THE ROAD TO MANDALAY CRUISE

Cruising gently along the Irrawaddy River, The Road To Mandalay accesses the unique sights, scents and sounds of Burma (Myanmar) in Orient-Express style and luxury.
From the royal city of Mandalay, this beautiful craft voyages south to the ancient capital of Bagan, with its 2,500 pagodas spread across a dusty plain; it also heads north through forested gorges to Bhamo near the Chinese border.
There is no more pleasurable way to experience Burma—to feel its pulse, meet its people, live its legends and understand its history.
Cabins
Inside this graceful river cruiser the emphasis rests on traditional comfort combined with delightful luxury. The spacious en suite cabins are fully air-conditioned and furnished with the most beautiful fabrics, finest linens and softest towels.
Five cabin sizes and categories are available on the Road To Mandalay, all of which feature a small personal safe, telephone, satellite television, en-suite bathroom and shower amenities.
Governor’s Suite
This exclusive suite has been newly created to satisfy our most demanding guest’s requirements.
The Governor’s Suite is ideal for passengers who embark on our eleven and seven night journeys as its space and views enchant your discovery of this magical land.
State Cabins
Being our most popular cabin type on the Road To Mandalay, this has lead us to increase their number to eighteen cabins. Their comfort will suit all our guests’ requirements, and include twin/double beds, dressing table, armchair and wardrobe space.
Deluxe Cabins
This is a completely new concept to the Road To Mandalay ship. These sixteen cabins have been fully designed and created to optimise space and views through three windows.
Superior Cabins
These cabins offer all the comfort needed to fully enjoy the Irrawaddy River cruise. As all our cabins on board they are all external and display a large window to admire the on going scenery when cruising.
Single Cabins
Their size is similar to the superior but feature a single bed to optimise space and comfort and are supplied with all private facilities.
Dining & Bar
No journey to Asia would be complete without sampling the regional cuisine, and on board you can enjoy an acclaimed gourmet menu of Eastern and Western delicacies, all served with Burmese courtesy and charm.
Buffet-style lunch is served on the Observation Deck or in the Restaurant in seven different themes: Burmese, Shan, Thai, Indonesian, Chinese, Indian and European.
Dinners are served in the Restaurant, at a time to suit you, and offer a choice of dishes to suit all tastes from the flavors of asia to a la carte menus. A collection of carefully selected European and Australian wines are also available to compliment your meal.
At the end of a day of discovery, guests may also retire to the Piano Bar for an evening in the company of fellow travelers. Decorated with a mixture of light wood and Burmese lacquerware, the Piano Bar offers guests a range of delicious local and international cocktails while enjoying the musical talents of the local pianist.
Bar & Lounge
Piano Bar
At the end of a day of discovery, retire to the Piano Bar for an evening in the company of your fellow travelers. Decorated with a mixture of light wood and Burmese lacquer ware, the Piano Bar offers guests a range of delicious local and international cocktails while enjoying the musical talents of the local pianist.
The Observation Lounge
The Observation Lounge has a colonial ambiance with its woven-cane furniture and wooden-slated Venetian blinds. Its large windows provide an excellent view of the Ayeyarwady River. A variety of local entertainment takes place here in the evenings, and during sailing days lectures on a variety of Burmese topics are given by guides.
Entertainment
A variety of local entertainers perform in the evenings, ranging from the traditional Burmese marionettes to amazing acrobatic feats and traditional dances. Extend your knowledge of Burmese culture with a lecture given on sailing days by our expert guides. Learn how to tie a longyi and apply thanka.
The small Library of topical books in several languages is available in the Reception, along with a selection of games. Your remote-control cabin TV offers satellite channels and there are two video channels showing in-house movies.

4 DAYS: MANDALAY – BAGAN
Departure Dates: Wednesdays
Day 1 – Wednesday (Mandalay)
Morning domestic flight from Yangon to Mandalay. Transfer to the Road To Mandalay berthed on the Ayeyarwady River at Shwe Kyet Yet. After lunch, enjoy a guided tour of the key sights of Mandalay regarded as the centre of Burmese culture and Buddhist learning. Return to Road To Mandalay for dinner and local entertainment in the evening.
Day 2 – Thursday (Sagaing)
After an early breakfast visit Sagaing, the living centre of the Buddhist faith in Burma and famous for its silversmiths who still work in much the same way as their ancestors did. The ship gets underway mid-morning, and begins its journey south. The rest of the day is spent relaxing on board observing the local river life from the top deck. An on-board guide lectures on local places and customs. A casual cocktail party is followed by dinner on board.
Day 3 – Friday (Bagan)
The ship arrives at Bagan where over 2,000 temples and pagodas are scattered on an awe-inspiring plain beside the river. A guided orientation tour introduces you to the most important temples. After lunch you have the opportunity to rejoin the guide and visit the inside of some of the more significant pagodas. Alternatively, you can hire a bicycle or horse-drawn cart and explore this fascinating area on your own. Late afternoon your guide takes you to watch the breathtaking vista of the sun setting over the plain. Dinner and local entertainment on board.
Day 4 – Saturday
After an early breakfast you are transferred to Bagan airport for your onward flight to Yangon. End our service
Included
- All table d’hôte meals
- Accommodation on board based on two people sharing (except Single Cabin),
- Economy class flights
- Transfers and sightseeing in Myanmar as shown in the itinerary.
Excluded
- Pre/post trip arrangement
- Visa arrangement
- Travel insurance
- Other personal expenses

