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The Great Irrawaddy Delta - River Cruise

Overview
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Maps
Ship Information
Highlights

The Irrawaddy Delta covers over 1,000 square miles. 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 feeding much of the Indian Raj. During this period of prosperity, a number of rice towns developed in the colonial style. By the 1920s, the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company operated over 100 creek steamers across the Delta connecting these towns and villages at a time when there were neither roads nor bridges.

There are seven main channels forming a complex labyrinth of waterways understood only by the most experienced pilots. In the backwaters, there is the feel of Kerala, on the larger channels it could be New Orleans and the Deep South.

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. Our 10 night programme enables relaxed exploration of this fascinating region, starting and returning to Rangoon with time to explore the rich architectural treasures of the Deltaic capital not to mention the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda and outstanding collection of Buddhist art in the National Museum.

Optional extras & upgrades

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30 October, 2026 to 09 November, 2026

Main Deck Twin Sharing $4,950 USD pp

6 upper deck staterooms and 8 main deck staterooms Staterooms are 170 square feet (16sqm), finished in teak and brass Panoramic French window Kimonos and slippers Spa-branded amenities Unlimited mineral water Electric mini safe Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows Premium mattresses Convertible bed configuration Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift Make-up mirror Multi-configuration plugs Generous closet space and under-bed storage Hair dryer Nightly turndown service 24hr laundry service Complimentary evening canapés Yoga mats in all cabins
view cabin photo

Upper Deck Twin Sharing $6,188 USD pp

10 November, 2026 to 20 November, 2026

Main Deck Twin Sharing $4,950 USD pp

Upper Deck Twin Sharing $6,188 USD pp

21 November, 2026 to 01 December, 2026

Main Deck Twin Sharing $4,950 USD pp

Upper Deck Twin Sharing $6,188 USD pp

23 December, 2026 to 02 January, 2027

Main Deck Twin Sharing $5,940 USD pp

5 upper deck staterooms and 5 main deck staterooms Staterooms are 170 square feet (16sqm), finished in teak and brass Panoramic French window Kimonos and slippers Spa-branded amenities Unlimited mineral water Electric mini safe Imported quality linens with duvet and two kind of pillows Premium mattresses Convertible bed configuration Welcome flower arrangement and welcome gift Make-up mirror Multi-configuration plugs Generous closet space and under-bed storage Hair dryer Nightly turndown service 24hr laundry service Complimentary evening canapés Yoga mats in all cabins
view cabin photo

Upper Deck Twin Sharing $7,425 USD pp

23 December, 2026 to 02 January, 2027

Main Deck Twin Sharing $5,940 USD pp

Upper Deck Twin Sharing $7,425 USD pp

10 January, 2027 to 20 January, 2027

Main Deck Twin Sharing $5,445 USD pp

Upper Deck Twin Sharing $6,807 USD pp

21 January, 2027 to 31 January, 2027

Main Deck Twin Sharing $4,950 USD pp

Upper Deck Twin Sharing $6,188 USD pp

22 January, 2027 to 01 February, 2027

Main Deck Twin Sharing $5,940 USD pp

Upper Deck Twin Sharing $7,425 USD pp

01 February, 2027 to 11 February, 2027

Main Deck Twin Sharing $4,950 USD pp

Upper Deck Twin Sharing $6,188 USD pp

11 February, 2027 to 21 February, 2027

Main Deck Twin Sharing $4,950 USD pp

Upper Deck Twin Sharing $6,188 USD pp

12 February, 2027 to 22 February, 2027

Main Deck Twin Sharing $5,445 USD pp

Upper Deck Twin Sharing $6,807 USD pp

22 February, 2027 to 04 March, 2027

Main Deck Twin Sharing $4,950 USD pp

Upper Deck Twin Sharing $6,188 USD pp

23 February, 2027 to 05 March, 2027

Main Deck Twin Sharing $5,445 USD pp

Upper Deck Twin Sharing $6,807 USD pp

04 March, 2027 to 14 March, 2027

Main Deck Twin Sharing $4,950 USD pp

Upper Deck Twin Sharing $6,188 USD pp

30 October, 2027 to 09 November, 2027

Main Deck Twin Sharing $5,445 USD pp

Upper Deck Twin Sharing $6,807 USD pp

10 November, 2027 to 20 November, 2027

Main Deck Twin Sharing $5,445 USD pp

Upper Deck Twin Sharing $6,807 USD pp

21 November, 2027 to 01 December, 2027

Main Deck Twin Sharing $5,445 USD pp

Upper Deck Twin Sharing $6,807 USD pp

23 December, 2027 to 02 January, 2028

Main Deck Twin Sharing $5,445 USD pp

Upper Deck Twin Sharing $6,807 USD pp

10 January, 2028 to 20 January, 2028

Main Deck Twin Sharing $5,445 USD pp

Upper Deck Twin Sharing $6,807 USD pp

21 January, 2028 to 31 January, 2028

Main Deck Twin Sharing $5,445 USD pp

Upper Deck Twin Sharing $6,807 USD pp

01 February, 2028 to 11 February, 2028

Main Deck Twin Sharing $5,445 USD pp

Upper Deck Twin Sharing $6,807 USD pp

11 February, 2028 to 21 February, 2028

Main Deck Twin Sharing $5,445 USD pp

Upper Deck Twin Sharing $6,807 USD pp

22 February, 2028 to 03 March, 2028

Main Deck Twin Sharing $5,445 USD pp

Upper Deck Twin Sharing $6,807 USD pp

04 March, 2028 to 14 March, 2028

Main Deck Twin Sharing $5,445 USD pp

Upper Deck Twin Sharing $6,807 USD pp

15 March, 2028 to 25 March, 2028

Main Deck Twin Sharing $5,445 USD pp

Upper Deck Twin Sharing $6,807 USD pp

The Great Irrawaddy Delta - River Cruise itinerary:

show reverse itinerary

Day 1 RANGOON

Transfer from airport to the Strand Road jetty and embark on your Pandaw. Evening visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda followed by dinner on board.

