Explore the best of Myanmar, known as “The Golden Land,” on this captivating journey along the Irrawaddy River. Start in Yangon, formerly Rangoon, with a walking tour of the city’s highlights and a visit to stunning Shwedagon Pagoda – considered by many to be the oldest pagoda in the world. Explore some of the most important temples and watch the sunset over the plains of Bagan, one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites. On the Irrawaddy, encounter a tapestry of exotic flavors and partake in memorable interactions with the locals. North of Mandalay, cruise on the most scenic part of the river past lavish shrines, teak forests, and riverside villages lost in time. Tour bustling Mandalay and stop at nearby U Bein Bridge for an unforgettable sampan ride at sunset. See how villagers make candy from the toddy palm tree and take a walking tour through a pottery-making village to see the process from start to end. Present alms, offerings of food, to the monks at a monastery in Kya Hnyat. In Katha, visit a local market and an elephant camp for a ride through the teak forest. Interact with the local school children and visit a farmer’s home for a glimpse of daily life at the island village of Kyun Daw. Sail through the dramatic second defile with its magnificent cliffs as the river narrows before reaching Bhamo, the northernmost point ships can navigate the river. All this and more awaits you on this incredible adventure!

City Highlights

Cruise: deluxe 10-night cruise from Bagan to Bhamo in an outside suite with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection BedsSM. Enjoy an intimate cruise experience with a maximum of 36 guests on board.Day 1 Arrive Yangon: welcome to MyanmarDay 2 Yangon: walking tour of the city’s landmarks; visit a local tea shop, Chaukhtatgyi, and Shwedagon Pagoda; welcome dinner in local restaurantDay 3 Yangon–Bagan (Embarkation): fly to Bagan; welcome reception with ship’s crew; traditional puppet showDay 4 Bagan: watch sunrise from temple; sightseeing including a local market, Shwezigon Pagoda, lacquer workshop, Ananda Temple, Dhammayangyi Temple, Upali Thein, Abeyadana Temple; oxcart ride to temple for sunsetDay 5 Shwe Pyi Thar: walking tour through this typical river village to see palm candy being madeDay 6 Sagaing–Amarapura: visit Kaunghmudaw Pagoda and Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda in Sagaing; visit U Bein Bridge and take a sampan ride at sunset in AmarapuraDay 7 Mandalay: sightseeing including Mahamuni, Kuthadaw and Shwenandaw Pagodas; visit tapestry, woodcarving, and gold leaf workshops; traditional dance performanceDay 8 Kyauk Myaung: walking tour through a pottery-making villageDay 9 Kya Hnyat: visit a monastery and present alms to the monks and see their lunch ritualDay 10 Tigyang: walking tour through village and walk to hilltop pagodaDay 11 Katha: visit to local market; excursion to elephant camp with elephant rideDay 12 Kyun Daw–Second Defile: visit a farmer’s home, local school, and nunnery in Kyun Daw; cruise through the dramatic second defileDay 13 Bhamo (Disembarkation)–Yangon: explore Bhamo by trishaw and foot; fly to YangonDay 14 Yangon: end of vacation

Meals

Breakfast: American breakfast dailyLunch: 10 lunchesDinner: 11 dinners including a welcome dinner in Yangon

PRODUCT_LINE: AVALON-WBK-2015