Burma River Cruising, Myanmar tours, Irrawaddy River Cruise, Mandalay, U Bein Bridge, Inle Lake
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34 Watch as stilt houses reflect in the mirror smooth water of 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. Aing Ta Loke. Take in the unique sights of the Irrawaddy Delta region today as your ship cruises to Aing Ta Loke. On disembarking, you'll set off on a local village tour. Here, pass the town's colonial-style wooden houses, monasteries, lush ancient trees and gardens on the way. Then take the opportunity to interact with the locals and appreciate this moving and authentic candid snapshot of rural Myanmar. 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 morning cruise and walking tour of Maubin, a riverside town home to a number of universities and Buddhist pagodas. Afterwards, set off for Yangon, Myanmar's most important commercial centre. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of the 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. A true wonder of the religious world, the Shwedagon Pagoda is a repository of the best in Myanmar's heritage – architecture, sculpture and arts. BLD THE BUSTLING CITY OF YANGON Day 14. Yangon. Formally known as Rangoon, a mix of colonial architecture, modern high-rises and glistening Buddhist pagodas define the city of Yangon. After breakfast, select your Freedom of Choice activity. Perhaps travel by train to discover some of the city's best kept secrets, including a shattered glass factory and leafy oasis. Join a walking tour of Yangon and stroll through the historic streets of Chinatown, the Indian Quarter and downtown Yangon. Or gain an insight into Yangon's arts scene with visits to the Pansodan Gallery and Golden Valley Arts Gallery, among others. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure. This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner. BLD EXPERIENCE BEAUTIFUL INLE LAKE Day 15. Yangon, Disembark Ship, Heho, Inle Lake. Disembark the RV Samatha for the final time today in Yangon and transfer to the airport for your flight to Heho, gateway to Inle Lake. Be met by your guide on arrival and set off to explore a local family-run workshop famous for making Shan paper. Stemming from the fibre of the mulberry tree, this paper is very well-known in Myanmar. Afterwards, drive to the small town of Nyaung Shwe to check into your hotel. To end a wonderful day's touring, stop in at the Red Mountain Estate Vineyards and Winery for a tour of the vineyard. Three Night Stay: Inle Lake, Aureum Palace or similar. BD Day 16. Inle Lake. Today you'll visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, which its shrines have since been covered with that many gold leaves that it is impossible to see its original structure, 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. This afternoon, set off on a tour of a local silk and lotus weaving factory. BL Day 17. Indein. Explore the southern section of Inle Lake by boat. Take in the floating gardens and see the iconic one-legged rowing technique used by local fishermen. Visit Indein, one of the small villages on Inle Lake where a group of Buddhist pagodas known as the Shwe Indein Pagoda can be seen. Below the stupa are a cluster of hundreds of ancient stupas, most overgrown with bushes. In the afternoon, stop in at a local silver smith workshop, before meeting with Padaung Tribes. BD Day 18. Inle Lake, Heho Depart Yangon. After breakfast, transfer to Heho Airport for your included flight to Yangon. On arrival, board your onward flight. B www.aptouring.com.au