Start and end in Mandalay, this 8-day river cruise with Anawrahta will lead you through the 1200 miles of the scenic Irrawaddy River along its second defiles which will leave you unforgettable moments. Pass through the remote parts and be enchanted by the unspoiled landscape of the world that making people itching to go there for a lifetime sightseeing tour. Together with interesting trips which show an insight into the local life, you also have an opportunity to learn about the country tradition and customs through amazing demonstrations on board.
General Information
Duration: 8 days/7 nights
Tour Route: Mandalay – New Nyein – Tagaung – Katha – The Second Defile & Kyun Daw – Hsithe Mandalay – Amarapura – Mandalay
Start/End: Mandalay/Mandalay
Tour Type: River cruise, Nature, Landscape Discovery, In-depth Cultural
Guides: hand-picked best tour guides with deep knowledge, humor, profession (English speaking guides, other languages upon request)
Tour Category: River cruise Burma
Cruise Ship: Anawrahta
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Mandalay – New Nyein (L, D)
Day 2: Tagaung (B, L, D)
Day 3: Katha (B, L, D)
Day 4: Naba Train Ride & Kathat Market (B, L, D)
Day 5: The Secon Defile & Kyun Daw (B, L, D)
Day 6: Hsithe (B, L, D)
Day 7: Mandalay – Amarapura (B, L, D)
Day 8: Disembarkation (B)
Day 1: Mandalay – New Nyein
Mingalabar! Welcome to Mandalay, the cultural hub of Myanmar.
Today, meet your guide and embark on Anawrahta Ship in the morning. Then we start sailing northward through the Dolphin Sanctuary. First, take part in a morning lecture on Burmese culture entitled “Myanmar Ways of Life” and a demonstration of Myanmar traditional dress in the early afternoon to get the first-hand experience of Myanmar culture. As the ship reaches New Nyein - an idyllic village which is noted for pottery making, disembark to interact with the locals and explore the simple life in the village. Take your time to observe the local using traditional techniques to produce a wide variety of decorative pots.
Tonight, join in an interesting Longyi Cocktail Party with your fellow guests and share your experiences after the trip in the afternoon.
Day 2: Tagaung
This morning, rise before dawn to take part in a yoga and meditation on the sundeck to strengthen your mental health. Let your soul blend with the breathtaking atmosphere on the river, feel the light wind touch your skin and play with your hair. As the ship passing through the rolling hills of the Third Defile, you will have a chance to gaze out at the small fishing settlements and bamboo villages. You will never imagine how tranquil it is until you see it and believe it!
After that, what’s more, meaningful than attending a cookery demonstration by the chef to know more about Burmese and Asian cuisine.
In the afternoon, take an opportunity to learn more about the Burmese language which might useful for you to use in the next day sightseeing.
As we reach Tagaung in the late afternoon, get off to take a short excursion to the peaceful town which is well-known for ancient fortifications, archeological area, and nats (natural spirits of Burmese)
Day 3: Katha
The morning of day 3 will lead you through the scenic route to Katha, an enchanting riverside town hosting a number of antique wooden colonial-era buildings. Enjoy your own time at leisure on board in the morning. Why don’t have some treatments in the spacious spa or immerse yourself in the swimming pool which enables you to capture the stunning scenery on the route to Katha? We might visit George Orwell’s house, in which the famous novelist used to live. Furthermore, we also tour around the town to see how life is in the far-flung corner of the British Empire. Then join in a lecture which is hosted at the former British Commissioner House by the Katha historian Nyo Ko Nyaing to learn more about the historical background of the region.
In the evening, we welcome the Shan tribes who settled at a village near Katha on the board to perform their dance and music on the sundeck. This will be a chance for you to approach the diversity of Myanmar culture.
Day 4: Naba Train Ride & Kathat Market – Shwe Gu
This morning, we leave the ship to take an exotic train ride from Katha towards Naba through the thick jungle and teak forest. Sit back and feel like you are taking a trip back in time to the old colonial days on this scenic train ride. After the route, transfer back to Katha and head to Katha Market to taste the local flavor. If you like, it’s also an amazing chance to shop at the market for small beautiful souvenirs and practice your Burmese language skill.
In the afternoon, relax on the board while the ship keeps sailing upstream to Shwe Gu. Enjoy a cup of tea before our guide gives a lecture on Myanmar history and current affairs.
This evening delivers you a special event at the Kipling’s Bar. Dress up join in “a toast to the past” during a British Club where you will meet all the guests onboard. Take this chance to share your own experience and amazing stories. After dinner, join us for the movie under the stars on the sundeck (depends on the weather condition)
Day 5: The Secon Defile & Kyun Daw
The morning of day 5 continues to take us along the river to the impressive Second Defile. Enjoy breakfast on the sundeck as the ship passes through dramatic scenery. Once on the other side, we will turn at the Sinkan Bridge and then make our way return by plugging again into the fast-flowing water of the Defile. As the ship passes through Kyun Daw Island, we stop for a short trip to explore the countless small pagodas, local villages and meet the river nomads who live on the river banks.
In the afternoon, we continue our journey southwards the Irrawaddy River. Relax on the board and enjoy the entertainment with interesting traditional dances.
Day 6: Hsithe
Wake up in the burbling sound of the river and join in the yoga session to strengthen your muscles. Then the morning is free for you to attend the lecture on “religion in Myanmar” and Burmese language lesson. Take your time to learn more about the culture of chewing betel nut and Burmese cigar.
About the early afternoon, we will reach the picturesque fishing village of Hsithe. Follow your guide to go deep into the village and see the traditional agriculture products and learn how to cast a traditional fishing net. Enjoy a cup of tea at the visitor center of the village which followed by a presentation about the river, the wildlife, and the people.
After dinner, join an outdoor cinema in the village together with the hospitable villagers of Hsithe.
Day 7: Mandalay – Amarapura
This morning, take the last opportunity to relax and enjoy the luxurious facilities on Anawrahta cruise as we sail towards Mandalay. Sit on the sundeck and prepare for a glimpse at a showcase of the monumental and massive unfinished pagoda.
On arrival at Mandalay, we leave the ship for a trip to Amarapura, the famous formal capital of Burma which is known for traditional silk weaving, silver and bronze casting. Head straight forward to U Bein Bridge, the gorgeous attraction in Mandalay to capture the majestic sunset and the daily life of local people.
After dinner on board, enjoy a Ramayana show that is a legendary story and a traditional performance.
Day 8: Disembarkation
After breakfast, say goodbye to the crew and check-out at Anawrahta ship to get back to the land. Burma tour ends. Thank you for making your river cruise with Go Myanmar Tours!
