Day One: Bagan 

“Mingalaba” — welcome aboard Belmond Road to Mandalay. We hope your cruise will be truly unforgettable, with land excursions and authentic experiences providing a fascinating glimpse into the culture of Myanmar.

For guests joining our one-night journey, the final boarding time at Belmond’s private jetty at Tuang Be village is 09.00. Belmond Road to Mandalay sets sail promptly at 09.30.

Guests are welcome to board earlier and join one of our early morning sunrise activities before we set sail. Please contact Belmond in advance if you wish to participate in any of the following tours:

Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Ride

(Available October-March. Advance reservations essential. Supplement applies)

Experience one of the most magical highlights of Bagan, a hot-air balloon ride as dawn breaks over the ancient pagodas. Guests are collected at around 05.00 and returned to the ship at 08.30.

Pagodas in the Morning

Enjoy an early-morning walking tour with your guide. Visit a small temple surrounded by fields where farmers can often be seen nurturing crops such as peanut, sesame and beans. Then explore the famous pagoda Sulamani (“crowning jewel”), with its impressive brick and ornamental work and murals dating from the 12^th to 18^th centuries. Tour begins at 07.00.

Bagan by Bicycle
(Limited space. Advance reservations essential. English-language tour only)

Set off on an independent mountain bike adventure (a map will be provided), or opt to join our staff on a guided ride through Old Bagan. Pedal along small paths and roads that wind their way around ancient temples and pagodas. The ride is suitable for advanced beginners and above and cyclists should expect to bike on dirt road surfaces with patches of sand. The guided tour begins at 06.30.

Traditional Horse and Cart Ride
(Advance reservations essential)

Travel in time-honoured style with your own horse and buggy through Old Bagan. Your local driver will take you on a leisurely, scenic route through the heart of the archaeological zone, passing many ancient pagodas and offering plentiful photo opportunities. Please note that some buggy drivers may have limited English-speaking ability. Starts at 07.00.

Village Visit and Social Contribution
(English language only)

Join our staff in Taung Be village to participate in one of Belmond’s Social Contribution Projects. Next to the jetty is our free health clinic, established by the ship’s doctor, Dr Hla Tun, where he treats hundreds of patients a week while Belmond Road to Mandalay is stationed in Bagan. Activities change depending on the current project and community needs and might include: preparing lunch for visiting patients, working in the pharmacy with the monk or helping to build a new eye clinic. The visit begins at 08.15. Please speak with Reception to learn more.

All morning tours and activities conclude by 09.00 at Taung Be village, where the transfer boat waits to take guests to the ship anchored mid-river.

After Belmond Road to Mandalay has set sail a leisurely day on board awaits.

Indulge in a treatment at the spa, relax by the pool, enjoy lunch on the Observation Deck and admire the breathtaking vistas. Art lovers may wish to visit an exhibition of local works. In the afternoon Housekeeping staff will give a demonstration of how to tie a longyi, the Myanmar sarong worn by both men and women, and how to prepare thanaka, a paste that serves as both decorative make-up and protection from the sun. Indulge in afternoon tea local-style in our “Burmese Tea Shop” and later attend a fascinating lecture on Myanmar’s Past, Present and Future by one of our expert guides.

This evening, dinner is served in the elegant Restaurant. Enjoy a selection of gourmet Asian and Western dishes prepared by our Executive Chef. Meals are accompanied by house wines, or you may prefer to choose one of the international fine wines from our extensive list. After dinner make your way to the Observation Deck for an unforgettable surprise on the river (weather permitting)—don’t forget your camera.

Tonight, Belmond Road to Mandalay anchors mid-river.

Day Two: Mingun

From 06.30 early risers may visit the Healthy Juice Bar on the Observation Deck. An extensive breakfast buffet with à la carte menu is served in the Restaurant and guests also have the option to order tea or coffee in their room.

A selection of morning activities is available as the ship continues north, including a sunrise yoga session, a meditation class and an enticing cookery demonstration by our Chef.

Before lunch, Dr Hla Tun will give a presentation on the charitable and community activities he is involved with at villages along the river, such as school building and healthcare projects.

After lunch the ship arrives at Mingun and you disembark, by transfer boat, for your onward travel arrangements.

Please note, all timings are approximate and should be used as a guide only.  Please note, routes and associated itineraries may be subject to change.

The rivers of Myanmar vary from season to season, with as much as a 30ft variance in water level. From January through June, the Ayeyarwady’s levels may drop for a few weeks to a few months, creating a narrower channel for navigation. To allow for these changes, Belmond Road to Mandalay may operate a revised itinerary and mooring locations may be amended.

Day 1: Ava (Inwa)

“Mingalaba” — welcome aboard Belmond Road to Mandalay. We hope your cruise will be truly unforgettable, with land excursions and authentic experiences providing a fascinating glimpse into the culture of Myanmar.

For guests joining our one-night cruise, the final boarding time at Belmond’s Shwe Kyet Yet jetty is 07.00. Belmond Road to Mandalay sets sail promptly at 07.30.

Guests are welcome to board earlier and join an early-morning visit to Shwe Kyet Yet, starting at 06.50. This small village holds a special place in our hearts, having been the location of the ship’s berth for 20 years. Visit the village pagoda, where you will have the opportunity to donate food to a procession of monks from the local monastery. On the return walk you can observe the bustling activity around the market and teashops before boarding the transfer boat to Belmond Road to Mandalay, anchored mid-river.

Your first sailing is to Ava (or “Inwa”), an ancient imperial capital situated between the Ayeyarwady and Myitnge Rivers. Here you have a choice of two tour options:

Ava by Horse and Cart

Perfect for those who wish to explore the most fascinating highlights of the ancient city. Climb into one of the traditional buggies and enjoy a scenic drive. Ava was the capital of Burma four times between 1364 and 1841, although what remains today dates mostly from the early 19th century. See the ruins of King Bagyidaw’s palace walls and moat, visit a beautiful 19^th-century teak monastery, now a monastic school, and journey through picturesque villages, farmlands and rice paddies.

Ava Adventure (Limited space. Please register at Reception. English-language tour only)

Set off on an independent mountain bike tour (a map will be provided), or join one of our staff for a leisurely, guided bike ride. Head off the beaten track into Ava’s more rural pathways, pedalling past King Bagyidaw’s palace ruins, through farmlands and tranquil villages. The ride is suitable for advanced beginners and above. There are no steep inclines, but be prepared for a mix of paved roads and dirt tracks with rocky or sandy surfaces. 

Mid-morning, return to the ship and set sail towards Bagan.

You now have ample time to enjoy the ship’s leisure facilities, such as a spa treatment, relaxation by the pool or a scenic lunch on the Observation Deck.

Or you may wish to join one of our onboard activities: have your fortune told by an astrologer, or attend a demonstration by our housekeeping staff on how to tie a longyi (Myanmar sarong) or prepare thanaka, a paste that serves as both decorative make-up and protection from the sun. Our onboard doctor will be giving a presentation on his charitable and community activities in Myanmar in the Observation Lounge. Indulge in afternoon tea, Myanmar-style, in our Burmese Tea Shop before visiting the Observation Lounge for a talk on Myanmar Ways of Life by one of the expert Belmond guides.

Late afternoon, on the port side, the ship will pass the village of Yandabo, where in 1826 the treaty of the same name was signed between the Kingdom of Ava and the invading colonial British. Today this village is known for its production of terracotta clay water pots, which can often be seen drying on the riverbanks.

After dinner this evening, visit the Observation Deck for an unforgettable surprise on the water (weather permitting).

Belmond Road to Mandalay anchors mid-river for the night.         

Day Two – Bagan

From 06.30 early risers may like to visit the Healthy Juice Bar or enjoy a sunrise yoga session on the Observation Deck. A meditation class is held later in the Lounge.

An extensive breakfast buffet with à la carte menu is served in the Restaurant and guests also have the option to order tea or coffee in their room.

You may wish to be on the Observation Deck by 08.30 to enjoy the views as we sail into Bagan. Spot fishermen casting their nets, local boats carrying passengers from one bank to the other, and the gilded hti, or crowns, of pagodas as the ship circles and drops anchor near the Taung Be village jetty.

After breakfast you will disembark from Belmond Road to Mandalay for your onward travel arrangements.

Check-out time from your cabin is at 08.30 and guests may use the public spaces of the ship until the final disembarkation time of 11.00.

Alternatively you may wish to join other guests for our morning excursion to explore Old Bagan before proceeding with your onward travel arrangements.

There are three optional morning tours to choose from:

Introduction to Bagan

Bagan has been one of the main visitor attractions in Myanmar for many years, ranking alongside Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Borobudur on Java as the greatest historic sites in Southeast Asia. Over 3,000 temples dot the plain beside the Ayeyarwady River, most of which were built between the 11^th and 13^th centuries. On this tour you will visit a complex of pagodas, both ruined and restored, offering a fascinating insight into Bagan’s history and architectural styles. You will also visit a small temple surrounded by fields where farmers can often be seen nurturing crops such as peanut, sesame and beans, and later you will discover a village rarely seen by visitors and glimpse a lifestyle unchanged for centuries.

A Day in the Life (English-language tour only)

Visit a family compound and observe the process of making ponyegyi (fermented soy bean paste), one of Central Myanmar’s specialities. Nearby, watch as another family produces colourful bamboo and paper fans, which are given as gifts at weddings and other special occasions. Explore the narrow lanes of the bustling morning market at Nyaung-U, admiring stalls piled high with exotic fruits and vegetables and typical Myanmar products such as betel leaf, cheroot cigars and tea leaves. Stroll through the village, meeting local people and learning about their ways of life; sample a homemade kyaw sone, a tasty, fried chickpea snack, in a villager’s home.

Bagan by Bicycle
(Limited space. Advance reservations essential. English-language tour only)

Set off on an independent mountain bike adventure (a map will be provided), or opt to join our staff on a guided ride through Old Bagan. Pedal along small paths and roads that wind their way around ancient temples and pagodas. The ride is suitable for advanced beginners and above. There are no steep inclines but cyclists should be prepared for a mixture of dirt tracks with patches of sand and short stretches on paved roads with motor vehicles.

With advance notice Belmond can also arrange private guides and drivers for a tour tailored to your specific interests, or other activities in Bagan such as golf (supplement applies).

All tours conclude at our jetty in Taung Be village.

Mingalaba! Welcome aboard Belmond Road to Mandalay.
We are here to ensure that your cruise is unforgettable, with land excursions and authentic
experiences that provide a fascinating glimpse into the culture of Myanmar.

Day One: Bagan & Sailing

For guests joining our one-night journey, our final boarding time at Belmond’s private jetty at Tuang Be village is at 09.00. Belmond Road to Mandalay sets sail at 09.30.

Guests are also welcome to board earlier and join one of our early morning sunrise activities before we set sail. Please contact Belmond in advance if you wish to join the morning tours:

Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise (Advance reservations essential, supplement applies.)
Starting around 05.00 – Experience one of the highlights of Bagan – a hot air balloon ride over the pagodas at sunrise (operates October-March). Guests participating in this activity are picked up before dawn and arrive to the ship around 08.30.

Pagodas in the Morning
Disembark with your guide for a morning tour. Begin with a short walk to a small temple surrounded by fields, where farmers can often be seen working the land amongst the pagodas in the morning, and growing crops such as peanut, sesame and beans. Also visit another of Bagan’s most impressive pagodas, Sulamani (“Crowning Jewel”). This temple has one of the best examples of brick and ornamental work and here you can see murals dating from the 12th to 18th centuries. This tour starts at 07.00.

Bagan by Bicycle (Limited space. Advance reservation essential. Guided ride in English language only.)
For those interested in an active adventure, mountain bikes are available for a morning of independent biking (a map will be provided). Or opt to join our staff for an early morning guided bike ride through Old Bagan starting at 06.30. Travel along the small dirt paths and roads that wind their way around ancient temples and pagodas. This ride is suitable for advanced beginners and above and riders should expect to bike on dirt road surfaces with patches of sand. The guided tour begins at 06.30.

Traditional Horse Cart Ride (Advance reservation essential)
Travel in traditional style with your own horse and buggy through Old Bagan. Your local buggy driver will take you along a scenic route that passes many ancient temples and pagodas in the heart of Old Bagan’s archaeological zone. Enjoy a leisurely ride with many photo opportunities. Starting at 07.00. Please note that some buggy drivers may have limited English-speaking ability.

Village Visit and Social Contribution (English language only)
From 08.15 – Spend the morning with our staff in Taung Be village, near our jetty, and participate in one of Belmond’s Social Contribution Projects. Next to the jetty is our free health clinic established by our ship doctor, Dr Hla Tun. The doctor treats hundreds of patients a week when Belmond Road to Mandalay is stationed in Bagan. The activities change depending on the project and community needs and might include: preparing lunch for the visiting patients, working in the pharmacy with the monk, helping to build a new eye clinic. Please speak with Reception to learn more.

All morning tours and activities conclude by 09.00 at Taung Be village where the transfer boat waits to take guests to the ship anchored mid-river. Belmond Road to Mandalay sets sail at 09.30. During a day of sailing along the Ayeyarwady, you may wish to indulge in a treatment at the spa, relax by the pool, have lunch on the Observation Deck or join one of our on-board activities.

Today there will be an exhibition by a local artist on board. In the afternoon, our Housekeeping staff will give a demonstration of how to tie a longyi, the Myanmar sarong worn by both men and women, and how to prepare thanaka, a paste that serves as both decorative make-up and protection from the sun. You might also like to have an afternoon tea and snack in a true local style at our on-board “Burmese Tea Shop”. Later, join a lecture about Myanmar’s Past, Present and Future by one of our expert Belmond guides.

This evening, you are invited to wear your new longyi at a Longyi Cocktail party on the Observation Deck. Dinner is served in the elegant setting of the Restaurant. Enjoy a selection of gourmet Asian and Western dishes prepared by our Executive Chef. After dinner visit the Observation Deck for an unforgettable surprise on the river (weather permitting).

Tonight, Belmond Road to Mandalay anchors mid-river.

Day Two – Myin Mu and Alacapa villages

After a short sail this morning, Belmond Road to Mandalay arrives at Myin Mu, the northern most point for cruising during your journey. During the early months of the year, the water levels of the Ayeyarwady River typically drop for a period of a few weeks to a few months, creating a narrower channel for navigation near Mandalay. During this time, Belmond Road to Mandalay moors at Myin Mu, a typical riverside town 30 miles south of Mandalay, instead of at our jetty near the city. This mooring location gives our guests a unique opportunity to experience some beautiful rural areas and less-visited sites in the countryside.

Our experience is that many people consider seeing the natural life of Myanmar and contact with the local people to be the highlight of their stay. Myin Mu is a small town on the shore beside our mooring place with about 30-40,000 people. This morning, join our guides to explore Myin Mu.

Board tri-shaws for a ride around the town, which will include a visit to the local market to experience the bustling activity around the market and teashops, and a scenic tour along the Strand Road. As in all small Burmese towns, the cool of the morning is a time for much activity and our mooring place gives you a chance to experience the daily life of the Burmese people. For those who wish to be active, you can peddle your own tri-shaw and take the driver on a tour of the town! You will also learn about some of the typical cottage industries of the area with a visit to a ‘Burmese Slipper’ manufacturing workshop and the home of a family of bamboo weavers to see how bamboo houses are constructed.

Return to the ship for check-out and Disembark from Belmond Road to Mandalay for your onward travel arrangements.

We wish you a very pleasant onward journey and many fond memories of your time with us in Myanmar.

Please note, all timings are approximate and should be used as a guide only. Please note, routes and associated itineraries may be subject to change.

The rivers of Myanmar vary from season to season, with as much as a 30 foot variance in water level. During the months of January through June, the water levels of the Ayeyarwady may drop for a period of a few weeks to a few months, creating a narrower channel for navigation. To accommodate for changes in water levels, Belmond Road to Mandalay may operate on an adjusted itinerary during these periods and our mooring locations may be amended.

Day One – Sagaing, Myin Mu & Sailing
During the early months of the year, the water levels of the Ayeyarwady River typically drop for a period of a few weeks to a few months, creating a narrower channel for navigation near Mandalay. During this time, Belmond Road to Mandalay moors at Myin Mu, a typical riverside town 30 miles south of Mandalay.

This morning, you have the following two options for joining the ship:

For guests wishing to tour Sagaing en route Myin Mu:
For those interested, you are invited to meet one of our Belmond Road to Mandalay guides at our jetty near Mandalay city in Shwe Kyet Yet village at 06.45. Together you will go to the hills of Sagaing, the spiritual centre of Myanmar, which is home to hundreds of pagodas and numerous monasteries, nunneries and Buddhist learning centres. Enjoy the expansive views of the Ayeyarwady River from the Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda. You will visit a nunnery to learn about their ways of life. The drive from Sagaing to Myin Mu is approximately one and a half hours and your arrival on board Belmond Road to Mandalay is expected to be around 10.00.

For guests checking in independently:
Final boarding time at the jetty at Myin Mu is at 10.00. A small transfer boat will be arranged for the transfer from shore to the ship anchored mid-river. In all cases, please let us know your check-in preference and estimated arrival time in advance.

Belmond Road to Mandalay sets sail at 10.30. Shortly thereafter, meet your fellow passengers, the Captain and key crew members in the Observation Lounge for a short safety briefing.

During a day of sailing along the Ayeyarwady, you may wish to indulge in a treatment at the spa, relax by the pool, have lunch on the Observation Deck or join one of our on-board activities.

Before lunch, our onboard doctor will give a presentation on his charitable and community activities in Myanmar in the Observation Lounge. Astrology is an important aspect of Myanmar culture and daily life and today an astrologer will be available on board if you would like to have your fortune read. Later, our Housekeeping staff will give a demonstration of how to tie a longyi, the Myanmar sarong worn by both men and women, and how to prepare thanaka, a paste that serves as both decorative make-up and protection from the sun. You might also like to have an afternoon tea and snack in a true local style at our on-board “Burmese Tea Shop”. Later, visit the Observation Lounge for a lecture on “Myanmar Ways of Life” by one of our expert Belmond guides.

