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Home , Bagaya Monastery, Chindwin River, Hukawng Valley, Kabaw Valley, Kalewa, Mingun

Palace Tours − Luxury Tours Collection The Chindwin &Upper Irrawaddy The Chindwin &Upper Irrawaddy

Embark on a true expedition to the remote reaches of the upper Chindwin and the Upper Irrawaddy rivers on a luxury river cruise. This monumental exploration includes 20 nights on board a river cruiser as you experience varied scenery and diverse cultural sites. Proceed upstream for 600 miles on the Chindwin to the city of and sail back downstream to the city of Pagan just below the confluence of the Chindwin with the Irrawaddy, and continue further up the Irrawaddy to .

Please note that this expedition takes place during the Southeast Asia monsoon season which is the only time there are sufficient water levels to attempt to traverse these remote rivers, so it may rain but not continuously. This is a real expedition and the itinerary is subject to sudden changes due to water levels or other local conditions.

ITINERARY

• Day 1 − Travel from Yangon to Kalemyo

Board your domestic flight from Yangon and depart for Kalemyo, the gateway town of the Chin State. You are met upon arrival at the airport and driven to , where you may explore the area with its markets and quaint wooden architecture. Kalewa is a town at the confluence of the and the Myittha River in northwest . The Indo−Myanmar Friendship Bridge links Kalewa to the town of Moreh in the Indian state of . Settle in to your comfortable cabin on the cruise ship and enjoy dinner on board.

• Day 2 − Morning walk at Balet and relax on board

Stop for morning walk at Balet, a charming and typical river community. Later rejoin the ship and spend the remainder of the day relaxing on board as you cruise to Kindat.

• Day 3 − Travel from Kindat to

Continue onward from Kindat, which was as far as the old IFC steamers ventured outside of the Monsoon season. This part of the Chindwin valley is very sparsely populated and villages are few and far between.

• Day 4 − Cruise past the mouth of the to Sitthaung

Today, enjoy the scenery as the ship passes the mouth of the Yu River which drains the Kubu valley. Arrive into Sitthaung, the final resting place of a number of IFC steamers which scuppered there in 1942.

• Day 5 − Sail from Sitthaung to Toungdoot

Cruise towards Toungdoot, or Hsawng−hsup in Tain, an ancient Shan enclave which in British times still had a ruling prince or sawbwa complete with palace and court.

• Day 6 − Pass the through Toungdoot to Homalin

Continue on the Uyu River on the way to Homalin, passing gold washers on the way. Homalin is the furthest navigable point on the Chindwin for vessels of our size.

1 • Day 7 − Cruise to , the administrative capital

Proceed from Homalin to Mawlaik, which replaced Kindat as the administrative capital of Myanmar. Like other towns of the Upper Chindwin, they can only be reached by boat so cars are few.

• Day 8 − Teak monasteries of Mingkin

Continue your leisurely journey to Mingkin, which was rediscovered by Paul Strachan in 1987 and detailed in his book Mandalay: Travels from the Golden City. It remains for Paul the most art historically interesting site in Myanmar with its sumptuously decorated Konbaung court style teak monasteries. Some have also described Mingkin as the Luang Prabang of the Chindwin.

• Day 9 − Explore and the Thanbodi Temple

Now entering the Lower Chindwin where the river widens and the forested hills fall away to farmland we pass a number of attractive villages. Later in the day, you have the chance to explore the bustling town of Monywa and if time permits, perhaps make a quick trip to the Thanbodi Temple with its million Buddha images.

• Day 10 − Your day at leisure on board

Relax on board and cruise all day through the great Lower Chindwin plain.

• Day 11 − Explore the monuments of

Today, tour a selection of the most significant of the 3,000 listed monuments found at this World Heritage Site. One of the most remarkable archaeological sights in Asia, if not the world, the magic of Bagan has inspired visitors to journey to Myanmar for nearly 1,000 years. Once the center of a glorious kingdom, ancient temples dot the landscape as far as the eye can see. Today, apart from its spectacular sunset views and serene river cruises, Bagan is also the center of the expanding Myanmar lacquerware industry, which you have the chance to experience first hand with a visit to lacquerware manufacturers. Sail in the afternoon and take an evening walk in the Oh Ne village to see the local life in this typical riverside community.

