Ayeyarwaddy River
Ayeyarwaddy River
4.5
About
The little Jetty here in Mingun seemed to quite busy. There boats coming and going the whole time I was there.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Ayeyarwaddy River and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
2 within 5 kms
Attractions
23 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
196 reviews
Excellent
91
Very good
85
Average
18
Poor
1
Terrible
1
zsszn
Bratislava Region, Slovakia498 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We arrive 8:30, but it is enough later, to not wait long. The boat was fine, the toilet clean, we stopped 600 m from the Jetty in Mingun waiting for us "millions" of tuk tuks... It is really touristic at all. We have enough time to explore the sights, also eat something (watermelon), by foot. White pagoda is a photospot, then go ahead.
At backway we want to sit inside, but the lady do not allow us. Than we put a seater from upper level and take it inside - I was ill, do not want to be more.
At backway we want to sit inside, but the lady do not allow us. Than we put a seater from upper level and take it inside - I was ill, do not want to be more.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael B
49 contributions
Oct 2015 • Family
Rather than go on the Government Boat at 9am and return at 12noon, we hired our own boat at 12 noon to go over to Mingun. It was a large boat and could take 15 to 20, cost was Kyat 30,000 in all. We stayed in Mingun 2 hours. Take some cold drinks with you as none on the boat. The office to hire the boat is just on the left at the entrance to the Mayan Gyan Jetty
Written October 29, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arthurrvr
Marlborough, UK1,426 contributions
Nov 2011 • Friends
We all really loved this boat trip on the Irrawaddy from just beyond Mandalay up to Mingun, it was one of the highlights of our trip.
Not because there was lots to see along the river banks or on the river itself as the east bank was pretty flat with reed beds and small fisherman huts while the west bank was slightly better as there were some hills on that side set further back but not much happening there either. River traffic was fairly light, mainly some small fishing kayak type boats and the odd slightly bigger vessel, so also not much happening. Nor was it because we had a luxurious boat. It might possibly be luxury by Myanmar standards but it was very simple with 4 deck-chairs set out for us on the 'upper deck' with just a large green plastic awning to protect us from the sun, no other 'luxuries'. Nor was it because we had lots of good food and drink. All we got was some oranges, bananas, peanuts and a flask of hot water for some tea – plus some bottled water.
In fact it was all of that because sometimes the simple life, as long as it is comfortable enough, can be very pleasing. After many days of hectic travel visiting many glorious, but tiring, sights, it was great to be able to just wind down for an hour and a half (half the time coming back because of the current) puttering gently down one of the world's great rivers and looking at the peaceful scene passing by. As it was nearly dark by the time we left Mingun, there was even less to see on the river banks on the return journey but we were compensated by a really wonderful and atmospheric long lasting (as the sun had to go beneath the western hills before 'really' setting) sunset. We couldn't have asked for more.
It also helped that the boat was just for the 4 of us so we didn't have to share the space with other people. And deck-chairs can be fairly comfortable for a time. The two drawbacks were a) getting on and off the boat both near Mandalay and at Mingun. Not the easiest (see my photos) and no good if you have balance problems but OK for most people and we coped plus b) toilets were very rudimentary to say the least but OK if desperate.
Not really worth doing this boat trip if you are in Mandalay only for one day as there is too much else to do but if there for 2 days or more, then this is a really fun thing to do – and you get to see Mingun.
Not because there was lots to see along the river banks or on the river itself as the east bank was pretty flat with reed beds and small fisherman huts while the west bank was slightly better as there were some hills on that side set further back but not much happening there either. River traffic was fairly light, mainly some small fishing kayak type boats and the odd slightly bigger vessel, so also not much happening. Nor was it because we had a luxurious boat. It might possibly be luxury by Myanmar standards but it was very simple with 4 deck-chairs set out for us on the 'upper deck' with just a large green plastic awning to protect us from the sun, no other 'luxuries'. Nor was it because we had lots of good food and drink. All we got was some oranges, bananas, peanuts and a flask of hot water for some tea – plus some bottled water.
In fact it was all of that because sometimes the simple life, as long as it is comfortable enough, can be very pleasing. After many days of hectic travel visiting many glorious, but tiring, sights, it was great to be able to just wind down for an hour and a half (half the time coming back because of the current) puttering gently down one of the world's great rivers and looking at the peaceful scene passing by. As it was nearly dark by the time we left Mingun, there was even less to see on the river banks on the return journey but we were compensated by a really wonderful and atmospheric long lasting (as the sun had to go beneath the western hills before 'really' setting) sunset. We couldn't have asked for more.
