Golden Myanmar & the Alluring Irrawaddy with Inle Lake – Northbound

16 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
Video not provided by operator
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
96%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
River Cruise
Explore the best of Myanmar, known as “The Golden Land,” on this captivating river cruise along the Irrawaddy River. In Yangon, formerly Rangoon, you’ll see the magnificent, gilded Shwedagon Pagoda—considered the oldest pagoda in the world. Bagan, a medieval capital of Myanmar, with thousands of historical structures still standing, is one of the world’s grea...

Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Welcome to Myanmar
    • Walking tour of the city’s landmarks; visit a local tea shop, Chaukhtatgyi, and Shwedagon Pagoda
    • Fly to Bagan; onboard welcome reception; traditional puppet show
    • Watch sunrise from temple; sightseeing including a local market, Shwezigon Pagoda, lacquer workshop, Ananda Temple, Dhammayangyi Temple, and Sulamani Temple; ox cart ride to temple for sunset
    • Walking tour through this typical river village to visit a farmer’s home and see palm candy being made
    • Visit Kaunghmudaw Pagoda, a silversmith workshop, and Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda in Sagaing; visit U Bein Bridge and take a sampan ride at sunset in Amarapura
    • Sightseeing including Mahamuni and Kuthodaw Pagodas, and Shwenandaw Monastery; visit tapestry, woodcarving, and gold-leaf workshops; traditional dance performance
    • Walking tour through a pottery-making village
    • Visit a monastery and present alms to the monks and see their lunch ritual
    • Walking tour through village and walk to hilltop pagoda

What's this trip about?

    Explore the best of Myanmar, known as “The Golden Land,” on this captivating river cruise along the Irrawaddy River. In Yangon, formerly Rangoon, you’ll see the magnificent, gilded Shwedagon Pagoda—considered the oldest pagoda in the world. Bagan, a medieval capital of Myanmar, with thousands of historical structures still standing, is one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites. Visit one of the many spiritual temples at sunrise and a local market selling the unique handicrafts of the region. You’ll be immersed in the unique energy of the people on a walking tour through the village of Shwe Pyi Thar as you interact with locals and see the daily work done at a farmer’s home. In Sagaing, see the stunning Kaunghmudaw Pagoda with its egg-shaped dome and watch a local silversmith at work. Continue this river cruise through traditional lands to the impressive city of Mandalay, where you’ll visit the revered shrine of Mahamuni Pagoda with its impressive gold-leaf Buddha and enjoy a traditional dance by local performers. Your river cruise will conclude in dramatic fashion as you sail along the untouched upper Irrawaddy. Visit remote villages for fascinating interactions including visits with schoolchildren, nuns, monks, and pottery makers. You’ll also pass through the second defile with its magnificent cliffs. This river cruise vacation along the Irrawaddy offers everything from peaceful sailing and alluring scenery to grand, majestic temples and shrines and plenty of interaction with locals to learn and feel a part of the ancient culture. More than just a river cruise—an unforgettable adventure!

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeOperator does not provide
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityYANGON
End CityYANGON Your extension ends with breakfast this morning

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

Attractions

  • Bagan
  • Mandalay
  • Yangon

Activities

  • Culture
  • River cruise

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1

YANGON, MYANMAR Welcome to Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, the country’s largest city and former capital. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 2

YANGON Historic Landmarks, Hot Tea, and Harmonious Living CLASSIC A Guided Walk introduces you to the city’s famous and historic landmarks, including old colonial buildings and Sule Pagoda, built during the time of Buddha. Along the way, stop for a cup of tea or coff...

Day 3

YANGON–BAGAN (EMBARKATION) Beautiful Bagan and Your Suite Ship® Beckon Late in the morning, fly to Bagan. Upon arrival, transfer to the port for embarkation. A welcome reception starts your evening. DISCOVERY After dinner, a traditional Puppet Show will be presented in one of the lounges. OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BAGAN (B,D)

Day 4

BAGAN Temples and Shrines—From Sunrise to Sunset Today, explore Bagan, capital of Myanmar from the 9th to the 13th centuries. During this time over 13,000 temples, monasteries, and pagodas were built in the plains surrounding the city—an area of about 40 square miles...

Day 5

SHWE PYI THAR Rural Life in Myanmar Comes to Life DISCOVERY This morning, partake in a Walking Tour through Shwe Pyi Thar, a typical village along the Irrawaddy. Here, visit a farmer’s home to learn more about daily life and see the locals making palm candy—a sweet a...

Day 6

SAGAING–EXCURSION TO AMARAPURA Relaxation and Revelations Relax this morning and take in the sights from one of the ship’s lounges or from your suite. CLASSIC Take a Guided Excursion this afternoon to visit the important religious site of Sagaing with countless pago...

Day 7

MANDALAY The Golden Tapestries of Mandalay CLASSIC In the morning, visit Local Workshops to see skilled artisans at work making tapestries, woodcarvings, and gold-leaf. Also visit Mahamuni Pagoda to see its impressive gold-leaf Buddha—reported to be covered in six in...

Day 8

KYAUK MYAUNG Glazed and Amazed Join your Local Guide for a longyi and thanaka presentation this morning. DISCOVERY This afternoon, join a Guided Walk through the captivating pottery-making village of Kyauk Myaung to learn more about and see the pottery-making proces...

