THE GREAT MYANMAR TOUR WITH A RIVER CRUISE FOR SEVERAL DAYS ON THE UPPER AYEYARWADDY

This expedition combines scenic interest with a study of local life and culture. We visit the main historic and cultural centres as well as many remoter places well off the beaten track. Such small towns and villages are part of a rich river economy and thriving with local industry and activity. Irrawaddy valley civilization has changed little in hundreds of years and wherever we go the people are warm, friendly and very hospitable.
The river varies enormously: it is vast with endless winding channels just above Mandalay and then dark and narrow through the 3rd Defile. It is a constantly changing landscape with a stunning back drop of mountains.

With the Pandaw II:
The RV Pandaw II was built in Yangon in 2001 after the historic vessel built in Scotland in 1948 for the shallow conditions of the Ayeyarwaddy. The Pandaw is a ship laden with charm, atmosphere and character. With fine cuisine and high standards of service a cruise on the RV Pandaw 1947 is a unique travel experience. All 24 cabins are air-conditioned and with attached bathroom (shower/toilet). The Irrawaddy Flotilla Company started river cruises in Myanmar and created the Bagan- Mandalay routing in 1998 with its interesting stops. Click here to see a complete Deck Plan of Pandaw II.

YANGON – BAGAN - MANDALAY – MINGUN - KYAUNG MYOUNG – TAGAUNG – KATHA – SHWEGU – MANDALAY – AMARAPURA – SAGAING - MANDALAY – HEHO – KALAW – NYAUNG SHWE – INLE SEE – NYAUNG SHWE – HEHO - YANGON

Departure: 03.11.10 / 25.12.10 / 03.02.11
Price based on 2 persons/per person:
From US$ 3.845 up