• Day 12 − Visit Yandabo village

Head upstream to the Chindwin confluence and stop in the evening at the small rural village of Yandabo which specializes in pot making. You also will have a chance to visit the Pandaw School that was built with donations from past cruise passengers.

• Day 13 − Discover Ava and

This morning, travel to the former capital of Ava to explore its ruins; enjoy a visit to Bagaya Kyaung, a 200−year−old monastery made entirely of elaborately carved teak. In the afternoon, travel to Mandalay for an orientation tour of the city, visiting Mahamuni Pagoda at sunset and Amarapura's U Bein Bridge, the longest teak bridge in the world.

• Day 14 − Visit Pagoda and the famous giant bell

Cast off early this morning and stop at Mingun to see the largest working bell in the world, weighing in at 90 tons. Also visit the Mingun , also known as the Mingun Pagoda, an unfinished structure that is the largest single mass of brick building in the world. Later, visit the Mingun Old People's Home that was originally established with the assistance of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company in the 1930s.

2 • Day 15 − Visit the Kyaukmyoung potteries

Visit the spectacular potteries near Kyaukmyoung and then rejoin the ship which continues sailing upstream through the Third Defile for the rest of the day. Along the way, enjoy a visit to the Khan−nyat village where you can see several Buddhist monasteries and an orphanage.

• Day 16 − The ancient city of Tagaung

Disembark the cruise ship for a day trip to explore the ancient city of Tagaung by foot and view its ancient fortifications. In the evening, climb the Pagoda Hill at Tigyang to witness the stunning views of the .

• Day 17 − The real setting of Burmese Days

Today, the ship reaches the enchanting colonial town of Katha (also 'Kathar'), the setting for George Orwell's first novel Burmese Days. Katha was the final resting place of the old flotilla and it is where over a hundred ships were scuppered in 1942.

• Day 18 − Sail upstream to Shwegu and Kyundaw Island

Continue sailing upstream toward Shwegu, whereupon disembarkation you can explore another center of pot making. Move on to discover Kyundaw, a midstream island containing monasteries and countless small pagodas. Cruise through the 2nd Defile, the most dramatic of the three gorges with cliffs towering over the narrow channel.

• Day 19 − Inywa village exploration

Disembark the ship today in Inywa, where you may enjoy a delightful walk through some of the oldest wooden village houses in Burma. Rejoin the ship and continue cruising to Khanyat.

• Day 20 − History of Khanyat

Relax on your last cruising day as the ship makes its way to Khanyat. Here, visit a Buddhist orphanage and the grave of an English officer who was assassinated during the Pacification of Burma (1887).

• Day 21 − Disembark the cruise in Mandalay

Disembark the cruise ship in Mandalay. Bid farewell to your fellow passengers and let the memories of the past three weeks linger in your mind for a long, long time.

DESTINATION INFORMATION

• Amarapura

3 Amarapura (means "City of Immortality") is a city in the Mandalay Division of Myanmar, situated 11 km to the south of Mandalay. It was founded by King of the Konbaung Dynasty as his new capital in 1783. From 1841−1857, King Mindon decided to relocate his capital from Amarapura to his planned city of Mandalay in 1860. Today little remains of the old city as the palace buildings were dismantled and moved by elephant to the new location, and the city walls were pulled down for use as building materials for roads and railways. Part of the moat is still recognizable near . The city is known today for its traditional silk and cotton weaving, and bronze casting. It is a popular tourist day−trip destination from Mandalay

• Ava (Innwa) Innwa (formerly Ava) is a city in the Mandalay Division of Myanmar, situated just to the south of Amarapura on the Ayeyarwady River. It is also called Ratanapura, which means City of Gems in Pali. The name Innwa means mouth of the lake. Ava was the capital of Burma from 1364−1841 founded by King Thadominbya on an artificial island at the confluence of the Ayeyarwady and the Myitnge created by digging a canal linking the two rivers. After a tremendous earthquake in the area which caused extensive damage in 1841, Ava was finally abandoned for Amarapura. Today, only little remains of the ancient capital exist, because of another earthquake in 1939, which destroyed most of Ava's palaces.

