While we started in Bangkok, we flew to Mandalay, Myanmar where we boarded our ship. We then proceeded to sail down the Irawady river for 12 days, then stayed in Yangon (formerly Rangoon) one night. The country is not terribly developed with practically no docks to pull into on the stops. We climbed up dirt banks to the roads. There was a lot of walking but it was all worth it. We thoroughly enjoyed the cruise, the crew, the boat, the guide and our guide. Food was great too. The only minor problem was a several hour long bus trip from the town where we left the boat to Yangon. Still it was an opportunity to see the countryside away from the river (including seeing a farmer washing his elephant before going off to work.

Myanmar is mainly a Buddhist country with many beautiful temples including the spectacular one in Rangoon. It was also wonderful to see the small towns with smaller temples, markets, houses, shops and schools. It was a great trip. I highly recommend it (even in its new iteration with less time on the river, more on airplanes, and no long bus trip.