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Burmese Days: Along The Irrawaddy River With Bangkok & Inle Lake – Southbound 2019
17 DAYS FROM ONLY $6179
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Burma (Myanmar), New Zealand, Thailand
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Login to your AccountBurmese Days: Along The Irrawaddy River With Bangkok & Inle Lake – Southbound 2019
See the tapestries, woodcarving, and gold-leaf artistry of Buddhist pagodas, and enjoy captivating song and dance performances. You’ll also visit Amarapura and Shwe Pyi Thar to see the famed U Bein Bridge at sunset, and learn about farming traditions passed down through generations. Finish your Irrawaddy River cruise in Bagan, one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites with thousands of historic structures still standing. Visit one of the many spiritual temples at sunrise and a local market selling the unique handicrafts of the region. Last stop is tranquil Inle Lake, a beautiful area surrounded by mountains with stilted houses dotting the shorelines. You will explore this area, stopping in Silk, Silversmith, and Cheroot Workshops, and attend a traditional song and dance performance by the Padaung long-necked women who live in this part of Myanmar.Few Southeast Asia river cruises offer this depth of experiences in these ancient lands, and we’re excited to share the beauty with you. From intricate cultural performances and interactions with the locals, to grand ancient temples and shrines. You’ll get an enlightened view of Myanmar—from exquisite sunrise to sunset—in villages on shore to lofty shrines.
| Day | Activity |
| Day 1 | Depart US |
| Day 2 | BANGKOK, THAILAND |
| Day 3 | BANGKOK |
| Day 4 | BANGKOK |
| Day 5 | BANGKOK–YANGON, MYANMAR |
| Day 6 | YANGON |
| Day 7 | MANDALAY (EMBARKATION) |
| Day 8 | KYAUK MYAUNG |
| Day 9 | MINGUN |
| Day 10 | MANDALAY |
| Day 11 | SAGAING |
| Day 12 | SHWE PYI THAR |
| Day 13 | BAGAN |
| Day 14 | BAGAN (DISEMBARKATION)–HEHO–INLE LAKE |
| Day 15 | INLE LAKE |
| Day 16 | INLE LAKE–HEHO–YANGON |
| Day 17 | YANGON |
| Day | Activity |
| Day 1 | Depart US |
| Day 2 | BANGKOK, THAILAND |
| Day 3 | BANGKOK |
| Day 4 | BANGKOK |
| Day 5 | BANGKOK–YANGON, MYANMAR |
| Day 6 | YANGON |
| Day 7 | MANDALAY (EMBARKATION) |
| Day 8 | KYAUK MYAUNG |
| Day 9 | MINGUN |
| Day 10 | MANDALAY |
| Day 11 | SAGAING |
| Day 12 | SHWE PYI THAR |
| Day 13 | BAGAN |
| Day 14 | BAGAN (DISEMBARKATION)–HEHO–INLE LAKE |
| Day 15 | INLE LAKE |
| Day 16 | INLE LAKE–HEHO–YANGON |
| Day 17 | YANGON |
Tour Highlights
Day 1 Bangkok: Welcome to ThailandDay 2 Bangkok: Boat ride on klongs; visit the Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha Day 3 Bangkok: Day at leisureDay 4 Bangkok–Yangon, Myanmar: Fly to YangonDay 5 Yangon: Walking tour of the city’s landmarks; visit a local tea shop, Chaukhtatgyi, and Shwedagon PagodaDay 6 Yangon–Mandalay (Embarkation): Fly to Mandalay; onboard welcome receptionDay 7 Kyauk Myaung–Sin Kyun: Walking tour through the pottery-making village of Kyauk Myaung; see straw hat making in Sin KyunDay 8 Mingun-Mandalay-Amarupura: See unfinished pagoda & bronze bell in Mingun; visit U Bein Bridge and take a sampan ride at sunset in AmarapuraDay 9 Mandalay: Sightseeing including Mahamuni, Kuthadaw and Shwenandaw Pagodas; visit tapestry, woodcarving, and gold leaf workshops; traditional dance performanceDay 10 Sagaing: Visit Kaunghmudaw Pagoda, a silversmith workshop, and Soon U Ponya Shin PagodaDay 11 Shwe Pyi Thar: Walking tour through this typical river village to visit a local farmer's home and see palm candy being made; traditional puppet showDay 12 Bagan: Watch sunrise from temple; sightseeing including a local market, Shwezigon Pagoda, lacquer workshop, Ananda Temple, Dhammayangyi Temple, Sulamani Temple; ox cart ride to temple for sunsetDay 13 Bagan (Disembarkation)–Heho–Inle Lake: Fly to Heho; transfer to Inle Lake; lunch at Red Mountain EstateDay 14 Inle Lake: Full-day excursion around the lake to see scenes of daily life; visit workshops of several cottage industries; Padaung music & dance performanceDay 15 Inle Lake–Heho–Yangon: Transfer to Heho; fly to Yangon Day 16 Yangon: End of vacation| Day | Activity / Description |
