Burmese Days Paukan River Cruise: Mandalay – Katha – Bagan (Price & Bookings 2021)

Mandalay – Sagaing – Amapura – Mingun -Katha – Bagan: Downstream ( 11 days / 10 nights)

DAY 1 

MANDALAY – SAGAING – AMARAPURA

Welcome cocktail and Lunch on board. Safety Briefing and Orientation.

AFTERNOON EXCURSION: Sagaing & Amarapura

After lunch, we visit Sagaing, an important religious site with countless pagodas dotting the surrounding hillsides. Drive to the top of the Hill to visit Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda for a stunning view of the Irrawaddy and across to Mandalay. Proceed then to visit U Min Thoneze Paya, inside a crescent shaped platform of 45 sitting Buddha images, which appears to repeat infinitely into the distance depending on the angle they are viewed.

We then drive to Amarapura, the penultimate Burmese Royal Capital (1783) to visit a traditional silk weaving workshop followed by U-Bein Bridge, believed to be the world’s longest (1.2 km) and oldest teakwood bridge. Local sampans wait to take us on a leisurely cruise of the lake while admiring the sunset over the bridge.

ENTERTAINMENT: Post Dinner Dance & Drama performance by the Mandalay Arts School

Moor overnight in Sagaing.

DAY 2 

MANDALAY – MINGUN

MORNING EXCURSION: Central Mandalay

After breakfast, visit Mahamuni Pagoda, the most revered shrine in Mandalay, to see its impressive gold-leaf Buddha that due to the continual application of gold leaves (officials estimate the gold is approximately 15 cm/6 inches thick) and a Gold Leaves Making Workshop.

Then we stop at Mandalay Palace Moat for a photo shoot with the background of Mandalay Hill. We continue our visits at the Kuthodaw Pagoda, which contains the world’s biggest book as well as the Shwe Nan Daw Kyaung Monastery, the only original monastery left from the Royal era.

Back to the ship for Lunch.

AFTERNOON EXCURSION: Mingun

After Lunch, we will enjoy a leisurely walking tour of the small town of Mingun. Our first stop is King Bodawpaya’s monumental and uncompleted stupa. During the construction, an astrologer to the King argued that the Monarch would have died upon completion of the temple, hence the works were immediately halted. Had it been completed; it would have been the largest in the world. The cracks we see are the result of the 23rd March 1839 earthquake that shook the area.

We continue our walk to the Mingun Bell, which was the heaviest working bell in the world until the 2,000 when the Bell of Good Luck was unveiled in Henan, China. Moor overnight at midstream North of Mandalay.

DAY 3

KYAUK MYAUNG

MORNING EXCURSION: Ngwe Nyein Pottery Village.

After breakfast, visit the spectacular pottery-making village of Ngwe Nyein and see the manufacture stages of the famous 50 Gallons (200 liters) pots, often referred to as Martaban or Ali Baba jars in colonial times, they played an important part of maritime trade throughout Asia for centuries.

Sail all day.

ENTERTAINMENT: Burmese Language Lesson

Moor overnight mid-stream.

DAY 4 : TIGYANG

Enjoy sailing the whole morning.

ENTERTAINMENT: Tea Leaf and Ginger Salad Demonstration

AFTERNOON EXCURSION: Tigyang

After lunch, we embark on an atmospheric walking tour of the narrow lanes that make up this charming riverside community. A visit to the local pagoda offers a fascinating insight into the important role Buddhism plays in the day to day life of these rural communities. A short walk takes us to the spectacular reclining Buddha upon the hilltop, which offers equally magnificent views across the local landscape and Irrawaddy river. Having explored this wonderful oasis of calm, we return to the boat and spend the night moored mid-river.

Moor overnight at Inn Ywar Village.

