Irrawaddy Explorer

Pick – up point: Sule Shangri – La.

You will be transferred from Yangon to Prome (Pyay) – a crucial port of Myanmar transporting goods from the North to the South and vice versa. However, in the past, the town was under the control of the Mon tribe during the Pagan era, then in 1754, it was taken over by the Burmese emperor - Alaungpaya. And in the 1980s, it suffered from the booming of the WW II.

In the afternoon, we pay a visit to Thayekhittaya or known as Sri Ksetra which used to be the Pyay capital from the 5th to 9th century. Here, you will have a chance to visit the outstanding Sri Ksetra Museum where displays a great collection of precious relics such as Hindu deities, silver coins and numerous Buddha statues dating back to the 6th century. 

A welcome party and a quick safety lecture will be provided. 

Today morning, we will take a tuk – tuk drive to Thayet Myo town where you can have many exciting experiences. First, we visit the oldest Burmese golf course and learn more about its fascinating story. Then, proceed to the market to get a glimpse of the local life. After visiting some notable colonial buildings, we return the ship to have lunch.

We will spend this afternoon aboard Irrawaddy Explorer Cruise enjoying the leisure time with the documentary movie of BBC – The Life of the Buddha. 

What is more interesting than exploring the city of Magwe by Trishaws. Then, we will take a short walk to the local market where you can do some shopping and interact with the people. Hop on the vehicle to get to our next stop – Mya Tha Lun Pagoda. Owing to the ideal location on the top of Naguttama Hill, the attraction offers a great view over the city as well as the charming river.   

Afternoon time is perfect for taking part in the interesting activities on board – Longyi wearing and Thanaka applying demonstrations.

Enjoy your last breakfast onboard and disembark at Salay at around 8:00am.

At around 10:30am, embark the ship at Salay to start an incredible voyage. Welcome cocktail and lunch will be served on board. We cruise downstream.

In the afternoon, join in our interesting cookery class with our chef who will show you how to make the delicious tea leaf and ginger salad.

Dinner will be served on board. 

What is more interesting than exploring the city of Magwe by Trishaws. Then, we will take a short walk to the local market where you can do some shopping and interact with the people. Hop on the vehicle to get to our next stop – Mya Tha Lun Pagoda. Owing to the ideal location on the top of Naguttama Hill, the attraction offers a great view over the city as well as the charming 

We spend the whole afternoon sailing. In the meantime, join in our lecture called “Myanmar: Past and Today” (3:30 – 4:30pm) and a Burmese karaoke party (5:30 – 7:00pm).

Today morning, we will take a tuk – tuk drive to Thayet Myo town where you can have many exciting experiences. First, we visit the oldest Burmese golf course and learn more about its fascinating story. Then, proceed to the market to get a glimpse of the local life. After visiting some notable colonial buildings, we return the ship to have lunch.

This afternoon, we spend time exploring Prome (Pyay). This is a crucial port of Myanmar transporting goods from the North to the South and vice versa. However, in the past, the town was under the control of the Mon tribe during the Pagan era, then in 1754, it was taken over by the Burmese emperor - Alaungpaya. And in the 1980s, it suffered from the booming of the WW II.

Next, we pay a visit to Thayekhittaya or known as Sri Ksetra which used to be the Pyay capital from the 5th to 9th century. Here, you will have a chance to visit the outstanding Sri Ksetra Museum where displays a great collection of precious relics such as Hindu deities, silver coins and numerous Buddha statues dating back to the 6th century. 

Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner as we disembark the ship tomorrow morning.

Around 7:30am, say goodbye to the crew and get off the ship. You will be transferred to Yangon and drop off at Sule Shangri – La hotel. 

Cocktail will be served to welcome you after embark the ship in Salay at 10:30 a.m. Enjoy our delicious lunch before exploring Bagan in the afternoon.

Amazing place – amazing memory - are what we can tell about Bagan. It is the place you should not miss when coming to Myanmar. Many years ago, Bagan was the kingdom of the Pagan Empire. Now, it is the center of tourism, art, and archeology in Burma. 

Our first destination today is the enormous Htilominlo. The temple was built as King Htilominlo – one of King Nadaungmya‘s five sons was choosen to be the next crown prince of Pagan. Htilominlo is so famous for the finest plaster carvings which still intact on the arch pediments. 

