Cruising Burma with Pandaw

BURMA UNLOCKED

8 nights luxury cruise aboard Orient Pandaw
and 3 extra nights shore accommodation

MAKE SAVINGS on advance bookings

June 2012 - April 2013

from $4,999 per person twin share
Includes earlybird savings of $1000pp

Burma (also known as Myanmar) is a spectacular jewel that has remained hidden for decades, but which is now opening up to the world revealing astonishing natural beauty and an unparalleled cultural heritage. Nowhere offers more mystery and intrigue. And there's no better way to discover it than cruising on the Orient Pandaw.

Bedecked in brass and teak, this faithful replica of a colonial steamer will take you deep into a land of warm welcome and countless delights. So, if you're looking to experience something very, very different, welcome aboard.
Cruise:  

Prome to Mandalay or v.v. 
11 nights Fly, Cruise & Stay package

departs: Sailing regularly between 29 June 2012 and 27 April 2013


 flyer

Includes:

  
  • Return international airfare from Melbourne including air taxes
  • 8 night luxury cruise aboard "Orient Pandaw"
  • soft drinks, local beer and spirits, on board gratuities
  • 1 night deluxe accommodation at Chatrium Hotel, Yangoon
  • 2 nights deluxe accommodation at Mandalay Hill Resort, Mandalay
  • Breakfast daily, lunch and dinner as per itinerary
  • Extensive sightseeing
  • All transfers and taxes

Burma, after 1987 renamed by the regime Myanmar, is the largest mainland South-East Asian country and with the greatest variety of scenery from Himalayan peaks to tropical beaches. We have yet to meet a visitor to Burma who does not feel that this is the most beautiful, friendly and culturally interesting Asian country ever visited.

Most of the population live in three great river valleys encircled by impenetrable horseshoes of mountains. River life dominates the country and still to this day forms the main system of transportation, irrigation and from its rich fishing grounds the principal protein source for the majority of the population.

In the river valleys two millennia of Buddhist art, architecture and archaeology survive, including the 3000 standing monuments at Pagan. There is no other Asian country with so vast and varied a range of cultural sites. Almost everywhere there are temples and monasteries, festivals and ceremonies. The Burmese are a deeply pious people and Buddhist activities dominate every aspect of life.

The Burmese are also very warm and friendly people who since Independence in 1947 have suffered terrible impoverishment and deprivation. We do our best to support the local domestic economy and make sure our suppliers and contractors are small local businesses. We are very careful to make sure our clients' money falls into the right hands. Sanctions and the politically correct refusal of most NGOs and international charities to work in the country has served to exacerbate deprivation and entrench the regime further.

Our Pandaw passengers believe that by visiting Burma we are doing something to help as has been proved by the many schools our passengers have built, not to mention the outstanding contribution made by our passengers after Cyclone Nargis struck in 2008. Most of the Burmese our passengers encounter tend to agree with this assumption. These cruises are the most acclaimed luxury vacations on the Irrawaddy river.
 Hurry! This will be a very popular itinerary!

 

USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT TRAVELLING TO BURMA

• There are no ATMs at all anywhere in Burma and credit cards are rarely accepted as they are not permitted to process them in the country.

• Clients should take USD cash with them for onboard Pandaw and throughout Burma. It is imperative that all notes be brand new and not creased, folded or torn – as these will not be accepted in Burma.

• The official currency in Burma is the Kyat, which is only needed for small purchases such as drinks and souvenirs. Your guide can take you to a foreign exchange booth where USD can be changed over to kyat. Note – you are more likely to get a better ROE when exchanging larger USD notes.

• There is no wireless internet access available on Orient Pandaw. Hotels in Burma have internet access available, however some popular websites including hotmail and yahoo may be restricted, and connection is quite slow.

• International mobile phones do not work in Myanmar as the local mobile network is not connected to international roaming networks. If you have an unlocked phone it is possible to purchase a SIM card at the Yangon airport, which will allow guests to make international calls.

• Comfortable casual clothing and thongs are recommended for exploring the many temples as shoes and socks are NOT permitted in any of the temples