Treasure of Golden Myanmar: Prome to Mandalay Paukan Cruise ( Price & Bookings 2021)

Prome to Mandalay Cruise: Upstream* ( 10 days / 9 nights ) 

DAY 1

YANGON – PROME

AFTERNOON EXCURSION: Prome and Sri Ksetra

Having boarded your vessel in Yangon, we begin our cruise by sailing north along the Irrawaddy River toward the city of Prome.

During the Bagan Era, Prome, known locally as Pyay, was controlled by the Mon tribe before being conquered by the Burmese King Alaungpaya in 1754. Following the formation of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company in the 1890s, the town grew rapidly into a large and powerful trading post between northern and southern Myanmar.

In the afternoon, we take a short drive to Thayekhittaya, also known as Sri Ksetra in the local Pali language, meaning the ‘Fabulous City’. Dating back to the Pyu dynasty of the 5th to 9th centuries, Sri Ksetra is home to a fascinating blend of Hindu and Buddhist culture. While in town, we will visit the excellent Sri Ksetra museum to see the captivating collection of coins, maps and artefacts, as well as Hindu deities and Buddha images dating back to the 6th century.

ENTERTAINMENT: Welcome Reception and Safety Briefing (6:30PM-7:30PM)

DAY 2

THAYET

MORNING EXCURSION: Thayet Myo

After a delicious breakfast on board, we disembark our vessel for a short Tuk-Tuk ride to the charming town of Thayet Myo. Along the way, we will stop to visit the oldest golf course in Myanmar for a fascinating insight into the region’s colonial past. You will even have the chance to Tee-Off from the first hole!

Once in Thayet Myo, we will visit the local market and explore the beautiful colonial buildings that make up the village centre, before returning to our vessel by Tuk-Tuk.

AFTERNOON: We then spend the afternoon sailing through the stunning landscapes of central Myanmar, while enjoying the informative BBC Documentary “The Life of the Buddha”.

ENTERTAINMENT: BBC Documentary “The Life of the Buddha” (03:30 PM-04:30 PM)

DAY 3

MAGWE

MORNING EXCURSION: Magwe by Trishaw
(Site order and timing for today may vary by groups)

This morning, we once again the vessel after breakfast for a visit to the regional capital of Magwe. The short journey is made aboard a traditional Burmese Trishaw, a three-wheeled bicycle where one passenger sits beside the driver – a classic Myanmar experience! After a short walk through town, we arrive at the local market where we will have time to shop and explore, before taking our Trishaws for a scenic ride through the village to the magnificent Mya Tha Lun pagoda.

Set atop Maguttama Hill, this beautiful gilded pagoda offers a wonderful view across the town and over the Irrawaddy River.

AFTERNOON: Enjoy sailing the whole afternoon.

ENTERTAINMENT: Longyi and Thanaka Demonstration (03:30 PM-04:30 PM)

DAY 4

SALAY – BAGAN

MORNING EXCURSION: Salay Walking Tour

(Site order and timing for today may vary by groups)

This morning we walk ashore at Salay, a small town founded in the 13th century with Bagan-era shrines, beautiful 19th-century teak monasteries and preserved British colonial buildings. We explore the Salay House, a restored 1906 colonial trading company warehouse on the bank of the Irrawaddy. Our walk takes us along the town’s main Strand Street towards the local market before turning away from the river to visit the beautiful Yoke Soun Kyaung Taw Gyi wooden monastery.

This ornately carved teak monastery was designed as a copy of the Crown Prince House of Mandalay and is now a museum boasting remarkable wood carvings and artefacts. We pass some impressive Bagan-era monuments on our way to visit Mann Paya, a pagoda with a beautiful lacquerware Buddha, before returning to our ship with a stroll past some of Salay’s many beautiful colonial buildings

AFTERNOON EXCURSION: Temple of Bagan

This afternoon our excursion takes us to one of the most incredible areas of Myanmar: Bagan. Once the centre of the Pagan Empire, Bagan today is a tourist, artist, and archaeological mecca. We will start the tour with the massive Htilominlo, built by King Htilominlo on the site where he was chosen from the five sons of King Nadaungmya to be the crown prince of Pagan.

While the murals that once decorated much of the inside of this temple have only survived on the ceilings, Htilominlo boasts the finest plaster carvings which still remain undamaged on the arch pediments. A visit to Bagan would not be complete without exploring one of the most famous temples of Bagan, Ananda. Built in 1105 CE during King Kyanzittha 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.

ENTERTAINMENT: Traditional Myanmar Puppet Show (9:00PM-10:00PM)

DAY 5

BAGAN

MORNING EXCURSION: Bagan

This morning we take you to Bagan viewing tower to see the scenic view of Bagan. After that, we will climb aboard traditional, ceremonial oxcarts for a short ride through the temples of Bagan. This is guaranteed to be a highlight of your Myanmar river cruise!

AFTERNOON EXCURSION: The Art and Sunset Over Bagan

After a delicious lunch, we pay a visit to a local artists workshop and experience first-hand the creation of traditional lacquerware, known locally as ‘Yun-de’. After witnessing the painstaking work that goes into creating each piece, we have the opportunity to purchase some original art before taking a short coach ride to Gubyaukgyi Temple. Also known as the Great Painted Cave Temple, where we take a tour of the original 12th-century paintings and see how traditional sand paintings are created by local artists.