Late afternoon, on the port side, the ship will pass the village of Yandabo, where in 1826 the treaty of the same name was signed between the Kingdom of Ava and the invading colonial British. Today this village is known for its production of terracotta clay water pots, which can often be seen drying on the riverbanks.

This evening, you are invited to dress in your longyi for a Longyi Cocktail Party before dinner. After dinner this evening, visit the Observation Deck for an unforgettable surprise on the river (weather permitting).

Belmond Road to Mandalay anchors mid-river for the evening.

Day Two – Bagan
For early risers, Belmond Road to Mandalay offers a Healthy Juice Bar on the Observation Deck starting from 06.30. An extensive breakfast buffet with a la carte menu is served daily in the Restaurant and guests also have the option to order tea or coffee service to their room.

You may wish to rise in time for a sunrise yoga session on the Observation Deck. Later a meditation class will be held in the Lounge.

It might be worth finishing breakfast by about 08.30 this morning so you can be free to enjoy the views from the Observation Deck as we sail into the Bagan area. Fishermen are often to be seen casting their nets as local boats carry passengers from one bank to the other. You can see the gilded hti or crown of pagodas on the river banks as the ship circles and drops anchor near our private jetty at Taung Be village near Old Bagan. Around 09.30, disembark and begin exploring Bagan with the option of three morning tours:

Introduction to Bagan
Bagan has been one of the main visitor attractions in Myanmar for many years, ranking alongside Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Borobudur on Java as the greatest historic sites in Southeast Asia. Over 3,000 temples dot the plain beside the Ayeyarwady River, most of which were built between the 11th and 13th centuries. This morning you will visit a complex of pagodas near Old Bagan that provide a perfect introduction to architecture and history of Bagan. Within this one complex you can see an interesting mix of architectural styles from different eras and view samples of restored and unrestored pagodas. You will also take a short walk to a small temple surrounded by fields, where farmers can often be seen working the land amongst the pagodas and growing crops such as peanut, sesame and beans. Later visit a village, not frequently visited by tourists, for a glimpse of a lifestyle unchanged for centuries. Enjoy a stroll through the village, meet the locals and learn about their ways of life.

A Day in the Life (Guided in English language only.)
Visit the compound of a family and observe the process of making Ponyegyi (fermented soy bean paste), one of the food specialties of Central Myanmar. Nearby, another family produces colorful fans out of bamboo and paper. These fans are given as gifts on special occasions such as weddings and ordination ceremonies. Next explore the narrow lanes of the bustling morning market at Nyaung U, admiring stalls piled high with exotic fruits and vegetables and typical Myanmar products such as betel leaf, thanaka wood, cheroot cigars and tea leaves. Also enjoy a stroll through the local village, meet the locals and learn about their ways of life. You’ll have the chance to visit a home and try a kyaw sone, a tasty traditional fried snack made with chickpeas.

Bagan by Bicycle (Limited space. Please register at Reception. Guided ride in English language only.)
For those interested in an active adventure, mountain bikes are available for a morning of independent biking (a map will be provided). Or opt to join our staff for a leisurely guided bike ride through Old Bagan. Travel along the small dirt paths and roads that wind their way around ancient temples and pagodas. This ride is suitable for advanced beginners and above. Enjoy a ride without any major inclines, but please be prepared for a mix of dirt roads with patches of sand, and short stretches riding on paved roads with motor vehicles.

Upon advance request, Belmond can also arrange private guides and drivers for a tour that is tailored to your exact interests, or other activities such as a morning or afternoon of golfing in Bagan (supplement applies).

Around 11.30 all tours will conclude at our jetty in Taung Be village. Located next to our jetty is the free health clinic established by our ship doctor, Dr Hla Tun, with the support of volunteers from the local community and monastery, and the Belmond Myanmar Foundation. The doctor treats hundreds of patients a week when Belmond Road to Mandalay is stationed in Bagan.
Enjoy lunch on board, before you disembark from Belmond Road to Mandalay for your onward travel arrangements.

We wish you a very pleasant onward journey and many fond memories of your time with us in Myanmar.

Please note, all timings are approximate and should be used as a guide only. Please note, routes and associated itineraries may be subject to change.

The rivers of Myanmar vary from season to season, with as much as a 30 foot variance in water level. During the months of January through June, the water levels of the Ayeyarwady may drop for a period of a few weeks to a few months, creating a narrower channel for navigation. To accommodate for changes in water levels, Belmond Road to Mandalay may operate on an adjusted itinerary during these periods and our mooring locations may be amended.

Day One: Bagan & Sailing

“Mingalaba” — welcome aboard Belmond Road to Mandalay. We hope your cruise will be truly unforgettable, with land excursions and authentic experiences providing a fascinating glimpse into the culture of Myanmar.

For guests joining our two-night journey, the final boarding time at Belmond’s private jetty at Tuang Be village is 09.00. Belmond Road to Mandalay sets sail promptly at 09.30.

Guests are welcome to board earlier and join one of our early morning sunrise activities before we set sail. Please contact Belmond in advance if you wish to participate in any of the following tours:

Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Ride
(Available October-March. Advance reservations essential. Supplement applies)
Experience one of the most magical highlights of Bagan, a hot-air balloon ride as dawn breaks over the ancient pagodas. Guests are collected at around 05.00 and returned to the ship at 08.30.

Pagodas in the Morning
Enjoy an early-morning walking tour with your guide. Visit a small temple surrounded by fields where farmers can often be seen nurturing crops such as peanut, sesame and beans. Then explore the famous pagoda Sulamani (“crowning jewel”), with its impressive brick and ornamental work and murals dating from the 12th to 18th centuries. Tour begins at 07.00.

Bagan by Bicycle
(Limited space. Advance reservations essential. English-language tour only)
Set off on an independent mountain bike adventure (a map will be provided), or opt to join our staff on a guided ride through Old Bagan. Pedal along small paths and roads that wind their way around ancient temples and pagodas. The ride is suitable for advanced beginners and above and cyclists should expect to bike on dirt road surfaces with patches of sand. The guided tour begins at 06.30.

Traditional Horse and Cart Ride
(Advance reservations essential)
Travel in time-honoured style with your own horse and buggy through Old Bagan. Your local driver will take you on a leisurely, scenic route through the heart of the archaeological zone, passing many ancient pagodas and offering plentiful photo opportunities. Please note that some buggy drivers may have limited English-speaking ability. Starts at 07.00.

Village Visit and Social Contribution
(English language only)
Join our staff in Taung Be village to participate in one of Belmond’s Social Contribution Projects. Next to the jetty is our free health clinic, established by the ship’s doctor, Dr Hla Tun, where he treats hundreds of patients a week while Belmond Road to Mandalay is stationed in Bagan. Activities change depending on the current project and community needs and might include: preparing lunch for visiting patients, working in the pharmacy with the monk or helping to build a new eye clinic. The visit begins at 08.15. Please speak with Reception to learn more.

All morning tours and activities conclude by 09.00 at Taung Be village, where the transfer boat waits to take guests to the ship anchored mid-river.

After Belmond Road to Mandalay has set sail a leisurely day on board awaits.

Indulge in a treatment at the spa, relax by the pool, enjoy lunch on the Observation Deck and admire the breathtaking vistas. Art lovers may wish to visit an exhibition of local works. In the afternoon Housekeeping staff will give a demonstration of how to tie a longyi, the Myanmar sarong worn by both men and women, and how to prepare thanaka, a paste that serves as both decorative make-up and protection from the sun. Indulge in afternoon tea local-style in our “Burmese Tea Shop” and later attend a fascinating lecture on Myanmar’s Past, Present and Future by one of our expert guides.

This evening, dinner is served in the elegant Restaurant. Enjoy a selection of gourmet Asian and Western dishes prepared by our Executive Chef. Meals are accompanied by house wines, or you may prefer to choose one of the international fine wines from our extensive list. After dinner make your way to the Observation Deck for an unforgettable surprise on the river (weather permitting)—don’t forget your camera.

Tonight, Belmond Road to Mandalay anchors mid-river.

Day Two: Mingun

From 06.30 early risers may visit the Healthy Juice Bar on the Observation Deck. An extensive breakfast buffet with à la carte menu is served in the Restaurant and guests also have the option to order tea or coffee in their room.

A selection of morning activities is available as the ship continues north, including a sunrise yoga session, a meditation class and an enticing cookery demonstration by our Chef.

Before lunch, Dr Hla Tun will give a presentation on the charitable and community activities he is involved with at villages along the river, such as school building and healthcare projects.

After lunch the ship arrives at Mingun and you disembark, by transfer boat, for an afternoon tour. The following two options are available:

Classic Mingun
Enjoy a walking tour of Mingun and visit Pahtodawgyi, an enormous unfinished pagoda that was started in the late 18th century by King Bodawpaya but never finished due to a prophecy that the king would die upon its completion. You will have the chance to ring the world’s biggest uncracked bell, which weighs 90 tonnes and stands 13 feet tall. You will also see the dazzling Myatheindan (Hsinbyume) Pagoda, constructed of seven whitewashed terraces designed to symbolise sacred Mount Meru. Those who wish can climb the 88 steps to the top of the pagoda, which represents obtaining nirvana.

Village Walk (English language only)
An alternative option is to visit a rural village in the middle of the river. Walk along the island’s narrow dirt paths and across fields of beans, corn and millet and see villagers going about their daily lives. Visit the home of talented woodcarvers who make decorative ox carts used for ordination ceremonies and witness the production of dried lima beans, a vital ingredient in Burmese Tea Leaf Salad.

After your tour, the transfer boat takes you back to the ship where it is anchored mid-river for the night.

This evening you are invited to dress in your longyi for a special cocktail party on the Observation Deck. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner prepared by our Chef.

Day Three: Mandalay
An early-bird breakfast is served before you disembark from the ship for your onward travel arrangements.

Morning transfer times from the ship to Htin Win Jetty will be at 07.30 and 08.00. Those who wish may join the early transfer and participate in an almsgiving ceremony, where food is donated to a procession of monks. Afterwards continue with your travel plans.

Alternatively stay on board and sail to Belmond’s jetty in Shwe Kyet Yet village, outside Mandalay, disembarking at 11.00.

Please note, all timings are approximate and should be used as a guide only. Please note, routes and associated itineraries may be subject to change.

The rivers of Myanmar vary from season to season, with as much as a 30ft variance in water level. From January through June, the Ayeyarwady’s levels may drop for a few weeks to a few months, creating a narrower channel for navigation. To allow for these changes, Belmond Road to Mandalay may operate a revised itinerary and mooring locations may be amended.

Day One – Ava (Inwa)
“Mingalaba” — welcome aboard Belmond Road to Mandalay. We hope your cruise will be truly unforgettable, with land excursions and authentic experiences providing a fascinating glimpse into the culture of Myanmar.

For guests joining our two-night journey, the final boarding time at Belmond’s Shwe Kyet Yet jetty is 07.00. Belmond Road to Mandalay sets sail promptly at 07.30.

Guests are welcome to board earlier and join an early-morning visit to Shwe Kyet Yet, starting at 06.50. This small village holds a special place in our hearts, having been the location of the ship’s berth for 20 years. Visit the village pagoda, where you will have the opportunity to donate food to a procession of monks from the local monastery. On the return walk you can observe the bustling activity around the market and teashops before boarding the transfer boat to Belmond Road to Mandalay, anchored mid-river.

Your first sailing is to Ava (or “Inwa”), an ancient imperial capital situated between the Ayeyarwady and Myitnge Rivers. Here you have a choice of two tour options:

Ava by Horse and Cart
Perfect for those who wish to explore the most fascinating highlights of the ancient city. Climb into one of the traditional buggies and enjoy a scenic drive. Ava was the capital of Burma four times between 1364 and 1841, although what remains today dates mostly from the early 19th century. See the ruins of King Bagyidaw’s palace walls and moat, visit a beautiful 19th-century teak monastery, now a monastic school, and journey through picturesque villages, farmlands and rice paddies.

Ava Adventure (Limited space. Please register at Reception. English-language tour only)
Set off on an independent mountain bike tour (a map will be provided), or join one of our staff for a leisurely, guided bike ride. Head off the beaten track into Ava’s more rural pathways, pedalling past King Bagyidaw’s palace ruins, through farmlands and tranquil villages. The ride is suitable for advanced beginners and above. There are no steep inclines, but be prepared for a mix of paved roads and dirt tracks with rocky or sandy surfaces.

Mid-morning, return to the ship and set sail towards Bagan.

You now have ample time to enjoy the ship’s leisure facilities, such as a spa treatment, relaxation by the pool or a scenic lunch on the Observation Deck.

Or you may wish to join one of our onboard activities: have your fortune told by an astrologer, or attend a demonstration by our housekeeping staff on how to tie a longyi (Myanmar sarong) or prepare thanaka, a paste that serves as both decorative make-up and protection from the sun. Our onboard doctor will be giving a presentation on his charitable and community activities in Myanmar in the Observation Lounge. Indulge in afternoon tea, Myanmar-style, in our Burmese Tea Shop before visiting the Observation Lounge for a talk on Myanmar Ways of Life by one of the expert Belmond guides.

Late afternoon, on the port side, the ship will pass the village of Yandabo, where in 1826 the treaty of the same name was signed between the Kingdom of Ava and the invading colonial British. Today this village is known for its production of terracotta clay water pots, which can often be seen drying on the riverbanks.

After dinner this evening, visit the Observation Deck for an unforgettable surprise on the water (weather permitting).

Belmond Road to Mandalay anchors mid-river for the night.

Day Two – Bagan

From 06.30 early risers may like to visit the Healthy Juice Bar or enjoy a sunrise yoga session on the Observation Deck. A meditation class is held later in the Lounge.

An extensive breakfast buffet with à la carte menu is served in the Restaurant and guests also have the option to order tea or coffee in their room.

You may wish to be on the Observation Deck by 08.30 to enjoy the views as we sail into Bagan. Spot fishermen casting their nets, local boats carrying passengers from one bank to the other, and the gilded hti, or crowns, of pagodas as the ship circles and drops anchor near the Taung Be village jetty. Disembark to explore Old Bagan. There are three optional morning tours to choose from:

Introduction to Bagan
Bagan has been one of the main visitor attractions in Myanmar for many years, ranking alongside Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Borobudur on Java as the greatest historic sites in Southeast Asia. Over 3,000 temples dot the plain beside the Ayeyarwady River, most of which were built between the 11th and 13th centuries. On this tour you will visit a complex of pagodas, both ruined and restored, offering a fascinating insight into Bagan’s history and architectural styles. You will also visit a small temple surrounded by fields where farmers can often be seen nurturing crops such as peanut, sesame and beans, and later you will discover a village rarely seen by visitors and glimpse a lifestyle unchanged for centuries.

A Day in the Life (English-language tour only)
Visit a family compound and observe the process of making ponyegyi (fermented soy bean paste), one of Central Myanmar’s specialities. Nearby, watch as another family produces colourful bamboo and paper fans, which are given as gifts at weddings and other special occasions. Explore the narrow lanes of the bustling morning market at Nyaung-U, admiring stalls piled high with exotic fruits and vegetables and typical Myanmar products such as betel leaf, cheroot cigars and tea leaves. Stroll through the village, meeting local people and learning about their ways of life; sample a homemade kyaw sone, a tasty, fried chickpea snack, in a villager’s home.

Bagan by Bicycle
(Limited space. Advance reservations essential. English-language tour only)
Set off on an independent mountain bike adventure (a map will be provided), or opt to join our staff on a guided ride through Old Bagan. Pedal along small paths and roads that wind their way around ancient temples and pagodas. The ride is suitable for advanced beginners and above. There are no steep inclines but cyclists should be prepared for a mixture of dirt tracks with patches of sand and short stretches on paved roads with motor vehicles.

With advance notice Belmond can also arrange private guides and drivers for a tour tailored to your specific interests, or other activities in Bagan such as golf (supplement applies).

All tours conclude at our jetty in Taung Be village. Next to the jetty is a free health clinic established by our ship’s doctor, Dr Hla Tun, with the support of volunteers from the local community, the monastery and Belmond Myanmar Foundation. Dr Hla Tun treats hundreds of patients a week when the ship is moored in Bagan.

After lunch on board, disembark for an afternoon excursion to one of the most significant pagodas of Bagan, Ananda Temple. This architectural masterpiece was built in AD 1090 and contains four gilded Buddha statues, each standing 30ft tall. You will also be led to a small temple, opened exclusively for Belmond guests, to discover magnificent murals by torchlight. A short walk brings you to a stunning view of 12th-century Thatbyinnyu, one of Bagan’s tallest pagodas. A visit to a lacquerware workshop follows. Marvel at the exquisite patience and skill required to produce these finely detailed pieces, many of which take several months to complete. As daylight starts to fade, gather to watch the sun set over plains peppered with hundreds of pagodas.

Grilled specialities are a highlight of dinner, which is served from live cooking stations under the stars on the Observation Deck. Afterwards you are treated to a classical marionette performance in the Observation Lounge. Historically these shows were royal entertainment, depicting stories from the early life of Buddha, but they were also considered a safe way to deliver messages to the King.

Tonight the ship anchors mid-river in Bagan.

Day Three – Bagan

Dawn risers can experience one of the most magical highlights of Bagan—a sunrise hot-air balloon flight over the pagodas (operates October-March, advance reservations essential, supplement applies). Guests participating in this activity will return to the ship at around 08.30.

An early-bird breakfast is served before you disembark from Belmond Road to Mandalay for your onward travel arrangements. Check-out time from your cabin is at 08.30 and guests may use the public spaces of the ship until the final disembarkation time of 11.00.

Please note, all timings are approximate and should be used as a guide only. Please note, routes and associated itineraries may be subject to change.

The rivers of Myanmar vary from season to season, with as much as a 30ft variance in water level. From January through June, the Ayeyarwady’s levels may drop for a few weeks to a few months, creating a narrower channel for navigation. To allow for these changes, Belmond Road to Mandalay may operate a revised itinerary and mooring locations may be amended.

