Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
For more about travelling by boat in Myanmar
Click here
.
Routes
There are 5000 miles of navigable river in Myanmar, with the most important river being
the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy). Even in the dry season, boats can travel from the delta re-
gion (dodging exposed sandbars) all the way north to Bhamo, and in the wet they can
reach Myitkyina.
The ability of you being able to make such a journey though is another matter, as for-
eigners are barred from certain routes - at the time of research, for example, it was not
possible for foreign visitors to buy tickets on IWT ferries between Yangon and Pyay or
on any boats heading into or out of Myitkyina. This situation may change in the future.
The key riverboat routes that
can
be built into a travel itinerary include the following:
Yangon-Pathein
On the IWT ferry.
Yangon-Mandalay
Rarely offered route on luxury cruises.
Mandalay-Bagan
On the IWT ferry or private boats.
Mandalay-Bhamo-Katha
A few private fast-boat services, but mostly done on the IWT.
Mawlamyine-Hpa-an
By private boat.
Sittwe-Mrauk U
By private boats or IWT ferry.
Khamti-Monywa
Newly opening up Chindwin River route on IWT ferries and private
boats. A few luxury boats also sail along the Chindwin.
One other key thing to keep in mind is the direction in which to travel. Journeys which
head north (ie against the flow of the river) take days longer than those going south with
the river - this is especially the case on the lumbering IWT ferries.
Luxury Cruises
For creature comforts, such as a bed with a mattress and fully plumbed bathroom, your
only option will be a berth on a luxury cruise boat. Rates will usually include all meals
and excursions from the boat. The starting point for most trips is either Bagan or Man-
dalay, but occasionally itineraries will originate in Yangon.
Amara Cruise
(
www.amaragroup.net
) Owned by a German and his Myanmar wife, this
company runs cruises from Mandalay to Bagan (four days, three nights single/double
from €1230/1520) and Bhamo (seven days, six nights single/double from €2390/2980). Its
two medium-sized teak boats each have seven comfy cabins and are traditionally styled
but recently built. The company also runs a local charity, the Amara Foundation
(
www.amara-foundation.com
)
, which supports projects in the Ayeyarwady Delta region.
