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Makara Queen Cruise

Description

We invite you to embark on a journey and discover the origins of Myanmar culture and its charming traditions aboard the Makara Queen Cruise. The Makara Queen Cruise provides a series of portraits of local scenery, including dense jungle-clad riverbanks, grand gorges and endless rice paddies. You’ll also get intimate glimpses of traditional rural life played out along the riverbank, plus the occasional glimpse of a saffron-clad monk. Enjoy your voyage aboard the Makara and unwind in one of our 22 luxurious rooms. Every room on the Makara has a private balcony and floor-to ceiling windows, perfect for taking in the scenery of the magnificent Ayeyarwady River. The stretch between Mandalay and Bagan is rich in cultural and historical treasures, including several former royal capitals. The destinations we visit on our journey provide a deeper understanding of this fascinating country.

  • Makara Queen Cruise
  • Launch 2017
  • 24 cabins
  • Metal
  • Mandalay-Bagan-Pyay- Homalin-Monywa
  • Myanmar

Makara Queen Cruise's Facilities

  • 24-hour Security
  • Free wifi
  • Included Breakfast
  • Observatory
  • Pool
  • Reception
  • Restaurant
  • Spa & Beauty
  • Tender for sightseeing

Cruise Itineraries

Travel Map

Full itinerary: 4 days: Bagan to Mandalay

Acquaint yourself with the Makara Queen as soon as you cast off from historical Bagan Our staff will be on hand to answer any question or query you may have about your upcoming journey. After settling into your room, enjoy a refreshing welcome beverage on Makara’s sundeck and take in spectacular views of the Ayeyarwady River. A longyi (a traditional Myanmar outfit similar to a sarong) presentation follows, where we teach you the traditions behind Myanmar’s most famous garment.
Enjoy a buffet lunch and perhaps a dip in our rooftop swimming pool before embarking on an excursion to Shwe Pyi Thar Village where you will get a glimpse of life in a traditional Myanmar village and learn about the Makara Queen’s charity work with the community. As we continue our voyage along the Ayeyarwady, we introduce you to thanaka, a very popular cosmetic traditionally used as makeup and sun protection.Finish off your first day aboard the Makara with a dinner prepared from only the freshest organic ingredients. Following the meal, a traditional Myanmar Puppet show, complete with live music, will take place on the upper deck. This fun performance is not to be missed. Finally, retire to your cabins for a restful slumber.

Meals: Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Makara Queen Cruise

Start the day with a freshly brewed cup of tea or coffee on the upper deck as we sail upstream to Yandabo Village. Famous for producing unique terracotta pottery out of riverbank clay, Yandabo is also steeped in history. The village is recognised as the site where the Yandabo Treaty was signed, ending the first Anglo-Burmese war between the British East India Company and the Royal Burmese Household of Ava in 1826.
We will then return to the boat where you can enjoy an afternoon of leisure. Browse the on-board library, have a refreshing drink in the dining room or just relax by our swimming pool. In the early evening, join a cooking class where we showcase two of Myanmar’s most famous dishes: lahpet thoke (green tea leaf salad) and gin thoke (ginger salad). After a pre-dinner beverage and dinner from our à la carte menu, we will show The Lady, a film that details the life of Aung Suun Suu Kyi, one Myanmar’s most popular political figures, and provides an in-depth overview of the country’s modern history.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Makara Queen Cruise

Today we will set sail to the beautiful Sagaing Hills. Sagaing is an important religious and meditation centre for Myanamar people. We will visit the Sun-U-Ponnya-Shin pagoda, which dates back to the 14th century. Following this, we will travel by horse and cart to the ancient city of Ava, formerly known as Inwa.
In the afternoon, we will visit the famous Mingun pagoda. Originally planned to be the largest pagoda in the world, the construction was halted after the death of King Bodawphaya in 1918. After dinner, we will have a presentation from a local farmer about the exotic fruits and vegetables of Myanmar. Afterwards, a traditional medicine practitioner will give a lecture on ancient Myanmar medical techniques.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Makara Queen Cruise

