Grand Voyage Of The Chindwin River: Paukan Cruises (Price & Bookings 2021)

Grand Voyage Of The Chindwin: Bagan to Mandalay: Upstream ( 12 days / 11 nights)

DAY 1 

BAGAN-PAKOKKU

EMBARKATION: Bagan
Board the ship at 09.00 hrs at Koe Lone Ye Kin Jetty and cast off at 09.30 hrs, welcome drinks in the Salon.

AFTERNOON EXCURSION: Pakokku

Boarding commences at 9 a.m., where you will be greeted by our friendly crew and settled into your accommodation before we set sail upstream on the Irrawaddy. Time permitting, we make a brief stop in the traditional riverside village of Thein Gone, where we visit the local school and monastery.

Cruising north, we reach the vibrant town of Pakokku, home to a historic monastery as well as traditional Cheroot and weaving workshops. Late in the afternoon, we pass the confluence of the Chindwin and Irrawaddy rivers before dropping anchor for our first night on board

DAY 2

PAKOKKU-AHMIYAT – MONYWA

MORNING: Sailing

Sailing the whole morning.

AFTERNOON EXCURSION: Ahmyint Village & Monywa

Following a delicious breakfast, we moor at the charming town of Pakhan-gyi. The provincial capital of the post-Pagan period, the town is surrounded by a large moat and once boasted an impressive governor’s residence. We spend time ashore exploring the historic fortifications, local museum and impressive carved-wood monastery.

Returning to the boat, we set sail once again for the village of Ahmiyat, where we pay a visit to the vibrant local market. The 17th century Min Kyaw Swa stupa, with its renowned 18th-century artwork, makes our last stop for the day before returning to the ship and sailing to the large port town of Monywa.

ENTERTAINMENT: Film screening (after dinner) – Irrawaddy Documentary Movie

DAY 3

MONYWA

MORNING EXCURSION: Monywa

After an early breakfast, we embark on a 90-minute coach journey to the town of Monywa. Our first destination upon arrival is the spectacular caves of Hpo Win Daung, where we have the chance to see stunning murals.

Also unique to this site are the hundreds of Buddha statues hidden within the niches of the cave, many of which date back centuries.

We then enjoy a late lunch before returning to the boat and continuing our luxury river cruise in Myanmar.

AFTERNOON: Sailing

Sailing the whole afternoon and overnight midstream.

ENTERTAINMENT: Afternoon – Longyi & Thanakha Presentation by on board guide. U Shwe Yoo & Daw Moe dance performance by the crew.

DAY 4 

KANEE-KIN

MORNING EXCURSION: Kanee

After a relaxed breakfast on board, we disembark to explore the charming village of Kanee. Straddling the banks of the Chindwin river, Kanee remains an untouched oasis of traditional rural life in Myanmar, and we are assured a warm welcome from the local residents. From the village, we take a short walk to the top of the nearby hill where we visit the village pagoda and enjoy spectacular views over the surrounding countryside.

AFTERNOON EXCURSION: Kin

In the afternoon, we explore Kin village with its beautiful wooden houses and the monastery. Having returned to the boat, we spend the rest of the day sailing peacefully upstream towards the Kin village, before spending the night at anchor.
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ENTERTAINMENT: Film Screening (after dinner) – Burma Forbidden Island “About Salone Ethnic Group”

DAY 5 

MINGUN

MORNING: Sailing
Continue sailing upstream the whole morning.

AFTERNOON EXCURSION: MingUN

We begin our day with an early morning visit to the historic Kin village, known for its beautiful architecture. Comprised of winding streets lined with traditional wooden houses, we explore the town at our leisure before paying a visit to the beautiful monastery where we learn of the significance of the intricate wood carvings.

We continue to cruise upstream to the enchanting town of Mingin, where we further explore the traditional wooden architecture of this region. The impressive Min Kyaung monastery with its collection of historic Buddha images is our last stop for the day before returning to the boat for the night.

ENTERTAINMENT: Morning – Country and People lecture by onboard guide.

DAY 6

KYIDAW

MORNING EXCURSION: Kyi Daw & Kan

Our first port of call today is the town of Kyidaw, also known locally as Kyi Taung Oo, where we visit the famous Shwe Za War Yaw monastery. One of the oldest and best-preserved wood-carved monasteries in Myanmar, this exquisite site is adorned with numerous hand-carved wooden idols and intricate gold-leaf wall decorations. We continue our visit with a scenic stroll through the nearby paddy fields to the village of Kan where we visit another local monastery before catching a small local boat back to our vessel.

AFTERNOON: Sailing

The rest of the day is spent cruising gently upstream to the village of Kyaw Zin, close to Kalewa, where we drop anchor for the night.

ENTERTAINMENT: Afternoon – Myanmar Traditional Tealeaf and Ginger Salad Demonstration.

Evening – Traditional Bamboo Dance Performance by Chin ethnic group (if available) OR In House Movie.