DAY 5

KATHA

MORNING EXCURSION: Elephant Camp

In the morning, visit Katha Elephant Logging Camp located at the edge of the surrounding teak and hardwood forest, once used for the transportation of the Teak logs now they have found themselves “jobless” due to the logging ban but they are still taken care by their Mahout (the elephant caretaker) with the help of government and private funds. We will experience the Mahout bathing and feeding the Elephants. An interesting reading to know more about the close relationship of an elephant to its mahout is the George Orwell’s essay “Shooting an Elephant”.

Back to the ship for Lunch.

Sail to Naung Po Village by the entrance of the Irrawaddy 2nd Defile (Gorges) and moor overnight.

DAY 6

SECOND DEFILE – KYUN DAW – KATHA

MORNING EXCURSION: 2nd Defile of the Irrawaddy & Kyun Daw

Having disembarked our vessel at the island village of Kyun Daw, we enjoy a morning walking tour of this unique waterfront community. At the heart of the town lies the historic Buddhist monastery which is, in turn, home to no less than 7000 individual stupas. Having had a chance to interact with the overwhelmingly hospitable villagers, we make our way to the local school for an opportunity to engage with the adorable children.

Our final stop is the village Nunnery, where we present an offering of food purchased during our visit to the markets in Bhamo. Interestingly, the Nuns are required to collect and cook their own food, unlike their monastic counterparts.

Once back onboard, we set sail once again towards the south. If we are lucky, we may catch a glimpse of the rare Irrawaddy Dolphin, typified by its unique rounded forehead. Early evening we can expect to pass through the magnificent cliffs of the second defile, the largest of the Irrawaddy Gorges.

Back to the ship for Lunch.

AFTERNOON EXCURSION: Katha (15:00–18:00)

After an early breakfast, we proceed directly to the local market in Katha, where we experience the hustle-and-bustle of village life. The daily market is the backbone of the local community with everything from freshly caught fish and locally grown vegetable on offer. From here, we make our way to the former British Club, best known from George Orwell’s novel Burmese Days.

Entering the club feels as if one is stepping back in time and offers an authentic insight into life in Katha under British rule. Our next stop is the nearby Jingpo community. An ethnic subset of the Kachin people, the Jingpo are just one of over a hundred ethnic minority groups in Myanmar today. We have the chance to learn about their unique culture and enjoy a traditional rice wine making demonstration before returning to our vessel to continue our luxury river cruise.

Moor overnight in Katha.

DAY 7 

KYAUK PONE VILLAGE

MORNING EXCURSION: Kyauk Pone

This morning stop at the gorgeous village of Kyauk Pone with its Pagoda located on a hill for a wonderful view of the Irrawaddy River.
Sail the rest of the day.

ENTERTAINMENT: Longyi and Thanaka Demonstration.

Moor overnight midstream.

DAY 8 

KOT TAK VILLAGE – IRRAWADDY DOLPHIN PROTECTED AREA

MORNING EXCURSION: Kote Tak Village

After breakfast, we arrive at Kote Tak Village located in a very nice location at the beginning of the 3rd Defile. We will visit the monastery where we will interact with the Monks and the school children.

AFTERNOON EXCURSION: Irrawaddy Dolphins Protected Area.

In the late afternoon, stop by the village of Sheinmaga in the Irrawaddy Dolphins Protected Area. You will board a local small boat to try spotting the dolphins in their natural habitat with the help of some local fishermen, even if not lucky enough to see them popping up it will be anyway an interesting experience the interaction with the local people and the beautiful river scenery.

DAY 9 

BAGAN

Sail downstream till late afternoon.

ENTERTAINMENT: Lecture “Myanmar: Past and Today”

AFTERNOON EXCURSION: Bagan Sunset & Ananda Temple by Night

Arrive Bagan in the late afternoon. Cruise along the river to enjoy an impressive sunset experience on board and the unique perspective of Bagan’s ancient temples, local life and colorful sky changing.

