THE MIGHTY SALWEEN

The Salween River, or Than-lwin Myit in Burmese is the longest river in Burma at 1,749 miles (2,815km) running from Tibet, through Yunnan and down the eastern edge of Burma parallel for much of the way with the Thai border. Due to the incredible flow rate and many rapids as it passes through these mountainous areas it is only navigable on larger vessels for about 100 miles between its mouth at Martaban and the Karen hill station of Hpa-an.

However, there is much to explore and enjoy in this undiscovered area of Burma, well off the beaten track. Highlights include exploring Moulmein, the first British capital of Burma, with some fascinating old churches and splendid royal Buddhist monasteries; the war graves at Thanbyuzayat; the beautiful scenery and charming undiscovered villages; the Karen capital of Hpaan; and the dramatic Mount Zwekabin with its Karen dancing school and cultural centre. In addition, on the way to or from we will stop at the Golden Rock Pagoda of Kyaikhtiho and Pegu with its splendid Shwemadaw Pagoda, the tallest in Burma.

The Kalay Pandaw, with her ultra low draft, is the ideal luxury vessel to explore this most fascinating region of Burma.