Irrawaddy River Tours & Trips 2020
Filter to find perfect
DEPARTURE DATES
Style
Style
Small Group Tour Small groups are usually defined as between 10 and 24 travelers, often less. If you're the kind of person who enjoys more intimate experiences and personal service this is a good choice. All else being equal you will pay a premium for this style vs a larger group tour.
Private Guided Private tours give you the undivided attention of a guide, and often involve special access to sites and unique experiences not available to larger groups. This is a great option for families, couples, and small friend groups. Expect to pay a bit more for the extra service.
Self Guided Tour A travel company plans your itinerary and arranges all the logistics including lodging, local activities, and transportantion. You have the flexibility of a solo trip while still getting the convience and time savings of expert planning. Get 90% of the benefits of a tour, without a guide.
Group Tour Groups are between 25-60 people, typically ~30-40. Usually there will be many opportunities to split off and enjoy meals and excursions in smaller groups. This is the most economical way to travel, saving up to 40% versus booking the same itinerary yourself.
River Cruise These vessels are smaller than most ocean cruisers, limiting which amenties are available. Passenger counts can vary. One of the biggest advantages of a river cruise is the ability to dock at smaller ports and local villages.
Small Ship Cruise Small ship cruises usually have a max passenger count of 500. The primary purpose of these trips is to spend time off the vessel in local ports (e.g. Mediterranean) or experiencing nature (e.g Galapagos or Antarctica). Cabins can vary from budget to luxury.
Large Ship Cruise This is the "floating city" experience, with multiple ways to enjoy your vacation aboard the ship as much as on land. Ships are multiple floors, provide several activities, culinary, and shopping options. They often make fewer stops and have less time available for shore excursions.
Retreats Similar to a self guided tour but staying in one location only with activities and day outings included as a part of the stay.
Price
Duration Dropdown
Travelers Age
Lodging Level
Lodging Level
Camping Typically involves most nights sleeping in tents (sometimes permanent tented sites) or in rustic cabins and lodges.
Basic - 2 star You'll stay in no-frills, but clean and comfortable, hotels or guesthouses. A 'Basic' trip might also involve a few nights of camping.
Value - 3 star Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Premium - 4 star 3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards.
Luxury - 5 star The highest level of comfort and service. All accomodations are in four or five star hotels, boutique lodges or high-end homestays.
Physical Level
Physical Level
Very Easy Minimal walking - motor vehicles available for all major parts of trip.
Easy Normal generally flat walking in urban or suburban environments.
Moderate Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment.
Strenuous All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included.
Extreme Very challenging all day hiking and backpacking carrying significant equipment.
Theme
Attractions & Cities Visited
Activities & Interests
Travel Style
Travel Style
Flexible schedule A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Full schedule For those looking to maximize their sight seeing time. You thrive on a packed day’s schedule from 8 am to 6pm, with some (but limited) free time. Most activities and meals included.
Balanced schedule You will have solid amounts of both free time and structured time with some activities and meals included.
Flight & Transport Inclusions
Supplier (Company)
Countries Visited
Continents Visited
Rivers & Seas Visitied
Stride Gives Back Stride Gives Back This trip visits a destination impacted by climate change. When you opt in to the Travelstride Gives Back program, we will donate 10% of our net revenue to organizations that help mitigate climate change in these destinations and across the globe. Learn more
Myanmar & the Irrawaddy

