the ayeyarwady collection
Transcription
the ayeyarwady collection
THE AYEYARWADY COLLECTION IN SEARCH OF THE EXCEPTIONAL HO CHI MINH CITY GENERAL PUBLISHING HOUSE Heritage Line, a consummate collector of classic ships, designs vessels that evoke the glamor of bygone eras. Each of our ships is unique in its design and inspiration. Every detail is painstakingly recreated to remake history. Authenticity, tradition, artistry and exploration are at the heart of what we do. Join us on a voyage of discovery! ANAWRAHTA The Great King With the largest cabin space on the Ayeyarwady, and the highest crew to passenger ratio, The Anawrahta offers the finest on-board experience in Myanmar. This impressive vessel is named after the founder of the Burmese nation, modern day Myanmar. During his reign, from 1044-1077, he introduced and spread the religion of Theravada Buddhism throughout the land. King Anawrahta was born in 1014. His mother was Myaunk Pyinthe and his father, King Kuhshaw Kyaunghpyu was once the ruler of Pagan. His father was overthrown by his stepbrothers, Kyiso and Sokkate. Anawrahta upon coming of age and learning the betrayal of his father, challenged Sokkate to a duel and won, bringing back the crown to their family. King Anawrahta made Pagan the capital city of Burma, modern day Myanmar, he described it as the “city of a thousand temples” because of the numerous structures, temples and pagodas built around the city. King Anawrahta converted to Theravada Buddhism, the oldest and most traditional school of Buddhism that focuses on “the teaching of the Elders.” Blending the purity and serenity of King Anawrahta’s Buddhist beliefs with the opulence of the British Empire, The Anawrahta is the perfect vessel on which to explore Myanmar’s mighty Ayeyarwady River. Built to resemble a British colonial paddle steamer, the elegant 65-meter/ 214 feet long Anawrahta features three spacious decks and 23 luxurious cabins. With its gleaming white rails, polished lacquer, intricately carved woodwork and shining brass, The Anawrahta takes guests back in time to an era of bygone elegance. Technical figures Built: Port of embarkation: Cruising Area: Vessel’s Registry: Type of Vessel: Length: Beam: Draft: Gross Tonnage: Cruising speed: Electricity: Engines: Generators: Water: AC: Laundry: Internet: Safety: Crew: Accommodation: 4 2015 Yangon / Myanmar, and other Ayeyarwady river ports depending on season Ayeyarwady River and Chindwin River Myanmar River Cruiser 65 meters / 213 feet 14 meters / 45 feet 0.9 meters / 3 feet 650 tons 12 knots 220 Volts 2 Caterpillar 3 Caterpillar Reverse osmosis plant with UV filtration and ozone treatment Centralized air-conditioning system throughout the vessel, individual control in each cabin Full laundry service on board Wifi-internet in public areas, connectivity depending on 3G coverage International safety standard, including smoke and fire alarm system throughout the ship, emergency lighting systems, emergency communication system, evacuation equipment, Defibrillator (AED) on board, crew is trained on first aid 38 crew members, including Cruise manager and English speaking guides 46 Passengers Deck Plan 5 Welcome aboard! Dining and unwinding With just twenty-three artfully designed cabins, the Anawrahta offers plenty of space to unwind. Exclusive, yet friendly, we have the highest crew to passenger ratio on the Ayeyarwady. Whether guests wish to enjoy private moments or socialize, the boat has a variety of memorable venues from which to enjoy and explore this unique river. Kipling’s Bar Set on the Terrace Deck, the Kipling’s Bar is the perfect place to watch the world slip by as you enjoy your favorite wine or cocktail. With its high ceilings, large windows and colonial-style rattan chairs, Kipling’s Bar invites guests to relax and contemplate the passing river life. With colors inspired by local spices, the Kipling’s Bar is a spacious 157-square meters/ 1,690-square feet.. Mandalay Lounge With polished wood floors, comfortable rattan chairs and traditional Burmese decorations, the 162-square meter/ 1,744-square feet Mandalay Lounge has the relaxed feel of a colonial club, at once exclusive and welcoming. Lean back against the burnt-orange cushions and enjoy a good book, or join friends for a nightcap