Day 1, Sunday - Australia-Singapore-Yangon Fly with Singapore Airlines to Yangon via Singapore. Due to flight schedules, departures may require overnight accommodation in Singapore*.
Day 2 - Yangon Arrival (L, D) Meet with your local guide upon arrival at Yangon International Airport and transfer to The Chatrium Hotel. Following a lunch of Burmese cuisine, set off for sightseeing in Yangon, commencing with a short tour of downtown. Travel streets lined with faded colonial buildings, past historic landmarks, to Sule Paya, one of the city's iconic sites. Continue through Chinatown to Bogyoke Market. Experience an integral part of Burmese life by drinking tea at the Modern Tea Shop before visiting Shwedagon Pagoda, the most revered Buddhist temple in Myanmar. This evening enjoy a 'welcome dinner' at the hotel.
Day 3 - Yangon-Mandalay (B, L, D) Transfer this morning to Yangon Airport for a domestic flight to Mandalay. We begin touring with a visit to Mahamuni Pagoda, home to one of the most revered Buddha images. Next, we will visit traditional workshops and see the production of wood carving, tapestries and the centuries old gold-leaf technique used to craft items for the Royal Court. After lunch, you will have time to walk up Mandalay Hill (rising 240 metres) to get aa great view of the surrounding countryside, Irrawaddy River and city centre. At the base of the hill, visit the Golden Palace Monastery, noted for its intricate wood carvings and to Kayuktawgyi Pagoda's huge marble Buddha. Finally, you will visit Kuthodaw Pagoda, home to 'the world's largest book', a collection of over 700 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist teachings. Enjoy a dinner tonight at the Mandalay Hill Resort where we spend the next two nights.
Day 4 - Mandalay-Ava and Sagaing (B, L, D) This morning, cross a bridge over the Irrawaddy River to Sagaing. Covered with 600 white painted pagodas and monasteries, Sagaing Hill is widely regarded as the religious centre of Myanmar and is home to 3000 monks and 100 meditation centres. Visit various pagodas, a local Burmese market and a small pottery village. After, we will continue south to Ava, the capital in the 14th-18th centuries and take a short ferry ride across the river for lunch. Afterwards, take a tour of Ava by horse and cart, to visit the old wooden Bagaya Monastery and the remains of the Royal Palace and Fort. We return this afternoon for dinner at the Mandalay Hill Resort.
Day 5 - Mandalay-Amarapura and embark RV Orient Pandaw (B, L, D) Enroute to Shwe Kyet Jetty, we will stop at Amarapura to stroll along the 200 year old, 1.2km long, teak U Bein Bridge. Then, we will visit Mahagandayon monastery where over 1000 monks reside, before embarking RV Orient Pandaw. We cast off and cruise through lunch before mooring over night near a small river bank village.
Day 6 - Yandabo and Oh Ne Kyaung Village (B, L, D) Yandabo is a rarely visited village, with no road access. Dependant on the river economy, this small rural village specialises in terracotta pots made from the river bank clay. Today, you can see the pottery making process in various stages of production and visit the Pandaw School and clinic, built with past donations from Pandaw passengers. In the evening, we will cross the river to visit Oh Ne Kyaung village and experience the local life and customs within a typical riverside village.
Day 7 - Pagan (B, L, D) The World Heritage Site of Pagan is an absolute wonder in this 'Golden Land'. Originally home to 10000 temples constructed between the 11th and 13th centuries, still scattered across the vast arid plain are over 3000 surviving monuments that proclaim the power of Burma's first empire. Enjoy the chance to tour a selection of these listed monuments, such as the Dhamma-yan-gyi, a colossal brick pyramid and That-byin-nyu, which soars over 50 metres high. In the afternoon, we will explore Pagan further and visit a lacquer workshop.
Day 8 - Tan Kyi Taung Mountaun and Sale (B, L, D) Today, we will moor at Tan Chi Taung mountain, ascend the mountain by foot or by WWII jeep for a stunning view of the sunrise over Bagan. We continue downstream to Sale, the home town of U Ponna, the most celebrated poet and playwright of King Mindon's court. Visit a monastery donated in honour of U Ponna, Yout-saun-kyaung, which is now a museum housing many of his original writings, with spectacular wood carvings decorating the exterior walls.
Day 9 - Magwe Gold Bricks (B, L, D) Today, you may ride trishaws or, alternatively, cross the river by sampan (depending on water levels), to reach the magnificent Myat-thalon Pagoda. Built with solid gold bricks, the Pagoda is linked to the river by attractive winding covered stairways ascending the steep wooded river banks. The temple includes many interesting shrines within its precincts and is perched overlooking the river, commanding spectacular views of the Irrawaddy.
