Irrawaddy Explorer

EMBARKATION ONBOARD SHIP: (12:30 PM)
Enjoy lunch on board in the dining room Lunch onboard in Customs House Dining Room. AFTERNOON TOUR: Mandalay Afternoon tour begins to Kuthodaw Pagoda, renowned for its famous world’s largest book. Followed shortly to Shwe Nan Daw Monastery or Golden Palace Monastery. The last remaining monastery that survived the war which the original Mandalay Palace didn’t. Continue to a gold leaf shop where you can find men smashing the mallets to create the thin gold leaves used for gilding the Buddha images and pagoda. Finally, probably one of the most famous pagodas in the world, Mahamuni contains one of the holiest Buddha Images. Return to your ship. ENTERTAINMENT: Safety briefing and welcome reception (6:30PM-7:30PM) 

MORNING TOUR: Mingun  

Finishing your breakfast, you will start the trip to Mingun by walking. The first site of the day is King Bodawpaya the unfinished pagoda. During the time of the construction, a fortune teller told the king that if the pagoda were finished building, the king would be dead. Sacred of this vision, the king stopped all the workers from completing the monument and still incomplete to this very day. Next is the Mingun Bell, which is one of the world heaviest and most functional bells. You can stand inside the bell while it is being rung and try ringing yourself for good luck. Finally, stop with a visit to a typical market before returning to the ship.

AFTERNOON TOUR: Sagaing and Amarapura

Finishing lunch, venture to Sagaing by coach. It is well known all through the country and the Buddhist community as the religious center with numerous pagodas and monastery situated along the hills. Visit Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda on the hill of Sagaing before going across the Sagaing Bridge to Amarapura. Stop at a local house that specialize in wood or marble carving. Finish the day with visit to Ubein Bridge. Here await are the boat that offer you a serene experience while the sunset over the Taung Tha Man Lake.

ENTERTAINMENT: Myanmar Traditional Dance Performance (9:00PM-10:00PM)

MORNING TOUR: AVA

Begin today with a trip through the ancient town of Ava (or Innwa) on horse-cart. First stop is the Bagaya Kyaung Monastery with its distinct all teak structure of Burma and afterward the Yandana Hsemee Pagoda Complex.

AFTERNOON: Sailing through the afternoon 

ENTERTAINMENT: Longyi and Thanaka Demonstration (04:00PM-05:00PM)

MORNING TOUR: Yandabo 

Yandabo hold a historical milestone as it is the place where the two forces signed the peace treaty of the first Anglo-Burmese War in the 19th century. Nowadays, no trace of war left and the village is more well known for its pottery. Of course, you will visit some of the workshop in the village and have the opportunity to try your hand in making one.
AFTERNOON TOUR: Hnaw Kone

This afternoon starts with a trip to Hnaw Kone Village. Make a short hike through this ordinary modest but full of charming and hospitable residents. With the visit, we have the chance to observe how to make a basket from bamboo. Return back to the ship.

ENTERTAINMENT: BBC Documentary “The Life of the Buddha” (04:00PM-5:00PM)

MORNING TOUR: Bagan

After breakfast, you will be taken to visit Dhammayangyi Temple which is the biggest temple in Bagan. Once again, travel through the plain on traditional oxcart to visit some more less visited pagodas.

AFTERNOON TOUR: The Art and Sunset Over Bagan

In the afternoon, stop by a local workshop to witness the process of making lacquer ware (yunde in Burmese). Make a few purchases here if you wish before continue to Gubyaukgyi Temple. This temple is only one of the few that still has the original murals and artwork centuries ago. For reservation, the temple are tightly sealed and we can only see through the help of flash light. Next off, visit Myazedi Stupa where you can find inscription of 4 ancient language of Myanmar. Finally, we will reach Bagan Viewing Hill by sunset where can have the panoramic view on the region before going back to the ship.

ENTERTAINMENT: Traditional Myanmar Puppet Show (9:00PM-10:00PM)

MORNING TOUR: Bagan

Today, transfer by van to an open market that offer a wide range of products from meats to spices, vegetables, to intricate stuffs such as woodcarvings, longyi or thanaka. If lucky, you can observe the women displaying their skill of balancing a huge satchel of purchase on their heads. Next stop is the renowned gilt Shwezigon Pagoda. This pagoda is told to possess the relic bone and teeth of the Buddha. Also displayed within the pagoda is the golden statue of King Anawrahta and a famous image of Buddha from China. After the trip we will return back to ship and continue the journey.