| Day 1 | Depart US Depart the US on your overnight flights. |
| Day 2 | BANGKOK, THAILAND Welcome to Bangkok! Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in. |
| Day 3 | BANGKOK This morning, your Guided Sightseeing begins with a boat ride on the klongs, Bangkok’s famous canals. Stop at the stunning Grand Palace featuring the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Also, Visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It houses more than 1,000 Buddha images, including the 49-foot-high and 151-foot-long massive Reclining Buddha. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.(B,L)# |
| Day 4 | BANGKOK Enjoy a full day at your leisure.(B)# |
| Day 5 | BANGKOK–YANGON, MYANMAR This morning, fly to Yangon. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.(B)# |
| Day 6 | YANGON Historic Landmarks, Hot Tea, and Harmonious LivingCLASSIC A Guided Walk introduces you to the city’s famous and historic landmarks, including old colonial buildings and Sule Pagoda, built during the time of Buddha. Along the way stop for a cup of tea or coffee with the locals. Next, stop at Chaukhtatgyi to see the massive Reclining Buddha measuring 213 feet. Later in the day, visit Shwedagon Pagoda, a national symbol. Here, an enchanting scene unfolds as the sun sets on the golden stupa and locals come to pay their respects. #Tonight, your welcome dinner is in one of Yangon’s best restaurants.(B,L,D)# |
| Day 7 | MANDALAY (EMBARKATION) The Road to Mandalay and Your Suite Ship® Await Fly to Mandalay this morning and transfer to the port for embarkation. This afternoon, get acquainted with the ship and relax prior to your welcome reception this evening. (B,D)# |
| Day 8 | KYAUK MYAUNG Glazed and AmazedDISCOVERY Take a Guided Walk through the captivating pottery-making village of Kyauk Myaung to learn more about and see the pottery-making process. Most interesting is the eye-catching 50-gallon variety, often referred to as Martaban or Ali Baba jars. These pots could transport large quantities of goods and have played an important part of maritime trade throughout Asia for centuries. #DISCOVERY As you sail to Sin Kyun, join your Local Guide for a presentation on the Burmese language.#SIN KYUN #Striking Straw CreationsDISCOVERY Later in the day enjoy a Guided Excursion to hat-making village of Sin Kyun. Here, farmers supplement their income by weaving intricate straw hats. #OVERNIGHT DOCKING NEAR MINGUN#(B,L,D)# |
| Day 9 | MINGUN A Robust Bell and Prominent PagodaCLASSIC This morning, take a Guided Walk through the village of Mingun to see its bronze bell—considered the largest working bell in the world—and see the famed unfinished pagoda. #Afterward, sail a short distance to Mandalay.MANDALAY–EXCURSION TO AMARAPURA #A Bridge to the SunCLASSIC This afternoon, travel to nearby Amarapura, former capital of Myanmar. Your Escorted Visit focuses on the famous U Bein Bridge, a 3/4-mile-long bridge built in 1783 from reclaimed teakwood from the old royal palace in Inwa. Take a sampan ride on the lake for memorable views of the sunset.#OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN MANDALAY#(B,L,D)# |
| Day 10 | MANDALAY The Golden Tapestries of MandalayCLASSIC In the morning, join a Guided Visit to local workshops to see skilled artisans at work making tapestries, woodcarvings, and gold-leaf. Lastly, visit Mahamuni Pagoda to see its impressive gold-leaf Buddha. Due to the continual application of gold leaves, officials note the gold is six inches thick!#CLASSIC This afternoon, visit Kuthodaw Pagoda and Shwenandaw Monastery, the only remnants of former King Mindon’s “Golden City” to survive the bombing of World War II. Today, the original gilding has faded, but the intricate wood carvings endure.#DISCOVERY This evening, enjoy a traditional Dance Performance featuring local song and dance.#OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN MANDALAY#(B,L,D)# |
