Bagan to Katha - Upper Irrawaddy Cruise

This afternoon you’ll explore Bagan on a guided tour, visiting its most prominent temples (there are some 3,000 in total!), such as the 11th-century Ananda, 12th-century Dhamayangyi, and the very early Nanpaya.

Return to the RV Kha Byoo for cast off at 5:30 this evening, shortly followed by dinner on board.

Historically, Yandabo is famous as the site where the Yandabo treaty was signed, following the first Anglo-Burmese war.

Yandabo is also well-known for its terracotta production, which you can watch in all its stages, from the gathering of the clay from the riverbank to the firing of the kilns.

Time allowing, the boat might also make a brief stop at the small market town of Pakkoku this afternoon.

Take a tour of the famous U-Bein Bridge, the longest wooden footbridge in the world, and Mahagandayon Monastery.

In the afternoon explore another of Burma’s medieval capitals, Ava (or Inwa), on foot and by pony cart.

Famous for its crafts, in Nwe-Nyein you can explore fascinating potteries where 50-gallon water pots are made by hand. You’ll see all stages of the manufacture, from the throwing of the pots to the firing in cavernous kilns—a process which takes a week.

Return to the RV Kha Byoo in the afternoon and continue to sail northwards into the third defile of the Irrawaddy.

This afternoon, make a stop at Kyar Nyat village, where you can explore a Buddhist monastery and visit the home of a former monastic teacher. Then, continue to Pagoda Hill, outside the ancient capital of Tagaung, for a scenic view of the surrounding countryside.

Return to the RV Kha Byoo after sunset.

An old colonial-era town, Katha is today famous as the former home of George Orwell and the setting of his famous novel, Burmese Days. Take the time to explore the town, which seems to have barely changed since Orwell’s day, and learn more about its history though the early 20th century and WWII.

While here, you can also visit a fishermen’s home and old nunnery before returning to Katha and the RV Kha Byoo.

Though it’s possible to continue to Bhamo on the Chinese border, the Second Defile marks the furthest section of your cruise, after which we turn back for the return journey to Mandalay.

Tagaung is said to have been founded in 850BC, and retained its prominence throughout the first millennium CE, though few travellers visit the city today.

Take the time to explore the centre of Tagaung, including its old Buddhist and Nat spirit shrines, and its dilapidated city walls and old fortifications.

After exploring Mingun, drive to the top of Sagaing Hill, the heart of Burmese monasticism. There are wonderful views of the town and the Irrawaddy River from the top of the hill.

Return to the RV Kha Byoo for dinner.

You will be transferred to your hotel (if staying in Mandalay) or the airport for your onward travel connections.