There is a daily fast boat from Katha to Mandalay; the journey takes 12 to 15 hours (depending on the water levels, which changes through the seasons) and costs K25,000 for foreigners. Be prepared for hard seats and a tiring journey!

There are also slow boats to Mandalay, Bhamo and Myitkyina. These sometimes have options with private sleeping berths, which make for a relaxing way to travel – but the journey times are very long, sometimes taking several days. Access to foreigners by boat to Myitkyina may be restricted due to the security situation in parts of Kachin State.

In Katha, the ticket sales booth and jetty from which boats depart can be found opposite the Ayarwady Guest House on the riverfront Strand Road.

To find out more about boat travel, go to getting around Myanmar by boat.