Day 1: Yangon-Mandalay-Mingun
Board the Road To Mandalay berthed on the Ayeyarwady River opposite the Sagaing Hills studded with numerous white pagodas. The ship sets sail on its voyage to northern Myanmar through the unique gorges that characterise this stretch of the river. At Mingun you visit the world's largest brick-built pagoda and uncracked bell. In the evening, a welcome dinner allows you to get to know your fellow travellers.
Day 2: Mingun - Nwe Nyein
The ship makes an early start entering the first of three gorges around midday. Anchor off Nwe Nyein for a walking tour and to see traditional clay pot sculpting. Later, sail past the picturesque island pagoda of Thihadaw before enjoying a cocktail party on the Top Deck.
Day 3: Kyan Hnyat - Katha An early morning stroll around the delightful village of Kyan Hnyat where school children greet you and the morning market bustles with activity. Sailing north, vast stretches of the river spread out before you with interesting rural villages dotted on its shores. As the sun sets, the ship anchors south of the old market town of Katha, famous as the site where the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company scuttled its fleet in 1942. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board.
Day 4: Katha - Shwegu Visit Katha by trishaw in the early morning and visit the market place made famous by George Orwell in "Burmese Days". Back on board the ship continues its journey north through the expansive scenery, with the distant mountains marking the second defile coming into view in the afternoon. The ship anchors off the splendid island pagoda of Shwe Paw, just north of the town of Shwegu. Boats will take you ashore to explore the ancient site. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board.
Day 5: Zinbon - Bhamo This morning the ship passes through the splendid second gorge with its green-clad mountains reaching down to the narrowing channel. Sail past logging camps and the old colonial village of Zinbon towards the challenging first gorge. Visit the serene Thein Pa Taung Meditation centre, home to many of Myanmar's monks and nuns. The ship sails as far north as possible and then turns around to drop anchor off Bhamo where you may take a stroll and meet the locals. The scenery in this unspoilt area is spectacular.
Day 6: Bhamo - Katha
Morning visit to Bhamo, barely 50 miles from the Chinese border in the foothills of Yunnan. Local transport carries you into the countryside, past paddy fields and towards the mountains before returning to the ship for an early afternoon departure. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board.
Day 7: Katha - Kyan Hnyat
In the early morning, board the train to the forest station of Naba and experience a journey into thick Kachin jungle and teak forests. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon's sailing as the ship makes its way for Kyan Hnayt. Finish off the day with a few cocktails on Top Deck and dinner in the restaurant.
Day 8: Kyan Hnyat - Mogok
This morning the ship anchors off Thabeikkyin where you will take the road that winds towards Mogok past a forestry reserve where many precious botanical specimens are grown for their essential oils. Meet working elephants in the Burmese teak forest before returning to the ship to head south again.
Day 9: Mandalay
Mandalay comes into view early morning. Disembark for a varied tour of Burma's second city, including lunch at a local restaurant. Rejoin the ship at the quaint Burmese village of Shwe Kyet Yet and enjoy a tribal dance display in the evening. Breakfast and dinner on board.
Day 10: Bagan
The ship sets sail early morning for Bagan. Along the way you see many villages with women doing the household chores by the river and waving children. Witness sunset over the marvellous Bagan plain to whet your appetite for tomorrow's tours. Traditional Bagan artists perform for you this evening.
Day 11: Bagan - Mt Popa On your final day, visit the ancient sites in and around Bagan with the experienced guide. The afternoon brings an optional tour to Mount Popa, legendary sacred home of the Nats, with its impressive summit monastery or take a horse-drawn cart or bicycle to explore on your own. Celebrate your final evening onboard at a cocktail party on the Top Deck and say goodbye to your new friends during the Farewell Dinner.
Day 12: Yangon
An early departure this morning to Bagan airport for your flight to Yangon.
Three extension choices to an itinerary on board the Road to Mandalay
Yangon - 2 nights
An exceptional opportunity to explore lesser-known sights in this colourful, mysterious and endlessly fascinating city. Discover the traditional way in which the 5.4 million people of Yangon - Burma's major economic centre - work, worship and pursue their daily lives.
Day 1 Your international flight arrives in Yangon International Airport and be transferred to your chosen hotel for two nights. Our preferred hotel in Yangon is The Governor's Residence - set within lotus gardens this hotel is an imposing teak mansion dating from the 1920s set within the elegant Embassy Quarter close to the spectacular Shwedagon Pagoda. Guest rooms and suites are luxuriously decorated with teak furniture, tropical cottons and silks. Begin your visit witht he key sights of Yangon's city centre with its magical colonial buildings, including the Sule Pagoda which dominates the downtown area and is said to enshrine a hair of Buddha in a golden cask. Your guide will accompany you on a short walk by Kandawgyi lake, the perfect place to take pictures of the Shwedagon pagoda. End your day by enjoying the sunset at Yangon's spectacular Buddhist centrepiece, the Shwedagon Pagoda. Dinner at leisure either at your hotel or in one of the many restaurants in Yangon.
