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places on earth remain untouched in their natural beauty and
charm from one century to the next. The ancient land of Burma,
now known as Myanmar, is however, an exception to the rule, and
on board the Road To Mandalay we bring you the best of this
fascinating, unspoilt country. A journey along the Ayeyarwady River is a voyage of a lifetime. From this mighty river, which runs the length of the country, treasures can be admired which have for so long been hidden from the world’s gaze. With the comfort and personality for which the Orient-Express is famous, the Road To Mandalay provides the most comfortable vantage point from which to absorb the surrounding serene beauty, taking in its golden-spired pagodas, ancient temples, sleepy riverside settlements and saffron-clad monks. With its inaugural voyage in January 1996 the Road To Mandalay marked a new venture for the famed Orient-Express. With the Union of Myanmar (formerly Burma) gradually reopening its doors to the outside world, the Road To Mandalay became the ideal way to explore the undiscovered beauty of this long-hidden land. The ship itself originally began life as a Rhine cruiser in Germany and made her maiden voyage on 6th July 1964. Originally built to very high standards for its day, the ship was purchased by Orient-Express Hotels, Trains & Cruises in 1994 following a period as a floating hotel in Dresden. Once in Mandalay local craftsmen added final decoration and fittings including locally woven furniture for the Observation Lounge, and carvings for the Restaurant. Local antiques were also sought and carefully chosen to provide a true Burmese atmosphere on board. The inaugural cruise departed Mandalay on 31st January 1996 and arrived in Bagan on 5th February 1996, guests included HRH Prince Michael of Greece, Helena Bonham Carter, HRH Princess Michael of Kent and HRH Princess Marina of Greece. Today the Road To Mandalay continues to ply the waters of the Ayeyarwady River giving passengers the opportunity to see this fascinating and ancient land while travelling in traditional comfort.
Stretching for over 1,930 km from the North Himalayan region to
the South tip of the Tenasserim region, which faces the Andaman
Sea, Myanmar (Burma) borders India and Bangladesh to the North
West and West, China and Laos to the North East and Thailand to
the East and South East. |
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HighlightsAt the end of the rainy season when the Ayeyarwady floods, join the Road To Mandalay for this incredible passage north. Pass through magnificent gorges and visit riverside towns and pagodas along the way. |
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Prices
* Prices are per person and include all table d'hôte meals and accommodation on board based on two people sharing (except Single Cabin), economy class flights, transfers and sightseeing in Myanmar as shown in the itinerary.
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ItineraryWednesdayAfter a morning flight from Yangon to Mandalay board the Road To Mandalay. Berthed on the Ayeyarwady River at Shwe Kyet Yet. It lies opposite the beautiful pagoda-studded Sagaing Hills. After lunch, sail northwards pass Mandalay, to the east of the river and enjoy a view of Mandalay Hill in the distance. Anchor at Mingun for a visit to the largest brick-built pagoda in the world and the world’s largest uncracked bell. Back on board a late dinner is served in the Restaurant. Thursday The ship makes an early start, transiting the plain to the north and west of Mandalay before entering the 3rd Defile (gorge) at Singu around midday. In the late morning, the ‘Road To Mandalay’ drops anchor off the town of Kyaukmyaung for a walking tour. Later, the ship will sail past the picturesque island pagoda of Thihadaw. In the early evening, a cocktail party is offered on the ship’s upper deck to get to know your fellow travellers. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board Friday An early morning walking tour of the delightful village of Kyan Hnyat. See hundreds of school children and the lively morning business in the market. Continue your journey north through vast stretches of river, expansive scenery and interesting rural villages on its shores. As the sun sets, the ship will anchor off the old market town of Katha, famous as the site where, in May 1942, the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company scuttled as many as 75 ships to defy them from the Japanese. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board. Saturday Visit Katha by trishaw in the early morning and visit the market place made famous by George Orwell in "Burmese Days". Back on board the ship continues its journey north through the expansive scenery, with the distant mountains marking the second gorge coming into view in the afternoon. The ship anchors off the splendid island pagoda of Shwe Paw, just north of the town of Shwegu. Boats will take you ashore to explore the ancient site. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board. Sunday Reach the magnificent second gorge today with its green-clad mountains reaching down to the narrowing channel. The ship holds close to one or other of the banks past logging camps and an old colonial village at Zinbon. After passing the second gorge sail to the west of Bhamo towards the challenging 1st Defile. The ship travels as far north as possible before returning to an anchorage off Bhamo. The scenery in this unspoilt area is spectacular. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board. Monday Visit the town of Bhamo, contested over the years by Burmans, Kachins, Chinese, British, Japanese and Americans. The town is barely 50 miles from the Chinese border in the Foothills of Yunnan that can be clearly seen to the east. Local transportation will carry you into the countryside, past paddy fields and towards the mountains. Return to the ship and return through the second gorge before anchoring to the north of Katha for the night. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board. Tuesday The ship anchors off Katha in the morning and an antique train takes you on a journey into thick Kachin jungle and to the forest station of Naba. See a presentation of cultural dancing performed for you by charming local children. Return through the rainforest to Road To Mandalay and continue sailing for the beautiful port of Tigyaing, where you can disembark for a walk in the early evening. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board. Wednesday Depart Tigyaing early morning and pass through the 3rd Defile before anchoring at the ferry point at Thabeikkyin on the east bank. Various attractions await you. Back on board the ship continues to sail south. Enjoy the remainder of your day on board the ship. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board. Thursday Arrive in Mandalay this morning for a tour of the city and lunch at the Sedona Hotel, adjacent to the moat surrounding the old Mandalay Palace grounds. Rejoin the ship at Shwe Kyet Yet and enjoy a tribal dance display in the evening. Breakfast and dinner on board. Friday Set sail early morning and enjoy a relaxing day on board. Along the way you will see many villages with women doing the household chores by the river and waving children. By mid-afternoon you will be on your way into the ancient city of Bagan, to witness the sunset from a 12th century pagoda. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board. Saturday Your final day offers you the opportunity to visit more of the ancient sites in and around Bagan with the experienced guide, or perhaps taking a local horse-drawn cart or bicycle to explore on your own. An optional afternoon tour to Mount Popa, legendary sacred home of the Nats, with its impressive summit monastery is also available. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board. Sunday Return by air to Yangon this morning. |
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