It also helped that the boat was just for the 4 of us so we didn't have to share the space with other people. And deck-chairs can be fairly comfortable for a time. The two drawbacks were a) getting on and off the boat both near Mandalay and at Mingun. Not the easiest (see my photos) and no good if you have balance problems but OK for most people and we coped plus b) toilets were very rudimentary to say the least but OK if desperate.
Not really worth doing this boat trip if you are in Mandalay only for one day as there is too much else to do but if there for 2 days or more, then this is a really fun thing to do – and you get to see Mingun.
Written March 15, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JR Traveller
Prague, Czech Republic792 contributions
Dec 2017 • Couples
You can get a private boat or to get the shared one with other tourists to go to Mingun. The return ticket was 5k. There is a Mingun ticket for another 5k which will be sold upon arrival to Mingun. The boat ride is great as it gives you a nice idea of the life around...
Written December 27, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
angtravel18
Somerset West, Western Cape, South Africa465 contributions
Feb 2017 • Friends
Sit back in the shade on the top deck of your boat, sip a drink and watch the world go by. Enjoy a fabulous locally-made lunch on the boat. Stop at various places for sight-seeing. Couldn't be more relaxing than that!
Written March 30, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DilrukshiH
Colombo, Sri Lanka2,679 contributions
Dec 2014 • Friends
The longest river in Myanmar can be seen from many locations, specially when you visit temples located on top of hills.
This river is the life line of Myanmar as it helps to irrigate the lands, water to drink & bathe also transport goods & people.
Not a beautiful river but when you see it from top of mountain it looks amazing.
This river is the life line of Myanmar as it helps to irrigate the lands, water to drink & bathe also transport goods & people.
Not a beautiful river but when you see it from top of mountain it looks amazing.
Written April 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Friggykeith
Frigiliana, Spain193 contributions
Mar 2015 • Friends
If you ever spend time on the Irrawaddy and are bored, I feel sorry for you! This river has everything. The whole world of the Far East is encapsulated in a couple of days drifting gently down this magnificent water way. Boats from the tiniest almost " wearables" carrying a guy catching the families dinner, through to huge barges carrying raw materials out of the country or importing the latest agricultural machines will pass you every few hours.
Other places, you'll see water buffalo taking their daily dips upstream of families taking their daily bath in the river. Boats often ground on the frequent sandbars, but everyone takes it in their stride and health and safety are no whee to be seen.
Tiny villages through to decent sized towns frequent the river banks and everyone has a little ferry for people, Ox carts and occasional vehicles to cross to the other side or visit their fields on one of the rivers many islands.
Take a boat sit back with a camera and take it all in it's fabulous.
Other places, you'll see water buffalo taking their daily dips upstream of families taking their daily bath in the river. Boats often ground on the frequent sandbars, but everyone takes it in their stride and health and safety are no whee to be seen.
Tiny villages through to decent sized towns frequent the river banks and everyone has a little ferry for people, Ox carts and occasional vehicles to cross to the other side or visit their fields on one of the rivers many islands.
Take a boat sit back with a camera and take it all in it's fabulous.
Written March 13, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patricia W
Fort Wayne, IN239 contributions
Jan 2015 • Couples
As you begin to travel north we encountered small villages. Locals use the river for everything - washing clothes, themselves, dishes, and swimming. At some spots hoses reached down to the waterways appearing to pump water up the embarkment to the village and vice versa. At other areas steps lead down to the waterways, while others were simply muddy paths. Villagers could be seen carrying water from the river to the village using two buckets and a poll around the persons shoulders, or a single bucket carried on their head.
Along the way you will find agricultural portions where corn/bananas/fruits/nuts etc are grown. Fishing boats of various sizes, primarily past their prime in life can be seen. Some are rowed other are motorized with what I would call a low powered outboard motor - many again past their prime with a trail of thick black smoke being left in their wake.
Straw huts with thatched roof were prevalent, some tin roofs and/or siding, bamboo poles, clothes lines with colorful items flowing in the breeze. Some had woven mat type siding, some on stilts, blue tarps, and bamboo poles used in a variety of ways. at dawn and dusk you could see outdoor lighting. Early on in one town we discovered wiring from what would have found in 1920ish age homes in the USA - very thin wires, no white tubing instead wires haphazardly attached splitting off in various directions. The irony was the energy efficient spiral light bulbs precariously handing from sockets - would not want to be around the area in the rain. Typical attire is traditional - longyis, sandals, and a variety of shirt types.
Crew members have cell phones with service to make calls. Larger cities have some WiFi service available, which is highly anticipated. Guess you can say that technology has reached the waterways. In fact on one of our shore excursions there were workers taking pictures with their cell of us taking pictures of them. One of our fellow passengers made an excellent observation - here in Myanmar they went from no phone to the cell phone simply skipped the land line.