Whenver you come to Bagan, you can not skip the beautiful temple of Ananda. Built in 1105 CE during King Kyanzittha’s reign, Ananda temple is one of 4 surviving constructions from this era. The building bears a unique architecture with four standing Buddhas facing north, south, east, and west.

Traditional Myanmar Puppet Show will be performed from 9:00PM to 10:00PM.

Bagan viewing tower is definitely a perfect place for our guests to have a wide view of Bagan. Afterwards, it is a suitable time to join in an oxcart ride around the temple plain of Bagan.

In the afternoon, we will have the opportunity to go to a local workshop where the acient lacquerware techniques are still preserved and practised. And after seeing with your own eyes the process of making a lacquer ware, guests will have time to buy some unique souvenirs. 

After that, if you want to admire the architectural design’s prototype in the early 12th century and the illustration of sand paintings carried out by a local artist, let's consider Gubyaukgyi Temple (Great Painted Cave Temple) where boasts multicolor masterpieces as your next destination. However, do not skip the nearby gilded Myazedi Stupa, which offers you unique experience of both linguistic and historical values. It is nothing but an inscription of four languages (Pyu, Mon, Old Burmese, and Pali) about Gubyaukgy, which formed Pyu as a significant influence on the early era of Pagan's culture.

At the end of the day, one memorable moment will stay in our hearts when we have a chance to contemplate the sunset over the pagodas and stupas of Bagan. Then we comeback to our ship.

In the morning, you will be transferred by coach to the local market where a wide range of daily products and traditional handicrafts are sold. You will have a chance to see the everyday bargains and transactions of the locals. And if you are lucky enough, you can see native women balance their purchases on the head. Afterwards, we visit the shimmering Shwezigon pagoda. The construction took a long time to complete spanning from the reign of the first King of Bagan – Anawrahta to his son’s ruling time – King Kyanzittha. Shwezigon Pagoda is said to preserve 2 relics of Gautama Buddha: a bone and a tooth. It also features a golden statue of King Anawrahta and a Chinese emerald Buddha image. Next, we return to the ship to continue cruising. 

Our afternoon excursion will stop at a tranquil Hnaw Kone village. A walking tour around the village will help you to learn more about the local life. People here use bamboo to make handicrafts and build house. Thus, you will have an opportunity to see how they make such a beautiful product.

A cooking class will be arranged on board around 2:00pm – 3:00pm helping you to create the tea leaf and ginger salad.

We will spend this day exploring the pottery village of Yandabo. This place is where the peace treaty of the Anglo – Burmese War was signed on 24 Feb 1826. Yandabo is also famous for the finest pottery products from all over the country. Take a walking tour around the village exploring the life of the people as well as pottery making procedures.

A lecture “Myanmar: Past and Today” will be given around 3:30pm – 4:30pm. And Burmese Karaoke Party will take place around 5:30pm – 7:00pm.  

We will explore the ancient city of Ava this morning. Our transportation will be a romantic horse carriage. Our first stop is the stunning teak monastery Bagaya Kyaung Monastery which was built from 200 years ago. Then, we will visit the 27 meter height Nanmyin watchtower and Yandana Hsemee pagoda complex. 

Afterwards, a motor coach will take us to Sagaing where hundreds of white and golden stupas dotted in the greenery hill. The hill – top Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda will give us a spectacular view over the surroundings. Next, we pay a visit to a nunnery to learn more about the life of the nun here.   

Lunch will be served on board. And then, we will proceed to the former royal capital of Amarapura. After a visit to a silk workshop, we will drive to the magnificent U Bein bridge which is known as the longest teak bridge in the world. We take a boat trip on the lake the bridge crossing through to contemplate the splendid sunset. 

A traditional dance performance will take place around 9:00pm – 10:00pm 

We will spend this whole morning to explore the charms of the ancient city – Mingun. First, we will proceed to contemplate the massive unfinished pagoda built under the reign of King Bodawpaya. At that time, there was a prophecy telling that if the temple was completed, the King would die. You can also see the large crack on the surface of the temple due to the terrible earthquake in 1839. 

Our tour continues to the second largest ringing bell in the world – Mingun Bell. And then, a visit to the bustling local market which is well – known for the pop-up galleries will end this exciting morning excursion. 