Rise early to enjoy your last morning aboard the Makara. Enjoy a freshly brewed cup of tea or coffee on the sundeck before heading to our international breakfast buffet. Prior to disembarking, a historical expert will provide an enthralling storytelling session on the ancient history of Buddhism in Myanmar.
Don’t forget to say goodbye to the staff and the Makara Queen before disembarking. We will arrange for transportation to pick you up from the pier to continue to discover Myanmar in all her glory.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A

Travel Map

Full itinerary: 4 days: Mandalay to Bagan

Acquaint yourself with the Makara Queen as soon as you cast off from Mandalay, the former royal capital. Our staff will be on hand to answer any question or query you may have about your upcoming journey.
After settling into your room, enjoy a refreshing welcome beverage on Makara’s sundeck and take in spectacular views of the Ayeyarwady River. A longyi (a traditional Myanmar outfit similar to a sarong) presentation follows, where we teach you the traditions behind Myanmar’s most famous garment.

Meals: Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Makara Queen Cruise

Today we will set sail to the beautiful Sagaing Hills. Sagaing is an important religious and meditation centre for Myanamar people. We will visit the Sun-U-Ponnya-Shin pagoda, which dates back to the 14th century. Following this, we will travel by horse and cart to the ancient city of Ava, formerly known as Inwa.
In the afternoon, we will visit the famous Mingun Paya pagoda. Originally planned to be the largest pagoda in the world, the construction was halted after the death of King Bodawphaya in 1918. After dinner, we will have a presentation from a local farmer about the exotic fruits and vegetables of Myanmar. Afterwards, a traditional medicine practitioner will give a lecture on ancient Myanmar medical techniques.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Makara Queen Cruise

Start the day with a freshly brewed cup of tea or coffee on the upper deck as we sail upstream to Yandabo Village. Famous for producing unique terracotta pottery out of riverbank clay, Yandabo is also steeped in history. The village is recognised as the site where the Yandabo Treaty was signed, ending the first Anglo-Burmese war between the British East India Company and the Royal Burmese Household of Ava in 1826. We will then return to the boat where you can enjoy an afternoon of leisure. Browse the on-board library, have a refreshing drink in the dining room or just relax by our swimming pool.
In the early evening, join a cooking class where we showcase two of Myanmar’s most famous dishes: lahpet thoke (green tea leaf salad) and gin thoke (ginger salad). After a pre-dinner beverage and dinner from our à la carte menu, we will show The Lady, a film that details the life of Aung Suun Suu Kyi, one Myanmar’s most popular political figures, and provides an in-depth overview of the country’s modern history.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Makara Queen Cruise

Rise early to enjoy your last morning aboard the Makara. Enjoy a freshly brewed cup of tea or coffee on the sundeck before heading to our international breakfast buffet. After breakfast, we will pool before embarking on an excursion to Shwe Pyi Thar Village where you will get a glimpse of life in a traditional Myanmar village and learn about the Makara Queen’s charity work with the community. Prior to disembarking, a historical expert will provide an enthralling storytelling session on the ancient history of Buddhism in Myanmar. Don’t forget to say goodbye to the staff and the Makara Queen before disembarking. We will arrange for transportation to pick you up from the pier to continue to discover Myanmar in all her glory.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A

Travel Map

Full itinerary

7 Days: Mandalay – Bagan – Pyay

Acquaint yourself with the Makara Queen as soon as you cast off on your voyage. Our staff will be on hand to answer any question or query you may have about your upcoming journey. After settling into your room, enjoy a refreshing welcome beverage on Makara’s sundeck and take in spectacular views of the Ayeyarwady River. We will set sail to the beautiful Sagaing Hills. Sagaing is an important religious and meditation centre for Myanamar people. We will visit the Sun-U-Ponnya-Shin pagoda, which dates back to the 14th century. Following this, we will travel by horse and cart to the ancient city of Ava, formerly known as Inwa.
In the afternoon, we will visit the famous Mingun Paya pagoda. Originally planned to be the largest pagoda in the world, the construction was halted after the death of King Bodawphaya in 1918. After a welcome gala dinner prepared on-board by our trained chefs, we will enjoy a longyi (a traditional Myanmar outfit similar to a sarong) presentation, where we teach you the traditions behind Myanmar’s most famous garment.