- Cruise in luxury for three nights on the legendary Irrawaddy River aboard all-balcony 'Sanctuary Ananda'
- Experience floating gardens and a private viewing of a traditional Intha boat race on tranquil Inle Lake.
- Soar above thousands of pagodas and capture the photographs of a lifetime on a magical hot air balloon ride
- Explore Shwedagon Pagoda - a fantasy of golden stupas, serene Buddhas and mythical beasts
- Travel off the beaten path on a tour of Musmeah Yeshua, the last remaining Jewish synagogue in Myanmar
Highlights of Burma
- BURMA - INLE LAKE: The tranquil Inle Lake is located in Burma's Shan State, and is home unique fish species and prolific bird life. Many of the communities who live in villages surrounding the lake are from Burma's various ethnic minority groups, such as the Danu and Bamar people. Enjoy a boat ride on the lake, visit nearby monasteries, and look for the distinct woven bags and silk fabrics made in the area.
- BURMA - IRRAWADDY RIVER: Embark on a boat ride on one of the country's most significant waterways, the Irrawaddy River. Stop at rural villages, local pagodas and to see intricate carvings at Kyauk Gu U Min. The river is home to the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin, who are under threat from dam construction. The river eventually flows into the Andaman Sea via the Irrawaddy Delta.
- BURMA - LOCAL MARKETS: Experience Burma's local life, colorful produce and fantastic array of local handicrafts in its numerous fascinating markets. Near Inle Lake, frequent a local market where many diverse ethnic minority groups gather, and in Yangon and Mandalay, search for exquisite examples of Burmese lacquerware, fabrics and other eye-catching merchandise. Enjoy interacting with Burma's warm, friendly people as you peruse their wares.
- BURMA - SAGAING HILL: Sagaing Hill, located outside Mandalay, is an important religious center. It is home to numerous pagodas and monasteries amongst its hills, and is a highly picturesque and spiritual place to explore. The site is located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, with the buildings spread amongst lush, tropical foliage. Visit a local nunnery, and explore some of the 600 whitewashed pagodas and monasteries.
- BURMA - SHWEDAGON PAGODA: Burma's striking Shwedagon Pagoda has a sparkling golden stupa which can be seen from all over Yangon. It is considered one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Burma. It contains various ancient relics, and you can witness devout locals going about various rituals on their visit. All visitors should remove their shoes before the first step at any of the entrances.
- BURMA - HILLTRIBE EXPERIENCE: Embark on a trek beyond the shores of Inle Lake to visit various hilltribe villages, home to Burma's numerous ethnic minority groups including the Intha and Pa-O people. You can also take in a Shan cooking school, or pay a visit to a local orphanage. Learn more about the different cultures that make Burma home, and gain insights into their traditions and way of life.
Grand tour of Cambodia

Myanmar
- Discover the fading colonial architecture of Yangon
- Spend three nights soaking in the tranquility of Inle Lake
- Discover the iconic temples of Bagan and Mandala
- Visit Golden temples
- Ancient pagodas and artistic heritage
Hidden Wonders of Myanmar
- Sunset At U Bein Bridge
- Explore Temple Town
- The Golden Shwedagon Pagoda
In order to see Travelstride Select deals you must sign in. We’ve negotiated with many of the world’s best travel companies to save you money! Get the best experiences, save up to $700 per person, and be a hero to your travel companions!
We respect your privacy and take great care to protect your information. By joining you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
With FREE membership you:
- Save up to $700 per person!*
- Access private deals and offers
- See personalized trip recommendations
- Save favorite trips
Top Irrawaddy River Attractions & Experiences
Top Irrawaddy River Experiences
Gazing in wonderment at the thousands of colorful temples, pagodas, and monasteries in Bagan (Pagan) that make this a “Buddhist wonderland.”
Taking a hot air balloon ride over Bagan for a bird’s eye view of the temples.
Viewing the world’s largest reclining Buddha in Bagan.
Visiting legendary Mandalay, the last royal capital and center of Buddhist culture.
Spending time in Yangon (formerly Rangoon), where British colonial architecture mixes with ancient Buddhist temples.
Gliding past remote villages and spotting saffron-robed Buddhist monks walking briskly to a temple.
Encountering a pagoda made of solid gold bricks in Minhla.
Being unexpectedly invited into a villager’s modest bamboo house for tea.
13 Irrawaddy River Tour Reviews - Summary 100% Recommend
All Irrawaddy River cruises, tours, and adventure trips. Find the best guided trips and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Average rating of 5.0 for all Irrawaddy River trips.
5 trips from 15 tour companies with 13 reviews
More Irrawaddy River Guided Tours
Now you can find, compare, and share trips from 1,000+ operators and expert trip planners. Unlike most travel agencies and websites that only show options from large companies that pay big commissions, we show you all the options we can gather, and we’re adding more all the time. We want you to have all the available information to find your perfect trip, no matter who it’s with. Whether you’re looking for a short weekend getaway or a multi-country expedition, you can find it on Travelstride. About us.




...to foster a community connecting travelers to wonderful places, people, & experiences. Learn more.
Got itClick to send a new magic link to your inbox.
Welcome back!
By signing in, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
- Bookmark trips you like
- Share with your travel companions
- Track price changes
- Access private discounts on trips you save
TripFinder is a member-only feature. Dont worry, its free!
With a membership you:
- Save up to $700 per person!*
- Access private deals and offers
- See personalized trip recommendations
- Save favorite trips
Just use the email address and password provided in the email we sent.
With your free membership you:
- Save up to $700 per person!*
- Access private deals and offers
- See personalized trip recommendations
- Save favorite trips
By signing in, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Your travel guide dog
I’m on it!