An Introduction
Stretching for over 1,930 km from the North Himalayan region to the South tip of the Tenasserim region, which faces the
Andaman Sea, Myanmar (Burma) borders India and Bangladesh to the North West and West, China and Laos to the North East
and Thailand to the East and South East.
Few places on earth remain untouched in their natural beauty and
charm from one century to the next. The ancient land of Burma, now known as Myanmar, is however, an exception
to the rule, and on board the Road To Mandalay we bring you the best of this fascinating, unspoilt country.
A journey along the Ayeyarwady River is a voyage of a lifetime. From this mighty river, which runs the length of
the country, treasures can be admired which have for so long been hidden from the world's gaze.
With the style and
comfort for which the Orient-Express is famous, the Road To Mandalay provides the ultimate vantage point from which to absorb the
surrounding serene beauty, taking in its golden-spired pagodas, ancient temples, sleepy riverside settlements and saffron-clad monks.
History
With its inaugural voyage in January 1996 the Road To Mandalay marked a new venture for the famed Orient-Express.
With the Union of Myanmar (formerly Burma) gradually reopening its doors to the outside world, the Road To Mandalay
became the ideal way to explore the undiscovered beauty of this long-hidden land.
The ship itself originally began life
as a Rhine cruiser in Germany and made her maiden voyage on 6th July 1964. Originally built to very high standards
for its day, the ship was purchased by Orient-Express Hotels, Trains & Cruises in 1994 following a period as a floating hotel in Dresden.
The ship underwent a major refurbishment programme at Lauenberg /Hamburg at a cost of US$6 million.
This mostly consisted of reducing the number of air-conditioned cabins from 98 to 72, and installing elegant decorations that
blend contemporary designs with traditional Burmese, plus a state-of-the-art sewage system to preserve the purity of the Ayeyarwady River.
Once the refurbishment was completed the ship was transported, courtesy of a specialist transporting ship, via the
English Channel and the Suez Canal to Myanmar, arriving towards the end of 1995. The Road To Mandalay was unloaded
in Yangon and, after attracting a great deal of local interest, sailed up the Ayeyarwady River to Mandalay.
Once in Mandalay
local craftsmen added final decoration and fittings including locally woven furniture for the Observation Lounge, and carvings
for the Restaurant. Local antiques were also sought and carefully chosen to provide a true Burmese atmosphere on board.
Consultant designers were appointed to devise new internal and external decorative schemes in sympathy with the vessels new role and the 'Orient-Express' image.
The inaugural cruise departed Mandalay on 31st January 1996 and arrived in Bagan on 5th February 1996, guests included
HRH Prince Michael of Greece, Helena Bonham Carter, HRH Princess Michael of Kent and HRH Princess Marina of Greece.
Today the Road To Mandalay continues to ply the waters of the Ayeyarwady River giving passengers the opportunity
to see this fascinating and ancient land while travelling in modern comfort.
Road To Mandalay
Routes
7 Night - Mandalay-Bagan-Mandalay
4 Night - Bagan-Mandalay
3 Night - Mandalay-Bagan
Premier
Cruises:
9 Night - Mandalay-Bagan
11 Night - Mandalay-Bhamo-Bagan
The Road To Mandalay runs between July and April.
As the Road To Mandalay meanders along the Ayeyarwady River, guests can gaze at the surrounding beauty from the canopied
Observation Deck, cool off in the on-deck pool or enjoy a cool refreshing drink from the top-deck bar, which is open all day and evening.
Cane and teak furniture allows guests to relax in comfort and to observe the unfolding river life or watch the beautiful sunsets.
The Ship
Furbished to the exacting standards of Orient-Express, the Road To Mandalay incorporates elegant
Burmese materials and unique styles with the highest international standards in decor and modern comfort.
Air-conditioned throughout, the ship has 4 decks and accommodates 118 passengers. All of the 66 spacious, air-conditioned cabins come
furnished with beautiful fabrics, fine linens and soft towels, and a friendly room service is available 24 hours a day.
Facilities on board include a
Restaurant, Piano Bar, Boutique, small Library and a spacious Lounge, where local entertainment and cultural lectures take place during the cruise.
At the end of a day of discovery, retire to the Piano Bar for an evening in the company of your fellow travellers.
Decorated with a mixture of light wood and Burmese lacquerware, the Piano Bar offers guests a range of
delicious local and international cocktails while enjoying the musical talents of the local pianist.
Retire for
the night in your cabin.
GROUP TRAVEL
Whether
travelling as a group of friends or as an organized party our
hotels, trains and cruises
are happy to make special arrangements
to suit your individual needs.
We are delighted to welcome groups travelling together, whether
on business, or for pleasure.
Whatever your requirements,
organizing a special event with The Road To Mandalay couldn't be
easier: simply contact one of our
highly experienced
experts, who will give you all the advice and assistance
you need, or explore the facilities of your preferred venue.
A
Rewarding Experience
Clients,
colleagues or friends... if you want them to enjoy an experience
to remember, take them on a voyage aboard Myanmar's most
famous ship.
Whatever the occasion, a cruise aboard The Road To Mandalay is the ideal way to celebrate.
With a minimum of 15 guests you can travel on the full Mandalay-Bhamo-Bagan
journey, or any sector of the trip.
Make their experience truly
unique by customizing it with special arrangements.
Wining
and Dining
No journey to Asia would be complete without sampling the regional cuisine and on board you
can enjoy an acclaimed menu of Eastern and Western delicacies, which are served with natural Burmese courtesy and charm.
Buffet-style lunch is served in the Restaurant or weather permitting on the Observation Deck in seven different themes: Burmese, Shan,
Thai, Indonesian, Chinese, Indian and European. Buffet breakfast and dinner are served in the Restaurant and afternoon
tea in the Lounge or on the Observation Deck.
Early morning coffee and tea is served in passengers' cabins on request and on the Observation Deck.
Memorable
Experience
Make your
trip truly unique by providing a spectacular send off, a
champagne welcome, or choose one of our unique events to
entertain your guests on board.
or send E-Mail directly from this site by clicking on: V.J.'s EXOTIC SAFARIS
