Anawratha on Irrawaddy
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Anawrahta

This stately 23-cabin ship is modeled on a lavish Burmese paddle steamer of the British Empire era.

Overview

Step back in time to an era of refined sophistication aboard the Anawrahta riverboat, which cruises on the Irrawaddy and Chindwin rivers in Myanmar (Burma). With a high crew to passenger ratio, exceptionally high levels of personalized service and wonderfully spacious cabins, the stately 213-ft-long vessel is modeled on a British Empire paddle steamer. With her sumptuous cabins providing capacity for 46 guests, she has three spacious decks with on-board resort-style facilities including a panoramic lounge, pool, spa, sauna and gym.

Sumptuous Rooms & Suites

With her gleaming rails, polished lacquer, intricately carved woodwork and handcrafted furniture, the Anawrahta has been built to reflect the elegance of a bygone era. She was named after the founder of the Burmese nation. Choose from 23 spacious rooms and extraordinary suites, in four categories, including 16 Deluxe rooms, three Junior suites, two Executive suites and two Royal suites.

Ranging in size from 517 square feet to a huge 926 square feet, each cabin has an en-suite bathroom and a private balcony or terrace for enjoying superb views along the river. The two Royal Suites each boast a private jacuzzi tub.

Wining And Dining On Board

The ship’s Hintha Hall Restaurant, on the terrace deck, evokes the elegant dining rooms of yesteryear. White tablecloths and gleaming glassware is surrounded by polished wood, elaborately-carved floor and ceiling panels, as well as fabulous views, framed by large picture windows. The chefs showcase the authentic flavors of Myanmar, which has been influenced by Chinese, Thai and Indian cuisine. Thanks to the county’s long coastline, seafood plays a prominent role, as do fresh herbs, aromatic spices and seasonal vegetables.

Myanmar’s Buddhist culture ensures plenty of vegetarian options, and there are also ample international dishes. Also on the terrace deck, characterized by high ceilings, spicy colors, large windows and colonial-style rattan chairs, Kipling’s Bar invites you to relax and contemplate the passing river life as you enjoy a fine wine or cocktail.

Activities And Entertainment On Board

Lean back against burnt-orange cushions on rattan chairs and enjoy a good book, in the exotic colonial club ambiance of the Mandalay Lounge on the Upper Deck. Unwind at the Thazin Spa, which offers three massage beds, mani-pedi stations and a steambath along with a team of highly trained therapists. Participate in daily yoga or Tai Chi sessions on the Sun Deck, swim in the outsized pool, and enjoy on-board lectures and demonstrations about Burmese culture, as well as traditional dance performances, open-air movies and cocktail events.

The Anawrahta cruise offers a truly fascinating and scenic river journey. A choice of itineraries allows you to venture along the magnificent upper and central Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River, or the remote and lesser-known Chindwin, which is ideal if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-track adventure. Fishing and farming communities populate the banks, living in stilted houses that overhang the water, excited children will often greet you with shouts and a wave. You may even be lucky enough to encounter Irrawaddy dolphins slicing in and out of the water.

Itineraries & Prices

1 / 8
3-Day
3-Day
4-Day
4-Day
5-Day
5-Day
8-Day
12-Day

3 Day - Ancient Capitals : Mandalay - Bagan

itinerary map

Embarkation

EMBARKATION FROM MANDALAY

11:00 AM: Before noon you board the luxurious Anawrahta, berthed at the quay of Mandalay’s riverside.

After a friendly welcome by our staff offering some refreshments, you move into your “home” for the next few days. The ship sets sail towards Sagaing, one of the ancient capitals of Myanmar. Please find your way to the restaurant “Hinta Hall” for lunchtime. After feel free to enjoy your time at the open-air Kipling’s Bar or on the sun deck while Anawrahta is approaching Saigaing.

