10 Night Yangon - Mandalay

Early this morning, transfer by coach from Yangon center to Prome to start the journey. By afternoon, we will reach Prome and proceed with a trip to Thiri-ya-kittiya – an important archaeological site of the Pyu Dynasty.

This quite town once was the border point between the British Myanmar and Royal Myanmar during the 2nd Anglo-Burmese in 1855. Because of this this town is filled with colonial buildings and contains the oldest golf course in Myanmar (built in 1885). First, we make our way to the local market and a round through the street then embark on the horse-carts to the golf course while you pass through the British Botanical Garden. 

This morning we reach Minhla and visit the two forts built by an Italian engineer to help defend the British during the war. Minhla was also the site a serious battle between the two forces that inspired Ruyard Kipling’s poem. Afterward, up to trishaws we go and visit Magwe Town and the Myatthalon Pagoda that were constructed with solid gold brick. Return back on board to continue sailing.

Today, arrive in Salay, we visit Yokesone Monastery which is also a museum made all from teak and precise carvings. En route, stop at a feel colonial influenced houses along the side of the river. Return back on board to continue upstream.

By the morning, we will reach Bagan as the ship moor on the riverside. Today trip will consist of a careful selection of over 3,000 monuments in the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Bagan.

Today, continue your discovery of Bagan with a few more temples followed by a informative trip to a lacquerware house. Afterward, return back on board as we sail upstream. Have an evening stroll at a small riverside village Oh Ne Kyaung to see the quiet nightlife here. 

Today, you will reach Yandabo. Well known for its historical significance as the place where the peace treaty for the first Anglo-Burmese war was signed. Nowadays, it is mostly regarded for it clay water pots of which materials source from the Irrawaddy River itself. You can experience making one with the instruction of our guide and the workers.
Afterward, visit the Yandabo School that is supported by Pandaw (when there is no holiday).

Today trip begins with a drive to Mahamuni Pagoda which house one of the most significant Buddha Images in Myanmar. The Buddha Image was brought in by King Bodawpaya in the 18th century. Outside of the pagoda, you can have the chance to visit many workshops here that specialize in marble carvings. Next, Shwenandaw Monastery (or Golden Palace Monastery) will be on your schedule. 
Afternoon trip consists of a visit to Sagaing – the heart of the Buddhism in the country. Reach the top of Sagaing Hill and visit Soon U Ponya Monastery to have a panoramic view of the region. Next, we continue to Amarapura, another old capital. Finish the day with a sunset boat trip on Taungthaman Lake (subject to the water level) by U Bein Bridge.

During breakfast, the ship will sail to Mingun for a morning excursion. Leave the ship, you will walk to the world’s largest unfinished stupa built by King Bodawpaya. Then continue to Mingun Bell which is one of the world’s largest and functional bells. Return back on board afterward for lunch. Continue to Mingun Senior home that was founded by the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company in the 30s. 

Continue upstream until we reach Kyauk-myoung. Disembark from the ship. We begin with a journey through the workshop that makes water pots. Witness all the process from A to Z of this traditional occupation. Afternoon will be spent sailing down to Mandalay.

After breakfast, you will disembark from the ship for your onward journey.