Meals: Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Makara Queen Cruise

In the morning we will embark on an excursion to Shwe Pyi Tha Village to get a glimpse of life in a traditional Myanmar village and learn about the Makara Queen’s charity work with the community. We will then continue our voyage and sail through the confluence of the Chindwin and Ayeyarwady rivers.
After lunch on board, we will explore the picturesque village of Yandabo. Famous for producing unique terracotta pottery out of riverbank clay, Yandabo is also steeped in history. The village is recognised as the site where the Yandabo Treaty was signed, ending the first Anglo-Burmese war between the British East India Company and the Royal Burmese Household of Ava in 1826.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Makara Queen Cruise

After sailing overnight, we will arrive at the ancient royal capital of Bagan. With over 3,000 religious buildings, Bagan is one of the largest archaeological sites in Southeast Asia and a true spectacle to behold. We will visit its many temples in the morning. After lunch on board, we will continue our discovery of Myanmar.
During the day, our tour guide will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about this ancient kingdom. Finish off your day aboard the Makara with a dinner prepared from only the freshest organic ingredients. Following the meal, a traditional Myanmar Puppet show, complete with live music, will take place on the upper deck. This fun performance is not to be missed.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Makara Queen Cruise

After breakfast, we will take a tour around Magwe city on a local rickshaw. During the excursion you will be able explore an authentic Myanmar market and learn ancient techniques from a traditional blacksmith. We will then return to the Makara where you can enjoy an afternoon of leisure. Browse the books in the on-board library, have a refreshing drink in the dining room or just relax by our swimming pool.
After dinner, we will have a presentation from a local farmer about the exotic fruits and vegetables of Myanmar. Afterwards, a traditional medicine practitioner will give a lecture on ancient Myanmar medical techniques.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Makara Queen Cruise

After breakfast we will take an excursion to the fortress of Minhla, built by Italian architects to assist the Burmese King in preventing British troops from advancing from the south. Following this we will enjoy an à la carte lunch aboard the Makara Queen.
In the afternoon, we will embark on an excursion to the holy ‘Dragon Volcano’ and then continue by bus to the ancient Myat Thalon Pagoda in Magwe, before enjoying a spectacular sunset over the Ayeryarwady River back in the boat. After a pre-dinner beverage and dinner from our à la carte menu, we will show The Lady, a film that details the life of Aung Suun Suu Kyi, one Myanmar’s most popular political figures, and provides an in-depth overview of the country’s modern history.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Makara Queen Cruise

After a freshly brewed cup of tea or coffee on the sundeck, we will embark on an excursion by horse-drawn carriage to Thayet Myo, formerly a border town between the Royal Burmese North and the British Colonial South. We will then return to the boat where you can enjoy an afternoon of leisure. Browse the books in the on-board library, have a refreshing drink in the dining room or just relax by our swimming pool.
In the early evening, join a cooking class where we showcase two of Myanmar’s most famous dishes: lahpet thoke (green tea leaf salad) and gin thoke (ginger salad). As this is the last evening of your voyage, we will enjoy a farewell cocktail party on board, followed by a gala dinner.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Makara Queen Cruise

Rise early to enjoy your last morning aboard the Makara. Enjoy a freshly-brewed cup of tea or coffee on the sundeck before heading to our international breakfast buffet. Prior to disembarking, a historical expert will conduct an enthralling storytelling session on the ancient history of Buddhism in Myanmar.
Don’t forget to say goodbye to the staff and the Makara Queen before disembarking. We will arrange for transportation to pick you up from the pier to continue to discover Myanmar in all her glory.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A

Travel Map

Full itinerary

8 Days: Pyay – Bagan – Mandalay

Acquaint yourself with the Makara Queen as you prepare for your voyage. Our staff will be on hand to answer any question or query you may have about your upcoming journey. After settling into your room, enjoy a refreshing welcome beverage on Makara’s sundeck and take in spectacular views of the Ayeyarwady River. A longyi (a traditional Myanmar outfit similar to a sarong) presentation follows, where we teach you the traditions behind Myanmar’s most famous garment.
Take an afternoon excursion to Pyay, which was once an important trade town on the Ayeyarwady. We will visit the famous Shwesan-Daw pagoda before travelling to Shwe Daung village and see the famous glasses-wearing Buddha.

