Europe

Admire the breathtaking temples of Pagan, on Day 10

Cruise the Irrawaddy River back into time aboard the Road To Mandalay. From the jewel studded temples of Mandalay and sacred domes of Pagan and Mingun, to the rustic villages that dot the river along the way, nowhere on earth remains as untouched as mystical Burma.
Amazing China 13 Days The Road To Mandalay  15 Days
Marvels of China and Tibet  17 Days Eastern & Oriental Express  8 Days
China Value Season  14 Days Amazing Thailand  9 Days
Hong Kong Extension  4 Days Angkor Wat Extension  5 Days
Triple Orient Delight  11 Days Spa,Thai Cooking, Private Jet...  
The Road to Mandalay  15 Days
A journey along the legendary Irrawaddy River is a voyage of a lifetime. From this mighty river, which runs the length of the country, all Burma’s treasures can be admired. The elegant river cruiser Road To Mandalay provides the ultimate vantage point from which to absorb Burma’s serene beauty, taking in its golden-spired pagodas,ancient temples, and sleepy riverside settlements.
Operated by the Orient Express, the Road To Mandalay offers an international standard of luxury and elegance. The ships stylish décor blends elements that reflect Burma’s traditional motifs with more contemporary touches. All of the 66 spacious, air-conditioned cabins come furnished with beautiful fabrics, soft towels and friendly 24 hour room service.
After a day of sightseeing, guest can take a cooling dip in the on-deck swimming pool, enjoy a cocktail at one of the lounges or bars, listen to the resident pianist, or simply admire the surrounding beauty from the canopied observation deck.
You can also look forward to a delicious gourmet dinner, created by award-winning chefs who blend the best of east and west.
There are few corners of the world where you can still experience a unique culture in all its original charm. Burma, however, is such a place, and from the moment you arrive in this hauntingly beautiful land, it
will work its magic upon you.

Day 1: USA - Bangkok

Your journey begins today to the “Land of Smiles” on your comfortable flight.

 

Day 2: Bangkok

Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Hotel: Shangri-La Bangkok

 

Day 3: Bangkok

The many canals of the Chao Phya River give Bangkok the name “Venice of the East”. Enjoy a boat cruise along the Thonburi Klongs (canals) for a first hand impression of  life along Bangkok’s waterways. Visit the Royal Barges Museum, the Temple of Dawn, and the Grand Palace – one of the most beautiful exampless of Siamese court architecture. See the Funeral Palace, the Reception Palace, the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Royal Guest House, and the beautiful Emerald Buddha Temple. Remainder of the day is at leisure. This evening savor a delicious Thai style dinner in a local restaurant accompanied by Thai classical music and dances. (B,D)

 

Day 4: Bangkok

Embark on a full day tour to the rural floating market of Damnoen Saduak, 90 miles west of Bangkok. Visit Nakorn Pathom, famous for the  “Phra Pathom Chedi”, the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia. Enjoy lunch followed by a Thai cultural show featuring traditional dance, Thai boxing, sword fighting,and elephants at work. (B,L)

Day 5: Bangkok - Rangoon

Fly to Yangon and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon tour Yangon’s colonial style city center. Visit the 2000 year old Sule Pagoda, the magnificent reclining Buddha at Chauk Htat Gyi and stroll through the Bogyoke Market, known for its clothes, handicrafts and gems stores. Complete your first day in Burma with a visit to one of the world’s most spectacular monuments, the Shwedagon Pagoda. Tonight enjoy dinner with cultural show at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)

Hotel: Traders Hotel

Day 6: Rangoon

Visit to the Kaba Aye (World Peace) Pagoda where the sixth Buddhist synod took place. and Yangon’s oldest Chinese temple. After lunch see the 26 foot high Golden Lion Throne as well as the Mandalay Royal Regalia at the National Museum. (B,L,D)

 