In the afternoon, we visit Mandalay – the last royal capital of Burma. Kuthodaw Pagoda and the world’s largest book will be our first stop. Surrounded by 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddha teachings, the gilded Kuthodaw pagoda and its magnificent monuments are the not – to – be – missed attractions in Mandalay. Next, we move to the only remaining construction of the royal capital – the stunning teak monastery Shwe Nan Daw Kyaung. Then, we pay a visit to a gold leaf beating workshop. And finally, Mahamuni Pagoda is a great choice to close the day.

A farewell party will be held on board around 6:30pm – 7:30pm. 

Enjoy your breakfast and leave the ship around 8:00am at Gawein Jetty.

Embark on the ship at noon and then, a delicious lunch will follow.

Our afternoon trip will take you to Kuthodaw Pagoda to contemplate its beauty and the surrounding 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddha teachings (also known as the world’s biggest book). And then, move to the intricate wooden architecture of Shwenandaw Monastery which is the only surviving construction of the Royal Palace. Our next stop is a gold leaf beating workshop where you can learn about the procedures and see the final product that they put on the Buddha statue. Last but not least, we pay a visit to the outstanding Mahamuni Pagoda where contains the precious golden Buddha - like image. 

Our crew will provide you with a briefing about safety and orientation around 2:00 and 2:30pm. Then, a welcome party will begin at 6:30 pm. 

We will spend this whole morning to explore the charms of the ancient city – Mingun. First, we will proceed to contemplate the massive unfinished pagoda built under the reign of King Bodawpaya. At that time, there was a prophecy telling that if the temple was completed, the King would die. You can also see the large crack on the surface of the temple due to the terrible earthquake in 1839. 

Our tour continues to the second largest ringing bell in the world – Mingun Bell. And then, a visit to the bustling local market which is well – known for the pop-up galleries will end this exciting morning excursion. 

You will be transferred by coach to the ancient city of Amarapura. After a visit to a silk workshop, we will drive to the magnificent U Bein bridge which is known as the longest teak bridge in the world. We take a boat trip on the lake the bridge crossing through to contemplate the splendid sunset. 

Enjoy the traditional dance on board.

A coach will take us to Sagaing where hundreds of white and golden stupas dotted in the greenery hill. The hill – top Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda will give us a spectacular view over the surroundings. Next, we pay a visit to a nunnery to learn more about the life of the nun here.   

Afterwards, we will explore the ancient city of Ava. Our transportation will be a romantic horse carriage. Our first stop is the stunning teak monastery Bagaya Kyaung Monastery which was built from 200 years ago. Then, we will visit the 27 meter height Nanmyin watchtower and Yandana Hsemee pagoda complex. 

Take part in our interesting demonstration of Longyi (sarong) wearing and Thanka (natural cosmetic) applying (4:00pm – 5:00pm).

We will spend this day exploring the pottery village of Yandabo. This place is where the peace treaty of the Anglo – Burmese War was signed on 24 Feb 1826. Yandabo is also famous for the finest pottery products from all over the country. Take a walking tour around the village exploring the life of the people as well as pottery making procedures.

Our afternoon excursion will stop at a tranquil Hnaw Kone village. A walking tour around the village will help you to learn more about the local life. People here use bamboo to make handicrafts and build house. Thus, you will have an opportunity to see how they make such a beautiful product.

A documentary movie of BBC – The Life of the Buddha will be shown on board (4:00pm – 5:00pm)

The first thing we will do this morning is proceed to the Bagan viewing tower to catch the spectacular view of the temple plain. And then, we take a horse carriage for a short ride around the key sites of Bagan.

In the afternoon, we will join in an interesting excursion in the temple plain of Bagan to explore its key sites. Start with a visit to the magnificent Htilominlo temple where King Htilominlo was chosen to be the King of Pagan. It is well – known for not only the spectacular mural paintings on the ceiling but also for the marvelous plaster carvings on the arch pediments. Then, let’s move on to Ananda Temple which is considered as one of the most magnificent architectures in the archaeological zone. Constructed in 1105 CE under the reign of King Kyanzittha, Ananda stupa is one of the only 4 surviving buildings from this era. Coming here, you will have a chance to see 4 impressive Buddha images facing 4 directions – East, West, South and North.    

