we begin with a trip to Kuthodaw Pagoda, also known as “the world’s largest book”. Next on your agenda is the Mahamuni Pagoda which contains arguably the most renowned Buddha Image in the country. Final stop of the morning is the Shwesandaw Monastery, or Golden Palace Monastery, and admire the craftsmanship of the workers during the 19th century. Afterward return back for lunch as we move to the next destination: Mingun.
The first site of the afternoon is the unfinished pagoda of King Bodawpaya due to a vision from a fortune teller saying that if the king finished the construction of the temple, he would die. Another short walk brings you to Mingun Bell, one of the world’s largest and functional bells weighing around 90 tons.
Then we make our way back on the cruise. Enjoy dinner served on board and the farewell entertainment in the lounge as you enjoy the last night on board.
Transfer:
Meals: Breakfast
Checkout of the cruise after breakfast for your onward journey.
Bagan - Pakokku - Yandabo - Ava - Mandalay
Myanmar's Ayeyarwady River always gives off a tranquil vibe with a timeless quality to travelers from all over. This river is a testimony to Myanmar's past, springing from Himalayan glaciers and flowing freely for about 2,200 kilometers through the country towards the Indian Ocean. The rulers of medieval Bagan would almost likely recognize its riverside life today with its ox carts and many-tiered pagodas and teak temples.
Myanmar Private Tour introduces to you the 3-Night trip from Bagan to Mandalay (Upstream), titled "Ancient Capitals," which takes you through the cultural and spiritual center of ancient Burma along the central Ayeyarwady (identical to the 4-Night itinerary) and includes a half-day sightseeing tour of Mandalay's attractions. (A visit to Bagan is not included on this voyage; please check our downstream itinerary.)
Check out the full schedule of this Myanmar Tour and send us requests for any special preferences. We are pleased to help you enjoy the ideal holiday in the land of golden temples!
Bagan - Pakokku - Ava
Springing from Himalayan glaciers and flowing for almost 2,200 km across the whole country into the Indian Ocean, the Ayeyarwady River is a witness to Myanmar’s history, from ups and downs to the development of this country. Visiting here, tourists can observe the extraordinary timeless quality of this historic river. The kings of medieval Bagan would almost certainly recognize its riverbank life today with its countless tiered pagodas and teak monasteries - almost maintaining their initial shapes.
This 2-Night Bagan to Mandalay itinerary named “Ancient Capitals” is our shortest version of cruising through the cultural and spiritual heart of ancient Burma. Visit the interesting sights along the central Ayeyarwady along the way. (The cruise does not include a visit to Bagan or Mandalay.)
If you want to spend more days visiting more places of interest along the route, you can check out longer itineraries ranging from 3 to 10 nights. Contact Myanmar Private Tour for any requests or questions!
