Anawrahta Cruise

Welcome to the Ayeyarwady on board with Heritage Line.

There is an extraordinary timeless quality to Myanmar’s Irrawaddy River, also known as the Ayeyarwady. Rising among Himalayan glaciers and flowing freely for almost 2,200 km across the whole country into the Indian Ocean, this river is a witness of contemporary history. The kings of medieval Bagan would almost certainly recognise its riverbank life today with its bullock cart or the tiered pagodas atop rambling teak monasteries.

Route names: 

Ancient Capitals: Cruise from Mandalay to Bagan  

Golden Land Voyage: Cruise from Bagan to Mandalay

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 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.

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 metroplois of the Burmese kingdoms between the 14th to 19th century. By horse-drawn carriage we explore this area, sprinkled with many kinds of distingueshed 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 a 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 tradtions (Longyi and Thanaka demonstration). A fascinating presentation about the history and culture of Myanmar follows afterwards.

Before your first dinner onboard you are warmly invited by our cruise manager to a cocktail gathering at Kipling’s Bar.

For early morning risers there is a special opportunity to participate at 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 the 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.

After lunch on board the ship arrives at the quiet, small riverside village of Yanderbo. An unique and fascinating gem of a village where in 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 the 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 yourself 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 it’s greatest tributary, 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).

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).

On shore 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 of the thriving market gives us an insight of local goods and trading pratices. Pakokku is also well known for the production of Tobacco. If you like to buy some Burmese cigars, this is the place.

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, evetually arriving at the utmost highlight of this journey - Bagan. The ship will dock at Bagan at the early afternoon (approx. 2PM).

At this time we bid farewell to our guests of the 3-day/2-night cruise.

Welcome to the Ayeyarwady on board with Heritage Line.

There is an extraordinary timeless quality to Myanmar’s Irrawaddy River, also known as the Ayeyarwady. Rising among Himalayan glaciers and flowing freely for almost 2,200 km across the whole country into the Indian Ocean, this river is a witness of contemporary history. The kings of medieval Bagan would almost certainly recognise its riverbank life today with its bullock cart or the tiered pagodas atop rambling teak monasteries.

Route names: 

Ancient Capitals: Cruise from Mandalay to Bagan  

Golden Land Voyage: Cruise from Bagan to Mandalay

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 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.

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 metroplois of the Burmese kingdoms between the 14th to 19th century. By horse-drawn carriage we explore this area, sprinkled with many kinds of distingueshed 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 a 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 tradtions (Longyi and Thanaka demonstration). A fascinating presentation about the history and culture of Myanmar follows afterwards.

Before your first dinner onboard you are warmly invited by our cruise manager to a cocktail gathering at Kipling’s Bar.

For early morning risers there is a special opportunity to participate at 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 the 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.

After lunch on board the ship arrives at the quiet, small riverside village of Yanderbo. An unique and fascinating gem of a village where in 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 the 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 yourself 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 it’s greatest tributary, 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).

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).

On shore 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 of the thriving market gives us an insight of local goods and trading pratices. Pakokku is also well known for the production of Tobacco. If you like to buy some Burmese cigars, this is the place.

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, evetually arriving at the utmost highlight of this journey - Bagan. The ship will dock at Bagan at the early afternoon (approx. 2PM).

In the afternoon a magnificent temple serendipity starts. There are over 2000 temples, stupas and pagodas in an area of just 30 square kilometers. We explore the most remarkable ones, like the Ananda Temple or the pretty Sulamani Pagoda. As the final blowoff during dusk we are going to enjoy a breathtaking vista from a pagoda “summit” to marvel at the temple strewn plains.

We wistfully return to the boat. After some refreshing time and before dinner you are invited to watch a traditional Bagan dance performance at the Mandalay Lounge.

After dinner our nightly open air cinema is offering another classic movie on the sun deck (depends on weather conditions).

In the morning we provide an 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 good-bye to our guests of the 4-day/3-night cruise.

