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EXPLORE 'OFF THE BEATEN TRACK'

THE CHINDWIN: 7 NIGHTS

7 NIGHTS

The loveliest of rivers. In the past we only offered this during the monsoon due to water levels, but now our ultra low draught Pandaws can sail through to February. The river carves it way through mountains and forests and we stop at delightful unspoilt little towns. Our objective, Homalin is the capital of Nagaland and close to the India border. We will ply the Upper Chindwin weekly between Monywa and Homalin. Monywa is under three hours from Mandalay and the car transfer is included with the cruise. Homalin is now connected by scheduled flight with Mandalay.

Two fabulous itineraries: The Monywa to Homalin (and vv) itinerary sails from July to August and October to November. We have a revised itinerary from Monywa to Kalewa (and vv) operating December to February.

Please note river banks can be steep and walks through villages are on the daily program. Medium fitness is requiered.

Late bookings: please note that Chindwin expeditions need special permits, which can take up to 3 weeks. We kindly ask you to contact us via email or phone for short notice bookings.

Watch our video watch our video   |  watch our guest video

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST FOR THIS EXPEDITION

The situation in Burma has deteriorated rapidly to the point where we are now looking at long-term impacts on the country and the local people. After much deliberation and discussion with our team on the ground, we have come to the difficult decision to cancel all of our scheduled departures in Burma for the foreseeable future, returning only once the situation is settled.

To register your interest for this expedition once we return to Burma please click the button below and complete your details, we will contact you to discuss your arrangements when travel to Burma is possible again.

Click Here to Register Your Interest

IMAGES

EXPEDITION MAP

YOUR SHIP

MORE IMAGES OF
THE CHINDWIN
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OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS

POST CRUISE EXTENSIONS

Post Cruise Royal Mandalay 3 nights

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OPTIONAL PACKAGE ADDONS

Private Dining

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Pre-Bookable House Wine Package

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Free Flow Drinks

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Free Flow Drinks & Wine Package

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ITINERARY

Upstream      Downstream
  • March to November
  • December to February

DAY 1 HOMALIN

Transfer to Homalin, the furthest navigable point on the Chindwin for vessels of our size. Alister McCrae wrote of his visit there 1935 ‘I loved the atmosphere of quiet and peaceful living there. At night I could hear greylag geese as they came in to the flooded land around us from far away north’. Until we get there and explore the place there is not much we can say!

IMPORTANT: Please note that water levels drop dramatically as of December and we might not be able to reach Homalin. You will be well rewarded with alternative excursions. We will be flying you to Kalay (instead of Homalin) where you will embark your ship in Kalewa, cruising up north to Mawlaik and returning downstream towards Monywa.

More about Homalin

DAY 2 TOUNGDOOT

Toungdoot or Hsawng-hsup in Tai, is an ancient Shan enclave which in British times still had a ruling sawbwa complete with palace and court. It will be interesting to see what has become of the royal family and their home and to see these Shan people so far from their Tai-Shan homelands. On the way to Paungbyin. Patha was an important oil refinery belonging to the Indo-Burma Petroleum Co (Steel Brothers).

More about Toungdoot

DAY 3 SITTHAUNG

Sitthaung was the final resting place of a number of IFC steamers scuppered there in 1942 in an ‘act of denial’ from the advancing Japanese who were a matter of hours behind. We hope to find remains of these ships as we have in the past at Katha on the Irrawaddy. It was from here that the survivors of the Japanese invasion marched out to Tamu on the India border. We pass the mouth of the Yu River which drains the Kubu valley that provided the route for a Lieutenant Grant to march to the relief of the Manipur garrison when the chief commissioner of Assam was massacred in a local rebellion.

