Gorges of the Far North - 11 Nights
 
Mandalay - Bhamo - Bagan
Join the Road To Mandalay for this incredible passage north through magnificent gorges visiting fascinating riverside towns and pagodas along the way.
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Trip Highlights
- 11 nights on the luxurious Road to Mandalay ship
- Sightseeing in Bagan and Mandalay
- Beautiful countryside of Bhamo
- Train ride into the thick Kachin jungle
- Rural villages on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River
- Mount Popa
Itinerary
Day 1: Yangon to Mandalay to Mingun
Board the Road To Mandalay on the Ayeyarwady River opposite the Sagaing Hills studded with numerous white pagodas. The ship sets sail on its voyage to northern Myanmar through the unique gorges that characterize this stretch of the river. At Mingun visit the world's largest brick-built pagoda and uncracked bell. An evening cocktail party allows you to get to know your fellow travelers. Overnight on board.
Day 2: Mingun to New Nyein
The ship makes an early start entering the first of three gorges around mid-day. Stop in New Nyein for a walking tour and to see traditional clay pot sculpting. Later, sail past the picturesque island pagoda of Thihadaw. Overnight on board.
Day 3: Kyan Hnyat to Katha
An early morning stroll around the delightful village of Kyan Hnyat where school children greet you and the morning market bustles with activity. Back on board, you'll sail north, vast stretches of the river spreading out before you with interesting rural villages dotted on its shores. As the sun sets, the ship anchors off the old market town of Katha, famous as the site where the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company scuttled its fleet in 1942. Overnight on board.
Day 4: Katha to Shwegu
Visit Katha by rickshaw in the early morning and visit the market place made famous by George Orwell in "Burmese Days". Back on board the ship continues its journey north through the expansive scenery, with the distant mountains coming into view in the afternoon. The ship anchors off at the splendid island pagoda of Shwe Paw, just north of the town of Shwegu. Boats will take you ashore to explore the ancient site. Overnight on board.
Day 5: Zinbon to Bhamo
This morning the ship passes through the splendid second gorge with its green-clad mountains reaching down to the narrowing channel. Sail past logging camps and the old colonial village of Zinbon towards the first gorge. The ship sails as far north as possible and then turns around to drop anchor in Bhamo where you may take a stroll and meet the locals. The scenery in this unspoilt area is spectacular. Overnight on board.
Day 6: Bhamo to Katha
Take a morning visit to Bhamo, barely 50 miles from the Chinese border in the foothills of Yunnan. Local transport carries you into the countryside, past paddy fields and towards the mountains before returning to the ship for an early afternoon departure. Overnight on board.
Day 7: Katha to Tigyaung
In the early morning board the train to the forest station of Naba and experience a journey into thick Kachin jungle and teak forests. Later the ship sails for the beautiful river port of Tigyaing, where you can walk in the early evening. Overnight on board.
Day 8: Tigyaing to Mogok
At Thabeikkyin you take the road that winds towards Mogok past a forestry reserve where many precious botanical specimens are grown for their essential oils. Various attractions await. Return to the ship to head south again. Overnight on board.
Day 9: Mandalay
Mandalay comes into view early this morning. Disembark for a varied tour of Burma's second city. Rejoin the ship at the quaint Burmese village of Shwe Kyet Yet and enjoy a tribal dance display in the evening. Overnight on board.
Day 10: Bagan
The ship sets sail early morning for Bagan. Along the way you see many villages with women doing chores by the river and waving children. Watch the sunset over the marvellous Bagan plain and enjoy a traditional Bagan performance this evening. Overnight on board.
Day 11: Bagan to Mt Popa
On your final day, visit the ancient sites in and around Bagan with your guide, or take a horse-drawn cart or bicycle to explore on your own. Choose an optional afternoon tour to Mount Popa, the legendary sacred home of the Nats, with its impressive summit monastery. Overnight on board.
Day 12: Departure
Take an early departure this morning to the Bagan airport for your flight to Yangon.
Optional 2 Night Yangon Extension
Day 1: Yangon
Upon arrival in the Yangon International Airport you will be met and transferred to your chosen hotel for two nights. Begin your sightseeing tour of Yangon’s city center with a visit to Sule Pagoda. Your guide will accompany you on a short walk by Kandawgyi lake and then take you to see the sunset at Yangon’s spectacular Shwedagon Pagoda. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 2: Yangon
After breakfast at the hotel, the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. We will be happy to arrange a half or full day sightseeing tour to suit your interests. Visit the countryside surrounding Yangon, stopping at Syriam and its pagoda set on a small island in the middle of the river or visit Bago, Burma’s ancient capital. Overnight in Yangon.
Day 3: Departure
Depending on your itinerary, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Mandalay to continue on the Road to Mandalay cruise or your departure flight home.
*Supplement fees for this extension do apply. Please inquire for more information.
Rates
Per Person Rates (based on double occupancy except for single cabin)
2012 Rates
Single Cabin - $3,660
Superior Cabin - $3,660
Deluxe Cabin - $5,100
State Cabin - $6,550
Governor's Suite - $9,160
Rates Include
- All meals on board the ship
- 11 nights accommodation on board based on double occupancy (excluding single cabin)
- Domestic economy class flights: Yangon - Bagan - Yangon
- All airport/hotel transfers
- Sightseeing in Myanmar as outlined in the itinerary
Rates Do Not Include
- International Airfare to and from Yangon
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Expenses of a personal nature
2012 Departure Dates (Wednesdays)
August 1, 15, 29
September 12
To Book this Tour
Please call us toll free at 1-877-362-2793 and let us know that you would like to book this tour. Then follow these instructions:
- Download, print, and fill out the Reservation Form for each person.
- Fax the form to us at 206-529-4803, or mail it to:
Red Lantern Journeys
1000 N. Northlake Way, Suite H
Seattle, WA 98103
- Pay a non-refundable $500 per person deposit and we will initiate your reservations.
- Final payment is due 75 days prior to departure.
If your reservation is made less than 75 days prior to departure, the non-refundable deposit will allow us to initiate reservations. Full payment will be due immediately upon confirmation of all hotels and transportation services. If the services quoted cannot be confirmed, alternate accommodation or transportation will be arranged and the price will be adjusted accordingly.
Payments can be made by personal check, bank wire transfer, or credit card. Upon receipt of your deposit, we will initiate your reservations and send you a statement showing your payment. Approximately 4 weeks prior to your departure, we will send you a final confirmation package containing your itinerary and detailed information on the logistics of your trip.
Forms to Download (pdf file)
Reservation Form with Complete Terms and Conditions
Cancellation/Refund Policies
- Cancel more than 60 days prior to departure - forfeit your deposit.
- Cancel between 30 and 60 days prior to departure - forfeit 50% of the tour cost.
- Cancel less than 30 days prior to departure - NO REFUND of tour cost.
- Cancellations must be made in writing and sent via mail, fax, or email to Red Lantern Journeys.
- Refunds will be processed within 30 days of receipt of your written request.
- No refunds are available for unused services or tours during your trip.
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