Welcome to the Ayeyarwady on board with Heritage Line.

There is an extraordinary timeless quality to Myanmar’s Irrawaddy River, also known as the Ayeyarwady. Rising among Himalayan glaciers and flowing freely for almost 2,200 km across the whole country into the Indian Ocean, this river is a witness of contemporary history. The kings of medieval Bagan would almost certainly recognise its riverbank life today with its bullock cart or the tiered pagodas atop rambling teak monasteries.

Route names: 

Ancient Capitals: Cruise from Mandalay to Bagan  

Golden Land Voyage: Cruise from Bagan to Mandalay

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 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.

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 metroplois of the Burmese kingdoms between the 14th to 19th century. By horse-drawn carriage we explore this area, sprinkled with many kinds of distingueshed 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 a 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 tradtions (Longyi and Thanaka demonstration). A fascinating presentation about the history and culture of Myanmar follows afterwards.

Before your first dinner onboard you are warmly invited by our cruise manager to a cocktail gathering at Kipling’s Bar.

For early morning risers there is a special opportunity to participate at 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 the 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.

After lunch on board the ship arrives at the quiet, small riverside village of Yanderbo. An unique and fascinating gem of a village where in 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 the 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 yourself 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 it’s greatest tributary, 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).

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).

On shore 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 of the thriving market gives us an insight of local goods and trading pratices. Pakokku is also well known for the production of Tobacco. If you like to buy some Burmese cigars, this is the place.

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, evetually arriving at the utmost highlight of this journey - Bagan. The ship will dock at Bagan at the early afternoon (approx. 2PM).

In the afternoon a magnificent temple serendipity starts. There are over 2000 temples, stupas and pagodas in an area of just 30 square kilometers. We explore the most remarkable ones, like the Ananda Temple or the pretty Sulamani Pagoda. As the final blowoff during dusk we are going to enjoy a breathtaking vista from a pagoda “summit” to marvel at the temple strewn plains.

We wistfully return to the boat. After some refreshing time and before dinner you are invited to watch a traditional Bagan dance performance at the Mandalay Lounge.

After dinner our nightly open air cinema is offering another classic movie on the sun deck (depends on weather conditions).

In the morning we provide an 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).

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

The afternoon holds two options in readiness. The first is a visit to the sacred Mount Popa monastery which sits picturesquely on an extinct volcano (some mobility and fitness is required to reach the top). The place is believed by the Burmese to be home to their animist spirits - the Nats. The trip stops en route at an enjoyable palm sugar plantation where we can look over the shoulders of a typical local candies manufacturer.

The second option includes an exploration of Myinkaba Village. You visit the Manuha Pagoda, dating from 1059 where King Anawrahta imprisoned the Mon King, Manuha. A short distance is the beautiful architecture of the Gubyaukyi temple. Take some individual time to explore the village of Minnanthu on your own pace afterwards.

Back on board and after some refreshing time, Dinner is served. Afterwards the crew is happy to invite you to some farewell entertainment in the lounge.

After breakfast your stay on your floating, luxury home regrettably ends. Heritage Line and the Anawrahta crew wish you a wonderful onward journey in the land of Ancient Capitals - Myanmar.

Morning embarkation in Mandalay and sailing north, through the Dolphin Sanctuary. There will be a morning lecture on Myanmar culture entitled “Myanmar Ways of Life” and a Myanmar Traditional Dress demonstration early in the afternoon. In the cooler air of late-afternoon we will make a tour of the pottery village of Nwe Nyein. Here you can see traditional techniques still being used to produce a wide variety of decorative pots. Tonight a longyi Cocktail Party will break the ice with your fellow guests.

Mandalay to Nwe Nyein = 51 miles / 81.6 km
Lunch, afternoon tea and dinner

In the morning, we offer yoga and meditation on the sun deck. Today's sailing is through the rolling hills of the Third Defile. Passing by bamboo villages and small fishing settlements, you will realize how tranquil these lives can be. Join our chef for a cookery demonstration in the morning and attend an informal Burmese language lesson in the afternoon. We will reach Taguang for another late afternoon tour, which will show life on the riverbank and introduce you to this small town with its ancient fortifications, archeological area and famous nat or spirit shrines.

