Burma River Cruising, Myanmar tours, Irrawaddy River Cruise, Mandalay, U Bein Bridge, Inle Lake
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29 BURMA THE FAMED ANCIENT CITY OF BAGAN Day 5. Bagan. This morning, the RV Samatha'S Sun Deck offers a sublime vantage point from which to capture your first glimpse of Bagan, thus beginning your discovery of one of the world's truly awe-inspiring archaeological sites. Disembark your ship and head for the Bagan Archaeological Zone, home to thousands of stupas, temples and monasteries. Here, you'll climb to the top of a pagoda for spectacular views out over the plains. Travel to the township of Nyaung-U, where you'll enjoy some time at Nyaung-U Market, before enjoying a visit to the Ananda Temple, known as 'the Westminster Abbey of Burma'. Your discovery then continues to the golden Shwezigon Pagoda. Not only is this one of the oldest and most beautiful monuments on the plains of Bagan, it is also one of the country's most significant religious sites. This afternoon, stop by Gubyaukgyi Temple, a 13th-century 'cave temple' complete with frescoes that depict scenes of Buddha's life. Later, visit a lacquer- ware workshop and a nearby village. BLD Day 6. Tantkyi Hill, Salay. Enjoy one final sunrise over Bagan before ascending Tantkyi Hill to visit Tantkyitaung Pagoda, encircled by 32 elephant statues facing in all directions. On returning to your ship, you'll cruise to the small village of Salay, a colourful religious centre. Here, you'll visit Yoke Sone Kyaung, the region's oldest surviving wooden monastery. Built in 1882, the monastery is famous for its wood carvings and extensive collection of religious artefacts. Afterwards, continue on to Shinbin Maha Laba Man Paya, home to the country's largest lacquer Buddha image, which dates back to the 13th century. BLD Day 7. Magwe. On arrival in the town of Magwe, disembark your ship and head up to the Mya Tha Lun Pagoda, located atop a hill overlooking the Irrawaddy River. Take in the fabulous views and explore the pagoda, constructed with thousands of solid gold bricks and home to numerous shrines devoted to a variety of nat spirits. BLD Day 8. Minhla, Thayetmyo. Arrive today in Minhla, the site of a significant battle during the Third Anglo-Burmese War. Take a small boat to visit Gwechaung and Minhla forts, built by Italian engineers in 1860 to keep British forces out of Burma. Learn how the British captured these forts, and indeed the town, during a war that saw an independent Burma lose its sovereignty. After your discovery, continue on to Thayetmyo, a pleasant port town that once sat on the border between Upper Burma and Lower Burma, which the British annexed during the Second Anglo-Burmese War. Here, step out to wander the streets, take in the quaint colonial-era houses and visit the charming local market. BLD Day 9. Pyay (Prome), Sri Ksetra. On arrival in Pyay, you'll disembark for a walking tour. Established by the British Irrawaddy Flotilla Company in the late 19th century, Pyay originally served as a transshipment point for cargo being moved between Upper and Lower Burma. See a selection of pagodas, including the imposing Shwesandaw Pagoda, one of the country's most revered religious sites. Later, travel eight kilometres to the south-east of Pyay on an excursion to the ancient ruins at the old Pyu kingdom capital, Sri Ksetra, meaning 'City of Splendour'. Added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014, the region's 1,500 year old stupas are among the world's earliest Buddhist monuments. BLD Marvel at U Bein Bridge near Amarapura Mandalay Sagaing Bagan Pyay (Prome) Thayetmyo Myanaung Zalon Danuphyu Maubin Yangon Salay Tantkyi Hill Magwe He Hoe Amarapura Yandabo Inwa Minhla Inle Lake 3 BURMA (MYANMAR) Irrawaddy River RV SAMATHA 14 Coach Cruise Flight (included) No. of nights stay Included Sightseeing BOUTIQUE CRUISING MAXIMUM 60 GUESTS