A Myanmar river cruise vacation takes you to a place that's "quite unlike any land you know."
It was Rudyard Kipling who remarked Burma (now Myanmar) is "quite unlike any land you know." Golden temples as far as the eye can see dot the ancient capital of Bagan, one of the world's greatest religious sites. Verdant rice fields and wooden ox carts, working elephants and forested gorges provide sublime landscapes. The iconic Shwedagon Pagoda rises amidst Yangon, the capital, resplendent in its gold leaf attire.
While retaining much of the natural, untouched beauty of its ancient past, Myanmar is a culture emerging. A journey on the Irrawaddy (Ayeyarwady) and Chindwin Rivers provide a glimpse into this distant world and its newfound voice. Witness a traditional Noviciation Ceremony of local monks, experience a local tea shop, explore caves with nearly 500 Buddha chambers carved into the hillside, or enjoy a jungle trek.
While Myanmar is slowly developing its infrastructure, river cruise lines have been offering a comfortable way to discover the country. Most prominent is Belmond (formerly Orient Express) who has been operating programs here for some years, and the Anawrahta from Heritage Lines. Newer entrants include Ama Waterways, Abercrombie & Kent, and others.
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myanmar Recommendations
Wonderful Waterfall in Myanmar
In this Myanmar journey, engage with and see villages, timeworn forests, and natural pools. You will ride in a train over a viaduct and sleep in a rural hut. Most spectacularly, you will tour the Nam Ngo Waterfall. In a mere two days, you'll end this trip having been filled with wonder.
Laotian Light Festival
Every October, Laos’ Boun Ok Phansa hosts a light festival that honors the Mekong’s river spirit. The city is illuminated with lanterns, ceremonies, and parades as the river is believed to take away the negativity of life. Embrace the magic of the celebration on your next trip to Laos.
Myanmar Sunrise Balloon Experience
Enjoy a breathtaking adventure as you board a hot air balloon and glide over the thousands of temples at Bagan for an hour after lift-off, followed by a champagne breakfast: one of the top hot-air balloon trips on the planet.