in the lounge’s elegant and exotic ambiance. This elegant venue is located on the Upper Deck. 6 Hintha Hall Restaurant Inspired by the lavish decorations of old Bagan and Mandalay, the Anawrahta’s Hintha Hall Restaurant evokes the elegant dining halls of yesteryear. White tablecloths and gleaming glassware are surrounded by polished wood, intricately-carved floor and ceiling panels and - last but not least - stunning views, framed by large picture windows. With seating for 48, the 141-square meter/ 1,518-square feet Hintha Hall lies on the Terrace Deck. Thaizin Spa The Anawrahta is especially proud of its spa, which offers expert service, locally-inspired treatments and beautiful surroundings. Inspired by Mandalay’s White Hsinbyume Pagoda, the Thaizin Spa features three massage beds, manicure and pedicure stations and a steambath. Superbly trained staff and inspiring views make this the ultimate place to unwind. 7 Staterooms Combining comfort with local artistry Enjoy the comforts you’d expect in a fine resort on land with a waterfront view that’s constantly changing. When building the Anawrahta, we sourced materials, handicrafts and fine arts from the best artisans and artists throughout the country. The private staterooms and public venues showcase the talent of local artists, many of whom employ traditional skills passed down for generations. Deluxe Staterooms (16) The Anawrahta’s sixteen beautifully appointed deluxe rooms are decorated with original handicrafts, locally-carved wood panels and richly-textured fabrics inspired by the brocade of Burma’s ethnic minority groups. Large windows and serene colors inspire total relaxation. Size: 32 square meters / 344 square feet. Suites: Junior Suites (3) Named after some of the most fascinating rivers in Myanmar, the Anawrahta offers three Junior Suites: the Kaladan, the Lenya and the Thandi. Combining dark, regal wood with the bright oranges, saffrons and greens of the floral offerings presented at temples, these suites offer a comfortable seating area and a private balcony from which to enjoy the lush beauty of the Ayeyarwady. Size: 48 square meters / 517 square feet. 8 Executive Suites (2) Located on the Terrace Deck, each of our two Executive Suites is a spacious 59 square meters/ 635 square feet, including an indoor seating area and a private balcony. Polished wood, locally made brocade and artefacts collected in Mandalay, Bagan and Yangon create a relaxing yet exotic ambiance. These suites are named after of Myanmar’s famous rivers, the Chindwin and the Yangon. Size: 59 square meters/635 square feet, including 16.5 square meters/177 square feet of balcony space. Royal Suites (2) The two opulent Royal Suites are named after Anawrahta and his son Kyansitta, considered as two of the most famous monarchs in Burmese history. Equipped with a private terrace and a private Jacuzzi, these stunning suites feature elaborate woodcarvings, fine works of Burmese art, and handmade artefacts commissioned throughout Burma. Size: 86 square meters / 926 square feet, including a terrace of 29 square meters / 312 square feet balcony with a private Jacuzzi 9 Life on board “If you’ve ‘eard the East a-callin’, you won’t never ‘eed naught else. No! You won’t ‘eed nothing else But the spicy garlic smells, An’ the sunshine an’ the palm-trees an’ the tinkly temple-bells, On the road to Mandalay...” -From “The Road to Mandalay”, Rudyard Kipling, 1890 10 While the Anawrahta is the perfect stage, the star of the show is the river. Rising early, you make your way to the sundeck, just as the first rays of gold touch the surface of the Ayeyarwady. A fisherman casts his net, throwing shimmering droplets into the morning light. After enjoying this unforgettable view - and a strong coffee - you are ready to join an openair yoga or tai chi class. Ayeyarwady dolphins. You pass all manner of other craft, from simple fishing canoes to boats crowded with fresh produce, household goods, giggling school children. Villagers come out to wave. Water buffaloes watch you warily. You keep a lookout for the river’s most famous residents, the Sunset finds you and your friends in the Kipling’s Bar enjoying freshlymade cocktails - and freshly inspiring views. As the river turns from blue to violet, you understand Rudyard