Christmas Celebration on the Ayeyarwady

Your adventure begins as you board Belmond Road to Mandalay at a private jetty in Taung Bi village. Guests arriving earlier can set off on your choice of sunrise tour, exploring Bagan by foot, bicycle or horse and cart. Visit Belmond’s free health clinic and learn about our community projects, or for an additional supplement, take to the skies in a hot-air balloon.

Back on board, a day of leisurely pursuits awaits. Unwind with a treatment in the spa, take a dip in the pool, and sit down to a scenic lunch on the Observation Deck. There is an exhibition of local artworks on board, plus our housekeeping staff will be offering longyi-tying and thanaka-making demonstrations.

Enter into the festive spirit at our holiday gingerbread station, where you can decorate your own cookies. Take tea local-style in our “Burmese Tea Shop”. Attend a fascinating lecture on Myanmar’s Past, Present and Future by one of our expert guides.

In the evening, join the Captain and your fellow passengers on the Observation Deck for a special holiday toast. A live band will add to the party atmosphere as the sun sets over the Ayeyarwady River. For dinner, our Chef will prepare an exquisite four-course Christmas dinner with wine pairings, before the party continues into the evening.

The ship continues to sail north. Enjoy a selection of morning activities, including a sunrise yoga session, a meditation class or an enticing cookery demonstration by our Chef. Later, Dr Hla Tun will be offering a presentation on the community projects he is involved with, such as school building and healthcare assistance.

At lunchtime, sit down to a sumptuous festive feast, specially prepared by our Chef, and make a toast to the holiday season.

Rejoin the ship for a sensational Christmas lunch.

After, disembark for your choice of tour in Mingun. Explore the highlights of the town on a walking tour, including the astounding unfinished pagoda of Pahtodawgyi. Alternatively visit a rural village and experience a way of life barely touched by time.

Back on board you are invited to dress in your longyi for a special cocktail party on the Observation Deck.

An early-bird breakfast is served before you disembark from the ship for your onward travel arrangements.