After docking at the jetty, we will visit “by night” one of the most famous temples of Bagan, Ananda. Built in the 1,105 CE during King Kyanzittha’s reign, it is one of only four surviving temples from this period. We will explore the cruciform of the temple, with four standing Buddhas facing North, South, East, and West.

Moore Overnight in Bagan.

ENTERTAINMENT: Puppet Show on the Sundeck.

DAY 10

BAGAN
In the very early morning, we recommend a Balloon Flight over Bagan (surcharge applied).

MORNING EXCURSION: Markets and Temples of Bagan

After breakfast continue the visit of Bagan. Explore first some local markets selling wood carvings, fabrics, longyis and rattan products and a fresh market then stop at the ornate Shwezigone Pagoda, one of the country’s most important shrine. If time permits, photo stop by Htilominlo Temple.

Back to the ship for lunch

AFTERNOON EXCURSION: The Art of Bagan and Temples Oxcarts ride

Start the afternoon tour with a visit to a workshop to see the ancient technique of lacquerware making. Lacquerware has been produced in Bagan since the 11th century and continues to play an important role in daily life, especially religious practice. The production process has remained unchanged for centuries, giving a sense of authenticity.

We will then pay a visit to Gubyaukgyi Temple. Approximately 900-years-old, this is where you’ll find some of the oldest and best-preserved frescoes in Bagan; they’re also accompanied by ink captions written in the old-style Mon alphabet, providing one of the earliest examples of the language’s use in Myanmar.

Gubyaukgyi is also located next to Myazedi Pagoda, inside the compound of which you can find what’s referred to as the Burmese Rosetta Stone; two stone pillars with Pyu, Old Mon, Pali and Burmese inscriptions.

Alternative activity: “FREE and EASY in BAGAN” – Guests can hire a horse cart, a bicycle or an e-bike to explore the site at their own pace.

ENTERTAINMENT: Crew Presentation & Farewell Reception.

DAY 11

BAGAN

Disembark at Bagan Koe Lone Ye Kin Jetty at 06:00 am onwards.

Embark the ship at Gawein Jetty in Mandalay between 10.30 to 11.00.

*This cruise is available Upstream (Bagan – Mandalay) as well. For more details please contact us.

Cabin Prices

REMARKS: Cruise operated with Paukan Princess only. Prices do not include port tax USD 100/pax.

HIGH SEASON – 10 Nights Cruise (SEP – OCT / DEC 2021 & MAR – APR 2022)

PEAK SEASON – 10 Nights Cruise (NOV 2021 & JAN – FEB 2022)

Departure Dates Paukan River Cruise 2021 / 2022

Downstream: Mandalay to Bagan

Upstream: Bagan to Mandalay

Rates quoted in this agreement are valid from 1^st November 2019 to 30^th April 2022.

*Rates are based on double/twin cabin occupancy, single cabin suppl. apply.

CRUISE PRICE INCLUDES

All meals &, Coffee/Tea/Water – Complimentary local beer throughout the cruise – a glass of Wine at lunch and dinner – Sightseeing as described in the Itinerary – Ayravata Cruises English Speaking Guide (additional non-English speaking guide is provided if more than 8 cabins are booked by parties speaking the same language) – All Entrance Fees.

CRUISE PRICE EXCLUDES

Drinks, laundry, all items of a personal nature; health-accident-baggage or travel protection plan outside the ship’s boundaries, fuel surcharges if applicable. (*)

(*) Within the above rates the fuel cost is calculated on the Myanmar Market average price of the months of April 2017 (i.e. USD 0.7 per litre). Should the fuel price rise by more than 10%, AYRAVATA CRUISES will be entitled to impose a fuel surcharge equivalent to the amount by which the fuel price exceeds the price allowed for in the above rates, provided that the notice of this rise is given to the Passenger and/or his-her Agent within 30 days prior the cruise departure date.

RIVER CONDITIONS WARNING

The Irrawaddy and Chindwin rivers are subject to seasonal rises and falls of water level.

