The Irrawaddy River, or locally the Ayeyarwady, flows north to south through the central heartland of the nation. Myanmar’s most important social and commercial waterway, meanders for some 1,350 miles (2,200 kms). Its name is believed to derive from the Sanskrit term airavati, meaning ‘Elephant River’.

The Irrawaddy is formed by the confluence of the Nmai and Mali rivers. Both sources are in the remote mountains in northern Myanmar, around longitude 28° N. The eastern branch is the Nmai River, which flows from the Languela glacier on the border with Tibet. This river has the greatest volume of water, but is virtually unnavigable due to strong currents. The Mali River forms the western branch and despite a series of white water rapids, has some navigable sections.

Bhamo, about 150 miles (240kms) south of the confluence, is the northern limit for year-round navigation. Between the confluence and Bhamo, the width of the river during the low-water season varies between 400m to 800m. The depth of the main channel averages about 30 feet (9m).

In the Southern region, more than 2,000 miles (3,200kms) of navigable waterways exist in the Irrawaddy Delta. This waterway system, in the lower reaches, remains relatively unchartered and unexplored today.

In recent years, the route between Mandalay & Bagan has become the most desirable cruising corridor between these two iconic cities. With waterscape scenes, reminiscent of a medieval past and embracing typical Myanmar river life today, there are a number of extraordinary onshore experiences to behold.

Irrawaddy Voyages continues to research & explore new river systems and tributaries. In-keeping with our commitment to sensitive environmental travel, we ‘tread lightly’ every step of the way, when unearthing fascinating new sites for our guest’s to explore.