More about Sitthaung

DAY 4 MAWLAIK

Explore Mawlaik replaced Kindat as the administrative capital but ironically the Myanma refused to move there from upstream Kindat. It was mainly settled with the company houses of the by the Scottish owned and run Bombay Myanmarh Trading Corporation in the 1920s and 1930s. There are many splendid ‘Dak Bungalows’ set around a verdant golf course. Mawlaik and the other towns of the Upper Chindwin can only be reached by boat so cars are few. There is a dreamy otherworldly quality to such places and truly one feels that one has travelled there in the Pandaw time machine! Then the gateway town for the Chin State. We explore Kalewa with its markets and quaint wooden architecture.

More about Mawlaik

DAY 5 MINGKIN

Mingkin was rediscovered by Paul Strachan in 1987 and described in some detail in his book Mandalay: Travels from the Golden City. It remains for Paul the most art historically interesting site in Myanmar (more so than the now spoilt Pagan) with its Konbaung court style teak monasteries sumptuously decorated. Mingkin may be described as the Luang Prabang of the Chindwin. And we pass a number of attractive villages like Kanee where we can stretch our legs.

More about Mingkin

DAY 6 MONYWA

Entering the lower Chindwin where the river widens and the forested hills fall away from farmland, we pass a number of attractive villages. We will explore Monywa and make a trip to the Thanbodi Temple with its million Buddha images.

More about Monywa

DAY 7 PHOWIN TAUNG

In the morning, coach to the Phowin Taung Caves, where we will admire beautiful mural paintings and Buddha statues in riches.

More about Phowin Taung

DAY 8 MONYWA

Disembark at Monywa and transfer to Mandalay.

Please input the following information into the notes box of your booking or email us at information@pandaw.com:
For Monywa to Mandalay Airport (transfer 2.5 hours):
your departure time and flight number
For Monywa to hotel in Mandalay (transfer 3 hours):
your hotel name and hotel address.

IMPORTANT: Please note that water levels drop dramatically as of December and we might not be able to reach Homalin. You will be well rewarded with alternative excursions. We will be cruising up to Mawlaik and return to Kalewa where you will be flown out to Yangon or Mandalay.

More about Monywa

DAY 1 KALEWA

Fly from Rangoon or Mandalay to Kalay Airport for your onward transfer to your Pandaw vessel at Kalewa, where we overnight.

More about Kalewa

DAY 2 MAWLAIK

Morning visit to Masein Village and then sail to Mawlaik, the town that replaced Kindat as the administrative capital but ironically the Myanma refused to move there from upstream Kindat. It was mainly settled with the company houses of the by the Scottish owned and run Bombay Myanmarh Trading Corporation in the 1920s and 1930s. There are many splendid ‘Dak Bungalows’ set around a verdant golf course. Mawlaik and the other towns of the Upper Chindwin can only be reached by boat so cars are few. There is a dreamy otherworldly quality to such places and truly one feels that one has travelled there in the Pandaw time machine!

More about Mawlaik

DAY 3 MAWLAIK ELEPHANT CAMP

Morning excursion by Tuk Tuk or coach to Bus to view the Teak wood Forest outside Mawlaik. Continue to the Pyar Swe Elephant Camp, a working camp where the elephants are protected in natural surroundings. We then sail to Kalewa where we overnight.

More about Mawlaik

DAY 4 MINGKIN

We visit Mingkin in the morning. Rediscovered by Paul Strachan in 1987 and described in some detail in his book Mandalay: Travels from the Golden City. It remains for Paul the most art historically interesting site in Myanmar (more so than the now spoilt Pagan) with its Konbaung court style teak monasteries sumptuously decorated. Mingkin may be described as the Luang Prabang of the Chindwin. Afternoon cruising on the Chindwin, including a stop at a local village where we are the main attraction!

More about Mingkin

DAY 5 KANEE

Delightful morning cruising the Chindwin downstream towards Kanee village, where we explore on a late morning walking tour. Afternoon enjoy a culinary demonstration on board as we cruise to Monywa where we overnight.

DAY 6 PHOWIN TAUNG & KYAUK KA VILLAGE

Morning Excursion by coach to Phowin Taung Hill where we visit the Phowin Taung Caves with beautiful mural paintings and Buddha statues dating back to the 14th and 18th centuries. In the afternoon, we visit the Kyauk Ka Village famous for the making of black Lacquer.

