Pandaw River Cruise Myanmar

Pandaw Cruise Myanmar: Bagan to Mandalay ( Price & Booking 2021)

The Pandaw experience is all about exploring remote and often hard-to-navigate rivers in specially designed luxury small ships.

Pandaw are pioneers in river cruise expeditions in Burma and still to this day very few, if any, vessels are able to carry passengers on these rivers.

Discover our itinerary and offer for the 7 night Irrawaddy Cruise from Mandalay to Bagan Cruise in 2021.

  starting from 2095$
mandalay-pagan-cruise

mandalay-pagan-cruise

Bagan to Mandalay Cruise: Upstream ( 8 days / 7 night )

 

DAY 1

PAGAN

Transfer from the airport to the ship for lunch followed by exploration of a selection of the 3000 plus Pagan monuments by bicycle or coach.

The first temple visited is Ananda, known as the finest temple in Pagan in terms of ancient architecture, built in AD 1105 by King Kyansit Thar, the third king of Pagan dynasty. Explore the high standard of Pagan craftsmanship including niches with statues, glazed plaques, the standing Buddha statues and murals.

Located on the left bank of the Irrawaddy River, Pagan is roughly ninety miles from Mandalay. Those who are keen historians will know that Pagan is the iconic location of Mynamar. The old city was built in 849 CE and between the 11th and 13 century, this was the capital of the region. According to experts, Pagan was once the size of modern-day Mandalay!

During 1287, pagan was overrun with the Mongols. The terrifying tribe was active in the region during this period and Pagan was but one of their many conquests. The evidence of their impact on the location can still be seen to this day.

On our exciting expeditions, you will discover many of the secrets of this incredible location. Pagan was once a walled-off fortress with borders that stretched for over 2 miles. By many, it was viewed as a sacred city and it’s famously rich lands were the source of its strength through the ages.

One of the earliest structures that can be discovered and viewed on our cruises actually dates back to the turn of the tenth century. Despite being battered by earthquakes, it is still in remarkable condition.

You’ll find that many of the areas around Pagan have been given restorations to preserve their natural beauty and ensure that their stories live on.

As well as being able to explore the remains of an ancient city, our expert guides can provide incredible details into everything that you may uncover through Pagan. You may also encounter researchers who are striving to root out more of the mysteries that still remain deeply buried here. Perhaps you could be the one to uncover a secret that has been lost in the sands of time?

We certainly encourage you to take a closer look at the shrines around Pagan. These are monuments to cultural deities, believed to have protected the land from disaster.


DAY 2

PAGAN

Further exploration of Pagan and visit a lacquerware workshop. Visit to Shwe San Daw stupa, one of only a few monuments allowing travellers to climb it, gaining a 360-degree view over the pagoda-studded plain. The next visit is to Shwe Zi Gone Pagoda, built in AD 1086 and believed to enshrine a hair relic of the Buddha.

Before returning to the ship for lunch, take a stroll around the Khay Min Ga pagoda complex to learn about the different architectural styles: Indian, Sri Lankan, Myanmar-Mon hybrid and Myanmar.

In the afternoon, visit a Lacquerware workshop to explore the process of making lacquer handicrafts which is the specialty craft of Pagan.

Continue to the unique Payathonzu, three interconnected temples with a narrow passage built in the late 13th century.

End the day with a visit to Dhammayangyi from AD 1170, the widest and largest temple in Pagan.

Watch the sunset from the top of Taung Guni temple before returning to the ship.

 


DAY 3

SALAY – AYARDAW – TANT-CHI-TAUNG

Set sail early morning to Salay, a small town which was once a bustling trading port, now a sleepy village filled with colonial architectural treasures and timeless teak monasteries.

Walk to Yoke-Sone Kyaung, the best-known teak carved monastery in Burma, stopping at Salay House on return.

Sail upriver to the Ayardaw charity clinic supported by Pandaw then drive up the winding road of the Tant-Chi-Taung mountain to visit the hill-top stupa.

Late afternoon, watch the traditional paper-mache elephant dance performed by the villagers from Tant-Chi.


DAY 4

PAKOKKU

 

Explore Pakokku, experiencing the local market and town centre by Tuk Tuk.

Pakkoku is a city of about 100,000 inhabitants located 30 km from Pagan. Main produce are tobacco, cotton, peanuts, Thanatkha (traditional make-up and sun lotion) and textiles. Visit Pakokku’s main market by Tuk Tuk.

Stop at a cheroot workshop and discover how traditional cheroot cigars are made.

Moor overnight at Aung Pan Chaung near the Chindwin confluence.traditional paper-mache elephant dance performed by the villagers from Tant-Chi.

