The Irrawaddy Delta

The Irrawaddy Delta covers an area of over 1000 square miles. Originally a vast inhabited wetland and jungle, much of it was cleared and cultivated by the British in the 1800's.

During the Raj era a number of rice towns developed in the colonial style, the most famous of which was Bassein.

The Irrawaddy Flotilla Company by the 1920's operated over 100 creek steamers across the Delta connecting these towns and villages at a time when there were neither roads nor bridges.

Contrary to expectation these great wetlands are not monotonous at all and there is considerable human interest in the form of pretty towns, markets, temples, churches and mosques. There is also profuse bird life in the less populated areas.

This pioneering river cruise holiday in Burma explores the Irrawaddy Delta in Burma and offers the chance to be amongst the first to explore this little visited region of Burma.

Cruise from Yangon aboard the stunning Katha Pandaw for a relaxing exploration of this fascinating region, starting and returning to Yangon.

Three nights are included in Yangon (although if you have seen Yangon before, this can be tailored to suit you).

Day 1: Depart the UK

Fly from UK to Yangon.

Day 2: Yangon

Arrive Yangon and transfer to  hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight Yangon. Breakfast included.

Day 3: Yangon

Full day private tour of Yangon including Shwedagon Pagoda, Sule Pagoda, National Museum, Scott's Market, Botataung Pagoda and Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda.

Overnight Yangon. Breakfast included.

Day 4: Yangon - Pyapon

Depart early from Rangoon via the Twante Canal stopping at Twante to view the potteries before cruising on to Pyapon (64miles) a delightful delta town and seaport with lively docks and markets.

Overnight on board. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.

Day 5: Pyapon - Bogale

Bogale is at the heart of the delta and was once a Mon capital and trading port connected to international trading routes between the 15th and 18th centuries.

Visit the Mein Ma Hla Kyun Wildlife Reserve, an island of just under one hundred square miles classified as a mangrove eco-system reserve and home to salt water crocodiles.

Overnight on board. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.

Day 6: Bogale - Myaungmya

Today is perhaps the most fascinating day’s sailing, weaving through creeks and channels cross-country across the heart of the delta.

Enjoy a stop for a walk in a suitable village.

Overnight on board. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.

Day 7: Myaungmya - Bassein

Enjoy the morning cruise across the final section of delta to join the great Bassein River that leads up to Bassein, the capital of the delta and an important seaport.

Of interest here are the traditional umbrella manufacturies, where the typical monk’s waxed cloth umbrellas are made. Explore the town, its shrines and vibrant markets on foot.

Overnight on board. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.

Pandaw Club Members

Cruised with Pandaw before?

Then make sure you sign up as a Pandaw Club Member with us to receive further discounts and benefits on your next Pandaw Cruise holiday with Jasmine Holidays.

Benefits include:

• Exclusive Members Club Cruise Discount
• Unlimited in-house wine package worth up to $220
• Free Laundry Service worth $50
• Pre-post Expedition Discount

Remember that we guarantee a better price than booking direct and your holiday can be completely tailor made and will always be ATOL Protected if your holiday is flight inclusive.

The Irrawaddy Delta

The Irrawaddy Delta covers an area of over 1000 square miles with Rangoon, its most famous port and capital of all Burma from 1886 to 2005.

Originally a vast inhabited wetland and jungle, much of it was cleared and cultivated by the British who annexed Lower Burma in 1855.

It subsequently became the rice basket of Asia, effectively feeding much of the Indian Raj.

During this period of prosperity a number of rice towns developed in the colonial style. The most famous of which was Bassein.

The Irrawaddy Flotilla Company by the 1920's operated over 100 creek steamers across the Delta connecting these towns and villages at a time when there were neither roads nor bridges.

Is this a Private Tour or a Group Tour?

All of our tours are private tailor made itineraries, customised for you - we can amend things to entirely suit you around the cruise itinerary.

You will have your own private car, driver and guide on any additional excursions you choose to do before or after the cruise.

All shore excursions are done on a group basis with other cruise passengers.

What are the departure dates?

Let us know your preferred dates of travel and we will find the best and most suitable flights to fit your itinerary.

We will organise dates around departure dates with Pandaw Cruises.

Which Airlines do you use?

We work with all the major airlines flying to this part of the world.

Typically for Burma, Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines and Emirates would be airlines we would often use.

However, just let us know your preferred airline if you have one. We can organise flights from any regional destination in the UK.

There are no direct flights from the UK to Myanmar currently.

Which Hotels do you use?

We're careful with our choice of hotels, but we're guided by our customers also. If you have some preferred hotels, just let us know.

We specialise in boutique hotels and so we will often suggest some of our favourite smaller hotels where we think these will be suitable.

We keep on top of hotel developments in Burma from our office in South East Asia and regularly inspect the hotels we use.

Do you cater for Solo Travellers?

Yes, we have many solo travellers and Burma is a very safe, friendly and welcoming destination for those travelling alone.

River cruises in Burma are a popular option for solo travellers, especially with Pandaw Cruises who offer no Single Supplements on many departures.