PM: We disembark for a wonderful discovery of some very highlights of Sagaing and the former royal capital of Ava. We cross the well-known 16 span cantilever “Ava bridge”, built in 1934 by the British, which connects the two old capitals. Ava (also called Innwa) was the metropolis of the Burmese kingdoms between the 14th to 19th century. By horse-drawn carriage we explore this area, sprinkled with many kinds of distinguished ancient monasteries and fanes: Bagaya Kyaung a jaw-dropping teak monastery built in 1834, which nowadays continues to be a monastic school; Maha Aung Mye Bonzan Monastery or the Nanmyint watch tower come both in different art and creation. It is the peace of Ava which you by then hopefully absorb during a laidback picnic teatime at a secret place in the middle of this sacred spot on earth.

Back on board, we learn more about some of the long-lasting traditions (Longyi and Thanaka demonstration). A fascinating presentation about the history and culture of Myanmar follows afterward. Before your first dinner onboard you are warmly invited by our cruise manager to a cocktail gathering at Kipling’s Bar.

Anawrahta - Ancient Capitals : Mandalay - Bagan - Day1
Location
Mandalay
Day
1 / 3

Ava, Yandabo

AM: For early morning risers there is a special opportunity to participate in a yoga session on the sun deck. Strengthen your muscles and ease your mind by merging with the Ayeyarwady and its therapeutical flow downstream. Our next stop is Yanderbo. After breakfast, a lecture about Bagan’s history is offered at the Mandalay Lounge. We have some cruising relaxation time during the morning. Gaze on the river banks of this eternal stream from your bench on the sun deck or alternatively, a spa treatment would have the same recreation effects.

PM: After lunch on board the ship arrives at the quiet, small riverside village of Yanderbo. A unique and fascinating gem of a village wherein 1826 the King of Ava signed the Treaty of Yanderbo, signaling the end of the First Anglo-Burmese war. Nowadays the villagers produce a type of water pot which is reputed to keep water cooler than pots from anywhere else in the country. Anawrahta’s broad-knowledge guides will offer you an explanation to that. On foot, we explore the village. You quickly notice that the villagers here are extremely friendly, charming and open for chitchats. You will definitely take back home some enchanting memories. Their techniques and skills to produce a variety of pots and utensils are perplexing. Try to work on one of these pots.

We return to the ship for the afternoon high tea. As we sail on to the next overnight spot Pakokku, we pass the confluence of the Ayeyarwady and its greatest tributary, the Chindwin River. As the evening approaches and the Burmese sun immerse everything in a golden light a special event will take place at the Kipling’s Bar. Dress up in style as we send “A toast to the past” during a British club where gents may whiff cigars and ladies sip on tasty gins with tonic. Share some tales of the old (British-Burmese) days. Isn’t sometimes the time to lose time. Adjacent dinner is served at the Hintha Hall. If you feel like it, you can join our open-air cinema under the stars on the sun deck showing classic movies (depends on weather conditions).

Anawrahta - Ancient Capitals : Mandalay - Bagan - Day2
Location
Irrawaddy River
Day
2 / 3

Disembarkation

DISEMBARKATION IN BAGAN

AM: In the morning our yoga class will help to get in the right form for another day of great explorations. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the ship sails some more miles southwards before we arrive in Pakkoku. Pakkoku is an old trading town on the western riverbank of the Ayeyarwady. Right before the arrival, you see the longest bridge of Myanmar (Pakokku Bridge).

Onshore the tour takes us to some of the small industries in this area, such as a cheroot-rolling factory and a producer of ‘Burmese slippers’ (“flip-flops”). Local handicraft vendors try to make their living with it. A visit to the thriving market gives us an insight into local goods and trading practices. Pakokku is also well known for the production of Tobacco. If you like to buy some Burmese cigars, this is the place.

PM: We continue touring to the Shwegu Temple. This temple features incredible, intricate carvings made from rare Yamanei wood. It also houses a unique Buddha image seated on a lotus throne. Back onboard lunch is served and Anawrahta continues her journey southwards, eventually arriving at the utmost highlight of this journey - Bagan. The ship will dock at Bagan and you will disembark in the early afternoon (approx. 3 PM).