• Bagan

Bagan, formerly Pagan, is an ancient city in the Mandalay Division of Burma. Formally titled Arimaddanapura (the City of the Enemy Crusher) and also known as Tambadipa (the Land of Copper) or Tassadessa (the Parched Land), it was the ancient capital of several ancient kingdoms in Myanmar. It is located in the dry central plains of the country, on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwady River, 90 miles (145 km) southwest of Mandalay. Bagan is one of the most remarkable archaeological sights in Asia, if not the world, the magic of Bagan has inspired visitors to Myanmar for nearly 1000 years. Once the centre of a glorious kingdom, ancient temples dot the landscape as far as the eye can see. Today, apart from spectacular sunset views and serene river cruises, Bagan is also the centre of the expanding Myanmar lacquerware industry.

• Chindwin River

The Chindwin River is a river in Burma (Myanmar) and the largest tributary of the Ayeyarwady River. It flows entirely within Burma and is known as Ning−thi to the Manipuris. The Chindwin River is 750 miles from north to south, with much of its course lie within mountain ranges and dense forests. The mountain ranges to the west of the Chindwin are formidable, yet not totally impregnable to armies. The Burmese army in the 18th century invaded and occupied Manipur and marching across these ranges, and even encroached upon British . During the World War II, when the Japanese had cut off sea access, the British army and other allied forces under the General retreated on foot to India across the same mountains, with disastrous results, mainly due to disease and hunger. The Ledo Road was built across the to supply . The Chindwin was a major barrier both for the Japanese trying to invade India and for the Allied forces to reoccupy Burma.

4 • Homalin

Homalin is a town in northwest Myanmar. The Chindwin River passes the town on the left bank. Just below Homalin, the Chindwin is joined by the Uyu (or Uru) river on the left. The Uyu is the largest tributary on the Chindwin River. Below Homalin, the Chindwin is joined on the right by the Yu river, which drains the Kabaw valley.

• Irrawaddy River

The Ayeyarwady River or Irrawaddy River is a river that flows from North to South of Burma (Myanmar). It is the country's largest river (about 1350 miles or 2170 km long) and its most important commercial waterway, with a drainage area of about 158,700 square miles (411,000 km²). The Ayeyarwaddy River starts in the North of , at the confluence of the Mali Hka and N'Mai Hka rivers. The western Mali Hka branch arises from the end of the southern Himalayas, north of Putao, and (like the main river) is called Nam Kiu in the Shan language. The Ayeyarwaddy River bisects the country from north to south and empties through a nine−armed Irrawaddy Delta into the Indian Ocean. In colonial times, before railways and automobiles, the river was known as the "Road to Mandalay". Although navigable by large vessels to Myitkyina for a distance over 1600 km from the ocean, the river is also full of sandbanks and islands, making such navigation difficult. For many years, the only bridge built to cross the Ayeyarwady River was the Bridge.

• Kalemyo

Kalemyo is a town in the Chin State of Burma. Upstream from Mandalay and Monywa on the Chindwin River, the town is gaining importance as a staging point for trade between Burma and India (Kalaymyo is about 150 km from the Burma−India border at Tamu). During the Second World War, Kalaymyo was an important regroup point for the British during their retreat from Burma in 1942 because of the relatively easier access to India along the Manipur River (the alternative was to march through malarial forests from Kalewa to Tamu. There is an airport at Kalaymyo, an extension of a British built Second World War airstrip that was used to ferry troops and supplies into Burma during the British re−conquest of Burma in 1945.

• Kalewa Kalewa is a town at the confluence of the Chindwin River and the Myittha River in northwest Myanmar. The Indo−Myanmar Friendship Bridge links Kalewa to India's Manipur state's town of Moreh.

5 • Katha

Katha is a town in Division, Myanmar, on the west bank of the Ayeyarwady River. It is known in literature as the real place underlying the fictional Kyauktada, setting of George Orwell's first novel Burmese Days (1934). Orwell himself served at Kathar in 1926−27 in the Indian Imperial Police. The British Club (including active tennis court), police station, and town jail are locations referenced in the novel that can still be visited today. Katha can be reach by rail through the railroad junction town of Naba or by ferries that run on the Ayeyarwady River from the town of Bhamo upstream down to Mandalay. The main economy of the town is fisheries and farming of kidney beans.

• Mandalay

Mandalay is the second largest city in Burma (Myanmar), and the principal cultural and economic city of upper Myanmar, and former royal capital, Mandalay still evokes images of a romantic bygone era. It was the last royal capital (1860™885) of an independent Burmese Kingdom before annexation by the British, in 1885, and is capital of the current Mandalay Division. The royal palace and its impressive surrounding moat sits at the foot of the imposing . Positioned on the banks of the mighty Ayeryarwaddy River, Mandalay lies within easy striking distance of former colonial hill stations, ancient cities and other cultural attractions.

