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Irrawaddy River, Myanmar
Home Destinations South East Asia Myanmar Irrawaddy River

Irrawaddy River

The mighty Irrawaddy forms the backbone of Burma (Myanmar), several options exist for river journeys along its length that allow one to discover little-visited villages that lie along its banks.

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These range from simple local ferries to deluxe riverboats that offer all the luxuries of modern travelling.

A popular trip on a modern air-conditioned local boat takes just one day between Mandalay and Bagan but spend a little longer and you can make it a two or three day trip on a boat with lacquered decks, rattan furniture, comfortable cabins and delicious food.

Boats on the Irrawaddy River, Myanmar
Irrawaddy River, Myanmar

A little bit more about Irrawaddy River

This can be extended further, up to a five day trip with shore excursions allowing you to see local villages and places of interest which are only accessible by boat. For the really adventurous, take one of several river expeditions offered each summer that extend into the upper reaches of the Bhamo river and its tributaries. These are seldom visited areas but explorations are made possible because of the low draft on the boats.

Experiences

What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you.

Village, Sancturary Anada, Irrawaddy River, Myanmar
 

Irrawaddy River Villages

Visit seldom seen villages on the shores of the Irrawaddy, accessible only by boat.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Sunset on the Irrawaddy River, Myanmar
 

Upper Irrawaddy Exploration

Travel deep into remote areas of the Upper Irrawaddy on board Pandaw to explore remote locations such as Katha, included in George Orwell’s Burmese Day.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Idea
Myanmar
Highlights of Myanmar
Over 12 days explore the beautiful scenery and fascinating sites of Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan. Venture out of the cities, visiting forests and lakes and meeting the people that make this country so special. The perfect trip for a first-time visitor.
12 days from £3,220pp
View from a Pagoda, Bagan, Myanmar
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Idea
Myanmar
Myanmar – Irrawaddy River Cruise
Over eight days cruise the Irrawaddy River taking in tranquil scenery, magnificent archaeological temples and pagodas, visiting local markets as well as the chance view the temples of Bagan by hot air balloon at sunrise. Topped and tailed with visits to Yangon…
12 days from £2,750pp
RV Zawgyi Pandaw, Myanmar
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Idea
Thailand
Thailand and Laos
Captivating Bangkok, the peaceful hill tribes of Northern Thailand, gentle river journeys plus temples and elephants. This 12 day holiday combining Thailand and Luang Prabang in Laos gives a varied insight into this charming region of South East Asia.
12 days from £3,740pp
Buddha Statues, Ayutthaya, Thailand
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Need Inspiration?
Browse our Myanmar holiday ideas

Our experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Idea
Myanmar
Highlights of Myanmar
Over 12 days explore the beautiful scenery and fascinating sites of Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan. Venture out of the cities, visiting forests and lakes and meeting the people that make this country so special. The perfect trip for a first-time…
12 days from £3,220pp
View from a Pagoda, Bagan, Myanmar
View Holiday Idea
Idea
Myanmar
Myanmar – Irrawaddy River Cruise
Over eight days cruise the Irrawaddy River taking in tranquil scenery, magnificent archaeological temples and pagodas, visiting local markets as well as the chance view the temples of Bagan by hot air balloon at sunrise. Topped and tailed with visits…
12 days from £2,750pp
RV Zawgyi Pandaw, Myanmar
View Cruise
Idea
Thailand
Thailand and Laos
Captivating Bangkok, the peaceful hill tribes of Northern Thailand, gentle river journeys plus temples and elephants. This 12 day holiday combining Thailand and Luang Prabang in Laos gives a varied insight into this charming region of South East Asia.
12 days from £3,740pp
Buddha Statues, Ayutthaya, Thailand
View Holiday Idea
View all holiday ideas View all cruises

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Paul Craven in Samarkand, Uzbekistan
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Paul Craven

Paul is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Central Asia and the Silk Route.

I first travelled to Vietnam in 1988, when tourism was barely a concept, and have been visiting Central Asia since it was still behind the Iron Curtain. Such first-hand experience makes all the difference when talking to clients. I know the importance of asking questions, not taking the first answer as gospel, and matching the right destination to the right person.

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Bagan

Bagan has many temples that rival those of Angkor in Cambodia and its surroundings.

Bagan, Myanmar

Mandalay

Mandalay is a thoroughly modern city with an interesting history dating back to the 19th Century.

U Bein Bridge, Mandalay, Myanmar

Mergui Archipelago

Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago is one of Asia’s last island worlds which remain virtually untouched.

Burma Boating, Mergui, Myanmar

Hsipaw and the Shan State

Hsipaw, in Myanmar’s northern Shan state, is a fascinating and idyllic region to explore.

Farmers, Bagan, Myanmar

Inle Lake

Inle Lake is a magnificent example of the range of beautiful landscapes on offer in Myanmar.

Fisherman on water on traditional wooden fishing canoe with conical shaped fishing net.

Yangon

No longer the capital but still Burma's largest city, Yangon endures as one of the country's most important commercial hubs.

Buddha at Shwedagon Paya, Yangon, Myanmar

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