| Day 11 | SAGAING Revelations and RelaxationCLASSIC Enjoy a Morning Visit to Sagaing with countless pagodas dotting the hillside. Stop to see Kaunghmudaw Pagoda with its unique egg-shaped dome and a silversmith workshop. Lastly, explore Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda for stunning views across the Irrawaddy to Mandalay. #Join your Local Guide for a longyi and thanaka presentation this afternoon.AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISING#(B,L,D)# |
| Day 12 | SHWE PYI THAR Rural Life in Myanmar Enjoy time onboard your ship this morning. DISCOVERY This afternoon, partake in a Walking Tour through Shwe Pyi Thar village. Here, visit a farmer’s home to learn more about daily life and see the locals making palm candy. After the sap is collected, it is cooked in an iron pan over an open wood fire until it thickens and can be formed into small pieces by hand. #DISCOVERY After dinner, a traditional Puppet Show will be presented in one of the lounges.#AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO BAGAN#(B,L,D)# |
| Day 13 | BAGAN Temples and Shrines—from Sunrise to SunsetToday, explore Bagan, one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites. From the 9th to the 13th centuries over 13,000 temples, monasteries, and pagodas were built in the plains surrounding the city—an area of about 40 square miles. Many of these structures have been lost over time, but around 2,300 still stand today. DISCOVERY Early risers can visit one of the temples with a Local Guide to witness the sunrise. #CLASSIC Start your Morning Excursion at a local market selling handicrafts, fabrics, and longyis. Then, stop at Shwezigon Pagoda, one of the country’s most important shrines. Lastly, visit a lacquer workshop to learn more about this ancient craft. #CLASSIC After lunch, your Guided Sightseeing centers on the Bagan archaeological zone. Highlights include Ananda, considered by many to be the most beautiful temple, and Dhammayangyi, the best preserved monument left standing. Also, stop to see the exquisite and well-preserved fresco paintings at Sulamani. #DISCOVERY End the day with an Ox-Cart Ride to a temple, where you will ascend to the top as the sun sets.#(B,L,D)# |
| Day 14 | BAGAN (DISEMBARKATION)–HEHO–INLE LAKE Transfer to the airport and fly to Heho, gateway to Inle Lake, a tranquil body of water surrounded by mountains. Pause at Red Mountain Estate to bask in the beautiful scenery as you enjoy a lunch of authentic fare and wine produced from the vineyards here. Continue to your lakeside resort, where you will spend the next two nights. (B)# |
| Day 15 | INLE LAKE Today, join a fascinating Guided Excursion to see scenes of life around the lake. Stilted houses dot the shorelines, and the local Intha people use the famous one-legged rowing technique to fish and tend their floating gardens of tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergine, and more. These clever gardens are made from weeds lashed together and mud from the lake bottom, then anchored using bamboo poles, allowing them to rise and fall with the water level of the lake. Along the way, stop at a silk workshop, where they use the fibers of the lotus plant to weave garments. You will also visit a silversmith workshop and a cheroot workshop, where young girls roll the cigars at a dizzying pace. Before dinner, attend a music and dance performance by the Padaung long-necked women who live in this part of the country.(B,L,D)# |
| Day 16 | INLE LAKE–HEHO–YANGON Today, transfer to Heho for your flight back to Yangon for an overnight stay.(B,L,D)# |
| Day 17 | YANGON Your extension ends with breakfast this morning.(B)# |
| Day | Activity / Description |
| Day 1 | Depart US Depart the US on your overnight flights. |
| Day 2 | BANGKOK, THAILAND Welcome to Bangkok! Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in. |
| Day 3 | BANGKOK This morning, your Guided Sightseeing begins with a boat ride on the klongs, Bangkok’s famous canals. Stop at the stunning Grand Palace featuring the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Also, Visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It houses more than 1,000 Buddha images, including the 49-foot-high and 151-foot-long massive Reclining Buddha. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.(B,L)# |