Kipling’s long-ago nostalgia: “If you’ve ‘eard the East a-callin’, you won’t never ‘need naught else.” When it’s time for lunch you join your fellow guests in the Hintha Hall dining room, where waiters - who now greet you like an old friend - serve tantalizing dishes from throughout Burma. As you learn about the complex cuisine, you understand more about this nation’s cultural diversity. Culinary Local flavors. Fresh, diverse and delicious As well as offering international favourites, the Anawrahta’s chefs take great pride in introducing their guests to the authentic flavours of Burma. Influenced by the cuisines of China, Thailand and India, Burmese food is as diverse as it is delectable. Thanks to its long coastline, seafood plays a prominent role, as do fresh herbs, aromatic spices and both highland and lowland vegetables. A typical Burmese meal involves steamed rice, a fish or meat curry and a light soup. Salads, known as a thoke, are plentiful, as are imaginative condiments. Last but not least, the nation’s Buddhist culture has given rise to mouth-watering vegetarian options. 11 Excursions 12 Itineraries 13 GOLDEN LAND VOYAGE BAGAN - MANDALAY CRUISE: 5 days / 4 nights GOLDEN LAND VOYAGE BAGAN - MANDALAY CRUISE: 5 days / 4 nights DAY 1: BAGAN DAY 3: AVA - MINGUN Welcome on our luxury cruise in Bagan, the ancient capital city of Burma from 1044 to 1287. In the afternoon, visit Bagan by bus to see the bustling Nyaung U market, the gold leafgilded Shwezigon pagoda, and the Wetkyi-in Gubyaukgyi temples. In the evening, enjoy welcome dinner while admiring traditional puppet show. Moor at Bagan. In the morning, we arrive at Ava, the ancient city founded in 1364 by King Thado Minbya. Take a horse cart to visit the magnificent teak monastery Bagaya Kyaung, Menu Okkyaung. In the afternoon, we visit Mingun to see the largest working bell in the world and the unfinished pagoda that is the largest single mass of brick building in the world. We also visit the Mingun Old People’s Home originally established with the assistance of the Ayeyarwady Flotilla Company in the 1930s. This evening, you will see Burmese costume show by our on board staffs. Moor at Mandalay. DAY2: BAGAN - YANDABO Greet the day with Tai Chi exercise on sundeck while we cruise upstream toward the confluence of Ayeyarwady and Chindwin river. After breakfast, enjoy presentation of making Thanaka, the distinctive feature of Burmese women and girls’ make up. Early afternoon, visit Yandabo, the village has no road access to the world. It is famous for the production of terracotta pottery made from river bank mud and you can view the pottery making process at various stages. Yandabo is also famous in Burmese history as the place where the Treaty of Yandabo was signed in 1855 between the Burmese king and the British. In the evening, enjoy presentation of our Exotic Chindwin and Far North Gorges voyages. Moor at Ngazun. Bagan-Yandabo: 48 miles Yandabo-Ngazun: 49 miles Ngazun-Ava: 22 miles Ava-Mandalay: 11 miles DAY 4: MANDALAY In the morning, a coach will take you to Sagaing, a place central to Buddhism in Myanmar with its numerous temples, pagodas, convents and monasteries. The true delight of Sagaing lies in its 1,000 hermitages and sanctuaries, rich in woodcarving and religious art. In the afternoon we tour central Mandalay visiting the Mahamuni Pagoda and Shwe-imbin teak carved monastery. We see tapestry making and other traditional crafts. See the famous U Bein Bridge at sunset before coming back on board. In the evening, indulge yourselves with farewell party while enjoying great Burmese Acrobat performance on board. Moor at Mandalay. DAY 5: MANDALAY DEPARTURE Bid farewell to the crew and disembark in Mandalay. 