6 River Cruises In Myanmar

Tenissa
Tenissa 
Updated
| 3 min read

Compared to other countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore, Myanmar may be a less popular holiday destination in Southeast Asia. But make no mistake, Myanmar, also known as the Land of a Thousand Temples, is a country you do not want to miss. You cannot resist the charm of Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, a small but impressive pagoda with gold leaves all over. Not to mention its location on top of a granite boulder. You can explore Sule Pagoda and Shwedagon Pagoda as well. For a nature retreat, visit Inle Lake, a freshwater lake that is still pollution-free. Other than touring on-land attractions, you should try experiencing Myanmar on the river too, by taking a river cruise, for example. Check out this guide if you’re planning to join a river cruise in Myanmar.

1. Relax above the blue seas from Mandalay to Bagan

river cruise in burma | relax above the blue seas from mandalay to bagan
Source: www.klook.com

Welcome aboard a modern ferryboat and feel relaxed right away as it takes you on a trip above the crystal-clear waters of Myanmar. Choose your plush seat—whether indoor or outdoor—sit back, and marvel at the coastal vistas of Irrawaddy River. If you’re in Mandalay, you will be able to spot a number of air balloons soaring into the blue skies. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are included, so you do not have to worry about a complaining stomach.

Visited this place?

RV NMAI HKA Irrawaddy River Cruise Ticket (One Way) between Mandalay and Bagan, Myanmar - Klook

2. Enjoy a complete trip from Pagan to Katha

RV Katha Pandaw in Mandalay (HR)
Source: Photo by user Roderick Eime used under CC BY-ND 2.0

Last but not least, pamper yourself with a complete trip from Pagan to Katha. Cruise along Chindwin River and Irrawaddy River, among others, and visit several villages. Highlights include Yandabo Village that is famous for its terracotta potteries produced by the locals, Khan-nyat Village where you will be stunned by tons of Buddhist monasteries, and Kyun Daw Village that is loaded with a myriad of small pagodas.

Pandaw

Website: Book now

Price: Varies

Visited this place?

3. Start an unforgettable journey on Irrawaddy River, Mandalay (from USD 41.18)

river cruise in burma | start an unforgettable journey on irrawaddy river, mandalay

The first one on the list is a river cruise on Irrawaddy River. A modern cruise ship that comes with a team of friendly crews is ready to let you embark on an unforgettable journey on the largest river in Myanmar. The ship will take you to explore the areas between Royal Mandalay and Ancient Bagan. In ten hours’ time, you will be presented with scenic vistas along the riverside, complete with delicious breakfast and lunch on board. Yandabo pottery village is the highlight of the tour, which is why you will have the opportunity to learn more about the culture of its locals.

Visited this place?

From Mandalay: Irrawaddy River Cruise to Bagan

Duration: 10 hour

26 reviews

4. Witness a spectacular sunset while picnicking on the water in Bagan (from USD 26.0)

river cruise in burma | witness a spectacular sunset while picnicking on the water in bagan

Even though this river cruise may only last for approximately 2.5 hours, there will be so much joy you will get from participating. Your ship will take you to Ayeyarwady, one of the most important waterways in the country. First, you will stop by a local teashop in which you can unwind and recharge over a cup of hot tea. To make the most of your time on the water, you can have a picnic accompanied by light snacks and your favorite beers purchased from the teashop. The most unforgettable moment of the tour is when the sun goes down and the spectacular sunset along the Bagan shoreline takes your breath away.

Visited this place?

Bagan by Boat: Sunset Cruise Tour with Local Guide

Duration: 2.5 hour

4 reviews

5. Explore Pathein River in Yangon with a traditional teak boat (from USD 28.0)

Experience as many unique things as possible when traveling to a new destination. If you have already tried a modern cruise ship, now it’s time to board a traditional teak boat that lets you have a beautiful time exploring Pathein River. Along the way, you will make stops at the villages by the river to mingle with the Burmese. What’s more, you will also have the opportunity to indulge in delectable local cuisine during lunchtime.

Visited this place?

Pathein River Cruise Including Lunch

Duration: 8 hours

6. Capture a sunset and the beauty of villages, farms, and temples in Mandalay (from USD 46.0)

Irrawaddy River looks astonishingly different with the sunset and no sunset. The best way to capture a stunning sunset on Irrawaddy River is through a river cruise. As your boat moves slowly, you will be presented with views of lush farms and traditional villages along the river. You will also have the opportunity to admire a myriad of temples, with a pure white pagoda with the biggest bell in the world as the highlight of the journey.

Visited this place?

Mandalay Irrawaddy River Cruise with Sunset

Duration: 4 to 5 hours

Join a river cruise for a more memorable vacation in Myanmar

Now that you have come to the end of the article, you can see why Myanmar is undoubtedly a splendid destination for a memorable vacation in Southeast Asia. The pagodas, lakes, temples, and statues of Buddha must, of course, be visited. But if you aim at having a unique holiday with thousands of stories to tell, then you should experience a river cruise!

Visited this place?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Tenissa is a content writer, translator and editor. She enjoys being a globetrotter and has traveled to many countries around the world. So far, her favourite destination is Switzerland. She looks...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Myanmar
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.