Ayeyarwady River Cruise
Summary
Explore the beauty of Myanmar on this itinerary which includes a 4 night cruise down the Ayeyarwady River on the amazing Strand Cruise, as well as stays at other luxurious hotels including an overnight in Bangkok. The cruise is packed full of interesting and exciting excursions which will let you truly immerse yourself in Myanmar’s rich culture and history as well as admire its beauty, highlights are sure to be visits to the unfinished pagoda in Mingun, the U-Bein Bridge in Mandalay, and the exclusive mooring in Ava which allows access to a temple once everyone else has left. As well as excursions there is plenty else to do on the cruise with it housing a range of excellent facilities to pass the time such as a wellness centre, pool, and more. This is sure to be a treasured experience that will give you the chance to create many delightful memories.
Duration |
9 Days
Price
From $4,230.00 per person based on 2 people sharingBest time to go
November to February are the recommended months to visit Myanmar, missing the monsoon season and the worst of the heat
Day 1: Arrival
Depart on an overnight flight to Yangon.
Day 2: Strand Hotel Yangon (BB)
Arrive in Yangon and be transferred to the Strand Hotel where you will check in for a 2 night stay. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure so perhaps explore the nearby area or make use of the facilities on offer at the hotel.
Day 3: Strand Hotel Yangon (BB)
Today is another day at leisure to do as you please. Yangon is an interesting area full of things to see and do, you could choose to visit the Shwedagon Pagoda or alternatively explore the sprawling Bogyoke Aung San Market.
Day 4: The Strand Cruise (FB)
Wake early this morning to transfer to Bagan where you will board the Strand Cruise. After settling into your cabin enjoy lunch on board the ship as your voyage begins. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to explore the Bagan Heritage Trail, including the beautiful Sulamani and Gubyaukgyi temples. Return to the ship for the evening and enjoy a stunning sunset as you sip on a refreshing cocktail and dine at the ship’s restaurant with your fellow passengers.
Day 5: The Strand Cruise (FB)
Continue on your way to Mandalay today, with your first stop being at the Tant Kyi river bank where you will disembark to explore the glass monastery of Tant Kyi Taung, this is a great spot to admire the beauty of Bagan. You will return to the ship by mid-morning and continue to cruise upstream, taking in beautiful scenery as you go. As you cruise you can choose to enjoy activities and workshops organised by the crew on board the ship. This evening the Strand will moor at a remote section of the river so you can dine and later sleep accompanied by the gentle, lulling sounds of nature.
Day 6: The Strand Cruise (FB)
Another day cruising down the Ayeyarwady, enjoy a late breakfast as your first stop today won’t be until mid-afternoon in Mingun, Myanmar’s old capital city. You will stop at the foot of the unfinished pagoda; one of the largest pagoda’s ever constructed in the nation’s history and visit it by Tuk Tuk, while here you will also be able to visit Paya Hsinbyume. Return back to the ship and, weather-permitting, enjoy a feast on the sandbanks opposite Mingun accompanied by local entertainment.
Day 7: The Strand Cruise (FB)
Today is your final full day upon the Strand Cruise, and the day you will arrive in the much anticipated Mandalay. Your first stop today will be at the iconic U-Bein Bridge – believed to be the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world. You will continue on to visit the Mahamui Buddha temple as well as the Shwe In Bin monastery before returning to the cruise for lunch. After lunch you will explore Sagaing, Myanmar’s most important religious centre and visit Soon U Ponya Shin pagoda where you can enjoy stunning views of Mandalay, before returning to the cruise once more and setting sail towards Ava. Horse carts await to transport you for a delightful ride through the beautiful Ava landscape and key landmarks. This evening enjoy an exclusive mooring at Ava next to a remarkable temple, allowing passengers access to the site after the crowds have departed in the late afternoon until the following morning. This evening enjoy a Champagne Sunset Cocktail overlooking the Ava bridge and Sagaing Hill as they are bathed in the evening glow, before a fabulous Shan style farewell dinner on board complete with traditional local performances.
Day 8: The Siam (BB)
This morning enjoy a special farewell from the monks of Ava before breakfast and the final cruise to Gaw Wein jetty in Mandalay, where you will be depart for your flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival you will head to the luxurious The Siam hotel where you will stay overnight.
Day 9: Departure
Today you will depart on a daytime flight from Bangkok.
*Please note that the Strand Hotel will be closed from May 2016 to November 2016.
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Inclusions
All flights, transfers, meals, accommodation and activities as specified, local English speaking guides throughout
Exclusions
Transfers, meals and activities not specified, visas, insurance, gratuities and items of a personal nature.
Cleveland Collection tailor makes all itineraries to include highlights of your choice. Speak to one of our travel experts to create your perfect holiday based on your travel requirements.
*We try to keep our 'from prices' as accurate as possible, but please do be aware that when travelling in peak times such as Christmas and school holidays, prices shown will vary considerably.