Day 2 After breakfast at the hotel, the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. We will be happy to arrange a half or full day sightseeing programme to suit your interests. Some of our day tour programmes offer the opportunity to see the countryside around Yangon, stopping at Syriam and its pagoda set on a small island in the middle of the river or Bago, Burma's ancient capital. Lunch and dinner by your own arrangement.
Day 3 After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Yangon's International Airport for your domestic flight to The Road to Mandalay which berths on the Ayeyarwady River.
After completing your cruise and returning back to Yangon and depending on your international flight departure from Yangon, you will be taken either to the airport hotel for light refreshments or to Traders Hotel for lunch and use of a day room/leisure facilities at the hotel. Our staff will advise you accordingly during your stay.
Inle Lake - 3 nights
This exquisite stretch of water is know for its calm beauty, colourful festivals and the ancient traditions of its inhabitants. Just a short plane ride away from Yangon, you can witness for yourself this unique wetland environment often referred to "floating gardens".
Day 1 Your domestic flight arrives at Heho Airport where you will then be transferred to Nyaungshwe on the edge of Inle Lake, stopping on the way to visit Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery. Board your own local boat to take you to your hotel. Our preferred hotel is the Inle Princess Resort. Its cluster of traditional wooden chalets set on stilts among reeds and only accessible by boat. The Resort is surrounded by calm waters, lush paddy fields and distant mountains make it the ideal place to get away from it all. In the afternoon enjoy an excursion to the picturesque ruins of Indaing on the west bank; this is the ideal time of day to experience this magical spot.
Day 2 Enjoy an unforgettable full day boat trip on Inle Lake - a photographer's dream. Witness its calm waters dotted with floating vegetation and fishing canoes, to scenic high hills providing the perfect backdrop. See the lake's unique "leg rowers" - the Intha people. Continue by boat to visit Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery, one of the lake's most historic religious buildings, famous for its "jumping cats" and see silk weaving on wooden handlooms. Visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the holiest religious site in southern Shan State and other places of interest as time allows.
Day 3 Leave your hotel in the morning by boat, followed by a transfer through pine-clad hills to Taunggyi, capital of Southern Shan State and a former British hill station. Visit the local market (where minority people sell their produce) and visit at a cheroot factory. A couple of hours from Taunggyi on bumpy dirt roads, discover the long lost ruins of Kak Ku in countryside inhabited by the Pa O people and their beliefs that the original pagoda was built on this site some 2,000 years ago. Unfortunately Kak Ku is in need of restoration but this is part of its charm. On your way back, visit one of the many Pa O villages near Kak Ku and a large monastery. Transfer back to Nyaung Shwe where you board your boat to return to your hotel.
Day 4 In the morning, transfer from Lake Inle to Heho Airport for your onward domestic flight.
Ngapali - 3 nights
Relax beneath tropical trees and enjoy the beautiful beaches that line Burma's pristine coast at Ngapali resort. The site is totally unspoilt, the sea and the beach are unforgettable. It is a perfect and unique place to end your trip to Myanmar and relax in the sun.
Day 1 Disembark Road to Mandalay and on your domestic flight arrive at Thandwe. On arrival, you will be transferred to our preferred hotel in Ngapali the Sandoway Beach Resort. Nestled amongst coconut palms directly situated on Ngapali Beach, this luxurious resort consists of Villas and Cottages scattered throughout the 6 acres of 450 metres long beach frontage and tropical gardens. Each cottage has a lounge area with patio, a large bathroom with shower and dressing area. The upper floor consists of a bedroom cooled by sea breezes, with additional lounger. The resort has a bar and restaurant offering an international menu to suit most tastes with views of the magnificent unspoilt sandy beach. Truly an ideal holiday hideaway for anyone looking for tranquility and relaxation from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Day 2 At leisure.
Day 3 At leisure.
Day 4 Transfer back to Thandwe airport for your onward flight.
Situated directly on the Bay of Bengal, this deluxe resort offers two storey cottages surrounded by lush vegetation.
* Ports of call may vary based on itinerary and departure dates selected
CRUISE PRICE
Governors
State
Deluxe
Superior
Single
Suite
Cabin
Cabin
Cabin
Cabin
2011 Price (AUS)
AU $9,130
AU $6,520
AU $4,820
AU $3,650
AU $3,650
2012 Price (AUS)
AU $9,130
AU $6,520
AU $5,110
AU $3,650
AU $3,650
Extension Prices
Yangon - 2 nights
Yangon
The Governor’s Residence
Jan 01-15
Jan 16- Apr 28
Aug 01-Oct 31
Nov
01-30
Dec
01-19
Dec
20-31
Deluxe Garden View Room
Double Sharing
$570
$480
$480
$570
$480
$570
Single Occupancy
$920
$750
$750
$920
$750
$920
Governor’s Room
Double Sharing
$630
$540
$540
$630
$540
$630
Single Occupancy
$1,040
$870
$870
$1,040
$870
$1,040
Prices are per person and include transfers to and from Yangon Airport, pre/post tours and two nights accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. Single occupancy supplements are available; please ask at time of booking/enquiry. *Supplements apply over Christmas and New Year 2012. Return flights from Bangkok to Yangon are available.