Day 10 - Minhla Forts (B, L, D) Today, visit Minhla and Gwechaung forts, Italian and French designed forts constructed to keep the British at bay from Royal Myanmar. These forts were captured by the British in the 3rd Anglo Myanmar War, with the fight for the Minhla redoubt the only serious action occurring. For a fabulous panoramic view, climb Gwechaung Hill to the fort standing high on the east bank of the river.
Day 11 - Thayetmyo Frontier Post (B, L, D) Our journey takes us to Thayet-myo, a delightful river stop half a day's sail north of Prome. This pleasant colonial town once guarded the border between Royal Myanmar and British Myanmar following the 2nd Anglo Myanmar War of 1855. The town retains its colonial character, with bungalows draped in bourgainvillea, court houses, the jail, post office and markets all built in a rustic Anglo-Indian manner. Visit the covered markets and ride by horse and cart through the former British Botanical gardens to the oldest golf course in Myanmar.
Day 12 - Prome and The Ancient Pyu (B, L, D) Today, we cross jungle and countryside to visit the 5-8th century archaeological site of Thiri-ya-kittiya, former centre of the Pyu civilization and the earliest and most important archaeological site in Burma. This was an early centre of Buddhism, a walled palace city - within these walls were art and culture, merchants and princes. You will see the excavations of this former palace city and the monumental Pyu stupas just outside the gates.
Day 13 - Disembarkation at Prome (B, L) Disembark RV Orient Pandaw this morning and meet with your local guide for a transfer to Yangon Airport and onward journey home with Singapore Airlines. Due to flight schedules, overnight accommodation in Singapore may be required.
* Some departure flights may leave Australia early morning on Day 2.
* Ports of call may vary based on itinerary and departure dates selected
AUTHENTIC ASIA
EXCLUSIVE CRUISECO CHARTERS
Current Promotional Offers Valid Until 18 May 2012
MAIN DECK: Downstream Mandalay to Prome
Date:
Brochure
Twin Cost Per Person
Twin
Discount Per Person
Brochure
Single Cost
Single
Discount
Per Person
NOW FROM
(twin, pp)
05-Jul-12
$5,999
$1,000
$10,099
$1,500
$4,999
21-Jul-12
$5,999
$1,000
$10,099
$1,500
$4,999
06-Aug-12
$5,999
$1,000
$10,099
$1,500
$4,999
22-Aug-12
$5,999
$1,000
$10,099
$1,500
$4,999
07-Sep-12
$5,999
$1,000
$10,099
$1,500
$4,999
23-Sep-12
$5,999
$1,000
$10,099
$1,500
$4,999
09-Oct-12
$5,999
$1,000
$10,099
$1,500
$4,999
25-Oct-12
$5,999
$900
$10,099
$1,350
$5,099
10-Nov-12
$5,999
$700
$10,099
$1,050
$5,299
26-Nov-12
$5,999
$800
$10,099
$1,200
$5,199
20-Dec-12
$6,399
$800
$10,599
$1,200
$5,599
05-Jan-13
$6,399
$1,000
$10,599
$1,500
$5,399
21-Jan-13
$5,999
$900
$10,099
$1,350
$5,099
06-Feb-13
$5,999
$900
$10,099
$1,350
$5,099
22-Feb-13
$5,999
$1,000
$10,099
$1,500
$4,999
10-Mar-13
$5,999
$900
$10,099
$1,350
$5,099
26-Mar-13
$5,999
$1,000
$10,099
$1,500
$4,999
11-Apr-13
$5,999
$1,000
$10,099
$1,500
$4,999
27-Apr-13
$5,999
$1,000
$10,099
$1,500
$4,999
UPPER DECK: Downstream Mandalay to Prome
Date:
Brochure
Twin Cost Per Person
Twin
Discount Per Person
Brochure
Single Cost
Single
Discount
Per Person
NOW FROM
(twin, pp)
05-Jul-12
$6,399
$1,000
$10,899
$1,500
$5,399
21-Jul-12
$6,399
$1,000
$10,899
$1,500
$5,399
06-Aug-12
$6,399
$1,000
$10,899
$1,500
$5,399
22-Aug-12
$6,399
$1,000
$10,899
$1,500
$5,399
07-Sep-12
$6,399
$1,000
$10,899
$1,500
$5,399
23-Sep-12
$6,399
$1,000
$10,899
$1,500
$5,399
09-Oct-12
$6,399
$1,000
$10,899
$1,500
$5,399
25-Oct-12
$6,399
$900
$10,899
$1,350
$5,499
10-Nov-12
$6,399
$700
$10,899
$1,050
$5,699
26-Nov-12
$6,399
$800
$10,899
$1,200
$5,599
20-Dec-12
$6,799
$800
$11,399
$1,200
$5,999
05-Jan-13
$6,799
$1,000
$11,399
$1,500
$5,799
21-Jan-13
$6,399
$900
$10,899
$1,350
$5,499
06-Feb-13
$6,399
$900
$10,899
$1,350
$5,499
22-Feb-13
$6,399
$1,000
$10,899
$1,500
$5,399
10-Mar-13
$6,399
$900
$10,899
$1,350
$5,499
26-Mar-13
$6,399
$1,000
$10,899
$1,500
$5,399
11-Apr-13
$6,399
$1,000
$10,899
$1,500
$5,399
27-Apr-13
$6,399
$1,000
$10,899
$1,500
$5,399
Prices exclude accommodation in Singapore if required due to flight schedules.