| Day 4 | BANGKOK Enjoy a full day at your leisure.(B)# |
| Day 5 | BANGKOK–YANGON, MYANMAR This morning, fly to Yangon. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.(B)# |
| Day 6 | YANGON Historic Landmarks, Hot Tea, and Harmonious LivingCLASSIC A Guided Walk introduces you to the city’s famous and historic landmarks, including old colonial buildings and Sule Pagoda, built during the time of Buddha. Along the way stop for a cup of tea or coffee with the locals. Next, stop at Chaukhtatgyi to see the massive Reclining Buddha measuring 213 feet. Later in the day, visit Shwedagon Pagoda, a national symbol. Here, an enchanting scene unfolds as the sun sets on the golden stupa and locals come to pay their respects. #Tonight, your welcome dinner is in one of Yangon’s best restaurants.(B,L,D)# |
| Day 7 | MANDALAY (EMBARKATION) The Road to Mandalay and Your Suite Ship® Await Fly to Mandalay this morning and transfer to the port for embarkation. This afternoon, get acquainted with the ship and relax prior to your welcome reception this evening. (B,D)# |
| Day 8 | KYAUK MYAUNG Glazed and AmazedDISCOVERY Take a Guided Walk through the captivating pottery-making village of Kyauk Myaung to learn more about and see the pottery-making process. Most interesting is the eye-catching 50-gallon variety, often referred to as Martaban or Ali Baba jars. These pots could transport large quantities of goods and have played an important part of maritime trade throughout Asia for centuries. #DISCOVERY As you sail to Sin Kyun, join your Local Guide for a presentation on the Burmese language.#SIN KYUN #Striking Straw CreationsDISCOVERY Later in the day enjoy a Guided Excursion to hat-making village of Sin Kyun. Here, farmers supplement their income by weaving intricate straw hats. #OVERNIGHT DOCKING NEAR MINGUN#(B,L,D)# |
| Day 9 | MINGUN A Robust Bell and Prominent PagodaCLASSIC This morning, take a Guided Walk through the village of Mingun to see its bronze bell—considered the largest working bell in the world—and see the famed unfinished pagoda. #Afterward, sail a short distance to Mandalay.MANDALAY–EXCURSION TO AMARAPURA #A Bridge to the SunCLASSIC This afternoon, travel to nearby Amarapura, former capital of Myanmar. Your Escorted Visit focuses on the famous U Bein Bridge, a 3/4-mile-long bridge built in 1783 from reclaimed teakwood from the old royal palace in Inwa. Take a sampan ride on the lake for memorable views of the sunset.#OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN MANDALAY#(B,L,D)# |
| Day 10 | MANDALAY The Golden Tapestries of MandalayCLASSIC In the morning, join a Guided Visit to local workshops to see skilled artisans at work making tapestries, woodcarvings, and gold-leaf. Lastly, visit Mahamuni Pagoda to see its impressive gold-leaf Buddha. Due to the continual application of gold leaves, officials note the gold is six inches thick!#CLASSIC This afternoon, visit Kuthodaw Pagoda and Shwenandaw Monastery, the only remnants of former King Mindon’s “Golden City” to survive the bombing of World War II. Today, the original gilding has faded, but the intricate wood carvings endure.#DISCOVERY This evening, enjoy a traditional Dance Performance featuring local song and dance.#OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN MANDALAY#(B,L,D)# |
| Day 11 | SAGAING Revelations and RelaxationCLASSIC Enjoy a Morning Visit to Sagaing with countless pagodas dotting the hillside. Stop to see Kaunghmudaw Pagoda with its unique egg-shaped dome and a silversmith workshop. Lastly, explore Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda for stunning views across the Irrawaddy to Mandalay. #Join your Local Guide for a longyi and thanaka presentation this afternoon.AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISING#(B,L,D)# |