DAY 01 YANGON / arrival day Upon arrival at Yangon International Airport welcome by our local tour guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon drive to Mawtin Jetty and take a rickshaws for a short trip along the Yangon River, enjoy “High Tea” at the Strand Hotel built in 1896, once described as the "leading hotel of the East" and proceed to Botataung Pagoda, where sacred hair relic of Lord Buddha is enshrined in it. Overnight in Yangon.
DAY 02 YANGON (B) Early morning take the City Circle Train for a 2 ½ hours ride through rural areas, stopping at numerous stations watching cigarette sellers, betelnut sellers, fortune tellers and and and…. Back in downtown visit the splendid National Museum, including the gem-studded royal regalia and the Lion Throne of King Mindon and King Thibaw, the last kings of the Myanmar Kingdom. Afternoon sightseeing starts with Chaukhtatkyi Pagoda (a huge reclining Buddha), Karaweik Hall, a Royal floating barge on the Royal Lake for a photo stop and late in the afternoon, visit the Shwedagon Pagoda described by Somerset Maugham: "The Shwedagon rose superb, glistening with its gold, like a sudden hope in the dark night of the soul of which the mystics write, glistening against the fog and smoke of the thriving city." This massive bell-shaped stupa rises nearly 100 meters above its hill-top surroundings. Wander through this magnificent structure and its courtyards, stupas, bells, Temples, and Buddha images, and see religious and secular visitors from all parts of the globe. Shwedagon has become the symbol of Myanmar. Enjoy the sunset over the Pagoda. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 03 YANGON – BAGAN (B) Early morning flight to Bagan. Full day sightseeing tour of Bagan with a diverse selection of the most important pagodas and temples, such as Shwezigon Pagoda, built by King Anawrahta in the early 11th century as a religious shrine; the Gu Byauk Gyi Temple, a temple with exquisite murals of Jataka scenes; the Ananda Temple, with four huge standing Buddha images and numerous seated figures in niches around the galleried interior and the Shwe Gu Gyi Temple, noted for its fine stucco carvings and panoramic views of the area’s many monuments. In the afternoon visit Myinkaba, two km south of Bagan. This village is well known for its lacquerware workshops and has also a number of interesting temples, as Nanphaya Temple, said to have once been the residence of King Manuha and Gu Byauk Gyi Temple, which has very nice frescoes inside. Overnight in Bagan.
DAY 04 BAGAN (B) After breakfast drive to Nyaung Oo and visit the lively market and the down town area. From here continue to Nyaung Oo jetty and take a private boat to Kyaukku U Min Temple, which contains some very impressive sandstone relief's. On the way back to Bagan, stop at the Bupaya Pagoda, on the bank of majestic Ayeyarwady River and visit the Mahabodhi Temple, resemble of Mahabodi Temple in Bodaghaya. In the afternoon visit Abeyadana Temple, with very interesting paintings, showing a Mahayana influence; the Nagayon Temple, an elegant and well-preserved temple, built by King Kyanzittha; the Ashe & Anauk Pagoda, with hundreds of unglazed terracotta tiles illustrating scenes from the jatakas and Lowkananda Pagoda, built in 1059 by King Anawrahta. Overnight in Bagan.
DAY 05 BAGAN – MT. POPA – MANDALAY (B) After breakfast drive to Mt. Popa (appr. 1½ hrs drive). On the way visit some villages and watch the collection of juice from the palm trees, and its conversion into palm sugar. Visit the great extinct volcano. Rising out of the shimmering heat, the solitary volcanic crag of Mt. Popa is home to Myanmar's most powerful " nats ". Then continue to Mandalay (approx. 6 hours), the city of the last Myanmar Kings. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel for check-in and overnight.
DAY 06 MANDALAY (L,D) Embark at Mandalay Shwe Kyet Yet Jetty. Lunch on board. Afternoon coach tour of central Mandalay visiting the Mahamuni Pagoda and Shwe Nan Daw Kyaung teak carved monastery. We stop to see tapestry making and other traditional crafts.
DAY 07 MINGUN PAGODA AND BELL (B,L,D) We cast off early in the morning and stop at Mingun to see the largest working bell in the world and the unfinished pagoda, that is the largest single mass of brick building in the world. We also visit the Mingun Old Peoples Home originally established with the assistance of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company in the 1930s.
DAY 08 KYAUNG-MYOUNG POTTERIES AND KHAN-NYAT VILLAGE (B,L,D) Visit the spectacular potteries near Kyauk-myoung where the famous 50 gallon water pots are hand made. We see all stages of manufacture from the throwing of the pots to the week long firing in huge kilns. We enter the Third Defile and sail upstream all day stopping at Khan-nyat village with its many Buddhist monasteries and an orphanage we support. If free, the village orchestra and dancers will perform for us on the sun deck after dinner.
DAY 09 TAGAUNG ANCIENT CITY AND TIGYANG HILL (B,L,D) We explore by foot the ancient city of Tagaung viewing the fortifications, the shrine of Bo Bo Gyi a famous nat or spirit who protects sailors plying the river, and the archaeological area. In the evening we climb the Pagoda Hill at Tigyang with its stunning views of the Irrawaddy.
DAY 10 KATHA / BURMESE DAYS (B,L,D) We reach the enchanting colonial town of Katha, setting for George Orwell’s Burmese Days, and little changed since then. Of interest is the fire station’s collection of IFC ships bells taken from sunken ships in the Second War. Katha was the final resting place of the old flotilla and here over a hundred ships were scuppered in 1942 in an Act of Denial before the advancing Japanese. If permitted, we visit an elephant logging camp in the hardwood forests of the hills that surround the town and if time allows a visit to the lake at Indaw-lay offers a glimpse of highland Myanmar with its rich bird life.
DAY 11 SHWEGU AND THE SECOND DEFILE (B,L,D) Travel by local speedboat to view this the largest of the three Irrawaddy gorges. In the afternoon return downstream.
DAY 12 DOWNSTREAM (B,L,D) We stop for a walk in a jungle village. DAY 13 MANDALAY (B) Disembark in afternoon and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Rest of the day free at your own leisure. Overnight in Mandalay.
DAY 14 MANDALAY - AMARAPURA – SAGAING - MANDALAY (B) After breakfast drive to Amarapura the “City of Immortals” and visit the 150 year old Mahagandayon monastery, and famous Buddhist learning center. It is home to a thousand monks, who will form a procession as they go to take their noon and final meal of the day. Apart from Pagodas that have survived, the ancient art of silk and cotton weaving, using handlooms, is very much alive and visit U Bein wooden bridge, over 150 years old, which is still in use. After lunch drive over Ava bridge to Sagaing, 21 km southwest of Mandalay and visit the Sagaing Hills, a retreat for Buddhist devotees with numerous Pagodas, monasteries and nunneries. Visit the village of Sagaing, at the foot of Sagaing Hill with markets, shops and restaurants; one of the monasteries on the hillside; the Tilawkaguru cave temple, with mural paintings; Umin Thounzeh caves, containing 45 Buddha images and Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda built in 1312. The view of Sagaing from here is outstanding. Late afternoon come back to Mandalay. Overnight in Mandalay.
DAY 15 YANGON - HEHO – KALAW (B) Morning flight to Heho in the Shan state. Upon arrival drive to Kalaw (appr. 1 hour), a former British colonial town. Kalaw, another hill station as well as peaceful summer resort nestled in pine-clad mountains, is 1,400 meters above sea-level. It is located 70 km west of Taunggyi. Many of the Tudor-style houses and English gardens of colonial days remain. In the neighborhood lie villages of Palaung and other hill tribes who come to Kalaw market held every five days in their colorful costumes, adding to the quiet attraction of Kalaw. Overnight in Kalaw.
DAY 16 KALAW - PINDAYA – NYAUNG SHWE - INLE LAKE (B) After breakfast drive to Pindaya (appr. 2 hours drive), a charming village with its paper umbrella cottage industry. Visit the Pindaya cave, famous for its thousands of Buddha images and the paper umbrella cottage industry. In the afternoon continue to Nyaung Shwe (appr. 3 ½ hours) drive, a small town at the northern end of Inle Lake. From here take a boat for the transfer to your hotel, for check-in and overnight.
DAY 17 INLE LAKE (B) Full day excursion on Inle Lake (25 km) famous for its unique one-leg rowers, typical floating gardens, local methods of fishing and village life and the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda housing five sacred and almost shapeless Buddha images, contorted because of the quantity of applied gold leaf, gifts from the believers. The Buddha images are purported to have come here in the 12th Century. In the afternoon excursion to Indein (appr. 1 hour drive) to see the ancient Bagan + Shan style pagodas, built during Bagan Period, passing the beautiful scenery with tall grasses and little water steps. The ruin pagodas, hide in the bushes will give you an impression of you were in the 12th - 13th Centuries ago. Overnight at Inle Lake.
DAY 18 INLE LAKE – NYAUNG SHWE – HEHO - YANGON (B) After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight to Yangon. Upon arrival visit Sule Pagoda, dating back over 2000 years, the Mahabandoola Park with it's Independence Monument and walk around the downtown area and the sprawling Bogyoke Market. Wide streets, orderly town planning and neglected public buildings revive visions of British rule, while busy streets scenes and shimmering pagodas, bursting through a leafy canopy, hint at the rich local culture. Skyscrapers and glaring neon billboards have yet to overtake the capital. Overnight in Yangon.
DAY 19 YANGON / departure (B) Free at your own leisure till transfer to Yangon International Airport for your departure flight.

