Pandaw River Cruises
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EXPLORE THE WETLANDS, CREEKS AND CHANNELS

THE GREAT IRRAWADDY DELTA

7 NIGHTS

The Irrawaddy Delta covers an area of over 1000 square miles with Rangoon, its most famous port and capital of all Burma from 1886 to 2005. Originally a vast inhabited wetland and jungle, much of it was cleared and cultivated by the British who annexed Lower Burma in 1855. It subsequently became the rice basket of Asia, effectively feeding much of the Indian Raj. During this period of prosperity a number of rice towns developed in the colonial style. The most famous of which was Bassein. The Irrawaddy Flotilla Company by the 1920s operated over 100 creek steamers across the Delta connecting these towns and villages at a time when there were neither roads nor bridges.

There are seven main channels and myriad lesser ones forming a complex labyrinth of waterways understood only by the most experienced pilots. In the backwaters there is the feel of Kerala, on the larger channels it could be New Orleans and the Deep South.

Contrary to expectation these great wetlands are not monotonous at all and there is considerable human interest in the form of pretty towns, markets, temples, churches and mosques. There is also profuse bird life in the less populated areas.

Our 7-night programme enables relaxed exploration of this fascinating region, starting and returning to Rangoon.

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

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS

PRE CRUISE EXTENSIONS

IRRA Pre cruise Rangoon

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Pre Night stay on board

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POST CRUISE EXTENSIONS

NGL Post cruise Rangoon

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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

DAY 1 RANGOON TO PYAPON

Early morning departure from Rangoon via the Twante Canal stopping at Twante to view the potteries and on to Pyapon (64miles) a delightful delta town and seaport with lively docks and markets.

Extend your stay and board one day earlier bed & breakfast on board your Pandaw for an extra night. Enjoy the experience and perspective of staying in central Rangoon from your luxurious river ship.

DAY 2 PYAPON TO BOGALE

Bogale is at the heart of the delta and once a Mon capital and trading port connected to international trading routes between the 15th and 18th centuries. It features the only mangrove ecosystem reserve in the Delta. A visit to the monastery of the town will be organized.

More about Pyapon

DAY 3 BOGALE TO MYAUNGMYA

This will be the most fascinating day’s sailing as we weave through creeks and channels cross-country across the heart of the delta. We will stop for a walk about in a suitable village.

More about Bogale

DAY 4 MYAUNGMYA TO BASSEIN

Morning cruise across the final section of delta to join the great Bassein River that takes us up to Bassein, the capital of the delta and an important seaport too. Of interest here are the traditional umbrella manufacturies, where the typical monk’s waxed cloth umbrellas are made. On foot we will explore the town, its shrines and vibrant markets.

More about Myaungmya

DAY 5 BASSEIN

A day at leisure in this charming port town and optional day trip by car to Ngwesaung Beach with lunch there.

DAY 6 BASSEIN TO WAKEMA

Morning departure with lunch to follow, taking the more usual upper delta route of the old IFC ‘launch service’ between Rangoon and Bassein. Evening exploration of this attractive river port.

More about Wakema

DAY 7 WAKEMA TO MAUBIN

On these busier channels there will be a variety of shipping whilst the riverbanks team with life and activity. Maubin is a very pleasant place to enjoy a sunset walk along its colourful strand.

More about Maubin

DAY 8 MAUBIN TO RANGOON

Morning run crossing the Twante Canal and home to the Rangoon River and our berth in colonial downtown and disembarkation between 12 and 12.30 pm (lunch excluded).

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WHATS INCLUDED

Cruise Price Includes: 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.

TRANSFERS & JOINING

DAY 1 RANGOON TO PYAPON

Check-in at the jetty in Rangoon from 07.30 for a 08.00 sailing.

Kyan Mar Yay Jetty (on Strand Road in Yangon opposite the Myanmar Custom Department, between Pansoedan Jetty and Sule Jetty).

DAY 8 MAUBIN TO RANGOON

Disembark in Rangoon at Kyan Mar Yay Jetty between 12.00 and 12.30.

TESTIMONIALS

Have you been on this expedition? Send us a testimonial of your experience by Clicking Here.

TRAVEL BLOGS

The Delta

By Paul Strachan, Pandaw Founder   When we launched a Pandaw river expedition across the Irrawaddy Delta in 2017, I was being a bit naughty.... read more

 

Between land and sea - The Irrawaddy Delta

Pandaw's latest adventure is a voyage to the heart of the Irrawaddy Delta, one of Burma's most colourful and distinctive corners. As well as ful.... read more

 

MEDIA MENTIONS

Shake up your cruise routine: Touring the Delta

21 Jan 2018 - article by Phil Marty, freelance reporter, for the Chicago Tribune

 

The Great Escape

15 Jan 2018 - article by T Singapore: The New York Times Style Magazine

 

Travel Writer Show Australia, Radio interview with Pandaw's Sandra Cahill

04 May 2017 - article by by Graeme Kemlo (14 minutes)