More about Phowin Taung

DAY 7 MONYWA

Morning excursion by coach exploring Monywa, where we visit Moe Hnyin Than Boaddai Temple with over five hundred thousand Buddha statues and probably the longest (over 330 ft / 100 m) reclining and the tallest (412 ft / 125 m) standing Buddha in Myanmar. After lunch, enjoy a walking tour of Monywa.

More about Monywa

DAY 8 MONYWA

Disembark at Monywa IWT jetty and transfer to Mandalay (3 hour drive by road).

More about Monywa

DAY 1 KALEWA

Flight and transfer to your Pandaw. Explore ashore visiting the local market and enjoying panoramic views over the Chindwin from top of a hill.

PLEASE NOTE: The itinerary for this expedition is indicative only and subject to reconnaissance. As we travel to remote areas, changes to the itinerary will inevitably occur. A flexible approach is required if you book this cruise.

More about Kalewa

DAY 2 KALEWA - MA SEIN

Sail the Myittha River by country boat to Kalaymyo on the border with Chin State and if permitted continue by coach into Chin State to view Mount Kennedy Peak at 2,703 meters, the second highest peak in Chin State and site of a famous WWII battle. Packed lunch and return to ship by coach.

DAY 3 MAWLAIK ELEPHANT CAMP

Morning excursion by tuk tuk or coach to visit teak forests beyond Mawlaik. Continue to the Pya Swe Elephant Camp, a working camp where the elephants are protected in natural surroundings.

More about Mawlaik

DAY 4 MAWLAIK - SHWETAUNG

Morning excursion by Tuk Tuk or coach to view the teak forests outside Mawlaik. In the evening, visit to Shwe Taung village. We then sail to Kalewa where we overnight.

DAY 5 MINGKIN - KIN YWA

We visit Mingkin in the morning. Rediscovered by Paul Strachan in 1987 and described in some detail in his book Mandalay: Travels from the Golden City. It remains for Paul the most art historically interesting site in Myanmar (more so than the now spoilt Pagan) with its Konbaung court style teak monasteries sumptuously decorated. Mingkin may be described as the Luang Prabang of the Chindwin. Afternoon cruising on the Chindwin, including a stop at a local village where we are the main attraction!

More about Mingkin

DAY 6 KANEE - SHWE SA YAE VILLAGE

Delightful morning cruising the Chindwin downstream towards Kanee village, where we explore on a late morning walking tour and evening Shwe say ae village. Moon overnight near Monywa.

DAY 7 PHOWIN TAUNG - BAWDITAHTAUNG - MONYWA

Morning Excursion by coach to Phowin Taung Hill where we visit the Phowin Taung Caves with beautiful mural paintings and Buddha statues dating back to the 14th and 18th centuries. In the afternoon, where we visit Moe Hnyin Than Boaddai Temple with over five hundred thousand Buddha statues and probably the longest (over 330 ft / 100 m) reclining and the tallest (412 ft / 125 m) standing Buddha in Myanmar. After lunch, enjoy a walking tour of Monywa.

More about Phowin Taung

DAY 8 MONYWA

Disembark at Monywa IWT jetty and transfer to Mandalay (3 hour drive by road).

More about Monywa

DAY 1 KALEWA

Flight and transfer to your Pandaw. Explore ashore visiting the local market and enjoying panoramic views over the Chindwin from top of a hill.

PLEASE NOTE: The itinerary for this expedition is indicative only and subject to reconnaissance. As we travel to remote areas, changes to the itinerary will inevitably occur. A flexible approach is required if you book this cruise.

More about Kalewa

DAY 2 KALEWA - MA SEIN

Sail the Myittha River by country boat to Kalaymyo on the border with Chin State and if permitted continue by coach into Chin State to view Mount Kennedy Peak at 2,703 meters, the second highest peak in Chin State and site of a famous WWII battle. Packed lunch and return to ship by coach.

