Duration: 5 days/4nights
Tour Routine: Bagan – Mandalay
Start/End: Bagan/Mandalay
Tour Type: River Cruise, Sight-seeing, In-depth Cultural
Cruise Ship: Strand Ship
Tour Category: River cruise Burma
Brief Itinerary:
Day 1: Bagan Embarkation
Day 2: Bagan – Sail to Mandalay
Day 3: Mandalay – Mingun
Day 4: Mandalay – Amarapura – Ava
Day 5: Mandalay Disembarkation
Day 1: Bagan Embarkation
Welcome to Bagan – the land of myths and magic!
Today, begin your journey through the golden land with a fresh-made welcome breakfast in the tranquil shaded gardens of the oldest lacquerware house in Bagan. Here you will have a chance to explore lacquerware – the traditional art of Bagan dating back to the 12th century.
Start the day with a visit to the Shwezigon Pagoda – one of the most sacred temples in Myanmar famous for being home to the holy relic of the Buddha. Spend your time to explore the architecture and learn more about Buddhist teaching before we move to the next destination: Ananda Temple. Regarded by folklore as the most beautiful temple in Bagan, Ananda is a must-see destination for all tourists travels to Bagan.
After that, a short transfer will take you to the jetty to embark on the Strand Cruise. Check in the cabin and welcome by the cabin crew. Then enjoy a cozy lunch on the sundeck.
Note: for guests who arrive late today, our rendezvous point is aboard the ship.
After lunch, take a short break and we prepare for afternoon sightseeing. This afternoon, visit the beautiful Sulamani – an impressive and elegant temple and Gubyak Gyi Temple where you can learn more about the Buddha’s life from mural painting.
As the sun immerse everything around you in golden light, admire the magnificent sights of Bagan over the Irrawaddy River from the ship’s sundeck. Sipping a Strand signature cocktail and enjoy the view. Later on, enjoy a traditional Myanmar cultural show before joining your fellow travelers in the fine dining restaurant onboard.
Day 2: Bagan – Sail to Mandalay
The morning of day 2 delivers you a one-of-a-kind experience in Bagan. Raise before dawn this morning to taste the tranquil ambiance of Bagan. Enjoy tea, coffee, and pastries in the Sarkies Bar before joining an excursion to behold the sunrise of Bagan over the magnificent temples. Return to the ship, enjoy e leisurely brunch and then we start sailing to Mandalay.
Relax on the ship, meditate, experience the spa service or enjoy many activities arranged by the crew and a traditional Strand afternoon tea.
Day 3: Mandalay – Mingun
This morning enjoy your own time at leisure as the ship cruise to Mingun. You can relax on the sundeck with a book or take part in interesting activities and workshops prepared by the crew such as a cooking demonstration or an introduction to Myanmar traditional Tanaka and longyi.
Upon Mingun, disembark and get on a local Tuk-tuk to visit the world’s largest unfinished pagoda – Mingun Pahtodawgyi. Next to the pagoda is Hsinbyume temple, an elegant white temple was built in honor of Queen Hisnbyume of Burma who unfortunately lost her life when giving childbirth. The gorgeous temple has 7 terraces stand for 7 oceans and that’s where you can save many stunning photos. Before returning to the ship, visit Mingun Bell, the world’s second-largest ringing bell.
Day 4: Mandalay – Amarapura – Ava
Today is a full day to explore Amarapura and Ava, the two former royal capitals of Burma. After making Myanmar traditional food to offer for the monk in a monastery in Mandalay. We head straight to U Bein Bridge, the oldest and longest teak bridge in the world. Continue to Mahamuni Temple, where you will have a chance to visit the highest revered Buddha image in Mandalay and learn about the Buddha life as well as the process of transferring the Buddha statue to the pagoda.
Next, drive to Ava, the ancient capital of central Myanmar. Visit the impressive teakwood Shwe Inn Bin monastery. Later on, enjoy a sunset cocktail on the sundeck of the Strand cruise ship.
Day 5: Mandalay Disembarkation
This early morning, attend a private Alms Giving Ceremony with the Monks before heading back to the board to enjoy a healthy breakfast. Then check out at Strand cruise and say goodbye to the crew to return to land. Trip ends. Thank you for making your river cruise with Go Myanmar Tours.
