This guided tour will introduce you to the cultural highlights and most famous destinations in Myanmar. From the bustling streets of Yangon to the awe-inspiring temple plains of Bagan.
The Irrawaddy Delta covers an area of over 1000 square miles with Rangoon, its most famous port and capital of all Burma from 1886 to 2005. Originally a vast inhabited wetland and jungle, much of it was cleared and cultivated by the British who annexed Lower Burma in 1855. It subsequently became the rice basket of Asia, effectively feeding much of the Indian Raj. During this period of prosperity a number of rice towns developed in the colonial style. The most famous of which was Bassein. The Irrawaddy Flotilla Company by the 1920s operated over 100 creek steamers across the Delta connecting these towns and villages at a time when there were neither roads nor bridges.
There are seven main channels and myriad lesser ones forming a complex labyrinth of waterways understood only by the most experienced pilots. In the backwaters there is the feel of Kerala, on the larger channels it could be New Orleans and the Deep South.
Contrary to expectation these great wetlands are not monotonous at all and there is considerable human interest in the form of pretty towns, markets, temples, churches and mosques. There is also profuse bird life in the less populated areas.
Our 7-night programme aboard the stunning Katha Pandaw enables relaxed exploration of this fascinating region, starting and returning to Rangoon.
| PRICE: | From |
| DURATION: | 8 Days / 7 Nights |
| TOUR STYLE: | River cruise |
| DESTINATIONS: | Yangon, Pyapon, Bogale, Maubin, Wakema |
| TOUR CODE: | |
| DEPARTURES: | As scheduled |
| STARTS: | In Yangon |
| ENDS: | In Yangon |
At a glance
Highlights
- Relaxing journey with Pandaw care
- Small riverside towns of Irrawaddy Delta
- Visits to local communities
Itinerary in Brief
DAY 1: Cruise Yangon to Pyapon
DAY 2: Pyapon to Bogale
DAY 3: Bogale to Myaungmya
DAY 4: Myaungmya to Pathein
DAY 5: Leisure in Pathein. Optional tour to Ngwe Saung
DAY 6: Pathein to Wakema
DAY 7: Wakema to Maubin
DAY 8: Maubin to Yangon
TOUR DETAILS
Check-in at the jetty in Rangoon from 07.30 for a 08.00 sailing.
Kyan Mar Yay Jetty (on Strand Road in Yangon opposite the Myanmar Custom Department, between Pansoedan Jetty and Sule Jetty).
Early morning departure from Rangoon via the Twante Canal stopping at Twante to view the potteries and on to Pyapon (64miles) a delightful delta town and seaport with lively docks and markets.
Extend your stay and board one day earlier bed & breakfast on board your Pandaw for an extra night. Enjoy the experience and perspective of staying in central Rangoon from your luxurious river ship (this is not available for the February 20th, 2019 departure).
About Pyapon: Pyapon is a town and seat of Pyapon District in the Irrawaddy Division of Myanmar, along the Pyapon River, a tributary of the Irrawaddy River. It is located about 15 km inland from the Andaman Sea, about 75 miles south of Rangoon.
Bogale is at the heart of the delta and once a Mon capital and trading port connected to international trading routes between the 15th and 18th centuries. We hope to visit the Mein Ma Hla Kyun Wildlife Reserve, an island of just under one hundred square miles classified as a mangrove eco system reserve and home to salt water crocodiles.
About Bogale: Bogale is a small city located in the Bogale Township, Ayeyarwady Region, Myanmar. It is located on the southwestern part of Myanmar/Burma on the mainland section of the country. It can be reached by both water transportation and by land.
This will be the most fascinating day’s sailing as we weave through creeks and channels cross-country across the heart of the delta. We will stop for a walk about in a suitable village.About Myaungmya: Myaungmya is a town in Myaungmya Township, Irrawaddy Region, Burma. The town is home to the Myanmar Union Adventist Seminary, a Seventh Day Adventist seminary and Myaungmya Education College.
Morning cruise across the final section of delta to join the great Bassein River that takes us up to Bassein, the capital of the delta and an important seaport too. Of interest here are the traditional umbrella manufacturies, where the typical monk’s waxed cloth umbrellas are made. On foot we will explore the town, its shrines and vibrant markets.
A day at leisure in this charming port town and optional day trip by car to Ngwesaung Beach with lunch there.
Noon departure with lunch to follow, taking the more usual upper delta route of the old IFC ‘launch service’ between Rangoon and Bassein. Evening exploration of this attractive river port.
About Wakema: Wakema is a town in the Ayeyarwady Division of south-west Myanmar. It is the seat of the Wakema Township in the Myaungmya District. It is home to the Government Technological Institute, Wakema (formerly the Government Technical Institute, Wakema). Wakema is also the hometown of Sayadaw U Pannya Vamsa, a notable Buddhist missionary.’
On these busier channels there will be a variety of shipping whilst the riverbanks team with life and activity. Maubin is a very pleasant place to enjoy a sunset walk along its colourful strand.
About Maubin: Ma-ubin or Maubin is a town in the Ayeyarwady Division of south-west Burma. It is the seat of the Ma-ubin Township in the Ma-ubin District. The population as of 1993 was 42,000.The inhabitants of the town, as well as the district are mainly Bamar and Karen. It is a port town lying on the west bank of the Irrawaddy River delta.The southern coastline lies along the Andaman Sea. Rice growing and fishing are the major contributors to the economy. It is developing town with growing transportation and communication services.
Morning run crossing the Twante Canal and home to the Rangoon River and our berth in colonial downtown and disembarkation between 12 and 12.30 pm (lunch excluded).
Disembark in Rangoon at Kyan Mar Yay Jetty between 12.00 and 12.30.
What's Included
- Private tours and transfers with air-conditioned vehicles as specified in our itinerary
- 2 bottles of water & 2 refreshing towels per passenger per day
- Lodging with breakfast as specified in the itinerary
- Luggage handling fees at airports
- Entrance fees
- Guide services (English language)
- Gratuities to crew
- Main meals, locally made soft drinks, local beer and local spirits, jugged coffee and selection of teas and tisanes, mineral water.
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Port dues (if levied), laundry, all visa costs, fuel surcharges (see terms and conditions),
- Imported beverages such as wines, premium spirits and liqueurs, fancy soft drinks like Perrier, espressos and cappuccinos at bar
- Tips to tour guides, local guides, bus drivers, boat operators and cyclo drivers.
- Drinks during meals, hotel extras and expenses of personal nature
- Camera & video fees. Some of the sites visited may ask small fees for photographing and video recording.
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Contact Jan to book this trip or to customise the trip in any way you like. We’re here to help.
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