Today the ship passes through the magnificent 2nd Defile, with its green-clad mountains reaching down to the narrowing channel. The ship holds close to one or other of the banks to avoid the main strength of the current under the guidance of the Captain and Pilots, while they take the ship past logging camps and an old colonial village at Zinbon. You may be witness to some of the local fauna - monkeys chattering in the trees, elephants and water buffaloes ashore, or the Irrawaddy Dolphins. The ship will pass the famous Parrot's Beak rock in the early morning. Having cleared the 2nd Defile, we pass to the west of Bhamo at mid-morning and continue north towards the challenging 1st Defile. 'Road To Mandalay' will sail up as far north as possible and will then turn around and drop anchor off Bhamo. The scenery in this un-spoilt area is spectacular. Returning, you will have the opportunity of visiting Bhamo with Mr. "Bannarjee". For those who want to see more of the magic of Myanmar, we have the Royal Acrobatic Show on the upper deck, after dinner.

Visit the town of Bhamo, contested over the years by Burmans, Kachins, Chinese, British, Japanese and Americans. The famous Ledo Road ran through Bhamo to China. The town is barely 50 miles, as the crow flies, from the Chinese border in the Foothills of Yunnan that can be clearly seen to the east. Mid morning, Dyna trucks will carry you into the countryside, past paddy fields and towards the mountains before returning to the 'Road To Mandalay' for an early afternoon departure. The ship will run swiftly through the 2nd Defile and anchor in a quiet stretch of river to the north of Katha.

The ship will anchor off Katha in the morning. After breakfast, board an antique train for a journey into thick Kachin jungle and discover the way to the forest station of Naba. See a presentation of cultural dancing performed for you by charming local children who have rarely if at all seen westerners before. Return through the rainforest to 'Road To Mandalay' where lunch is waiting, and continue sailing for the beautiful river port of Tigyaing. Disembark for a walk in the early evening. Later on-board the locals will entertain you on deck.

An early start from Tigyaing and soon the ship re-enters the 3rd Defile, but within an hour comes to anchor off the ferry point at Thabeikkyin, on the east bank. The area is heavily wooded and was the scene of much heavy fighting in 1945. Various attractions will await you. After returning aboard, the 'Road To Mandalay' heads south again.

Mandalay comes into view early morning, and you will be ferried ashore to Mandalay Pier. Luxury coaches will take you on a varied tour of the city that will include lunch at the Sedona Hotel, adjacent to the moat surrounding the old Mandalay Palace grounds. You rejoin the ship at Shwe Kyet Yet and can look forward to a Music and Folkloric display after a splendid dinner.

'Road To Mandalay' will set sail early morning, as it must make Bagan by sunset. Along the way you will see many villages with women doing the household chores by the river and waving children, accustomed to seeing the 'Road to Mandalay' plying this section of the river. By mid-afternoon you will be on your way into the ancient city of Bagan, to witness the sunset from a 12th century pagoda, which will whet your appetite for the tours next day. The evening will allow you to see the famous puppeteers of Bagan perform in the forward lounge.

Your final day offers you the opportunity to visit more of the ancient sites in and around Bagan with the experienced guide or perhaps taking a local horse-drawn cart or bicycle to explore on your own. An optional afternoon tour to Mount Popa, legendary sacred home of the Nats, with its impressive summit monastery is also available. Or you may book your private tour at reception to see more of the unforgettable Bagan. A Cocktail Party will be held on Top Deck to mark the end of a most memorable voyage.

An early departure this morning to Bagan airport for your flight to Yangon.