Anawrahta - Ancient Capitals : Mandalay - Bagan - Day3
Location
Bagan
Day
3 / 3
1 / 3

3 Day - Ancient Capitals : Bagan - Mandalay

itinerary map

Embarkation

11:00 AM: EMBARKATION FROM BAGAN

Around noon you embark on the luxurious Anawrahta, berthed at the quay of Bagan. After a warm welcome by our staff offering some refreshments, you move into your “home” for the next few days.

PM: Enjoy a leisurely lunch as the ship sails towards Pakkoku. Pakkoku is an old trading town on the western riverbank of the Ayeyarwady. Right before the arrival, you see the longest bridge of Myanmar, the Pakokku Bridge. Onshore the tour takes us to some of the small industries in this area, such as a cheroot-rolling factory and a producer of ‘Burmese slippers’ (“flip-flops”). Local handicraft vendors try to make their living selling these. A visit at the thriving market gives us insights into local goods and trading. Pakokku is also well-known for the production of tobacco. If you are interested in buying Burmese cigars, this is the place.

We continue our tour to the Shwegu Temple. This temple features incredible, intricate carvings made from rare Yamanei wood. It also houses a unique Buddha image seated on a lotus throne. Back on board, Anawrahta continues her journey northwards on the Ayeyarwady. As the evening approaches and the Burmese sun immerse everything in a golden light, a special event will take place at the Kipling’s Bar. Dress up in style as we send “A toast to the past” at our British club gathering where gents may whiff cigars and ladies sip on tasty gins with tonic. Share some tales of the old (British-Burmese) days. Isn’t sometimes the time to lose time. Dinner is served at the Hintha Hall. Join our open-air cinema under the stars on the sun deck showing classic movies (depending on weather conditions).

Anawrahta - Ancient Capitals : Bagan - Mandalay - Day 1
Location
Bagan
Day
1 / 3

Pakkoku, Yandabo

AM: For early morning risers there is a special opportunity to participate in a yoga session on the sun deck. Strengthen your muscles and ease your mind by merging with the Ayeyarwady and its therapeutical slow flow upstream. We leave in the morning from Pakkoku for our next stop, Yandabo. While having breakfast the ship passes the confluence of the Ayeyar- wady and its greatest tributary, the Chindwin River.

We arrive at the quiet, small riverside village of Yandabo. A unique and fascinating gem of a village wherein 1826 the King of Ava signed the Treaty of Yanderbo, signaling the end of the First Anglo-Burmese War. Nowadays the villagers produce a type of water pot, which is reputed to keep water cooler than pots from anywhere else in the country. Anawrahta’s broad-knowledge guides will offer you an explanation of this phenomenon. By foot, we explore the village. You quickly notice that the villagers here are extremely friendly, charming and open for chit-chats. You will definitely take back home some enchanting memories. Their techniques and skills to produce a variety of pots and utensils are perplexing. Try to work on one of these pots. Back onboard a delicate lunch buffet awaits you. The ship continues its journey northwards. Gaze on the river banks of this eternal stream from your bench on the sun deck or alternatively, a spa treatment would have the same recreation effects.

PM: In the afternoon we learn more about some of the long-lasting traditions (Longyi and Thanaka demonstration). A fascinating presentation about the history and culture of Myanmar follows afterward. Before dinner, you may like to enjoy one of our various treatments in the Thazin Spa. Dinner is served at the Hintha Hall restaurant. Feel free to join our open-air cinema under the stars on the sun deck showing a classic movie (depending on weather conditions).

Anawrahta - Ancient Capitals : Bagan - Mandalay - Day 2
Location
Irrawaddy River
Day
2 / 3

Disembarkation

DISEMBARKATION IN MANDALAY

AM: Join our Yoga class in the morning to start your day with a powerful exercise. Then, you can enjoy breakfast as the ship sails northward, and eventually, we arrive in Ava. In Ava, we disembark for a wonderful discovery of the highlights of this former royal capital. By horse-drawn carriage we explore this area, sprinkled with many kinds of distinguished ancient monasteries and fanes: Bagaya Kyaung, a jaw-dropping teak monastery built in 1834, which nowadays continues to be a monastic school; Maha Aung Mye Bonzan Monastery or the Nanmyint watch tower come both in different art and creation. It is the peace of Ava which you will then hopefully absorb during a laid-back apéritif at a secret place in the middle of this sacred spot on Earth.