Meals: Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Makara Queen Cruise

After a freshly brewed cup of tea or coffee on the sundeck of the Makara Queen, we will embark on an excursion by horse-drawn carriage to Thayet Myo, formerly a border town between the Royal Burmese North and the British Colonial South. We will then return to the boat where you can enjoy an afternoon of leisure. Browse the books in the on-board library, have a refreshing drink in the dining room or just relax by our swimming pool.
In the early evening, join a cooking class where we showcase two of Myanmar’s most famous dishes: lahpet thoke (green tea leaf salad) and gin thoke (ginger salad).

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Makara Queen Cruise

After breakfast we will take an excursion to the fortress of Minhla, built by Italian architects to assist the Burmese King in preventing British troops from advancing from the south. Following this we will enjoy an à la carte lunch aboard the Makara Queen.
In the afternoon, we will embark on an excursion to the holy ‘Dragon Volcano’ and then continue by bus to the ancient Myat Thalon Pagoda in Magwe, before enjoying a spectacular sunset over the Ayeryarwady River back in the boat. After a pre-dinner beverage and dinner from our à la carte menu, we will show The Lady, a film that details the life of Aung Suun Suu Kyi, one Myanmar’s most popular political figures, and provides an in-depth overview of the country’s modern history.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Makara Queen Cruise

After breakfast, we will take a tour around Magwe city on a local rickshaw. During the excursion, you will be able to explore an authentic Myanmar market and learn ancient techniques from a traditional blacksmith. We will then return to the Makara where you can enjoy an afternoon of leisure. Browse the books in the on-board library, have a refreshing drink in the dining room or just relax by our swimming pool.
After dinner, we will have a presentation from a local farmer about the exotic fruits and vegetables of Myanmar. Afterwards, a traditional medicine practitioner will give a lecture on ancient Myanmar medical techniques.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Makara Queen Cruise

After sailing overnight, we will arrive at the ancient royal capital of Bagan. With over 3,000 religious buildings, Bagan is one of the largest archaeological sites in Southeast Asia and a true spectacle to behold. We will visit its many temples in the morning. After lunch on board, we will continue our discovery of Myanmar. During the day, our tour guide will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about this ancient kingdom.
Finish off your day aboard the Makara with a dinner prepared from only the freshest organic ingredients. Following the meal, a traditional Myanmar Puppet show, complete with live music, will take place on the upper deck. This fun performance is not to be missed.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Makara Queen Cruise

In the morning we will embark on an excursion to Shwe Pyi Tha Village and get a glimpse of life in a traditional Myanmar village and learn about the Makara Queen’s charity work with the community. We will then continue our voyage, and sail through the confluence of the Chindwin and Ayeyarwady rivers.
After lunch on board, we will explore the picturesque village of Yandabo. Famous for producing unique terracotta pottery out of riverbank clay, Yandabo is also steeped in history. The village is recognised as the site where the Yandabo Treaty was signed, ending the first Anglo-Burmese war between the British East India Company and the Royal Burmese Household of Ava in 1826.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Makara Queen Cruise

After enjoying a delicious buffet breakfast on board the Makara, we will embark on a bus excursion to the beautiful Sagaing Hills. Sagaing is an important religious and meditation centre for Myanmar people. We will visit the Sun-U-Ponnya-Shin pagoda, which dates back to the 14th century. Following this, we will travel by horse and cart to the ancient city of Ava, formerly known as Inwa.
In the afternoon, we will visit the famous Mingun Paya Pagoda. Originally planned to be the largest pagoda in the world, the construction was halted after the death of King Bodawphaya in 1918. As this is the last evening of your voyage, we will enjoy a farewell cocktail party on board, followed by a gala dinner.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Makara Queen Cruise

Rise early to enjoy your last morning aboard the Makara. Enjoy a freshly brewed cup of tea or coffee on the sundeck before heading to our international breakfast buffet. Prior to disembarking, a historical expert will provide an enthralling storytelling session on the ancient history of Buddhism in Myanmar.
Don’t forget to say goodbye to the staff and the Makara Queen before disembarking. We will arrange for transportation to pick you up from the pier to continue to discover Myanmar in all her glory.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A

Travel Map

Full itinerary

8 Days: The Chindwin: Homalin – Monywa

Acquaint yourself with the Makara Queen as soon as you cast off. Our staff will be on hand to answer any question or query you may have about your upcoming journey. After settling into your room, enjoy a refreshing welcome beverage on Makara’s sundeck and take in spectacular views.
Enjoy a freshly-brewed cup of tea or coffee on the sundeck before heading to our international breakfast buffet. Finish off your first day aboard the Makara with a dinner prepared from locally sourced, organic ingredients.

