The Ayeyarwady River, also known as the Irrawaddy River, is Myanmar’s major waterway, both in size and commercial significance, running from North to South through the length of the country. The river sustains two endangered indigenous creatures - the freshwater Irrawaddy dolphin and the river shark, as well as a host of fish and bird species. It’s possible to do lovely boat cruises between certain points on the river, such as a day cruise between Mandalay and the ancient city of Mingun - home to a massive pagoda base that, had it been finished, would be the largest of its kind in the world - as well as longer cruises between the major centres along its banks, which include Mandalay, Bagan and the country’s capital, Yangon. Forays along the Ayeyarwady’s tributaries take in many remote villages and views that would be difficult to experience otherwise.