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Ayeyarwady Dolphin Protected Area

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wildlife-area
—°6
Ayeyarwady Dolphin Protected Area (Myanmar (Burma))

Weather…

The Ayeyarwady Dolphin Protected Area spans a 74-kilometer stretch of the Ayeyarwady River in Upper Myanmar, situated between the towns of Mingun and Kyaukmyaung. Established in 2005, this conservation zone was created specifically to safeguard the critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphin, whose population in the river has dwindled significantly. The area is globally unique due to the 'cooperative fishing' tradition, where dolphins and local fishers work together to catch fish. The dolphins signal to the fishers and drive schools of fish toward the nets, receiving a portion of the catch in return. This ancient practice represents a remarkable symbiotic relationship between humans and wildlife that has persisted for generations. Strict regulations within the protected area prohibit destructive fishing methods, such as electrofishing and the use of gillnets, to prevent accidental deaths. Ecotourism programs are encouraged to provide local communities with alternative incomes while raising awareness for dolphin conservation. Ensuring the health of this river ecosystem is essential for the survival of the species and the preservation of Myanmar's natural heritage.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C212327303130292929282622
Rain mm11281531483840292987

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
The drier months from November to April are generally the most suitable time to navigate the river. During this season, lower water levels tend to concentrate fish populations, making dolphin sightings slightly more frequent.
🌅
Best time of day
Early morning boat trips offer the highest chances of observing the remarkable cooperative fishing behavior alongside local fishermen. The calm morning waters also make it significantly easier to spot a dorsal fin breaking the surface.
📜
Etiquette
Boat operators must adhere to strict speed limits and approach the dolphins cautiously to avoid disturbing their feeding patterns. Visitors should refrain from making sudden loud noises and must never throw any food into the river.
🎒
What to bring
A good pair of binoculars is highly recommended for scanning the expansive riverway for distant splashes. A wide-brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses, and plenty of drinking water are crucial for enduring the bright river reflections and heat.
🧭
Getting there
Excursions normally begin from Mandalay, where visitors can arrange for specialized eco-tourism boat tours traveling upriver. These guided tours ensure compliance with conservation regulations while supporting the local fishing communities.
🦌
What to expect
Finding these critically endangered dolphins requires realistic expectations, as their population is small and spread over a large area. Focus on enjoying the serene river landscape and the unique local culture while scanning the waters patiently.

Geography

Coordinates
22.33330, 96.00000

Facts

  • The conservation area was formally established in 2005.
  • It covers a 74-kilometer (46-mile) stretch of the Ayeyarwady River.
  • The protected zone is located between Mingun and Kyaukmyaung.
  • Irrawaddy dolphins and local fishers engage in unique cooperative fishing.
  • The use of electricity for fishing is strictly banned in this area.
  • The population of these dolphins is monitored annually for conservation.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Hsinbyume PagodaHsinbyume Pagoda4 km · NEExplore →
SagaingSagaing6 km · EExplore →
U Bein BridgeU Bein Bridge9 km · NEExplore →
Mahamuni Buddha TempleMahamuni Buddha Temple10 km · NEExplore →
Mandalay PalaceMandalay Palace11 km · NExplore →
Kuthodaw PagodaKuthodaw Pagoda13 km · NExplore →
Tagaung Taung Nickel MineTagaung Taung Nickel Mine14 km · WExplore →
Irrawaddy RiverIrrawaddy River16 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Ayeyarwady Dolphin Protected Area (6)

ရှေး‌ဟောင်းဘုရားပျက်များ🏺 historical

Weathered brick remains of ancient Buddhist stupas along the banks of the Ayeyarwady River.

ရှေး‌ဟောင်းဘုရားပျက်🏺 historical

The ruined structure of a historic pagoda stands as a testament to the region's long religious history.

Ancient City of Sone Ruins🏺 historical

Archaeological site featuring the foundations of a fortified ancient settlement near the river bend.

temple⛪ religious

A traditional Burmese gilded pagoda serving as a landmark for river travelers.