Mingalaba! Welcome aboard Belmond Road to Mandalay.
We are here to ensure that your cruise is unforgettable, with land excursions and authentic
experiences that provide a fascinating glimpse into the culture of Myanmar.

Day One: Bagan & Sailing

For guests joining our 2-night journey, our final boarding time at Belmond’s private jetty at Tuang Be village is at 09.00. Belmond Road to Mandalay sets sail at 09.30.

Guests are also welcome to board earlier and join one of our early morning sunrise activities before we set sail. Please contact Belmond in advance if you wish to join the morning tours:

Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise (Advance reservations essential, supplement applies.)
Starting around 05.00 – Experience one of the highlights of Bagan – a hot air balloon ride over the pagodas at sunrise (operates October-March). Guests participating in this activity are picked up before dawn and arrive to the ship around 08.30.

Pagodas in the Morning
Disembark with your guide for a morning tour. Begin with a short walk to a small temple surrounded by fields, where farmers can often be seen working the land amongst the pagodas in the morning, and growing crops such as peanut, sesame and beans. Also visit another of Bagan’s most impressive pagodas, Sulamani (“Crowning Jewel”). This temple has one of the best examples of brick and ornamental work and here you can see murals dating from the 12th to 18th centuries. This tour starts at 07.00.

Bagan by Bicycle (Limited space. Advance reservation essential. Guided ride in English language only.)
For those interested in an active adventure, mountain bikes are available for a morning of independent biking (a map will be provided). Or opt to join our staff for an early morning guided bike ride through Old Bagan starting at 06.30. Travel along the small dirt paths and roads that wind their way around ancient temples and pagodas. This ride is suitable for advanced beginners and above and riders should expect to bike on dirt road surfaces with patches of sand. The guided tour begins at 06.30.

Traditional Horse Cart Ride (Advance reservation essential)
Travel in traditional style with your own horse and buggy through Old Bagan. Your local buggy driver will take you along a scenic route that passes many ancient temples and pagodas in the heart of Old Bagan’s archaeological zone. Enjoy a leisurely ride with many photo opportunities. Starting at 07.00. Please note that some buggy drivers may have limited English-speaking ability.

Village Visit and Social Contribution (English language only)
From 08.15 – Spend the morning with our staff in Taung Be village, near our jetty, and participate in one of Belmond’s Social Contribution Projects. Next to the jetty is our free health clinic established by our ship doctor, Dr Hla Tun. The doctor treats hundreds of patients a week when Belmond Road to Mandalay is stationed in Bagan. The activities change depending on the project and community needs and might include: preparing lunch for the visiting patients, working in the pharmacy with the monk, helping to build a new eye clinic. Please speak with Reception to learn more.

All morning tours and activities conclude by 09.00 at Taung Be village where the transfer boat waits to take guests to the ship anchored mid-river. Belmond Road to Mandalay sets sail at 09.30. During a day of sailing along the Ayeyarwady, you may wish to indulge in a treatment at the spa, relax by the pool, have lunch on the Observation Deck or join one of our on-board activities.

Today there will be an exhibition by a local artist on board. In the afternoon, our Housekeeping staff will give a demonstration of how to tie a longyi, the Myanmar sarong worn by both men and women, and how to prepare thanaka, a paste that serves as both decorative make-up and protection from the sun. You might also like to have an afternoon tea and snack in a true local style at our on-board “Burmese Tea Shop”. Later, join a lecture about Myanmar’s Past, Present and Future by one of our expert Belmond guides.

This evening, you are invited to wear your new longyi at a Longyi Cocktail party on the Observation Deck. Dinner is served in the elegant setting of the Restaurant. Enjoy a selection of gourmet Asian and Western dishes prepared by our Executive Chef. After dinner visit the Observation Deck for an unforgettable surprise on the river (weather permitting).

Tonight, Belmond Road to Mandalay anchors mid-river.

Day Two – Myin Mu and Alacapa villages

After a short sail this morning, Belmond Road to Mandalay arrives at Myin Mu, the northern most point for cruising during your journey. During the early months of the year, the water levels of the Ayeyarwady River typically drop for a period of a few weeks to a few months, creating a narrower channel for navigation near Mandalay. During this time, Belmond Road to Mandalay moors at Myin Mu, a typical riverside town 30 miles south of Mandalay, instead of at our jetty near the city. This mooring location gives our guests a unique opportunity to experience some beautiful rural areas and less-visited sites in the countryside.

Our experience is that many people consider seeing the natural life of Myanmar and contact with the local people to be the highlight of their stay. Myin Mu is a small town on the shore beside our mooring place with about 30-40,000 people. This morning, join our guides to explore Myin Mu.

Board tri-shaws for a ride around the town, which will include a visit to the local market to experience the bustling activity around the market and teashops, and a scenic tour along the Strand Road. As in all small Burmese towns, the cool of the morning is a time for much activity and our mooring place gives you a chance to experience the daily life of the Burmese people. For those who wish to be active, you can peddle your own tri-shaw and take the driver on a tour of the town! You will also learn about some of the typical cottage industries of the area with a visit to a ‘Burmese Slipper’ manufacturing workshop and the home of a family of bamboo weavers to see how bamboo houses are constructed. Return to the ship for lunch.

This afternoon, return to shore to discover another local village in the area. Drive to the picturesque village of Alacapa where you are free to walk through the village and experience the warm friendliness of the villagers, and have a glimpse into a life-style unchanged for centuries. We may also have the chance to show you traditional cotton weaving.

Tonight, there will be an evening of traditional entertainment after dinner on board.

The ship anchors at Myin Mu for the night.

Day Three – Depart Myin Mu

An early-bird breakfast is served before you disembark from Belmond Road to Mandalay for your onward travel arrangements. Check out time from your cabin is at 08.30 and guests may use the public spaces of the ship until the final disembarkation time of 11.00.

We wish you a very pleasant onward journey and many fond memories of your time with us in Myanmar.

Please note, all timings are approximate and should be used as a guide only. Please note, routes and associated itineraries may be subject to change.

The rivers of Myanmar vary from season to season, with as much as a 30 foot variance in water level. During the months of January through June, the water levels of the Ayeyarwady may drop for a period of a few weeks to a few months, creating a narrower channel for navigation. To accommodate for changes in water levels, Belmond Road to Mandalay may operate on an adjusted itinerary during these periods and our mooring locations may be amended.

Mingalaba! Welcome aboard Belmond Road to Mandalay.
We are here to ensure that your cruise is unforgettable, with land excursions and authentic
experiences that provide a fascinating glimpse into the culture of Myanmar.

Day One – Sagaing, Myin Mu & Sailing

During the early months of the year, the water levels of the Ayeyarwady River typically drop for a period of a few weeks to a few months, creating a narrower channel for navigation near Mandalay. During this time, Belmond Road to Mandalay moors at Myin Mu, a typical riverside town 30 miles south of Mandalay.

This morning, you have the following two options for joining the ship:

For guests wishing to tour Sagaing en route Myin Mu:  

For those interested, you are invited to meet one of our Belmond Road to Mandalay guides at our jetty near Mandalay city in Shwe Kyet Yet village at 06.45. Together you will go to the hills of Sagaing, the spiritual centre of Myanmar, which is home to hundreds of pagodas and numerous monasteries, nunneries and Buddhist learning centres. Enjoy the expansive views of the Ayeyarwady River from the Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda. You will visit a nunnery to learn about their ways of life. The drive from Sagaing to Myin Mu is approximately one and a half hours and your arrival on board Belmond Road to Mandalay is expected to be around 10.00.

For guests checking in independently:
Final boarding time at the jetty at Myin Mu is at 10.00. A small transfer boat will be arranged for the transfer from shore to the ship anchored mid-river. In all cases, please let us know your check-in preference and estimated arrival time in advance.

Belmond Road to Mandalay sets sail at 10.30. Shortly thereafter, meet your fellow passengers, the Captain and key crew members in the Observation Lounge for a short safety briefing.

During a day of sailing along the Ayeyarwady, you may wish to indulge in a treatment at the spa, relax by the pool, have lunch on the Observation Deck or join one of our on-board activities.

Before lunch, our onboard doctor will give a presentation on his charitable and community activities in Myanmar in the Observation Lounge. Astrology is an important aspect of Myanmar culture and daily life and today an astrologer will be available on board if you would like to have your fortune read. Later, our Housekeeping staff will give a demonstration of how to tie a longyi, the Myanmar sarong worn by both men and women, and how to prepare thanaka, a paste that serves as both decorative make-up and protection from the sun. You might also like to have an afternoon tea and snack in a true local style at our on-board “Burmese Tea Shop”. Later, visit the Observation Lounge for a lecture on “Myanmar Ways of Life” by one of our expert Belmond guides.

Late afternoon, on the port side, the ship will pass the village of Yandabo, where in 1826 the treaty of the same name was signed between the Kingdom of Ava and the invading colonial British. Today this village is known for its production of terracotta clay water pots, which can often be seen drying on the riverbanks.

This evening, you are invited to dress in your longyi for a Longyi Cocktail Party before dinner. After dinner this evening, visit the Observation Deck for an unforgettable surprise on the river (weather permitting).

Belmond Road to Mandalay anchors mid-river for the evening.

Day Two – Bagan

For early risers, Belmond Road to Mandalay offers a Healthy Juice Bar on the Observation Deck starting from 06.30. An extensive breakfast buffet with a la carte menu is served daily in the Restaurant and guests also have the option to order tea or coffee service to their room.

You may wish to rise in time for a sunrise yoga session on the Observation Deck. Later a meditation class will be held in the Lounge.

It might be worth finishing breakfast by about 08.30 this morning so you can be free to enjoy the views from the Observation Deck as we sail into the Bagan area. Fishermen are often to be seen casting their nets as local boats carry passengers from one bank to the other. You can see the gilded hti or crown of pagodas on the river banks as the ship circles and drops anchor near our private jetty at Taung Be village near Old Bagan. Around 09.30, disembark and begin exploring Bagan with the option of three morning tours:

Introduction to Bagan
Bagan has been one of the main visitor attractions in Myanmar for many years, ranking alongside Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Borobudur on Java as the greatest historic sites in Southeast Asia. Over 3,000 temples dot the plain beside the Ayeyarwady River, most of which were built between the 11th and 13th centuries. This morning you will visit a complex of pagodas near Old Bagan that provide a perfect introduction to architecture and history of Bagan. Within this one complex you can see an interesting mix of architectural styles from different eras and view samples of restored and unrestored pagodas. You will also take a short walk to a small temple surrounded by fields, where farmers can often be seen working the land amongst the pagodas and growing crops such as peanut, sesame and beans. Later visit a village, not frequently visited by tourists, for a glimpse of a lifestyle unchanged for centuries. Enjoy a stroll through the village, meet the locals and learn about their ways of life.

A Day in the Life (Guided in English language only.)
Visit the compound of a family and observe the process of making Ponyegyi (fermented soy bean paste), one of the food specialties of Central Myanmar. Nearby, another family produces colorful fans out of bamboo and paper. These fans are given as gifts on special occasions such as weddings and ordination ceremonies. Next explore the narrow lanes of the bustling morning market at Nyaung U, admiring stalls piled high with exotic fruits and vegetables and typical Myanmar products such as betel leaf, thanaka wood, cheroot cigars and tea leaves. Also enjoy a stroll through the local village, meet the locals and learn about their ways of life. You’ll have the chance to visit a home and try a kyaw sone, a tasty traditional fried snack made with chickpeas.

Bagan by Bicycle (Limited space. Please register at Reception. Guided ride in English language only.)
For those interested in an active adventure, mountain bikes are available for a morning of independent biking (a map will be provided). Or opt to join our staff for a leisurely guided bike ride through Old Bagan. Travel along the small dirt paths and roads that wind their way around ancient temples and pagodas. This ride is suitable for advanced beginners and above. Enjoy a ride without any major inclines, but please be prepared for a mix of dirt roads with patches of sand, and short stretches riding on paved roads with motor vehicles.

Upon advance request, Belmond can also arrange private guides and drivers for a tour that is tailored to your exact interests, or other activities such as a morning or afternoon of golfing in Bagan (supplement applies).

Around 11.30 all tours will conclude at our jetty in Taung Be village. Located next to our jetty is the free health clinic established by our ship doctor, Dr Hla Tun, with the support of volunteers from the local community and monastery, and the Belmond Myanmar Foundation. The doctor treats hundreds of patients a week when Belmond Road to Mandalay is stationed in Bagan.

After lunch on board, disembark for an afternoon excursion visiting one of the most significant pagodas of Bagan, Ananda Temple. This architectural masterpiece was built in AD 1090 and contains four gilded Buddha statues, each standing 30ft tall. Your Belmond experience also takes you to a small temple that will be opened just for us, where you can discover the murals of the interiors by torchlight. A short walk takes us to a stunning view of Thatbynnyu, one of Bagan’s tallest pagodas which dates back to the 12th century. You will also visit a workshop to observe Bagan’s famous lacquerware being crafted. Marvel at the exquisite patience and skill required to produce these finely detailed, handmade pieces, many of which take several months to complete. As daylight starts to fade you gather to watch the sunset over plains peppered with hundreds of ancient pagodas.

A delicious grill dinner is served under the stars on the Observation Deck, with Asian and Myanmar-inspired cuisine and live cooking and grill stations. After dinner, you are treated to a classical marionette performance in the Observation Lounge. Historically these shows were royal entertainment, depicting stories from the early life of Buddha, but they were also considered a safe way to deliver messages to the King.

Tonight, the ship anchors mid-river at Bagan.

Day Three – Bagan

Today, you may wish to experience one of the highlights of Bagan – a hot air balloon flight over the pagodas at sunrise (operates October-March, advance reservations essential, supplement applies). Guests participating in this activity will return to the ship around 08.30.

An early-bird breakfast is served before you disembark from Belmond Road to Mandalay for your onward travel arrangements. Check out time from your cabin is at 08.30 and guests may use the public spaces of the ship until the final disembarkation time of 11.00.

We wish you a very pleasant onward journey and many fond memories of your time with us in Myanmar.

Please note, all timings are approximate and should be used as a guide only. Please note, routes and associated itineraries may be subject to change.

The rivers of Myanmar vary from season to season, with as much as a 30 foot variance in water level. During the months of January through June, the water levels of the Ayeyarwady may drop for a period of a few weeks to a few months, creating a narrower channel for navigation. To accommodate for changes in water levels, Belmond Road to Mandalay may operate on an adjusted itinerary during these periods and our mooring locations may be amended.

Day One – Mandalay
“Mingalaba” — welcome aboard Belmond Road to Mandalay! We are here to ensure that your cruise is unforgettable, with land excursions and authentic experiences that provide a fascinating glimpse into the culture of Myanmar.

Please arrive at our jetty in Shwe Kyet Yet village between 10.30 and 11.00.

Once on board you are escorted to your cabin and then invited to the Observation Lounge to meet the Captain and crew. A short safety briefing is given.

A buffet lunch is served as Belmond Road to Mandalay sets sail, cruising towards Mandalay.

After lunch you disembark for a guided tour of Mandalay, considered the home of Burmese traditional arts. Explore some of its great treasures, including Kuthodaw Pagoda, a UNESCO-listed site with 729 stone tablets inscribed with Buddhist scriptures, and the atmospheric Shwenandaw, an intricately-carved wooden monastery which used to be part of King Mindon’s living quarters. Pass through the streets of the marble quarter where artisans sculpt Buddhas of all sizes and continue to the outdoor workshop of a family of bronze casters to observe, first hand, the creation of statuesque Buddha images and ceremonial gongs. End the day with a visit to the 200-year-old U Bein Bridge, one of Myanmar’s most photographed sites.

Re-board Belmond Road to Mandalay at Shwe Kyet Yet village where the ship will berth for the night. This evening you are invited to join a cocktail party on the Observation Deck, followed by dinner in the elegant Restaurant. Enjoy a selection of gourmet Asian and Western dishes prepared by our Chef. House wines are included with dinner, or you might prefer to choose a fine wine from our extensive international list.

Late arrivals to Mandalay have the option to board the ship at the following times:
14.00 at the Htin Win Jetty in Mandalay (please note you will miss the afternoon tour as the ship will sail back to Shwe Kyet Yet), or after 17.00 in Shwe Kyet Yet village.

Day Two – Ava (Inwa)
Early risers may wish to visit the Healthy Juice Bar on the Observation Deck. An extensive breakfast buffet with à la carte menu is served in the Restaurant and guests also have the option to order tea or coffee to their room.

Those who wish may join our guides on an early-morning visit to the village of Shwe Kyet Yet. This small village holds a special place in our hearts, having been the location of the ship’s berth for 20 years. Visit the village pagoda, where you will have the opportunity to donate food to a procession of monks from the local monastery. On the return walk you can observe the bustling activity around the market and teashops.

Belmond Road to Mandalay sets sail for Ava (or “Inwa”), an ancient imperial capital situated between the Ayeyarwady and Myitnge Rivers. Here you have a choice of two tour options:

Ava by Horse and Cart
Perfect for those who wish to explore the most fascinating highlights of the ancient city. Climb into one of the traditional buggies and enjoy a scenic drive. Ava was the capital of Burma four times between 1364 and 1841, although what remains today dates mostly from the early 19th century. See the ruins of King Bagyidaw’s palace walls and moat, visit a beautiful 19th-century teak monastery, now a monastic school, and journey through picturesque villages, farmlands and rice paddies.

Ava Adventure (Limited space. Please register at Reception. English-language tour only)
Set off on an independent mountain bike tour (a map will be provided), or join one of our staff for a leisurely, guided bike ride. Head off the beaten track into Ava’s more rural pathways, pedalling past King Bagyidaw’s palace ruins, through farmlands and tranquil villages. The ride is suitable for advanced beginners and above. There are no steep inclines, but be prepared for a mix of paved roads and dirt tracks with rocky or sandy surfaces.

Mid-morning, return to the ship and set sail towards Bagan.

You now have ample time to enjoy the ship’s leisure facilities, such as a treatment at the spa, relaxation by the pool or a scenic lunch on the Observation Deck.