PM: Back onboard our lunch buffet is served and Anawrahta continues the cruise northwards, eventually arriving at the utmost highlight of this journey - Mandalay. Take time to observe the beautiful Sagaing Hills when the ship passes by the myriads of scattered pagodas on the hills. We will dock at Mandalay in the early afternoon (approx. 3 PM).

Anawrahta - Ancient Capitals : Bagan - Mandalay - Day 3
Location
Mandalay
Day
3 / 3
1 / 3

4 Day - Ancient Capitals : Bagan - Mandalay

itinerary map

Embarkation

11:00 AM: EMBARKATION FROM BAGAN

Around noon you embark on the luxurious Anawrahta, berthed at the quay of Bagan. After a warm welcome by our staff offering some refreshments, you move into your “home” for the next few days.

PM: Enjoy a leisurely lunch as the ship sails towards Pakkoku. Pakkoku is an old trading town on the western riverbank of the Ayeyarwady. Right before the arrival you see the longest bridge of Myanmar, the Pakokku Bridge. Onshore the tour takes us to some of the small industries in this area, such as a cheroot-rolling factory and a producer of ‘Burmese slippers’ (“flip-flops”). Local handicraft vendors try to make their living selling these. A visit at the thriving market gives us insights into local goods and trading. Pakokku is also well-known for the production of tobacco. If you are interested in buying Burmese cigars, this is the place.

We continue our tour to the Shwegu Temple. This temple features incredible, intricate carvings made from rare Yamanei wood. It also houses a unique Buddha image seated on a lotus throne. Back on board, Anawrahta continues her journey northwards on the Ayeyarwady. As the evening approaches and the Burmese sun immerse everything in a golden light, a special event will take place at the Kipling’s Bar. Dress up in style as we send “A toast to the past” at our British club gathering where gents may whiff cigars and ladies sip on tasty gins with tonic. Share some tales of the old (British-Burmese) days. Isn’t sometimes the time to lose time. Dinner is served at the Hintha Hall. Join our open-air cinema under the stars on the sun deck showing classic movies (depending on weather conditions).

Anawrahta - Ancient Capitals : Bagan - Mandalay - Day 1
Location
Bagan
Day
1 / 4

Pakkoku, Yandabo

AM: For early morning risers there is a special opportunity to participate in a yoga session on the sun deck. Strengthen your muscles and ease your mind by merging with the Ayeyarwady and its therapeutical slow flow upstream. We leave in the morning from Pakkoku for our next stop, Yandabo. While having breakfast the ship passes the confluence of the Ayeyar- wady and its greatest tributary, the Chindwin River.

We arrive at the quiet, small riverside village of Yandabo. A unique and fascinating gem of a village wherein 1826 the King of Ava signed the Treaty of Yanderbo, signaling the end of the First Anglo-Burmese War. Nowadays the villagers produce a type of water pot, which is reputed to keep water cooler than pots from anywhere else in the country. Anawrahta’s broad-knowledge guides will offer you an explanation of this phenomenon. By foot, we explore the village. You quickly notice that the villagers here are extremely friendly, charming, and open to chit-chats. You will definitely take back home some enchanting memories. Their techniques and skills to produce a variety of pots and utensils are perplexing. Try to work on one of these pots. Back onboard a delicate lunch buffet awaits you. The ship continues its journey northwards. Gaze on the river banks of this eternal stream from your bench on the sun deck or alternatively, a spa treatment would have the same recreation effects.

PM: In the afternoon we learn more about some of the long-lasting traditions (Longyi and Thanaka demonstration). A fascinating presentation about the history and culture of Myanmar follows afterward. Before dinner, you may like to enjoy one of our various treatments in the Thazin Spa. Dinner is served at the Hintha Hall restaurant. Feel free to join our open-air cinema under the stars on the sun deck showing a classic movie (depending on weather conditions).

