We are cruising from Mandalay to Prome on the Irrawaddy River, north to south, and wondered if there was a better side of the boat to be on? We still have not chosen our cabin. Many thanks

It won't matter really as most time will be spent on the top deck.
For the record, the west side of the Ayerwaddy is less developed than the east side, however new bridges are allowing development on the West Bank.
What boat are you going on ?

Cruiseco Explorer - does that make a difference? Many thanks

Wow, I haven't heard of that boat, so I googled it.

It looks very luxurious. I'd be wanting a balcony, (on the starboard side for sunsets, (or more importantly, not so much sunrise) but I still think most of your time will be best spent on the top deck where you can take in the views of both banks.

I've travelled with Pandaw, slightly less lux than cruiseco explorer, but still very comfy and a fantastic experience.

I'm sure you'll enjoy Myanmar, it is quite unlike anywhere else.

I'm sure the cruise will be wonderful. I do hope you will take the time to stay longer in Myanmar and see some of the things you cannot see from the boat. Of the "big 4" the two that qualify as "wow" experiences for me are Inle Lake and Bagan.

Thanks sartoric for your advice on the sunrise and sunset - I have booked on the starboard side! Afraid we are time poor and so this is a first 'taste' of Burma - so will have to get back later Kathie - but thanks anyway for your kind advice.

@Kathie<<<Of the "big 4" the two that qualify as "wow" experiences for me are Inle Lake and Bagan.>>>

During our visit to Myanmar in Feb/Mar 2010 it was during the farmers 'slash-and-burn' season. 'Slash-and-burn' results in a blue/grey fog creating an opaque curtain on distant viewing. While we enjoyed being on Inle Lake the surrounding views were simply hidden from view.

Unfortunately 'slash-and-burn' is widespread in SE Asia, so it's worth taking into consideration before booking a trip.

I'm interested to read a report of your visit when you return because I have booked a cruise with Pandaw for northern Burma in September. I, too, faced the question of which side of the boat to choose a cabin. A few years ago, I went around the world on a small ship (600') with 650 college undergraduates and was assigned a cabin on port (left side, facing bow). I learned that the ship mostly docked on the port side, so the view was of the docks, the maritime equipment, and the warehouses. This time, I have selected starboard (right side, facing bow), hoping for a better view than before of river activity and the surrounding area. ZZ

Zambezi

If you click on my name, there's a trip report on Pandaw (started, but not finished). It will give you some idea of what to expect from Pandaw. Great company, I'm sure you'll enjoy your cruise.

Thank you, sartoric, for that lead. I've read your report and gotten a greater feeling of confidence in booking a twenty night cruise on the upper Chinwin and Irrawaddy Rivers. I've been concerned about going in September when the monsoon season may still be in progress, but I see that you survived in August. The September date is actually my second choice. I preferred to go to Burma at a slightly later time, but all the starboard cabins (that I could afford as a single) were taken then. ZZ

Western sun can be hot. Think of a car ride with the western sun.

You'll be fine Z, it doesn't rain in the north so much as Yangon and the delta region.

Prachuap, she won't be in the cabin, but rather on the top sun deck, enjoying the views and ambience.
There's a choice here of either early morning sun, when one would be in the cabin trying to be asleep, or late afternoon when one would not.
In any case the cabins are air conditioned.
Why don't you but out of subjects about which you know nothing ?

I would choose sunrise. River sunrises can be really good.

I normally get up at 6am on holidays. Maybe if you want to get drunk until 2am then perhaps morning sun would then be a bad thing.

You are such a piece of work Prachuap. Fodors is really not the place for you, go away.

Sartoric,

Making 1 river trip makes you an expert hey?

"So I googled it"

lol apparently not

It occurs to me that, since I will be descending one river and ascending the other, I will have both a western and an eastern exposure. That should neutralize the argument you folks are having. Of course, this would not be true, if the boat were going just one direction, as it does on many Burma cruises. ZZ

P.S. Daphne21, descending the Irrawaddy, will have a western exposure. Naturally, I cannot speak from experience, but I believe that she will be happy with her choice. ZZ

Zambezi, are you on the Katha Pandaw in Sept. By chance?
We are.

LAleslie: Sorry for such a slow reply; I've been traveling and not checking e-mail. No, I am not on the Katha Pandaw. Rather, I am on the Pandaw II that departs Kalemyo on the upper Chinwin on Sept. 4. Maybe I'll see you anyway. ZZ