Or you may wish to join one of our onboard activities: have your fortune told by an astrologer, or attend a demonstration by our housekeeping staff on how to tie a longyi (Myanmar sarong) or prepare thanaka, a paste that serves as both decorative make-up and protection from the sun. Our onboard doctor will be giving a presentation on his charitable and community activities in Myanmar in the Observation Lounge. Indulge in afternoon tea, Myanmar-style, in our Burmese Tea Shop before visiting the Observation Lounge for a talk on Myanmar Ways of Life by one of the expert Belmond guides.

Late afternoon, on the port side, the ship will pass the village of Yandabo, where in 1826 the treaty of the same name was signed between the Kingdom of Ava and the invading colonial British. Today this village is known for its production of terracotta clay water pots, which can often be seen drying on the riverbanks.

After dinner this evening, visit the Observation Deck for an unforgettable surprise on the river (weather permitting).

The ship anchors mid-river for the night.

Day Three – Bagan
Sunrise yoga is available on the Observation Deck and later a meditation class will be held in the Lounge.

You may wish to be on the Observation Deck by 08.30 to enjoy the views as we sail into Bagan. Spot fishermen casting their nets, local boats carrying passengers from one bank to the other, and the gilded hti, or crowns, of pagodas as the ship circles and drops anchor near the Taung Be village jetty. Disembark to explore Old Bagan. There are three optional morning tours to choose from:

Introduction to Bagan
Bagan has been one of the main visitor attractions in Myanmar for many years, ranking alongside Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Borobudur on Java as the greatest historic sites in Southeast Asia. Over 3,000 temples dot the plain beside the Ayeyarwady River, most of which were built between the 11th and 13th centuries. On this tour you will visit a complex of pagodas, both ruined and restored, offering a fascinating insight into Bagan’s history and architectural styles. You will also visit a small temple surrounded by fields where farmers can often be seen nurturing crops such as peanut, sesame and beans, and later you will discover a village rarely seen by visitors and glimpse a lifestyle unchanged for centuries.

A Day in the Life (English-language tour only)
Visit a family compound and observe the process of making ponyegyi (fermented soy bean paste), one of Central Myanmar’s specialities. Nearby, watch as another family produces colourful bamboo and paper fans, which are given as gifts at weddings and other special occasions. Explore the narrow lanes of the bustling morning market at Nyaung-U, admiring stalls piled high with exotic fruits and vegetables and typical Myanmar products such as betel leaf, cheroot cigars and tea leaves. Stroll through the village, meeting local people and learning about their ways of life; sample a homemade kyaw sone, a tasty, fried chickpea snack, in a villager’s home.

Bagan by Bicycle
(Limited space. Advance reservations essential. English-language tour only)
Set off on an independent mountain bike adventure (a map will be provided), or opt to join our staff on a guided ride through Old Bagan. Pedal along small paths and roads that wind their way around ancient temples and pagodas. The ride is suitable for advanced beginners and above. There are no steep inclines but cyclists should be prepared for a mixture of dirt tracks with patches of sand and short stretches on paved roads with motor vehicles.

With advance notice Belmond can also arrange private guides and drivers for a tour tailored to your specific interests, or other activities in Bagan such as golf (supplement applies).

All tours conclude at our jetty in Taung Be village. Next to the jetty is a free health clinic established by our ship’s doctor, Dr Hla Tun, with the support of volunteers from the local community, the monastery and Belmond Myanmar Foundation. Dr Hla Tun treats hundreds of patients a week when the ship is moored in Bagan.

After lunch on board, disembark for an afternoon excursion to one of the most significant pagodas of Bagan, Ananda Temple. This architectural masterpiece was built in AD 1090 and contains four gilded Buddha statues, each standing 30ft tall. You will also be led to a small temple, opened exclusively for Belmond guests, to discover magnificent murals by torchlight. A short walk brings you to a stunning view of 12th-century Thatbyinnyu, one of Bagan’s tallest pagodas. A visit to a lacquerware workshop follows. Marvel at the exquisite patience and skill required to produce these finely detailed pieces, many of which take several months to complete. As daylight starts to fade, gather to watch the sun set over plains peppered with hundreds of pagodas.

Grilled specialities are a highlight of dinner, which is served from live cooking stations under the stars on the Observation Deck. Afterwards you are treated to a classical marionette performance in the Observation Lounge. Historically these shows were royal entertainment, depicting stories from the early life of Buddha, but they were also considered a safe way to deliver messages to the King.

Tonight the ship anchors mid-river in Bagan.

Day Four – Bagan
Dawn risers can experience one of the most magical highlights of Bagan—a sunrise hot-air balloon flight over the pagodas (operates October-March, advance reservations essential, supplement applies). Guests participating in this activity will return to the ship at around 08.30.

An early-bird breakfast is served before you disembark from Belmond Road to Mandalay for your onward travel arrangements. Check-out time from your cabin is at 08.30 and guests may use the public spaces of the ship until the final disembarkation time of 11.00.

Please note, all timings are approximate and should be used as a guide only. Please note, routes and associated itineraries may be subject to change.

The rivers of Myanmar vary from season to season, with as much as a 30ft variance in water level. From January through June, the Ayeyarwady’s levels may drop for a few weeks to a few months, creating a narrower channel for navigation. To allow for these changes, Belmond Road to Mandalay may operate a revised itinerary and mooring locations may be amended

Mingalaba! Welcome aboard Belmond Road to Mandalay.
We are here to ensure that your cruise is unforgettable, with land excursions and authentic
experiences that provide a fascinating glimpse into the culture of Myanmar.

Day One – Mandalay, Amarapura, Sagaing, Myin Mu
During the early months of the year, the water levels of the Ayeyarwady River typically drop for a period of a few weeks to a few months, creating a narrower channel for navigation near Mandalay. During this time, Belmond Road to Mandalay moors at Myin Mu, a typical riverside town 30 miles south of Mandalay. This mooring location gives our guests a unique opportunity to experience some beautiful rural areas and less-visited sites in the countryside.

Check-in time for all guests is requested at 12.00 at the Mandalay city centre lunch location at Bistro 82. Alternatively, you may check-in at any time directly at the ship at Myin Mu. Our ship will be anchored mid-river and a small transfer boat can be arranged. Please let us know your check-in preference in advance.

After lunch, guests will have the following two options for the afternoon and your selection can be decided during lunch.

Option 1: Afternoon tour of Amarapura, U Bein Bridge and Sagaing Hills:
This option is for guests who wish to continue touring in the afternoon and experience the sites outside of Mandalay en route to Myin Mu.

Discover some of the Burmese Traditional Arts for which the city of Mandalay is famous. Pass through the streets of the marble quarter where artisans sculpt Buddhas of all sizes, and visit the outdoor workshop of a family of bronze casters to observe, first hand, the creation of statuesque Buddha images and ceremonial gongs.

As you continue the journey to Myin Mu, stop at the ancient capital of Amarapura where you will visit the famous U Bein Bridge, one of Myanmar’s most photographed sites. Also visit the Sagaing Hills, the spiritual centre of Myanmar and home to hundreds of pagodas and numerous monasteries, nunneries and Buddhist learning centres. You will visit one of these nunneries and enjoy the panoramic views from the high vantage point of the Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda. The drive from Sagaing to Myin Mu is approximately 1.5 hours and your arrival on board Belmond Road to Mandalay is expected to be around 18.00.

Option 2: River transfer to Belmond Road to Mandalay by support boat:
In this option, after lunch we will transfer to the Htin-Win Jetty in Mandalay city. The name comes from the Burmese word for kindling (‘htin’) as this was where firewood brought down from the forests of the North was unloaded. Board a chartered river boat to cruise down the Ayeyarwady River to our mooring location at Myin Mu. The support boat has both an outside deck and an air-conditioned inside deck, and is also equipped with bathroom facilities. Complimentary refreshments, including Champagne, Gin & Tonic, beer and soft drinks will be served to you by our staff. The cruise from Htin-Win Jetty to Myin Mu is approximately three hours and your arrival on board Belmond Road to Mandalay is expected to be around 17.30.

This evening, dine in the elegant setting of the Restaurant. Enjoy a selection of gourmet Asian and Western dishes prepared by our Chef. Meals are accompanied by house wines, or you might opt for one of the international fine wines from our extensive wine list.

Belmond Road to Mandalay anchors at Myin Mu for the night.

Day Two – Myin Mu & Sailing
For early risers, Belmond Road to Mandalay offers a Healthy Juice Bar on the Observation Deck starting from 06.30. An extensive breakfast buffet with a la carte menu is served daily in the Restaurant and guests also have the option to order tea or coffee service to their room.

This morning, join our guides to explore the town of Myin Mu and visit the village monastery, where you will have the opportunity to donate food to a procession of monks from the local monastery in accordance with the Burmese custom of almsgiving. Next, board tri-shaws for a ride around the town, which will include a visit to the local market to experience the bustling activity around the market and teashops, and a scenic tour along the Strand Road. As in all small Burmese towns, the cool of the morning is a time for much activity and our mooring place gives you a chance to experience the daily life of the Burmese people. For those who wish to be active, you can peddle your own tri-shaw and take the driver on a tour of the town! You will also learn about some of the typical cottage industries of the area with a visit to a ‘Burmese Slipper’ manufacturing workshop and the home of a family of bamboo weavers to see how bamboo houses are constructed.

For those who wish to be active, you can peddle your own tri-shaw and take the driver on a tour of the town!

Around 10.15 transfer back to the ship by small boat and Belmond Road to Mandalay sets sail at 10.30 for the journey to Bagan. Shortly thereafter, meet your fellow passengers, the Captain and key crew members in the Observation Lounge for a short safety briefing.

During a day of sailing along the Ayeyarwady, you may wish to indulge in a treatment at the spa, relax by the pool, have lunch on the Observation Deck or join one of our on-board activities.

Before lunch, our onboard doctor will give a presentation on his charitable and community activities in Myanmar in the Observation Lounge. Astrology is an important aspect of Myanmar culture and daily life and today an astrologer will be available on board if you would like to have your fortune read. Later, our Housekeeping staff will give a demonstration of how to tie a longyi, the Myanmar sarong worn by both men and women, and how to prepare thanaka, a paste that serves as both decorative make-up and protection from the sun. You might also like to have an afternoon tea and snack in a true local style at our on-board “Burmese Tea Shop”. Later, visit the Observation Lounge for a lecture on “Myanmar Ways of Life” by one of our expert Belmond guides.

Late afternoon, on the port side, the ship will pass the village of Yandabo, where in 1826 the treaty of the same name was signed between the Kingdom of Ava and the invading colonial British. Today this village is known for its production of terracotta clay water pots, which can often be seen drying on the riverbanks.

This evening, you are invited to dress in your longyi for a Longyi Cocktail Party before dinner. After dinner this evening, visit the Observation Deck for an unforgettable surprise on the river (weather permitting).

This ship anchors mid-river for the night.

Day Three – Bagan
Early birds may wish to rise in time for a sunrise yoga session on the Observation Deck. Later a meditation class will be held in the Lounge.

It might be worth finishing breakfast by about 08.30 this morning so you can be free to enjoy the views from the Observation Deck as we sail into the Bagan area. Fishermen are often to be seen casting their nets as local boats carry passengers from one bank to the other. You can see the gilded hti or crown of pagodas on the river banks as the ship circles and drops anchor near our private jetty at Taung Be village near Old Bagan. Around 09.30, disembark and begin exploring Bagan with the option of three morning tours:

Introduction to Bagan
Bagan has been one of the main visitor attractions in Myanmar for many years, ranking alongside Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Borobudur on Java as the greatest historic sites in Southeast Asia. Over 3,000 temples dot the plain beside the Ayeyarwady River, most of which were built between the 11th and 13th centuries. This morning you will visit a complex of pagodas near Old Bagan that provide a perfect introduction to architecture and history of Bagan. Within this one complex you can see an interesting mix of architectural styles from different eras and view samples of restored and unrestored pagodas. You will also take a short walk to a small temple surrounded by fields, where farmers can often be seen working the land amongst the pagodas and growing crops such as peanut, sesame and beans. Later visit a village, not frequently visited by tourists, for a glimpse of a lifestyle unchanged for centuries. Enjoy a stroll through the village, meet the locals and learn about their ways of life.

A Day in the Life (Guided in English language only.)
Visit the compound of a family and observe the process of making Ponyegyi (fermented soy bean paste), one of the food specialties of Central Myanmar. Nearby, another family produces colorful fans out of bamboo and paper. These fans are given as gifts on special occasions such as weddings and ordination ceremonies. Next explore the narrow lanes of the bustling morning market at Nyaung U, admiring stalls piled high with exotic fruits and vegetables and typical Myanmar products such as betel leaf, thanaka wood, cheroot cigars and tea leaves. Also enjoy a stroll through the local village, meet the locals and learn about their ways of life. You’ll have the chance to visit a home and try a kyaw sone, a tasty traditional fried snack made with chickpeas.

Bagan by Bicycle (Limited space. Please register at Reception. Guided ride in English language only.)
For those interested in an active adventure, mountain bikes are available for a morning of independent biking (a map will be provided). Or opt to join our staff for a leisurely guided bike ride through Old Bagan. Travel along the small dirt paths and roads that wind their way around ancient temples and pagodas. This ride is suitable for advanced beginners and above. Enjoy a ride without any major inclines, but please be prepared for a mix of dirt roads with patches of sand, and short stretches riding on paved roads with motor vehicles.

Upon advance request, Belmond can also arrange private guides and drivers for a tour that is tailored to your exact interests, or other activities such as a morning or afternoon of golfing in Bagan (supplement applies).

Around 11.30 all tours will conclude at our jetty in Taung Be village. Located next to our jetty is the free health clinic established by our ship doctor, Dr Hla Tun, with the support of volunteers from the local community and monastery, and the Belmond Myanmar Foundation. The doctor treats hundreds of patients a week when Belmond Road to Mandalay is stationed in Bagan.

After lunch on board, disembark for an afternoon excursion visiting one of the most significant pagodas of Bagan, Ananda Temple. This architectural masterpiece was built in AD 1090 and contains four gilded Buddha statues, each standing 30ft tall. Your Belmond experience also takes you to a small temple that will be opened just for us, where you can discover the murals of the interiors by torchlight. A short walk takes us to a stunning view of Thatbynnyu, one of Bagan’s tallest pagodas which dates back to the 12th century. You will also visit a workshop to observe Bagan’s famous lacquerware being crafted. Marvel at the exquisite patience and skill required to produce these finely detailed, handmade pieces, many of which take several months to complete. As daylight starts to fade you gather to watch the sunset over plains peppered with hundreds of ancient pagodas.

A delicious grill dinner is served under the stars on the Observation Deck, with Asian and Myanmar-inspired cuisine and live cooking and grill stations. After dinner, you are treated to a classical marionette performance in the Observation Lounge. Historically these shows were royal entertainment, depicting stories from the early life of Buddha, but they were also considered a safe way to deliver messages to the King.

The ship anchors at Bagan for the night.

Day Four: Bagan
Today, you may wish to experience one of the highlights of Bagan – a hot air balloon flight over the pagodas at sunrise (operates October-March, advance reservations essential, supplement applies). Guests participating in this activity will return to the ship around 08.30.

An early-bird breakfast is served before you disembark from Belmond Road to Mandalay for your onward travel arrangements. Check out time from your cabin is at 08.30 and guests may use the public spaces of the ship until the final disembarkation time of 11.00.

We wish you a very pleasant onward journey and many fond memories of your time with us in Myanmar.

Please note, all timings are approximate and should be used as a guide only. Please note, routes and associated itineraries may be subject to change.

The rivers of Myanmar vary from season to season, with as much as a 30 foot variance in water level. During the months of January through June, the water levels of the Ayeyarwady may drop for a period of a few weeks to a few months, creating a narrower channel for navigation. To accommodate for changes in water levels, Belmond Road to Mandalay may operate on an adjusted itinerary during these periods and our mooring locations may be amended.

Day One – Bagan
“Mingalaba” — welcome aboard Belmond Road to Mandalay! We are here to ensure that your cruise is unforgettable, with land excursions and authentic experiences that provide a fascinating glimpse into the culture of Myanmar.

Bagan has been one of the main visitor attractions in Myanmar for many years, ranking alongside Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Borobudur on Java as the greatest historic sites in Southeast Asia. Over 3,000 temples dot the plain beside the Ayeyarwady River, most of which were built between the 11th and 13th centuries.

Please be at Taung Be village between 10.30 and 11.00 ready to board.

Once on board you are escorted to your cabin and then invited to the Observation Lounge to meet the Captain and crew. A short safety briefing is given.

After lunch on board, disembark for an afternoon excursion to one of the most significant pagodas of Bagan, Ananda Temple. This architectural masterpiece was built in AD 1090 and contains four gilded Buddha statues, each standing 30ft tall. You will also be led to a small temple, opened exclusively for Belmond guests, to discover magnificent murals by torchlight. A short walk brings you to a stunning view of 12th-century Thatbyinnyu, one of Bagan’s tallest pagodas. A visit to a lacquerware workshop follows. Marvel at the exquisite patience and skill required to produce these finely detailed pieces, many of which take several months to complete.

As daylight starts to fade, gather to watch the sun set over plains peppered with hundreds of ancient pagodas. You then proceed to a small temple close to the jetty to participate in an exclusive Belmond experience—a magical candle-lighting ceremony.

Back on board, grilled specialities are a highlight of dinner, which is served from live cooking stations under the stars on the Observation Deck. House wines are included, or you might prefer to choose a fine wine from our extensive international list.

Belmond Road to Mandalay anchors at Bagan this evening.

Day Two – Bagan & Sailing
Early risers may wish to visit the Healthy Juice Bar on the Observation Deck. An extensive breakfast buffet with à la carte menu is served in the Restaurant and guests also have the option to order tea or coffee in their room.

This morning you can choose from a number of tour options before the ship sets sail at 09.30.

Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Ride
(Available October-March. Advance reservations essential. Supplement applies)
Experience one of the most magical highlights of Bagan, a hot-air balloon ride as dawn breaks over the ancient pagodas. Guests are collected at around 05.00 and returned to the ship at 08.30.

Pagodas in the Morning
Enjoy an early-morning walking tour with your guide. Visit a small temple surrounded by fields where farmers can often be seen nurturing crops such as peanut, sesame and beans. Then explore the famous pagoda Sulamani (“crowning jewel”), with its impressive brick and ornamental work and murals dating from the 12th to 18th centuries. Tour begins at 07.00.

Bagan by Bicycle
(Limited space. Advance reservations essential. English-language tour only)
Set off on an independent mountain bike adventure (a map will be provided), or opt to join our staff on a guided ride through Old Bagan. Pedal along small paths and roads that wind their way around ancient temples and pagodas. The ride is suitable for advanced beginners and above and cyclists should expect to bike on dirt road surfaces with patches of sand. The guided tour begins at 06.30.

Traditional Horse and Cart Ride
(Advance reservations essential)
Travel in time-honoured style with your own horse and buggy through Old Bagan. Your local driver will take you on a leisurely, scenic route through the heart of the archaeological zone, passing many ancient pagodas and offering plentiful photo opportunities. Please note that some buggy drivers may have limited English-speaking ability. Starts at 07.00.

Village Visit and Social Contribution
(English language only)
Join our staff in Taung Be village to participate in one of Belmond’s Social Contribution Projects. Next to the jetty is our free health clinic, established by the ship’s doctor, Dr Hla Tun, where he treats hundreds of patients a week while Belmond Road to Mandalay is stationed in Bagan. Activities change depending on the current project and community needs and might include: preparing lunch for visiting patients, working in the pharmacy with the monk or helping to build a new eye clinic. The visit begins at 08.15. Please speak with Reception to learn more.

All morning tours and activities conclude by 09.00 at Taung Be village where the transfer boat waits to take guests back to the ship.

After setting sail a leisurely day on board awaits.

Indulge in a treatment at the spa, relax by the pool, enjoy lunch on the Observation Deck and admire the breathtaking vistas. Art lovers may wish to visit an exhibition of local works. In the afternoon Housekeeping staff will give a demonstration of how to tie a longyi, the Myanmar sarong worn by both men and women, and how to prepare thanaka, a paste that serves as both decorative make-up and protection from the sun. Indulge in afternoon tea local-style in our “Burmese Tea Shop” and later attend a fascinating lecture on Myanmar’s Past, Present and Future by one of our expert guides.

This evening, dinner is served in the elegant Restaurant. Enjoy a selection of gourmet Asian and Western dishes prepared by our Executive Chef. After dinner visit the Observation Deck for an unforgettable surprise on the river (weather permitting).

This ship anchors mid-river for the night.

Day Three – Mingun and Rural Village
The ship continues to sail north. Enjoy a selection of morning activities, including a sunrise yoga session, a meditation class or an enticing cookery demonstration by our Chef.

Before lunch, Dr Hla Tun will give a presentation on the charitable and community activities he is involved with at villages along the river, such as school building and healthcare projects.

After lunch the ship arrives at Mingun and you disembark, by transfer boat, for an afternoon tour. The following two options are available:

Classic Mingun
Enjoy a walking tour of Mingun and visit Pahtodawgyi, an enormous unfinished pagoda that was started in the late 18th century by King Bodawpaya but never finished due to a prophecy that the king would die upon its completion. You will have the chance to ring the world’s biggest uncracked bell, which weighs 90 tonnes and stands 13 feet tall. You will also see the dazzling Myatheindan (Hsinbyume) Pagoda, constructed of seven whitewashed terraces designed to symbolise sacred Mount Meru. Those who wish can climb the 88 steps to the top of the pagoda, which represents obtaining nirvana.

Village Walk (English language only)
An alternative option is to visit a rural village in the middle of the river. Walk along the island’s narrow dirt paths and across fields of beans, corn and millet and see villagers going about their daily lives. Visit the home of talented woodcarvers who make decorative ox carts used for ordination ceremonies and witness the production of dried lima beans, a vital ingredient in Burmese Tea Leaf Salad.

Back on board you are invited to dress in your longyi for a special cocktail party on the Observation Deck.

Belmond Road to Mandalay anchors near Mingun tonight.

Day Four – Mandalay and Sagaing
Early this morning, Belmond Road to Mandalay sails to the city of Mandalay, considered the religious heart of Myanmar and the home of Burmese traditional arts. You have a choice of morning tours:

Almsgiving (English language only)
Transfer to shore at 07.30 for an opportunity to donate food to a procession of monks in accordance with the Burmese custom of almsgiving.

Those joining this activity can then continue their day with either of the following two tours of Mandalay.

Highlights of Mandalay
Explore some of Mandalay’s great treasures with your guide, including Kuthodaw Pagoda, a UNESCO-listed site with 729 stone tablets inscribed with Buddhist scriptures, and the atmospheric Shwenandaw, an intricately-carved wooden monastery which used to be part of King Mindon’s living quarters. Pass through the streets of the marble quarter where artisans sculpt Buddhas of all sizes and continue to the outdoor workshop of a family of bronze casters to observe, first hand, the creation of statuesque Buddha images and ceremonial gongs.

Mandalay Arts and Shopping (English language only)
This excursion focuses on Mandalay’s local arts and cottage industries. Visit the home of candy makers to see their unusual methods of pulling and stretching sweets made from molasses. Watch artisans sculpting Buddha statues in the marble quarter and browse a store showcasing high-quality crafts. Watch skilled artisans carving intricate wood panels typically used for monasteries and weaving tapestries with semi-precious stones, and visit the outdoor workshop of a family of bronze casters. Finally, observe silk weavers at their looms, creating textiles with traditional ethnic patterns. This is a great place to purchase famous Amarapura silks.

Both tours end at Shwe Kyet Yet village, the location of our private jetty near Mandalay, where you rejoin the ship for lunch.

In the afternoon, disembark for an excursion to discover the hills of Sagaing, the spiritual centre of Myanmar, which is home to hundreds of monasteries, nunneries and Buddhist learning centres. Enjoy expansive views of the Ayeyarwady River from the Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda and visit a Buddhist nunnery to learn about the monastic way of life. End the day at the magnificent 200-year-old U Bein Bridge, one of Myanmar’s most photographed sites.

Tonight a sumptuous farewell dinner is served in the Restaurant, after which you are treated to an evening of traditional entertainment.

Belmond Road to Mandalay berths at Shwe Kyet Yet village for the night.

Day Five – Mandalay
Enjoy an early breakfast before you disembark from Belmond Road to Mandalay for your onward travel arrangements. Check-out time from your cabin is 08.30 and you are welcome to use the public spaces of the ship until the final disembarkation time of 11.00.

Please note, all timings are approximate and should be used as a guide only. Please note, routes and associated itineraries may be subject to change.

The rivers of Myanmar vary from season to season, with as much as a 30ft variance in water level. From January through June, the Ayeyarwady’s levels may drop for a few weeks to a few months, creating a narrower channel for navigation. To allow for these changes, Belmond Road to Mandalay may operate a revised itinerary and mooring locations may be amended.

Mingalaba! Welcome aboard Belmond Road to Mandalay.
We are here to ensure that your cruise is unforgettable, with land excursions and authentic
experiences that provide a fascinating glimpse into the culture of Myanmar.

Day One – Bagan

Bagan has been one of the main visitor attractions in Myanmar for many years, ranking alongside Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Borobudur on Java as the greatest historic sites in Southeast Asia. Over 3,000 temples dot the plain beside the Ayeyarwady River, most of which were built between the 11th and 13th centuries.

Boarding time for all guests is requested between 10.30 and 11.00 at Taung Be village.

At 11.30 meet your fellow passengers, the Captain and key crew members in the Observation Lounge for a short safety briefing.

After lunch on board, disembark around 15.00 for an afternoon excursion visiting one of the most significant pagodas of Bagan, Ananda Temple. This architectural masterpiece was built in AD 1090 and contains four gilded Buddha statues, each standing 30ft tall. Your Belmond experience also takes you to a small temple that will be opened just for us, where you can discover the murals of the interiors by torchlight. A short walk takes us to a stunning view of Thatbynnyu, one of Bagan’s tallest pagodas that dates back to the 12th century. You will also visit a workshop to observe Bagan’s famous lacquerware being crafted. Marvel at the exquisite patience and skill required to produce these finely detailed, handmade pieces, many of which take several months to complete.

As daylight starts to fade you gather to watch the sunset over plains peppered with hundreds of ancient pagodas. You then proceed to a small temple close to the jetty to participate in an exclusive Belmond experience — a magical candle-lighting ceremony.

A delicious grill dinner is served under the stars on the Observation Deck, with Asian and Myanmar-inspired cuisine and live cooking and grill stations. Meals are accompanied by house wines, or you might opt for one of the international fine wines from our extensive wine list.

Belmond Road to Mandalay anchors at Bagan this evening.

Day Two – Bagan & Sailing

For early risers, Belmond Road to Mandalay offers a Healthy Juice Bar on the Observation Deck starting from 06.30. An extensive breakfast buffet with a la carte menu is served daily in the Restaurant and guests also have the option to order tea or coffee service to their room.

This morning, Belmond offers guests a variety of tour options before we set sail at 09.30.

Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise (Advance reservations essential, supplement applies)
Experience one of the highlights of Bagan – a hot air balloon ride over the pagodas at sunrise (operates October-March). Guests participating in this activity will return to the ship around 08.30.

Pagodas in the Morning
Disembark with your guide for a morning tour. Begin with a short walk to a small temple surrounded by fields, where farmers can often be seen working the land amongst the pagodas in the morning, and growing crops such as peanut, sesame and beans. Also visit another of Bagan’s most impressive pagodas, Sulamani (“Crowning Jewel”). This temple has one of the best examples of brick and ornamental work and here you can see murals dating from the 12th to 18th centuries.

Bagan by Bicycle (Limited space. Guided ride in English language only.)
For those interested in an active adventure, mountain bikes are available for a morning of independent biking (a map will be provided). Or opt to join our staff for an early morning guided bike ride through Old Bagan starting at 06.30. Travel along the small dirt paths and roads that wind their way around ancient temples and pagodas. This ride is suitable for advanced beginners and above. Enjoy a ride without any major inclines, but please be prepared for a mix of dirt roads with patches of sand, and short stretches riding on paved roads with motor vehicles.

Traditional Horse Cart Ride
Travel in traditional style with your own horse and buggy through Old Bagan. Your local buggy driver will take you along a scenic route that passes many ancient temples and pagodas in the heart of Old Bagan’s archaeological zone. Enjoy a leisurely ride with many photo opportunities. Please note that some buggy drivers may have limited English-speaking ability.

Village Visit and Social Contribution (English language only)
Spend the morning with our staff in Taung Be village, near our jetty, and participate in one of Belmond’s Social Contribution Projects. Next to the jetty is our free health clinic established by our ship doctor, Dr Hla Tun. The doctor treats hundreds of patients a week when Belmond Road to Mandalay is stationed in Bagan. The activities change depending on the project and community needs and might include: preparing lunch for the visiting patients, working in the pharmacy with the monk, helping to build a new eye clinic. Please speak with Reception to learn more.

All morning tours and activities conclude by 09.00 at Taung Be village where the transfer boat waits to take guests to the ship anchored mid-river. Belmond Road to Mandalay sets sail at 09.30. During a day of sailing along the Ayeyarwady, you may wish to indulge in a treatment at the spa, relax by the pool, have lunch on the Observation Deck or join one of our on-board activities.

Today there will be an exhibition by a local artist on board. In the afternoon, our Housekeeping staff will give a demonstration of how to tie a longyi, the Myanmar sarong worn by both men and women, and how to prepare thanaka, a paste that serves as both decorative make-up and protection from the sun. You might also like to have an afternoon tea and snack in a true local style at our on-board “Burmese Tea Shop”. Later, join a lecture about Myanmar’s Past, Present and Future by one of our expert Belmond guides.

This evening, you are invited to wear your new longyi at a Longyi Cocktail party on the Observation Deck. Dinner is served in the elegant setting of the Restaurant. Enjoy a selection of gourmet Asian and Western dishes prepared by our Executive Chef. After dinner visit the Observation Deck for an unforgettable surprise on the river (weather permitting).

This ship anchors mid-river for the night.

Day Three – Myin Mu and Alacapa villages

After a short sail this morning, Belmond Road to Mandalay arrives at Myin Mu, the northern most point for cruising during your journey. During the early months of the year, the water levels of the Ayeyarwady River typically drop for a period of a few weeks to a few months, creating a narrower channel for navigation near Mandalay. During this time, Belmond Road to Mandalay moors at Myin Mu, a typical riverside town 30 miles south of Mandalay, instead of at our jetty near the city. This mooring location gives our guests a unique opportunity to experience some beautiful rural areas and less-visited sites in the countryside.

Our experience is that many people consider seeing the natural life of Myanmar and contact with the local people to be the highlight of their stay. Myin Mu is a small town on the shore beside our mooring place with about 30-40,000 people. This morning, join our guides to explore Myin Mu.

Board tri-shaws for a ride around the town, which will include a visit to the local market to experience the bustling activity around the market and teashops, and a scenic tour along the Strand Road. As in all small Burmese towns, the cool of the morning is a time for much activity and our mooring place gives you a chance to experience the daily life of the Burmese people. For those who wish to be active, you can pedal your own tri-shaw and take the driver on a tour of the town! You will also learn about some of the typical cottage industries of the area with a visit to a ‘Burmese Slipper’ manufacturing workshop and the home of a family of bamboo weavers to see how bamboo houses are constructed. Return to the ship for lunch.

This afternoon, return to shore to discover another local village in the area. Drive to the picturesque farming village of Alacapa where you are free to walk through the town and experience the warm friendliness of the people, and have a glimpse into a life-style unchanged for centuries. Farmers here grow a variety of crops from corn, sesame, chili peppers, fava beans and onions and other villagers specialize in the production of pottery, making cooking pots and small oil lamp bowls used pagoda offerings. Visit a compound of homes that typically houses multiple generations of the family.

Tonight, there will be an evening of traditional entertainment after dinner on board.

The ship anchors at Myin Mu for the night.

Day Four – Mandalay or Monywa

Today, guests have the choice of two full-day excursions that explore the rich cultural heritage of the surrounding region.

Full-day Excursion to Mandalay City, Amarapura & Sagaing:
Disembark with your guide and together you will go to the city centre of Mandalay (approximately 2 hours from Myin Mu overland). Explore some of the city’s great treasures with your guide, including Kuthodaw Pagoda, a UNESCO-listed site with 729 stone tablets inscribed with Buddhist scriptures, and the atmospheric Shwenandaw, an intricately-carved wooden monastery which used to be part of King Mindon’s living quarters. Lunch will be at Bistro 82 in the heart of the city.

Discover some of the Burmese Traditional Arts for which the city of Mandalay is famous. Pass through the streets of the marble quarter where artisans sculpt Buddhas of all sizes, and visit the outdoor workshop of a family of bronze casters to observe, first hand, the creation of statuesque Buddha images and ceremonial gongs.

As you journey back to Myin Mu, stop at the ancient capital of Amarapura where you will visit the famous U Bein Bridge, one of Myanmar’s most photographed sites. Also visit the Sagaing Hills, the spiritual centre of Myanmar and home to hundreds of pagodas and numerous monasteries, nunneries and Buddhist learning centres. You will visit one of these nunneries and enjoy the panoramic views from the high vantage point of the Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda. The drive from Sagaing to Myin Mu is approximately 1.5 hours and your arrival on board Belmond Road to Mandalay is expected to be around 18.00.

Full-day Excursion to Monywa: (English language only, must be requested on board at least one day in advance)
As an alternative today, opt for an excursion to Monywa. Situated on the Chindwin River around 1.5 hours west of Myin Mu, Monywa is an off the beaten path destination that is less frequented by tourists. Explore some of the fascinating highlights of this remote area including a visit to the world’s tallest Standing Buddha and the accompanying giant Reclining Buddha. Standing some 424 feet high, this standing figure dominates the landscape for miles around, gazing serenely over the toddy-palm trees. Surrounding these enormous statues is an outdoor garden filled with rows of 1,000 meditating Buddha statues, each under their own umbrella and Bodhi tree. You will then continue on to the brightly-coloured Than Buddhay Temple. While the exterior of this pagoda is one of the most vibrant and decorative in Myanmar, it has a cathedral-like quiet on the inside where around half a million Buddha images gaze out from their niches in the walls. Also visit a small Thanaka market in Monywa, where vendors sell the wood and grinding stones used for making Thanaka paste, a popular natural cosmetic worn by many women and children. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to the ship in the late afternoon and enjoy some at leisure at the pool and spa.

Tonight, our Chef prepares a sumptuous Farewell Dinner in the Restaurant and the ship anchors mid-river at Myin Mu.

Day Five – Depart Myin Mu

An early-bird breakfast is served before you disembark from Belmond Road to Mandalay for your onward travel arrangements. Check out time from your cabin is at 08.30 and guests may use the public spaces of the ship until the final disembarkation time of 11.00.

We wish you a very pleasant onward journey and many fond memories of your time with us in Myanmar.

Please note, all timings are approximate and should be used as a guide only. Please note, routes and associated itineraries may be subject to change.

The rivers of Myanmar vary from season to season, with as much as a 30 foot variance in water level. During the months of January through June, the water levels of the Ayeyarwady may drop for a period of a few weeks to a few months, creating a narrower channel for navigation. To accommodate for changes in water levels, Belmond Road to Mandalay may operate on an adjusted itinerary during these periods and our mooring locations may be amended.

Day One: Bagan
Mingalaba!

Welcome aboard Belmond Road to Mandalay! We are here to ensure that your cruise is unforgettable, with land excursions and authentic experiences that provide a fascinating glimpse into the culture of Myanmar.

