Mandalay to Bagan by ferry

This day we took a ten and a half hour ferry boat ride down the Ayeyarwady River, the biggest river in Myanmar. We boarded the ferry in early morning darkness and the day warmed up as we motored downriver. It is the dry season in Myanmar and the water level in the river is very low. Our pilot was very skilled as he navigated through the shallow water and sandbars during the trip. About an hour into the trip, we had to circle the river in a holding pattern, as there was fog on the river which cut visibility down to zero. When it burned off, we were on our way again.

 We only passed under three bridges during the entire trip.

Stupas are everywhere in Myanmar, the area near Mandalay and Bagan seem to have the most.

Cargo ferry

Italians reading on deck.

Warming up

More stupas

Locals crossing the river.

Timber barge

Look carefully for the navigational marker.

Sketchy gangplank exit.

Dinner with puppets!