From here, we proceed to the gilded Myazedi Stupa, which is not only a historical monument but also a site of cultural importance. It is here that an inscription was found, consecrating the Gubyaukgyi temple in four different languages – Pyu, Mon, Old Burmese and Pali – thus unlocking the key to these ancient languages. Our final stop of the day is a site affectionately known as the ‘Bagan Viewing Hill’, from which we will enjoy an unforgettable sunset over the pagodas and stupas that make up the skyline of Bagan. After the sunset, we return to our vessel.

DAY 6

BAGAN-HNAW KONE

MORNING EXCURSION: Markets and Temples of Bagan

This morning, we transfer by motor coach to Bagan’s largest open market, where fresh produce, meats, spices, woodcarvings, longyis, thanaka, and rattan products are sold every day. We have the opportunity to watch the negotiations and transactions taking place, and if we are lucky, see one of the local women carrying their purchases on their heads. After our walk through the market, we proceed to the gilded Shwezigon Pagoda.

This important religious site dates to the reign of King Anawrahta, founder of the Bagan Empire. The construction of this complex spanned both King Anawrahta’s lifetime, as well as his son and successor King Kyanzittha’s lifetime. The golden stupa at its center is said to contain a bone and tooth relic of the Buddha, a gold image of Anawrahta and a Chinese emerald Buddha. After exploring this large temple complex we will say goodbye to the temples of Bagan as our coach returns us to the ship and we set sail.

AFTERNOON EXCURSION: Hnaw Kone Walking Tour

Following a delicious lunch, we sail towards the picturesque village of Hnaw Gone where we will enjoy our second scenic walk of the day. Typical of rural river villages of the region, the residents of Hnaw Gione exude traditional Burmese hospitality, and we are assured a warm welcome. We take time to meet the villagers and their children and enjoy a demonstration of how bamboo is split and weaved by hand to form everything from traditional baskets to large panels used to build homes

ENTERTAINMENT: Tea Leaf and Ginger Salad Demonstration (2:00PM-3:00PM)

DAY 7

YANDABO

MORNING EXCURSION: Yandabo Walking Tour

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 continuing our luxury river cruise in Myanmar

AFTERNOON: Enjoy sailing the whole afternoon.

ENTERTAINMENT: Lecture “Myanmar: Past and Today” (3:30PM-4:30PM)

Burmese Karaoke Party (5:30PM-7:00PM)

DAY 8 

AVA-SAGAING-AMARAPURA

MORNING EXCURSION: AVA

This morning we will explore the town of Ava by horse cart, visiting the beautiful 200-year-old teak Bagaya Kyaung Monastery, Nanmyin watchtower (27mt. high) and the Yadana Hsemee pagoda complex

AFTERNOON EXCURSION: Sagaing and Amarapura

After Lunch, we visit Sagaing by coach, an important religious site with countless pagodas dotting the surrounding hillsides. Here, stop to see Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda at the top of Sagaing Hill for stunning views of the Irrawaddy and across to Mandalay. Next continue onto a Nunnery to witness life in a local nunnery.

Next we continue by coach to the penultimate Burmese royal capital of Amarapura to visit a silk workshop before driving to U-Bein Bridge, believed to be the world’s longest 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: Myanmar Traditional Dance Performance (9:00PM-10:00PM)

DAY 9 

MINGUN-MANDALAY

MORNING EXCURSION: Mingun Walking Tour

After breakfast we will enjoy a leisurely walking tour of the small town of Mingun. Our first stop is King Bodawpaya’s monumental, uncompleted stupa. During construction, an astrologer to the king argued that the king would die upon completion of the temple, and work was immediately halted. Had it been completed, it would have been the largest in the world. The cracks we see are the result of the 23 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 2000 when the Bell of Good Luck was unveiled in Henan, China. After having the opportunity to stand inside the bell as it is rung, we have time to shop in the local market, famous for its makeshift galleries that display inexpensive art from both local and internationally known artists.

AFTERNOON EXCURSION: Mandalay

Enjoy a afternoon tour Mandalay. We visit 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. Then we proceed a workshop that produces the gold leaf commonly used to adorn Buddha images at temples throughout Myanmar, and the Mahamuni Pagoda, to see how the gold leaf is used.

ENTERTAINMENT: Farewell Reception and Crew Farewell (6:30PM-7:30PM)

DAY 10

MANDALAY

After your breakfast, our luxury river cruise concludes as we disembark at Gawein Jetty, Mandalay. (8:00 a.m.)

Ship transfer meeting point: Sule Shangri-La Yangon.
Guests will enjoy a scenic drive from Yangon to Prome.

TRANSFER: Transfer from hotel in Yangon to Prome will be provided. Pls take note that it takes approximately 7 hrs drive from Yangon to Prome (7:00 AM – 2:00 PM)

Departure from Sule Shangri La Hotel Yangon is 7:00 am. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure in order to check in with our representative.

DISEMBARKATION: (8:00AM)
After your breakfast, disembark at Gawein Jetty, Mandalay.

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 approximately 1 hr drive for transfer from ship (Gawein) to Mandalay Int’l Airport and 30 minutes to hotel in Mandalay.

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

Cabin Prices

REMARKS: Cruise operated with Irrawaddy Explorer only. Price does not include port tax USD 90/Pax

SHOULDER SEASON – 9 Nights Cruise (SEP 2021 & APR 2022)

HIGH SEASON – 9 Nights Cruise (OCT to DEC 2021 & JAN to MAR 2022)

Departure Dates Paukan River Cruise 2021 / 2022

Downstream: Mandalay to Prome

Upstream: Prome 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.