Anawrahta - Ancient Capitals : Bagan - Mandalay
Location
Irrawaddy River
Day
2 / 4

Yandabo, Ava

AM: Join our Yoga class in the morning to start your day with a powerful exercise. Then, you can enjoy breakfast as the ship sails northward and eventually we arrive in Ava. In Ava, we disembark for a wonderful discovery of the highlights of this former royal capital. By horse-drawn carriage we explore this area, sprinkled with many kinds of distinguished ancient monasteries and fanes: Bagaya Kyaung, a jaw-dropping teak monastery built in 1834, which nowadays continues to be a monastic school; Maha Aung Mye Bonzan Monastery or the Nanmyint watch tower come both in different art and creation. It is the peace of Ava which you will then hopefully absorb during a laid-back apéritif at a secret place in the middle of this sacred spot on Earth.

PM: Back onboard our lunch buffet is served and Anawrahta continues the cruise northwards, eventually arriving at the utmost highlight of this journey - Mandalay. Take time to observe the beautiful Sagaing Hills when the ship passes by the myriads of scattered pagodas on the hills. We will dock at Mandalay in the early afternoon (approx. 2 PM).

(At this time we bid goodbye to the guests of our 3D/2N cruise)

Further into the afternoon, our tour leads us to the most interesting sights of Mandalay. Observe the incredible process of the gold-leaf beating, visit a silk-weaving manufacturer and finally have a stroll through the amiable streets that host several marble carving workshops. The ultimate highlight of the day is a sunset sailing in a small rowing boat around the famous 200-year-old U-Bein Bridge, a true Kodak moment. After some refreshing time on board, you are invited to watch a traditional dance and music performance by students and teachers of the Mandalay Art School. After dinner, our nightly open-air cinema will play another classic movie on the sun deck (depending on weather conditions).

Anawrahta - Ancient Capitals : Bagan - Mandalay - Day 3
Location
Irrawaddy River
Day
3 / 4

Disembarkation

DISEMBARKATION IN MANDALAY

AM: Wake up early in the morning to watch the river life on the Ayeyarwady before breakfast will be served. Following breakfast, you will disembark in Mandalay at 9:00 AM.

Anawrahta - Ancient Capitals : Bagan - Mandalay - Day 4
Location
Mandalay
Day
4 / 4
1 / 4

4 Day - Ancient Capitals : Mandalay - Bagan

itinerary map

Embarkation

EMBARKATION FROM MANDALAY

11:00 AM: Before noon you board the luxurious Anawrahta, berthed at the quay of Mandalay’s riverside.

After a friendly welcome by our staff offering some refreshments, you move into your “home” for the next few days. The ship sets sail towards Sagaing, one of the ancient capitals of Myanmar. Please find your way to the restaurant “Hinta Hall” for lunchtime. After feel free to enjoy your time at the open-air Kipling’s Bar or on the sun deck while Anawrahta is approaching Saigaing.

PM: We disembark for a wonderful discovery of some very highlights of Sagaing and the former royal capital of Ava. We cross the well-known 16 span cantilever “Ava bridge”, built in 1934 by the British, which connects the two old capitals. Ava (also called Innwa) was the metropolis of the Burmese kingdoms between the 14th to 19th centuries. By horse-drawn carriage we explore this area, sprinkled with many kinds of distinguished ancient monasteries and fanes: Bagaya Kyaung a jaw-dropping teak monastery built in 1834, which nowadays continues to be a monastic school; Maha Aung Mye Bonzan Monastery or the Nanmyint watch tower come both in different art and creation. It is the peace of Ava which you by then hopefully absorb during a laidback picnic teatime at a secret place in the middle of this sacred spot on earth.

Back on board, we learn more about some of the long-lasting traditions (Longyi and Thanaka demonstration). A fascinating presentation about the history and culture of Myanmar follows afterward. Before your first dinner onboard you are warmly invited by our cruise manager to a cocktail gathering at Kipling’s Bar.

