Whether watching the sun dip down over the plains that roll along its bank, or the light of day sparkling on its surface, those who take holidays in Burma frequently return with striking memories and photographs of the beautiful Ayeyarwady (or Irrawaddy) River. The river, however, is far more than a photo opportunity: it aided the spread of civilisation through Burma, and remains a vital lifeline for many villages, towns and cities today. For those travelling along it, knowing something about its historical and geographical significance can greatly enhance the experience. Read on for an introduction to this mighty river.

History: Ancient Times to Today

If, on your holidays in Burma, you are fortunate enough to cruise on the Ayeyarwady or explore its valleys, you will have the chance encounter a diverse array of terrain. The river meanders through gorges, forests, plains, fertile farmlands and more. The verdant vistas that surround it attest to the river’s long-standing status as a desirable place to settle – which people have been doing since as far back as 3500 years ago. The first recorded riverside settlements were built by the Pyu people. It is known that the river was used for transport and trade on the China-India route from at least the 6th century, as well as providing water to the increasing numbers who lived along its banks. An extensive irrigation canal network can be traced to the 12th century, and this allowed for bountiful rice crops. As Burma developed, the use of the river became ever-more important, and today it is an artery of commerce and transportation with significant ports.

Geography and Ecology

To get an idea of how integral the Ayeyarwady is to Burma’s environment and human population, look at it on a map: it cuts right through the centre of the country from north to south. While on holidays in Burma you may only see a relatively small stretch of it; it runs 2,170 kilometres in full. It is formed from two rivers that spring from the glaciers of the Burmese Himalaya – the N’mai and the Mali – near the top of Kachin state. It then follows its long course down through the heart of the country and eventually spreads out into the distributaries of the Ayeyarwady Delta to flow into the Andaman Sea. It has a high biodiversity, containing several distinct ecosystems along its course. It is home to around 43 species of fish as well as many birds and reptiles – keep an eye out for as many as you can find during your holidays in Burma! The river even gives its name to one species, the Irrawaddy Dolphin, a distinctive round-headed dolphin with a high forehead and no beak.