Myanmar Exploring the Upper Ayeyarwady on the Orcaella with Amelia Dalton 14Th

Plain of Bagan at sunset

Myanmar Exploring the Upper Ayeyarwady On the Orcaella With Amelia Dalton 14th – 27th September 2016

The Ultimate Travel Company Escorted Tours

Contact Sophie Lonsdale Direct Line 020 7386 4679 Telephone 020 7386 4620 Fax 020 7386 8652 Email [email protected]

Amelia Dalton Amelia has visited and worked in Myanmar regularly over the past 10 years leading and lecturing on river boat charters as well as expanding her own passionate interest in the culture and plants of Myanmar. She has travelled extensively throughout the more remote areas of the country, explored many of the rivers as well as completing the whole of the navigable Ayeyarwady River from the far north down to Yangon.

Detailed Itinerary

As more of the world comes within our reach every day, few places still conjure up the thrill of discovery. Of those that do, perhaps the most evocative is Burma, now Myanmar, a mystical land of great natural beauty, wondrous world heritage sites and a deeply religious, gentle people.

Such has been the overwhelming response to our Road to Mandalay journey to Myanmar, which was sold out within weeks of its announcement, we have decided to create a new itinerary for those who were disappointed to find the ‘No Vacancy’ sign hanging on the ship’s prow. We are therefore very excited to announce that we have chartered Belmond’s (formerly Orient Express) Orcaella. The Orcaella, which means ‘Ayeyarwady Dolphin’, was launched in July 2013 and is the sister ship of the renowned Road to Mandalay. She can accommodate fifty passengers in 2 Balcony Suites, 2 Junior Suite, 12 State and 9 Deluxe Cabins and, similarly to the Road to Mandalay, she has an open sun deck, superb food and a small fitness centre.

As we cruise along this great waterway we will discover – on foot (very leisurely!), bicycle rickshaw and train – a natural and cultural landscape little changed since Kipling’s day. At the heart of the voyage is beauty, both natural and man-made, from the spectacular, jungle-clad gorges that dominate the upper reaches of the river to the market scenes of Katha from George Orwell’s Burmese Days, and the ancient capital of Mandalay immortalized by Kipling’s eponymous poem. For many the high point of the cruise will be the 3,000 temple ruins spread across the great plain of Bagan, but for everyone on board the overwhelming impression will be of a land and a people unchanged by time.

Day 1: Wednesday, 14th September London / Bangkok Depart London Heathrow at 12.30 hrs on a Thai Airways flight TG911 overnight to Bangkok.

Day 2: Thursday, 15th September Bangkok / Mandalay / Mingun Arrive in Bangkok at 05.45 hrs and depart at 09.45 hrs on flight TG309 arriving Mandalay at 11.10 hrs. Transfer on arrival to board the Orcaella, berthed on the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River at Shwe Kyet Yet - opposite the pagoda-studded Sagaing Hills.

Lunch on board. We begin our cruise, which offers an insight into the history, culture and magnificent scenery of this river land, and a glimpse of the timeless life of the river people as we sail. As in ancient

Egypt, much of Myanmar’s history is linked with the river, and all the country’s ancient capitals and ‘lost’ cities lie along the banks of the Ayeyarwady. Travelling north, we pass Mandalay on the east shore of the river and enjoy a view of Mandalay Hill in the distance. Late in the afternoon we anchor at Mingun for a visit to the largest brick-built pagoda in the world and the world’s largest un-cracked bell. Welcome dinner on board.

Day 3: Friday, 16th September Mingun / Nwe Nyein The ship makes an early start today, transiting the plain to the north and west of Mandalay before entering the 3rd Defile (gorge) at Singu around midday. En route, stop at the village of Nwe Nyein, known for its pottery production, to see the traditional methods which are still used today.

This evening, pre-dinner welcome drinks followed by dinner on board.

Day 4: Saturday, 17th September Tagaung / Nyaung-pin-thar Today begins with a relaxing morning cruising.

After lunch on board, disembark for a walking tour of the village of Tagaung, where the first inhabitants of Myanmar lived and Bamar civilization began. Visit the archaeological museum. Return to the ship. The boat drops anchor for the evening near Nyaung-pin-thar.

Day 5: Sunday, 18th September Htijiang / Katha Morning visit to Htijiang, a quiet river-side village with a stunning panoramic view over the Ayeyarwady River. Visit the local market and monastery.