AFTERNOON TOUR: Bagan

The afternoon begins with arguably the most iconic destination of the country: Bagan. First, arrive at the Htilominlo Temple built by the king of the same name. The temple was built on the ground where he had been crowned a king from the five sons of King Nadaungmya. Afterward, climb on a peculiar, traditional oxcart for a ride around the Bagan temple grounds. Conclude the trip with a visit to Ananda Temple. One of the most ancient temple in Bagan built in the 12th centery, the temple is well reserved and has four Buddha image facing North, South, East and West.

MORNING TOUR: Salay 

The itinerary may vary with this tour

Today, when the ship stop at Salay, we disembark and explore on foot. The first settlement on this town was in the 13th century and it is filled with ancient shrines of Bagan era, Buddhist monasteries made out of wood and colonial structures. First visit to Salay House, a former warehouse of a trading company by the bank. Continue walking to the Strand Street to see the market here before the chance to visit the gorgoues Yoke Soun Kyaung Taw Gyi Monastery. All built from intricately designed teak wood, this monastery is a replica of the Mandalay Crown Prince House and now serves as a museum which houses extra rdinary wood carvings and artifacts. Continue through the dirt road to Mann Paya with an expertly lacquered Buddha Image before return back for lunch.

AFTERNOON: Sailing through the afternoon

ENTERTAINMENT: Tea Leaf and Ginger Salad Demonstration (3:30PM-4:30PM)

MORNING TOUR: Magwe

The itinerary may vary with this tour

After breakfast, we disembark to explore the Magwe the capital city of the region on charming trishaws. Arrive at the local open market, we make a brief walk then continue to Mya Tha Lun Pagoda. This gilt pagoda is built on a platform on top of Naguttama Hill that offer you a panoramic view of the city and the river.

AFTERNOON: Sailing through the afternoon.

ENTERTAINMENT: Lecture “Myanmar: Past and Today” (3:30PM – 4:30PM)
Burmese Karaoke Party (5:30PM-7:00PM)

MORNING TOUR: Thayet Myo

Today, have a change of vehicle with a trip through the low laying town of Thayet Myo by tuk tuk. Make a stop at the first golf course of the country and afterward a small town market. Along the way, you have the chance to admire the British colonial architecture blend with Burma style before return back to your ship for lunch.

AFTERNOON TOUR: Prome and Sri Ksetra

Used to be under the land of the Mon people in the era of Bagan Dynasty afterward invaded by the great Emperor of Burma – Alaungpaya in 1754, Prome (or Pyay as the local dearly the city) situated along the Irrawaddy River is a busy transport hubs with trucks and boat alike stop here for delivery between the Northern and Southern part of the country. The afternoon continue to a trip to Thayekhittaya (or Sri Ksetra – “Fabulous City” in Pali). This is a very important archaeological site with the ruins of ancient Pyu City that thrived between the 5th and 9th century. Tour around the Sri Ksetra Museum filled with documents, maps from various era and archaeologic finds such as ancient Buddha statues, Hindu deities, jewelries, coins which can be traced as far as the 6th century,

ENTERTAINMENT: Farewell Reception and Crew Farewell (6:30PM-7:30PM)

DISEMBARKATION: (7:00AM)
Passengers will make the 7-hour scenic trip back to Yangon. Drop-off point: Sule Shangri-la

EMBARKATION: Koe Lone Ye Kin Jetty from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. AFTERNOON TOUR: The Art and Sunset Over BaganIn the afternoon, stop by a local workshop to witness the process of making lacquer ware (yunde in Burmese). Make a few purchases here if you wish before continue to Gubyaukgyi Temple. This temple is only one of the few that still has the original murals and artwork centuries ago. For reservation, the temple are tightly sealed and we can only see through the help of flash light. Next off, visit Myazedi Stupa where you can find inscription of 4 ancient language of Myanmar. Finally, we will reach Bagan Viewing Hill by sunset where can have the panoramic view on the region before going back to the ship.

MORNING TOUR: Bagan

Today, transfer by van to an open market that offer a wide range of products from meats to spices, vegetables, to intricate stuffs such as woodcarvings, longyi or thanaka. If lucky, you can observe the women displaying their skill of balancing a huge satchel of purchase on their heads. Next stop is the renowned gilt Shwezigon Pagoda. This pagoda is told to possess the relic bone and teeth of the Buddha. Also displayed within the pagoda is the golden statue of King Anawrahta and a famous image of Buddha from China. After the trip we will return back to ship and continue the journey.