SERVICE:
- Bed & breakfast in double sharing room
- 16th person FOC in single room
- Lunch and dinner as mentioned in our program
- Local guide throughout the tour (not for the river cruise)
- Domestic flights by Air Bagan, Air Mandalay or Yangon Airways
- Air-con car/van/bus throughout the tour (not during the river cruise)
- Entrance fees as indicated in our itinerary
- RV Pandaw II from Bagan to Mandalay (first class / main deck and deluxe category / upper deck)
- All boat excursions as mentioned in our itinerary
- Porter fees at the airports
- Drinking water and refreshment tissues during the sightseeing

NOT INCLUDED:
- International air fare to/from Yangon
- Visa fees
- Intl. airport tax of US$ 10 per person
- Lunch & dinners not mentioned in our program
- Beverage
- Early check-in and late check-out
- Personal expenses such as camera fees, tips, laundry service, ect
- Porter fees at the hotels

BOOKING CONDITIONS:

OPTION TERMS:
For agent bookings, reservation options will expire within the following time periods:

Options will expire automatically if deposit payment is not received by the stated date.

PAYMENT TERMS:
20% deposit is required upon confirmation of any bookings and is non refundable.
Final balances must be paid 31 days before departure or the booking may be cancelled and the deposit forfeited.

CANCELLATION TERMS:
For cancellations of bookings, the following charges will apply:

CURRENCY:
All prices quoted, invoices and receipts sent are in US dollars. Any other currencies stated in any correspondence between the client and Pandaw Cruises are indicational only and subject to variations in the prevailing market rates.

CREDIT CARDS:
There is a 2% charge on credit card transactions of over US$10,000 which will be added to the invoice subsequent to booking. There is no charge for transactions of less than $10,000.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF CARRIAGE ON PANDAW SHIPS:
1. Though every effort will be made to ensure that the published itinerary is followed as closely as possible, given uncertain river and other local conditions, all schedules and itineraries may be subject to alterations and delays at short notice.