Prices are subject to change. Prices include $480 air taxes (subject to change).
Cabin Pricing
Ports
Cruiseco Charter
This sailing is under exclusive charter to CRUISECO.
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
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
Pandaw - Myanmar Cruises Cabin Info
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Cruise line info
Pandaw Cruises
Reviving the old Irrawaddy Flotilla Company in 1995, we were the first since the Second World War to offer pioneering cruises on Myanmar's spectacular Irrawaddy River, attempting to reach Bhamo, one thousand miles from the sea. In 1998 we pioneered the stunningly attractive Chindwin River. In 2001 were the first since colonial days to offer a complete cruise from Rangoon to Mandalay.
The Irrawaddy Flotilla Company was established by Scot’s merchants in 1865. By the 1920s the company ran over 650 vessels on the rivers of Burma. It had become the largest privately owned fleet of ships in the world. Mainly paddle steamers, the largest class of vessels were 350ft long and licensed for 4,000 passengers. In 1942 the fleet in its entirety was scuppered as an Act of Denial when the Japanese invaded. The Irrawaddy Flotilla was in 1995 revived by the Burma historian Paul Strachan.
First restoring an original Clyde-built steamer called the Pandaw, and then going on to build four brand new replicas, a unique concept and style of river cruising was created.
In 2002 we took our Pandaw concept to the Mekong River in Indochina where we now have two Pandaws plying between Saigon in Vietnam and Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Here the Pandaws broke the seemingly impenetrable river border between two very different countries. In high water our vessels accomplished the first cross navigation of the Tonle Sap, an inland sea previously un-navigated by anything other than local speed boats.
Each ship, hand finished in brass and teak by traditional craftsmen are in themselves objects of great beauty. The secret of our success is that on our ships, whilst luxury and comfort are discreetly present, it is the colonial character and friendly atmosphere that predominate. All our Pandaws have ultra shallow drafts and can travel to remote areas, which would be unreachable by other vessels, let alone overland.
Ship info
Pandaw - Myanmar Cruises
On board a Pandaw Ship
Staterooms All categories of Pandaw stateroom are teak or other precious hardwood paneled with brass marine fittings. All have own air conditioning, mini-safe, luggage storage, wardrobe, writing desk and amenities include hair drier, kimono, slippers. All upper and main deck cabins have own deck space with own rattan chairs and table outside the room.
Amenities On board laundry, bakery, fully equipped galley and refrigeration units; air conditioning for all inside areas, saloon bar, movie theatre / lecture room Equipment Cell phones, Sat phones VHF and SSB radio, internal phone system, PA system and tannoy system for navigation purposes.
Safety Smoke detectors in all cabins and public places, emergency lighting and generator, fire pump, hydrants and hoses, fire extinguishers, life jackets for all on board and life rafts. Water Treatment plants for desalination, de-sedimentation and purification using UV and osmosis. Sewage: Microbiotic treatment plants.
Insurance Protection & Indemnity policies with over USD 45 million coverage per vessel.
Management European and Asian experts employed directly by Pandaw Cruises.
Please note that on board accounts on any Pandaw cruise can only be settled by cash, visa or mastercard. Travellers cheques and AMEX cannot be used. Onboard currency is USD.
Click on the ship name for details about each specific ship. RV Pandaw II
