Burmese Days: Along The Irrawaddy River with Bangkok – Northbound

Highlights

• Welcome to Thailand
• Boat ride on klongs; visit the Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha
• Day at leisure
• Fly to Yangon
• 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
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What's this trip about?

Take a fascinating river cruise along Myanmar’s Irrawaddy River and explore Thailand’s capital city of Bangkok. Along the way meet interesting locals and experience the beauty, culture, and ancient history of their homelands. Begin this Southeast Asia journey in Bangkok, the enchanting capital of Thailand, where you’ll get up close to its most renowned temples, including the Temple of the Reclining Buddha—the oldest and largest of its kind. In Yangon, formerly Rangoon, you’ll see the magnificent, gilded Shwedagon Pagoda—considered the oldest pagoda in the world. Then, fly to Bagan and embark on your river cruise, beginning with Bagan’s exquisite temples and shrines at sunrise and sunset. Immerse yourself in the local culture and artistry of handcrafted textiles, paintings, and carvings. You’ll also visit Sagaing and Shwe Pyi Thar to see revered religious sites with stunning views across the Irrawaddy, and learn about farming traditions passed down through generations. In Mandalay, you’ll come to know and love this gracious culture of art and spiritualism. See the tapestries, woodcarving, and gold-leaf artistry of Buddhist pagodas, and enjoy captivating song and dance performances. Continue on to Amarapura with its famed U Bein Bridge—made of teak wood and a must-see sunset vantage point. Venture further on along your Irrawaddy River cruise to visit villages with revered traditions and remarkable craftsmanship, and spectacular spiritual monuments unlike any other in the world. From Shwe Pyi Thar’s rural life, to the countless pagodas of Sagaing, this Southeast Asia river cruise highlights the history, warmth, and stunning beauty of the creations that remain amid the warm traditions of Myanmar.

Accommodation

Transportation & Flights