Book your day cruise from Old Bagan (Nyaung-U) to Mandalay

Summary: Boat is really comfortable, food was better than expected, crew very nice. We were only 15 people on the boat (mid february). Overall fantastic experience for me and my family. Great sunrise, too.

Summary: There were only 4 guests on the trip with a staff of about 10! What a great experience. The cruise itself was relaxing with the use of 2 decks. Food was great and staff were very entertaining. A wonderful way to spend a day observing local life on the river. Highly recommended.

Summary: We boarded the cruise to get from Bagan to Mandalay. The boat leaves early at 5:30AM. It is a good idea to wear warm clothing as it is rather cold on the deck. Breakfast and lunch were served, which were decent. Staff were very nice and it was overall a great journey on the Irrawaddy river

Summary: For us this was a transfer from Mandalay to Bagan. Great choice. Well equipped boat. Breakfast, bar, business class level seat in aircon room, but better sitting on deck in lazy chairs. Little stop half way visiting a small farming village was refreshing. Friendly yet professional staff. Definitely must be better that car or bus.

Summary: I took the ferry on 29 Dec from Bagan to Mandalay and this is one of the major highlights of my trip. Here’s why: 1. After a hectic day of temple hopping and a restless overnight bus ride before that, I appreciate a ‘rest & relax’ day. It is true that there were no breathtaking views but I did enjoy the beautiful sunset and sunrise en route, as well as scenic views of Pakokku Bridge and Sagaing region. 2. Bagan to Mandalay leg is a less popular route as the ferry will sail upstream, requiring more effort and longer duration. There will not be any stop en route unlike the other direction. This also means that the ferry is hardly filled. In fact, my ride was only 20% filled and I have plenty of room to move around. 3. If you have a weak bladder like me, it is better to travel on a ferry with clean toilets than take a bus and wait for a toilet stop. 4. The 2 meals provided were delicious. 5. The bus ride can be very cold. The upper deck is just as cold as the bus I took but the lower deck cabin is warm and seats are cosy. 6. As an added bonus, the crew did an informative and humorous sharing session on applying Thanaka and how to wear a longyi. The only negative thing I have to say, which is no fault of the operator is the jetty is a makeshift one. Thankfully, I only carry a backpack. I think it will be challenging for those with big luggages. Tips: It is really chilly in the morning. Please bring along a weatherproof jacket if you want to enjoy the views on upper deck.

Summary: Although it's a long journey through a relatively boring landscape the boat tip is a relaxing break from undoubtedly busy schedules in Bagan and Mandalay. Very friendly crew, options to relax/sunbathe on upper deck or sit in comfortable chairs one level below. Food is simple but tasty. Recommended when you have the time!

Summary: This was a great way to get from Bagan to Mandalay. The cruise was very comfortable and relaxing. We enjoyed the staff and the meals (I can be a pretty picky eater, but the food here was good). There were only about 12 of us on the boat so it was very laid back and there was plenty of room.

Summary: I highly recommend Alliance for the boat trip. The boat was comfortable inside and out. The food is freshly prepared on board. We had an abundant breakfast with scrambled eggs, toast and fruit. My lunch was one of the best vegetarian meals I’ve had in Myanmar! Everyone else had a choice of fish, chicken or pork. I love to be on a boat so I didn’t find it boring at all. There’s a lot going on along the banks and on the river, plus the changing light. The sunrise was exquisite. The crew was friendly, always ready to help and spoke very good English. Don’t miss out, it’s a thousand times better than a bus trip!

Summary: We’re just about to arrive in Mandalay, the staff are impeccable and the comfort first class. We’ve loved every moment.