RV Kha Byoo Pandaw

We get on the ship at Saggai Lay Kyun Man Aung pier by 11:30 AM, then begin the excursion with a tour around Mandalay, including the Mahamuni Pagoda with the most honored Buddha images in Burma. We move on to a gold-leaf and tapestry workshop and then walk along the stone & marble carver’s street. We stop by a silk and cotton workshop. Later on, we go to the well-known U Bein Bridge, built in 1784, via bus. The bridge is 1.2-kilometer long and considered to be the longest teak bridge in the world.  We take a boat ride on Taungthaman Lake and watch the beautiful sunset.

In the morning, we spend the time sailing. In the afternoon, we arrive at Kyauk Myaung famous for its potteries production and the handcrafted 50-gallon-water pots. We will get to see the entire process and how the artisans work. After the tour, we back to the ship and go to the 3rd Defile of Irrawaddy.

We arrive at the village of Khanyat and visit many Buddhist monasteries, and the former head teacher’s house, including his museum collections. Next, we enjoy the spectacular sights of the entire region and the the Upper Irrawaddy on Pagoda Hill at Tigyang.

We visit the colonial town of Katha, setting for George Orwell’s Burmese Days. Not much has changed ever since. One of the interesting point is the fire station’s collection of the bells taken from the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company ships’ remnants in the Second War. Lying in Katha is the remains of the old flotilla and more than hundred ships sunk in 1942 in an “Act of Denial” before the Japanese’s march. Later on, we come to the elephant logging camp at Katha in hardwood jungle of the hills surrounding the town and further upstream.

We get to the village of Kyun Daw via local boat and take a trip around numerous small pagodas.

We pass the 2nd Defile, which is considered to be the most impressive gorge out of the three with high ridges covering the narrow channel. Afterwards, we cruise downstream.

We take on an exploration trip around Tagaung, an ancient city, including forts, a well-known nat (ancestral spirit) shrine and an archaeological area.

In the morning, we arrive at Mingun and see the Mingun Bell – the world’s biggest working bell to date and the massive, yet unfinised Mingun Pagoda. In addition, we get to the Mingun Old People’s Home built during the 1930s with the support from the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company. Finally, we enjoy the astonishing views of the entire region and the Irrawaddy on a hilltop of Sagaing Hills.

In the morning, we travel to Ava and discover the area, including the ruins, and Bagaya Kyaung - a 200 - year - old royal teak monastery decorated with woodcarvings. In the afternoon, we travel to Yandabo Village where we can see the traditional potteries craftsmanship using the riverbank clay.

We spend the entire day exploring the World Heritage Site of Pagan, including the 3000 plus Pagan monuments via coach.

We have our final breakfast onboard, then disembark from the ship at Pagan Ayer pier at 8:30 AM.

We get on the cruise ship at Ayer pier, Pagan by 11:30 AM, and have lunch on board. After lunch, we take on a trip of the 3000 plus Pagan monuments via coach. At 17:30, we start to set sail.

We cross the junction with the Chindwin River and reach Yandabo Village. Here, we can see and experience the traditional pottery craftsmanship using the river bank clay. Afterwards, we sail upstream towards Mandalay through the afternoon.

In the morning, we travel to Ava and discover the area, including the ruins, and the 200-year-old royal teak monastery decorated with woodcarvings. We move on to Amarapura the ancient capital and behold the fascinating paintings in a temple.

We take a tour around Kyauk Myaung, famous for its potteries production and the handcrafted 50-gallon-water pots. We will get to see the entire process and how the artisans work. After the tour, we back to the cruise ship and go to the 3rd Defile of Irrawaddy.

We arrive at the village of Khanyat and visit many Buddhist monasteries, and the former head teacher’s house, including his museum collections. Next, we enjoy the spectacular sights of the entire region and the the Upper Irrawaddy on Pagoda Hill at Tigyang.

We visit the colonial town of Katha, setting for George Orwell’s Burmese Days. Not much has changed ever since. One of the interesting point is the fire station’s collection of the bells taken from the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company ships’ remnants in the Second War. Lying in Katha is the remains of the old flotilla and more than hundred ships sunk in 1942 in an “Act of Denial” before the Japanese’s march. Later on, we come to the elephant logging camp at Katha in hardwood jungle of the hills surrounding the town and further upstream.

We get to the village of Kyun Daw via local boat and take a trip around numerous small pagodas.

We pass the 2nd Defile, which is considered to be the most impressive gorge out of the three with high ridges covering the narrow channel. Afterwards, we cruise downstream.

We take on an exploration trip around Tagaung, an ancient city, including forts, a well-known nat (ancestral spirit) shrine and an archaeological area.

In the morning, we arrive at Mingun and see the Mingun Bell – the world’s biggest working bell to date and the massive, yet unfinised Mingun Pagoda. In addition, we get to the Mingun Old People’s Home built during the 1930s with the support from the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company. Finally, we enjoy the astonishing views of the entire region and the Irrawaddy on a hilltop of Sagaing Hills.

We have our final breakfast onboard, the get off the ship at Saggai Lay Kyun Man Aung pier. End of our excursion.

You will be transfered from the airport/hotel to embark ship at Mandalay Saggai Lay Kyun Man Aung pier around 11:30am. Then, lunch will be served onboard.

