AYEYARWADDY RIVER

The Ayeyarwaddyriver (also known as the Irrawadi) is Myanmar's longest and most beautiful river. It is one of the great rivers of Asia, as famous as the Nile, and the cultural and economic lifeline of the nation. The beauty and biodiversity of the Ayeyarwaddy are remarkable, and her waters support a wide range of things from the lives of farmers, orchardists, fishermen and plantation workers across gold panning and countless village folk till finally freshwater dolphins.

All manners of watercraft ply the Ayeyarwaddy where local boatmen happily share the river adventure, enabling tourists to view ancient temples, cliff face carvings, fishing villages and wildlife difficult to reach by road.

When and how to visit

While the river is always majestic to see, October – April, the cool and dry seasons, are the most popular with visitors who wish to avoid the monsoonal rains.

To view the glories of riverside nature, the best starting point is in the northerly Kachin State at Myintzone, near where the river is created by the confluence of two other smaller watercourses, the Malikha and Makha rivers. Myintzone is a short distance from the Kachin capital, Myintkina, which receives daily flights from Yangon. An elongated boat trip from this port can take you right down to the river delta.

To view the unique wild dolphins of the Ayeyarwaddy, start your trip at Mandalay.