Anawrahta - Ancient Capitals : Mandalay - Bagan - Day1
Location
Mandalay
Day
1 / 4

Ava, Yandabo

AM: For early morning risers there is a special opportunity to participate in a yoga session on the sun deck. Strengthen your muscles and ease your mind by merging with the Ayeyarwady and its therapeutical flow downstream. Our next stop is Yanderbo. After breakfast, a lecture about Bagan’s history is offered at the Mandalay Lounge. We have some cruising relaxation time during the morning. Gaze on the river banks of this eternal stream from your bench on the sun deck or alternatively, a spa treatment would have the same recreation effects.

PM: After lunch on board the ship arrives at the quiet, small riverside village of Yanderbo. A unique and fascinating gem of a village wherein 1826 the King of Ava signed the Treaty of Yanderbo, signaling the end of the First Anglo-Burmese war. Nowadays the villagers produce a type of water pot which is reputed to keep water cooler than pots from anywhere else in the country. Anawrahta’s broad-knowledge guides will offer you an explanation for that. On foot, we explore the village. You quickly notice that the villagers here are extremely friendly, charming and open for chitchats. You will definitely take back home some enchanting memories. Their techniques and skills to produce a variety of pots and utensils are perplexing. Try to work on one of these pots.

We return to the ship for the afternoon high tea. As we sail on to the next overnight spot Pakokku, we pass the confluence of the Ayeyarwady and its greatest tributary, the Chindwin River. As the evening approaches and the Burmese sun immerse everything in a golden light a special event will take place at the Kipling’s Bar. Dress up in style as we send “A toast to the past” during a British club where gents may whiff cigars and ladies sip on tasty gins with tonic. Share some tales of the old (British-Burmese) days. Isn’t sometimes the time to lose time. Adjacent dinner is served at the Hintha Hall. If you feel like it, you can join our open-air cinema under the stars on the sun deck showing classic movies (depends on weather conditions).

Anawrahta - Ancient Capitals : Mandalay - Bagan - Day2
Location
Irrawaddy River
Day
2 / 4

Pakkoku, Bagan

AM: In the morning our yoga class will help to get in the right form for another day of great explorations. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the ship sails some more miles southwards before we arrive in Pakkoku. Pakkoku is an old trading town on the western riverbank of the Ayeyarwady. Right before the arrival, you see the longest bridge of Myanmar (Pakokku Bridge).

Onshore the tour takes us to some of the small industries in this area, such as a cheroot-rolling factory and a producer of ‘Burmese slippers’ (“flip-flops”). Local handicraft vendors try to make their living with it. A visit to the thriving market gives us an insight into local goods and trading practices. Pakokku is also well known for the production of Tobacco. If you like to buy some Burmese cigars, this is the place.

PM: We continue touring to the Shwegu Temple. This temple features incredible, intricate carvings made from rare Yamanei wood. It also houses a unique Buddha image seated on a lotus throne. Back onboard lunch is served and Anawrahta continues her journey southwards, eventually arriving at the utmost highlight of this journey - Bagan. The ship will dock at Bagan in the early afternoon (approx. 2PM).

(At this time we bid farewell to our 3D/2N cruise guests)

PM: In the afternoon magnificent temple serendipity starts. Over 2000 temples, stupas and pagodas can be found in an area of just 30 square kilometers. We explore the most remarkable ones as the Ananda Temple or the Sulamani Pagoda. As final blowoff during dusk, we will enjoy a breathtaking view from a pagoda “summit” to marvel at the temple-strewn plains. We wistfully return to the boat. After some refreshing time, you are invited to watch a traditional Bagan dance performance at the Mandalay Lounge before dinner starts. After dinner, our nightly open-air cinema is playing another classic movie on the sun deck (depending on weather conditions).

