Golden Myanmar & the Alluring Irrawaddy with Inle Lake - Northbound

16 days
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River Cruise
Explore the best of Myanmar, known as “The Golden Land,” on this captivating journey along the Irrawaddy River. Start in Yangon, formerly Rangoon, with a walking tour of the city’s highlights and a visit to stunning Shwedagon Pagoda – considered by many to be the oldest pagoda in the world. Explore some of the most important temples and watch the sunset over ...

Overview

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

Highlights

    • Experience a traditional puppet show

What's this trip about?

    Explore the best of Myanmar, known as “The Golden Land,” on this captivating journey along the Irrawaddy River. Start in Yangon, formerly Rangoon, with a walking tour of the city’s highlights and a visit to stunning Shwedagon Pagoda – considered by many to be the oldest pagoda in the world. Explore some of the most important temples and watch the sunset over the plains of Bagan, one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites. On the Irrawaddy, encounter a tapestry of exotic flavors and partake in memorable interactions with the locals. North of Mandalay, cruise on the most scenic part of the river past lavish shrines, teak forests, and riverside villages lost in time. Tour bustling Mandalay and stop at nearby U Bein Bridge for an unforgettable sampan ride at sunset. See how villagers make candy from the toddy palm tree and take a walking tour through a pottery-making village to see the process from start to end. Present alms, offerings of food, to the monks at a monastery in Kya Hnyat. In Katha, visit a local market and an elephant camp for a ride through the teak forest. Interact with the local school children and visit a fisherman’s home for a glimpse of daily life at the island village of Kyun Daw. Sail through the dramatic second defile with its magnificent cliffs as the river narrows before reaching Bhamo, the northernmost point ships can navigate the river. Relax in the serenity of tranquil freshwater Inle Lake, surrounded by mountains. At this fascinating destination you’ll enjoy an indigenous music and dance performance, an excursion on the lake to view scenes of daily life, and visits to the beautiful floating gardens and a variety of workshops. All this and more awaits you on this incredible adventure!

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeOperator does not provide
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityArrive Yangon
End CityYangon

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Asia

Attractions

  • Andaman Sea
  • Bagan
  • Lake Inle
  • Mandalay
  • Yangon

Activities

  • Culture
  • River cruise

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1

Arrive 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. This morning, take a WALKING TOUR of the city’s famous and historic landmarks, including the High Court, City Hall, Central Railway Station, and Sule Pagoda, built during the time of Buddha. Stop along the way at a LOCAL TEA SHOP for a cup of tea/coffee with t...

Day 3

Yangon–Bagan (Embarkation). Late this morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bagan. Upon arrival, transfer to the port and board the Avalon Myanmar to begin your CRUISE up the Irrawaddy. Get acquainted with the ship before your welcome reception this evening. After dinner, a TRADITIONAL PUPPET SHOW will be presented in one of the lounges. (B,D)

Day 4

Bagan. Today, explore Bagan, capital of Myanmar from the 9th to the 13th centuries. It is estimated that 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. Many of these struct...

Day 5

Shwe Pyi Thar–Cruising. This morning, take a WALKING TOUR through Shwe Pyi Thar, a typical village along the Irrawaddy. Here you will visit a FARMER’S HOME to learn more about daily life and see the locals making palm candy, a sweet and smoky candy, from the sap of th...

Day 6

Sagaing–Amarapura. Relax this morning and take in the sights from one of the ship’s lounges or your suite. In the afternoon, visit Sagaing, an important religious site with countless pagodas dotting the surrounding hillsides. Here, stop to see KAUNGHMUDAW PAGODA with ...

Day 7

Mandalay. This morning, visit a TAPESTRY & WOODCARVING WORKSHOP to learn more about these cottage industries and see the skilled artisans at work. Then, stop at a GOLD LEAF WORKSHOP to see how it is made. Lastly, visit MAHAMUNI PAGODA, the most revered shrine in M...

Day 8

Kyauk Myaung. Today, take a WALKING TOUR through the captivating pottery-making village of Kyauk Myaung. Here you will learn more about the pot-making process and see how they are formed, fired, and glazed. Most interesting is the eye-catching 50-gallon variety, often...

Day 9

Kya Hnyat. This morning, visit the village of Kya Hnyat with its many Buddhist monasteries. Here you will INTERACT WITH THE MONKS at a local monastery. Each morning they don their distinctive saffron-colored robes and walk through the streets to collect alms, offering...

Day 10

Tigyang. Visit the small village of Tigyang for a WALKING TOUR through its narrow lanes and to visit the pagoda and reclining Buddha on a hilltop with stunning views. (B,L,D)

Day 11

Katha. This morning, visit a LOCAL MARKET, where you will see the locals buying and selling fish, meat, produce, and more. Then, journey a short distance outside the city to an ELEPHANT CAMP in the teak forest. Skilled mahouts will show you how they have worked with e...

Day 12

Kyun Daw–Second Defile–Bhamo. This morning, visit the fascinating island village of Kyun Daw, where over 7,000 stupas surround the monastery. Take a WALKING TOUR for memorable encounters with the villagers. Visit a FISHERMAN'S HOME to learn more about daily life here ...

Day 13

Bhamo (Disembarkation)–Heho–Inle Lake. Transfer to the airport and fly to Heho, the gateway to Inle Lake, a tranquil lake surrounded by mountains. Pause at Red Mountain Estate to bask in the beautiful scenery as you enjoy a dinner of authentic fare and wine produced from the vineyards here. Continue to your lakeside resort, where you will spend the next two nights. (B,D)

Day 14

Inle Lake. Today, a fascinating excursion to see scenes of life around the lake. Stilted houses dot the shorelines and the local Intha use the famous one-legged rowing technique to fish and tend their floating gardens of tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergine, and more. These...

Day 15

Inle Lake–Heho–Yangon. Today, transfer to Heho for your flight back to Yangon for an overnight. (B)

Day 16

Yangon. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

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Dates & Availability

Price From $7,149
Price per day$447
Last Updated: 7/16/2018

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

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Tour Operator

Avalon Waterways

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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.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Sule Shangri-La, Yangon Traders Hotel, 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
WBKY|Add Bangkok to Your Vacation WBK|Golden Myanmar & the Alluring Irrawaddy – Northbound
Trip ID
AVALON-WBKE

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