Burma Luxury Irrawaddy River Cruise
15 Day Tour, from £7175 per person
Embark upon a voyage of discovery through beautiful Burma onboard the Orcaella - Belmond's luxurious river cruiser. Glide along the mighty Irrawaddy River to famous sights such as the cliff carvings at Akauk Taung or the stone stupas of Sri Kittara and take part in other fascinating off-shore excursions. Sister vessel to the Road to Mandalay, the Orcaella boasts spacious cabins with balconies offering river facing views, and with plenty of cruising time guests can enjoy the observation deck, restaurant and onboard entertainment. The cruise is one of the highlights of this Burma holiday so sit back, relax and enjoy luxury service.
Tour Itinerary
Take an overnight flight to Yangon.
Arrive in Burma’s former capital. Visit Kyaukhtatgyi Pagoda with its 70-metre long reclining Buddha. Stop at a local tea shop and take a stroll in Kandawgyi Park – one of the greenest spots in the city. Head onto Yangon’s most impressive sight – the glistening Shwedagon Pagoda. Overnight Governor's Residence.
Accommodation
Governor's Residence
Board the Orcaella River Cruiser for seven nights. Enjoy lunch and admire the fascinating landscape whilst gliding along the Irrawaddy River. An introductory lecture about Burmese life whets the appetite for the adventure to come. (B,L,D)
Take an excursion to the remote town of Danuphyu. In the small port town of Zalon, enjoy a trishaw ride past colonial-style wooden houses, to the magnificent Pyi Taw Pyan Pagoda, which houses the famous bronze Buddha once stolen by the British Army and later returned by order of Queen Victoria. (B,L,D)
Enjoy a relaxing morning on board as the Orcaella travels to the ancient capital of Pyay. Observe the famous cliff carvings at Akauk Taung. Once in Pyay visit the awe-inspiring Shwesandaw Pagoda. (B,L,D)
Explore the ancient city of Sri Kittara with its unique cylindrical shaped stone stupas. Visit the Shwe Myat Mhan Pagoda, home to the famous bespectacled Buddha which is thought to have healing powers. Travel by oxcart to Gawaechaung village. (B,L,D)
Enjoy an early morning visit to the Min Hla Fort, the site of a great battle during the second Anglo-Burmese War. Continue to Magwe and its famous Myathalon Pagoda and take a stroll around the local market. (B,L,D)
At Salay, discover the ancient Wooden Monastery and an impressive 20ft Buddha made of straw lacquer. Cruise to Bagan and admire the sunset over the plains. (B,L,D)
Enjoy a shopping tour of Bagan and stop at the sacred Shwezigon Pagoda. Perhaps tour Bagan by horse and cart or alternatively take a trip to Mount Popa, the legendary sacred home of animist spirits. Enjoy the final evening on board at a fabulous cocktail party on the top deck. (B,L,D)
Disembark and transfer to the airport for the flight to Heho. Continue to Nyaung Shwe and take a trishaw ride around town. Board a private motor boat and head out onto Inle Lake. Observe the leg-rowing fishermen and pass villages built on stilts over the lake. Overnight Villa Inle Resort & Spa. (B)
Accommodation
Villa Inle Resort & Spa
Explore the lake’s morning market before continuing to Indein. Wander amid the weather-beaten stupas and enjoy magnificent views of the lake below. (B)
Spend the morning at leisure; perhaps hire a bicycle and enjoy a tour of a local winery tucked away in the Shan Hills. Transfer to Heho airport, fly to Mandalay and drive to Rupar Mandalar Resort. Enjoy the evening at leisure. (B)
Accommodation
Rupar Mandalar Resort
Explore the former capitals of of Ava, Sagaing and Amarapura. With its 600 white-painted pagodas, Sagaing is home to 3,000 monks and 100 meditation centres and is considered the religious hub of Burma. Enjoy a stroll along the 200-year-old U Bein Bridge. (B)
Transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK. (B)
Pricing Information
15 day tour, from £7175 per person
Price Includes
- Return economy flights with Thai Airways from London Heathrow via Bangkok
- All airport taxes
- Accommodation in 5-star hotels
- 7 nights onboard the Orcaella
- Meals as specified (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- All transfers and transportation
- Entrance fees and sightseeing with English-speaking guide
Price Excludes
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Any other meals/activities not mentioned
- Burma Visa
- Burma Departure Tax (USD 10)
Orcaella
Orcaella can accommodate up to 50 guests across 2 Balcony Suites, 2 Junior Suite, 12 State and 9 Deluxe Cabins. All cabins have en-suite facilities and are arranged over two of the ship’s four decks.
The 25 spacious cabins allow passengers to truly experience the sights, sounds and scents of Myanmar. The floor-to-ceiling glass doors provide the perfect frame to the river and its banks.
Click on images to enlarge
Tour Route Map
- Burma | Myanmar, Yangon
- Burma | Myanmar, Za Lun
- Burma | Myanmar, Pyay
- Burma | Myanmar, Minhla
- Burma | Myanmar, Bagan
- Burma | Myanmar, Nyaung Shwe
- Burma | Myanmar, Inle Lake
- Burma | Myanmar, Mandalay
Tour Accommodation
Rupar Mandalar Resort
Rupar Mandalar Resort Rupar Mandalar Resort is a quiet retreat on the outskirts of Mandalay.The Resort is eight kilometres from the town centre and set in a 1.8-hectare area surrounded by trees.......
Villa Inle Resort & Spa
Villa Inle Resort & Spa The Villa Inle Resort & Spa is spread over more than 20 acres on the eastern fringe of Inle Lake.This boutique hotel features just 16 secluded lakeside villas which are......
Governor's Residence
Governor's Residence The Governor’s Residence in Yangon, a former official residence and now a prestigious hotel, dates back to the 1920s.It is located amid lush gardens in the Embassy District......
Image Gallery
Click on images to enlarge