Bagan has been one of the main visitor attractions in Myanmar for many years, ranking alongside Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Borobudur on Java as the greatest historic sites in Southeast Asia. Over 3,000 temples dot the plain beside the Ayeyarwady River, most of which were built between the 11th and 13th centuries.

Please be at Taung Be village between 10.30 and 11.00 ready to board.

Once on board you are escorted to your cabin and then invited to the Observation Lounge to meet the Captain and crew. A short safety briefing is given.

After lunch on board, disembark for your first excursion:

Introduction to Bagan
Discover the ancient city whose thousands of Buddhist monuments and temples make it one of the
world’s great archaeological sites. Visit Ananda Temple, one of the most beautiful examples of Mon
architecture, and Thatbyinnyu, the tallest of Bagan’s pagodas. Also observe Bagan’s lacquerware being
crafted.

En route back to the jetty, visit a small temple near the river to participate in an exclusive Belmond experience – a magical candle lighting ceremony.

As daylight starts to fade, gather to watch the sun set over plains peppered with hundreds of ancient pagodas. You then proceed to a small temple close to the jetty to participate in an exclusive Belmond experience—a magical candle-lighting ceremony.

Back on board, Dinner is served in the Restaurant.

Belmond Road to Mandalay anchors at Bagan this evening.

Day Two: Bagan & Sailing
Early risers may wish to visit the Healthy Juice Bar on the Observation Deck. An extensive breakfast buffet with à la carte menu is served in the Restaurant and guests also have the option to order tea or coffee in their room.

This morning you can choose from a number of tour options before the ship sets sail.

Pagodas in the Morning
Enjoy an early-morning walking tour with your guide. Visit a small temple surrounded by fields where farmers can often be seen nurturing crops such as peanut, sesame and beans. Then explore the famous pagoda Sulamani (crowning jewel), with its impressive brick and ornamental work and murals dating from the 12th to 18th centuries. Tour begins at 07.00.

Bagan by Bicycle
(Limited space. Advance reservations essential. English-language tour only)
Set off on an independent mountain bike adventure (a map will be provided), or opt to join our staff on a guided ride through Old Bagan. Pedal along small paths and roads that wind their way around ancient temples and pagodas. The ride is suitable for advanced beginners and above and cyclists should expect to bike on dirt road surfaces with patches of sand. The guided tour begins at 06.30.

Traditional Horse and Cart Ride
(Advance reservations essential)
Travel in time-honoured style with your own horse and buggy through Old Bagan. Your local driver will take you on a leisurely, scenic route through the heart of the archaeological zone, passing many ancient pagodas and offering plentiful photo opportunities. Please note that some buggy drivers may have limited English-speaking ability. Starts at 07.00.

Village Visit and Social Contribution
(English language only)
Join our staff in Taung Be village to participate in one of Belmond’s Social Contribution Projects. Next to the jetty is our free health clinic, established by the ship’s doctor, Dr Hla Tun, where he treats hundreds of patients a week while Belmond Road to Mandalay is stationed in Bagan. Activities change depending on the current project and community needs and might include: preparing lunch for visiting patients, working in the pharmacy with the monk or helping to build a new eye clinic. The visit begins at 08.15. Please speak with Reception to learn more.

All morning tours and activities conclude by 09.00 at Taung Be village where the transfer boat waits to take guests back to the ship.

After setting sail a leisurely day on board awaits.

Indulge in a treatment at the spa, relax by the pool, enjoy lunch on the Observation Deck and admire the breathtaking vistas. Art lovers may wish to visit an exhibition of local works. In the afternoon Housekeeping staff will give a demonstration of how to tie a longyi, the Myanmar sarong worn by both men and women, and how to prepare thanaka, a paste that serves as both decorative make-up and protection from the sun. Indulge in afternoon tea local-style in our Burmese Tea Shop and later attend a fascinating lecture on Myanmar’s Past, Present and Future by one of our expert guides.

Enjoy dinner on board.

After dinner visit the Observation Deck for an unforgettable surprise on the river (weather permitting).

This ship anchors mid-river for the night.

Day Three: Mingun
The ship continues to sail north. Enjoy a selection of morning activities, including a sunrise yoga session, a meditation class or an enticing cookery demonstration by our Chef.

After lunch the ship arrives at Mingun and you disembark, by transfer boat, for an afternoon tour. The following two options are available:

Mingun Walk
Enjoy a walking tour of Mingun and visit Pahtodawgyi, an enormous unfinished pagoda that was started in the late 18th century by King Bodawpaya but never finished due to a prophecy that the king would die upon its completion. You will have the chance to ring the world’s biggest uncracked bell, which weighs 90 tonnes and stands 13 feet tall. You will also see the dazzling Myatheindan (Hsinbyume) Pagoda, constructed of seven whitewashed terraces designed to symbolise sacred Mount Meru. Those who wish can climb the 88 steps to the top of the pagoda, which represents obtaining nirvana.

Village Walk (English language only)
An alternative option is to visit a rural village in the middle of the river. Walk along the island’s narrow dirt paths and across fields of beans, corn and millet and see villagers going about their daily lives. Visit the home of talented woodcarvers who make decorative ox carts used for ordination ceremonies and witness the production of dried lima beans, a vital ingredient in Burmese Tea Leaf Salad.

Back on board you are invited to dress in your longyi for a special cocktail party on the Observation Deck.

Belmond Road to Mandalay anchors near Mingun tonight.

Day Four: Mandalay & Amarapura
Early this morning, Belmond Road to Mandalay sails to the city of Mandalay, considered the religious heart of Myanmar and the home of Burmese traditional arts. You have a choice of morning tours:

Almsgiving (English language only)
Transfer to shore at 07.30 for an opportunity to donate food to a procession of monks in accordance with the Burmese custom of almsgiving.

Those joining this activity can then continue their day with either of the following two tours of Mandalay.

Highlights of Mandalay
Explore some of Mandalay’s great treasures with your guide, including Kuthodaw Pagoda, a UNESCO-listed site with 729 stone tablets inscribed with Buddhist scriptures, and the atmospheric Shwenandaw, an intricately-carved wooden monastery which used to be part of King Mindon’s living quarters. Pass through the streets of the marble quarter where artisans sculpt Buddhas of all sizes and continue to the outdoor workshop of a family of bronze casters to observe, first hand, the creation of statuesque Buddha images and ceremonial gongs.

Mandalay Arts and Shopping (English language only)
This excursion focuses on Mandalay’s local arts and cottage industries. Visit the home of candy makers to see their unusual methods of pulling and stretching sweets made from molasses. Watch artisans sculpting Buddha statues in the marble quarter and browse a store showcasing high-quality crafts. Watch skilled artisans carving intricate wood panels typically used for monasteries and weaving tapestries with semi-precious stones, and visit the outdoor workshop of a family of bronze casters. Finally, observe silk weavers at their looms, creating textiles with traditional ethnic patterns.

Both tours end at Shwe Kyet Yet village, the location of our private jetty near Mandalay, where you rejoin the ship for lunch.

In the afternoon, disembark for an excursion to discover the famous silk weaving of Amarapura.
End the day at the magnificent 200-year-old U Bein Bridge, one of Myanmar’s most photographed sites.

Tonight a sumptuous dinner is served in the Restaurant, after which you are treated to an evening of traditional entertainment.

Belmond Road to Mandalay berths at Shwe Kyet Yet village for the night.

Day Five: Mandalay and Sagaing

Today you are invited to join a Mandalay tour:

A morning of Mandalay Arts
This excursion focuses on Mandalay’s local arts and cottage industries. Watch artisans sculpting Buddha statues in the marble quarter and browse a store showcasing high-quality crafts. Watch skilled artisans carving intricate wood panels typically used for monasteries and weaving tapestries with semi-precious stones, and visit the outdoor workshop of a family of bronze casters.

The tour ends at Shwe Kyet Yet village, the location of our private jetty near Mandalay, where you rejoin the ship for lunch.

In the afternoon, disembark for an excursion to discover the hills of Sagaing, the spiritual centre of Myanmar, which is home to hundreds of monasteries, nunneries and Buddhist learning centres. Enjoy expansive views of the Ayeyarwady River from the Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda and visit a Buddhist nunnery to learn about the monastic way of life.

Return to the ship berthed at Shwe Kyet Yet village for an evening at leisure. Tonight you are treated to a sumptuous farewell dinner in the Restaurant, followed by an evening of traditional entertainment.

Day Six: Ava (Inwa)
This morning brings another opportunity to attend an early almsgiving ceremony on shore near our jetty. The small village of Shwe Kyet Yet has been home to the ship’s berth for 20 years. Visit the local pagoda to donate food to a procession of monks and on the stroll back enjoy the bustling activity around the market and teashops.

Belmond Road to Mandalay then sets sail for Ava (or Inwa), an ancient imperial capital situated between the Ayeyarwady and Myitnge Rivers. Here you have a choice of two tour options:

Ava by Horse and Cart
Perfect for those who wish to explore the most fascinating highlights of the city. Climb into one of the traditional buggies and enjoy a scenic drive. Ava was the capital of Burma four times between 1364 and 1841, although what remains today dates mostly from the early 19th century. See the ruins of King Bagyidaw’s palace walls and moat, visit a beautiful 19th-century teak monastery, now a monastic school, and journey through picturesque villages, farmlands and rice paddies.

Ava Adventure (Limited space. Please register at Reception. English-language tour only)
Set off on an independent mountain bike tour (a map will be provided), or join one of our staff for a leisurely, guided bike ride. Head off the beaten track into Ava’s more rural pathways, pedalling past King Bagyidaw’s palace ruins, through farmlands and tranquil villages. The ride is suitable for advanced beginners and above. There are no steep inclines, but be prepared for a mix of paved roads and dirt tracks with rocky or sandy surfaces.

Mid-morning, return to the ship and set sail towards Bagan.

You now have ample time to enjoy the ship’s leisure facilities, such as a treatment at the spa, relaxation by the pool or a scenic lunch on the Observation Deck. An esteemed astrologer will be on board, ready to foretell your future, and a cultural talk on Myanmar will be given in the Observation Lounge.

Late afternoon, on the port side, the ship will pass the village of Yandabo, where in 1826 the treaty of the same name was signed between the Kingdom of Ava and the invading colonial British. Today this village is known for its production of terracotta clay water pots, which can often be seen drying on the riverbanks.

After dinner this evening, visit the Observation Deck for an unforgettable surprise on the river (weather permitting). The ship anchors mid-river for the night.

Day Seven: Bagan & Salay
Early risers may wish to visit the Healthy Juice Bar on the Observation Deck. An extensive breakfast buffet with à la carte menu is served in the Restaurant and guests also have the option to order tea or coffee in their room

This morning you can choose from a number of tour options:

Excursion to Salay and Countryside:

Enjoy a rural excursion to Salay, a small town down river from Bagan with old colonial architecture. En route, visit the colorful markets at Chauk. In Salay explore the town on foot and travel by local truck to an ancient teak monastery. Lunch will be arranged at a restaurant housed in a restored colonial home by the riverside. Return to Bagan in the late afternoon.

Alternatively choose to stay the day in Bagan, with lunch on board, and join our other local excursions:

A day in the Life
Visit a family compound and observe the making of ponyegyi (fermented soy bean paste) and also visit a neighbor who makes colourful bamboo fans. Explore the lanes of the bustling morning market at Nyaung-U. Sample a homemade kyaw sone, a fried chickpea snack, in a villager’s home

Village Visit and Social Contribution
(English language only)
Join our staff in Taung Be village to participate in one of Belmond’s Social Contribution Projects. Next to the jetty is our free health clinic, established by the ship’s doctor, Dr Hla Tun, where he treats hundreds of patients a week while Belmond Road to Mandalay is stationed in Bagan. Activities change depending on the current project and community needs and might include: preparing lunch for visiting patients, working in the pharmacy with the monk or helping to build a new eye clinic. The visit begins at 08.15. Please speak with Reception to learn more.

Meditation at a Pagoda
Connect with the peaceful and ancient surroundings of Bagan during a meditation session at a pagoda

Return to the ship for lunch.

This afternoon, continue exploring Bagan with a visit to Nagayon Temple and visit Seinnyet, a small complex of temples with murals. En route back to the jetty, visit a small temple near the river to participate in an exclusive Belmond experience – a magical candle lighting ceremony.

Tonight, enjoy a sumptuous dinner on the Observation Deck. The ship remains mid-river at Bagan.

Day Eight: Bagan
Dawn brings a second opportunity to take to the skies in a hot-air balloon flight over Bagan’s breathtaking pagodas for those who book in advance.

An early breakfast is served before you disembark for your onward travel arrangements. Check-out time from your cabin is at 08.30 and you are welcome to use the ship’s public spaces until the final disembarkation time of 11.00.

…..

Please note, all timings are approximate and should be used as a guide only. Please note, routes and associated itineraries may be subject to change.

The rivers of Myanmar vary from season to season, with as much as a 30ft variance in water level. From January through June, the Ayeyarwady’s levels may drop for a few weeks to a few months, creating a narrower channel for navigation. To allow for these changes, Belmond Road to Mandalay may operate a revised itinerary and mooring locations may be amended.

Day One: Mandalay
Mingalaba!

Welcome aboard Belmond Road to Mandalay! We are here to ensure that your cruise is unforgettable, with land excursions and authentic experiences that provide a fascinating glimpse into the culture of Myanmar.

Please arrive at our jetty in Shwe Kyet Yet village between 10.30 and 11.00.

Once on board you are escorted to your cabin and then invited to the Observation Lounge to meet the Captain and crew. A short safety briefing is given.

A buffet lunch is served as Belmond Road to Mandalay sets sail, cruising towards Mandalay.

After lunch you disembark for a guided tour of Mandalay, considered the home of Burmese traditional arts. Explore some of its great treasures, including Kuthodaw Pagoda, a UNESCO-listed site with 729 stone tablets inscribed with Buddhist scriptures, and the atmospheric Shwenandaw, an intricately-carved wooden monastery which used to be part of King Mindon’s living quarters. Pass through the streets of the marble quarter where artisans sculpt Buddhas of all sizes and continue to the outdoor workshop of a family of bronze casters to observe, first hand, the creation of statuesque Buddha images and ceremonial gongs. End the day with a visit to the 200-year-old U Bein Bridge, one of Myanmar’s most photographed sites.

Re-board Belmond Road to Mandalay at Shwe Kyet Yet village where the ship will berth for the night. This evening you are invited to join a cocktail party on the Observation Deck, followed by dinner in the elegant Restaurant. Enjoy a selection of gourmet Asian and Western dishes prepared by our Chef. House wines are included with dinner, or you might prefer to choose a fine wine from our extensive international list.

Late arrivals to Mandalay have the option to board the ship at the following times:
14.00 at the Htin Win Jetty in Mandalay (please note you will miss the afternoon tour as the ship will sail back to Shwe Kyet Yet), or after 17.00 in Shwe Kyet Yet village.

Day Two: Ava (Inwa)
Early risers may wish to visit the Healthy Juice Bar on the Observation Deck. An extensive breakfast buffet with à la carte menu is served in the Restaurant and guests also have the option to order tea or coffee to their room.

Those who wish may join our guides on an early-morning visit to the village of Shwe Kyet Yet. This small village holds a special place in our hearts, having been the location of the ship’s berth for 20 years. Visit the village pagoda, where you will have the opportunity to donate food to a procession of monks from the local monastery. On the return walk you can observe the bustling activity around the market and teashops.

Belmond Road to Mandalay sets sail for Ava (or Inwa), an ancient imperial capital situated between the Ayeyarwady and Myitnge Rivers. Here you have a choice of two tour options:

Ava by Horse and Cart
Perfect for those who wish to explore the most fascinating highlights of the ancient city. Climb into one of the traditional buggies and enjoy a scenic drive. Ava was the capital of Burma four times between 1364 and 1841, although what remains today dates mostly from the early 19th century. See the ruins of King Bagyidaw’s palace walls and moat, visit a beautiful 19th-century teak monastery, now a monastic school, and journey through picturesque villages, farmlands and rice paddies.

Ava Adventure (Limited space. Please register at Reception. English-language tour only)
Set off on an independent mountain bike tour (a map will be provided), or join one of our staff for a leisurely, guided bike ride. Head off the beaten track into Ava’s more rural pathways, pedalling past King Bagyidaw’s palace ruins, through farmlands and tranquil villages. The ride is suitable for advanced beginners and above. There are no steep inclines, but be prepared for a mix of paved roads and dirt tracks with rocky or sandy surfaces.

Mid-morning, return to the ship and set sail towards Bagan.

You now have ample time to enjoy the ship’s leisure facilities, such as a treatment at the spa, relaxation by the pool or a scenic lunch on the Observation Deck.

Or you may wish to join one of our onboard activities: have your fortune told by an astrologer, or attend a demonstration by our housekeeping staff on how to tie a longyi (Myanmar sarong) or prepare thanaka, a paste that serves as both decorative make-up and protection from the sun. Our onboard doctor will be giving a presentation on his charitable and community activities in Myanmar in the Observation Lounge. Indulge in afternoon tea, Myanmar-style, in our Burmese Tea Shop before visiting the Observation Lounge for a talk on Myanmar Ways of Life by one of the expert Belmond guides.

After dinner this evening, visit the Observation Deck for an unforgettable surprise on the river (weather permitting).

The ship anchors mid-river for the night.

Day Three: Bagan

You may wish to be on the Observation Deck by 08.30 to enjoy the views as we sail into Bagan. Spot fishermen casting their nets, local boats carrying passengers from one bank to the other, and the gilded hti, or crowns, of pagodas as the ship circles and drops anchor near the Taung Be village jetty. Disembark to explore Old Bagan. There are three optional morning tours to choose from:

Timeless Bagan:

Visit a complex of pagodas, both ruined and restored, which offer a fascinating insight into Bagan’s history and architectural styles. You will also visit a small temple surrounded by fields where farmers can often be seen nurturing crops such as peanut, sesame and beans.

A Day in the Life:

Visit a family compound and observe the making of ponyegyi (fermented soy bean paste) and also visit a neighbor who makes colourful bamboo fans. Explore the lanes of the bustling morning market at Nyaung-U. Sample a homemade kyaw sone, a fried chickpea snack, in a villager’s home.

