The Golden Land - Upstream (Kanee Pandaw)

Description

This is a very different Burma cruise. Sailing through the heart of ‘Middle Myanmar’ we pass through a varying landscape – from the lush teak plantations around Prome to the desert country south of Pagan. We visit a number of small villages and towns and see local agriculture and manufacturing at first hand. These places are remote from the modern world and offer a glimpse of a timeless, lost Myanmar far from the usual tourist track. We also visit a number of old monasteries and temples of art historical interest in this the cultural heartland of old Myanmar.

Trip Name

The Golden Land - Upstream (Kanee Pandaw)

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: River Boat Passenger Capacity: 28 These ultra-shallow twin decked vessel can go where other ships cannot and is perfect for soft adventure river expeditions. This much-loved, safari-style vessel offers outdoor or indoor dining, run-round promenades and ample indoor and outdoor living space. The cabins are cleverly designed and very comfortable with roomy bathrooms. ACCOMMODATION • 6 upper deck and 8 main deck staterooms • Staterooms are 170 square feet (16sqm), finished in teak and brass • Panoramic French window • Kimonos and slippers • Spa-branded amenities • Unlimited mineral water • Electric mini safe • Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows • Premium mattresses • Convertible bed configuration • Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift • Make-up mirror • Multi-configuration plugs • Generous closet space and under-bed storage • Hair dryer • Daily nightly turndown service • 24hr laundry service • Complimentary evening canapés • Yoga mats in all cabins WINING & DINING • Local master chef heading an experienced international culinary team • Personalized meal services • Daily lean & light menu options • Complimentary local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes • Extensive wine list with premium wines • Welcome Drink on arrival • Welcome cocktail • Farewell Reception • Theme- and gala dinners • Open air lounge and bar • Al fresco bistro style dining ON EXCURSIONS • Admissions • Shoe cleaning after excursions • Bottled drinking water • We give away aluminium water bottles • Cold towel service after excursions • Refreshing drink following excursions • 1st aid trained assistant guide to follow all tours and excursions.

Itinerary

Day 1 - DAY 1 PROME (PYAY)

We reach Prome by the afternoon and travel by coach to the 5th-8th century archaeological site of Thiri-ya-kittiya, the former centre of the Pyu civilization with a fascinating museum of early Buddhist artifacts and sculptures.

Day 2 - DAY 2 THAYETMYO

This pleasant colonial town once guarded the border between Royal Myanmar and British Myanmar following the 2nd Anglo Myanmar War of 1855. Many of the buildings including the covered market date from this period. Thayet also boasts the oldest golf course in Myanmar (1885). We visit the market, see the colonial houses and ride out by horse cart to the golf course, passing through the former British botanical garden.

Day 3 - DAY 3 MAGWE

Minhla - We visit the two Italian built forts constructed to keep the British at bay from Royal Myanmar. The fight for the Minhla redoubt was the only serious action in the war and the death of a young subaltern inspired Kipling to write a poem.We ride Trishaws to reach the magnificent Magwe Myat-thalon Pagoda, constructed with solid gold bricks. Of interest are the many nat shrines and hermitages within the temple precincts.

Day 4 - DAY 4 SALE

Here we visit the Yout-saun-kyaung monastery with its spectacular wood carvings; we also explore an area of splendid colonial-style houses and continue sailing upstream.

Day 5 - DAY 5 TAN-CHI-TAUNG

In the morning, moor at the Tan-Chi-Taung mountain and enjoy the view. Continue with one of the highlights of your trip with a tour of a selection of the 3,000 listed monuments at this World Heritage Site, Pagan.

Day 6 - DAY 6 PAGAN

Further exploration by coach of the monuments follow by a lacquerware workshop and visit to the local markets. Sail in the noon to upstream. Evening walk at Oh Ne Kyaung village to see the local life in this typical river side community..

Day 7 - DAY 7 YANDABO

This small rural village is specialized in pot making. We visit the Pandaw School, built with past donations from Pandaw passengers.

Day 8 - DAY 8 MANDALAY, SAGAING AND AMARAPURA

Guests will take a tour of central Mandalay visiting the Mahamuni Pagoda and Shwe Nan Daw Kyaung teak carved monastery. In the afternoon we visit Sagaing. The true delight of Sagaing lies in its 1000 hermitages and sanctuaries, rich in woodcarving and religious art. Next we explore the ancient capital of Amarapura by coach, take a boat ride along Taungthaman lake and watch the tranquillity and serenity of this beautiful lake and its famous U-Bein Bridge at sunset.

Day 9 - DAY 9 MINGUN

We stop at Mingun to see the largest working bell in the world and the unfinished pagoda which is the largest single mass of brick building in the world. We also visit the Mingun Old Peoples Home originally established with the assistance of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company in the 1930s.

Day 10 - DAY 10 KYAUK-MYOUNG

Visit the spectacular potteries near Kyauk-myoung where the famous 50 gallon water pots are handmade. We see all stages of manufacture from the throwing of the pots to the week-long firing in huge kilns. Afternoon cruise back downstream to Mandalay.

Day 11 - DAY 11 MANDALAY

Disembark at Mandalay.

Day 12 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

We visit the 5th-8th century archaeological site of Thiri-ya-kittiya, former centre of the Pyu civilization with a fascinating museum of early Buddhist artifacts and sculpture at Hmawza.
At Magwe we climb the river bank and wend our way through a labyrinth of passages and paths to reach the magnificent Myat-thalon Pagoda. This pagoda is constructed with solid gold bricks. Of interest are the many nat shrines and hermitages within the temple precincts.
In Sale visit a number of teak monasteries including the Yout-saun-kyaung with its spectacular wood carvings; we also explore an area of splendid colonial-style houses; moor at the Tan-chi-taung mountain and ascend on foot or by WWII jeep for the spectacular sunset over Pagan.
Discover Pagan
one of the richest archeological sites in the world and the highlight of every tour through Myanmar.