Impressive Gorgeousness: Mandalay - Katha - Mandalay 7 Nights

In the morning, check-in the cruise in Gaw Wein Jetty in Mandalay and start your journey northbound. En route, if you are very lucky, you can see the mythical Irrawaddy dolphins. On board this morning, attend the morning lecture about the country and the demonstration of the 2 essentials of Myanmar: longyi and thanaka. After lunch, we will arrive in Nwe  Nyein – a quaint pottery village by the river. Witness the traditional method of the residents here that is unchanged for hundreds of years. Return back to the cruise and later enjoy dinner on board.

For the early birds, a yoga session will be arranged on board every morning on the terrace deck.
This morning, you will be rewarded with the grand view of the towering cliff and marvelous landscape on the Third Defile. Part the river and the villages tucked in the bamboo groves and greet a few scatter fishermen on the bank. Activity on board today includes a cooking class in the morning with the Executive Chef and later in the afternoon, a crash course on Burmese will be open for those who are interested. By late afternoon, we arrive in Tagaung, step off the ship to stretch as we make our way through this lovely little town with its rich and spiritual history.

Enjoy a leisurely morning on the loung or in the terrace deck and maybe enjoy the cruise’ amenities. We will arrive the charming town of Katha full of colonial motifs just like from the word of George Orwell. Passing through the town we will pass through many historical landmarks and learn the story of hundreds of ships and vessel laying here. The trip will continue to George Orwell’s old house which still preserve the same colonial features from distanced memories. Take part in the talk that is arranged at the former British Commissioner House by a renowned local historian in Katha and enjoy a light picnic with tea in the garden. Return back on board before sunset and after dinner we could see the traditional dance of the Shan tribes that leave the mountain to settle here in Katha.

Leaving the ship early this morning, take on the train ride from Katha to Naba. This ride is quite special as it passes through the lush jungle of Kachin State. Afterward taking in the sights along the track fully, we will return back to Katha for the market visit. Continue northbound as we reach Shwe Gun 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).

Early morning today, you are encouraged to wake up early to observe the sun rising from horizon painting the breath taking landscape surrounding the Second Defile. You can bring your breakfast on the terrace deck to feast for both your eyes and belly.  When we reach Sinkhan Bridge, make the 180 degree turn back down south. As we reach Kyun Daw Island, stop for visits of the pagodas, village and people who live scattered all over this small community. Return back to ship for lunch and before dinner there will be a traditional dance performed by the crew.

After breakfast, we have numerous activities on board such as a talk about religions in Myanmar, another beginner class for Burmese and a detailed demonstration of Burmese cigars as well as chewing betel nut custom. Arrive in Hsithe in the afternoon and learn about the extraordinary fishing method of the local fishermen – cooperation with the Irrawaddy dolphins. Later, make a brief stop at the field and farm houses to observe the still traditional technique they use to grow crops and raise livestock. Tea time by the afternoon at the town center to relax and have a more profound insight into the people’s lives here. Return back to boat for dinner and afterward you can join in an outdoor movie night with the villagers.

The day begins as you enjoy breakfast on board. We will pass through Mingun with the gigantic unfinished pagoda and reach Mandalay in the late afternoon. Once docked, we leave for a visit to Amarapura “The Eternal City” and make stops at the workshops specializing in silk, silver & bronze statues. Finally, admire the sunset on the U Bein Bridge – the longest teak bridge. A heartfelt farewell dinner along with performance from both local artists and the crew will be the Anawrahta’s way of saying goodbye.

Checkout of the cruise after breakfast for your onward journey.