• Mawlaik

Mawlaik is a town in Sagaing Division in northwest Myanmar, along the Chindwin River.

• Mingun

Mingun is a town in Sagaing Division, northwest Myanmar (Burma), located 11 km up the Ayeyarwady River on the west bank from Mandalay. Its main attraction is the ruined Mingun Pahtodawgyi, the remains of a massive unfinished Buddhist stupa begun by King Bodawpaya in 1790. The temple was not completed, due to an astrologer claiming that, once the temple was finished, the king would die. Had the stupa been completed, it would have been the largest in the world at 150 meters. Despite its ruined state, the remains are impressive, making it the largest pile of bricks in the world. There are huge cracks in the structure from the earthquake of 1838, but a small shrine with a Buddha image still serves its purpose as a place of worship and meditation. Pondaw paya or a working model of the stupa can be seen nearby. King Bodawpaya also had a gigantic bell cast to go with his huge stupa. The weighs 90 tons, and is today the largest ringing bell in the world. Just a couple of hundred yards from the great stupa and bell lies the beautiful white Hsinbyume or Myatheindan Pagoda with a distinctive architectural style modelled after the mythical Myinmo taung or Mount Meru, built in 1816 by Bodawpaya's grandson and successor

6 and dedicated to the memory of his first consort Princess Hsinbyume (Lady of the White Elephant, granddaughter of Bodawpaya, 1789−1812) who died in childbed.

• Monywa

Monywa is a city in Sagaing Division, Myanmar, and located 136 km northwest of Mandalay on the eastern bank of the Chindwin River. Monywa is a major centre for trade and commerce and for agricultural produce from the surrounding Chindwin Valley. The major tourist attraction in Monywa (although very few tourists make it there, and facilities are very limited) is Mohnyin Thambuddhei Paya, a Buddhist temple with a huge stupa resembling Indonesia's Borobudur. It dates from 1303, although it was reconstructed in 1939. It is said to contain over 500,000 images of Buddha. The city is home to the Monywa Education College, Monywa Institute of Economics and Monywa University.

• Shwegu

Shwegu is a town in the Kachin State of northernmost part of the Myanmar. Shwegu lies at the end of the spectacular second Gorge of the Irrawaddy River south of Bhamo. The River cuts its way through this most beautiful Gorge with high cliffs and thick forests. Shwegu features family potteries making large quantities of unglazed earthenware by throwing and beating, bargains on hand−carved wooden gold−panning bowls, textiles. Nearby is Kyundaw Island monastery a mid−stream island of monasteries and countless small pagodas.

• Tagaung

Tagaung is situated on the east bank of the river Ayeyarwady, 127 miles north of Mandalay and 56 miles north of . Its civilization dates back to the early Christian era with Pyu culture. The ruins of the fort walls and traces of a moat are the only remnants of this ancient site. The western wall appears to have washed away by the river. Being in close proximity civilization of the Bagan era, a large ruined pagoda called the Shwe Zigon is evidence that prevailed at this site since those early days. As the new town occupies almost the whole of the ancient site, excavations of archaeological interest could not be carried out except for a few plots in 1967−69. The excavations showed evidences of habitation sites and religious edifices, which yielded many votive tablets of seated Buddha. Large images were completely absent. A civilized settlement existed within the fortified walls.

• Thaungdut or Hsawng−Hsup Hsawnshsup was a little "" inside the Myanmar birmanian territory, with a surface of 932 sqKM. It was founded before 1858 under a Saopha or Chaofa (Shan for king or chieftain) or Sawbwa in Burmese, it ceased to exist in 1893. Its capital is Thaungdut, which is located in the valley of Kabaw. It is neighbored by Manipur to the West, Homalin to the North, Paungbyn to the East and the city of Tamu in the south. The Chindwin River generally flows southward through the Naga Hills and past the Thaungdut town. The State of Hsawnshsup is mainly forest, all but the valley where the capital is located. The population is Shan (55%) mixed with Birmanians (35%) and Xins (10%).

7 • Yandabo

Yandabo is a village on the Ayeyarwady River in central Burma. It gives its name to the Treaty of Yandaboo, signed in 1826.

