| Type | first-level administrative division in the Ayeyarwady River delta |
|---|---|
| Old name | Irrawaddy Division |
| Area | 35,140 km² |
| Population | more than 6.5 million, estimated for 2022 |
| Borders | Rakhine State, Bago Region, Yangon Region and the Bay of Bengal |
Ayeyarwady: An Introduction
Flowing south through Myanmar and into the Andaman Sea, the Ayeyarwady (also spelled ‘Irrawaddy’) is Myanmar’s biggest river, and a significant waterway. Crucial for transport and trade, it’s also home to diverse species, including the Irrawaddy Dolphin to which it gave its name, along with Saltwater Crocodile, and a number of sea turtle species.
The Ayeyarwady provides a picturesque conduit between Yangon (via a tributary), and the historic cities of Pyay, Bagan, Mandalay and Bhamo – daily ‘express’ ferries make the trip between Mandalay and Bagan in 10.5 hours. Alternatively, you can stay on board a luxurious riverboat and cruise the Ayeyarwady in comfort, taking this opportunity to observe Burmese life both on the river and the lush banks beyond.
Flowing from Myitkyina, in Myanmar’s northern Kachin State, towards the Yangon coast, the Ayeyarwady fans out across the mangrove forests and rice paddies of the fertile Ayeyarwady Delta, before flowing into the Andaman Sea. Here, the Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary protects nearly 140 sq km of mangrove habitat, and creatures ranging from Irrawaddy Dolphin, estuarine crocodiles, Sambhur Deer, Jungle Cat and Fishing Cat, to White-Bellied Sea Eagle, Vernal Hanging Parrot and several kingfisher species.
Also ripe for exploration, the Chindwin River – Ayeyarwady’s largest tributary – also flows from the Kachin region, but swings out west through the 22,000 sq km Hukawng Valley Tiger Reserve. Around 50 tigers live here, alongside elephants and various bear, monkey and bird species. It joins the Ayeyarwady just south of Monywa, where the astonishing Mohnyin Thambuddhei Paya, a Buddhist pagoda dating from the 14th
The river delta
English Wikipedia describes the Ayeyarwady Region, formerly the Irrawaddy Division, as a first-level administrative division of Myanmar occupying the delta of the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River. It covers 35,140 square kilometers and had an estimated 2022 population of more than 6.5 million. It is bordered by Rakhine State to the northwest, Bago Region to the north, Bago and Yangon regions to the east, and the Bay of Bengal to the south and west. We have not verified the older text on river cruises, villages or prices. Conditions in Myanmar can change quickly, so check your government’s current travel advice and confirm access with your operator before booking.
Sources (read in English, English Wikipedia): Ayeyarwady Region. Last checked November 2026.
Ayeyarwady Region: FAQ
What is the Ayeyarwady Region?
A first-level administrative division in the Irrawaddy delta.
How large is it?
35,140 square kilometers.
What was it formerly called?
Irrawaddy Division.
How many people live there?
More than 6.5 million (2022 estimate).
How many days do you need?
Two days.