Special Exploratory Bhamo Cruise with
Orient Express’s Road To Mandalay
Highlights
 Reach
the wonders of Burma in unrivalled
comfort and style and visit the sublime
gorges of the north which ply through
the scenic Ayerwaddy River. A truly
memorable 11 night cruise discovering
the hidden gems of Burma.
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Departure
Dates
2010
August 11, 25 |
2011
August 3, 17
September 7, 21
July 30
August 13, 27 |
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Bhamo as it seen by Road To Mandalay
 Situated
in the state of Kachin, Bhamo is a trading
post close to the Chinese border, and has
suffered frequent incursions over the centuries.
Today it is home to a daily market which
attracts many ethnic minorities to the town.
You can often catch the colourful costumes
and faces of Kachin, Shan, Lisu and Palaung
people.
Adventurous travellers might enjoy the
local ferry boat trip from Bhamo to Mandalay
that takes you through lush jungle, bamboo
forests and steep rock gorges.
The so-called Ledo Road etches out a
route through the rocky mountain region
of Kachin State. This old caravan route
was upgraded in 1965 to link China, Myanmar
and India but has since fallen into disrepair.
Kachin is just opening up to tourism and
will soon become an important destination.
Magnificent mountain scenery, the great
Ayeyarwady River and a fascinating mix of
people from many different ethnic minorities
are all features of this intriguing state.
Please contact Santa Maria for pre & post
tour arrangements and special discounted
rates
GORGES OF THE
FAR NORTH
Itinerary
Day 1:
Yangon-Mandalay-Mingun
Board the Road To Mandalay berthed on
the Ayeyarwady River opposite the
Sagaing Hills studded with numerous
white pagodas. The ship sets sail on its
voyage to northern Myanmar through the
unique gorges that characterise this
stretch of the river. At Mingun you
visit the world's largest brick-built
pagoda and uncracked bell. An evening
cocktail party allows you to get to know
your fellow travellers.
Day 2: Mingun -
New Nyein
The ship makes an early start entering
the first of three gorges around midday.
Anchor off New Nyein for a walking tour
and to see traditional clay pot
sculpting. Later, sail past the
picturesque island pagoda of Thihadaw.
Day 3: Kyan
Hnyat - Katha
An early morning stroll around the
delightful village of Kyan Hnyat where
school children greet you and the
morning market bustles with activity.
Sailing north, vast stretches of the
river spread out before you with
interesting rural villages dotted on its
shores. As the sun sets, the ship
anchors off the old market town of Katha,
famous as the site where the Irrawaddy
Flotilla Company scuttled its fleet in
1942. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on
board.
Day 4: Katha -
Shwegu
Visit Katha by trishaw in the early
morning and visit the market place made
famous by George Orwell in "Burmese
Days". Back on board the ship continues
its journey north through the expansive
scenery, with the distant mountains
marking the second defile coming into
view in the afternoon. The ship anchors
off the splendid island pagoda of Shwe
Paw, just north of the town of Shwegu.
Boats will take you ashore to explore
the ancient site. Breakfast, lunch and
dinner on board.
Day 5: Zinbon -
Bhamo
This morning the ship passes through the
splendid second gorge with its
green-clad mountains reaching down to
the narrowing channel. Sail past logging
camps and the old colonial village of
Zinbon towards the challenging first
gorge. The ship sails as far north as
possible and then turns around to drop
anchor off Bhamo where you may take a
stroll and meet the locals. The scenery
in this unspoilt area is spectacular.
Day 6: Bhamo -
Katha
Morning visit to Bhamo, barely 50 miles
from the Chinese border in the foothills
of Yunnan. Local transport carries you
into the countryside, past paddy fields
and towards the mountains before
returning to the ship for an early
afternoon departure.
Day 7: Katha -
Tigyaung
In the early morning board the train to
the forest station of Naba and
experience a journey into thick Kachin
jungle and teak forests. Later the ship
sails for the beautiful river port of
Tigyaing, where you can walk in the
early evening.
Day 8: Tigyaing
- Mogok
At Thabeikkyin you take the road that
winds towards Mogok past a forestry
reserve where many precious botanical
specimens are grown for their essential
oils. Various attractions await. Return
to the ship to head south again.
Day 9: Mandalay
Mandalay comes into view early morning.
Disembark for a varied tour of Burma's
second city. Rejoin the ship at the
quaint Burmese village of Shwe Kyet Yet
and enjoy a tribal dance display in the
evening. Breakfast and dinner on board.
Day 10: Bagan
The ship sets sail early morning for
Bagan. Along the way you see many
villages with women doing the household
chores by the river and waving children.
Witness sunset over the marvellous Bagan
plain to whet your appetite for the
tours next day. Traditional Bagan
artists perform for you this evening.
Day 11: Bagan -
Mt Popa
On your final day, visit the ancient
sites in and around Bagan with the
experienced guide, or take a horse-drawn
cart or bicycle to explore on your own.
Optional afternoon tour to Mount Popa,
legendary sacred home of the Nats, with
its impressive summit monastery.
Day 12: Yangon
An early departure this morning to Bagan
airport for your flight to Yangon.
Please contact Santa Maria for pre & post
tour arrangements and special discounted
rates
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