Anawrahta - Ancient Capitals : Mandalay - Bagan - Day3
Location
Irrawaddy River
Day
3 / 4

Disembarkation

AM: DISEMBARKATION IN BAGAN

In the morning we provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sign up for a sunrise balloon flight over the Bagan area (on extra cost, pre-booking required, subject to season). After breakfast, you will disembark in Bagan at 9:00 AM.

Anawrahta - Ancient Capitals : Mandalay - Bagan - Day4
Location
Bagan
Day
4 / 4
1 / 4

5 Day - Ancient Capitals : Mandalay - Bagan

itinerary map

Mandalay

EMBARKATION FROM MANDALAY

11:00 AM: Before noon you board the luxurious Anawrahta, berthed at the quay of Mandalay’s riverside.

After a friendly welcome by our staff offering some refreshments, you move into your “home” for the next few days. The ship sets sail towards Sagaing, one of the ancient capitals of Myanmar. Please find your way to the restaurant “Hinta Hall” for lunchtime. After feel free to enjoy your time at the open-air Kipling’s Bar or on the sun deck while Anawrahta is approaching Saigaing.

PM: We disembark for a wonderful discovery of some very highlights of Sagaing and the former royal capital of Ava. We cross the well-known 16 span cantilever “Ava bridge”, built in 1934 by the British, which connects the two old capitals. Ava (also called Innwa) was the metropolis of the Burmese kingdoms between the 14th to 19th centuries. By horse-drawn carriage we explore this area, sprinkled with many kinds of distinguished ancient monasteries and fanes: Bagaya Kyaung a jaw-dropping teak monastery built in 1834, which nowadays continues to be a monastic school; Maha Aung Mye Bonzan Monastery or the Nanmyint watch tower come both in different art and creation. It is the peace of Ava which you by then hopefully absorb during a laidback picnic teatime at a secret place in the middle of this sacred spot on earth.

Back on board, we learn more about some of the long-lasting traditions (Longyi and Thanaka demonstration). A fascinating presentation about the history and culture of Myanmar follows afterward. Before your first dinner onboard you are warmly invited by our cruise manager to a cocktail gathering at Kipling’s Bar.

Anawrahta - Ancient Capitals : Mandalay - Bagan - Day1
Location
Irrawaddy River
Day
1 / 5

Ava, Yandabo

AM: For early morning risers there is a special opportunity to participate in a yoga session on the sun deck. Strengthen your muscles and ease your mind by merging with the Ayeyarwady and its therapeutical flow downstream. Our next stop is Yanderbo. After breakfast, a lecture about Bagan’s history is offered at the Mandalay Lounge. We have some cruising relaxation time during the morning. Gaze on the river banks of this eternal stream from your bench on the sun deck or alternatively, a spa treatment would have the same recreation effects.

PM: After lunch on board the ship arrives at the quiet, small riverside village of Yanderbo. A unique and fascinating gem of a village wherein 1826 the King of Ava signed the Treaty of Yanderbo, signaling the end of the First Anglo-Burmese war. Nowadays the villagers produce a type of water pot which is reputed to keep water cooler than pots from anywhere else in the country. Anawrahta’s broad-knowledge guides will offer you an explanation for that. On foot, we explore the village. You quickly notice that the villagers here are extremely friendly, charming and open for chitchats. You will definitely take back home some enchanting memories. Their techniques and skills to produce a variety of pots and utensils are perplexing. Try to work on one of these pots.

We return to the ship for the afternoon high tea. As we sail on to the next overnight spot Pakokku, we pass the confluence of the Ayeyarwady and its greatest tributary, the Chindwin River. As the evening approaches and the Burmese sun immerse everything in a golden light a special event will take place at the Kipling’s Bar. Dress up in style as we send “A toast to the past” during a British club where gents may whiff cigars and ladies sip on tasty gins with tonic. Share some tales of the old (British-Burmese) days. Isn’t sometimes the time to lose time. Adjacent dinner is served at the Hintha Hall. If you feel like it, you can join our open-air cinema under the stars on the sun deck showing classic movies (depends on weather conditions).