• Yangon

Yangon (also known as Rangoon), the cosmopolitan capital city of Myanmar, still maintains its colonial charm with wide tree lined avenues, tranquil lakes, and gracious turn of the century architecture. The magnificent dominates the city skyline, while at street level Yangon is a paradise for hunting out a variety of exotic arts and crafts. Of particular interest in the many shops of Scott Market and of world renown, are Myanmar's precious stones rubies, sapphires and jade. At night time Chinatown comes alive with its pungent aromas and delicious street food.

Price Chart

All prices quoted in U.S. Dollars ($) per person Your tour cost includes the following:

• 20 Nights accommodation on the cruise ship as per the itinerary • All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) on board the cruise ship • Local soft drinks, local alcoholic beverages, local bottled water, coffee and tea • Entrance fees to monuments/temples as per the itinerary • Domestic economy class flight from Yangon to Kalemyo as per the itinerary • Transfer from Kalemyo to Kalewa to board the cruise • Guided land excursions with an English−speaking guide

Your tour cost excludes the following:

• Any international airfare • Return flight from Mandalay to Yangon • Port dues (if levied) • Visa fees • Imported beverages such as wines, premium spirits and liqueurs, espresso and cappuccinos at the bar • Laundry, souvenirs, gratuities and any other items of a personal nature • Still & video camera fees at monuments • Any hotel accommodation or transfers in Yangon or Mandalay • Any other items not specifically mentioned as included

HOTELS AND RESORTS

8 SUGGESTED EXTENSION TOURS

Khmer Heritage Experience Immerse yourself in the culture of the Khmer as you travel from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, visiting marvelous temple sites and major collections of early Khmer artifacts. Discover the rich heritage of Siem Reap and its ancient stone temples which date back to the glorious Angkor era. Rediscover the oft−overlooked Khmer works of art which predated and inspired the Great Angkor civilization. The capital city of Phnom Penh, once renowned and referred to as "Paris of the Orient" during the 1960s, still retains as much charm and attraction for visitors today. Colorful monasteries, traditional Khmer buildings, monuments, French colonial architecture and many other places of interest are included in this itinerary.

Upper Expedition (Upstream) Cruise for eleven blissful days on the Mekong River between My Tho near Ho Chi Minh City in and Siem Reap in Cambodia on the only luxury river cruise ship in Southeast Asia. Penetrate jungles and forests far from the beaten tourist track via local boat to the rapids between Kratie and Suc Treng, one of the only areas in the world where the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin can still be found. This expedition also affords you ample time to explore the wetlands around the mouth of Tonle Sap Lake with its stupendous birdlife and unique floating villages.

Mighty Mekong Exploration (Downstream) Embark on a leisurely 8−day luxury cruise downstream on the mighty Mekong River. Journey from Siem Reap through the tranquil Cambodian villages to the bustling Vietnam Delta and port of My Tho near Ho Chi Minh City. Explore Southeast Asia in style as you cruise through these two countries, making many stops along the way to immerse yourself in the rich cultures of the villages and cities linked by one great river.

Bangkok and Beyond Discover the best that the cosmopolitan city of Bangkok has to offer on this exciting 5−day tour. Enjoy a classical Thai dance show, and tour the beautiful Grand Palace and Wat Pho, the temple of the Reclining Buddha. Depart Bangkok for a morning trip to the traditional floating market of Damnoen Saduak and venture to Kanchanaburi, home of the famous bridge on the river Kwai. Last but not least, visit the impressive ruins at Ayutthaya, the old capital city of Thailand.

TRAVEL TIPS & FAQ's

What are the passport/visa requirements? Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from your scheduled date of travel. All travelers to Myanmar are required to have a visa issued by a Myanmar consulate overseas. Visas are valid for one month and must be used within 3 months of issue. The cost of a tourist visa is USD $25.00.

What are the insurance requirements? Passengers must be fully insured to cover any risk of medical expenses and repatriation; the company is in no way responsible for such liabilities.

What is the recommended currency? The currency on board the ship is USD ($). All passengers will have their own ship account, which allows you to sign a bill for all purchases and services throughout your cruise. All bills on board the ships can be settled in cash (USD) or credit card (Master or Visa card) only. The local currency is the Myanmar Kyat. Since all businesses catering to tourists accept USD, you may wish to avoid changing money at the airport to avoid unnecessary losses. There are no ATMs in Myanmar and credit cards and travelers' cheques are rarely accepted.