Day 2 RANGOON HERITAGE TRAIL

Morning tour of Rangoon’s colonial architectural heritage with the highlight of a private tour of the Secretariat, the heart of government for colonial Burma and post Independence the place where General Aung San and his cabinet were martyred. Visit the RC cathedral, the largest church in Asia.

Lunch in one of Rangoon’s smart new ‘tea houses’ followed by a visit to the National Museum.

Day 3 RANGOON - PYAPON

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

Day 4 PYAPON - BOGALE

Bogale is at the heart of the delta and once a Mon capital and trading port connected to international trading routes between the 15th and 18th centuries. It features the only mangrove ecosystem reserve in the Delta. A visit to the monastery of the town will be organized.

Day 5 BOGALE - MYAUNGMYA

This will be the most fascinating day’s sailing as we weave through creeks and channels cross-country across the heart of the delta. We will stop for a walk about in a suitable village.

Day 6 MYAUNGMYA - BASSEIN

Morning cruise across the final section of delta to join the great Bassein River that takes us up to Bassein, the capital of the delta and an important seaport too. Of interest here are the traditional umbrella manufacturies, where the typical monk’s waxed cloth umbrellas are made. On foot we will explore the town, its shrines and vibrant markets.

Day 7 BASSEIN

Pathein or Bassein is the second largest port in Burma, where the river meets the sea and is full of interest.

Day 8 BASSEIN - WAKEMA

Morning departure with lunch to follow, taking the more usual upper delta route of the old IFC ‘launch service’ between Rangoon and Bassein. Evening exploration of this attractive river port.

Day 9 WAKEMA - MAUBIN

On these busier channels there will be a variety of shipping whilst the riverbanks team with life and activity. Maubin is a very pleasant place to enjoy a sunset walk along its colourful strand.

Day 10 MAUBIN - RANGOON

Morning run crossing the Twante Canal and home to the Rangoon River in time for lunch. Afternoon at leisure for a downtown walkabout or drive to the Scott Market. Farewell dinner with classical musicians on your Pandaw.

Day 11 DEPARTURES FROM RANGOON

Transfers to airport for outbound flights. Lunch on board for afternoon flyers.

Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

The Great Irrawaddy Delta - River Cruise reverse itinerary:

show main itinerary

Please note: *

Itineraries are subject to change.

Day 11 DEPARTURES FROM RANGOON *

Transfers to airport for outbound flights. Lunch on board for afternoon flyers.

Day 10 MAUBIN - RANGOON *

Day 9 WAKEMA - MAUBIN *

On these busier channels there will be a variety of shipping whilst the riverbanks team with life and activity. Maubin is a very pleasant place to enjoy a sunset walk along its colourful strand.

Day 8 BASSEIN - WAKEMA *

Morning departure with lunch to follow, taking the more usual upper delta route of the old IFC ‘launch service’ between Rangoon and Bassein. Evening exploration of this attractive river port.

Day 7 BASSEIN *

Pathein or Bassein is the second largest port in Burma, where the river meets the sea and is full of interest.

Day 6 MYAUNGMYA - BASSEIN *

Day 5 BOGALE - MYAUNGMYA *

This will be the most fascinating day’s sailing as we weave through creeks and channels cross-country across the heart of the delta. We will stop for a walk about in a suitable village.

Day 4 PYAPON - BOGALE *

Day 3 RANGOON - PYAPON *

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

Day 2 RANGOON HERITAGE TRAIL *

Lunch in one of Rangoon’s smart new ‘tea houses’ followed by a visit to the National Museum.

Day 1 RANGOON *

Transfer from airport to the Strand Road jetty and embark on your Pandaw. Evening visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda followed by dinner on board.

* = Indicative

Map for The Great Irrawaddy Delta - River Cruise

Kanee Pandaw

Vessel Type: Small Ship

Passenger Capacity: 28

Built: 2019

RV Kanee Pandaw is a charming 28-guest river vessel purpose-built for exploring Myanmar’s waterways. Launched in 2019, this intimate K-class ship is designed with an ultra-shallow draft, allowing access to remote stretches of river that larger vessels cannot reach. Featuring classic Pandaw styling, wraparound promenade decks, open-air and indoor dining areas, and spacious public spaces, the ship creates a relaxed and sociable atmosphere while delivering an authentic river expedition experience.

Life onboard combines comfort, personalised service, and immersive exploration. The ship’s fourteen teak-and-brass staterooms are thoughtfully designed with panoramic French windows, premium bedding, and modern amenities, while guests can enjoy locally inspired cuisine prepared by an experienced culinary team. Included excursions, complimentary refreshments, quality mountain bikes for independent discovery, and attentive service throughout the voyage ensure a rewarding journey through some of Myanmar’s most fascinating and lesser-visited destinations.

• Navigate the intricate waterways of Myanmar’s Irrawaddy Delta, exploring remote river towns, bustling markets and traditional villages rarely visited by travellers.

• Discover Yangon’s rich colonial heritage, including the historic Secretariat, the National Museum and the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda.

• Experience authentic local life along the delta, from pottery workshops and umbrella-making traditions to mangrove ecosystems, monasteries and vibrant river ports.