Inle Lake - 3 nights
Inle Princess Resort Lake View Chalet
January - September $1,120
October - December $1,215*
Prices are per person and include domestic flights, transfers, Inle sightseeing and a three night stay at the Inle Princess Resort based on full board basis. Single occupancy supplements are available; please ask at time of booking/enquiry. *Supplements apply November 1-30: $30 per person. Christmas and New Year's Eve Gala Dinner supplements apply: $75 per person
Ngapali - 3 nights
Ngapali
Sandoway Beach Resort
Jan 01-15
Jan 16 –
Apr 30
Oct 01-31
Nov 01-
Dec 21
Dec 22-*31
Village Cottage
$865
$640
$535
$670
$910
Beach Front Cottage
$1,060
$745
$625
$775
$1,120
Prices are per person and include domestic flights to and from Yangon Airport, transfers and a three night stay at the Sandoway Beach Resort on a bed and breakfast basis. Single occupancy supplements are available; please ask at time of booking/enquiry. *Christmas Eve supplement $120 per person and New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner supplement $165 per person.
'Prices/Itinerary may be subject to change without notice'
Cabin Pricing
Ports
Yangon
Yangon, formerly Rangoon, was the capital of Myanmar until it was superseded by Naypyidaw in November 2005. The city is an amalgamation of British, Burmese, Chinese, and Indian influences, and is known for its colonial architecture, which although decaying, remains an almost unique example of a 19th-century British colonial capital. New high-rise buildings were constructed from the 1990s as the government began to allow private investment. However, Yangon continues to be a city of the past, as seen by its lyongi-wearing pedestrians, its street vendors, and its pungent smells.
Country - Myanmar (Burma) Distance from port to City - 10 km Distance from Port to Airport - Currency - kyat (mmK)
Places of Interest
Mandalay
Mandalay is the second largest city in Burma. It was the last royal capital of an independent Burmese Kingdom. It is the current capital of the administrative Mandalay Division.
It has the largest and most modern airport in Burma (Mandalay International Airport).
Country - Myanmar (Burma) Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance to Airport - kms Currency - Kyat
Places of Interest
Mandalay Hill, Mandalay Palace, Shwenandaw Monastery, Maha Muni Pagoda, Kuthodaw Pagoda
Mingun
Mingun is located on the western bank of the river Ayeyarwaddy, approximately 7 miles north of Mandalay. It is reached by ferryboats across the river and takes one hour for up river and forty minutes for down river. It is famous for many Buddhist shrines, monasteries, meditation centres and monuments of historical and cultural importance. A boat trip to Mingun is pleasant with plenty of life on the river to see.
Country - Myanmar Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance to Airport - kms Currency - Kyat
Places of Interest
Bagan
The main tourist destination in Myanmar is Bagan, capital of the first Myanmar Empire; one of the richest archaeological sites in South-East Asia. Situated on the eastern bank of the Ayeyawaddy River. The Magic of Bagan has inspired visitors to Myanmar for nearly 1000 years. Bagan covers an area of 42sq.km containing over 2000 well-preserved pagodas and temples of the 11th-13th century.
Country - Myanmar Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance to Airport - 10kms Currency - Kyat
Places of Interest
Bagan is full of ancient architecture and ruins. Temples, pagodas, monuments, stone scripts, votive tablets, wall paintings, mural paintings, stuccos carvings can be found in many places in Bagan. The main four places to visit are Shwezigon, Ananda, Dhammayangyi and Thabbyinnyu Pagodas.
Road to Mandalay Cabin Info
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Orient Express Trains & Cruises
Orient-Express Hotels, Trains and Cruises. A name synonymous with the ultimate in luxury and service for over 25 years, Orient-Express owns and manages hotels, trains, cruises and restaurants in some of the most magical locations our planet has to offer.
Orient-Express now encompasses myriad luxury travel experiences to suit all tastes, in settings as diverse as Peru, Botswana, Tahiti, Portugal and Australia.
Ship info
Road to Mandalay
With its inaugural voyage in January 1996 the Road To Mandalay marked a new venture for the famed Orient-Express. With the Union of Myanmar (formerly Burma) gradually reopening its doors to the outside world, the Road To Mandalay became the ideal way to explore the undiscovered beauty of this long-hidden land.
The ship itself originally began life as a Rhine cruiser in Germany and made her maiden voyage on 6th July 1964. Originally built to very high standards for its day, the ship was purchased by Orient-Express Hotels, Trains & Cruises in 1994 following a period as a floating hotel in Dresden.
The ship underwent a major refurbishment programme at Lauenberg/Hamburg at a cost of US$6 million. This mostly consisted of reducing the number of cabins from 98 to 72, and installing decorations that blend contemporary designs with traditional Burmese, plus a state-of-the-art sewage system to preserve the purity of the Ayeyarwady River. Once the refurbishment was completed the ship was transported, courtesy of a specialist transporting ship, via the English Channel and the Suez Canal to Myanmar, arriving towards the end of 1995. The Road To Mandalay was unloaded in Yangon and, after attracting a great deal of local interest, sailed up the Ayeyarwady River to Mandalay.
