Road to Mandalay Cruise, Burma – A Journey into the Unexpected

Waking early enough to watch the sun rise over the Ayeyarwady River is one of the thrills of an elegant and cultural cruise in Burma. Tourism in Burma is still not large scale, the country is safe for foreigners and the Burmese people themselves welcome the opportunity to share their exceptionally beautiful and fascinating country.

Orient-Express has had a presence in Burma for 15 years and they have refined their tours to impressive and indulgent river adventures. The Road To Mandalay incorporates elegant Burmese materials and modern comforts. Cruises make for an unhurried foray into riverside villages, hill stations and daily life in Burma. Most journeys begin with a stay in Yangon at the Govenor’s Residence, an impressive, teak, 1920’s mansion-hotel close to the spectacular Shwedagon Pagoda. Here there is the blissful shade of an airy verandah, a fan-shaped ceramic pool as well as leafy gardens and lotus ponds. Happily, the hotel’s boasts one of the best formal restaurants in the city.

Typical Itinerary:

Day 1: Saturday. Arrive Bagan (L, D)
Morning flight from Yangon to Bagan. On arrival, transfer to the Road To Mandalay berthed on the Ayeyarwady River. In the afternoon a guided visit in Bagan where over 2,000 temples and pagodas remain on an awe-inspiring plain. Watch the sun setting over a field of glowing pagodas by the river.

Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 2: Sunday. Bagan Markets (B, L, D)
Join the guide to explore some of Bagan’s local markets. Alternatively, you can hire a bicycle or horse-drawn cart and explore on your own. Mid morning, the ship sets sail for Mandalay. On board the guide provides a lecture about the Ayeyarwady River. The ship anchors for the evening providing a rare opportunity to observe the stars.

Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 3: Monday. Sagaing (B, L, D)
After lunch you arrive at the village of Shwe Kyet Yet. Enjoy an afternoon excursion to Sagaing considered to be the living centre of the Buddhist faith in Burma and famous for its silversmiths.

Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 4: Tuesday. Maymyo (B, L, D)
A full day’s excursion to Maymyo, a colonial hill station set high in the mountains in a cool climate. English style houses, colourful markets and beautiful botanic gardens. A typical Shan lunch is taken at a colonial house.

Dinner, local entertainment and overnight on board.

Day 5: Wednesday. Mingun & Mandalay (B, L, D)
A cruise to Mingun. Visit the most important sights such as the pretty Hsinbyume Pagoda. Return by ferry for a late lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the key sights of Mandalay as it is regarded as the centre of Burmese culture and Buddhist learning.

Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 6: Thursday. Burmese Village (B, L, D)
After an early breakfast visit a local village for a walking tour. This traditional Burmese village gives you the opportunity to discover the Burmese way of life first hand. Return to the ship for lunch and sail back to Bagan. The rest of the day is spent relaxing on board. An on-board guide will provide a lecture on life in Myanmar.

Casual cocktail party, dinner and overnight on board.

Day 7: Friday. Mount Popa (B, L, D)
A full day’s excursion to Mount Popa, a national park and believed to be the sacred home of powerful ‘Nats’ (spirits). On top of a rocky crag is a picturesque complex of monasteries, pagodas and shrines that can be reached via a winding, covered walkway. Lunch at the Mount Popa Resort.

Dinner, local entertainment and overnight on board.

Day 8: Saturday. Depart Bagan (B)
After an early breakfast you are transferred to Bagan airport for your onward flight to Yangon.

Typically Included:

• 7 nights state room accommodation
• All meals onboard
• Daily excursions
• A one way domestic economy class flight
• 1 complimentary night at the Governors Residence in Yangon

Concierge Bonus Privilege: Book a 7 night cruise on the Road To Mandalay to receive the complimentary night at the 5 star Governor’s Residence Hotel in Yangon that can be taken before or after your cruise. Book by 30 November 2024 to receive this bonus.

Prices and departures may vary please contact your Concierge Traveller Advisor for more information.

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