Burma River Cruising, Myanmar tours, Irrawaddy River Cruise, Mandalay, U Bein Bridge, Inle Lake
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32 See what is thought to be the world's largest book at Kuthodaw Pagoda in Mandalay THE BUSTLING CITY OF YANGON Day 1. Arrive Yangon, Embark Ship. Be met at the airport and transferred to the Irrawaddy River. Here, board your luxury river ship, the RV Samatha, for the start of your incredible 14-night Irrawaddy River cruise. Enjoy lunch on board and time to settle in, then head back into the city of Yangon for the opportunity to view the famous Shwedagon Pagoda at sunset. Get to know your fellow travellers and APT Cruise Director during a Welcome Reception this evening. 14 Night Stay: aboard APT's brand-new boutique river ship, the RV Samatha. LD CRUISING THE IRRAWADDY RIVER Day 2. Yangon, Maubin. Awake today to the glorious scenery along the mighty Irrawaddy River as you begin cruising upstream. Admire endless green rice fields and traditional stilt houses perched high over the water as your ship zigzags leisurely along the river. Arrive after lunch in Maubin, home to a number of universities as well as a range of significant Buddhist pagodas. Disembark for a tour, during which you'll learn about Ba Maw – a prominent Burmese political leader who was born here in 1893. You'll also enjoy the chance to visit the local market before returning to your ship. BLD Day 3. Danuphyu, Zalon. Stop to explore Danuphyu, where the revered General Maha Bandula led a famous Burmese defensive against the British troops during the First Anglo-Burmese War. Visit a local cheroot (cigar) workshop and take some time to explore at leisure. Back on board, 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 4. Myanaung. Cruise onwards today to the quiet riverside township of Myanaung. Here, a guided walking tour will take you past a range of well-preserved colonial houses and on to the bustling local market. BLD Day 5. Pyay (Prome), Sri Ksetra. Take in views of the Akauk Mountains and their river-facing cliff carvings as you cruise to Pyay. 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 Day 6. Thayetmyo. Cruise into 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 colonial houses and visit the charming local market. BLD Day 7. Minhla, Magwe. Stop in the town of Minhla, the site of a significant battle during the Third Anglo-Burmese War. Board a small boat and cruise to 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. Cruise onwards to Magwe, where you'll head up to the Mya Tha Lun Pagoda, located atop a hill overlooking the Irrawaddy River. Take in amazing views and explore the pagoda, constructed with thousands of solid gold bricks. BLD 15 Day Hidden Wonders of Burma 14 Night Irrawaddy River Cruise Signature Experience www.aptouring.com.au