ရှိန်းမကားဈေး🎭 culture

A lively riverside market where locals trade goods in a village famous for its friendly Irrawaddy dolphins.

Shein Ma Kar📍 landmark

A historic riverside village known for its protected golden teak forest and traditional fishing with Irrawaddy dolphins.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Irrawaddy-Delfin-Schutzgebiet?
A protected river section for the conservation of the rare Irrawaddy dolphins.
How is the best way to see the dolphins?
The only real chance is via organized boat tours with knowledgeable captains.
Are the dolphins tame?
No, they are wild animals that one observes from a respectful distance.
When is the best time for dolphin watching?
Early morning hours during calm weather are most successful for sightings.
Are there dining options there?
The area is remote, so one should bring food and drinks along.
Ayeyarwady Dolphin Protected Area: where is it located?
Ayeyarwady Dolphin Protected Area is located in Myanmar (Burma).
Ayeyarwady Dolphin Protected Area: what is there to see?
Highlights include ရှေး‌ဟောင်းဘုရားပျက်များ, ရှေး‌ဟောင်းဘုရားပျက်, Ancient City of Sone Ruins.
Ayeyarwady Dolphin Protected Area: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Ayeyarwady Dolphin Protected Area: why is it worth visiting?
The Ayeyarwady Dolphin Protected Area spans a 74-kilometer stretch of the Ayeyarwady River in Upper Myanmar, situated between the towns of Mingun and Kyaukmyaung.
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Nearby cities

Pakokku — Ayeyarwady Dolphin Protected Area (Myanmar (Burma))
Pakokku
A bustling city on the Irrawaddy River, known for its trade in tobacco and cotton.
Magway — Ayeyarwady Dolphin Protected Area (Myanmar (Burma))
Magway
The capital of the Magway Region, known for the production of edible oil and sesame.

History & landmarks

Kyauk Ka Lat Pagoda — Ayeyarwady Dolphin Protected Area (Myanmar (Burma))
Kyauk Ka Lat Pagoda
A tiny golden pagoda spectacularly built on top of a narrow, steep limestone spire.

More places

Amarapura Historical City — Ayeyarwady Dolphin Protected Area (Myanmar (Burma))
Amarapura Historical City
A former capital of Myanmar, known for its silk weaving and the famous teakwood U Bein Bridge.
Inwa Ruins — Ayeyarwady Dolphin Protected Area (Myanmar (Burma))
Inwa Ruins
The remnants of the ancient imperial capital that was the center of successive Burmese kingdoms from the 14th to the 19th centuries.
Mahamuni Buddha Temple — Ayeyarwady Dolphin Protected Area (Myanmar (Burma))
Mahamuni Buddha Temple
One of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Myanmar, housing a highly venerated Buddha statue.
Mandalay Palace — Ayeyarwady Dolphin Protected Area (Myanmar (Burma))
Mandalay Palace
The last royal palace of the Burmese monarchy, built as a walled fortress with a wide moat in the center of Mandalay.
Mandalay Palace Moat Park — Ayeyarwady Dolphin Protected Area (Myanmar (Burma))
Mandalay Palace Moat Park
An expansive recreational area surrounding the wide, water-filled moat of the historic Mandalay Royal Palace.
Yadanabon Zoological Gardens — Ayeyarwady Dolphin Protected Area (Myanmar (Burma))
Yadanabon Zoological Gardens
A well-known zoo at the foot of Mandalay Hill, playing an important role in the breeding of endemic Burmese animal species.
Kuthodaw Pagoda — Ayeyarwady Dolphin Protected Area (Myanmar (Burma))
Kuthodaw Pagoda
A Buddhist stupa in Mandalay that contains the "world's largest book", consisting of hundreds of marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist texts.
Shwenandaw Monastery — Ayeyarwady Dolphin Protected Area (Myanmar (Burma))
Shwenandaw Monastery
A historic Buddhist monastery in Mandalay, famous for its exquisite teak wood carvings and traditional architecture.