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The most majestic and picturesque vistas available to travellers on Burma holidays have to be those that can be viewed across the Irrawaddy (or Ayeyarwady) Valley. Passing through tangled jungle, rugged gorges and fertile farmlands, the river brings life and precious resources to today’s cities and villages, just as it provided them to the country’s first settlers.

The story of Burma starts with the Irrawaddy, some 3500 years ago, when the Pyu people established settlements along the river’s fecund banks. The ethnic group that would become the most prominent of the country – the Bamar – were also drawn to the valley. After thousands of years of settlement, cultivation, conflict and trade, it is hardly surprising that the route along the river is as rich in stories as it is in natural wonders. Those thinking of embarking on Burma holidays may be interested to learn more about some of the legends that surround this life-giving river.

The Irrawaddy starts in Kachin state, where two smaller rivers join – the Mai Kha and the Mali Kha, both of which have their source in the Himalaya. Kachin legend holds that the Great Spirit of the world sits among the lofty Himalayan peaks, and that these twin rivers were formed when he poured out water from a pair of golden cups (which explains not only their origin but the gold that they carry, bringing many to pan for it on the banks of the Irrawaddy). The two rivers are thought of as brother and sister, very different from each other in character, but they eventually join up to become the great Irrawaddy – an essential sight on Burma holidays for lovers of beauty and adventure.

Rivers in Southeast Asia are often associated with the Nagas – great serpents – of Hindu legend, who have become mighty figures of folklore in their own right, appearing in Buddhist and animist stories as well as Hindu ones. They can take on human form, as in the case of the Naga princess who is said to have lived by the Irrawaddy. The story goes that, in her human skin, she enchanted the son of the Sun god. He, however, could not neglect his duties for long and left her to return to the sun; she bore three eggs with ruby shells, but angry at her lover’s absence she let them wash away downstream. The three eggs smashed open at different points in the river, producing, respectively: abundant rubies, fierce tigers and powerful crocodiles.

In these and other stories, magical things happen that nevertheless tell you something about real phenomena in this ancient landscape. Travellers who take time on their Burma holidays to get to know the locals may well find more intriguing tales in the locations as they pass through.

Jude Limburn Turner is the Marketing Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, an adventure tour company who run Burma holidays . Operating in Asia for over 20 years, they now offer treks and tours worldwide, including destinations in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South East Asia.

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