AFTERNOON TOUR: Hnaw Kone

This afternoon starts with a trip to Hnaw Kone Village. Make a short hike through this ordinary modest but full of charming and hospitable residents. With the visit, we have the chance to observe how to make a basket from bamboo. Return back to the ship.

ENTERTAINMENT: Tea Leaf and Ginger Salad Demonstration (2:00PM-3:00PM)

MORNING TOUR: Yandabo 

Yandabo hold a historical milestone as it is the place where the two forces signed the peace treaty of the first Anglo-Burmese War in the 19th century. Nowadays, no trace of war left and the village is more well known for its pottery. Of course, you will visit some of the workshop in the village and have the opportunity to try your hand in making one. 

AFTERNOON: Sailing through the afternoon

ENTERTAINMENT: Lecture “Myanmar: Past and Today” (3:30PM-4:30PM)
Burmese Karaoke Party (5:30PM-7:00PM)

MORNING TOUR: AVA

Begin today with a trip through the ancient town of Ava (or Innwa) on horse-cart. First stop is the Bagaya Kyaung Monastery with its distinct all teak structure of Burma and afterward the Yandana Hsemee Pagoda Complex.

AFTERNOON TOUR: Sagaing and Amarapura

Finishing lunch, venture to Sagaing by coach. It is well known all through the country and the Buddhist community as the religious center with numerous pagodas and monastery situated along the hills. Visit Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda on the hill of Sagaing before going across the Sagaing Bridge to Amarapura. Stop at a local house that specialize in wood or marble carving. Finish the day with visit to Ubein Bridge. Here await are the boat that offer you a serene experience while the sunset over the Taung Tha Man Lake.

ENTERTAINMENT: Myanmar Traditional Dance Performance (9:00PM-10:00PM)

MORNING TOUR: Mingun  

Finishing your breakfast, you will start the trip to Mingun by walking. The first site of the day is King Bodawpaya the unfinished pagoda. During the time of the construction, a fortune teller told the king that if the pagoda was finished building, the king would be dead. Sacred of this vision, the king stopped all the workers from completing the monument and still incomplete to this very day. Next is Mingun Bell which is one of the world heaviest and functional bell. You can stand inside the bell while it is being rung and try ringing yourself for good luck. Finally stop with a visit to a typical market before return to the ship.

AFTERNOON TOUR: Mandalay

Afternoon tour begins to Kuthodaw Pagoda, renowned for its famous world’s largest book. Followed shortly to Shwe Nan Daw Monastery or Golden Palace Monastery. The last remaining monastery that survived the war which the original Mandalay Palace didn’t. Continue to a gold leaf shop where you can find men smashing the mallets to create the thin gold leaves used for gild the Buddha images and pagoda. Finally, probably one of the most famous pagoda in the world, Mahamuni contains one of the holiest Buddha Images. Return back to your ship.

ENTERTAINMENT: Farewell Reception and Crew Farewell (6:30PM-7:30PM)

DISEMBARKATION: (8:00AM)
After breakfast, disembark at Gawein Jetty, Mandalay.

EMBARKATION: (12:30 PM) Enjoy lunch on board in the dining room Lunch onboard in Customs House Dining Room.

AFTERNOON TOUR: Mandalay

Afternoon tour begins to Kuthodaw Pagoda, renowned for its famous world’s largest book. Followed shortly to Shwe Nan Daw Monastery or Golden Palace Monastery. The last remaining monastery that survived the war which the original Mandalay Palace didn’t. Continue to a gold leaf shop where you can find men smashing the mallets to create the thin gold leaves used for gild the Buddha images and pagoda. Finally, probably one of the most famous pagoda in the world, Mahamuni contains one of the holiest Buddha Images. Return back to your ship.
ENTERTAINMENT: Safety briefing and welcome reception (6:30PM-7:30PM)

MORNING TOUR: Mingun  

Finishing your breakfast, you will start the trip to Mingun by walking. The first site of the day is King Bodawpaya the unfinished pagoda. During the time of the construction, a fortune teller told the king that if the pagoda was finished building, the king would be dead. Sacred of this vision, the king stopped all the workers from completing the monument and still incomplete to this very day. Next is Mingun Bell which is one of the world heaviest and functional bell. You can stand inside the bell while it is being rung and try ringing yourself for good luck. Finally stop with a visit to a typical market before return to the ship.

AFTERNOON TOUR: Sagaing and Amarapura

Finishing lunch, venture to Sagaing by coach. It is well known all through the country and the Buddhist community as the religious center with numerous pagodas and monastery situated along the hills. Visit Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda on the hill of Sagaing before going across the Sagaing Bridge to Amarapura. Stop at a local house that specializes in wood or marble carving. Finish the day with a visit to Ubein Bridge. Here await are the boat that offers you a serene experience while the sunset over the Taung Tha Man Lake.