What type of cuisine is served? Breakfast and lunch are buffets and dinner is served at the tables with a table d'hôte selection of dishes. A mixture of Asian and Western cuisine is offered and there are always vegetarian dishes available. The meals are comprised of as much locally purchased products (such as exotic fruit, organic vegetables and locally caught fish and prawns) as possible to give you a real taste of the lands you journey through. Special diets may be catered for with advance notification and agreement. Complimentary tea and coffee are available from 6 a.m. on the Sun Deck for throughout the day. At meals, all soft drinks, local beer and local spirits are included. Imported spirits and liquors, wine, espresso and imported mineral

9 water are available at an extra charge. Mineral water (local) is provided in all cabins daily and additional bottles are available on request. For your safety, off the vessel, we strongly recommend to never accept ice in drinks and avoid ice creams, crushed sugar cane, salads and the skins of fruits.

What amenities are included in my stateroom? The staterooms are equipped with individually−controlled air conditioning, mini−safe, luggage storage, wardrobe, writing desk, hair drier, kimono and slippers. All upper and main deck cabins have their own deck space with own rattan chairs and table outside the room. Please note that cabins do not have mini bars, TVs or phones. Electric sockets are 230 volts round pin type; please ask your cabin attendant should you require an adaptor.

Is there telephone access while on board? Unfortunately, international GSM roaming is not available in Myanmar and therefore no international mobile phones can be used.

Is there a dress code on board the cruise ship? There is no official dress code on board; please dress comfortably. Shorts and skirts should be longish (knee−length) and arms may be exposed. Use comfortable but safe walking shoes on land excursions. Upon returning to the ship, please remove muddy footwear and change in to your slippers, which are provided for your convenience. Your muddy/dusty footwear will then be cleaned and returned to your cabin later.

Where is smoking permitted? Smoking is permitted in outside areas only, namely the Observation Deck and Promenade Decks. Please do not smoke in your cabin or any other interior portion of the ship (i.e. Dining Room or Saloon). This is a wood−finished ship and the danger of fire should never be ignored.

How are shore excursions handled? When the ship is moored, you are welcome to come and go from the ship as much as you like. Please refer to the Daily Schedule for the time that the ship departs the port. The ship's horn will sound 15 minutes prior to departure as a reminder to return to the ship. Group shore excursions are organized by the Purser and guided by a member of the ship's company (English−speaking). Details of the excursions are posted on the Daily Schedule.

What are the etiquette guidelines to be aware of? South−East Asians are generally tolerant and easygoing. Please try to avoid political discussion whenever possible. Please also note the following: " Shoes and socks are not permitted to be worn in temples " Do not point with your feet " In the company of monks or elders, never cross your legs " Do not touch people on the head or upper body " When beckoning someone to come over do not flap your hand in the standard Western 'come here' motion; instead turn the hand around so that your palm flaps down towards yourself. " Do not shake hands with monks or nuns as people in general rarely shake hands; rather, smile and nod " Females should never sit down next to a monk " When bargaining at tourist centers, ask for a discount as if you are asking for a favor

When will the detailed itineraries be made available? The itinerary on our website is a general overview of the main stops of your river expedition. However, much depends on river conditions and other local factors, so a Daily Schedule will usually be posted one day in advance. This schedule contains a fact sheet with as much information as we can garner on the sites we intend to visit on the following day. We do our best to devise interesting and exciting activities, however it is not always possible to follow itineraries to the letter and river conditions may alter by the hour.

What factors can alter the journey? River conditions, which vary depending on the season, are a main factor in altering the itinerary. In the Dry Season (November−March) the water level of the river will be quite low and in places will have dropped more than 50 foot from its monsoon level (June−Sept). Though the river can be miles wide, channels may be narrow and hard to follow. There is thus some risk of running aground on submerged sand banks and our captain has to take extreme care.

What level of security is there? In the countries in which we operate tourists are rarely targets for theft. When in port, a 24 hour watch is kept on the gangplank controlling access to the ship but please then keep your deck door locked when not in use and at night. All cabins have a combination type safe for your valuables. The company is not held liable for any losses you may incur.