Day 7: Rangoon - Mandalay - m.s. Road To Mandalay

After breakfast fly to Mandalay and transfer to the Road To Mandalay. Begin your leisurely 7-night journey along the legendary Irrawaddy River. After your lunch, tour the beautiful city of Mandalay. Visit the Maha Muni, the “Great Sage” Pagoda, the city’s holiest shrine. Your tour will continue to the nearby Shwenandaw Monastery, a perfect example of traditional Burmese wooden architecture, covered inside and out with carved panels. In evening enjoy a special welcome aboard cocktail and dinner onboard. Dine in the elegantly decorated Pagoda restaurant, with lovely local woodcarvings and paneling, and enjoy the delicious local dishes prepared by your professional chefs. (B,L,D)

 

Day 8: Mandalay - Cruising

Spend the early morning in Sagaing on the west bank of the river. Sagaing was the capital of an independent Shan Kingdom in the 14th century. Today it is considered the center of Buddhism in Burma, and hundreds of monasteries dot its hillsides. In the late morning sail for Pagan. Spend the rest of the day relaxing onboard, admiring the temples and snow-white pagodas rise above the trees and glitter in the sunlight. Onboard lectures and longyi (sarong) tying demonstrations will enrich your tour experience. (B,L,D)

 

Day 9: Pagan

Arrive mid-morning and disembark for our first glimpse of the remains of the ancient capital of Pagan, scattered across the vast plain. Visit a typical Burmese village and a local market. Climb the exterior slopes of one of the pagodas for a breathtaking view of the sunset over the plain. (B,L,D)

 

Day 10: Pagan - Mt. Popa

Today enjoy a full day excursion to Mt. Popa,  a sacred place for the Burmese. The view from from its peak (approx. 5,000 ft) is one of the most beautiful sights in all of Burma. Enjoy lunch at the Mt. Popa Resort. (B,L,D)

 

Day 11: Pagan - Cruising

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Pagan before the ship’s departure for Mandalay. Cruise all afternoon, choosing perhaps to attend one of the onboard lectures. (B,L,D)

 

Day 12: Cruise - Mandalay-Ava

After lunch arrive in Mandalay. In the afternoon visit Ava, the “entrance to the lake”. Ava was once the capital of the Burmese kingdom but now it is just a quaint little village. A horse-cart will be your transportation to get around the city, just like the locals, as you visit some of the region’s oldest monasteries and pagodas. (B,L,D)

 

Day 13: Mandalay

In the morning transfer by a local ferry to Mingun. Along the way see plenty of river life – ferries, teak and bamboo rafts, paddle steamers and small boats. Visit Hsinbyume and the remains of the Mingun Pagoda. Return by ferry for a late lunch. (B,L,D)

 

Day 14: Mandalay - Yangon - Bangkok

Breakfast on board, transfer from jetty to airport for international flight to Bangkok via Yangon. Arrival Bangkok’s Don Muang International Airport. Meet and transfer to the hotel.

Hotel: Shangri-La Bangkok(B)

 

Day 15: Bangkok - USA

Today is your flight home. Treasure the memorable sights, sounds and the cultures of Thailand and Burma. (B)

The elegant dining room of the Road To Mandalay

Highlights:

• Bangkok Grand Palace and Klongs Tour

• Thai cultural dinner and show in Bangkok

• Tour of the rural floating market of Damnoen Saduak

• 7 night cruise aboard the Road To Mandalay

• Visit to the Bogyoke Market in Rangoon

• Rangoon’s Sule Pagoda & reclining Buddha

• Tour of Shwenandaw Monastery, Mandalay

• View the temples of Pagan at sunset

• Excursion to fascinating Mt. Popa

• Horse drawn tour of Ava

• Visit to Hsinbyume and the Mingun Pagoda

USA Departure
2005
Land, Cruise & Air*
Nov 20, 24; Dec 18 $5,098
Suite Upgrade (per person)  1,250
J* From LAX, SFO, SEA. Includes standard cabin
accommodation aboard the Road To Mandalay
Single Supplement: $780
US Departure Tax not includedSingle Supplement: $780
US Departure Tax not included

[HOME] [GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITION] [CONTACT US] [EMPLOYEE]