Gorges of the far North

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Highlights

Visit New Nyein to see traditional clay-pot making
Explore the old trading port of Bhamo
Enjoy a sunset tour of the ancient city of Bagan
Tour to Mount Popa and its summit monastery

Highlights

Visit New Nyein to see traditional clay-pot making
Explore the old trading port of Bhamo
Enjoy a sunset tour of the ancient city of Bagan
Tour to Mount Popa and its summit monastery
Capacity: 50, Types: Luxury Small Ship CruiseRiver Boat
Feture image for Gorges of the far North

Set off from the Golden City and travel through majestic gorges as you discover the secrets of Myanmar on board Belmond Orcaella.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN MYANMAR

Gain a unique perspective on the country, led by one of our expert guides. Our personalized excursions allow you time to enjoy the sights at leisure. Visit a rural school and take tea with the villagers. Witness a novitiation ceremony at a secluded monastery. Wander around the ancient temples of Bagan.

On-shore adventures are complemented by onboard relaxationswim in the pool, sip a cocktail on deck, or indulge in a relaxing massage.

Internal flights within Myanmar included between Yangon and ship, as per itinerary

Visit New Nyein to see traditional clay-pot making
Explore the old trading port of Bhamo
Enjoy a sunset tour of the ancient city of Bagan
Tour to Mount Popa and its summit monastery

There are no future departures for this trip at this stage.

show reverse itinerary
Day 1: Mandalay
Board Orcaella and cruise on the Ayeyarwady River towards northern Myanmar. A stop at Mingun includes a visit to the world's largest brick-built pagoda and the biggest uncracked bell. This evening youll get to know fellow travellers at the welcome cocktail and dinner party.
Day 2: Nwe Nyein
Disembark at Nwe Nyein for a guided walking tour and a chance to meet artisans sculpting traditional clay pots. Afternoon tea is served in the Lounge Bar. Lecture Myanmar ways of life by your guide at the Lounge Bar. Dinner is served in the Restaurant. Release of Shan Balloons at the Observation Deck (weather permitting).
Day 3: Kyan Hnyat
Spend the morning strolling around the delightful village of Kyan Hnyat. Children greet you on their way to school and the market begins bustle with activity. As Orcaella continues its voyage, you can admire the rural villages dotted along the shore.
Day 4: Katha
Visit Katha by trishaw and take in the market made famous by George Orwell in Burmese Days. Return on board and set sail. Lunch buffet is served in the Restaurant. Afternoon tea is served in the Lounge Bar where you can also enjoy a lecture. This evening dinner is served in the Restaurant, followed by entertainment from Shan Dancers on the Observation Deck.
Day 5: Shwe Paw Kyun & Bhamo
Arrival at Shwe Paw Kyun. Transfer by boat to the pretty Shwe Paw Island and walk among the stilt houses of the Kachin fishermen. Visit the island monastery, and perhaps call into the village school. Return on board and set sail for Bhamo. We will be entering the dramatic, narrow 2nd defile around 10:00 and passing through should take about two hours. Enjoy the scenery from the Observation Deck. Buffet lunch is served in the Restaurant Transfer to shore by fast boat for a walking tour of the lively town of Bhamo, the major northern trading post between China and Myanmar.
Day 6: Weima
Arrive at Weima village and enjoy a visit to an elephant camp. Continue with a visit to the local school to donate school stationary. Return on board. Spend the afternoon on board and enjoy afternoon tea in the Lounge.
Day 7: Kachin jungle
In the early morning, board a train to the forest station of Naba and journey into the thick Kachin jungle and teak forest. Myanmar traditional dress longyi and thanakha (local make up) demonstration on the Observation Deck. Afternoon tea is served in the Lounge Bar. Join fellow travellers for a longyi cocktail party.
Day 8: Ma Lae Village
Alight at Ma Lae Village for a walking tour of the village and a visit to the monastery. Witness a traditional Noviciation Ceremony, regarded as a very important moment for young Burmese boys. After dinner enthusiastic young actors from Mandalays School of Performing Arts will enact scenes from the Yamayana play on the Observation Deck. This is a Hindu Creation Epic that is widely performed across all of South-East Asia and features characters from Bali, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Day 9: Mandalay
Mandalay comes into view in the early morning. Disembark for a tour of Myanmars second city, including lunch at a local restaurant. A special dinner will be served on the sandbank this evening.
Day 10: Bagan
Spend the day gazing at the passing scenery as the ship continues towards Bagan. This evening take in the unforgettable sunset over the Bagan plain and enjoy a puppet show by traditional Bagan artists.
Day 11: Bagan
Visit the ancient sites in and around Bagan with an expert guide. In the afternoon you may choose to join a tour of Mount Popathe legendary home of animist spirits known as Natswith its impressive summit monastery. Or take a horse-drawn cart or a bicycle to explore on your own. Celebrate your final evening on board at this evenings cocktail party, and say goodbye to your new friends during the Farewell Dinner.
Day 12: Bagan
Transfer to Bagan airport for your flight to Yangon.
Please Note:
All timings shown are for your guidance only. Confirmed timings will be supplied with your travel documents. Please ensure you bring your travel documents on the day of your journey.
Orcaella
Vessel Type: Luxury River Boat Length: 101 metres Passenger Capacity: 50 Built / refurbished: 2013 Discover the rich heritage of the Ayeyarwady and Chindwin Rivers with a luxurious cruise aboard Bel…

Orcaella

Vessel Type: Luxury River Boat

Length: 101 metres

Passenger Capacity: 50

Built / refurbished: 2013

Discover the rich heritage of the Ayeyarwady and Chindwin Rivers with a luxurious cruise aboard Belmond Orcaella.

On Belmond Orcaella there are 25 spacious cabins all open on to the river, giving guests a real connection between ship and land. The extravagant floor to ceiling glass doors provides the perfect frame to the river and its banks.

Belmond Orcaella can accommodate up to 50 guests across 2 Balcony Suites, 1 Junior Suite, 13 State and 9 Deluxe Cabins. All cabins have en-suite facilities and are arranged over two of the ship’s four decks.

FACILITIES

  • Restaurant – The on-board menu showcases the finest gourmet of Eastern and Western delicacies
  • The Piano Bar, where afternoon tea is served
  • Deck Pool Bar
  • Swimming pool and sun deck
  • 2 On-board Boutique
  • Wellbeing Centre
  • Myanmar is a mysterious and magical land with magnificent temple architecture set in timeless and sublime landscapes. Myanmar still retains the natural, untouched beauty and charm of centuries past.

  • One of the trip’s greatest assets is the Burmese crew who infuse the boat with a glow born of an inherently sweet-tempered Buddhist culture.

  • Every day guests disembark the ship for a few hours to take advantage of culturally enriching sightseeing excursions with local guides.

  • Buffet-style lunch is served in seven different themes: Burmese, Shan, Thai, Indonesian, Chinese, Indian and European.

  • Local entertainment takes place in the Observation Lounge in the evening.

  • Afternoon Tea and aperitifs/cocktails are served in the Piano Bar with a delightful musical accompaniment.

  • A range of beauty treatments from aromatherapy massages, facials, manicures and pedicures are available for guests in the Belmond Orcaella Wellbeing Centre.

Cabin layout for Orcaella
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