Belmond Orcaella

The Belmond Orcaella is the baby sister of the Belmond Road to Mandalay, and was built by local craftsmen in Yangon. On journeys ranging from 7 to 12 nights, cruise along Burma’s two main rivers, the Chindwin and the Irrawaddy, as you make your way between Bagan and Yangon, or between Mandalay and Bagan, gliding past riverside villages and temples peeking through the blossoming trees and dense forests. There are plenty of offshore excursions, giving you the chance to explore ornate temples, hilltop villages and colourful markets.

The air-conditioned cabins and suites, which accommodate up to 50 guests, are stylish and spacious, with plush beds (which can be double or twin), polished hardwood furnishings and local artworks, alongside TVs and iPod docks, and the ensuite bathrooms come with locally-made toiletries. The floor-to-ceiling sliding doors lead onto a private balcony overlooking the river.

Some of the Deluxe Cabins interconnect, making them ideal for families and groups, or splash out on a suite to enjoy butler service and complimentary mini-bars. The Balcony Suite at the prow of the ship is our top pick, for the best views over Burma.  

Morning tea and coffee served to your room and delicious buffet breakfasts and lunches are followed by exquisite dinners in the evening, with a range of Burmese and international specialities on offer. The carefully curated wine list has been picked to complement the menu. Learn how to make your new favourite dishes with a cookery class.

On arrival and departure, enjoy cocktails and canapés, and on the final night, a gala dinner, featuring a special menu, finishes the cruise in style.

Work out in the fitness area, or if you prefer to relax, unwind with a pampering spa treatment or a soothing massage, or wake up to a sunrise yoga or tai chi session, or a meditation class. Outside, you’ll find a sundeck, a lounge bar and a pool to cool off in. Take in the views over a cocktail or two, and keep an eye out for kingfishers, egrets and the rare Irrawaddy dolphins in and around the river.

Back inside, find the perfect souvenir or gift from the onboard boutique, which sells traditional crafts.

Expert multilingual guides will help you get under the skin of this beguiling country during your cruise: walk along the riverside, wander around paddy fields and beautiful gardens, meet elephants at an elephant camp, visit rural villages and schools, browse local markets and have tea with villagers as you get a glimpse of their daily lives. You won’t miss the area’s most famous landmarks either – see inside some of Burma’s thousands of ancient temples and experience a serene ceremony at a secluded monastery.  

Back onboard, learn more about the area you are travelling through with expert lectures on Burmese life, and enjoy traditional performances by local artists.