Day 1. Bagan –Shwe Pyi Thar Village
Acquaint yourself with the Makara Queen as soon as you cast off from historical Bagan Our staff will be on hand to answer any question or query you may have about your upcoming journey. After settling into your room, enjoy a refreshing welcome beverage on Makara’s sundeck and take in spectacular views of the Ayeyarwady River. A longyi (a traditional Myanmar outfit similar to a sarong) presentation follows, where we teach you the traditions behind Myanmar’s most famous garment. Enjoy a buffet lunch and perhaps a dip in our rooftop swimming pool before embarking on an excursion to Shwe Pyi Thar Village where you will get a glimpse of life in a traditional Myanmar village and learn about the Makara Queen’s charity work with the community. As we continue our voyage along the Ayeyarwady, we introduce you to thanaka, a very popular cosmetic traditionally used as makeup and sun protection. Finish off your first day aboard the Makara with a dinner prepared from only the freshest organic ingredients. Following the meal, a traditional Myanmar Puppet show, complete with live music, will take place on the upper deck. This fun performance is not to be missed. Finally, retire to your cabins for a restful slumber.
Day 2. Yandabo Village
Start the day with a freshly brewed cup of tea or coffee on the upper deck as we sail upstream to Yandabo Village. Famous for producing unique terracotta pottery out of riverbank clay, Yandabo is also steeped in history. The village is recognised as the site where the Yandabo Treaty was signed, ending the first Anglo-Burmese war between the British East India Company and the Royal Burmese Household of Ava in 1826. We will then return to the boat where you can enjoy an afternoon of leisure. Browse the on-board library, have a refreshing drink in the dining room or just relax by our swimming pool. In the early evening, join a cooking class where we showcase two of Myanmar’s most famous dishes: lahpet thoke (green tea leaf salad) and gin thoke (ginger salad). After a pre-dinner beverage and dinner from our à la carte menu, we will show The Lady, a film that details the life of Aung Suun Suu Kyi, one Myanmar’s most popular political figures, and provides an in-depth overview of the country’s modern history.
Day 3. Sagaing
Today we will set sail to the beautiful Sagaing Hills. Sagaing is an important religious and meditation centre for Myanamar people. We will visit the Sun-U-Ponnya-Shin pagoda, which dates back to the 14th century. Following this, we will travel by horse and cart to the ancient city of Ava, formerly known as Inwa. In the afternoon, we will visit the famous Mingun pagoda. Originally planned to be the largest pagoda in the world, the construction was halted after the death of King Bodawphaya in 1918. After dinner, we will have a presentation from a local farmer about the exotic fruits and vegetables of Myanmar. Afterwards, a traditional medicine
Day 4. Mandalay
Rise early to enjoy your last morning aboard the Makara. Enjoy a freshly brewed cup of tea or coffee on the sundeck before heading to our international breakfast buffet. Prior to disembarking, a historical expert will provide an enthralling storytelling session on the ancient history of Buddhism in Myanmar. Don’t forget to say goodbye to the staff and the Makara Queen before disembarking. We will arrange for transportation to pick you up from the pier to continue to discover Myanmar in all her glory.
Day1-Mandalay
Acquaint yourself with the Makara Queen as soon as you cast off from Mandalay, the former royal capital. Our staff will be on hand to answer any question or query you may have about your upcoming journey. After settling into your room, enjoy a refreshing welcome beverage on Makara’s sundeck and take in spectacular views of the Ayeyarwady River. A longyi (a traditional Myanmar outfit similar to a sarong) presentation follows, where we teach you the traditions behind Myanmar’s most famous garment.
Day 2 – Sagaing
Today we will set sail to the beautiful Sagaing Hills. Sagaing is an important religious and meditation centre for Myanamar people. We will visit the Sun-U-Ponnya-Shin pagoda, which dates back to the 14th century. Following this, we will travel by horse and cart to the ancient city of Ava, formerly known as Inwa. In the afternoon, we will visit the famous Mingun Paya pagoda. Originally planned to be the largest pagoda in the world, the construction was halted after the death of King Bodawphaya in 1918. After dinner, we will have a presentation from a local farmer about the exotic fruits and vegetables of Myanmar. Afterwards, a traditional medicine practitioner will give a lecture on ancient Myanmar medical techniques.
Day 3 - Shwe Pyi Thar Village to Bagan
Rise early to enjoy your last morning aboard the Makara. Enjoy a freshly brewed cup of tea or coffee on the sundeck before heading to our international breakfast buffet. After breakfast, we will pool before embarking on an excursion to Shwe Pyi Thar Village where you will get a glimpse of life in a traditional Myanmar village and learn about the Makara Queen’s charity work with the community. Prior to disembarking, a historical expert will provide an enthralling storytelling session on the ancient history of Buddhism in Myanmar. Don’t forget to say goodbye to the staff and the Makara Queen before disembarking. We will arrange for transportation to pick you up from the pier to continue to discover Myanmar in all her glory.
Day 4 - Yandabo Village
Start the day with a freshly brewed cup of tea or coffee on the upper deck as we sail upstream to Yandabo Village. Famous for producing unique terracotta pottery out of riverbank clay, Yandabo is also steeped in history. The village is recognised as the site where the Yandabo Treaty was signed, ending the first Anglo-Burmese war between the British East India Company and the Royal Burmese Household of Ava in 1826. We will then return to the boat where you can enjoy an afternoon of leisure. Browse the on-board library, have a refreshing drink in the dining room or just relax by our swimming pool. In the early evening, join a cooking class where we showcase two of Myanmar’s most famous dishes: lahpet thoke (green tea leaf salad) and gin thoke (ginger salad). After a pre-dinner beverage and dinner from our à la carte menu, we will show The Lady, a film that details the life of Aung Suun Suu Kyi, one Myanmar’s most popular political figures, and provides an in-depth overview of the country’s modern history.