10 What is the protocol for emergencies on board? In the event of an emergency the ship's whistle will blast repeatedly and the alarm bells be rung. If either in or very close to your cabin, put on your life jacket, which is kept in the wardrobe, proceed immediately to the Emergency Muster Station and await instructions. If you are not in your cabin when you hear the alarm, do NOT return to it, but proceed at once to the Muster Station to await instructions. There will be an Emergency Drill during your voyage. As with inland water class cruise ships on European rivers we are not required by Class Societies to carry life boats − the reason for this is that it is far quicker to beach the vessel on the nearest sand bar or river bank and evacuate by foot than to transfer passengers onto ship's boats.

What happens in the event of a medical emergency? First aid equipment and some medicines are carried on board, which can be administered by members of the ship's senior staff. On the river, we are never far from a local medical station and we have found that some local doctors usually speak English or French and practice a good standard of field medicine. There are modern private hospitals in the capital of Myanmar. You are required to take out an insurance policy that includes repatriation in the event of an emergency.

Are there any health requirements or precautions? You should check with your doctor that you are fit for travel and your doctor should check with the relevant organization in your country as to whether any prophylactic drugs or inoculations are required. Unfortunately, the ship does not have facilities for disabled people or wheelchair access. There are no stair lifts. River banks are steep and slippery. If a passenger is seen to be unfit or unable to access a ship and mount stairs unaided then the management reserves the right to refuse to carry that passenger.

What precautions against insects should I take? External doors and the gauze windows should be kept closed at all times. Make sure to apply mosquito repellent to exposed parts of your body if you are on deck or going ashore at night, and switch off the lights of your cabin so as not to lure insects in.

Is there a recommended gratuity? We suggest that if satisfied with the service you place a gratuity in the envelope provided and hand it to the Purser on the last day aboard. We give everybody − staff and crew − an equal share and make sure that those in the kitchens or engine rooms all benefit as well. The amount would be at your discretion, but if an indication is required, we suggest USD $5 per passenger per day. Please note that you are under absolutely no obligation to make any gratuity at all.

What is the ship's source of running water? The ship's water supply comes from the river after passing through a sterilization plant. This water is suitable for washing and brushing teeth but should not be consumed. Bottled water is used for cooking and food preparation onboard. Complimentary bottled mineral water is provided for drinking. To save water and reduce detergent use, towels will only be changed daily if they are placed on the floor. There is an onboard laundry service for articles of clothing; charges will be added to your bill in USD ($).

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By Car:

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From points North: Via Route 1: Take Route 1 South towards Trenton. After you pass Forrestal Village Campus, you will begin to see signs for "Downtown Princeton &Shopping". Turn right on Washington Road. Follow Washington Road for approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left on Nassau Street (Route 27). Turn right on Stockton Street (Route 206 North) &follow for approximately 4 miles. Turn right onto Wall Street.

Via Route 287: Take Route 287 South towards Somerville. Take exit 17 for Route 206 South (Somerville). You will pass through a traffic circle follow signs for Route 206 South. Follow Route 206 South for approximately 12 miles. Turn left onto Wall Street.

From points South: Via the Garden State Parkway: Take the Parkway North/South to exit 98 for Route 138 West toward Trenton. Route 138 West becomes Route 195 West. Follow 195 West for approximately 17 miles. Merge onto Route 295 North toward Trenton. Follow directions below.

Via Route 95/ 295: Take Route 95 North until it becomes Route 295 North toward Trenton. Take exit 67A and merge onto Route 1 North. Follow Route 1 North for approximately 5 miles. Take the exit for Washington Road. Turn right on Washington Road. Follow Washington Road for approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left on Nassau Street (Route 27). Turn right on Stockton Street (Route 206 North) &follow for approximately 4 miles. Turn right onto Wall Street.

By train: Princeton Junction is the main train station along the Northeast Corridor for Amtrak and New Jersey Transit. Visitors can take a cab from here to Princeton or transfer to a one−car train to Princeton called the "Dinky". The train ride takes about 5 minutes, and drops you at University Place across from McCarter Theatre. If you choose this option, be sure to purchase a rail ticket to "Princeton" for presentation upon boarding the Dinky.

Our office is a 10−minute cab ride from Princeton station (approx. 4.5 miles).

By bus: Several buses arrive and depart daily from Princeton Research Park (i.e., New Jersey Transit's 605 Montgomery Line). From the bus station, walk into the Research Park office complex. We are located at #20 Wall Street.

For emergencies while traveling within India, you may contact our Jaipur office. Details will be provided in your travel vouchers, which are issued upon full payment.

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