If we think about Burma, the previous name of Myanmar, we certainly have in mind its Buddhist culture and its countless temples, monasteries and pagodas. The Irrwaddy River, the largest one in the state, which crosses the country for all its length, offers, instead, the possibility to discover Burma under an alternative viewpoint. The Burmese Days cruise touches a territory that would not be reachable visiting the continent by land: it allows, therefore, to discover the life that takes place along the river, and it is a perfect itinerary for those who love adventure and the most unusual tours.
Burmese Days, a fascinating cruise on the Irrawaddy River to discover an unexplored corner of Myanmar
The Burmese Days cruise is carried out with the elegant ship Paukan Princess 5*, which, thanks to its low draught, manages to navigate the river even in the driest season, characterized by a low water level. All of its 18 cabins are decorated in Asian style, and its decks offer a view of the peaceful waters of the Irrawaddy River and the typical river villages.
The river cruise takes its name from the novel by the writer George Orwell. The author, in fact, writes about this area of the country, inspired by the experience that he lived as an official of the British Empire.
The itinerary begins and ends in Mandalay and it discovers the Burmese territories that can be reached exclusively by river: this is the peculiarity of the Burmese Days cruise. During the sailing week, you will get to know a different Burma from the one we are accustomed to visit and you will live an extraordinary experience. Indeed, the cruise crosses an area of Burma that the traditional tourist routes do not touch.
The first village that you will meet is Kyauk Myaung, where the famous terracotta pots are produced. You will not only visit traditional villages, but also cities on the river’s banks, such as Tagaung, with the Bo Bo Gyi Shrine, one of the most famous sacred sanctuaries of Buddhism, the archaeological area and fortifications. The navigation continues with the exploration of the spectacular second gorge of the Irrawaddy River, where you can admire its magnificent cliffs. During the week you will visit the city of Katha – the book setting of “Burmese Days”. There you can walk along the old streets, the market with rickshaws and explore the Elephant Logging Camp, located in the surrounding forest. In Mingun you will visit the unfinished Pagoda and the largest bell in the world. Returned in Mandalay, you will visit the Kuthodaw Pagoda, which contains the largest book in the world, and the Monastery of Shwe Nan Daw Kyaung, the only one original monastery left in the conditions dating back to the monarchic era. The experience will also bring you to visit a workshop that produces gold leaves, commonly used to adorn the Buddha’s image in temples around Myanmar.
The trip allows you to discover the traditional culture and history of the country, but at the same time to live an extraordinary experience. Thanks to the Burmese Days you will discover a completely new Burma!
