Begin with pickup at your hotel in Pathein, then travel to a small village that’s 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the Pathein city center. Board a long teak boat along the Pathein River, and set out downstream, as you enjoy views across the a landscape of ancient temples, riverside settlements, and small tributaries.
You’ll stop at settlements by the edge of the river to meet local villagers, and find out about their histories and cultures—this area is home to Burmese- and Karen-speaking communities, and traveling with a local guide is the perfect way to connect with the people you meet. Visit a workshop where artisans build and paint Pathein umbrellas by hand, creating bamboo frames, then decorating the colorful cotton with traditional designs.
The day on the Pathein River concludes with a sunset over the Ayeyarwady River Delta, then you’ll meet the driver for the return trip to your Pathein hotel.
