RV ORCAELLA

Itinerary

THE AYEYARWADY EXPERIENCE, ORCAELLA (8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS)
Visit gilded pagodas and bustling markets as you cruise the Ayeyarwady in supreme luxury on board Orcaella. 

 

DAY 1

Board Orcaella at Bagan and enjoy a delicious lunch. Later, disembark for a guided tour of the ancient city and witness the unforgettable sunset over the Bagan plain. This evening local artists will perform on board. 

 

DAY 2

Start the day with a shopping tour in Bagan and a visit to the gilded Shwezigon Pagoda. You may also wish to arrange a tour of Old Bagan by horse cart or bicycle. In the afternoon, set sail towards Salay where you can visit the Wooden Monastery and an impressive 20ft Buddha made of straw lacquer.

 

DAY 3

Visit the port town of Magwe and its famous Myathalon Pagoda, devotees come from miles around to join in religious festivals. Continue to Min Hla and for a late afternoon visit to the local fort, the site of a great battle during the second Anglo-Burmese War.

 

DAY 4

Today you’ll travel by ox cart to the quaint Gway Chaung village, where you’ll take in rural life along the Ayeyarwady River. Spend the afternoon sailing before reaching the ancient Myanmar capital Pyay (Prome). Your city tour will include a visit to the impressive Shwesandaw Pagoda and the imposing 10-storey Buddha that watches over it.

 

DAY 5

Spend the morning exploring the ancient city Sri Ksetra with its unique cylindrical stone stupas. Before returning to the ship, stop at the Shwe Myat Mhan Pagoda to see the only bespectacled Buddha in Myanmar. Spend the afternoon relaxing on board and taking in the scenery.

 

DAY 6

Disembark at the small port of Zalon. Take a trishaw along the main street, lined with stunning colonial-style wooden houses and large tropical gardens. Arrive at the Pyi Taw Pyan Pagoda. Continue to another little-visited town called Danuphyu. This is where the revered General Maha Bandula led a Burmese defensive against the British troops during the Anglo-Burmese War.

 

 DAY 7

Spend the morning relaxing on the deck as you make your way to Yangon. Today, you may join an optional excursion to Syriam, a sleepy village just outside the capital. The tour includes a visit to a pagoda set on a tiny island, a riverside market and the imposing Kyaik Khauk Pagoda.

 

DAY 8

Disembark in the late morning for your onward travel arrangements.

 

JEWELS OF THE AYEYARWADY, ORCAELLA(8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS)
Embark on this seven-night cruise on Orcaella and capture the true spirit of Myanmar.

 

DAY 1

Board the vessel at its moorage in Yangon and enjoy a relaxing lunch as we start our journey to Bagan. Enjoy a full afternoon of sailing and an introductory lecture about Myanmar way of life. Lunch and dinner on board.

 

DAY 2

After a leisurely breakfast, visit the small port of Zalon. Explore the streets by trishaw before visiting the Pyaytawpyan Pagoda. Return to the ship for lunch and dinner.

 

DAY 3

Spend the day relaxing on board as we make our way towards the ancient Myanmar capital Pyay (Prome). Take in the sights and sounds of the river, or make use of the luxurious ship facilities.

 

DAY 4

Arrive in Pyay in the morning and disembark for a visit to the impressive Shwesadaw Pagoda. Return to Orcaella and spend the rest of the afternoon sailing through the stunning scenery.

 

DAY 5

After a full morning sailing, enjoy an afternoon stop to explore the quaint Gawaechaung village by ox-cart for first-hand experience of the rural lifestyle along the Ayerwaddy River. Orcaella will anchor this evening at Min Hla.

 

DAY 6

Start the day with a morning visit to the Min Hla Fort, the site of a great battle during the second Anglo Burman war. Continue to the trade port town Magwe and it’s famous Myathalon Pagoda. Also make a stop at the busy local market to experience the daily hustle and bustle.

