Destination Myanmar

River Cruising in Myanmar

There is no better way to see the true way of life in Myanmar than cruising along the Irrawaddy River. Connecting the entire country, the Irrawaddy River is the backbone of the country and is a vital means of trade, transport and income for the Burmese. The Irrawaddy River stretches for miles through the centre of Myanmar. Scattered amongst her banks are ancient Pagodas, villages and some very curious local Burmese always happy to offer a smile to their newest friends.

MV Pandaw

A journey on Burma’s Irrawaddy River is one of life’s great travel experiences. No vessel could be more appropriate for this than a ship of the Pandaw fleet. Built in Scotland in 1947, Pandaw is the same design as the original Irrawaddy Flotilla Company steamers that coped so well with the difficult conditions of the Irrawaddy. The Pandaw was built in Glasgow by the firm of Yarrows who to this day build quality ships.

The old Irrawaddy Flotilla was a Scot’s company founded in 1865. By the 1920s the ‘fabulous flotilla’, as it became known, was the largest privately owned fleet of ships in the world. The entire fleet of 650 vessels was destroyed in 1942 in an ‘act of denial’ against the invading Japanese. The company was revived in 1995 and has since then specialized in river cruises in Burma.

The attraction to the Pandaw lies in the shore excursions guests will experience. Stopping at villages well off the tourist path; markets, village primary schools and Monasteries offer a real insight into the timeless way of life on the Irrawaddy River. These are places that very few tourists will get to see and the best way to see how the people of Myanmar live, it also gives many opportunities for clients to interact with the friendly people of Myanmar and learn about each other’s cultures.

The Pandaw offers a truly unique experience and a fantastic way to see the real countryside. It is the most enjoyable way to travel between Bagan and Mandalay and a worthy addition to any itinerary in Myanmar.

Orient Express ‘Road to Mandalay’

The Orient Express ‘Road to Mandalay’ has been operating luxurious river cruising on the Irrawaddy since 1995 and remains true to the style and lavishness synonymous with the Orient Express.

With a capacity of 120 the ship is able to host large groups and incentives with the most popular cruise running between Bagan and Mandalay. The 4-day cruise offers a variety of experiences from visiting remote villages, to on board entertainment, lectures on local customs and the finest cuisine all whilst soaking up the timeless atmosphere in luxurious surroundings.

The spacious en suite cabins are air-conditioned and furnished with beautiful fabrics, fine linen and soft towels with warm service available 24 hours a day. There is an on deck swimming pool, canopied observation deck and choice of lounges to relax and socialize. In the evening retire to the bar to discuss that magic that you have witnessed with fellow travellers whilst listening to the calming sounds of the ships resident pianist or once more return to the observation deck to watch the spectacular sunset.