Gorges of the Far North

Days 1 : Fly to Rangoon (Yangon)

Fly overnight to Rangoon, the former capital of Burma (Myanmar).

Day 2 : Arrive Rangoon

On arrival you will be met by your expert tour guide and transferred to your hotel.

Day 3 : Rangoon at Leisure

The morning is free and in the afternoon, take a tour of the key sights of Rangoon with its magical colonial buildings. (B)

Day 4 : Irrawaddy Cruising

Fly to Mandalay and board your Road to Mandalay cruise ship to set sail for northern Burma, witnessing dramatic changes in scenery on the way. In Mingun, visit the impressive Mingun Temple and the massive Mingun Bell. Get to know your fellow travellers at a predinner drinks party. (B,L,D)

Day 5 : Gorges & New Nyein

Cruise through the first of the three gorges around midday. Take a walk through Nwe Nyein and see clay pot sculpting. Later, float past the picturesque island pagoda at Thihadaw. (B,L,D)

Day 6 : Kyan Hnyat & Cruising Upstream

Stroll around the delightful village of Kyan Hnyat, where the morning market bustles with activity. Continue cruising north through vast stretches of the scenic Irrawaddy. At sunset, anchor ship at the old market town of Katha. (B,L,D)

Days 7-8 : Katha Market & Shan Village

Take a morning walk around colourful Katha Market. After lunch on board, take a boat ride to the port of Shwegu and experience life in a typical riverside Shan village. The following day visit Bhamo. (B,L,D)

Day 9 : Shwe Paw Island

Enjoy a morning visit to the picturesque Shwe Paw Island and its ancient pagodas. Witness a novitiation ceremony at the riverside village of Moe Dar, an important aspect of Buddhist Burmese life. (B,L,D)

Day 10 : Kachin Jungle

Take an early morning train to the Kachin Jungle and teak forests. Later, cruise to the river port of Tigyaing. (B,L,D)

Day 11 : Mogok Elephants

Drive to the village of Mogok, passing a forestry reserve where botanical specimens are grown for their essential oils, before meeting the working elephants. (B,L,D)

Day 12 : Discover Mandalay

Cruise to Mandalay for a city tour including the iconic U Bein Bridge. (B,L,D)

Day 13 : Bagan Sunset

Continue cruising to Bagan past raw, Burmese village life. Take in the sunset over the ancient city. (B,L,D)

Day 14 : Bagan Temples

Visit the ancient temples of Bagan, often compared to Angkor Wat for their architecture and cultural significance. If you wish, explore the site by horse-drawn carriage or bicycle. In the afternoon, you may wish to join the optional excursion to mist-wreathed Mount Popa, an important pilgrimage site. (B,L,D)

Day 15 : Fly to Rangoon & Depart

Disembark your cruise ship and fly to Rangoon. Later today, fly to the UK. (B)

Tour includes:

all international airfares
all domestic transportation, departure taxes and current fuel surcharges
all accommodation
meals as stated
entrance fees, guides and daily tours
visa fees for UK and EU passport holders

Wendy Wu Tours is the leading independent specialist tour operator to China in the UK. They offer an extensive range of tour itineraries to enable you to visit famous tourist attractions such as the Great Wall, the Yangtze River or the Terracotta Warriors in China, Angkor Wat in Cambodia and the Taj Mahal in India.

Many of their tours also take you off the beaten track, to emerald lakes and traditional villages, allowing you to enjoy the authentic China experience. Other unforgettable excursions include a rickshaw ride through Beijing’s traditional Hutongs, attending a Buddhist ceremony or cruising on a traditional junk boat. They also offer the opportunity to explore a bustling city like Hong Kong or Dubai en-route for a few nights.

Our Opinion
Wendy Wu Tours allow you to not only visit famous attractions but really discover the country’s culture, natural beauty and hidden treasures. Coupled with their affordable, all-inclusive style pricing, it’s no surprise that the company is growing from strength to strength and winning multiple industry awards along the way!