Our tour guide said that there is a Norwegian company who in 2014 stated providing cell phone, SIM cards, and selling minutes. The Burmese mobile company initially refused to change their price structure, but finally had to make changed due to being undercut.
Along the waterways you can find bridges dating back to mid 20th century, newer bridges to aide in crossing the delta and/or river, bamboo bridges and some with metal siding. Dirt roads connect villages/towns along the river way. Traditional bikes, scouters, trishaws, a few motorcycles are the modes of transportation. Beside from homes of various shapes, sizes and conditions occasionally you will spot a colonial style building which may be a clinic, government office, school, etc.
To guide us through the delta pilot boats are enlisted to help scout current changes in the waterways patterns. Water levels have fluctuated over the years because of global warming according to some. But after seeing the amount of dredging that occurs in some areas I question how much is man made.
Fishing is a major method for providing for the families. Bobs shaped either round like a ball of cylinder shapes can be seem where nets are placed. The boats come in various shapes and sizes, rowed or motor driving, even some wood burning vessels seen.
As we continue along the landscape does vary, the earlier lust agricultural lands become barren in sections, sand barges seen many with makeshift huts on them. The vegetations is definitely shaped by the strong winds they frequently have. At one point we become stuck in a sand bank with obviously hampers transportation through the delta, but of course our crew was prepared and the captain dislodged us after 10 to 15 minutes.
Stupas dot the landscape.
For a Saturday morning the waterways remain bustling with fishing, dredging, moving goods by barges/floating bamboo/boats of various shapes and sizes.
Our first Sunday evening onboard was for many the great escape. We seemed to have moored a bit early much to everyones surprise. Someone noticed or heard the gangplank hit the shore. Little a bunch of curious children many of us began to peer over the railing. The plank was down, the pole and rope going up - no one around. One after another we intrepid souls went ashore onto a sandy beach, ahhhh freedom. No turn in your key, no tour guide, no one to say anything; just wander the beach and feel the sand between your toes.
As usual Paul had is personal vault following to ensure his safety. He told us about the gentleman panning for gold - which is not allowed by the government but he makes 5 to 9,000 kyucks everyday so he continues. There was a village on the hillside having a party, which someone described as a disco party with the mirror ball going around.
A prize from our escape was the sunset - so beautiful!!!!
The sandbanks remind me of nomads on the sahara with straw/bamboo huts with a boat from fishing. The beauty of them also brings danger, sandbars. Depth indicators - some bamboo, rubber, and empty jugs can be seen indicating water depths and the sandbars. Along the way, the ship changes pilots - these men know the local waterways better than our permanent onboard pilot.
Along the way you will find agricultural portions where corn/bananas/fruits/nuts etc are grown. Fishing boats of various sizes, primarily past their prime in life can be seen. Some are rowed other are motorized with what I would call a low powered outboard motor - many again past their prime with a trail of thick black smoke being left in their wake.
Straw huts with thatched roof were prevalent, some tin roofs and/or siding, bamboo poles, clothes lines with colorful items flowing in the breeze. Some had woven mat type siding, some on stilts, blue tarps, and bamboo poles used in a variety of ways. at dawn and dusk you could see outdoor lighting. Early on in one town we discovered wiring from what would have found in 1920ish age homes in the USA - very thin wires, no white tubing instead wires haphazardly attached splitting off in various directions. The irony was the energy efficient spiral light bulbs precariously handing from sockets - would not want to be around the area in the rain. Typical attire is traditional - longyis, sandals, and a variety of shirt types.
Crew members have cell phones with service to make calls. Larger cities have some WiFi service available, which is highly anticipated. Guess you can say that technology has reached the waterways. In fact on one of our shore excursions there were workers taking pictures with their cell of us taking pictures of them. One of our fellow passengers made an excellent observation - here in Myanmar they went from no phone to the cell phone simply skipped the land line.
Our tour guide said that there is a Norwegian company who in 2014 stated providing cell phone, SIM cards, and selling minutes. The Burmese mobile company initially refused to change their price structure, but finally had to make changed due to being undercut.
Along the waterways you can find bridges dating back to mid 20th century, newer bridges to aide in crossing the delta and/or river, bamboo bridges and some with metal siding. Dirt roads connect villages/towns along the river way. Traditional bikes, scouters, trishaws, a few motorcycles are the modes of transportation. Beside from homes of various shapes, sizes and conditions occasionally you will spot a colonial style building which may be a clinic, government office, school, etc.
To guide us through the delta pilot boats are enlisted to help scout current changes in the waterways patterns. Water levels have fluctuated over the years because of global warming according to some. But after seeing the amount of dredging that occurs in some areas I question how much is man made.