In the case of water levels being too high or low an alternative itinerary will be offered to Passenger. Published itineraries are indication only and subject to sudden change. In such events alternative itineraries will be provided and we do our best to ensure that if a stop is missed we make up for it with another stop.

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.

The ship’s manager and captain are jointly responsible for passengers’ comfort and safety. Passengers must accept their decisions and instructions.

IRRAWADDY EXPLORER

The twenty-eight luxury suites are named Mandalay, Kipling, Orwell and Maugham, all with floor-to-ceiling glass doors to enjoy the magnificent views of the Irrawaddy River. Each suite comes with its own unique artwork where for the duration of the cruise you are living in another time and place but with modern conveniences.

The sun deck is where you are cooled by the breeze sweeping over the river, where you can sunbathe, read or just enjoy the light on the water and the sun on its journey turning the sky into a painter’s palette of gold and crimson.

The Writers’ Lounge, spacious as it is, has the ambience of the private study of a writer of the past. Strategically-placed comfortable sofas give enough privacy to enable you to imagine Somerset Maugham thoughtfully smoking his pipe in one corner or Rudyard Kipling amiably telling his tales to a few enraptured guests or George Orwell trying to hide behind a newspaper.

Meals in the old-world charm of the dining room with its lazily-turning ceiling fans are not in the old colonial traditions of broiled beef and rice pudding, but of modern western haute cuisine, the best of Asian food with the freshest ingredients it demands, as well as the most delicious of popular standards. The menu is created by a talented foreign who has years of experience on the best cruise liners of the world and prepared by local Chefs.

On board, there is a Fitness Center with State-of-the-art equipment and also a spa for messages with creams made from healing and fragrant barks. There are also other events presented for your amusement, such as a lesson on how to cook some local dishes, how to securely tie the longyi waist garment, how to grind the traditional Thanaka bark paste, and how to ‘play’ the cane ball game of grace and balance. On longer cruises there are lectures on culture and traditions and performances of classical dance and marionette shows.

Terms and Conditions

1. 1. Travel Terms & Conditions

   The purchase of any travel services offered by MyanMarvels Travel and Tours, constitutes a contractual arrangement between you (the Traveler) and MyanMarvels Travel and Tours, based in Yangon, Myanmar, and represents your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand the Terms & Conditions prior to booking.

   Important Notes

   • Cruises departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change
   • A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is required for MyanMarvels Travel and Tours to secure the cabin for you.

   The following charges are not included in the river cruise holiday  price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; domestic flights, unless specified in the itinerary; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; port fee, unless specified in the itinerary; guide tips, alcoholic drinks unless specified in the cruise itinerary, Myanmar Visa, Vaccinations, Travel Insurance, Laundry, Telephone.

    

   2. PRICE GUARANTEE Once you have paid in full for your trip, you are safe from any additional charges.

    

   Cruise Price

   The ‘Myanmar Cruises Price’ is the total amount listed on your itinerary. All Tour Prices are quoted in U.S. Dollars. MyanMarvels Travel and Tours reserves the right to vary Cruise Prices at any time to account for any increase in costs, including but not limited to airfares, fuel, government taxes and charges, exchange rate fluctuations or other tour related costs or tariffs. If payment if received received the full amount of the River Cruise from the customer , there will be no increases to your Cruise price, regardless of any increases in the tour costs inside or outside of our control.

   Incoming Taxes. Sales taxes assessed by Myanmar & Local authorities  as identified on your itinerary are included in the Cruise Price.

   3. Booking/Payment.

   Booking / Deposit. You must pay the deposit listed on the itinerary (the “Deposit”) within 5 days of booking your travel. Your Booking will be automatically canceled if your Deposit is not received by MyanMarvels Travel and Tours on or before the due date. A 20% deposit of your total booking value with Paukan is required upon confirmation and is non-refundable.

    

   Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable, except as otherwise expressly stated herein.