15 AMAZING AYEYARWADY YANGON - BAGAN CRUISE: 8 days / 7 nights AMAZING AYEYARWADY YANGON - BAGAN CRUISE: 8 days / 7 nights DAY 1: YANGON - DANUPHYU Board our luxury cruise at and enjoy lunch while we start cruising from Yangon toward Bagan through Twante canal. Mid-afternoon, go ashore for a walking tour in Twante town, visit local market and pottery village. Back on board and get prepared for welcome dinner tonight, a great opportunity to meet your new cruise companions. Moor at Danuphyu. Yangon - Twante: 16 miles Twante-Danuphyu: 90 miles DAY 2: DANUPHYU - MYANAUNG Enjoy breakfast before you start your day exploring the remote town of Danuphyu, the little known town with a busy port and bustling markets in the Ayeyarwady Delta. In the First Anglo Burmese War of 1825 the Burmese general Maha-Bandoola was defeated here following a long and near disastrous campaign by the British. Take a trishaw to visit the PilomChenta Pagoda, famous with 399 marble stone steles carving Buddha’s Bible. Then continue to visit a family shop making Burmese cigars. Back on board for lunch and cruise further to Myanaung. Moor at Myanaung for the night. Danuphyu–Myanuang: 101 miles DAY 3: MYANAUNG - PROME Spend your morning relaxing while we cruise toward Prome (Pyay) and enjoy traditional Longyi wearing and Tha Na Ka make-up demonstration on board. Cruise slowly to see A KautTaungcliff carvings. Arrive at Prome, the ancient Burma capital, in early afternoon and start sightseeing by coach. Visit Shwe San Daw Pagoda for Panoramic view of the city. Moor at Prome. Myanuang-Prome: 60 miles DAY 4: PROME - MINHLA In the morning, explore the ancient city Sri Ksetra with its unique cylindrical stone stupas. Before returning to the ship, stop at the ShweMyatMhan Pagoda to see the only bespectacled Buddha in Myanmar. Continue your afternoon explore the quaint Gawaechaung village by ox-cart for firsthand experience of the rural lifestyle along the Ayeyarwady River. Moor near Minh La. Prome-Minhla: 96 miles DAY 5: MINHLA - MAGWE - SALAY In the morning, visit Minhla fort, constructed by the Italians to keep the British at bay from Royal Burma. The square shaped fort was built about in 1864 on the bank of the Ayeyarwady River to crush the enemy vessels which sailed upstream. Continue cruising to Magwe and pass by local market. Then, visit the magnificent Myat-Thalon Pagoda with its solid gold brick-work and many temples and hermitages. Moor at Salay. MinhLa-Magwe: 19 miles Magwe-Salay: 60 miles DAY 6: SALAY - BAGAN Visit Salay in the morning, admiring the Wooden Monastery and an impressive 20-foot Buddha made of straw lacquer. Back on board for lunch and our ship will cruise to Bagan. Enjoy excursion to Bagan, capital city of Burma from 1044 to 1287, visit the most famous Shwezigon Paya, the biggest Temple Dhammayangyi and one of the finest and best-preserved of all Bagan temples, the Ananda (11th century) and the photogenic HtiloMinlo and Thabinnyu. Enjoy dinner together with a traditional Burmese puppet show on the Sun Deck. Moor at Bagan. Salay-Bagan: 30 miles DAY 7: BAGAN Today you can choose one of two early morning optional excursions - a balloon ride over Bagan (at an additional charge) or sunrise meditation at one of the temples. Spend the afternoon on a horsecart for the final visit to the temples of Bagan and enjoying the marvellous sunset, before returning to the ship for a farewell dinner. Moor at Bagan. DAY 8: BAGAN Bid farewell to t he ship crew and disembark in Bagan. 17 AMAZING AYEYARWADY BAGAN - YANGON CRUISE: 8 days / 7 nights AMAZING AYEYARWADY BAGAN - YANGON CRUISE: 8 days / 7 nights DAY 1: BAGAN On arrival at Bagan, transfer to the ship berthed on the Ayeyarwady River. After lunch, join the guide and visit some of the more significant pagodas. Late afternoon your guide takes you to watch the sun setting over a field of glowing pagodas. Dinner and local entertainment on board. Moor at Bagan. DAY 2: BAGAN - SALAY Enjoy excursion to Bagan, capital city of Burma from 1044 to 1287, by horse–cart. Visit the most famous ShwezigonPaya, the biggest Temple Dhammayangyi and one of the finest and bestpreserved of all Bagan temples, the Ananda (11th century), the photogenic Htilo-Minlo and Thabinnyu. Cruise downstream and visit Salay in the afternoon, admiring the Wooden Monastery and an impressive 20-foot Buddha made of straw lacquer. Moor at Salay. Bagan-Salay: 30 miles DAY 3: SALAY - MINHLA Morning cruise to Magwe and stopover local market. Then, visit the magnificent Myat-Thalon Pagoda with its solid gold brick-work and many temples and hermitages. Continue downstream and at late afternoon, visit Minh La fort, the famous Italian built fort constructed to keep the British at bay from Royal Burma. The square shaped fort was built about in 1864 on the bank of the Ayeyarwady River to crush the enemy vessels