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Small Ship, Big Experiences With Avalon Waterways River Cruises in Myanmar

Friday 30 June 2017, 1:45PM

By Beckie Wright

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The all-suite Avalon Myanmar is one of Avalon Waterways’ remarkable Suite Ships, offering a truly intimate experience with a maximum of 36 guests. The ship has been meticulously crafted to offer all the modern features you expect, yet it reflects the character of Myanmar. The pioneeering design of this small ship allows it to cruise the spectacular and untouched Upper Irrawaddy on each departure, a feat not possible on any other ship.

To travel to Myanmar, formerly Burma, is to step back in time, to a place that has changed little since the British colonial era. This ‘Road to Mandalay’ is a gateway to untouched villages, ancient cities, remarkable culture and captivating panoramas. Beyond the ‘must see’ sights, Avalon delivers a host of hands-on activities and encounters with the locals, for a truly immersive experience.

Cruising north of Mandalay you will visit remote villages which see very few Western visitors. You can explore local markets and visit a farmer’s home to learn more about his work and life and you even have the chance to ride an elephant. You will also explore some of the 2300 majestic temples that dot the plains of Bagan, like Ananda, one of the most beautiful of all the remaining temples.

This cruise also takes you to Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, the country’s largest city, where you can take a walking tour of the city’s monuments, mix with locals at a tea shop and stop at stunning Shwedagon Pagoda, the national symbol of Myanmar, and considered by some to be the oldest pagoda in the world.

With Avalon Waterways River Cruises, you can customise your holiday, adding an optional extension to enhance your experience. This could consist of a boat ride through the klongs and visits to the Grand Palace and the huge Reclining Buddha. You can also visit Inle Lake, where you can enjoy an indigenous music and dance performance, an excursion on the lake to see scenes of daily life and visits to the beautiful floating gardens.

For more information on Avalon Waterways and their deluxe river cruises, please visit the website at http://www.avalonwaterways.co.nz .