Burma River Cruising, Myanmar tours, Irrawaddy River Cruise, Mandalay, U Bein Bridge, Inle Lake
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30 Witness the unique rowing technique used by fishermen on Inle Lake Day 10. Myanaung. As your ship departs Pyay this morning, absorb wonderful views of the Akauk Mountains and their river-facing cliff carvings as you cruise onwards to the quiet riverside township of Myanaung. Here, a walking tour will take you past a range of well-preserved colonial houses and on to the bustling local market. BLD Day 11. Zalon. Take in the unique sights of the Irrawaddy Delta region today as your ship cruises to the small port town of Zalon. On disembarking, you'll set off on a trishaw tour. Pass the town's many colonial-style wooden houses and large tropical gardens on the way to the incredible Pyi Taw Pyan Pagoda, which houses a famous bronze Buddha that was once stolen by the British Army and later returned by order of Queen Victoria. BLD Day 12. Danuphyu. Today you'll explore the township of Danuphyu, where the revered General Maha Bandula led a famous Burmese defensive against the British troops during the First Anglo-Burmese War. You'll also visit a local cheroot (cigar) workshop. BLD Day 13. Maubin. Disembark for a tour of Maubin, a riverside town home to a number of universities and Buddhist pagodas. Learn about Ba Maw – a prominent Burmese political leader who was born here in 1893. You'll also enjoy the chance to explore stalls and interact with locals during a visit to the local market. Return to your ship which will set off cruising for Yangon, Burma's most important commercial centre. BLD THE BUSTLING CITY OF YANGON Day 14. Yangon. A day tour today begins in the busy city centre. Visit Sule Pagoda in the heart of downtown Yangon, then stop at the picturesque Kandawgyi Lake, which was created to provide clean water to the city during the British colonial era. Afterwards, wander through Bogyoke Aung San Market, a major city bazaar famous for its colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. Dominated by antique, handicraft and jewellery shops as well as art galleries and clothing stores, this thriving market is a great place for souvenir shopping. Later, visit Chaukhtatgyi Temple to see the massive reclining Buddha. Afterwards, head to Shwedagon Pagoda, a 99 metre-high gilded pagoda and stupa that dominates the city skyline from atop Singuttara Hill. This spectacular pagoda is around 2,500 years old and emits a golden glow thanks to an outer layer consisting of gold-leaf and thousands of diamonds. It is said to be encrusted in more gold than is held in all the vaults of the Bank of England, and was constructed to protect several hairs from the Buddha's head. On return to your ship, enjoy a Farewell Dinner. BLD EXPERIENCE BEAUTIFUL INLE LAKE Day 15. Yangon, Disembark Ship, He Hoe, Kalaw, Inle Lake. Disembark the RV Samatha for the final time today in Yangon and transfer to the airport for your flight to He Hoe, gateway to Inle Lake. Be met by your guide on arrival and head to Kalaw, an old hill station founded by British civil servants. From here, visit the Shwe Oo Min Natural Cave Pagoda, a cave and tunnel complex full of Buddha images made in a range of shapes and sizes from a variety of materials. Enjoy views of Kalaw then continue to Inle Lake. Three Night Stay: Inle Lake, Aureum Palace or similar. BD Day 16. Inle Lake. Explore the southern section of Inle Lake by boat. Take in the lake's stunning floating gardens and see the ingenious one-legged rowing technique used by local fishermen. Stop at the village of Indein to wander amid the hundreds of ancient pagodas. Visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda and the famous Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery (also known as the 'Jumping Cat Monastery'), where for centuries monks have trained cats to jump through hoops. BL Day 17. Taunggyi, Kakku, Red Mountain. Visit Taunggyi, the capital city of Shan State, and on a guided tour explore the Shan Cultural Museum, wander through the local market and visit a hilltop pagoda that offers panoramic views of the city and its surrounds. Later, travel to the Kakku Pagoda Complex to take in the long-lost ruins of Kakku, a collection of more than 2,000 centuries-old pagodas. To end a wonderful day's touring, stop in at the Red Mountain Estate Vineyards and Winery for a tour of the vineyard. BD Day 18. Inle Lake, He Hoe, Depart Yangon. After breakfast, transfer to He Hoe Airport for your included flight to Yangon. On arrival, board your onward flight. B www.aptouring.com.au