Return to the ship and set sail. As the sun sets, the ship will anchor off the old market town of Katha, famous as the site where, in May 1942, the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company scuttled as many as 75 ships to defy the Japanese. Explore Katha by trishaw, to see the market place, jail, church, British Club and Tennis Club which were all made famous by George Orwell in Burmese Days. Return to the ship to change before dinner. Dinner will be served at Police Commissioner House, reputed to be the very one where Orwell lived. After dinner, explore the night market.

Day 6: Monday, 19th September Sinnkhan Today we continue our journey north progressing steadily up river, whilst the expansive scenery and charming rural villages slide past. There will be time for a massage as well as talks from the on-board team. The ship will drop anchor for the night near Sinnkhan.

Day 7: Tuesday, 20th September Bhamo / Weima / Shwegu Today we reach the magnificent 2nd Defile with its green-clad mountains reaching down to the narrowing channel. The ship holds close to the bank, passing logging camps and an old colonial village at Zinbon. We continue north towards the challenging 1st Defile where the ship will drop anchor off Bhamo, which has been fought over for years by Burmans, Kachins, Chinese, British, Japanese and Americans. The town is barely 50 miles from the Chinese border in the foothills of Yunnan, which can be clearly seen to the east. We transfer ashore to enjoy a walking tour of this lovely town and its markets.

Return to the boat for lunch on board before setting sail for Weima, where a local mahout (elephant handler) and his family live. Meeting the elephants will be a major highlight of our time on the river and we shall also visit a local school where there will be the chance to donate school supplies to the children. Return to the ship. The Orcaella will drop anchor near Shwegu. Dinner on board.

George Orwell’s house, Katha Shwe Paw Pagoda

Day 8: Wednesday, 21st September Naba / Kenni This morning we will board an antique train which takes us on a journey through the thick Kachin jungle to the forest station of Naba. After time to explore this small village and meet the locals we return through the rainforest to the Orcaella to continue sailing down river to Kenni where the ship moors for the night. Dinner on board.

Day 9: Thursday, 22nd September Sithae / Sheinmaker Morning at leisure as we continue our journey southwards heading downstream on the mighty Ayeyarwady.

After lunch on board, we visit the riverside village of Sithae to witness a traditional Noviciation Ceremony. This is a very important element of Buddhist life as it is considered to bring great honour to a family. Return to the ship and this evening drop anchor near Sheinmaker. Dinner on board.

Day 10: Friday, 23rd September Mandalay This morning we reach Mandalay in time to enjoy a tour of the city. We will see the ‘world’s largest book’ (Buddhist Scriptures inscribed on marble slabs) at the Kuthodaw Pagoda and visit the Aung Chan Tha Monastery to participate in a food offering to the monks.

After an early lunch at the monastery, there will be the option to visit a gold leaf studio to see the gold leaf being beaten into wafer thin pieces and then visit the Mahamuni Pagoda Buddha to see the highly revered gold-encrusted historic Buddha image. You will pass through the dusty streets filled with marble-carving workshops and watch the traditional methods of bronze casting and marble carving.

Alternatively, there is the option of a horse cart tour round Ava, which was the capital of Myanmar four times between 1364 and 1841 although what remains today dates mostly from the early 19th century. Visit the Bagaya Kyaung, a beautiful teak monastery, built in 1834, which still continues to be a monastic school. See the watch tower of King Bagyidaw’s palace and stop at Me Nu Okk Kyaung, the stucco-covered brick royal monastery temple. End the day with a spectacular sunset at the famous 200 year old “U Bein Bridge” at Amarapura. Dinner on board.

U-Bein Bridge, Amaarapura, Mandalay © Chris Caldicott Mandalay © Chris Caldicott

Day 11: Saturday, 24th September Mandalay / Bagan Early today we leave Mandalay on the last leg of our journey. We will enjoy magnificent views of the Sagaing Hill before sailing under Ava Bridge and passing traditional riverside communities with women doing household chores by the river and waving children as we spend the day relaxing on board. We will have an astrologer on board all day to read your palm and astrological chart.

After lunch on board, we will arrive in the ancient city of Bagan. Disembark for an afternoon tour of the city so see some of the many famous temples, such as the Ananda Temple, a whitewashed masterpiece of ‘Mon’ architecture with four standing Buddhas. Our introduction to this fascinating historic area ends by returning to the ship by horse-drawn cart, weaving our way back to the ship through the temples. Dinner on board.