DAY 3 MAWLAIK ELEPHANT CAMP

Morning excursion by tuk tuk or coach to visit teak forests beyond Mawlaik. Continue to the Pya Swe Elephant Camp, a working camp where the elephants are protected in natural surroundings.

More about Mawlaik

DAY 4 MAWLAIK - SHWETAUNG

Morning excursion by Tuk Tuk or coach to view the teak forests outside Mawlaik. In the evening, visit to Shwe Taung village. We then sail to Kalewa where we overnight.

DAY 5 MINGKIN - KIN YWA

We visit Mingkin in the morning. Rediscovered by Paul Strachan in 1987 and described in some detail in his book Mandalay: Travels from the Golden City. It remains for Paul the most art historically interesting site in Myanmar (more so than the now spoilt Pagan) with its Konbaung court style teak monasteries sumptuously decorated. Mingkin may be described as the Luang Prabang of the Chindwin. Afternoon cruising on the Chindwin, including a stop at a local village where we are the main attraction!

More about Mingkin

DAY 6 KANEE - SHWE SA YAE VILLAGE

Delightful morning cruising the Chindwin downstream towards Kanee village, where we explore on a late morning walking tour and evening Shwe say ae village. Moon overnight near Monywa.

DAY 7 PHOWIN TAUNG - BAWDITAHTAUNG - MONYWA

Morning Excursion by coach to Phowin Taung Hill where we visit the Phowin Taung Caves with beautiful mural paintings and Buddha statues dating back to the 14th and 18th centuries. In the afternoon, where we visit Moe Hnyin Than Boaddai Temple with over five hundred thousand Buddha statues and probably the longest (over 330 ft / 100 m) reclining and the tallest (412 ft / 125 m) standing Buddha in Myanmar. After lunch, enjoy a walking tour of Monywa.

More about Phowin Taung

DAY 8 MONYWA

Disembark at Monywa IWT jetty and transfer to Mandalay (3 hour drive by road).

More about Monywa

DAY 1 KALEWA

Flight and transfer to your Pandaw. Explore ashore visiting the local market and enjoying panoramic views over the Chindwin from top of a hill.

PLEASE NOTE: The itinerary for this expedition is indicative only and subject to reconnaissance. As we travel to remote areas, changes to the itinerary will inevitably occur. A flexible approach is required if you book this cruise.

More about Kalewa

DAY 2 KALEWA - MA SEIN

Sail the Myittha River by country boat to Kalaymyo on the border with Chin State and if permitted continue by coach into Chin State to view Mount Kennedy Peak at 2,703 meters, the second highest peak in Chin State and site of a famous WWII battle. Packed lunch and return to ship by coach.

DAY 3 MAWLAIK ELEPHANT CAMP

Morning excursion by tuk tuk or coach to visit teak forests beyond Mawlaik. Continue to the Pya Swe Elephant Camp, a working camp where the elephants are protected in natural surroundings.

More about Mawlaik

DAY 4 MAWLAIK - SHWETAUNG

Morning excursion by Tuk Tuk or coach to view the teak forests outside Mawlaik. In the evening, visit to Shwe Taung village. We then sail to Kalewa where we overnight.

DAY 5 MINGKIN - KIN YWA

We visit Mingkin in the morning. Rediscovered by Paul Strachan in 1987 and described in some detail in his book Mandalay: Travels from the Golden City. It remains for Paul the most art historically interesting site in Myanmar (more so than the now spoilt Pagan) with its Konbaung court style teak monasteries sumptuously decorated. Mingkin may be described as the Luang Prabang of the Chindwin. Afternoon cruising on the Chindwin, including a stop at a local village where we are the main attraction!

More about Mingkin

DAY 6 KANEE - SHWE SA YAE VILLAGE

Delightful morning cruising the Chindwin downstream towards Kanee village, where we explore on a late morning walking tour and evening Shwe say ae village. Moon overnight near Monywa.