5 DAYS: BAGAN – MANDALAY
Departure Dates: Saturdays
Day 1 (Bagan)
Morning domestic flight from Yangon to Bagan. On arrival, transfer to the Road To Mandalay berthed on the Ayeyarwady River. At Bagan over 2,000 temples and pagodas are scattered over an awe-inspiring plain beside the river. After lunch, join the guide and visit the inside of some of the more significant pagodas. Late afternoon your guide takes you to watch the sun setting over a field of glowing pagodas. Dinner and local entertainment on board.
Day 2 (Bagan & cruise)
After breakfast join the guide to explore some of Bagan’s local markets selling wood carvings, fabrics, longyis and rattan goods. See Myanmar’s famous lacquerware being made. Alternatively, you can hire a bicycle or horse-drawn cart and explore this enchanting area on your own. Mid-morning the Road To Mandalay begins its cruise north towards Mandalay. Relax on the top deck and watch the fascinating river life glide by. The guide lectures on local places and customs. The ship moors mid-river for the evening. A casual cocktail party is followed by dinner on board.
Day 3 (Mandalay)
Arrive at the village of Shwe Kyet Yet after lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the key sights of Mandalay regarded as the centre of Burmese culture and Buddhist learning. Return to Road To Mandalay stopping enroute to admire sunset over the river. Dinner and local entertainment on board.
Day 4  (Mingun & Sagaing)
After breakfast, cruise to Mingun to visit the most important sights such as the pretty Hsinbyume Pagoda and the world’s largest uncracked bell. Return by ferry for a late lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Sagaing Hills, considered to be the living centre of the Buddhist faith in Burma. Sagaing is also famous for its silver and silversmiths who still work in much the same way as their ancestors did. Dinner and local entertainment on board.
Day 5
After an early breakfast, transfer to Mandalay airport for your onward flight to Yangon. End our service
Included
- All table d’hôte meals
- Accommodation on board based on two people sharing (except Single Cabin),
- Economy class flights
- Transfers and sightseeing in Myanmar as shown in the itinerary.
Excluded
- Pre/post trip arrangement
- Visa arrangement
- Travel insurance
- Other personal expenses

8 DAYS: MANDALAY – BANGAN – MANDALAY
Departure dates: Wednesday
Day 1 (Mandalay)
Morning domestic flight from Yangon to Mandalay. On arrival transfer to the Road To Mandalay berthed on the Ayeyarwady River at Shwe Kyet Yet. After lunch, enjoy a guided tour of the key sights of Mandalay regarded as the centre of Burmese culture and Buddhist learning. Return to Road To Mandalay stopping enroute to admire the sunset over the river. Dinner and local entertainment on board.
Day 2 (Burmese Village)
After an early breakfast visit a local village for a walking tour. This traditional Burmese village gives you the opportunity to discover the Burmese way of life first hand – from farming and handicrafts to spirit houses and tea-shops. The ship gets underway mid morning and begins its journey south. The rest of the day is spent relaxing on board observing the fascinating local river life from the top deck. An on-board guide lectures on the Myanmar way of life. Dinner on board in the evening.
Day 3 (Bagan)
The ship arrives at Bagan where over 2,000 temples and pagodas are scattered over an awe-inspiring plain beside the river. A guided orientation tour introduces you to the most important temples. After lunch you may rejoin the guide to visit the inside of some of the more significant pagodas. Alternatively, you can hire a bicycle or horse-drawn cart and explore this fascinating area on your own. Late afternoon the guide takes you to watch the sun setting over a field of glowing pagodas by the river. Dinner and local entertainment in the evening.
Day 4 (Mount Popa)
A full day excursion to Mount Popa, a national park and believed to be the sacred home of powerful ‘Nats’ (spirits). On top of a rocky crag is a picturesque complex of monasteries, pagodas and shrines which can be reached via a winding, covered walkway. Lunch is taken at the Mount Popa Resort. Dinner and local entertainment on board.
Day 5 (Bagan)
After breakfast join the guide to explore some of Bagan’s local markets selling wood carvings, fabrics, longis and rattan goods. See Myanmar’s famous lacquerware being made. Alternatively, you can hire a bicycle or horse-drawn cart and explore this enchanting area on your own. Mid-morning, the ship sets sail for Mandalay. On board the guide lectures on the Ayeyarwady River. The ship anchors mid-river for the evening providing a marvellous opportunity to observe the stars. A casual cocktail party is followed by dinner.
Day 6 (Sagaing)
Continue sailing up the river until Road To Mandalay arrives at the little Burmese village of Shwe Kyet Yet in the early afternoon. After lunch enjoy an excursion to Sagaing considered to be the living centre of the Buddhist faith in Burma and famous for its silversmiths who still work in much the same way as their ancestors did. Return to the ship for dinner and local entertainment.
Day 7 (Maymyo)
Visit Maymyo, a colonial hill station set high in the mountains. Soak up the atmosphere with its cool climate, English style houses, colourful market and beautiful botanic gardens. A typical Shan lunch is taken at a colonial house. Return to the ship for a final dinner on board. Overnight on board.
Day 8
After an early breakfast, you are transferred to Mandalay’s airport for your onward flight to Yangon. End our service
Included
- All table d’hôte meals
- Accommodation on board based on two people sharing (except Single Cabin),
- Economy class flights
- Transfers and sightseeing in Myanmar as shown in the itinerary.
Excluded
- Pre/post trip arrangement
- Visa arrangement
- Travel insurance
- Other personal expenses