Meals: Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Makara Queen Cruise

In the morning we will visit Toungdoot or Hsawng-hsup in Tai, an ethnic Shan area. The Shan have the most fascinating history of any of Myanmar’s indigenous people and have lived Myanmar for over a thousand years.
We will be given a rare glimpse into this ancient culture.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Makara Queen Cruise

Continuing upstream, we sail to Sitthaung, where four of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company’s steamers were destroyed during the Second World War. It was from this location that the survivors of the Japanese invasion marched to the Indian border. We also visit Paungpyin village and embark on a walking tour where we will explore a local market and admire the architecture of the traditional wooden houses.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Makara Queen Cruise

Our voyage will continue to Mai Sien Village. We will explore this traditional village and continue to Mawlaik, the centre of the British teak logging industry in the early 20th century. We will also admire the architecture of the Dak Bungalows, used as lodging by itinerant British officials back in the day. Mawlaik and the other towns of the Upper Chindwin can only be reached by boat, so cars are few.
Spend the afternoon back on the boat, where you can relax with a refreshing beverage by the pool.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Makara Queen Cruise

We will visit Mingkin, home to lavishly decorated Konbaung court-style teak monasteries. Mingkin may be described as the Luang Prabang of the Chindwin. As the gateway to the Chin State, Kalewa offers quaint wooden architecture and markets steeped in tradition.
In the early evening, join a cooking class where we showcase two of Myanmar’s most famous dishes: lahpet thoke (green tea leaf salad) and gin thoke (ginger salad).

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Makara Queen Cruise

Begin your day cruising with a freshly-brewed cup of tea or coffee on the sundeck. Enjoy a buffet lunch and perhaps a dip in our rooftop swimming pool before embarking on an excursion to Kanee Village where get a glimpse of life in a traditional Myanmar village. As we continue our voyage, we introduce you to thanaka, a very popular cosmetic traditionally used as makeup and sun protection. We will witness the river narrowing, with the view of unspoiled forested hills gradually replaced by pristine farmland.
In the meantime, browse the books in the on-board library, have a refreshing drink in the dining room or just relax by our swimming pool.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Makara Queen Cruise

In the morning, we will visit Phowin Taung Caves and admire traditional murals and beautiful Buddha statues.
That evening, enjoy a longyi (a traditional Myanmar outfit similar to a sarong) presentation, and learn about the traditions behind Myanmar’s most famous garment.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Makara Queen Cruise

We will explore Monywa and embark on an excursion where we will visit Thanbodi Temple, famous for the ancient images of Buddha depicted on the temple walls.
Don’t forget to say goodbye to the staff and the Makara Queen before disembarking. We will arrange for transportation to pick you up from the pier to continue to discover Myanmar in all her glory.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A

Important note*

  • PROGRAMS & SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO THE WATER LEVEL. WE WILL KEEP YOU UPDATED 2 WEEKS BEFORE DEPARTURE
  • For overnight registration, we will need passport information (Full name, sex, Nationality, passport number, date of birth) of passengers at least four weeks prior to cruise date.

Cabins & Rates

Cabintype Rates
(US$/person)

Makara Queen Cruise
  • 22sqm
  • Main and  Upper deck
  • Double/Twin beds
  • Max 2 persons


Contact us for price

Makara Queen Cruise
  • 32sqm
  • Upper deck
  • Double bed
  • Max 2 persons

Booking Policy

Accommodation; daily (group) shore-excursions & entrance fees; sightseeing and transfers during the cruise; transfers from/to Heritage Line’s meeting point to/from the ship (please read details in the embarkation guide); English speaking tour guiding on-and offshore; entertainment/activities during the cruise as mentioned in the program; meals as mentioned in the program; welcome drink, brewed coffee, tea and mineral water; passenger liability insurance; internet on the ship (subject to cellular network signal); complimentary usage of ship facilities (exclusive of spa treatments); port or anchorage fees; river pilots; fuel.