After lunch on board, disembark for an afternoon excursion to one of the most significant pagodas of Bagan, Ananda Temple. This architectural masterpiece was built in AD 1090 and contains four gilded Buddha statues, each standing 30ft tall. You will also be led to a small temple, opened exclusively for Belmond guests, to discover magnificent murals by torchlight. A short walk brings you to a stunning view of 12th-century Thatbyinnyu, one of Bagan’s tallest pagodas. A visit to a lacquerware workshop follows. Marvel at the exquisite patience and skill required to produce these finely detailed pieces, many of which take several months to complete. As daylight starts to fade, gather to watch the sun set over plains peppered with hundreds of pagodas.

After dinner on tonight, you are treated to a classical marionette performance in the Observation Lounge. Historically these shows were royal entertainment, depicting stories from the early life of Buddha, but they were also considered a safe way to deliver messages to the King.

Tonight the ship anchors mid-river in Bagan.

Day Four: Bagan

Early risers may wish to visit the Healthy Juice Bar on the Observation Deck. An extensive breakfast buffet with à la carte menu is served in the Restaurant and guests also have the option to order tea or coffee in their room

This morning you can choose from a number of tour options:

Excursion to Salay and Countryside:

Enjoy a rural excursion to Salay, a small town down river from Bagan with old colonial architecture. En route, visit the colorful markets at Chauk. In Salay explore the town on foot and travel by local truck to an ancient teak monastery. Lunch will be arranged at a restaurant housed in a restored colonial home by the riverside. Return to Bagan in the late afternoon.

Alternatively choose to stay the day in Bagan, with lunch on board, and join our other local excursions:

Traditional Horse and Cart Ride
(Advance reservations essential)
Travel in time-honoured style with your own horse and buggy through Old Bagan. Your local driver will take you on a leisurely, scenic route through the heart of the archaeological zone, passing many ancient pagodas and offering plentiful photo opportunities. Please note that some buggy drivers may have limited English-speaking ability. Starts at 07.00.

Village Visit and Social Contribution
(English language only)
Join our staff in Taung Be village to participate in one of Belmond’s Social Contribution Projects. Next to the jetty is our free health clinic, established by the ship’s doctor, Dr Hla Tun, where he treats hundreds of patients a week while Belmond Road to Mandalay is stationed in Bagan. Activities change depending on the current project and community needs and might include: preparing lunch for visiting patients, working in the pharmacy with the monk or helping to build a new eye clinic. The visit begins at 08.15. Please speak with Reception to learn more.

Return to the ship for lunch.

This afternoon, continue exploring Bagan with a visit to Nagayon Temple and visit Seinnyet, a small complex of temples with murals. En route back to the jetty, visit a small temple near the river to participate in an exclusive Belmond experience – a magical candle lighting ceremony.

Tonight, enjoy a sumptuous dinner on the Observation Deck. The ship remains mid-river at Bagan.

Day Five: Bagan & Sailing
This morning you can embark on the tour of your choice before the ship sets sail.

Pagodas in the Morning
Enjoy an early-morning walking tour with your guide. Visit a small temple surrounded by fields where farmers can often be seen nurturing crops such as peanut, sesame and beans. Then explore the famous pagoda Sulamani (crowning jewel), with its impressive brick and ornamental work and murals dating from the 12th to 18th centuries. Tour begins at 07.00.

Bagan by Bicycle
(Limited space. Advance reservations essential. English-language tour only)
Set off on an independent mountain bike adventure (a map will be provided), or opt to join our staff on a guided ride through Old Bagan. Pedal along small paths and roads that wind their way around ancient temples and pagodas. The ride is suitable for advanced beginners and above and cyclists should expect to bike on dirt road surfaces with patches of sand. The guided tour begins at 06.30.

Temple Meditation
A morning meditation surrounded by the beauty of Bagan’s ancient temples and pagodas. This one-hour session includes a discussion of technique and a sitting meditation at a temple.

All morning tours and activities conclude by 09.00 at Taung Be village where the transfer boat waits to take guests back to the ship.

After setting sail a leisurely day on board awaits. Take full advantage of the facilities on offer, from spa treatments and poolside relaxation to teatime treats.

Dinner is served in the Restaurant, after which please make your way to the Observation Deck for an unforgettable surprise on the river (weather permitting).

Day Six: Mingun
The ship continues to sail north. Enjoy a selection of morning activities, including a sunrise yoga session, a meditation class or an enticing cookery demonstration by our Chef.

After lunch the ship arrives at Mingun and you disembark, by transfer boat, for an afternoon tour. The following two options are available:

Mingun Walk
Enjoy a walking tour of Mingun and visit Pahtodawgyi, an enormous unfinished pagoda that was started in the late 18th century by King Bodawpaya but never finished due to a prophecy that the king would die upon its completion. You will have the chance to ring the world’s biggest uncracked bell, which weighs 90 tonnes and stands 13 feet tall. You will also see the dazzling Myatheindan (Hsinbyume) Pagoda, constructed of seven whitewashed terraces designed to symbolise sacred Mount Meru. Those who wish can climb the 88 steps to the top of the pagoda, which represents obtaining nirvana.

Village Walk (English language only)
An alternative option is to visit a rural village in the middle of the river. Walk along the island’s narrow dirt paths and across fields of beans, corn and millet and see villagers going about their daily lives. Visit the home of talented woodcarvers who make decorative ox carts used for ordination ceremonies and witness the production of dried lima beans, a vital ingredient in Burmese Tea Leaf Salad.

Back on board you are invited to dress in your longyi for a special cocktail party on the Observation Deck, with views of MIngun in the distance.

Belmond Road to Mandalay anchors near Mingun tonight.

Day Seven: Mandalay and Sagaing

Early this morning, Belmond Road to Mandalay sails to the city of Mandalay and the Htin Win Jetty.

Today you are invited to join a Mandalay tour:

A morning of Mandalay Arts
This excursion focuses on Mandalay’s local arts and cottage industries. Watch artisans sculpting Buddha statues in the marble quarter and browse a store showcasing high-quality crafts. Watch skilled artisans carving intricate wood panels typically used for monasteries and weaving tapestries with semi-precious stones, and visit the outdoor workshop of a family of bronze casters.

The tour ends at Shwe Kyet Yet village, the location of our private jetty near Mandalay, where you rejoin the ship for lunch.

In the afternoon, disembark for an excursion to discover the hills of Sagaing, the spiritual centre of Myanmar, which is home to hundreds of monasteries, nunneries and Buddhist learning centres. Enjoy expansive views of the Ayeyarwady River from the Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda and visit a Buddhist nunnery to learn about the monastic way of life.

Return to the ship berthed at Shwe Kyet Yet village for an evening at leisure. Tonight you are treated to a sumptuous farewell dinner in the Restaurant, followed by an evening of traditional entertainment.

Day Eight: Mandalay
An early-bird breakfast is served before you disembark from Belmond Road to Mandalay for your onward travel arrangements. Check-out time from your cabin is at 08.30 and you are welcome to use the ship’s public spaces until the final disembarkation time of 11.00.

Please note, all timings are approximate and should be used as a guide only. Please note, routes and associated itineraries may be subject to change.

The rivers of Myanmar vary from season to season, with as much as a 30ft variance in water level. From January through June, the Ayeyarwady’s levels may drop for a few weeks to a few months, creating a narrower channel for navigation. To allow for these changes, Belmond Road to Mandalay may operate a revised itinerary and mooring locations may be amended.

Day One – Bagan

May we extend a very warm welcome aboard Belmond Road to Mandalay. We ask you to board between 10.30 and 11.00 at Belmond’s private jetty in Taung Be village, near Old Bagan.

Once settled, please make your way to the Observation Lounge at 12.00 to meet your fellow passengers, the Captain and key crewmembers and listen to a short safety briefing.

After a leisurely lunch in the Restaurant, alight for an afternoon excursion visiting one of the most significant pagodas of Bagan, Ananda Temple. This architectural masterpiece was built in AD 1090 and contains four gilded Buddha statues, each standing 30ft tall. Your Belmond experience also takes you to a small temple that will be opened just for us, where you can admire the remarkable interior murals by torchlight. A short walk takes us to a stunning view of Thatbynnyu, one of Bagan’s tallest pagodas that dates back to the 12th century. You will also visit a workshop to observe Bagan’s famous lacquerware being crafted. Marvel at the exquisite patience and skill required to produce these finely detailed, handmade pieces, many of which take several months to complete.

As daylight starts to fade, gather to watch the sun set over plains peppered with hundreds of ancient pagodas. You then proceed to a small temple close to the jetty to participate in an exclusive Belmond experience—a magical candle-lighting ceremony.

A delicious grill dinner is served under the stars on the Observation Deck, with Asian and Myanmar-inspired cuisine and live cooking and grill stations. Enjoy our house wines with your dinner, or you may prefer to choose an international label from our extensive fine wine list.

Belmond Road to Mandalay anchors at Bagan this evening.

Day Two – Bagan and Sailing

For early risers, Belmond Road to Mandalay offers a Healthy Juice Bar on the Observation Deck starting from 06.30. An extensive breakfast buffet with à la carte menu is served daily in the Restaurant and you also have the option to order tea or coffee service to your room.

This morning, we invite you to choose from a variety of tour options before we set sail at 09.30.

Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise (Advance reservations essential, supplement applies)
Experience one of the highlights of Bagan—a hot-air balloon ride over the pagodas at sunrise (operates October-March). Guests participating in this activity will return to the ship around 08.30.

Pagodas in the Morning
Disembark with your guide for a morning tour. Begin with a short walk to a small temple surrounded by fields, where farmers can often be seen working the land among the pagodas in the morning, and growing crops such as peanut, sesame and beans. Also visit another of Bagan’s most impressive pagodas.

Bagan by Bicycle (Limited space. Guided ride in English language only.)
For those interested in an active adventure, mountain bikes are available for a morning of independent biking (a map will be provided). Or opt to join our staff for an early morning guided bike ride through Old Bagan starting at 06.30. Travel along the small dirt paths and roads that wind their way around ancient temples and pagodas. This ride is suitable for advanced beginners and above. There are no steep parts, but please be prepared for a mix of dirt roads with patches of sand, and short stretches riding on paved roads with motor vehicles.

Traditional Horse Cart Ride
Travel in traditional style with your own horse and buggy through Old Bagan. Your local buggy driver will take you along a scenic route that passes many ancient temples and pagodas in the heart of Old Bagan’s archaeological zone. Enjoy a leisurely ride with many photo opportunities. Please note that some buggy drivers may have limited English-speaking ability.

Village Visit and Social Contribution (English language only)
Spend the morning with our staff in Taung Be village, near our jetty, and participate in one of Belmond’s Social Contribution Projects. Next to the jetty is our free health clinic established by our ship’s doctor, Dr Hla Tun. He treats hundreds of patients a week when Belmond Road to Mandalay is stationed in Bagan. Activities change depending on the project and community needs and might include: preparing lunch for visiting patients, working in the pharmacy with the monk, helping to build a new clinic. Please speak with Reception to learn more.

All morning tours and activities conclude by 09.00 at Taung Be village where the transfer boat waits to take guests to the ship anchored mid-river. Belmond Road to Mandalay sets sail at 09.30. During a day of sailing along the Ayeyarwady, you may wish to indulge in a treatment at the spa, relax by the pool, have lunch on the Observation Deck or join one of our onboard activities.

Today, you can browse an exhibition by a local artist on board. In the afternoon, attend a demonstration by our Housekeeping staff on how to tie a longyi, the Myanmar sarong worn by both men and women, and how to prepare thanaka, a paste that serves as both decorative make-up and protection from the sun. Treat yourself to a local-style afternoon tea and snack in our Burmese Tea Shop. Later, join a lecture about Myanmar’s Past, Present and Future by one of our expert Belmond guides.

In the evening, you are invited to wear your new longyi at a Longyi Cocktail Party on the Observation Deck. Dinner is served in our elegant Restaurant. Enjoy a selection of gourmet Asian and Western dishes prepared by our Executive Chef. After dinner, visit the Observation Deck for an unforgettable surprise on the river (weather permitting).

This ship anchors mid-river for the night.

Day Three – Myin Mu and Alacapa villages

After a short sail this morning we arrive at Myin Mu, our northernmost point of the cruise.

During the early months of the year, the river’s water levels drop for several weeks, creating a narrower channel for navigation near Mandalay. Belmond Road to Mandalay therefore moors at Myin Mu, a riverside town 30 miles south of Mandalay, instead of at our jetty near the city. The mooring provides our guests with a unique opportunity to explore beautiful and less-visited rural areas and connect with local villagers. Many of our guests consider this a highlight of their journey.

Alight with our guides to explore Myin Mu, a historic town with a population of around 30-40,000. Board trishaws for a tour which includes a visit to the bustling local market and teashops, and a scenic ride along the Strand Road. As in all small Burmese towns, the cool of the morning is a time for much activity and you’ll experience the daily life of the townsfolk. If you’re feeling energetic, feel free to pedal the trishaw yourself and take the driver on a tour! You’ll also learn about some of the area’s cottage industries with a visit to a Burmese slipper workshop and to a family who construct bamboo houses. Return to the ship for lunch.

This afternoon, return to shore to discover another local village in the area. Drive to the picturesque farming village of Alacapa and stroll through the town, experiencing the warm friendliness of the people and glimpsing a lifestyle unchanged for centuries. Farmers here grow a variety of crops, including corn, sesame, chilli peppers and fava beans, while other villagers specialise in crafting pottery such as cooking pots and oil lamps used for pagoda offerings. You’ll also visit a compound of homes that typically houses multiple generations of one family.

Tonight, after dinner, look forward to an evening of traditional entertainment on board.

The ship anchors at Myin Mu overnight.

Day Four – Monywa

Today, the ship remains at Myin Mu while you enjoy a full-day excursion to Monywa.

Situated on the Chindwin River, around 1.5 hours west of Myin Mu, Monywa is an off-the-beaten-track destination tourists rarely visit. Explore fascinating highlights of this remote area including the world’s tallest Standing Buddha and the giant Reclining Buddha. Standing some 424 feet high, the standing figure dominates the landscape for miles around, staring serenely over the toddy-palm trees. Surrounding these enormous statues is an outdoor garden filled with rows of 1,000 meditating Buddha statues, each under their own umbrella and Bodhi tree. You then continue on to the brightly-coloured Than Buddhay Temple. While the exterior of this pagoda is one of the most vibrant and decorative in Myanmar, it has a cathedral-like quiet on the inside where around half a million Buddha images gaze out from their niches in the walls. You’ll also visit a small thanaka market in Monywa, where vendors sell the wood and grinding stones used for making the popular natural cosmetic. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to the ship in the late afternoon and relax by the pool or perhaps enjoy a spa treatment.

Tonight, our Chef prepares a sumptuous dinner in the Restaurant. The ship remains at Myin Mu.

Day Five – Myin Mu and Mandalay

The ship remains at Myin Mu again today while you enjoy a full day’s excursion to Mandalay (approximately 2 hours away).

Explore some of the city’s great treasures with your guide, including Kuthodaw Pagoda, a UNESCO-listed site with 729 stone tablets inscribed with Buddhist scriptures, and the atmospheric Shwenandaw, an intricately-carved wooden monastery which used to be part of King Mindon’s living quarters. Enjoy a taste of Myanmar cuisine with lunch at the Green Elephant in Mandalay, during which you may decide between two afternoon tour options leading you back to Myin Mu.

Option 1: Afternoon tour of Amarapura, U Bein Bridge and Sagaing Hills:
This option is for guests who wish to continue exploring in the afternoon, experiencing majestic sites outside of Mandalay en route to Myin Mu.

You’ll discover some of the Burmese traditional arts for which Mandalay is famous. Pass through the streets of the marble quarter where artisans sculpt Buddhas of all sizes, and visit the outdoor workshop of a family of bronze casters to observe, first hand, the creation of statuesque Buddha images and ceremonial gongs.

As you continue the journey to Myin Mu, stop at the ancient capital of Amarapura to admire the famous U Bein Bridge, one of Myanmar’s most photographed sites. Also visit the Sagaing Hills, the spiritual centre of Myanmar and home to hundreds of pagodas and numerous monasteries, nunneries and Buddhist learning centres. You’ll visit one of these nunneries and enjoy the panoramic views from the high vantage point of the Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda. The drive from Sagaing to Myin Mu is approximately 1.5 hours so you can expect to be back aboard Belmond Road to Mandalay by around 18.00.

Option 2: River transfer to Belmond Road to Mandalay by support boat:
Enjoy a boat ride back to the ship. From the restaurant, you’ll be escorted to the Htin-Win Jetty in Mandalay city. The name comes from the Burmese word for kindling (‘htin’), as this was where firewood brought down from the forests of the North was unloaded. Board a chartered riverboat and cruise down the Ayeyarwady River back to our mooring at Myin Mu. The boat has both an outside deck and an air-conditioned inside deck and is equipped with bathroom facilities. Our staff are on hand to serve you complimentary refreshments, including champagne, gin & tonic, beer and soft drinks. The cruise takes approximately 3 hours so you’ll arrive back on board at around 17.30.

This evening, enjoy a sumptuous dinner in the Restaurant. The ship remains anchored at Myin Mu overnight.

Day Six – Myin Mu and Sailing

This morning, we set sail for Bagan. During a leisurely day on board you may wish to indulge in a treatment at the spa, relax by the pool, have lunch on the Observation Deck or join one of our onboard activities.

Before lunch, in the Observation Lounge, our doctor will give a presentation on his charitable and community activities in Myanmar. An astrologer will be available should you wish to have your fortune told—astrology is an important aspect of Myanmar culture and daily life. Enjoy afternoon tea in our Burmese Tea Shop and later a fascinating talk on Myanmar Ways of Life in the Observation Lounge.

Late afternoon, on the port side, the ship will pass the village of Yandabo, where in 1826 the treaty of the same name was signed between the Kingdom of Ava and the invading colonial British. Today this village is known for its production of terracotta clay water pots, which can often be seen drying on the riverbanks.

