Three years later we departed on time and were rewarded for getting up at 4 am with a romantic sunrise.

Our vessel was built in China in 1996 but looked much older due to wear and tear and lack of maintenance.  We all had assigned seats on the lower deck which was packed with passengers and luggage.  Once underway people scattered between the decks and it was much more comfortable.  There is a restaurant, lounge and an outdoor sundeck.

A day of relaxation in the sunshine was most welcome.  We read, slept and wandered between decks all day. The Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) river spread around us, wide and serene. The banks were lush and green with palm trees silhouetted against the  skyline.