which sailed upstream. Moor at Minh La. Salay-Magwe: 60 miles Magwe-MinhLa: 19 miles DAY 4: MINHLA - PROME In the morning, explore the quaint Gawaechaung village by ox-cart for first-hand experience of the rural lifestyle along the Ayeyarwady River. In the late afternoon, arrive Prome, the ancient Burma capital. Visit ShweSan Daw Pagoda for panoramic view of the city. Moor at Prome. DAY 5: PROME - MYANAUNG MIDRIVER In the morning, explore the ancient city Sri Ksetra with its unique cylindrical stone stupas. Before returning to the ship, stop at the ShweMyatMhan Pagoda to see the only bespectacled Buddha in Myanmar. Cruise slowly to see AKaut Taung cliff carvings. Prome-Myanaung: 60 miles DAY 6: MYANAUNG - ZALON DANUPHYU Enjoy breakfast before visiting Zalon, a small port. Take a trishaw along the main street, lined with stunning colonial-style wooden houses and large tropical gardens, then come to visit the magnificent Pyi Taw Pyan Pagoda. In the afternoon, arrive at Danuphyu, a little known town with a busy port and bustling markets in the Ayeyarwady Delta. In the First Anglo Burmese War of 1825, the Burmese general Maha-Bandoola was defeated here, following a long and near disastrous campaign by the British. Moor at Danuphyu. Myanaung-Danuphyu: 101 miles DAY 7: DANUPHYU - YANGON Morning relax on board as our ship will cruise to Yangon. Mid-afternoon, go ashore for a walking tour in Twante town, visit local market and potteries village. Back on board and get prepared for farewell dinner tonight. Moor at Yangon. Danuphyu-Twante: 90 miles Twante-Yangon: 16 miles DAY 8: YANGON DEPARTURE Bid farewell to the ship crew and disembark in Yangon. Minhla-Prome: 96 miles 19 EXOTIC CHINDWIN MANDALAY - HOMALIN - BAGAN CRUISE: 12 days / 11 nights EXOTIC CHINDWIN MANDALAY - HOMALIN - BAGAN CRUISE: 12 days / 11 nights DAY 1: MANDALAY - MYINGYAN DAY 4: MAUKKADAW - KALEWA Board our luxury cruise at ShweKyet Yet and enjoy lunch while we start cruising from Mandalay downstream toward Chindwin River confluence, passing picturesque Sagaing Hills with its hermitages and nunneries. A presentation of Burmsese history and culture following up with demonstration of wearing Longi and making up Ta Na Khar. Enjoy our welcome dinner, which is a great opportunity to meet your new cruise companions. Moor at Myingyan. In the morning, explore the town of Maukkadaw and its stunning teak buildings made even more exotic by the surrounding tropical jungle. The cruise continues after lunch through the lush Chindwin gorges, thick jungle and tiny riverside villages, which looks like a forgotten land. Continue cruising to Kalewa, an optional walking tour in the evening. Mandalay-Myingyan: 80 miles DAY 5: KALEWA - MAWLAIK DAY 2: MYINGYAN - MONYWA Enjoy a pleasant sailing from confluence into Chindwin river. In the afternoon, take a sightseeing tour of Monywa and its famed Thanboddhay Pagoda, the walls, of which, are covered with thousands of Buddha images. After that, come and visit the largest Buddha statue in Myanmar at the Bodithaung Pagoda - the statue is 100 meters/328 feet long and 27 meters/88 feet high. Overnight in Monywa. Cruise in the morning then, anchor to visit Mawlaik, the town is only 22 miles from the Indian Border on the Chindwin River. It is a little town with its golf course surrounded by splendid colonial quarters. This was once the British provincial capital of this area in an area rich in teak forests and was mainly settled with the company houses of the Scottish owned and run Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation in the 1920’s and 1930’s. There are many splendid ‘Dak Bungalows’ set around a verdant golf course. Myingyan-Monywa: 59 miles Kalewa-Mawlaik: 38 miles DAY 3: MONYWA - MAUKKADAW DAY 6 : MAWLAIK - SITTAUNG Today we cruise to Moktaw, a simple country town which you can take a walk to explore its workshops, markets and monastery. Back on board and continue to Maukkadaw, a wealthy village on the Chindwin River with large teak wood industry. Relax on board and this morning we cruise to Sittaung. Take a tour to visit Sittaung, the final resting village of a number of IFC steamers scuppered on the Chindwin River in 1942 in an ‘act of denial’ from the advancing Japanese who were a matter of hours behind. It was from here