DAY 7

KALEWA

MORNING EXCURSION: Kalewa

Kalewa is the main river port for trade with nearby India, and we begin our day with a visit to the thriving local market. Thanks to the town’s prominence as an international trading post, the market here has a uniquely lively atmosphere, with a fascinating range of goods from far and wide on sale. A short climb to the hilltop Shwe Moat Htaw stupa offers splendid views across the local landscape before returning to the ship for lunch.

AFTERNOON: Sailing

We spend the rest of the day sailing north towards our next port of call at Mawlaik.

ENTERTAINMENT: Film screening (after dinner) – “The Lady Part I” Movie

DAY 8

MAWLAIK

MORNING EXCURSION: Mawlaik

Situated just 35km from the Indian border, the town of Mawlaik was once the provincial capital for the region. Surrounded by luscious Teak forests, this delightful colonial town is home to a large golf course and a wonderful collection of colonial architecture, much of it built by the Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation in the 1920s and 1930s.

In fact, there is still a small community of the company’s original workforce and their descendants living in the town. We enjoy a visit to the governor’s house, school, hospital and the old company headquarters, known as the ‘Dak Bungalows’. Still in use today, these well-preserved offices offer a fascinating insight into life some 100 years ago.

AFTERNOON: Sailing

Having reached the turning point of our Myanmar river cruise, we return to the boat and begin the journey back down the river towards Monywa.

ENTERTAINMENT: Film screening (after dinner) – “The Lady Part II” Movie

DAY 9 

SAILING (DOWNSTREAM)

MORNING & AFTERNOON: Sailing

We spend today relaxing while sailing back downstream, stopping at a typical river village, known for its petrified wood. We have a chance to visit local houses and the village school before continuing our journey towards Yandabo.

ENTERTAINMENT: Morning – Buddhism and History Lecture by onboard guide

Afternoon – Myanmar Traditional Cooking Demonstration

DAY 10 

YANDABO

MORNING EXCURSION: Yandabo

Nestled on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, the charming town of Yandabo was best known for the signing of the peace treaty that ended the first Anglo-Burmese War on 24th February 1826. Since then, the village has developed a strong association with pottery and is now renowned for the craft.

Having disembarked the vessel, we enjoy a peaceful stroll through the village, stopping at traditional homes and workshops along the way to experience first-hand the making and firing of the famous Yandabo pottery. It is interesting to note that each workshop applies its own markings and stylings, making each piece unique to the craftsman who created it. We continue on foot for a visit to the local monastery, before returning to the vessel.

AFTERNOON: Sailing

Sail the whole afternoon and moor overnight at midstream.

ENTERTAINMENT: Afternoon – Ship Tour

Pre-dinner Farewell Cocktail Party with all Crew

DAY 11 

MANDALAY

After breakfast, we conclude our luxury river cruise in Myanmar as we disembark at Gawein Jetty around 9:00 a.m.

TRANSFER : Transfer from airport or hotel to Jetty can be arranged at supplement upon request. Pls note that it takes approximately 30 minutes drive from Airport and Hotel to ship (Koe Lone Ye Kin).

Please note: We are not able to accept early arrival before 09:00 AM.

TRANSFER : Transfer to the Mandalay Int’l Airport or hotel in Mandalay can be arranged at supplement upon request. Pls take note that it takes around 1 hr drive from ship (Gawein) to Mandalay Int’l Airport and 30 minutes to hotel in Mandalay.

Cabin Prices

REMARK: Rates do not include port tax USD 100/Pax.

Departure Dates Paukan River Cruise 2021 / 2022

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.

ABOUT RV PAUKAN 2012

One of the members of the Paukan Cruises family under the management of the Ayravata Cruise Company is the RV Paukan 2012 which was launched in September of 2012.

ON BOARD

Paukan 2012 is a gem of a vessel, a compact but elegant vessel made of teak with a hull of marine steel. The walls and floors are of timber with each plank carefully chosen to show off the beautiful grain. The décor is modern chic, with a touch of Myanmar culture through a few traditional motifs, wooden figures, fabrics and paintings.

There are 18 cabins, twin and double, with attached bathrooms for a total of 34 passengers.

All the cabins are nicely decorated and comfortable with ensuite bathrooms.

The best view of the river can be enjoyed in the two ‘Premier’ cabins on the upper deck, each with French windows on two sides, leading out to a spacious balcony. The six Double Deluxe cabins on the upper deck have a balcony, a French window the eight Twin Deluxe cabins on the main deck. With the drapes pulled aside, there lay in front of your eyes the amazing the view of the river as it changes moods during different times of the day. There are also two single cabins on the upper deck.

The dining room with a capacity for 34 is a spacious hall on the main deck where every morning a lavish and scrumptious breakfast buffet is served. The other meals a blend of Western and Myanmar cuisine is prepared with loving care for freshness and tastes by experienced chefs, Lunch is a buffet and Dinner is Table d’hôte.

The lounge on the upper deck seats 16 and the open deck with a well-stocked bar leading out from it seats 15. The lounge is arranged and decorated tastefully with comfortable chairs, for groups of several people or in a more intimate setting.

The solarium on the roof deck is the best place to enjoy an evening drink as the sun sets with a backdrop of the sky’s spectacular display of colors.

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.