Day 9

KYA HNYAT Giving Alms and Blessings in Return DISCOVERY Interact with the monks at a Monastery Visit in Kya Hnyat. This is a truly memorable experience as you present alms to the monks and witness their lunch ritual. Join your Local Guide this afternoon and learn more about the popular Burmese tea leaf and ginger salad. AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO TIGYANG (B,L,D)

Day 10

TIGYANG Buddha with a View DISCOVERY Explore the village of Tigyang on a Walking Tour through its narrow lanes and visit the Reclining Buddha on a hilltop with stunning views, OR: ACTIVE Take the normal Walking Tour and add a steep climb to reach the Reclining Buddha. AFTERNOON CRUISE TO KATHA (B,L,D)

Day 11

KATHA Burmese Days & Minority Culture DISCOVERY Start your Guided Sightseeing at the local wet market, where you will see locals buying and selling fish, meat, produce, and more. Next, learn more about life during British rule at the former British Club, featured...

Day 12

KYUN DAW–SECOND DEFILE–BHAMO Engaging Local Encounters DISCOVERY Explore the island village of Kyun Daw, where over 7,000 stupas surround the monastery. Your Guided Excursion includes a visit to a fisherman’s home and a school where you will interact with the childre...

Day 13

BHAMO (DISEMBARKATION)–HEHO–INLE LAKE After breakfast, disembark the ship and explore Bhamo by local trishaw and by foot. Afterward transfer to the airport and fly to Heho, gateway to Inle Lake, a tranquil body of water surrounded by mountains. Pause at Red Mountain E...

Day 14

INLE LAKE Today, join a fascinating Guided Excursion to see scenes of life around the lake. Stilted houses dot the shorelines, and the local Intha people use the famous one-legged rowing technique to fish and tend their floating gardens of tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergi...

Day 15

INLE LAKE–HEHO–YANGON Today, transfer to Heho for your flight back to Yangon for an overnight stay. (B,L,D)

Day 16

YANGON Your extension ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $6,069
Price per day$379
Last Updated: 5/24/2019

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Avalon Waterways.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Avalon Waterways Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
1,503
Great
139
Average
46
Disappointing
16
Terrible
47
Write a Review

Other Avalon Waterways Reviews

B

Bob

Nov 2024

Written on

Magnificent Europe…

We just finished the Magnificent Europe trip on Avalon and it was amazing. Truly a trip to remember. Everything was great, the staff was incredibly attentive, the ex...

C

Colleen Krok

Sep 2024

Written on

Trip of a lifetime

This was my first trip to Europe and my first cruise. I could not have asked for, or wanted anything better....all around. The crew (from housekeeping to food serv...

D

Dylann Lacroix

Sep 2024

Written on

Beds with a view? NOT!

We took Avalon’s Danube Balkan cruise from Serbia to Bulgaria and Romania on the Avalon Passion starting September 6, 2024. Avalon needs to pay for a docking slip a...

Write a Review

Tour Operator

Avalon Waterways

none
View Profile

CRUISING ELEVATED.
Innovative, transformative, original. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and
away from the ordinary. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you in the captain’s seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruise down the world’s most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. One step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and you’ll see how the tides they are a-changin’. 

Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways.

IT DOESN’T GET ANY SUITER.
Enjoy the perfect blend of elegance and ease – where little touches are bold, gestures are grand and the views even grander. There’s a reason our ships are the critics’ darlings and favorites among our most discerning guests. Our boutique-hotel-inspired Panorama Suites feature the industry’s only Open-Air Balconies with the widest-opening windows in cruising and decadent Comfort Collection beds that face the ever-changing scenery.

PACK YOUR PASSIONS.
As you set sail down the world’s most legendary waters, we’ve curated a collection of the most intriguing experiences to immerse yourself in – both on board and off.

SEE MORE THAN THE SEA/
On a typical cruise, you see waves, water and more water. On an Avalon cruise, legendary landmarks and postcard-perfect landscapes are always in view. Dock to discovery takes mere minutes. 

LET’S DISH.
While we naturally present the signature delicacies of the regions you visit, we enrich the gastronomic journey by offering multiple dining venues, bringing unexpected culinary experiences to the table.

What they’re known for
River cruises to classic and exotic destinations with a luxury flair and personalization options.

Associations

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

Accommodation

Sule Shangri-La, Yangon Sule Shangri-La Yangon is centrally located in Yangon. The spacious rooms offer an elegant retreat from the bustling city with a comfortable sitting area and complimentary Wi-Fi access. The hotel also features a fitness center, spa, and outdoor pool. There are two onsite restaurants and if you want a drink stop by the old world Gallery Bar. Yangon Myanmar - Burma 223 Sule Pagoda Road Villa Inle Resort & Spa Villa Inle Resort & Spa sits on the eastern side Inle Lake. The boutique hotel features 27 secluded lakeside villas and is the ideal choice for those seeking a unique experience, away from mass-market tourism. When not exploring the Lake, allow their highly trained spa therapists to pamper you at the "Inle Spa". It's guaranteed to rejuvenate and invigorate mind, body and soul. Inle Lake Myanmar - Burma 11411 Nyaung Shwe

Transportation & Flights

Participation in this tour requires a purchase of additional local flights. ,
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities
WBYQ|Add Bangkok & Inle Lake to Your Vacation WYB|Cruise from Bhamo to Bagan
Additional Information
Trip ID
AVALON-WBY

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >