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 full day in Bagan (This cruise doesn't include a visit of Mandalay; please see our upstream 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: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Near midday, you will board on the Anawrahta docking by the Irrawaddy River on one of the jetties in Mandalay. Welcomed by the staffs and enjoy a refreshing cup of juice, you will be escorted to your room.
First, we will leave for Sagaing as you enjoy lunch. Upon arrival, we will return back on land and go on a car trip to discover all the best highlight of Sagaing the Buddhism center that houses thousands of monks and nuns. Afterward continue through the Ava Bridge that was built in the 1934 by the British and you will arrive in of course Ava (or Innwa). Through this ancient capital you will travel by horse-cart. 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 to relax. Before dinner time, you can participate in the demonstration of the two most essentials products of Burmese people – longyi and thanaka. Following this activity, you can watch a presentation about the nation’s history, cultures.
Transfer:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
For the early birds, a yoga session will be arranged on board every morning on the terrace deck.
Enjoy the breakfast on board as the morning is spent with leisure on the cruise and afterward you can attend a lecture about Bagan and its history and significances.
The ship will slowly sail from Pakokku to the stop at Yandabo after lunch. 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 in the late afternoon.
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
Enjoy breakfast 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 downstream. Return back for lunch and the journey continue to Bagan.
Arrive in Bagan in early afternoon. We begin the excursion with the most exalted monument – Ananda Temple and later Sulamani Temple. Watch the magical sunset cover the pagoda-dotted plain from a elevated viewpoint. Return back on board in late afternoon.
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, the shore excursion begins with a trip to the busy Nyaung U Market in the morning. Have a taste of the truly authentic experience with countless photo opportunities. Then a visit to Shwezigon Pagoda is schedule on the agenda. This pagoda is one of the few gilt ones in Bagan that resembles Shwedagon Pagoda. In between the pagoda visits, a stop at a lacquerware workshop will surely be appreciated. Continue to a trip to Gubyaukgyi Pagoda that contains the original fresco before going back to the cruise for lunch.
With this afternoon, you can have two options:
Back on board after some refreshing time, dinner is served. Afterwards the crew is happy to invite you to some farewell entertainment in the lounge.
Transfer:
Meals: Breakfast
Checkout of the cruise after breakfast for your onward journey.
Mandalay - Sagaing - Ava - Yandabo - Pakokku - Bagan
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 Mandalay to Bagan (Downstream), 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 of the Bagan’s highlights. (This cruise excludes a visit of Mandalay; please see our upstream 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!
Mandalay - Sagaing - Ava - Yandabo - Pakokku - Bagan
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 Mandalay to Bagan 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!
Mandalay - Yandabo - Pakokku - Salay - Bagan
The mighty river Ayeyarwady is the traditional route from Mandalay to the stunning ruins of Bagan. The river originates in the Himalayan Mountains and serves as a major navigation route, and it has seen several royal cities and religious complexes built along its banks, the landscape also changed and blend with the manmade constructions. With this Myanmar Tour on cruise, you will "go back in time," and be captivated by the majestic and stormy past of Burma, fascinating landmarks, and stories of ancient civilizations.
4 Nights cruising from Mandalay to Bagan can give you abundant sightseeing and cultural experience. Contact Myanmar Private Tour now for any requests and let me tailor-make your journey. What is certain is that after taking this excursion, you will want to return and explore even further!