This ship anchors mid-river for the night.

Day Seven – Bagan and Salay

Early birds may wish to rise in time for a sunrise yoga session on the Observation Deck. Later a meditation class will be held in the Lounge.

It’s worth finishing breakfast by about 08.30 this morning so you can enjoy the views from the Observation Deck as we sail into the Bagan area. Fishermen are often to be seen casting their nets as local boats carry passengers from one bank to the other. You can see the gilded hti or crown of pagodas on the riverbanks as the ship circles and drops anchor near our private jetty at Taung Be village, near Old Bagan.

At 09.30, disembark to explore Bagan. Choose to experience a ‘day in the life’ of the local people and learn about the cottage industries of Bagan. Visit the home of a family that makes traditional paper fans and sample some typical snacks.

An alternative option is to take a walk through the village of Taung Be where our jetty is located and visit the Belmond Clinic to learn more about Dr Hla Tun’s medical work in the community. Or you may prefer to find your inner peace and connect with the ancient surroundings of Bagan during a meditation session at a pagoda.

Return to the boat for lunch before continuing your discovery of Bagan. Visit the elegant, 12th-century Nagayon Temple and Seinnyet, a small complex of temples housing ancient murals.

As an alternative to Bagan, you may opt to embark on a day excursion through the countryside to Salay, a sleepy town boasting charming, if faded, colonial architecture. On the way you’ll stop to visit the colourful market at Chauk. In Salay, explore the town on foot and travel by local truck to an ornately carved teak monastery. Enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant housed in a restored colonial home. Return to Bagan in the late afternoon.

After dinner this evening, you are treated to a classical marionette performance in the Observation Lounge. Historically these shows were royal entertainment, depicting stories from the early life of Buddha, but they were also considered a safe way to deliver messages to the King.

The ship anchors at Bagan for the night.

Day Eight – Bagan

Today presents a final opportunity to experience a hot-air balloon flight as dawn breaks over the ancient Bagan pagodas (operates October-March, advance reservations essential, supplement applies). You’ll return to the ship around 08.30.

An early-bird breakfast is served before you disembark from Belmond Road to Mandalay for your onward travel arrangements. Please check out from your cabin by 08.30 and relax in the public spaces of the ship until the final disembarkation time of 11.00. For guests travelling on our group flight to Yangon, you will be transferred to the airport.

We wish you a very pleasant onward journey and many fond memories of your time with us in Myanmar.

…..

Please note all timings are approximate and should be used as a guide only. This itinerary is subject to change.

The rivers of Myanmar vary from season to season, with as much as a 30 foot variance in water level. During the months of January through June, the water levels of the Ayeyarwady may drop for a period of a few weeks to a few months, creating a narrower channel for navigation. To accommodate for changes in water levels, Belmond Road to Mandalay may operate on an adjusted itinerary during these periods and our mooring locations may be amended.

Day One – Mandalay, Amarapura, Sagaing, Myin Mu

During the early months of the year, the Ayeyarwady River’s water levels drop for several weeks, creating a narrower channel for navigation near Mandalay. Belmond Road to Mandalay therefore moors at Myin Mu, a riverside town 30 miles south of Mandalay, instead of at our jetty near the city. The mooring provides our guests with a unique opportunity to explore beautiful and less-visited rural areas and connect with the local people.

We ask all guests to check in by 12.00 at the Mandalay city centre lunch location, Bistro 82. Alternatively, you may check in direct on board the ship at any time. It will be anchored mid-river at Myin Mu and a small transfer boat will be arranged. Please ensure you let us know your preference in advance.

During lunch, we invite you to choose from two afternoon tour options, which take you to Myin Mu.

Option 1: Afternoon tour of Amarapura, U Bein Bridge and Sagaing Hills:
This option is for guests who wish to explore some of the majestic sites outside of Mandalay en route to Myin Mu.

You’ll discover some of the Burmese traditional arts for which Mandalay is famous. Pass through the streets of the marble quarter where artisans sculpt Buddhas of all sizes, and visit the outdoor workshop of a family of bronze casters to observe, first hand, the creation of statuesque Buddha images and ceremonial gongs.

As you continue the journey to Myin Mu, stop at the ancient capital of Amarapura to admire the famous U Bein Bridge, one of Myanmar’s most photographed sites. Also visit the Sagaing Hills, the spiritual centre of Myanmar and home to hundreds of pagodas and numerous monasteries, nunneries and Buddhist learning centres. You’ll visit one of these nunneries and enjoy the panoramic views from the high vantage point of the Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda. The drive from Sagaing to Myin Mu is approximately 1.5 hours so you can expect to be aboard Belmond Road to Mandalay by around 18.00.

Option 2: River transfer to Belmond Road to Mandalay by support boat:
Enjoy a leisurely boat ride to the ship. From the restaurant, you’ll be escorted to the Htin-Win Jetty in Mandalay city. The name comes from the Burmese word for kindling (‘htin’), as this was where firewood brought down from the forests of the North was unloaded. Board a chartered riverboat and cruise down the Ayeyarwady River back to our mooring at Myin Mu. The boat has both an outside deck and an air-conditioned inside deck and is equipped with bathroom facilities. Our staff are on hand to serve you complimentary refreshments, including champagne, gin & tonic, beer and soft drinks. The cruise takes approximately 3 hours so you’ll arrive on board at around 17.30.

This evening, dine in the elegant setting of the Restaurant. Enjoy a selection of gourmet Asian and Western dishes prepared by our Chef. Enjoy our house wines with your dinner, or you may prefer to choose an international label from our extensive fine wine list.

Belmond Road to Mandalay anchors at Myin Mu for the night.

Day Two – Myin Mu and Sailing

For early risers, Belmond Road to Mandalay offers a Healthy Juice Bar on the Observation Deck starting from 06.30. An extensive breakfast buffet with à la carte menu is served daily in the Restaurant and you also have the option to order tea or coffee service to your room.

This morning, join our guides to explore the town of Myin Mu and visit the village monastery. You’ll have the opportunity to donate food to a procession of monks from the local monastery in accordance with the Burmese custom of almsgiving. Next, board trishaws for a tour around the town, which includes a visit to the bustling local market and teashops, and a scenic ride along the Strand Road. As in all small Burmese towns, the cool of the morning is a time for much activity and you’ll experience the daily life of the townsfolk. If you’re feeling energetic, feel free to pedal the trishaw yourself and take the driver on a tour! You’ll also learn about some of the area’s cottage industries with a visit to a Burmese slipper workshop and to a family who construct bamboo houses.

Return to the ship by boat transfer. Belmond Road to Mandalay sets sail at 10.30 for Bagan. Shortly afterwards, meet your fellow passengers, the Captain and key crewmembers in the Observation Lounge and listen to a short safety briefing.

During a day of sailing along the Ayeyarwady, you may wish to indulge in a treatment at the spa, relax by the pool, have lunch on the Observation Deck or join one of our onboard activities.

Before lunch, in the Observation Lounge, our doctor will give a presentation on his charitable and community activities in Myanmar. An astrologer will be available should you wish to have your fortune told—astrology is an important aspect of Myanmar culture and daily life. Later, our Housekeeping staff will give a demonstration of how to tie a longyi, the Myanmar sarong worn by both men and women, and how to prepare thanaka, a paste that serves as both decorative make-up and protection from the sun. You might also like to sample afternoon tea, local-style, in our onboard Burmese Tea Shop and later visit the Observation Lounge for a fascinating talk on Myanmar Ways of Life by an expert Belmond guide.

Late afternoon, on the port side, the ship will pass the village of Yandabo, where in 1826 the treaty of the same name was signed between the Kingdom of Ava and the invading colonial British. Today this village is known for its production of terracotta clay water pots, which can often be seen drying on the riverbanks.

This evening, you are invited to dress in your longyi for a Longyi Cocktail Party before dinner. After dining, make your way to the Observation Deck for an unforgettable surprise on the river (weather permitting).

The ship anchors mid-river for the night.

Day Three – Bagan

Early birds may wish to rise in time for a sunrise yoga session on the Observation Deck. Later a meditation class will be held in the Lounge.

If you plan to finish breakfast by 08.30 this morning you’ll be free to enjoy the views from the Observation Deck as we sail into the Bagan area. Fishermen are often to be seen casting their nets as local boats carry passengers from one bank to the other. You can see the gilded hti or crown of pagodas on the riverbanks as the ship circles and drops anchor near our private jetty at Taung Be village, near Old Bagan.

At around 09.30, disembark and begin exploring Bagan. Choose from three morning tours:

Introduction to Bagan
Bagan has been one of the main visitor attractions in Myanmar for many years, ranking alongside Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Borobudur on Java as the greatest historic sites in Southeast Asia. Over 3,000 temples dot the plain beside the Ayeyarwady River, most of which were built between the 11th and 13th centuries. This morning you will visit a complex of pagodas near Old Bagan that provide a perfect introduction to architecture and history of Bagan. Within this one complex you can see an interesting mix of architectural styles from different eras and view samples of restored and unrestored pagodas. You will also take a short walk to a small temple surrounded by fields, where farmers can often be seen working the land among the pagodas and growing crops such as peanut, sesame and beans. Later visit a village off the beaten path for a glimpse of a lifestyle unchanged for centuries. Enjoy a stroll through the village, meet the locals and learn about their ways of life.

A Day in the Life (Guided in English language only.)
Visit a family compound and observe the making of ponyegyi (fermented soy bean paste), one of the food specialities of Central Myanmar. Nearby, another family produces colourful fans out of bamboo and paper. These are given as gifts on special occasions such as weddings and ordination ceremonies. Next, explore the narrow lanes of the bustling morning market at Nyaung U, admiring stalls piled high with exotic fruits and vegetables and typical Myanmar products such as betel leaf, thanaka wood, cheroot cigars and tea leaves. Enjoy a stroll through the village, meet local people and learn about their ways of life. You’ll have the chance to visit a home and try a kyaw sone, a tasty fried snack made with chickpeas.

Bagan by Bicycle (Limited space. Please register at Reception. Guided ride in English language only.)
For those feeling energetic, mountain bikes are available for a morning of independent cycling (a map will be provided). Or opt to join our staff for a leisurely guided bike ride through Old Bagan. Travel along the small dirt paths and roads that wind their way around ancient temples and pagodas. This ride is suitable for advanced beginners and above. There are no steep parts, but be prepared for a mix of dirt roads with patches of sand, and short stretches riding on paved roads with motor vehicles.

All tours conclude late morning at our jetty in Taung Be village. Next to the jetty is the free health clinic established by our ship’s doctor, Dr Hla Tun, with the support of volunteers from the local community and monastery, and the Belmond Myanmar Foundation. The doctor treats hundreds of patients a week when Belmond Road to Mandalay is stationed in Bagan.

After lunch on board, alight for an afternoon excursion visiting one of the most significant pagodas of Bagan, Ananda Temple. This architectural masterpiece was built in AD 1090 and contains four gilded Buddha statues, each standing 30ft tall. Your Belmond experience also takes you to a small temple that will be opened just for us, where you can admire the remarkable interior murals by torchlight. A short walk takes us to a stunning view of Thatbynnyu, one of Bagan’s tallest pagodas that dates back to the 12th century. You will also visit a workshop to observe Bagan’s famous lacquerware being crafted. Marvel at the exquisite patience and skill required to produce these finely detailed, handmade pieces, many of which take several months to complete. As daylight starts to fade, gather to watch the sun set over plains peppered with hundreds of ancient pagodas.

A delicious grill dinner is served under the stars on the Observation Deck, with Asian and Myanmar-inspired cuisine and live cooking and grill stations. After dinner, you are treated to a classical marionette performance in the Observation Lounge. Historically these shows were royal entertainment, depicting stories from the early life of Buddha, but they were also considered a safe way to deliver messages to the King.

The ship anchors at Bagan for the night.

Day Four – Bagan and Salay

Today, you may wish to experience one of the highlights of Bagan—a hot-air balloon flight over the pagodas at sunrise (operates October-March, advance reservations essential, supplement applies). You’ll return to the ship at around 08.30.

Then choose from the following optional tours:

Morning Tour: Traditional Horse Cart Ride
Travel in traditional style with your own horse and buggy through Old Bagan. Your local buggy driver will take you along a scenic route that passes many ancient temples and pagodas in the heart of Old Bagan’s archaeological zone. Enjoy a leisurely ride with many photo opportunities. Please note that some buggy drivers may have limited English-speaking ability.

Morning Tour: Village Visit and Social Contribution (English language only)
Spend the morning with our staff in Taung Be village at our free health clinic. Activities will vary according to current projects and community needs. They might include: preparing lunch for visiting patients, working in the pharmacy with the monk, helping to build a new clinic. Please speak with Reception to learn more.

Return to the ship for lunch before continuing your discovery of Bagan.

Afternoon in Bagan
Visit the elegant, 12th-century Nagayon Temple and Seinnyet, a small complex of temples housing ancient murals.

En route back to the jetty, visit a small temple near the river to participate in an exclusive Belmond experience—a magical candle-lighting ceremony.

Full-day Excursion to Salay and the Countryside
As an alternative to Bagan, embark on a full-day’s excursion through the countryside to Salay, a sleepy town boasting charming, if faded, colonial architecture. On the way you’ll stop to visit the colourful market at Chauk. In Salay, explore the town on foot and travel by local truck to an ornately carved teak monastery. Enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant housed in a restored colonial home. Return to Bagan in the late afternoon.

Belmond Road to Mandalay anchors at Bagan this evening.

Day Five – Bagan and Sailing

This morning, Belmond offers guests a variety of tour options before we set sail at 09.30. Or choose to have a relaxing morning on board.

Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise (Advance reservations essential, supplement applies)
Experience a hot-air balloon flight as dawn breaks over the ancient pagodas (operates October-March). You’ll return to the ship around 08.30.

Pagodas in the Morning
Disembark with your guide for a morning tour. Begin with a short walk to a small temple surrounded by fields, where farmers can often be seen working the land among the pagodas in the morning, and growing crops such as peanut, sesame and beans. Also visit another of Bagan’s most impressive pagodas.

Bagan by Bicycle (Limited space. Guided ride in English language only.)
Enjoy a mountain biking adventure—see Day Three above.

Temple Meditation
Join a serene meditation session surrounded by the beauty of Bagan’s ancient temples and pagodas. This one-hour session includes a discussion of technique and a sitting meditation at a temple.

All morning tours and activities conclude by 09.00 at Taung Be village, where the transfer boat waits to take you to the ship anchored mid-river. You then have a leisurely day of sailing ahead.

Enjoy an exhibition by a local artist on board. Watch our Housekeeping staff demonstrate how to tie a longyi sarong and prepare thanaka paste. Enjoy local-style afternoon tea in our Burmese Tea Shop and enjoy an absorbing talk about Myanmar’s Past, Present and Future by an expert Belmond guide.

This evening, put on your attractive new longyi for a Longyi Cocktail Party on the Observation Deck. Afterwards, enjoy an elegant dinner of Asian and Western dishes in the Restaurant. Then gather on the Observation Deck for an unforgettable surprise on the river (weather permitting).

This ship anchors mid-river for the night.

Day Six – Myin Mu and Alacapa villages

After a short sail this morning we arrive back at Myin Mu, where you have another opportunity to explore the charming town and bustling market by trishaw, or pedal your own trishaw and take your driver for a ride. Learn about the area’s typical cottage industries by visiting a Burmese slipper workshop and a family of bamboo weavers who construct bamboo houses. Return to the ship for lunch.

This afternoon, return to shore to discover the picturesque farming village of Alacapa. Stroll through the town, experiencing the warmth of the people and glimpsing a lifestyle unchanged for centuries. Farmers here grow a variety of crops, including corn, sesame, chilli peppers and fava beans, while other villagers specialise in crafting pottery such as cooking pots and oil lamps used for pagoda offerings. You’ll also visit a compound of homes that typically houses multiple generations of one family.

Tonight, after dinner, look forward to an evening of traditional entertainment on board.

The ship anchors at Myin Mu for the night.

Day Seven – Monywa

Today, the ship remains at Myin Mu while you enjoy a full-day excursion to Monywa.

Situated on the Chindwin River, around 1.5 hours west of Myin Mu, Monywa is an off-the-beaten-track destination tourists rarely visit. Explore fascinating highlights of this remote area including the world’s tallest Standing Buddha and the giant Reclining Buddha. Standing some 424 feet high, the standing figure dominates the landscape for miles around, staring serenely over the toddy-palm trees. Surrounding these enormous statues is an outdoor garden filled with rows of 1,000 meditating Buddha statues, each under their own umbrella and Bodhi tree. You then continue on to the brightly-coloured Than Buddhay Temple. While the exterior of this pagoda is one of the most vibrant and decorative in Myanmar, it has a cathedral-like quiet on the inside where around half a million Buddha images gaze out from their niches in the walls. You’ll also visit a small thanaka market in Monywa, where vendors sell the wood and grinding stones used for making the popular natural cosmetic. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to the ship in the late afternoon and relax by the pool or perhaps enjoy a spa treatment.

Tonight, our Chef prepares a sumptuous Farewell Dinner in the Restaurant. The ship remains mid-river at Myin Mu.

Day Eight – Myin Mu

An early-bird breakfast is served before you disembark from Belmond Road to Mandalay for your onward travel arrangements. Please check out from your cabin by 08.30 and relax in the public spaces of the ship until the final disembarkation time of 11.00. For guests traveling on our group flight to Yangon, you will be transferred to the airport.

We wish you a very pleasant onward journey and many fond memories of your time with us in Myanmar.
…..

Please note all timings are approximate and should be used as a guide only. This itinerary is subject to change.

The rivers of Myanmar vary from season to season, with as much as a 30 foot variance in water level. During the months of January through June, the water levels of the Ayeyarwady may drop for a period of a few weeks to a few months, creating a narrower channel for navigation. To accommodate for changes in water levels, Belmond Road to Mandalay may operate on an adjusted itinerary during these periods and our mooring locations may be amended.