DAY 7 PHOWIN TAUNG - BAWDITAHTAUNG - MONYWA

Morning Excursion by coach to Phowin Taung Hill where we visit the Phowin Taung Caves with beautiful mural paintings and Buddha statues dating back to the 14th and 18th centuries. In the afternoon, where we visit Moe Hnyin Than Boaddai Temple with over five hundred thousand Buddha statues and probably the longest (over 330 ft / 100 m) reclining and the tallest (412 ft / 125 m) standing Buddha in Myanmar. After lunch, enjoy a walking tour of Monywa.

More about Phowin Taung

DAY 8 MONYWA

Disembark at Monywa IWT jetty and transfer to Mandalay (3 hour drive by road).

More about Monywa

EXPORT ITINERARY AS PDF Go

WHATS INCLUDED

Cruise Price Includes: One way domestic flight, entrance fees, guide services (English language), gratuities to crew, main meals, local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes.

Cruise Price Excludes: International flights, port dues (if levied), laundry, all visa costs, fuel surcharges (see terms and conditions), all beverages except local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes and tips to tour guides, local guides, bus drivers, boat operators and cyclo drivers.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

TRANSFERS & JOINING

  • March to November
  • December to February

DAY 1 HOMALIN

Registration Details

Flight to Homalin and transfer from airport to jetty at Homalin.

Flight from Mandalay: We will pick you up from your hotel in Mandalay between 09:00 and 10:00

This domestic flight is included in the cruise price.

Please note the flight times for your flight from Mandalay to Homalin are currently as follows:

Mandalay - Homalin UB-585 1200-1310 May - Sep

Flight timings are subject to change.

DAY 8 MONYWA

Disembark at Monywa IWT jetty at 08.30 am and we transfer you to Mandalay.

Arrival at Mandalay airport is approx. 12.30pm. If you arrange your individual flights them please don’t book them earlier than 14.00pm for domestic or 15.00pm for international. Or arrival at your hotel in Mandalay approx. 13.30pm.

DAY 1 KALEWA

Registration Details

For Flight from Yangon: Registration at 10.30am Sule Shangri La Hotel, Yangon.

For flight from Mandalay: We will pick you up from your hotel in Mandalay between 12:30 and 13:00.

This domestic flight is included in the cruise price.

Fly from Rangoon or Mandalay to Kalay Airport for your onward transfer to your Pandaw vessel at Kalewa, where we overnight.

Please note the flight times for your flight from Mandalay or Rangoon to Kalay are currently as follows:

Yangon - Kalay K7-226 1300-1530 (Via MDL)
Mandalay - Kalay K7-226 1440-1530 (Direct)

Flight timings are subject to change.

DAY 8 MONYWA

Disembark at Monywa IWT jetty at 08.30 am and we transfer you to Mandalay.

Arrival at Mandalay airport is approx. 12.30pm. If you arrange your individual flights them please don’t book them earlier than 14.00pm for domestic or 15.00pm for international. Or arrival at your hotel in Mandalay approx. 13.30pm.

DAY 1 KALEWA

Fly from Yangon or Mandalay to Kalay and transfer to your your ship in Kalewa.

For flight from Yangon: Registration at 10:30am at Sule Shangri-La Hotel.

For flight from Mandalay: We will pick you up from your hotel in Mandalay between 12:30 and 13:00.

Please note that flight times might change.

Yangon - Kalay K7-226 1300-1530 (Via MDL)
Mandalay - Kalay K7-226 1440-1530 (Direct)

DAY 8 MONYWA

Disembark at Monywa IWT jetty at 08.30 am and we transfer you to Mandalay.

Arrival at Mandalay airport is approx. 12.30pm. If you arrange your individual flights them please don’t book them earlier than 14.00pm for domestic or 15.00pm for international. Or arrival at your hotel in Mandalay approx. 13.30pm.

DAY 1 KALEWA

Fly from Yangon or Mandalay to Kalay and transfer to your your ship in Kalewa.

For flight from Yangon: Registration at 10:30am at Sule Shangri-La Hotel.