An interesting puppet show will be perform on board from 9:00 to 10:00pm.

In the morning, you will be transferred by coach to the local market where a wide range of daily products and traditional handicrafts are sold. You will have a chance to see the everyday bargains and transactions of the locals. And if you are lucky enough, you can see native women balance their purchases on the head. Afterwards, we visit the shimmering Shwezigon pagoda. The construction took a long time to complete spanning from the reign of the first King of Bagan – Anawrahta to his son’s ruling time – King Kyanzittha. Shwezigon Pagoda is said to preserve 2 relics of Gautama Buddha: a bone and a tooth. It also features a golden statue of King Anawrahta and a Chinese emerald Buddha image. Next, we return to the ship to continue cruising. 

After enjoying your lunch, our afternoon excursion begins with a visit to a laccquerware workshop. Nowadays, the traditional techniques are still in use so that guests can enjoy the fascinating making process of laccquerware. And after that, you can do some shopping here. 

Gubyaukgyi Temple, also known as the Great Painted Cave Temple, is our next stop. The site contains a great number of mural paintings which is said to exist from the construction’s time of the building in the early 12th century. Furthermore, you can also see a local artist making a sand painting. 

Next, we explore the nearby Myazedi Stupa where bears the high values of linguistics and history.  There is an inscription sanctifying “Gubyaukgyi” in 4 languages: Pyu, Mon, Old Burmese and Pali which stated that Pyu had a great influence on the cultural in the early Pagan era.

When the day comes to an end, we move to the Bagan Viewing Hill to enjoy the magical sunset moment over the temple plain before re – boarding on the ship.

After breakfast, we go ashore at Salay at 8:00AM.

Embark on the ship at noon and then, a delicious lunch will follow.

Our afternoon trip will take you to Kuthodaw Pagoda to contemplate its beauty and the surrounding 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddha teachings (also known as the world’s biggest book). And then, move to the intricate wooden architecture of Shwenandaw Monastery which is the only surviving construction of the Royal Palace. Our next stop is a gold leaf beating workshop where you can learn about the procedures and see the final product that they put on the Buddha statue. Last but not least, we pay a visit to the outstanding Mahamuni Pagoda where contains the precious golden Buddha - like image. 

Our crew will provide you with a briefing about safety and orientation around 2:00 and 2:30pm. Then, a welcome party will begin at 6:30 pm. 

We will spend this whole morning to explore the charms of the ancient city – Mingun. First, we will proceed to contemplate the massive unfinished pagoda built under the reign of King Bodawpaya. At that time, there was a prophecy telling that if the temple was completed, the King would die. You can also see the large crack on the surface of the temple due to the terrible earthquake in 1839. 

Our tour continues to the second largest ringing bell in the world – Mingun Bell. And then, a visit to the bustling local market which is well – known for the pop-up galleries will end this exciting morning excursion. 

You will be transferred by coach to the ancient city of Amarapura. After a visit to a silk workshop, we will drive to the magnificent U Bein bridge which is known as the longest teak bridge in the world. We take a boat trip on the lake the bridge crossing through to contemplate the splendid sunset. 

Enjoy the traditional dance on board.

A coach will take us to Sagaing where hundreds of white and golden stupas dotted in the greenery hill. The hill – top Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda will give us a spectacular view over the surroundings. Next, we pay a visit to a nunnery to learn more about the life of the nun here.   

Afterwards, we will explore the ancient city of Ava. Our transportation will be a romantic horse carriage. Our first stop is the stunning teak monastery Bagaya Kyaung Monastery which was built from 200 years ago. Then, we will visit the 27 meter height Nanmyin watchtower and Yandana Hsemee pagoda complex. 

Take part in our interesting demonstration of Longyi (sarong) wearing and Thanka (natural cosmetic) applying (4:00pm – 5:00pm).

We will spend this day exploring the pottery village of Yandabo. This place is where the peace treaty of the Anglo – Burmese War was signed on 24 Feb 1826. Yandabo is also famous for the finest pottery products from all over the country. Take a walking tour around the village exploring the life of the people as well as pottery making procedures.

Our afternoon excursion will stop at a tranquil Hnaw Kone village. A walking tour around the village will help you to learn more about the local life. People here use bamboo to make handicrafts and build house. Thus, you will have an opportunity to see how they make such a beautiful product.