ENTERTAINMENT: Myanmar Traditional Dance Performance (9:00PM-10:00PM)

MORNING TOUR: AVA

Begin today with a trip through the ancient town of Ava (or Innwa) on horse-cart. First stop is the Bagaya Kyaung Monastery with its distinct all teak structure of Burma and afterward the Yandana Hsemee Pagoda Complex.

AFTERNOON: Sailing through the afternoon 

ENTERTAINMENT: Longyi and Thanaka Demonstration (04:00PM-05:00PM)

MORNING TOUR: Yandabo 

Yandabo hold a historical milestone as it is the place where the two forces signed the peace treaty of the first Anglo-Burmese War in the 19th century. Nowadays, no trace of war left and the village is more well known for its pottery. Of course, you will visit some of the workshop in the village and have the opportunity to try your hand in making one.
AFTERNOON TOUR: Hnaw Kone

This afternoon starts with a trip to Hnaw Kone Village. Make a short hike through this ordinary modest but full of charming and hospitable residents. With the visit, we have the chance to observe how to make a basket from bamboo. Return back to the ship.

ENTERTAINMENT: BBC Documentary “The Life of the Buddha” (04:00PM-5:00PM)

MORNING TOUR: Bagan

After breakfast, you will be taken to visit Dhammayangyi Temple which is the biggest temple in Bagan. Once again, travel through the plain on traditional oxcart to visit some more less visited pagodas.

AFTERNOON TOUR: The Art and Sunset Over Bagan

In the afternoon, stop by a local workshop to witness the process of making lacquer ware (yunde in Burmese). Make a few purchases here if you wish before continue to Gubyaukgyi Temple. This temple is only one of the few that still has the original murals and artwork centuries ago. For reservation, the temple are tightly sealed and we can only see through the help of flash light. Next off, visit Myazedi Stupa where you can find inscription of 4 ancient language of Myanmar. Finally, we will reach Bagan Viewing Hill by sunset where can have the panoramic view on the region before going back to the ship.

ENTERTAINMENT: Traditional Myanmar Puppet Show (9:00PM-10:00PM)

DISEMBARKATION: Koe Lone Ye Kin Jetty at 8:00 AM.

Meeting point for transfer: Sule Shangri-la Hotel

The cruise representative will meet you there and you will embark on a 7-hour trip to Prome (7:00 AM – 2:00 PM). Along the way, you will make a few stops to stretch and visit the village.

AFTERNOON TOUR: Prome and Sri Ksetra

Used to be under the land of the Mon people in the era of Bagan Dynasty afterward invaded by the great Emperor of Burma – Alaungpaya in 1754, Prome (or Pyay as the local dearly the city) situated along the Irrawaddy River is a busy transport hubs with trucks and boat alike stop here for delivery between the Northern and Southern part of the country. The afternoon continue to a trip to Thayekhittaya (or Sri Ksetra – “Fabulous City” in Pali). This is a very important archaeological site with the ruins of ancient Pyu City that thrived between the 5th and 9th century. Tour around the Sri Ksetra Museum filled with documents, maps from various era and archaeologic finds such as ancient Buddha statues, Hindu deities, jewelries, coins which can be traced as far as the 6th century,ENTERTAINMENT: Safety briefing and welcome reception (6:30PM-7:30PM)

MORNING TOUR: Thayet Myo

Today, have a change of vehicle with a trip through the low laying town of Thayet Myo by tuk tuk. Make a stop at the first golf course of the country and afterward a small town market. Along the way, you have the chance to admire the British colonial architecture blend with Burma style before return back to your ship for lunch.

AFTERNOON: Sailing through the afternoon.

ENTERTAINMENT: BBC Documentary “The Life of the Buddha” (03:30PM-04:30PM)

MORNING TOUR: Magwe

The itinerary may vary with this tour

After breakfast, we disembark to explore the Magwe the capital city of the region on charming trishaws. Arrive at the local open market, we make a brief walk then continue to Mya Tha Lun Pagoda. This gilt pagoda is built on a platform on top of Naguttama Hill that offer you a panoramic view of the city and the river.

AFTERNOON: Sailing through the afternoon.ENTERTAINMENT: Longyi and Thanaka Demonstration (03:30PM-04:30PM)

DISEMBARKATION: Salay Jetty at 8:00 AM.