Slow Boat to Mandalay

We boarded the Shwe Keinnery ferry in total darkness at 5:30 am at the Nyaung U dock in the Bagan area of Myanmar. We headed slowly but surely up the Irrawaddy all the way to Mandalay taking in a huge variety of sights along the way. We disembarked in Manadalay long after sunset in darkness by walking a narrow plank six feet above the roiling black water. No rail, no nothing. You just had to go for it. Mandalay, here we come!

It's 5:30 am and the crew of the Shwe Keinnery prepares to depart Nyaung U for Mandalay.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
Departing the dock at Nyaung U. This is the last dock we would see.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
Pre-dawn twilight on the Irrawaddy.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
The top deck at dawn.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
Tony and Thomas chatting as we head up the river.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar People Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Thomas Sperl Tony Marchetti Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
We had taveled quite a distance before the sun rose. For quite a while we were chugging along with just the ships spotlights to go by.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
The bridge of the Shwe Keinnery at sunrise.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
Early morning on the Irrawaddy.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
Tim taking in the morning sunlight. It was COLD before the sun came up.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar People Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Tim Brooks Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
I'm glad the skipper knows the way.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
We had a light load, which made the trip much more relaxing.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
A barge full of pots headed to market.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
A crewman on the barge polling to check the depth.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
There were all types of barges and boats.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
Our high tech comm system.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
We stopped near a village to pick up some passengers along the shore. We later found out they missed the ferry at Nyaung U because their travel agent told them the wrong time.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
A barge along the shore.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
Chug chug chug.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
We could not fugure out what was in this barge. They are spraying water on the deck to keep it cool.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
A barge of bamboo headed down river. The barge IS the cargo.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
At the destination the bamboo will be sold and I guess the family on the barge will head back upriver. Bamboo is used for many things from fine lacquerware to scaffolding.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
It's warming up!
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar People Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Thomas Sperl Tim Brooks Tony Marchetti Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
Hello!
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
A barge loaded with teak logs.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
I think this is a camp for gold-dredgers. More about them later.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
Our crew is concerned about the depth. They are checking with poles.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
As you can see, we're really worried too.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar People Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Thomas Sperl Tim Brooks Tony Marchetti Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
A desolate place.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
A guess a lot of people have temporary camps at the river for one reason or another.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
It's sunny and warm on the top deck now.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
A settlement with some boats.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
A fisherman checks his line.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
Gold-Dredging
As we headed up the river I wondered what these dredges were up to. They are gold dredges. Most of the gold ends up in workshops in Mandalay where it gets pounded into sheets. It eventually ends up on temples. The mercury used in gold-dredging polutes the river and is harming the endangered Irrawaddy Dolphin.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
That should help with the heat!
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar People Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Thomas Sperl Tim Brooks Tony Marchetti Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
Golden stupa along the river.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
We are passing one of the cruise ships that plys the Irrawaddy.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Pandow Places R V Pandow 2 Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
This is the RV Pandow 2.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Pandow Places R V Pandow 2 Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
Pandow cruise lines is a luxury line in Myanmar.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Pandow Places R V Pandow 2 Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com
Waving at the locals.
Asia Ayeyarwady River Bagan Burma Irrawaddy River Mandalay Michael Walker Michael Walker Photos Myanmar Places Ships and Boats Shwe Keinnery Shwe Keinnery Ferry Southeast Asia Transportation michaelwalkerphotos www.michaelwalkerphotos.com

m i c h a e l w a l k e r p h o t o s

Slow Boat to Mandalay