The Chindwin River

The Chindwin, at 1200km, is the largest tributary of Myanmar’s chief river the Ayeyarwady (2200km) and for a long distance near the source it flows through mountain ranges and forests. The northernmost regions are difficult to reach so much of it remains unspoilt.

The river can be hard to navigate. In the monsoon season boats are faced with with fast-flowing currents with many whirlpools, while logs, fallen trees and other obstacles float downstream. In the dry season water levels fall dramatically and numerous shallows and ever-changing sandbars mean sailors must remain alert.

The crew on the RV Zawgyi Pandaw certainly did that and steered us safely from Monywa to Homalin over the course of our 7-day cruise.

It was very peaceful as we moved slowly upstream.

The scenery along the river is beautiful. For much of the time the river valley was wide but with mountains in the distance. Sometimes, though, the forested hills and cliffs ran alongside the water.

The weather was hot and sunny at the start of our journey but then came the rain, not really surprising as this was the tail end of the monsoon season.

This sometimes made it tricky visiting villages or small towns on our daily excursions – the crew had to hack steps in muddy banks so that we could climb onto land. But there were always several crewmen hovering alongside to make sure we didn’t fall.

The food was fantastic – we really needed all the excursions, especially those that involved climbing hills, to work off the calories.

All in all it was a great trip and really off the beaten track – not a millennial or selfie-stick to be seen for the whole seven days in this remote and fascinating part of Myanmar.

I hope you enjoy the video. I certainly enjoyed being there to make it.