The Irrawaddy River snakes through Myanmar (previously known as Burma) among Himalayan glaciers and alluvial plains for 1,300 miles before reaching the Indian Ocean. The main transportation thoroughfare since the middle ages, the Irrawaddy (also known as the Ayeyarwady) is largely unchanged today: ox plows and bullock carts line the riverbanks, and tiered pagodas and thatched homes rise along the hillsides.

Considered one of the most beautiful rivers in the world, the Irrawaddy is the best way to explore Myanmar’s ancient cities and steep yourself in the timeless culture of forgotten lands. Devotional chanting can be heard from waterside monasteries in the World Heritage Site of Bagan, home of more than 2,000 temples and pagodas built by kings dating back to the ninth century.

Unlike ocean cruises among far-flung destinations, river cruising puts you at the center of a place, providing intimate views of local life. During the day, rivers come alive with the bustle of daily activities, while at night, passengers settle into the rhythm of the calm flow of the current.

You can sail the Irrawaddy in a multitude of vessels, providing various levels of cruising style. From polished teak and brass steamers to 20-cabin luxury yachts, day boats to private charters, you will explore life as travelers have for thousands of years.

Insider Tip: The best time to visit Myanmar is during the dry season, October through March, when river levels and the humidity are lower.

Fun fact: Donald M. Stadtner’s Sacred Sites of Burma recounts the rich history of Buddhist sites along the Irrawaddy River.