Fishing is a major method for providing for the families. Bobs shaped either round like a ball of cylinder shapes can be seem where nets are placed. The boats come in various shapes and sizes, rowed or motor driving, even some wood burning vessels seen.
As we continue along the landscape does vary, the earlier lust agricultural lands become barren in sections, sand barges seen many with makeshift huts on them. The vegetations is definitely shaped by the strong winds they frequently have. At one point we become stuck in a sand bank with obviously hampers transportation through the delta, but of course our crew was prepared and the captain dislodged us after 10 to 15 minutes.
Stupas dot the landscape.
For a Saturday morning the waterways remain bustling with fishing, dredging, moving goods by barges/floating bamboo/boats of various shapes and sizes.
Our first Sunday evening onboard was for many the great escape. We seemed to have moored a bit early much to everyones surprise. Someone noticed or heard the gangplank hit the shore. Little a bunch of curious children many of us began to peer over the railing. The plank was down, the pole and rope going up - no one around. One after another we intrepid souls went ashore onto a sandy beach, ahhhh freedom. No turn in your key, no tour guide, no one to say anything; just wander the beach and feel the sand between your toes.
As usual Paul had is personal vault following to ensure his safety. He told us about the gentleman panning for gold - which is not allowed by the government but he makes 5 to 9,000 kyucks everyday so he continues. There was a village on the hillside having a party, which someone described as a disco party with the mirror ball going around.
A prize from our escape was the sunset - so beautiful!!!!
The sandbanks remind me of nomads on the sahara with straw/bamboo huts with a boat from fishing. The beauty of them also brings danger, sandbars. Depth indicators - some bamboo, rubber, and empty jugs can be seen indicating water depths and the sandbars. Along the way, the ship changes pilots - these men know the local waterways better than our permanent onboard pilot.
Written January 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ortlinde
Fort Worth, TX426 contributions
Jan 2015 • Solo
Any trip on a boat on a famous river cannot be all bad, but this river is very disappointing in terms of local scenery. I compare it to other rivers I have been on such as the Tigris, Euphrates, Nile and the Rhine. No comparison. Except for the fact that the Ayeyarwaddy (that is the former Irrawaddy) is famous through Rudyard Kipling's writings, at least this part of it is unexceptional. But there likely is no other easy way to get to Mingun. (And Mingun is not all that great, either) This is why I "cruised" this part of the Ayeyarwaddy. In and of itself, this is not a worthwhile adventure.
Written January 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LindyLouMac
Tywyn, UK293 contributions
Dec 2013 • Friends
Travelled to Bagan on the river, a ten hour ferry trip what a wonderful experience to see life on the river in this way.
Written July 30, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ciao.io e mio marito vorremmo visitare mengun è possibile nel pomeriggio come hai detto tu. Avete preso barca privata?ma a che ora parte?grazie
Written March 23, 2018
noi abbiamo preso il battello la mattina parte alle 9 o 930 non mi ricordo bene. ti fai portare all'imbarcadero e compri il biglietto a 5 usd. per bagan noi siamo andate in bus, puoi prenotare il biglietto anche tramite l'hotel. vedi tu in base alle vostre esigenze
Written March 25, 2018
Bonjour, J'ai l'intention de partir en janvier 2017 en Birmanie. Je souhaiterais prendre un car de Monywa à Pakokku puis un bateau de Pakokku à Bagan.
Selon ce que j'ai vu cela est possible. Pour le bateau, faut il réserver avant ou est il possible possible de le prendre directement sur place ? merci pour vos infos
Written September 30, 2016
nish_shu
Sapporo, Japan
日本国北海道札幌市在住です。
2017年1月末にマンダレーとバガン間の船旅をする計画です（ほぼ決定）。船の運航状況（毎日or1日おき）、料金、乗船場所などの
詳細情報がよくわかりません。
一応こんな予定です
2017/1/30 バンコクからマンダレー空路
2017/1/31 マンダレーからバガン 船
2017/2/1 バガン1日観光
2017/2/2 バガンからマンダレー 船（バガンの空港が国際空港？なら直接バンコクに帰る
という方法もありです）
2017/2/3 マンダレーからバンコク空路
たくさんの情報を望んでいます。
Written June 28, 2016
Bonjour Yves et les autres voyageurs qui l'ont fait, j'aimerais descendre ou remonter l'Irrawaddy mais de préférence par des bateaux locaux... Est-ce possible ? Et peut-on y dormir ?
Merci d'avance de votre réponse
Muryel
Written April 25, 2016
Showing results 1-4 of 4
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing