MYANMAR (BURMA) RIVER CRUISES

Golden treasures await you when you enjoy a remarkable river
cruise on the Irrawaddy River through awe-inspiring Myanmar.
"Sgwe" is Burmese for "golden," and that's the opportunity you will enjoy if you're looking for a more adventurous river cruise. Myanmar (previously known as Burma) and cruising the Irrawaddy has only recently opened up to visitors from the west. There's no doubt that a river cruise along the Irrawaddy is for those who crave a more expeditionary-type of river cruise (similar to the Mekong), but with all the creature comforts of a fine floating resort.

There was a recent article in the LA Times Travel Section which implied that travel to Myanmar should not be attempted on your own. Not because of saftey concerns, but for two other reasons. The first, because English is not widely spoken in Myanmar and secondly, because transportation and accommodations for tourist can be a bit minimalist. We provide this to encourage you to realize that the best way to visit this extraordinary destination is on an exciting river cruise through Mynamar.

Another truly important word to be used in connection with Myanmar is 'diversity'.
That’s because the Burmese people are comprised of more than 135 diverse ethnic groups. While there is diversity in its culture, the people of Myanmar are anything but diverse in their religion. Almost 90 percent of them practice a form of Theravada Buddhism, and it is this single religious thread that is credited with keeping them united. Some might also say that it is this profound belief in the practice of Buddhism that has made the Burmese people the friendliest people on earth.

They say that you can never really grasp what unites Myanmar's people without having at least some basic understanding of the Buddhist concepts that are so inter-woven in all aspects of their daily life. Buddhism arrived in Burma around the 3rd-century and while the country is smallish, today there are more than half a million Burmese living as monks and nuns, making this tiny country one of the most religious in the world.

Myanmar is a country that has always conjured up images of the mysterious and exotic.
Though Myanmar has had a somewhat turbulent past, the Irrawaddy River has always been a constant, celebrated by many in song and literature including Rudyard Kipling’s poem, “The Road to Mandalay,” which actually refers to the Irrawaddy, rather than an actual road.

Today, Myanmar is quite a more peaceful place where life and time move at a much different, slower pace. It is a land of immense natural beauty, hidden wonders and the warmest, most genteel people found on earth. After almost 50 years of self-imposed isolation, Myanmar has re-emerged to welcome visitors with open arms and a big, big smile. Enjoying this remarkable country and its wonderful people while cruising the Irrawaddy will undoubtedly be one of your best travel experiences and is a must for your "bucket list."

A cruise along the Irrawaddy incorporates the best of land and water,
providing you with a comprehensive introduction to Myanmar.
With the Himalayas as your back drop, before or after (depending on cruise direction) you’ll enjoy a few days in the capital of Burma, Yangon. Most know Yangon by its other name, the “Garden City” because of the incredible parks and beautiful lakes, and its remarkable tropical flowers. By either name, it is definitely one of the most interesting cities in Asia or the world.

While there, one can explore Kandawgyi Lake, Yangon’s Royal Lake located in a massive 250+ acre park and home to the stone boat — a floating restaurant in the form of a mythical sea creature and covered with real gold. Or, enjoy a more refined view and mingle with the locals in one of the hundreds of local tea houses as you stroll the tree-lined streets and alley ways of this historic and colorful city. You’ll visit the Bogyoke Market, one of the coolest in Asia and shop for everything from gold jewelry to hand-rolled cigars. If you are into gold-adorned temples, visit Shwedagon Pagoda, a 2,500 year-old temple considered the most beautiful religious monument in Myanmar and marvel at the gold, diamonds and other precious stones that adorn it. Last, but by no means least, you’ll be able to explore the beautiful and oft photographed, Reclining Buddha at Chaukhtatgyi Temple. We guarantee you’ve never seen anything like this Buddha as it lies in rest symbolizing the end of life and attainment of Nirvana.

Other truly amazing places and architectural wonders you'll visit on your cruise are Bagan with more than 2,200 sacred structures that exceed the splendor of the temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. We feel these temples, stupas and pagodas may be the most spectacular collection of such buildings in all of Asia.

You’ll also enjoy Mandalay, the last royal capital and the second largest city in Myanmar, and Mt. Popa (a dormant volcano), with its stunning shrine perched on top. As you ascend the 777 steps to the top you'll appreciate the unprecedented 360 degree view of the surrounding countryside (making it well worth the effort to get to the top).

River cruising itineraries in Myanmar.
Depending upon which cruise line you select, the voyages are usually 10-11 days in length; your land stay will usually be from 3-6 days in length. Cruises begin in Yangon, Payay, or Mandalay and most voyages are available in both directions.

Current status of river cruising in Myanmar.
Currently, none of the cruise lines Premier offers (including Pandaw) are sailing on Myanmar's Irrawaddy or Chindwin rivers. If you are interested in finding a river cruise on one of the above rivers, please contact our expert travel planners by phone – or use the "Get A Quick Quote" email option below – and we'll help you find the best cruise line available sailing those rivers.

We know you're eager to start planning your river or small ship cruise vacation! To help you get started, call and speak to a cruise expert at 855.255.1200, toll free, or submit a 'Get A Quick Quote' for a Myanmar (Burma) river cruise — we'll contact you right away to help you select and plan a perfect cruise vacation.

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