R/V PAUKAN2007R/V Paukan was built in 2007 at the MyanmarShipyards in Rangoon for Ayravata Cruises.With broad promenade decks and a spaciousobservation lounge and dining room, the vesselbeautifully recreates the atmosphere andcharacter of classic river steamers. There aremodern luxuries available such as doubleberths, bow suites and massage rooms. ThePaukan 2007 operates short discovery cruisesof one and two night durations between Pagan and Mandalay, although there are nodepartures during May and October.IFC PANDAWThe well-respected Pandaw cruise companyoperates a range of extended river voyages inBurma on both the Irrawaddy and Chindwinrivers, visiting many places that cannot bereached by land. The Pandaw II is acomfortable vessel, hand finished with teak and brass fittings reminiscent of its colonialdays as a river steamer. Pandaw has a strongcommitment to supporting various projectsthroughout Burma, and with the help of itspassengers has raised funds for new schools,hospital wings and floating clinics for the Delta region. ROADTOMANDALAYWith the comfort and personality for whichOrient Express is renowned, the Road toMandalay river boat provides the mostcomfortable vantage point from which toabsorb the surrounding beauty. All cabins arecarefully designed and equipped with en suitebathrooms and air-conditioning. On deck thereis a swimming pool and shaded seating,providing the ideal setting to savour theserenity of the Irrawaddy. The Road toMandalay offers three, four and seven nightcruises between Mandalay and Paganthroughout the year, with a limited scheduleduring our summer months. In August andSeptember an eleven night cruise sailsnorthwards through breathtaking gorges andforgotten villages to Bhamo, situated close tothe Chinese border.Throughout Burma's history, river travel hasbeen an important part of everyday life. Today is no different, and we recommendincorporating a river journey into youritinerary. There are local ferries that make thejourney on the Irrawaddy River between Paganand Mandalay in one day. More comfortableoptions cover the same journey in style andalso offer longer river cruises to remoteregions of the country. There are setdeparture dates, so this cruise can be the key to planning any tour of Burma. Cruising the Irrawaddy76Sunset on the IrrawaddyIFC PandawR/V Paukan 2007Road to Mandalay

www.audleytravel.com/burma ?01993 838 105 ?Burma77side. The restaurant serves Indian and Burmesedishes as well as a small selection of internationalfare. A small outdoor pool set in attractive gardensis an ideal retreat during the heat of the day.Ancient capitalsAround Mandalay are the vestiges of four deserted cities, each worth a visit to explore theirmonastic culture and plentiful temples. Mingun ishome to the world's largest intact bell and isreached by an unhurried boat journey along theIrrawaddy. Also on the western bank of the riverlie the peaceful and picturesque hills of Sagaing,which from the 14th to the 18th centuries werehome to the capital of an autonomous Shankingdom. Today, this tranquil place is an important centre for Buddhism, with numerousmonasteries and nunneries scattered on theslopes. Across the river from Sagaing is Ava (Inwa).The best way to explore is with your own ponyand trap, which will take you along dusty paths to well-preserved and ornate monasteries. A dilapidated watchtower, overgrown swimmingbaths and the last remaining entrance gate areatmospheric reminders of this 'lost' royal city.From Ava, sovereignty passed to Amarapura,where the U-Bein Bridge is an impressive legacy of King Bodawpaya's reign. Constructed from teakposts taken from Ava, it spans nearly a mile acrossTaungthaman Lake and is still in daily use aftermore than two centuries.The Burma RoadThe Burma Road links Burma and China and is717 miles long. Heading north from Maymyo, asix-hour train journey takes the hardy travelleracross the Goteik viaduct and into Shan State toreach Hsipaw. This is a small, atmospheric townthat is well worth an overnight stay. Accommodation is basic but we use a family-runguesthouse whose warm and friendly welcomemakes up for the lack of facilities. Trekkingexpeditions into the surrounding countryside canbe arranged, as well as boat trips to theconfluence of the Dotawaddy and Namtu rivers,stopping at small local villages and riversidemonasteries en route. There is an interesting Shanpalace that stands proudly in once-immaculategardens: unfortunately it is now closed to thepublic and can only be seen from the river. Further north, either by road or rail, is the townof Lashio. The main point of interest in Lashio isthe colourful market where tribal people from the surrounding area, including the Palaung, gather to buy and sell their produce. From Lashioit is a short but interesting journey to the Museborder crossing. When the border is open it ispossible to cross into Yunnan province andexplore mainland China. MandalayThe capital of the Burmese kingdom before thecolonial era, Mandalay is Burma's second largestcity. It is still considered to be the cultural capital,as well as the economic and religious centre forUpper Burma. Highlights include the ShwenandawPagoda with walls adorned with exquisitewoodcarvings, the Mahu Muni Buddha image nowswamped in gold leaf, and the Kuthodaw Pagoda,home to the world's largest book. No visit toMandalay would be complete without an evening climb to the top of Mandalay Hill towatch the sunset over the city. Mandalay is wellknown for its handicrafts and is the ideal place tosearch out marble, wood carvings, weavings ortraditional puppets. From Mandalay it is only justover an hour north by road to reach the hillstation of Maymyo, used by the British as a refugefrom the summer heat. With its turrets, gablesand churches, the town is rich with the memoriesof the British colonial days and renowned for itsimmaculate botanical gardens.REDCANAL, MANDALAYLocated in a quiet part of the city, parallel to theRed Canal, from which the hotel gets its name,this quaint, boutique-style property makes gooduse of teak and local materials, providing it with a cosy and traditional style not found in many ofthe larger resorts in Mandalay. The 25 rooms arestylishly furnished although a little on the compactRed Canal, MandalayFlower market, HsipawPuppets on sale, MandalayMonk at a coffee shop, MandalayU Bein bridge, near Mandalay