Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Getting Around
Motorcycle/three-wheeler taxis cost K1000/2000 to the airport, K2000/3000 to the IWT
ferry dock.
Rent bikes from Breeze Coffee & Cold (Letwet Thondaya Rd; per day K2000;
8.30am-7pm) , a small shop almost opposite Friendship Hotel.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Bhamo to Katha
Between Bhamo and Shwegu, the scenery reaches a modest climax in the short second
defile where the Ayeyarwady passes through a wooded valley with a rocky cliff face at
one section (often described misleadingly as a gorge).
RIVER SHOPPING
Even if you don't get off at some of the places the boats stop at, you'll have no
problem meeting the people who live there. The IWT ferries and fast boats are the
principal source of income for many people residing along the banks of the Ayeyar-
wady, and the moment they hove into sight, villagers jump into their wooden long-
boats laden with eveything from home-cooked curries, grilled fish and beer to ci-
garettes to sell to the passengers. Others wade out to the ferries, their wares bal-
anced precariously on their heads. Not only do these impromptu markets make
great photo opportunities, what's on offer is generally cheaper and tastier than the
monotonous diet of noodles and oily curries sold on board the IWT ferries. And
you'll soon get used to shopping on water.
Shwegu
074 / POPULATION C15,000
Every year around a dozen foreign travellers jump ship at historic Shwegu, a long ribbon
of township that stretches for three miles along the Ayeyarwady's southern bank. It's best
known for its elegantly unfussy pottery and for the fabled Shwe Baw Kyune monastery
on mid-river Kyundaw ('Royal') Island. Few locals speak English.
Sights
 
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