   Final Payment. The balance of the Tour Price must be paid no later than 90 days prior to the tour departure date. Failure to pay the balance within 90 days of the tour departure date will result in cancellation of your trip and loss of the Deposit.

   Please note that the remitting party must cover their own bank charges.

   Bookings Within 90 Days. If you place a river cruise booking with MyaMarvels Travel and Tours within 90 days or less of your chosen departure date, full payment of the Tour Price is required before we can request and confirm your booking. If the tour is not able to be fully confirmed, then we will refund all funds paid to us, and MyanMarvels Travel and Tours will have no further obligations or liability to you in respect of your booking.

   INFORMATION REQUIRED

   • Full name as in your passport
   • Date of birth
   • Full passport details
   • Email address & Phone Number
   • Disabilities
   • Medical conditions
   • Dietary restrictions you make known to river cruise company
   • Emergency contact (non-participant)

   If any additional information is required, it will be requested from you with your reservation.

   4. CANCELLATIONS Terms for Paukan River Cruise Ships:

   No OF DAYS’ NOTICE PRIOR TO CRUISE COMMENCEMENT – CANCELLATION CHARGE (per person)

   • 90 days and greater Loss of the  Deposit
   • 89-60 days 35% of Cruise Price
   • 59-30 days 50% of Cruise Price
   • Less than 30 days 100% of Cruise Price

    

   5. Cruise Variation, Cancellation or Delay.

   Itinerary Variations. While MyanMarvels  Travel and Tours & its local cruise partners will make reasonable efforts to operate the tour in accordance with your itinerary, changes or substitutions may be necessary for reasons outside Cruise company control or other Force Majeure Events.

   On tours that include cruises, the ship may be changed due to operational reasons. For departures in early and late season operated in cool weather conditions, itinerary variations may occur and certain activities may not be available due to seasonality or weather conditions. Availability of certain activities may also be limited due to itinerary variations.

   Minimum Required Bookings. Your booking is conditional on Paukan River Cruise Myanmar receiving a minimum number of bookings to operate the tour and ensure an enjoyable group atmosphere.

   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 down payments made for the cancelled cruise will be refunded. In the event that a 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. 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.

   MyanMarvels Travel and Tours  will endeavor to notify you of any changes to your tour itinerary in the following  manner: (a) if prior to  your tour departure, we will notify you by telephone, email or mail; and (b) if during your tour, personally by your Cruise Director.

   6. Force Majeure. For the purposes of these terms and conditions, a ‘Force Majeure Event’ means any act of God; war; terrorism; fire; flood or any other extreme weather condition; loss of power; epidemics or pandemics; industrial disputes, slow-downs or other strike activities; riots or civil disturbances; acts of government, semi-government or other authorities; inability to obtain any necessary license or consent; delays caused by subcontractors, suppliers or other third parties (including telecommunications carriers); material shortages; or other any other disruption, delay, damage or loss resulting from any action, omission or event outside the reasonable control of Paukan River Cruise.

   You hereby acknowledge and agree that Paukan River Cruise is not liable for any delay or any failure by Paukan River Cruise to perform its obligations under these Terms and Conditions resulting from or as a consequence of a Force Majeure Event. lf a delay or failure occurs or is anticipated due to Force Majeure Event, Paukan River Cruise obligations are suspended for the duration of the Force Majeure Event. If the Force Majeure Event delays performance for a period of 7 days or more, calculated from the date MyanMarvels notifies you of the Force Majeure Event, then MyanMarvels may terminate this agreement and, in such event, you will be issued a future travel credit equal to the amount You paid to MyanMarvels hereunder, less any non-refundable third-party costs. Please note that you are limited to the future travel credit and will not be entitled to a cash refund.

   In these circumstances, Paukan will offer all affected bookings an alternative departure date and itinerary. If no suitable alternative can be offered, a credit for future cruise will be provided for the guests to make a new booking at a later date. 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 Paukan is under no obligation to provide any such offer.