For flight from Mandalay: We will pick you up from your hotel in Mandalay between 12:30 and 13:00.

Please note that flight times might change.

Yangon - Kalay K7-226 1300-1530 (Via MDL)
Mandalay - Kalay K7-226 1440-1530 (Direct)

DAY 8 MONYWA

Disembark at Monywa IWT jetty at 08.30 am and we transfer you to Mandalay.

Arrival at Mandalay airport is approx. 12.30pm. If you arrange your individual flights them please don’t book them earlier than 14.00pm for domestic or 15.00pm for international. Or arrival at your hotel in Mandalay approx. 13.30pm.

DAY 1 KALEWA

Fly from Yangon or Mandalay to Kalay and transfer to your your ship in Kalewa.

For flight from Yangon: Registration at 10:30am at Sule Shangri-La Hotel.

For flight from Mandalay: We will pick you up from your hotel in Mandalay between 12:30 and 13:00.

Please note that flight times might change.

Yangon - Kalay K7-226 1300-1530 (Via MDL)
Mandalay - Kalay K7-226 1440-1530 (Direct)

DAY 8 MONYWA

Disembark at Monywa IWT jetty at 08.30 am and we transfer you to Mandalay.

Arrival at Mandalay airport is approx. 12.30pm. If you arrange your individual flights them please don’t book them earlier than 14.00pm for domestic or 15.00pm for international. Or arrival at your hotel in Mandalay approx. 13.30pm.

TESTIMONIALS

Hats off to you for your extraordinary Pandaw! Ever since our first Pandaw trip in 2001 we’ve wanted to return - posted by Vesey Crichton

We have used ships of many companies in many places and never have we been so well looked after - posted by David and Janet Knowles

All my expectations of this cruise were filled to the highest degree - posted by Peter Covington - Thomas

I would recommend this trip to anyone who wants to see a bit more of Myanmar than the classic tourist route - posted by Stephen Horsfield

After 45 years of international travel, this was by far our best trip - posted by Ewa and Robert Ringgenberg

We felt a greater sense of understanding and empathy for Myanmar as we departed the boat - posted by Fred Harris & Joy Satterlee

For sure we will be looking at undertaking further cruises with Pandaw in the future - posted by Barry & Barry McDiarmid

In summary we greatly enjoyed our first Pandaw expedition - posted by Priscille Leblanc

Everything we ate was delicious, with the terrific Burmese flavours we all love - posted by Vanessa & Peter Davis

We had the most relaxing and enjoyable time - posted by Minnie & Anthony Greayer

My wife and I just returned this morning from our fourth Pandaw trip - posted by Tim Tawney

Our cruise in Myanmar on the Chindwin river on the RV Kalay and was absolute fantastic - posted by Steve & Maria Bozec

TRAVEL BLOGS

Britain's Longest Retreat - A trip up the Chindwin River

By General Mike Riddell Webster The Japanese first bombed Rangoon on the 23rd of December 1941. Between then and late April/early May 1942,.... read more

 

A trip up the River Chindwin, Myanmar

Click Here to read Stephen Horsfield's testimonial blog of his The Chindwin river cruise in November 2016 on-board the RV Zawgyi Pandaw..... read more

 

Reflections on the Chindwin by Pandaw Founder Paul Strachan

'The Chindwin is the loveliest of rivers. . . ' so wrote my late friend Alister McCrae of his 1930s trip up the great tributary as a young assis.... read more

 

MEDIA MENTIONS

A cruise to magical Myanmar

08 Jun 2018 - article by Jeannine Williamson for the World Of Cruising

 

Luxury Cruise: Kalay Pandaw

01 Nov 2016 - article by Jeannine Williamson for the Luxury Travel Bible

 

Burma Cruise: Down the Chindwin to temples, caves and a giant Buddha

29 Feb 2016 - article by Jeannine Williamson for The Independent

 

Pandaw Cruises Pte Ltd ©2024 Pandaw Cruises Ltd. All rights reserved.

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