2. The ship's purser and captain are jointly responsible for passengers' comfort and safety. Passengers must accept their decisions and instructions.

3. Whilst our crew do everything in their power to facilitate landings, access to the ship at certain river stations can be difficult, with steep and sometimes slippery river banks. Elderly passengers should consult their doctor to ensure that they are fit for travel. Wheel chairs are not allowed.

4. In the case of water levels being too high or low or defects to the vessel beyond the control of the company an alternative itinerary will be offered to passengers after consultation between the ship's captain and the company's management, subject to accommodation and meals being maintained on board the vessel unless by prior agreement with the passenger.

5. Should it prove difficult to embark or disembark passengers at the scheduled points the company are not liable to bear any extra cost of transporting passengers to and from the revised point of embarkation or disembarkation unless passengers or their agents have purchased a complete package tour which includes land services from us. Any reason for changing the points of embarkation or disembarkation can not count as a reason for cancelling this contract.

6. Passengers should seek advice from their doctor regarding relevant inoculations and prophylactics for travel to these countries.

7. Passengers must be fully insured to cover any risk of medical expenses and repatriation (which includes repatriation of remains) and the Company is in no way responsible for such liabilities. Passengers must settle before departure any medical bills incurred whilst on a company ship for doctor's attendance, drugs supplied, and any other medical facilities provided by the company for the passenger.

8. Once a booking has been received through a sales agent or directly from the passenger a contract exists between the Company and the passenger and these terms and conditions must be adhered to by both parties.

9. Unless otherwise agreed agents are responsible for the transfer of their passengers to and from the ship on time and in the event of a late arrival the ship is not obliged to delay departure thereby upsetting tight schedules.

10. The company accept no liability or responsibility for loss or damage to passenger's property whilst on board a company vessel.

11. During the river stops on the company provide an guide service in the English language. Foreign language guides must be pre booked and there may be extra charges for this. Personal guides must be booked at normal rates in passenger accommodation.

12. The company reserve the right to refuse to allow anyone on board if a ticket can not be produced and the company can not guarantee the exact allocation of cabins and deck location which may in the event of extenuating circumstances differ from the cabin number indicated on the ticket.

13. Within the ticket price fuel costs have been calculated on average prices as of the publication of this document. Should fuel prices rise by more than 10% the company will be entitled to impose a fuel supplement equivalent to the amount by which the fuel price exceeds the price allowed for in the contract.

14. It is not permitted to allow any breed of animal on board.

15. Infants below the age of 4 years may sleep in their parent's cabin without extra charge but the company can not guarantee the availability of a cot. Children of 4 years and + must solely occupy a berth and pay full rate.

16. In the event of a dispute the law of the country in which the vessel is operating will apply.

17. The company reserves the right to change the vessel without notice.

18. Payment terms and cancellation policy is printed on an invoice issued for each booking whether for an individual or for a group. Passengers and their agents must abide these terms and the company reserve the right to either cancel an existing reservation or to refuse passage in the event that these terms have not been adhered to.

19. In the event that one passenger enters into a commercial or other form of relationship or arrangement with another passenger the company is no way liable for the obligations of one passenger to another passenger or any claim arising thereof.

20. For cruise departures where occupancy is less than 5 cabins the company reserve the right to cancel the departure giving all passengers with confirmed bookings 30 days prior notice of this intention. An alternative departure date will be offered subject to availability. If this alternative date is not acceptable to the passenger any downpayments made for the cancelled cruise will be refunded. In the event thata passenger has cancelled and paid cancellation fees and the Company subsequently cancel that departure then any cancellation fees (and down payment) will be refunded in full on the request of the passenger.

21. The company reserves the right to change a cabin allocated without notice and in the event that a passenger is downgraded to a cheaper cabin then the difference in cost between the cabins will be refunded to the passenger or the passenger's agents.

22. Force Majeure: in the case of circumstances beyond normal control, such as war, civil or political unrest, strikes, catastrophes, epidemics or disruption to fuel supplies for the vessel, the Company may cancel the cruise and there will be a full refund of all monies paid by the passenger. In the event of a cruise being cancelled as a result of the above force majeure situations following the commencement of that cruise period then monies will not be refunded.

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