Day 12: Sunday, 25th September Bagan & Mount Popa Our final day offers the opportunity to visit just some of the ancient sites in and around Bagan. These include a visit to the morning market, bustling with life selling everything from different varieties of rice to silks and antiques. Moving on we visit the Shwezigon Pagoda, an 11th century religious shrine with a golden stupa, which is Bagan's most important reliquary shrine; Htilominlo, which has old murals and friezes: the Nyaung Oo market and Gubyaukgyi, the Kyansittha ‘Cave’ Temple.

After lunch in Bagan, there will be an optional tour out of the city to Mount Popa, home to Myanmar’s intriguing ‘nats’ (spirits) which have been worshipped in Myanmar since long before the arrival of Buddhism. This is a steep and energetic climb (or you can be carried on a litter!), but rewarded with fabulous views from its impressive monastery at the summit. This evening, pre-dinner drinks mark the end of a most memorable voyage. Farewell dinner on board.

Day 13: Monday, 26th September Bagan / Yangon / Bangkok Early this morning, sadly we disembark from the Orcaella and transfer to the airport for a flight back to Yangon. On arrival, we transfer to the Park Royal Hotel where day rooms have been booked.

Lunch at the hotel. The remainder of the afternoon under own arrangements. Late afternoon transfer to the airport. Depart Yangon at 19.45 hrs on Thai Airways flight TG306 to Bangkok arriving at 21.40 hrs.

Plain of Bagan at Sunset © Chris Caldicott Mount Popa

Day 14: Tuesday, 27th September Bangkok / London Depart Bangkok at 01.10 hrs on TG 910 to London Heathrow arriving at 07.15 hrs.

Orcaella Relaxed elegant dining, a cooling dip in the pool, or a reviving massage on board – travelling on Orcaella is an unforgettable adventure.

The on board team provides a warm welcome and professional, attentive service that encourages both repose and recreation. They are on hand to make sure your on board experience is truly unforgettable.

The Cabins The 25 spacious air-conditioned cabins all open onto the river, allow you to experience the wonderful views of the the Ayeyarwady River with its sights, sounds and scents of Myanmar.

The floor-to-ceiling opening glass doors provide the perfect frame to the river and its banks.

Orcaella can accommodate up to 50 guests in 2 Balcony Suites, 2 Junior Suite, 12 State and 9 Deluxe Cabins. All cabins have en-suite facilities and are arranged over two of the ship’s four decks.

Dining The executive chef creates innovative dishes featuring local ingredients which sit alongside European delicacies. A carefully chosen wine list complements the rich and varied menus.

Sun Deck With an open sundeck area, lounge, bar and swimming pool, this is the perfect retreat. With a refreshing drink in hand, sit back and admire the passing views of river life.

Orcaella Wellbeing If you wish to workout, or simply indulge in a treatment, the Wellbeing area provides a fitness and massage centre.

Boutiques The ideal place to purchase a memento of your time on board. The two boutiques, located on the upper deck, have a variety of traditional and local crafts including lacquerware, fabrics and jewellery.

Tour Price

Prices subject to change. COST IN A DELUXE CABIN: £6,650 per person Single supplement for Deluxe Cabin: £1,295 COST IN A STATE CABIN: £7,290 per person Single supplement for State Cabin: £2,340 COST IN A JUNIOR SUITE: £8,440 per person COST IN BALCONY SUITE: £9,570 per person Visa fees: £60 per person (subject to change) Business Class supplement: Available on request A fee of £95 per person will be charged for those who would like to travel out or back separately from the main group.

The tour cost includes:  economy class scheduled flights as per the itinerary  air passenger duty, passenger service charge, airline security charges, airport taxes and fuel surcharges where applicable – currently £372 (liable to change without notice)  accommodation throughout as shown in the itinerary  breakfast daily; 12 lunches; 11 dinners; local beer; table wine and bottled water included at meals  all entrance fees, visits and excursions as per the itinerary  all transportation as detailed in the itinerary  local English-speaking guides  gratuities in restaurants; gratuities to drivers; porterage  the services of your tour leader throughout the tour

The tour cost does NOT include:  drinks other than at meal times  visas  travel insurance  items of personal expenditure (e.g. telephone calls / laundry etc.)  gratuities to guide/s  government levies or taxes introduced after costing and publication of this programme on 08/04/15

Changes to the Itinerary Please note, that certain elements of this itinerary, and/or the order of events, may well be subject to alteration due to circumstances beyond our control.

