THE Irrawaddy River is the lifeblood of Myanmar and Insider Journeys has a limited time offer with considerable savings on selected cabins on November charters booked before July 31.
The cruises balance days on the stunning Irrawaddy Explorer with backstreet walking tours in Mandalay and Yangon.
Travellers will visit unknown pockets of these cities, such as the captivating market where locals trade their wares on the railway track, dispersing whenever a train approaches.
There's also the chance to kayak or canoe around the stilt villages and floating farms of Inle Lake and to visit community projects focused on supporting local communities.
The 12-day Treasures of Golden Burma cruise includes nine nights' cruise accommodation in a Maugham suite, two nights' hotel accommodation, most meals and transfers.
The November 20 departure travels upstream from Yangon to Mandalay, while the November 29 departure travels downstream from Mandalay to Yangon.
1300-365-355, www.insiderjourneys.com.au