 

DAY 7

Orcaella will set sail early morning for Bagan. Spend the entire afternoon visiting the ancient sites in and around Bagan with our experienced guide and witness sunset over the marvellous Bagan plain. Celebrate your final evening on board at a cocktail party on the Top Deck and say goodbye to your new friends during the Farewell Dinner.

 

DAY 8

Disembark early morning for your return flight to Yangon and onward travel.

 

GORGES OF THE FAR NORTH, ORCAELLA (12 DAYS / 11 NIGHTS)

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

 

DAY 1

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 you’ll get to know fellow travellers at the welcome dinner.

 

DAY 2

Disembark at Nwe Nyein for a guided walking tour and a chance to meet artisans sculpting traditional clay pots. Later, sail past the picturesque island pagoda of Thihadaw before enjoying a cocktail party on the top deck.

 

DAY 3

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

Visit Katha by trishaw and take in the market made famous by George Orwell in Burmese Days. In the afternoon, small boats take you ashore to the port of Shwegu and beyond to experience life in a typical riverside Shan village.

 

DAY 5

As the cruise continues, relax and admire the green-clad mountains reaching down to the narrowing channel. Travel past logging camps and the old colonial village of Zinbon. The ship drops anchor off Bhamo. Visit the town centre and enjoy the vibrant activity of this tribal meeting point.

 

DAY 6

Begin the day with a tour of picturesque Shwe Paw Island and its ancient pagodas. Your journey then takes you on to the riverside village of Moe Dar where you’ll witness a traditional noviciation ceremony.

 

DAY 7

In the early morning, board a train to the forest station of Naba and journey into the thick Kachin jungle and teak forest. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon gliding towards Kyan Hnayt, and end the day with a refreshing cocktail on the Top Deck.

 

DAY 8

This morning the ship anchors at Thabeikkyin. A winding road will lead you past a lush forestry reserve to Mogok, where you’ll meet elephants working in the teak forests.

 

DAY 9

Mandalay comes into view in the early morning. Disembark for a tour of Myanmar’s second city, including lunch at a local restaurant. Rejoin the ship at the quaint village of Shwe Kyet Yet and enjoy a tribal dance performance in the evening.

 

DAY 10

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 magical performance by traditional Bagan artists.

 

DAY 11

Visit the ancient sites in and around Bagan with an expert guide. In the afternoon you may choose to join a tour of Mount Popa—the legendary home of animist spirits known as Nats—with 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 evening’s cocktail party, and say goodbye to your new friends during the Farewell Dinner.

 

DAY 12

Transfer to Bagan airport for your flight to Yangon.

 

NEW YEAR'S CELEBRATION CRUISE, ORCAELLA (12 DAYS / 11 NIGHTS)
Ring in the New Year in style with an unforgettable cruise on Orcaella through this mesmerising land.

 

DAY 1

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 you’ll get to know fellow travellers at the welcome dinner.

 

DAY 2

Disembark at Nwe Nyein for a guided walking tour and a chance to meet artisans sculpting traditional clay pots. Later, sail past the picturesque island pagoda of Thihadaw before enjoying a cocktail party on the top deck.

 

DAY 3

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

Visit Katha by trishaw and take in the market made famous by George Orwell in Burmese Days. In the afternoon, small boats take you ashore to the port of Shwegu and beyond to experience life in a typical riverside Shan village.

 

DAY 5

As the cruise continues, relax and admire the green-clad mountains reaching down to the narrowing channel. Travel past logging camps and the old colonial village of Zinbon. The ship drops anchor off Bhamo. Visit the town centre and enjoy the vibrant activity of this tribal meeting point.

 

DAY 6

Begin the day with a tour of picturesque Shwe Paw Island and its ancient pagodas. Your journey then takes you on to the riverside village of Moe Dar where you’ll witness a traditional noviciation ceremony.