In the afternoon, we take on an excursion around Mandalay visiting its most famous highlights. Our first stop is Mahamuni pagoda where to feature the most revered Buddha statue in Myanmar. The image is now covered in a thick layer of gold leaf applied by the male devotees in order to show their respect to the Buddha. Next, our walk continues to the well - known street of marble carving.

Afterwards, we pay a visit to the Golden Palace Monastery - Shwe Kyuang. Constructed in 1857, this monument is the only building of the ancient Royal Palace survived until the present days.  

Proceed to visit the world's biggest book - Kuthodaw Pagoda next with 729 marbles slabs inscribed with Buddha teachings in Pali language. Then, learn how they make the thin gold leaf at the gold leaf beating worshop. Before return to the ship, you will have a chance to catch some gorgeous pictures of the Royal Palace's outer wall with the beautiful setting of the Mandalay Hill. 

The ship drops the anchor at Sagaing.

• Meals: Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: RV Kha Byoo Pandaw

This morning, we cruise to Mingun to explore Mingun Bell – the world’s biggest working bell and Mingun Paya – the largest brick stupa in the world, yet left unfinished in 1808 due to a bad prohecy about the King's death and the completion of the building. 

In the afternoon, proceed to visit the hill - top pagoda Soon U Ponnya on Sagaing Hill to catch the panoramic view of the Irrawaddy river and the surrounding areas. Then, visit  a nunnery for a lecture about the monastic life.

Amarapura - an ancient capital of Burma is our next stop. Here, we will pay a visit to the silk and cotton weaving workshop and see the artisans’ work.

The ship docks in Sagaing.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: RV Kha Byoo Pandaw

Today morning, the ship continues to cruise to Yandabo village where you can see the terracotta pottery production from the river bank's clay. The village is also known for the place where the peace treaty was signed in 1826 putting an end to the first Anglo - Burmese war.

In the afternoon, we spend the time exploring the village and observing the working craftsmen. Afterwards, we move to visit the Pandaw sponsored Yandabo School (not available on school holiday).

The ship docks at Shwe Than Tint village.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: RV Kha Byoo Pandaw

Have a day tour in Pakokku, browsing at local markets and downtown on a Tuk Tuk. This city is home for 100,000 people, which located 30 kms from Bagan. Its specialties are tobacco, cotton, peanuts, Thanaka (Burmese traditional cosmetic) and textiles. After a visit to the local market, we head to a cherrot workshop where to learn how they make Burmese cigars.

Next, we set sail to visit Pandaw sponsored Ayardaw charity clinic. Then, we will take a stroll around the village to experience the local life as well.

The ship drops the anchor at Tant Chi village.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: RV Kha Byoo Pandaw

This morning, you will be transferred to Tant - Chi - Taung mountain to visit a gorgeous hill - top stupa. Later, enjoy the dancing show of paper elephants, which is performed by the Tant - Chi people on the way back. Next, we continue cruising to Salay –  a lovely little town which used to be a busy trading port. Although the hustle bustle ambience is no longer exist in this village, the charming colonial buildings still remain as well as the beautiful teak monasteries. 

Next, continue strolling to Yoke - Sone Kyaung where to find the sophisticated teak wood carvings - one of the finest in Myanmar. After that, we will have a short break at Salay House when return to the ship.

Stay overnight at Salay.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: RV Kha Byoo Pandaw

Enjoy the river view as we sail up the river from Salay to Bagan. 

Upon arrival in Bagan, our first place to visit is Ananda temple which is considered to be the finest in the temple plain in term of architecture. Contemplate the outstanding Buddha images at the 4 main entrances of the building as well as mural paintings, glazed plaques and many small Buddha statues placed in the niches of the wall.

Our next stop is the Myingabar Gubyaukgyi temple where to preserve the most beautiful and intact mural paintings in Bagan.

The sightseeing continues to Phwar Saw village located in between New Bagan and Nyaung Oo airport. With just over 500 residents whose life rely on bean and pea growing, breeding cattles and making lacquerware. Take a walk through the village under the last sunshine of the day is the best way to observe the simple life of the locals.

The ship docks in Bagan tonight.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: RV Kha Byoo Pandaw

We spend this entire day exploring Bagan including the visit to the lacquer workshop and experiencing their masterful craftsmanship.

In the morning, we pay a visit to Shwesandaw Pagoda - one of a few constructions in Bagan that still allows tourists to climb on. Up next, we move to visit Shwezigon Pagoda where to preserve the Buddha relics. Khay Min Ga pagoda complex is our last stop this morning. Here, you will have an opportunity to learn about the differences between Indian, Sri Lankan, Myanmar - Mon hybrid and Myanmar styles.

Our afternoon starts with a visit to the lacquerware workshop. This is a great chance for you to observe and learn about the traditional techniques of making lacquer items. We procced to Payathonezu next to contmplate the 13th century temple complex of three buildings via a narrow passage. Then, continue to visit Dhamayangyi temple - the largest constructions in Bagan temple plain. And when the day comes to an end, enjoy the magnificent sunset at Taung guni temple.

Back to Kanee Pandaw. Moor overnight in Bagan.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: RV Kha Byoo Pandaw

At 9:00am, disembark from the ship at Ayar pier, Pagan. You will be transferred to the airport/ hotel.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: N/A