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Irrawaddy River Tours, Vacation Packages & Travel Experiences

  • Bupaya pagoda on the shore of the Irrawaddy River
  • Log carriers working on the river
  • Sunset view of Thaungthaman Lake Amarapura is always a popular photo opportunity while on your Myanmar tour.

Located in Myanmar, the Irrawaddy River (or Ayeyarwady River) flows from north to south before emptying through the Irrawaddy Delta into the Andaman Sea, as with its tributaries. It is a river which will be central to a Myanmar tour as it flows through some of the most important destinations here.

Running through the centre at about 2,170 kms (1,350 miles) long, Irrawaddy River is Myanmar largest river and is considered the most important commercial waterway. It is sometimes referred to as the ‘Road to Mandalay’, after Rudyard Kipling’s poem, Mandalay.

The Irrawaddy River has acted as a useful transport and trade system since the 6th century. By the 12th century, irrigation canals were developed for rice cultivation, and then in the colonial era, the British set up important trading posts along its shores.

Today, many of the country’s goods such as petroleum, cotton, and various commodities are floated down the river to Yangon for export. At the same time, rice, which is grown in the south by the Irrawaddy Delta, is transported by river to the rest of the country.

The Irrawaddy River is home to a large diversity of animals and fish species, including the Irrawaddy Dolphin.

With many cities situated along its banks, the Irrawaddy River offers beautiful, scenic views of everyday life, as well as elegant monasteries and historic temples lining its shores, all to be enjoyed on a Myanmar vacation.

Continuing to play a very important role, the Irrawaddy River still acts as Myanmar’s lifeline.

 

 

Myanmar Travel Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy to navigate travel information section dedicated to a Myanmar tour.

Learn about the history and culture of Myanmar, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Myanmar's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Myanmar for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our Myanmar tours today!

 

Extend Your Trip

After your Myanmar tour consider taking the time to visit other destinations. Goway offers exciting China vacation packages, India tours and Thailand vacation packages plus a comprehensive selection of vacation packages in many other Asian countries.

 

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Irrawaddy River

  • Best of Myanmar Soft Adventure

    A visit to Myanmar is to experience the South-East Asia of twenty years ago, full of rarely seen sights and generations of stories just waiting to be told.
    Duration:
    15 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,279
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Single Friendly, Small Group Touring
    Myanmar Union of See Trip Details

  • Colonial Heritage of Yangon

    The perfect Yangon stopover for those interested in Burma’s colonial period, start or end your Myanmar tour with a few days in the former capital, discovering its political history, old and new.
    Duration:
    3 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 526
    Trip Type:
    Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Myanmar Union of See Trip Details

  • Mandalay to Bagan Expedition River Cruise

    Enjoy a cruise aboard the traditionally styled ship, the Orient Pandaw visiting sights and sites around Mandalay and vicinity before heading south to Bagan, home to more than 3000 Buddhist temples. This cruise gives a wonderful glimpse into both well known and lesser known places.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,534
    Trip Type:
    Cruises & Sailing, Small Group Touring, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Myanmar Union of See Trip Details

  • Myanmar River Cruise: The Irrawaddy

    Discover Southeast Asia’s last untapped treasure as you cruise down one of its greatest rivers.
    Duration:
    15 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 5,391
    Trip Type:
    Cruises & Sailing
    Myanmar Union of See Trip Details

  • The Golden Land: Irrawaddy River Boutique Cruise

    Cruise through the heart of Myanmar from Mandalay through Bagan to Yangon. See this timeless land from your cruise ship marveling at the amazing sights of this historical destination.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,856
    Trip Type:
    Cruises & Sailing
    Myanmar Union of See Trip Details

  • The Strand Luxury Cruise: Bagan to Mandalay

    Explore Myanmar’s ancient capitals on a river cruise down the Irrawaddy River. Stroll past thousands of temples on the heritage trail in Bagan before boarding the luxury Strand Cruise and sailing up the Irrawaddy River to explore the ancient capitals of Mingun and Ava and the nation’s second largest city, Mandalay.
    Duration:
    5 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,861
    Trip Type:
    Cruises & Sailing, Small Group Touring
    Myanmar Union of See Trip Details

  • The Strand Luxury Cruise: Mandalay to Bagan

    Explore the ancient ruins of Myanmar aboard the peerless Strand Cruise. Voyage down the Irrawaddy from Mandalay to Bagan, mooring in prime locations close to the best temples while enjoying the vessel’s luxury facilities.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,637
    Trip Type:
    Cruises & Sailing, Small Group Touring
    Myanmar Union of See Trip Details
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