 

DAY 7

In the early morning, board a train to the forest station of Naba and journey into the thick Kachin jungle and teak forest. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon gliding towards Kyan Hnayt, and end the day with a refreshing cocktail on the Top Deck.

 

DAY 8

This morning the ship anchors at Thabeikkyin. A winding road will lead you past a lush forestry reserve to Mogok, where you’ll meet elephants working in the teak forests. 

 

DAY 9

Mandalay comes into view in the early morning. Disembark for a tour of Myanmar’s second city, including lunch at a local restaurant. Rejoin the ship at the quaint village of Shwe Kyet Yet and enjoy a tribal dance performance in the evening. 

 

DAY 10

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 magical performance by traditional Bagan artists. 

 

DAY 11

Visit the ancient sites in and around Bagan with an expert guide. In the afternoon you may choose to join a tour of Mount Popa—the legendary home of animist spirits known as Nats—with 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 evening’s cocktail party, and say goodbye to your new friends during the Farewell Dinner. 

 

DAY 12

Transfer to Bagan airport for your flight to Yangon. 

 

DISCOVERING THE CHINDWIN RIVER, ORCAELLA (12 DAYS / 11 NIGHTS)
Explore tiny villages and rugged scenery as you venture through a rarely-seen part of the country on board Orcaella.

 

DAY 1

Arrive in Mandalay and enjoy a sightseeing transfer to the ship. Visit Mandalay city for a look at the revered Mahamuni Temple and the Kuthadaw Pagoda before continuing to the ship mooring at Shwe Kyet Yet village. A welcome cocktail party will be held on Top Deck in the evening with an Introduction to the Ship Officers. Watch the sunset over the Chindwin after dinner on board.

 

DAY 2

Disembark and visit Monywa and the colourful, carnivalesque Thanboddhay Pagoda. Continue on to Bodhi Tataung and witness the magnificent 424 ft Standing Buddha. Return to the ship for the evening. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are on board.

 

DAY 3

Alight for a walking tour of Moktaw and a visit to the Monastery with the Shwe Moktaw Buddha. At the Monastery witness a traditional Noviciation Ceremony, a very important moment for Burmese boys. In the evening enjoy a Longyi cocktail party.

 

DAY 4

Disembark early morning for a 'tea-shop' experience in Maukkadaw and a visit to the local school. Enjoy lunch while sampling the amazing scenery as we pass through jungle clad gorges.

 

DAY 5

Leave early morning for an excursion by local bus to the town Kalay, the trade gateway to India. Continue to Mawleik for a late afternoon tour of this historically important town. Take a local tuk tuk truck and drive past the remnants of the old wooden colonial houses.

 

DAY 6

Relax with a full day of sailing. There will be a lecture about Myanmar culture and afternoon tea offered in the bar in the afternoon.

 

DAY 7

Disembark for an early morning trek through the rural village of Sittaung. Spend the afternoon at leisure as we sail closer to Homalin.

 

DAY 8

Arrive at the bustling town of Homalin. Disembark for an excursion by local tuk tuk to the Buddha Lotus Garden and the most famous Pagoda in the area. In the evening return to Homalin for special local entertainment.

 

DAY 9

Enjoy a day at leisure on board, watching the life on the Chindwin River roll by.

 

DAY 10

Take a morning tour to Mingin, a very important town during the reign of King Mindon, including a visit to the impressive Mahar Minkyaung Monastery. Continue your visit to Kyidaung Village and Kyidaung Oo Monastery, with a special welcome from local villagers. Return to the ship to continue sailing towards Kani for an afternoon tour. Visit the site of the Nat Shrine and experience a real 'Nat Pwe' paying homage to the Nat of Kani.

 

DAY 11

Arrive this afternoon in the ancient capital Bagan. Disembark for a visit to the important historical sites with our experienced guides and witness sunset over the marvellous Bagan plain. Enjoy a final Farewell Cocktail Party on board with special Myanmar Entertainment.

 

DAY 12

Disembark early morning for your return flight to Yangon and onward travel.