| Day 12 | SHWE PYI THAR Rural Life in Myanmar Enjoy time onboard your ship this morning. DISCOVERY This afternoon, partake in a Walking Tour through Shwe Pyi Thar village. Here, visit a farmer’s home to learn more about daily life and see the locals making palm candy. After the sap is collected, it is cooked in an iron pan over an open wood fire until it thickens and can be formed into small pieces by hand. #DISCOVERY After dinner, a traditional Puppet Show will be presented in one of the lounges.#AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO BAGAN#(B,L,D)# |
| Day 13 | BAGAN Temples and Shrines—from Sunrise to SunsetToday, explore Bagan, one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites. From the 9th to the 13th centuries over 13,000 temples, monasteries, and pagodas were built in the plains surrounding the city—an area of about 40 square miles. Many of these structures have been lost over time, but around 2,300 still stand today. DISCOVERY Early risers can visit one of the temples with a Local Guide to witness the sunrise. #CLASSIC Start your Morning Excursion at a local market selling handicrafts, fabrics, and longyis. Then, stop at Shwezigon Pagoda, one of the country’s most important shrines. Lastly, visit a lacquer workshop to learn more about this ancient craft. #CLASSIC After lunch, your Guided Sightseeing centers on the Bagan archaeological zone. Highlights include Ananda, considered by many to be the most beautiful temple, and Dhammayangyi, the best preserved monument left standing. Also, stop to see the exquisite and well-preserved fresco paintings at Sulamani. #DISCOVERY End the day with an Ox-Cart Ride to a temple, where you will ascend to the top as the sun sets.#(B,L,D)# |
| Day 14 | BAGAN (DISEMBARKATION)–HEHO–INLE LAKE Transfer to the airport and fly to Heho, gateway to Inle Lake, a tranquil body of water surrounded by mountains. Pause at Red Mountain Estate to bask in the beautiful scenery as you enjoy a lunch of authentic fare and wine produced from the vineyards here. Continue to your lakeside resort, where you will spend the next two nights. (B)# |
| Day 15 | INLE LAKE Today, join a fascinating Guided Excursion to see scenes of life around the lake. Stilted houses dot the shorelines, and the local Intha people use the famous one-legged rowing technique to fish and tend their floating gardens of tomatoes, cucumbers, aubergine, and more. These clever gardens are made from weeds lashed together and mud from the lake bottom, then anchored using bamboo poles, allowing them to rise and fall with the water level of the lake. Along the way, stop at a silk workshop, where they use the fibers of the lotus plant to weave garments. You will also visit a silversmith workshop and a cheroot workshop, where young girls roll the cigars at a dizzying pace. Before dinner, attend a music and dance performance by the Padaung long-necked women who live in this part of the country.(B,L,D)# |
| Day 16 | INLE LAKE–HEHO–YANGON Today, transfer to Heho for your flight back to Yangon for an overnight stay.(B,L,D)# |
| Day 17 | YANGON Your extension ends with breakfast this morning.(B)# |
One of our remarkable Suite Ships®, the all-suite Avalon Myanmar offers an unrivaled small-ship river cruise experience ensuring you engage the locals, experience their culture, and revel in the unique sights along the majestic Irrawaddy. The pioneering design allows Avalon to cruise the spectacular, and untouched Upper Irrawaddy on each departure, a feat not possible on any other ship. <br><br>The ship has been meticulously crafted to offer all the modern features you expect, yet it reflects the character, symbols, and traditions of Myanmar. While the maximum number of guests on the ship may be small, the ship isn't. Built as long and wide as other ships that carry twice as many guests, the public spaces never feel congested. From the open-air observation lounge to the air-conditioned Panorama Lounge, there is plenty of seating and places to relax. Plus, our lounges are located at the front of the ship, not the back, so no matter where you sit, you'll always have a great view.<br><br>Our crew embodies the spirt of you first, no matter what. From the reception staff and bartender to wait staff and room attendant, we always deliver exquisite service that's comfortable and friendly, never stuffy! With Avalon, our ship becomes your home away from home.