A documentary movie of BBC – The Life of the Buddha will be shown on board (4:00pm – 5:00pm)

The first thing we will do this morning is proceed to the Bagan viewing tower to catch the spectacular view of the temple plain. And then, we take a horse carriage for a short ride around the key sites of Bagan.

In the afternoon, we will join in an interesting excursion in the temple plain of Bagan to explore its key sites. Start with a visit to the magnificent Htilominlo temple where King Htilominlo was chosen to be the King of Pagan. It is well – known for not only the spectacular mural paintings on the ceiling but also for the marvelous plaster carvings on the arch pediments. Then, let’s move on to Ananda Temple which is considered as one of the most magnificent architectures in the archaeological zone. Constructed in 1105 CE under the reign of King Kyanzittha, Ananda stupa is one of the only 4 surviving buildings from this era. Coming here, you will have a chance to see 4 impressive Buddha images facing 4 directions – East, West, South and North.    

An interesting puppet show will be perform on board from 9:00 to 10:00pm.

In the morning, you will be transferred by coach to the local market where a wide range of daily products and traditional handicrafts are sold. You will have a chance to see the everyday bargains and transactions of the locals. And if you are lucky enough, you can see native women balance their purchases on the head. Afterwards, we visit the shimmering Shwezigon pagoda. The construction took a long time to complete spanning from the reign of the first King of Bagan – Anawrahta to his son’s ruling time – King Kyanzittha. Shwezigon Pagoda is said to preserve 2 relics of Gautama Buddha: a bone and a tooth. It also features a golden statue of King Anawrahta and a Chinese emerald Buddha image. Next, we return to the ship to continue cruising. 

After enjoying your lunch, our afternoon excursion begins with a visit to a laccquerware workshop. Nowadays, the traditional techniques are still in use so that guests can enjoy the fascinating making process of laccquerware. And after that, you can do some shopping here. 

Gubyaukgyi Temple, also known as the Great Painted Cave Temple, is our next stop. The site contains a great number of mural paintings which is said to exist from the construction’s time of the building in the early 12th century. Furthermore, you can also see a local artist making a sand painting. 

Next, we explore the nearby Myazedi Stupa where bears the high values of linguistics and history.  There is an inscription sanctifying “Gubyaukgyi” in 4 languages: Pyu, Mon, Old Burmese and Pali which stated that Pyu had a great influence on the cultural in the early Pagan era.

When the day comes to an end, we move to the Bagan Viewing Hill to enjoy the magical sunset moment over the temple plain before re – boarding on the ship.

We will take a walking tour around Salay this morning. The town is established in the 13th century featuring a number of stupas constructed in Bagan architecture, elegant colonial buildings and stunning monasteries finished in the 19th century. Salay House is our first stop. It is restored from a 1906 colonial structure of a trading company located on the bank of Irrawaddy River. Next, we walk through the main street of the town – Strand Street to get to a local market. And then, pay a visit to the gorgeous Yoke Soun Kyaung Taw Gyi wood monastery. This construction models after the Crown Prince House of Mandalay where now exhibits the splendid collection of woodworks and artifacts.

Afterwards, we visit Mann Paya to contemplate the outstanding Buddha image made of lacquerware. And before re – boarding on the ship, we will stroll through some charming Salay’ colonial architectures.  

Join in our interesting activities showing how make tea leaf and ginger salad (3:30 – 4:00pm) 

What is more interesting than exploring the city of Magwe by Trishaws. Then, we will take a short walk to the local market where you can do some shopping and interact with the people. Hop on the vehicle to get to our next stop – Mya Tha Lun Pagoda. Owing to the ideal location on the top of Naguttama Hill, the attraction offers a great view over the city as well as the charming river.   

We spend the whole afternoon sailing. In the meantime, join in our lecture called “Myanmar: Past and Today” (3:30 – 4:30pm) and a Burmese karaoke party (5:30 – 7:00pm).

Today morning, we will take a tuk – tuk drive to Thayet Myo town where you can have many exciting experiences. First, we visit the oldest Burmese golf course and learn more about its fascinating story. Then, proceed to the market to get a glimpse of the local life. After visiting some notable colonial buildings, we return the ship to have lunch.