that the survivors of the Japanese invasion marched out to Tamu on the Indian border. Moniwa-Maukkadaw: 86 miles Maukkadaw-Kalewa: 61 miles Mawlaik–Sittaung: 56 miles 21 EXOTIC CHINDWIN MANDALAY - HOMALIN - BAGAN CRUISE: 12 days / 11 nights DAY 7: SITTAUNG - HOMALIN DAY 10: KANI - PAKANGYI Sail from Sittaung to Homalin, a small town closed to the Indian border. It is where the Uyu, a tributary of the Chindwin, flows into the main river and where you can see it changing color as the sand in it carried gold particles and some small gold nuggets. Locals can be seen panning the river in the hope of finding gold. Visit the Buddha Lotus Garden and the market while exploring the town. After breakfast join the excursion to Po Win Taung caves and the Shwe Ba Taung complex where 492 Buddha sandstone chambers are carved into the hillside - an extraordinary feat and one of the highlights of the trip. Cruise toward Bagan, stopping along the way at Pakakgyi to visit the Kaung Taw Gyi Monastery and Sithushin Pagoda. Sittaung-Homalin: 86 miles DAY 11: PAKANGYI - BAGAN DAY 8: HOMALIN - KINDAT Early morning cruise to Bagan and take a tour of this magnificent city, the former capital of Burma from 1044 – 1287. This plain east of the curving Ayeyarwady is one of the most wondrous sights in Myanmar. We visit several of the 3,000 listed monuments, including DhammayazikaPaya, with its amazing view from the terrace, and the biggest temple, Dhammayangyi - both built in the 12th century - and one of the best preserved of all Bagan temples, the 11th-century Ananda. Enjoy farewell dinner with traditional puppet show. Today we cruise downstream Chindwin River, enjoy cooking class on board presented by our head chef. The ethnic minorities of Cambodia have each contributed to the diversity of Burmese cuisine. The Bamars are the most dominant group, but other groups, including the Chin people, also have distinct cuisines. Homalin-Kindat: 136 miles DAY 9:KINDAT - MINGIN - KANI In the morning we cruise toward Mingkin, described as the LuangPrabang of the Chindwin. Visit the MaharMinkyaung Monastery, an extraordinary melange of European and Burmese architecture, in particular the Italian glass used in the windows. Here you can see the ShweSagar Buddha which is one of ten Buddha carved from a single trunk of wood almost a thousand years ago. Carry on to Kyidaung, a typical riverside village and the best place to see local life. Kindat-Mingin: 87 miles Mingin-Kani: 70 miles 22 Kani-Pakangyi: 80 miles Pakangyi-Bagan: 62 miles DAY 12: BAGAN Bid farewell to the crew and disembark in Bagan. IMPRESSIVE GORGES MANDALAY - BHAMO - BAGAN CRUISE: 12 days / 11 nights IMPRESSIVE GORGES MANDALAY - BHAMO - BAGAN CRUISE: 12 days / 11 nights DAY 1: MANDALAY - MINGUN KYAUNGMYAUNG Welcome on board and enjoy lunch while we cast off Mandalay. In early afternoon, we visit Mingun, the world’s largest, unfinished brick pagoda. It also has a 90-ton bell, said to be the largest, undamaged bell in the world. Enjoy welcome dinner with performance of Burmese traditional costumes by our staffs. Katha-Shwegu: 44 miles DAY 5: SHWEGU - BHAMO KyaungMyaung-Tagaung: 75 miles Today, we will cruise from Shwegu toward Bhamo, where the river cuts its way with narrow channel through this most beautiful Gorge with high cliffs and thick forests. Drop anchor and take a tour to Bhamo. The town is one end of a famous old caravan trail into China. Only a track through the mountains, it was centuries old when Marco Polo discovered it in the 13th century…and the route is still in use until today. Explore local market often filled with ethnic tribes such as Kachin, Lisu and Shan. Visit magnificent Theindawgyi Paya pagoda. From here you can also take a small launch to explore the First Gorge of the Ayeyarwady River. Cruise down river and anchor at Shwe Paw. DAY 3: TAGAUNG - KATHA Shwegu-Bhamo: 40 miles Bhamo-ShwePaw: 40 miles Mandalay-Mingun: 6 miles Mingun-KyaungMyaung: 46 miles DAY2 : KYAUNGMYAUNG TAGAUNG After breakfast, visit KyaungMyaung, which is famous for its manufacture of large glazed earthernware pots known as Martaban jars. The biggest of these jars can hold about 105 gallons (over 400 liters). Later we sail past the beautiful island pagoda of Thihadaw toward Tagaung. In the morning, visit