 


DAY 5

YANDABO

Explore Yandabo village, famous for its production of terracotta pottery from the river bank clay.

This village is well-known as the place where the first Anglo-Burmese war ended by the peace treaty signed in 1826. Morning walking tour and a visit to a pottery workshop to see first-hand the production process. This is a hands-on experience which you are welcome to try.

Here we visit the Pandaw School built with donations from past Pandaw passengers and see potteries, the main industry for this village.

Afternoon sailing and moor overnight at Pauk-taw Pauk-myaing village near Ava.


DAY 6

AVA – SAGAING – AMARAPURA

Morning visit to the ancient city of Ava, which served as the capital of the Burmese kingdom for nearly 400 years, longer than any other ancient capital. Morning tour by coach to Ava jetty and across the Myit Nge(Dokehtawady) river by small ferry boat, followed by horse carts to Menu Oak Kyaung monastery built by the chief queen in 1822. End the morning with a visit to the splendid Bagaya Kyaung monastery built entirely of teak in 1834.

Afternoon excursion to Sagaing where there are 1000 hermitages and sanctuaries rich in woodcarving and religious art. From Sagaing Hill admire the bird’s eye view over the Irrawaddy river curving around Sagaing from Soon U Ponnya Shin hilltop-pagoda. Later an introduction to the Buddhist nuns’ way of life at a nunnery.

Drive to Amarapura, a former capital (initially from 1783 to 1819 and subsequently from 1839 to 1852). Visit a silk and cotton weaving workshop, Amarapura’s major business.

At sunset take a local boat on Taungthaman lake at U Bein Bridge, the world’s longest teak bridge.

Amarapura has a long history and it can be traced back to 1783, when the city was originally founded by King Bodawpaya and called “The City of Immortals”. It was made the capital of the Konbaung empire until Bodawpaya’s grandson moved power to the city of Ava in 1823.

The capital has been moved around numerous times since then and power landed back in Amarapura for a short period from 1841.

Even though Amarapura was used as a capital city for a number of times throughout its history, there is actually little to see of this period of power and grandeur. That’s because the parliament, royal apartments, military barracks, and horse and elephant stables were dismantled and taken to the new capitals. A royal palace did remain, but over the years it was dismantled so its bricks and stones could be used elsewhere.

Nowadays, Amarapura is classed as a suburb of Mandalay and is home to a strong population of craftsmen. You’ll even find that the town is split into different quarters depending on occupations and crafts, such as stone carvers and bronze casters.

There is plenty to see and do around Amarapura these days, and one of the main sites of interest is the Bagaya monastery. Originally built in 1593, the monastery was badly damaged in a fire in 1821. The government rebuilt an exact replica in its place in the early 1990s, and this still stands and attracts visitors to this day.

The U-Bein bridge is another popular attraction for travelers and visitors these days. This long footbridge is the world’s longest and crosses the shallow Taungthaman Lake. It is thought to be one of the most photographed sights in the whole of Myanmar. Try to visit the bridge just after sunrise to see hundreds of monks and locals cross the bridge in droves.

Moor overnight at Sagaing.

 


DAY 7

MINGUN – MANDALAY

Set sail to Mingun for a morning walking tour around the unfinished stupa built by Amarapura’s King Bodawpaya in 1790 which was intended to be the world’s largest stupa but remained unfinished since 1808 and also visit the world’s largest ringing bell. Drive to Mandalay in the afternoon. Mandalay is not only the country’s second largest city but also the religious centre of Burmese culture.

The excursion starts with a visit to Mahamuni Buddha Image, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Myanmar. The statue was brought here in 1785 by King Bodawapaya after the invasion of the Arakan Kingdom in 1784. To pay respect to the Buddha image, male devotees apply gold leaf to the image. As a result, the Mahamuni Buddha Image has been covered with a thick layer of gold leaf (about 15 cm). The walk continues along the street renowned for its marble carvers.

Continue to Shwe Kyaung (Golden Palace Monastery) which was built in 1857 and was originally part of the royal palace before it was moved to the present site in 1879.

Explore UNESCO listed Kuthodaw Pagoda, with the world’s biggest book. It accommodates 729 marble slabs engraved with the Buddha’s Parli Scriptures housed in shrines.

After the gold leaf hammering workshop, stop by the moat surrounding the Royal Palace for a great photo opportunity with a backdrop of Mandalay Hill.

Moor overnight at Sagaing.


DAY 8

MANDALAY

By 09:00 am disembark in Mandalay and transfer to either hotel or airport.

 

*This cruise is available Downstream  as well (Mandalay – Bagan). Please contact us for more details & bookings.