Crew and guide gratuities; visa fees; private transfers; personal expenses; beverages other than those stated under inclusions; medical services; spa treatments; port and anchorage fees; all other services or items not listed under inclusions.

Cancellation by Customer
For cancellations of bookings, the following charges will apply:

  • 91 days or more: 30% of the cruise price
  • 61 to 90 days: 65% of the cruise price
  • 31 to 59 days: 80% of the cruise price
  • 30 days or less/ noshow: 100% of the cruise price
  • Children under 5 are not allowed to do the trip
  • A child from 5-11 years: 35% adult price / sharing bed with parents
  • A child from 5-11 years: 75% adult price if sharing cabin with 1 adult
  • A child from 12 is fully charged as adult.

Makara Queen Cruise’s Deck Plan

  • 22 Deluxe / Main & Upper deck
  • 2 Suite / Upper deck
  • Swimming Pool / Sun deck
Makara Queen Cruise

Makara Queen Cruise Amenities

  • Air-conditioner
  • Bath Tub - Roomtype
  • Cabinet
  • Free Wifi - Public area
  • Hair Dryer
  • Mini-bar
  • Non Smoking Rooms
  • Private Balcony - All rooms
  • Private Bathroom
  • Safety box
  • Seating Area
  • Shower
  • Tea & coffee facility
  • Toiletries
  • TV

Questions & Answers


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The rivers you will sail on are subject to seasonal rises and falls of water level, in some places as much as 30 metres. Water levels can change dramatically overnight and a sudden rise can impede our progress upstream considerably and even prevent us from passing under certain bridges. A sudden fall can result in our being unable to get into certain places or go as far upstream as we would hope. Groundings on sandbars are not infrequent and are part of the
excitement of any expedition. Published itineraries are indicational only and subject to sudden change. In such events alternative itineraries will be provided and we do our best to ensure that if a stop is missed we make up for it with another stop.

Passengers are thus forewarned and expected to be flexible and patient. River cruising in Asia can be a dramatic and adventurous experience – not like cruising the controlled waterways of Europe or America. Note also that we operate in areas with little or no developed infrastructure and subject to the strictures of local officialdom. Be prepared for this and it is all more the fun!

For itineraries that include flights in the price of the ticket it should be noted that regional airlines can change departure times or cancel flights at very short notice. In such an event we endeavour to arrange alternative flights but note that this can result in delays often resulting in embarking or disembarking on a different day to that indicated in the itinerary. In such an event the company will cover the cost of hotel accommodation and main meals only, but will not be liable for any claims for compensation for missed days on board a ship, drinks or curtailment of the said itinerary.

We recommend wearing loose and comfortable clothing made of cotton or modern material that can readily cool off sweat and body hear. The type of shoes will depend on the excursion types so best to have both light, open toed shoes as well as good walking/hiking shoes with you. A sun hat is always a good idea to bring along.
Southern Vietnam and Cambodia are warm all year-round, but our other cruise destinations can get chilly during the winter months (Laos, Myanmar or northern Vietnam). Therefore, it is always recommended to bring a pullover or a warm jacket with you during this period.
Many of our cruises include visits to local temples or pagodas. When visiting these holy sites, make sure to wear appropriate clothing which covers your shoulders and knees.

Generally speaking, the rivers we are cruising on in Southeast Asia are very calm and there is hardly any motion on any of our ships. A bit of motion can occur during monsoon rains with stormy winds, but the amount of motion is much less than one would feel during bad weather on the open ocean.
Sea cruises as we offer in Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay can sometimes encounter heavier waters and ship motion, although this happens very rarely and port authorities will most likely not allow sailing under any such circumstances anyway.
If you are new to cruising or prone to motion sickness, it does not hurt to bring along some motion sickness medication. Drinking a nice hot fresh ginger tea is a natural remedy and tasty alternative our staff is always happy to make for you.