In the afternoon, we pay a visit to Prome (Pyay) – a crucial port of Myanmar transporting goods from the North to the South and vice versa. However, in the past, the town was under the control of the Mon tribe during the Pagan era, then in 1754, it was taken over by the Burmese emperor - Alaungpaya. And in the 1980s, it suffered from the booming of the WW II.

Next, a short drive will take us to Thayekhittaya or known as Sri Ksetra which used to be the Pyay capital from the 5th to 9th century. Here, you will have a chance to visit the outstanding Sri Ksetra Museum where displays a great collection of precious relics such as Hindu deities, silver coins and numerous Buddha statues dating back to the 6th century. 

A farewell party will be thrown.

Around 7:15 to 7:30am, disembark from the ship and you will be transferred to Yangon to our meeting point Sule Shangri – La hotel.

Pick – up point: Sule Shangri – La.

You will be transferred from Yangon to Prome (Pyay) – a crucial port of Myanmar transporting goods from the North to the South and vice versa. However, in the past, the town was under the control of the Mon tribe during the Pagan era, then in 1754, it was taken over by the Burmese emperor - Alaungpaya. And in the 1980s, it suffered from the booming of the WW II.

In the afternoon, we pay a visit to Thayekhittaya or known as Sri Ksetra which used to be the Pyay capital from the 5th to 9th century. Here, you will have a chance to visit the outstanding Sri Ksetra Museum where displays a great collection of precious relics such as Hindu deities, silver coins and numerous Buddha statues dating back to the 6th century. 

Embark on the Irrawaddy Explorer Cruise. You will be welcome with some refreshments and a quick safety lecture will be provided. 

Today morning, we will take a tuk – tuk drive to Thayet Myo town where you can have many exciting experiences. First, we visit the oldest Burmese golf course and learn more about its fascinating story. Then, proceed to the market to get a glimpse of the local life. After visiting some notable colonial buildings, we return the ship to have lunch.

We will spend this afternoon aboard Irrawaddy Explorer Cruise enjoying the leisure time with the documentary movie of BBC – The Life of the Buddha. 

What is more interesting than exploring the city of Magwe by Trishaws. Then, we will take a short walk to the local market where you can do some shopping and interact with the people. Hop on the vehicle to get to our next stop – Mya Tha Lun Pagoda. Owing to the ideal location on the top of Naguttama Hill, the attraction offers a great view over the city as well as the charming river.   

Afternoon time is perfect for taking part in the interesting activities on board – Longyi wearing and Thanaka applying demonstrations.

We will take a walking tour around Salay this morning. The town is established in the 13th century featuring a number of stupas constructed in Bagan architecture, elegant colonial buildings and stunning monasteries finished in the 19th century. Salay House is our first stop. It is restored from a 1906 colonial structure of a trading company located on the bank of Irrawaddy River. Next, we walk through the main street of the town – Strand Street to get to a local market. And then, pay a visit to the gorgeous Yoke Soun Kyaung Taw Gyi wood monastery. This construction models after the Crown Prince House of Mandalay where now exhibits the splendid collection of woodworks and artifacts.

Afterwards, we visit Mann Paya to contemplate the outstanding Buddha image made of lacquerware. And before re – boarding on the ship, we will stroll through some charming Salay’ colonial architectures.  

In the afternoon, we will join in an interesting excursion in the temple plain of Bagan to explore its key sites. Start with a visit to the magnificent Htilominlo temple where King Htilominlo was chosen to be the King of Pagan. It is well – known for not only the spectacular mural paintings on the ceiling but also for the marvelous plaster carvings on the arch pediments. Then, let’s move on to Ananda Temple which is considered as one of the most magnificent architectures in the archaeological zone. Constructed in 1105 CE under the reign of King Kyanzittha, Ananda stupa is one of the only 4 surviving buildings from this era. Coming here, you will have a chance to see 4 impressive Buddha images facing 4 directions – East, West, South and North.    

Back to the ship for dinner that will followed by an exhilarating Burmese puppet show.

Today morning, prepare to be amaze by the breath – taking view of the temple plain when we take you to a viewing tower in Bagan. Afterwards, an interesting oxcart ride around the ancient capital is waiting for us.   