Cabin Prices

SAILINGS

Mandalay – Bagan

Main Deck TwinUpper Deck Twin
Rate per personSingle Suppl.Rate per personSingle Suppl.
(2 people sharing)(2 people sharing)
4 Nights$1955$1955$2680$2680

Departure Dates Pandaw Cruise 2021 / 2022

 

YearJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC
202125

2 16 30

9 23 

13 27 30

6   2018

25

20221 15 29

8 22

12 26

5  19

12 26 

9

9

2

 

Upstream (Pagan to Mandalay)

Downstream (Mandalay to Pagan)

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

Rates quoted in this agreement are valid from 1st November 2010 to 30th December 2022.

 

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Cruise Price Includes: Transfers to/from ship on DAY 1 and DAY 5 as described. Entrance fees, guide services (English language), gratuities to crew, main meals, local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes. Use of quality mountain bikes for independent exploration.

Cruise Price Excludes: International flights, port dues (if levied), laundry, all visa costs, fuel surcharges (see terms and conditions), all beverages except local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes and tips to tour guides, local guides, bus drivers, boat operators and cycle drivers.

 

Each Pandaw River Cruise Customer will receive

  • Welcome cocktail party
  • Signature hors d’oeuvres at cocktails each evening
  • Afternoon tea with cakes or cookies when cruising
  • Celebration cake and champagne on birthdays and anniversaries
  • Cookery demonstrations and classes using local produce
  • All scheduled excursions
  • At least two cultural performances per cruise
  • Tour of the engine rooms, galley and working parts of the ship
  • Film presentations on local culture and history
  • Local mineral water
  • Cold towels on deck all day
  • Jugged coffee, tea and tisanes on deck from sunrise till sunset
  • Crew gratuities are included in your cruise program price

Other Things Not Included

  • Spa service including foot, head and body massages (Mekong only)
  • Personal laundry service
  • All drinks except local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes

 

 

TRANSFERS & JOINING

DAY 1 PAGAN

Embarkation Details
Embarkation – Ayar Jetty at 11.30am

Transfer – Transfer from airport or hotel in Bagan/Mandalay on the day of embarkation will be provided. Please note that it takes approximately 3.5 hours by drive for transfer from Mandalay airport or hotel to ship (Pagan) for embarkation.

Please Note: We are not able to accept early arrivals before 11.00am.

 

RV Pandaw II

 

Pandaw II was our first ever new build back in 2001. Though our oldest ship she is still young in river terms – her prototype the old Pandaw is now over sixty years old and many ships in this fresh water environment are at least 100 years old. She was built in Rangoon at the Dawbone dockyard, then belonging to the Marine Department.

In those days there was no electricity and numerous generators surrounded the growing hull powering the welder’s torches. Timber mills were rare too and great tree trunks would be delivered to the dockside and be cut into planks on the spot. The result was magnificent and still is.

Pandaw II remains the stately queen of our fleet, if not the river. This is the one ship that has not been fully refitted, partly because the crew have treated her with such love and care that she does not need a refit and partly because she is something of a cult ship with a considerable following and we want to preserve the original Pandaw cabin with their real ship’s berths and the old door and window arrangement rather than the French windows of our other P class ships.

The ship has quality mountain bikes for your independent exploration.

ACCOMMODATION

  • 16 upper deck, 8 main deck staterooms
  • 170 square feet, finished in teak and brass
  • Kimonos and slippers
  • Spa-branded amenities
  • Unlimited mineral water
  • Electric mini safe
  • Central AC with individual control
  • Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows
  • Premium mattresses
  • Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift
  • Mirror
  • Multi-configuration plugs
  • Generous closet space and under-bed storage
  • Hair dryer
  • Daily nightly turndown service
  • 24h laundry service
  • Complimentary evening canapés
  • Yoga mats in all cabins

WINING & DINING

  • Local masterchef heading an experienced international culinary team
  • Semi-buffet breakfast, Semi-buffet lunch, and seated theme dinners
  • Daily lean & light menu options
  • Complimentary local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes
  • Extensive wine list with premium wines
  • Series of cultural performances, educational talks, cooking classes, and ship tour
  • Welcome drink on arrival
  • Welcome cocktail
  • Farewell Reception
  • Theme dinners
  • Spacious, air-conditioned saloon bar with nightly entertainment
  • Sundeck bar
  • 24hrs hospitality bar
  • Onboard bakery with daily freshly baked breads and rolls

 

RV Pandaw II

RV Pandaw II

 

 

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 Pandaw 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 Pandaw 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 Pandaw 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 Pandaw River Cruise.

    You hereby acknowledge and agree that Pandaw River Cruise is not liable for any delay or any failure by Pandaw 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, Pandaw 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, Pandaw 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 Pandaw is under no obligation to provide any such offer.

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