All food and beverage on board is completely safe to eat and enjoy, including the ice cubes you enjoy in your chilled drinks. We do not recommend drinking water straight from the tap anywhere, including onboard. We provide you with complimentary clean drinking water throughout your cruise.
You may want to be bit careful with local dishes as they can be spicier than you are used to from home. Approach new dishes slowly and carefully. If you have a sensitive stomach, then you may like to double check with our chef or onboard managers about specific dishes or meals.
On excursions, it may be a good idea to avoid local foods and snacks unless offered by our tour guides. Besides the above, in general we recommend the following motto for your pre- and post-cruise travelling in the Southeast Asian tropics: boil it, peel it, cook it, wash it or forget it!

The most effective protection from personal contamination is ensuring strict attention to personal hygiene and in particular, frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water and refraining from hand-to-mouth contact. Colds and other viruses can spread quickly in an enclosed area such as a ship. Continue to practice common-sense hygiene and respiratory courtesy. Wash your hands often and cover your coughs and sneeze. It is recommended that passengers carry anti-bacterial hand sanitizer, which does not require rinsing with water. Use sanitizer frequently and throughout the day, particularly after shore excursions and prior to meals. If you have any questions regarding your health or safety, please do not hesitate to ask your cruise director.

Motion sickness can be a problem for some people when cruising, flying or travelling on coaches and trains and it is a good idea to take precautionary measures. Over-the-counter drugs for treating motion sickness can be purchased at pharmacies in most countries, though a side effect can by drowsiness. Alternatives such as ginger tablets and acupressure wristbands are also available and work well for some people.

Cambodia visas are easily obtained for most travelers on arrival. Note that passports must have a validity of at least 6 months after your last date of travel in Cambodia.
Because travel restrictions across Southeast Asia are constantly changing, we recommend checking with the Cambodia embassy/consulate in your home country for the latest information.

With the exception of visa exemptions, all travelers must arrange their visa prior to arrival in Vietnam. Passports must also have a validity of at least 6 months after your last date of travel in Vietnam.
Because travel restrictions across Southeast Asia are constantly changing, we recommend checking with the Vietnam embassy/consulate in your home country for the latest information.

We recommend at least purchasing travel health insurance which covers both in- & outpatient visits and medical repatriation. Buying additional trip cancellation and interruption coverage may also be beneficial in case you have to cancel your travel plans due to unforeseen circumstances.

We always recommend bringing a travel adapter as a standard item in your travel kit. You can borrow an adapter on board, but these may be limited.

It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $3-$5 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service.

Indochina Countries use 220V, and a mixture of flat 2-pin, round 2-pin or 3 pin plugs. It is recommended to bring a universal plug adapter.

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5 star ratingIncredibly amazing!!!!! We were actually completely blown away with this experience. We were in a Vietnam a whole month and only spent 2 nights on this cruise (Ylang), but it was our favourite thing in the whole trip. Ann was our tour... read more
Charlene H Avatar
Charlene H
01/09/24
5 star ratingA very special cruise in the beautiful Lan Ha Bay. Ours was a two day cruise on the Heritage Line’s Ginger ship around Lan Ha Bay. Firstly, we are delighted that, on the advice of our travel agent, we opted for Lan Ha over Ha Long Bay. Visiting this area... read more
John N Avatar
John N
24/08/24
5 star ratingA wonderful trip with Ylang cruise ship We had a most wonderful 2 nights cruising around lan ha bay on Ylang. It’s a beautiful and luxurious ship with wonderfully friendly staff and a fantastic chef who creates amazing dishes that you would get in high quality restaurants.... read more
Cumi2013 Avatar
Cumi2013
21/08/24
5 star ratingSuperb, but avoid March. The boat, the accommodation and facilities, and the food were all superb! That was most welcome because the weather was bad - chilly, grey and raining much of the time - early morning tai-chi on the deck in the rain... read more
carefreevoyager Avatar
carefreevoyager
18/08/24
5 star ratingVisit Halong Bay in the Ginger A very enriching experience in an amazing environment! Super attentive and friendly service. Quang is a machine!! I would certainly repeat
Pablo G Avatar
Pablo G
17/08/24
5 star ratingAmazing first cruise in Ha Long bay with Ylang This was my first time in Ha Long Bay and I am grateful that I have done this cruise with Heritage Line. I have heard many horror stories from my friends complaining about their cruise experience so I was extra... read more
Patrick W Avatar
Patrick W
09/08/24
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from $0 /pax
04/10/2024

Owner

Do Ha

Member Since 2022

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