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A member who has traveled to Burma, or Myanmar, recently raved to us about a special Irrawaddy trip on the new Amara River Cruise. She sailed on the stylish wooden riverboat in January and loved the boat and its crew. One of the highlights of traveling on this vessel is that because of its low draft, all-year long it can cruise as far north as Bhamo into a gorgeous and remote part of the country. It’s also possible to travel on the Chindwin River up to Khamti at the foot of the Naga mountains. There are only seven cabins on the ship; each with its own bathroom, and meals are often served on a dining table set up on the riverbank. While the boat is usually available only for private charter, (guests customize their itineraries), occasionally they take individual guests. For those interested in trekking in the Shan mountains around Kalaw, Amara also has a four-bedroom colonial guesthouse. Proceeds from both the cruise and hotel bookings goes directly to non-profits in Burma, including a local orphanage and hospitals.

Read a postcard from a member who recently traveled to Myanmar and found that “few agree that the tourist boycott…is good for the people.”

Share your feelings about whether one should boycott travel to countries with repressive regimes by sending a postcard.

Read more suggestions on Burma on the Ask Advice Boards

Read another postcard on traveling in Myanmar, Vietnam and Cambodia from George Butterfield

Read about bringing water to kids in Cambodia

Read about Amara, a special cruise boat in Myanmar

For travel advice or reservations, including special rates for our members on the Road to Mandalay cruise, contact our booking department by calling 212-988-2611 or by sending an inquiry