After enjoying your lunch, our afternoon excursion begins with a visit to a laccquerware workshop. Nowadays, the traditional techniques are still in use so that guests can enjoy the fascinating making process of laccquerware. And after that, you can do some shopping here. 

Gubyaukgyi Temple, also known as the Great Painted Cave Temple, is our next stop. The site contains a great number of mural paintings which is said to exist from the construction’s time of the building in the early 12th century. Furthermore, you can also see a local artist making a sand painting. 

Next, we explore the nearby Myazedi Stupa where bears the high values of linguistics and history.  There is an inscription sanctifying “Gubyaukgyi” in 4 languages: Pyu, Mon, Old Burmese and Pali which stated that Pyu had a great influence on the cultural in the early Pagan era.

When the day comes to an end, we move to the Bagan Viewing Hill to enjoy the magical sunset moment over the temple plain before re – boarding on the ship.

In the morning, you will be transferred by coach to the local market where a wide range of daily products and traditional handicrafts are sold. You will have a chance to see the everyday bargains and transactions of the locals. And if you are lucky enough, you can see native women balance their purchases on the head. Afterwards, we visit the shimmering Shwezigon pagoda. The construction took a long time to complete spanning from the reign of the first King of Bagan – Anawrahta to his son’s ruling time – King Kyanzittha. Shwezigon Pagoda is said to preserve 2 relics of Gautama Buddha: a bone and a tooth. It also features a golden statue of King Anawrahta and a Chinese emerald Buddha image. Next, we return to the ship to continue cruising. 

Our afternoon excursion will stop at a tranquil Hnaw Kone village. A walking tour around the village will help you to learn more about the local life. People here use bamboo to make handicrafts and build house. Thus, you will have an opportunity to see how they make such a beautiful product.

A cooking class will be arranged on board around 2:00pm – 3:00pm helping you to create the tea leaf and ginger salad.

We will spend this day exploring the pottery village of Yandabo. This place is where the peace treaty of the Anglo – Burmese War was signed on 24 Feb 1826. Yandabo is also famous for the finest pottery products from all over the country. Take a walking tour around the village exploring the life of the people as well as pottery making procedures.

A lecture “Myanmar: Past and Today” will be given around 3:30pm – 4:30pm. And Burmese Karaoke Party will take place around 5:30pm – 7:00pm.

We will explore the ancient city of Ava this morning. Our transportation will be a romantic horse carriage. Our first stop is the stunning teak monastery Bagaya Kyaung Monastery which was built from 200 years ago. Then, we will visit the 27 meter height Nanmyin watchtower and Yandana Hsemee pagoda complex. 

Afterwards, a motor coach will take us to Sagaing where hundreds of white and golden stupas dotted in the greenery hill. The hill – top Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda will give us a spectacular view over the surroundings. Next, we pay a visit to a nunnery to learn more about the life of the nun here.   

Lunch will be served on board. And then, we will proceed to the former royal capital of Amarapura. After a visit to a silk workshop, we will drive to the magnificent U Bein bridge which is known as the longest teak bridge in the world. We take a boat trip on the lake the bridge crossing through to contemplate the splendid sunset. 

A traditional dance performance will take place around 9:00pm – 10:00pm 

We will spend this whole morning to explore the charms of the ancient city – Mingun. First, we will proceed to contemplate the massive unfinished pagoda built under the reign of King Bodawpaya. At that time, there was a prophecy telling that if the temple was completed, the King would die. You can also see the large crack on the surface of the temple due to the terrible earthquake in 1839. 

Our tour continues to the second largest ringing bell in the world – Mingun Bell. And then, a visit to the bustling local market which is well – known for the pop-up galleries will end this exciting morning excursion. 

In the afternoon, we visit Mandalay – the last royal capital of Burma. Kuthodaw Pagoda and the world’s largest book will be our first stop. Surrounded by 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddha teachings, the gilded Kuthodaw pagoda and its magnificent monuments are the not – to – be – missed attractions in Mandalay. Next, we move to the only remaining construction of the royal capital – the stunning teak monastery Shwe Nan Daw Kyaung. Then, we pay a visit to a gold leaf beating workshop. And finally, Mahamuni Pagoda is a great choice to close the day.

A farewell party will be held on board around 6:30pm – 7:30pm. 

Enjoy your breakfast and leave the ship around 8:00am at Gawein Jetty.