18th January

Arrive Rangoon

On arrival at Rangoon international airport you will be met and driven 30 minutes to The Governor’s Residence in the elegant Embassy Quarter of the city. We have left today free for you to settle in and unwind. We can arrange a private guide for those who would like to explore the city and we will be sure to give you plenty of restaurant recommendations for lunch and dinner.

19th January

Full Day Discovering Rangoon

After a leisurely breakfast Robert will take you into the city to give you his unique viewpoint on the culture and politics of Rangoon. He will take you to the highlights of the city as well as to meet some of Prospect Burma’s inspiring students so you can see first-hand how this wonderful charity is helping to support the education of the Burmese people. Robert knows the city inside out and, with his guidance and our local knowledge, you will have the chance to really discover Rangoon from a real and authentic perspective.

In the evening you will visit the spectacular Shwedagon Pagoda where a local Monk will talk to you about his experiences before Robert hosts a fun and special dinner nearby.

20th January

Sail Mandalay to Mingun

Early this morning you will be driven to the airport in good time to board your 7am domestic flight from Rangoon to Mandalay. In Mandalay you will be driven to the pier, where you will board the Orcaella and settle into your cabins. There will be a brief introduction on board before the engine is geared up and your journey of the Ayeyarwady River begins.

After lunch you will dock at the ancient city of Mingun to visit one of the world’s most impressive pagodas and the largest ringing bell to date.

This evening Robert will give the first of his fascinating lectures. Tonight he will discuss his experiences in Burma as well as talking about the importance of some of the sites you will visit over the next ten days. This will be followed by a special welcome dinner as you continue to glide North.

21st January

Sail Mingun to Nwe Nyein

This morning you will wake to new views sweeping by before you dock at Nwe Nyein. This little pottery village is alive with talented sculptors, burning kilns and clay diggers creating traditional pots and artefacts. The ceramic trade in Burma is centuries old and it’s fascinating to watch how ancient traditions are still used today. With your guides translating you’ll have a chance to meet some of the local artisans and understand the importance of their trade.

Back on board you will watch the world slip by and the beautiful, changing scenery will include the island pagoda of Thihadaw. Tonight there will be a sunset cocktail party on the top deck before dinner.

22nd January

Sail Kyan Hnyat - Katha

After breakfast you will disembark at the pretty market town of Kyan Hnyat. Your guide will explain the traditions of rural life in Burma and, perhaps, you’ll have a chance to visit the local school and its friendly pupils. What can be so striking about visits to these villages is how relaxed and accommodating the inhabitants are. Their beaming faces will make you feel immediately welcome and at home.

The afternoon and evening will be spent enjoying the Orcaella’s pool, massage room or simply relaxing on deck as you watch villages and forests drift by.

23rd January

Sail Katha - Shwegu

Today you’ll wake to views of Katha, a sleepy riverside town which inspired George Orwell to feature it as the setting for his novel Burmese Days. Katha was once an important settlement of the British Empire and it is where Orwell served as a police officer from 1926 – 1927.

After lunch back on board you’ll take smaller boats to the port of Shwegu where you’ll get a better understanding of life in a typical riverside Shan village. Using our insider knowledge we’ll also arrange for you to visit some lesser known spots beyond the port and a full and detailed itinerary will be confirmed nearer to the time.

24th January

Sail Zinbon - Bhamo - Shwe Paw

As you continue North you’ll notice that the narrower waters of the Ayeyarwady begin to spread and the dramatic gorges and mountain tops deflate into lush forest plains stretching lazily from the riverbanks. Today your guides will discuss the politics and history of the teak trade as you sail past logging camps as well as the Shwegu village of Zinbon.

In the afternoon you’ll drop anchor at the attractive trading port of Bhamo. There will be time to explore the town centre with your guide and discover how trade between China and Burma has played an important role in the history of this town.

25th January

Sail Shwe Paw – Moe Dar - Katha

The day will begin visiting ancient pagodas on the scenic island of Shwe Paw. From here you’ll journey to the riverside village of Moe Dar where you’ll have the privilege to witness part of a traditional noviciation ceremony. During this coming of age ceremony, which can last for over a week, novices are dressed in elaborate garments and processed around the town accompanied by their guardians. This is a time when the streets are alive with colour and celebration and when the importance of the community is reaffirmed. This evening you’ll sail back to Katha where you will drop anchor for the night.

26th January

Sail Katha - Kyan Hnyat and train to Naba

In the early morning, you will travel by train to Naba, a railway station deep in the teak forest. Here your guides will accompany you into the beautiful Kachin jungle and talk of the history and politics behind this once troubled state.

After lunch back on board you will enjoy a leisurely afternoon gliding back towards Kyan Hnayt. At the end of another extraordinary day you will come together on the top deck for another refreshing cocktail as the sun sinks over the forest plains.

27th January

Sail Kyan Hnyat and drive to Mogok

This morning you will sail to Thabeikkyin, a town which was devastated by an unusually powerful earthquake in November 2012. Today the town’s foundations and spirit have been rebuilt and it is, once more, part a bustling riverside community. From here a winding road will take you into a beautiful forest reserve to the town of Mogok, famous for its gemstones. Here you’ll explore the local market and meet elephants working in the teak forests.

28th January

Sail to Mandalay

Early this morning the iconic views of Mandalay will begin to appear on the horizon. After breakfast you will disembark and explore the last royal capital of Burma. The city is northern Burma’s most important commercial centre and a world away from the slow-paced villages you have seen in the last few days. Highlights include unbroken views from Mandalay Hill and the impressive Buddha image at Mahamuni Paya.

From here you will drive to the more peaceful village of Shwe Kyet Yet where the Orcaella will be waiting for you to enjoy a tribal dance performance on board as part of the evening’s celebrations.

29th January

Sail to Bagan

Today will move at the same slow, steady pace of the Ayeyarwady as you continue north to Bagan. Arriving in the early evening you will experience an unforgettable sunset over the Bagan plain and the sense of excitement on board will be enhanced with a magical performance by traditional Bagan artists.

30th January

Bagan - Mt Popa

Bagan and all its glory is yours to explore today. This morning we strongly recommend a ride by hot air balloon as the sun rises over the plains and temples. The bird’s eye views of the Kingdom of Bagan will be life-changing and a highlight of your journey. Other highlights of the region include Mount Popa with its jaw-dropping monastery perched on the summit of this volcano.

This evening you will celebrate the accomplishment of your journey with a special cocktail party followed by a farewell dinner.

31st January

Rangoon

This morning you will be driven to Bagan airport in good time for your 07:30 flight to Rangoon. Here you will be met and driven back to the Governor’s Residence. We have left the rest of the day and evening free for you to explore, do some last minute shopping or rest at the hotel.

1st February

Rangoon

We will arrange a transfer back to the airport today for those travelling with Thai Airways to London via Bangkok. We can also arrange private transfers for those with connecting flights elsewhere in the world.