Fitness to travel Whilst we do not impose any age limitations on joining a tour, participants must be reasonably fit. The very nature of the sightseeing involved in our tours (and the difficulties of direct access by coach in various places) means that a considerable amount of walking and standing is unavoidable on almost all tours. We regret that our tours are not suitable for people who have difficulty in walking, may require wheelchair assistance at any time, or are unable to keep pace with the group. If you are in any doubt as to the suitability of a tour, please make this known to us before you book and we will advise you accordingly. The Ultimate Travel Company reserves the right to decline a reservation without necessarily giving a reason. Your tour leader may also refuse to take participants on particular excursions if they feel that the rest of the group will be held up.

Airline Tickets As a tour operator we have access to special airfares. While these offer good value, they do carry certain restrictions applied by the airline. Please ask us for details.

Note: If you are thinking about using air miles to upgrade to a premium cabin on the flights, please check with us first as fare restrictions might not permit this.

Health No vaccinations are required for entry into Myanmar but the following are currently recommended:

Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid - Recommended for all travellers

Other vaccines to consider:

Polio - One-time booster recommended for any adult traveller who completed the childhood series but never had polio vaccine as an adult.

Yellow fever - Required for all travellers greater than one year of age arriving from a yellow-fever-infected area in Africa or the Americas and for travellers who have been in transit more than 12 hours in an airport located in a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Not recommended otherwise. N.B. If you have travelled within a yellow fever infected area during the past two years, you will require proof of inoculation.

Japanese encephalitis - For travellers who may spend a month or more in rural areas and for short-term travellers who may spend substantial time outdoors in rural areas, especially after dusk.

Rabies - For travellers spending a lot of time outdoors, or at high risk for animal bites, or involved in any activities that might bring them into direct contact with bats.

Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) - Two doses recommended for all travellers born after 1956, if not previously given.

Stomach upsets are an ever-present problem but avoidable if you are careful. Do not drink tap water that has not been first boiled or sterilised (purified and bottled water is available everywhere) and be cautious when eating outside of the hotel. Beware of the tropical sun especially on the Ayeyarwady River. Limit your exposure to the sun to a minimum, always use protective creams with a high UV filter and wear a hat. It is advisable to take a small personal first aid kit with you.

Malaria risk throughout the year in all areas excluding the major cities Mandalay and Yangon (Rangoon) so anti-malarial prophylactics are recommended.

Please check recommended practice with your GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic.

Passport and Visas A visa is required by all British passport holders and most other nationalities, and must be obtained prior to departure. This can be done through CIBT, directly with the embassy or through the new online e-visa service. NB. It is best not to state any media related occupation (journalist, writer or photographer for example) on the visa application form.

At the time of writing, your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond your departure date from Myanmar and have at least two blank pages.

Within your confirmation documents we provide details of the company ‘CIBT’ who will offer the facility of obtaining your visa. Should you wish to use this service, we ask you to deal directly with ‘CIBT’ who will obtain all visas in person, and return your passport to you (with visa) by registered post. Should you have any queries with this process CIBT can be contacted on 0207 963 3871.

If you decide to make an application directly with the Embassy, we recommend you do this in person and not by post. For further information contact the Embassy of the Union of Myanmar, 19A Charles Street, London, W1J 5DX, telephone 020 7499 4340.

The new online e-visa service allows travellers to obtain a visa prior to arrival in Myanmar without the need for sending away your passport. Applications can be submitted at www.myanmarevisa.gov.mm. A passport photo needs to be uploaded or alternatively you can take a picture using your web cam (if available). Payment must be made using either MasterCard or Visa. Once you have applied for your e-visa and the Burmese government approves it (this process takes approximately one week), it must be used within three months. You will need to print a copy of the approval notice you will receive as it will be required to board your international flights. On arrival in Myanmar you will also need to present to immigration a copy of your e-visa approval notice and your passport. There is no extra cost for the visa at the airport and no need for passport photographs. Please note it is only possible to obtain an e-visa is entering Myanmar through Yangon. The e-visa can be used for a single-entry only and is valid for 28 days after entering the country.

FCO Advice Travel advice issued by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office can be viewed at www.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo .

Accommodation Hotels are chosen on the basis of category, character and location. The majority will be at least 4 star, otherwise the best available. The projected size of the group will often rule out the use of luxury boutique hotels. Sometimes the style of hotel will mean that not all rooms are of the same size or have the same outlook.