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"when we left...on 6th December at least seven dolphins, including calves, came to 'say good-bye' frolicking in the water

by our boat as the sun set over the western hills - lovely!' P.B.

The development of the destinations is part of a community-conservation project funded by the UK's Darwin Initiative. It is a partnership between the Myanmar non-profit organisations 'Grow Back for Posterity' and Myanmar Bird and Nature Society and the UK's Harrison Institute. The project has also received valuable support from the University of Mandalay.

Welcome to 'Destination Ayeyarwady', Myanmar

The fishermen and fisherwomen of two traditonal fishing villages (Hsithe and Myitkangyi) invite you
to come and visit them on the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River, Myanmar (Burma).

Your visit will support:

1: the conservation of the critically endangered Irrawaddy River dolphin

2: the culture and livelihoods of communities who have traditionally fished 'cooperatively' with these dolphins.

The two new destinations are on the east bank of the Ayeyarwady River between Mandalay and Kyaukmyaung (see map in Information). They were awarded Best Community-based Tourism project (Myanmar) at the ASEAN Tourism Forum (2019) and 'Best Community Involvement in Tourism' for Myanmar (2017). They also featured in the Darwin Initiative May, 2018 newsletter.

They offer a range of exciting, interesting and unusual activities, including:

1: boat trips with fishermen/fisherwomen (great for photography)

2: learning to cast a fishing net (fun, interactive, and suitable for men and women)

3: village tours (a great way to see the real Myanmar)

4: a visitor centre (learn about the culture and wildlife of the river)

5: a shop (buy village handicrafts from the people that make them).

Visitor Centre

The Hsithe Visitor centre, with its lovely position on the river bank and its beautiful garden, continues to welcome and delight all who come to Hsithe village.

Ecolodge & Environmental Learning Centre

The latest development at Hsithe is a new building (which opened in November, 2018), made of recycled wood, that serves both as accommodation for visitors and as a centre for practical education in environmental awareness ...more.