Anawrahta - Ancient Capitals : Mandalay - Bagan - Day2
Location
Irrawaddy River
Day
2 / 5

Pakkoku, Bagan

AM: In the morning our yoga class will help to get in the right form for another day of great explorations. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the ship sails some more miles southwards before we arrive in Pakkoku. Pakkoku is an old trading town on the western riverbank of the Ayeyarwady. Right before the arrival, you see the longest bridge of Myanmar (Pakokku Bridge).

Onshore the tour takes us to some of the small industries in this area, such as a cheroot-rolling factory and a producer of ‘Burmese slippers’ (“flip-flops”). Local handicraft vendors try to make their living with it. A visit to the thriving market gives us an insight into local goods and trading practices. Pakokku is also well known for the production of Tobacco. If you like to buy some Burmese cigars, this is the place.

PM: We continue touring to the Shwegu Temple. This temple features incredible, intricate carvings made from rare Yamanei wood. It also houses a unique Buddha image seated on a lotus throne. Back on board, lunch is served and Anawrahta continues her journey southwards, eventually arriving at the utmost highlight of this journey - Bagan. The ship will dock at Bagan in the early afternoon (approx. 2PM).

(At this time we bid farewell to our 3D/2N cruise guests)

PM: In the afternoon magnificent temple serendipity starts. Over 2000 temples, stupas and pagodas can be found in an area of just 30 square kilometers. We explore the most remarkable ones as the Ananda Temple or the Sulamani Pagoda. As final blowoff during dusk, we will enjoy a breathtaking view from a pagoda “summit” to marvel at the temple-strewn plains. We wistfully return to the boat. After some refreshing time, you are invited to watch a traditional Bagan dance performance at the Mandalay Lounge before dinner starts. After dinner, our nightly open-air cinema is playing another classic movie on the sun deck (depending on weather conditions).

Anawrahta - Ancient Capitals : Mandalay - Bagan - Day3
Location
Irrawaddy River
Day
3 / 5

Bagan

AM: In the morning we provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sign up for a sunrise balloon flight over the Bagan area (on extra cost, pre-booking required, subject to season).

(After breakfast we say goodbye to our 4D/3N guests)

The morning tour starts with a visit to the bustling Nyaung-U market. A truly Burmese market where almost everything is offered. The tour around the market provides the best photo-moments of local life and people. Afterward we visit the revered Shwezigon Pagoda. This prototype of a Burmese stupa consists a circular gold leaf-gilded stupa surrounded by many smaller temples and shrines. We stop at a lacquerware workshop. This is a must-see of a long-standing, traditional craftsmanship. We complete our morning tour with a visit to the fine frescoes inside the Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi Pagoda before returning to the ship for lunchtime.

PM: The afternoon holds two options to choose from. The first is a visit to the sacred Mount Popa monastery which sits picturesquely on an extinct volcano (some mobility and fitness are required to reach the top). Burmese people believe that this place is home to their animist spirits - the Nats. The trip ends en route at a palm sugar plantation where we can have an insight look over the shoulders of a typical local candies manufacturer.

The second option includes the exploration of Myinkaba Village. We visit the Manuha Pagoda, dating from 1059 where King Anawrahta imprisoned the Mon King, Manuha. Nearby is the beautiful architecture of the Gubyaukyi temple. You can take some individual time to explore the village of Minnanthu at your own pace. Back on board after some refreshing time, dinner is served. Afterward the crew is happy to invite you to some farewell entertainment in the lounge.

Anawrahta - Ancient Capitals : Mandalay - Bagan - Day4
Location
Irrawaddy River
Day
4 / 5

Disembarkation

AM: DISEMBARKATION IN BAGAN

After breakfast, your stay in your floating, luxury home regrettably ends. The Anawrahta crews wish you a wonderful onward journey in the land of Ancient Capitals Myanmar. You will disembark after breakfast in Bagan at 9:00 AM.

Anawrahta - Ancient Capitals : Mandalay - Bagan - Day5
Location
Bagan
Day
5 / 5
1 / 5

5 Day - Ancient Capitals : Bagan - Mandalay

itinerary map