AYRAVATA CRUISES

The Irrawaddy River is the life-line of Myanmar that flows almost down the very centre of the country for 2000 km. It feeds the farmlands of the dry central zone and allows easy transportation of goods up and down the country.

The Irrawaddy passes through spectacular landscapes especially the Second Defile just before it reaches the old trading post of Bhamo. A steep cliff looms over the river like a sentinel as it curves around its base. The Third Defile begins near Thabaik-kyin, an ancient landing place to travel inland through jungles to the renowned ruby mines of Mogok. In this area and sometimes even further downstream, the rare and endangered Irrawaddy Dolphins live in families that for generations have been helping the fishermen by rounding up schools of fish into their nets. The Third Defile runs until Kyauk-myaung, the biggest pottery centre in Myanmar.

Further downstream the Irrawaddy passes by yet another monumental place, the incomplete Mingun Pagoda. It stands only one-third done, rising already to 50 meters, quickly the river flows past Sagaing, a religious sanctuary where hundreds of monasteries and nunneries lie hidden in the hilly, wooded slopes. Mandalay, the ancient capital of the Myanmar kings lies across from Sagaing. Mandalay is a trade city but under its constant bustle there is a layer of serenity and graciousness of old days. The city has marvelous pilgrimage sites, legacies of a lost empire. 

PANDAW RIVER CRUISES

The vessels were commissioned in 1947 to the famous Yarrow & Co. shipyard on the river Clyde of Glasgow, at a period of time when Scotland was the greatest shipbuilding name in the world. Then, the expression 'Clydebuilt' was synonymous with shipbuilding excellence.

The ship was boarded up to be protected from sea waves and she sailed for Rangoon (now reverted to the original Burmese name Yangon) in 1950. By that time, Burma has been independent for four years and the IFC has been nationalised and turned into the Inland Water Transport Board. Many ex-flotilla men, but no British, continued serving on their beloved ships.

ROAD TO MANDALAY

Cruising gently along the Irrawaddy River in Burma (Myanmar), The Road To Mandalay cruise embraces the unique sights, scents and sounds of this little-known land in style and luxury.

Lined with ancient palaces and pagodas, the astonishing Irrawaddy River is perhaps the most pleasurable way to experience Burma, to feel its pulse, live its legends and understand its history.

Indulge in luxury cabin accommodation, unparalleled personal service and gourmet regional cuisine whilst discovering the hidden gems of an unspoilt land.
 

Amara cruises

The Amara River Cruise is a traditional Myanmar riverboat travelling along the Ayeyarwaddy River. It is made of teak wood and was completely refurbished by local craftsmen in 2003. It is 30 meters /100 feet long and with a shallow draft of 1 meter / 3 feet and two Japan made 180hp Hino engines it can go as far north as Bhamo. The Amara River Cruise has a total of seven cabins, each with their own bathroom with hot and cold shower. Communal areas, bar and canopied sun deck. Electricity is provided by a generator and battery 24 hours a day. Safety is provided by smoke detectors in all cabins, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, life jackets and a dinghy. Amenities include on-board laundry, fully equipped kitchen and refrigerators. All bed linen and towels as well as dining service and bar equipment are provided. You will be taken care of by our friendly and hospitable staff and be able to relax and enjoy the personal atmosphere on board.