Viking River Cruises adds Myanmar to 2014 itinerary

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Starting in 2014,Viking River Cruises will be offering adventuresome travelers the opportunityto cruise the majestic Irrawaddy River in Myanmar and Thailand.

The line’s 16-day Memoriesof Mandalay itinerary announced in December is the company’s first-everoffering on the Irrawaddy, and will carry guests along the river throughMyanmar, previously known as Burma, and Thailand on the newly refurbished60-passenger Viking Mandalay.
Calling Myanmar “amagical destination [with a] rich history and spiritual wonders,” TorsteinHagen, Chairman of Viking River Cruises, cited President Obama’s recent visitto the region as inspiring many Americans to visit the area. The journey willbegin with two days in Bangkok, Thailand, where guests will explore the city’scolorful landmarks, including the floating markets on the Chao PhrayaRiver and the famous Grand Palace. The land portionof the journey will continue following a flight to Yangon, the former Burmesecapital also known as Rangoon (meaning “The end of strife”).  Guests will be able to take in the city’scolonial-era architecture and visit historic Buddhist temples, some of whichare thought to be more than 2,500 years old. Travelers can also visit a local marketplace and see Shwedagon Pagoda(or “Golden Pagoda”), the most sacred Buddhist pagoda for the Burmese.

Viking Mandalay

After exploringYangon for two days, guests will board the Viking Mandalay, which willply the Irrawaddy River and take 60 guests to a range of diverse destinationsalong the waterway. Sailinground-trip from Bangkok, the ship will spend almost its entire itinerary inBurma and will visit significant sites like the colonial frontier post ofThayetmyo, the Italian-built forts of Minhla and Gwechaung, the Golden templeof Mya-Tha-Lun Pagoda in Magway and the monasteries of Salé and Bagan, along with potteryvillages and former Burmese capitals.In historicMandalay, travelers will be able to visit the Mahamuni Pagoda, with itsgold-leaf statue of the Buddha, and Shwenandaw Golden Palace monastery, withits exquisite teak carvings. Guests will also have the opportunity to purchasetraditional local craftworks including tapestries and woodcarvings.The final stop onthe itinerary is a return to Bangkok.More details onthe Memories of Mandalay itinerary are available at www.vrc.com/myanmar. Viking is offering a2014 Early Booking Discount with up to 2-for-1 cruise pricing and $1,000 percouple off all-inclusive air through Feb. 28, 2013.   

Photo courtesy Viking River Cruises
Yangon Vacations