Tagaung, the shrine of Bo BoGyi a famous nat, the archaeological area and the fortifications. The ruins of the fort walls and traces of moat are the only remnants of this ancient site. The western wall appears to have washed away by the river. Continue cruising upstream for the rest of the day. Tagaung-Katha: 66 miles 24 employing a technique of throwing and beating. You’ll find many bargains here on hand-carved, wooden gold-panning bowls. DAY6: SHWEPAW - KATHA In the morning, visit picturesque island of Shwe Paw Myanmar and its ancient pagodas. Then continue cruising to visit the riverside village of Mae Dar before cruising downstream toward Katha. ShwePaw-Katha: 44 miles DAY 4: KATHA - SHWEGU DAY 7: KATHA - KYANHNYDAT In the morning, take a trishaw to explore the enchanting colonial town of Katha. Katha is the site of George Orwell’s famous book, “Burmese Days,” A story of what life was like in a remote station during the colonial era. The town is still charming with its teak homes and quaint streets. In the afternoon, take a small boat to visit Shwegu, the village lies at the end of the spectacular second Shwegu features large family potteries making large quantities of unglazed earthenware pots In the morning, take a train to the forest station of Naba and journey into the thick Kachin jungle and teak forests. Back on board and enjoy cruising with a nice riverview. Katha-Naba: 14 miles by train Katha-KyanHnydat: 86 miles IMPRESSIVE GORGES MANDALAY - BHAMO - BAGAN CRUISE: 12 days / 11 nights DAY 8: KYANHNYDAT - MOGOK DAY 10: MANDALAY - BAGAN In the morning, cruise to Thabeitkyin and take a tour to Mogok. Mogok has been famous since ancient times for its gemstones, especially ruby and sapphire, but semi-precious stones such as lapis lazuli, garnet, moonstone, peridot and chrysoberyl are also found. The gems are found in alluvial limestone gravels by means of panning, tunnelling and digging pits by hand. You will travel by road towards Mogok where you will see the forest in which there many rare botanical specimens used for production of essential oils. You will be driven further into a Burmese teak forest to meet working elephants. In the afternoon our ship will sail downstream toward Mandalay. Relax on board while cruising downstream to Bagan. Late morning, we will visit Yandabo, a remote village by river bank. It is famous for the production of terracotta pottery made from river bank mud and you can view the pottery making process at various stages. Yandabo is also famous in Burmese history as the place where the Treaty of Yandabo was signed in 1855 between the Burmese king and the British. KyanHnydat-Thabeitkyin: 30 miles Thabeitkyin-Mandalay: 77 miles DAY 9: MANDALAY Arrive Mandalay in the early morning. After breakfast, take a tour to Ava by horse cart. The ancient city was founded in 1364 by King Thadomin as his capital. Little remains of the old city but it is noted for the MahaAungmyeBonzan Monastery and Mae Nu Oak Kyaung, which are the fine examples of Myanmar masonry, art and architecture. Enjoy lunch at local restaurant then visit the Sagaing Hills. Enjoy the spectacular panoramic views and stop by a convent, Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda and a silversmith. Drive onto Amarapura and visit a textile workshop before visiting the U Bein Bridge, the longest and oldest teakwood bridge in the world, at sunset. Mandalay-Yandabo: 47 miles Yandabo-Bagan: 82 miles DAY 11: BAGAN In the early morning, take a tour to visit magnificent Bagan, the capital city of Burma from 1044 to 1287. This plain east of the curving Ayeyarwady is one of the most wondrous sights in Myanmar. We visit several of the 3,000 listed monuments, including DhammayazikaPaya, with its amazing view from the terrace, and the biggest temple, Dhammayangyi - both built in the 12th century - and one of the best preserved of all Bagan temples, the 11th-century Ananda. Enjoy farewell dinner with traditional puppet show. (Optional Bagan tour in the morning and Mt. Popa in the afternoon) DAY 12: BAGAN Bid farewell to the crew and disembark in Bagan. 25 DEPARTURES 26 DEPARTURES 27 DEPARTURES 28 PRICING 29 Heritage Line Co., Ltd. 68 Street No. 10 - Tran Trong Cung • Tan Thuan Dong Ward (District 7) • Ho Chi Minh City • Vietnam [email protected]