8 DAYS: BAGAN – MANDALAY – BAGAN
Departure Dates: Saturday
Day 1 (Bagan)
Morning domestic flight from Yangon to Bagan. On arrival, transfer to the Road To Mandalay berthed on the Ayeyarwady River. In the afternoon the guide takes you to into Bagan where over 2,000 temples and pagodas remain on an awe-inspiring plain. Watch the sun setting over a field of glowing pagodas by the river. Return to the ship for dinner.
Day 2 (Bagan Markets)
After breakfast join the guide to explore some of Bagan’s local markets selling wood carvings, fabrics, longis and rattan goods. See Myanmar’s famous lacquerware being made. Alternatively, you can hire a bicycle or horse-drawn cart and explore this enchanting area on your own. Mid morning, the ship sets sail for Mandalay. On board the guide lectures on the Ayeyarwady River. The ship anchors mid-river for the evening providing a marvellous opportunity to observe the stars. Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 3 – Monday (Sagaing)
Arrive at the village of Shwe Kyet Yet after lunch. Enjoy an afternoon excursion to Sagaing considered to be the living centre of the Buddhist faith in Burma and famous for its silversmiths who still work in much the same way as their ancestors did. Return to the ship for dinner in the evening.
Day 4 (Maymyo)
A full day’s excursion to Maymyo, a colonial hill station set high in the mountains. Soak up the atmosphere with its cool climate, English style houses, colourful market and beautiful botanic gardens. A typical Shan lunch is taken at a colonial house. Return to the ship for dinner and local entertainment in the evening.
Day 5 (Mingun & Mandalay)
After breakfast take a cruise to Mingun. Visit the most important sights such as the pretty Hsinbyume Pagoda and the world’s largest uncracked bell. Return by ferry for a late lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the key sights of Mandalay regarded as the centre of Burmese culture and Buddhist learning. Return to Road To Mandalay for dinner.
Day 6 (Burmese Village)
After an early breakfast visit a local village for a walking tour. This traditional Burmese village gives you the opportunity to discover the Burmese way of life first hand – from farming and handicrafts to spirit houses and tea-shops. Return to the ship for lunch and set sail for Bagan once more. The rest of the day is spent relaxing on board, observing the fascinating local river life glide by from the top deck. An on-board guide lectures on the Myanmar way of life. This evening enjoy a casual cocktail party followed by dinner on board.
Day 7 (Mount Popa)
A full day’s excursion to Mount Popa, a national park and believed to be the sacred home of powerful ‘Nats’ (spirits). On top of a rocky crag is a picturesque complex of monasteries, pagodas and shrines which can be reached via a winding, covered walkway. Lunch is taken at the Mount Popa Resort. Dinner and local entertainment on board.
Day 8
After an early breakfast you are transferred to Bagan airport for your onward flight to Yangon. End our service
Included
- All table d’hôte meals
- Accommodation on board based on two people sharing (except Single Cabin),
- Economy class flights
- Transfers and sightseeing in Myanmar as shown in the itinerary.
Excluded
- Pre/post trip arrangement
- Visa arrangement
- Travel insurance
- Other personal expenses