Nwe Nyein to Taguang = 76 miles / 121.6 km
Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner

Have a relaxing morning, perhaps enjoying the facilities of our spacious Spa (including the only Swedish-style sauna on the Ayeyarwaddy) or our 8-meter whirlpool swimming pool, conveniently raised so while lying in the water you can still enjoy the passing scenery as we sail to Katha. Early afternoon we reach the enchanting colonial town of Katha, a setting of George Orwell’s Burmese Days. Little has changed since then. Of interest are the fire station’s collections of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company’s ship’s bells taken from sunken ships in the Second War. Katha was the final resting place for much of the old flotilla as over a hundred ships were scuppered here in 1942 - an act of denial before the advancing Japanese. Our tour will take you around all the places that appear in the book and give you the opportunity to really imagine how life was in this far-flung corner of the British Empire.

Taguang to Katha = 65 miles / 104 km
Breakfast, lunch and dinner

In the morning, we will take an oriental train ride from Katha to Naba through the thick Kachin jungle and teak forest. Enjoy this very scenic train ride passing through villages in the forest. Upon arrival in Naba, we transfer back to Katha for a Katha Market visit. It's time for some shopping at the colorful local market of Katha, where you can practice your Burmese language skills during a market rally (no worries, language lessons, an assistant and change is provided for shopping). In the afternoon you may relax on the sun deck while we continue sailing upstream to Shwe Gu. Afternoon tea will be served before a lecture on Myanmar history and current affairs. As the evening approaches and the Burmese sun immerses 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. This is the perfect time to lose time. Join us for movie under the stars on the sun deck after the dinner.

Katha – Shwe Gu = 45 miles / 72 km
Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner

In the early morning, be prepared on the sun deck as we make our first passing through the impressive Second defile. This will take about two hours depending on the force of the current. Enjoy your breakfast on the sun deck while passing through the dramatic Second Defile. Once on the other side, we will turn at the Sinkan Bridge and begin our return journey by plunging again into the fast flowing waters of the Defile. It may take as little as 25 minutes to reach the other end! We sail on, passing Kyun Daw Island where we visit countless small pagodas, local villages and river nomads who live on the river banks of the Ayeyarwaddy. We return to the ship for lunch and contain our journey to the South of the Ayeyarwaddy River. After dinner, enjoy the entertainment of our crew with their talent for Myanmar’s traditional dance.

Shwe Gu to Sinkan = 18 miles / 28.8 km
Sinkan to Thagara = 87 miles / 139.2 km
Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner

In the morning we offer yoga and meditation on the sun deck. Those wishing for some mental stimulation can join a lecture on 'Religion in Myanmar' and another Burmese language lesson before lunch. After lunch, there will be demonstration of Traditional Burmese Cigar and Chewing Betel Nut. In the early afternoon, we reach the picturesque fishing village of Hsithe. The village is home to fishermen who conduct co-operative fishing with the critically endangered Ayeyarwady River Dolphin. We will take you on a village tour, see the traditional agriculture products and teach you how to cast a traditional fishing net. Afternoon tea will be served at the visitor center of the village with a presentation about the river, the wildlife and the people. We return to the boat for dinner. Afterwards, you can join the outdoor cinema at the village together with the friendly villagers of Hsithe.

Thagara to Hsithe = 125 miles / 200 km
Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner

Today you have the last opportunity to simply relax, enjoying the luxurious facilities on board and the passing scenery as we sail to Mandalay. Be prepared on the sun deck as we make our way passing through Mingun, a showcase of the monumental and unfinished stupa of King Bodawpaya. It has never been completed due to an astrologer claiming that states: once the temple would be completed, the king will die.
We reach Mandalay late in the afternoon where you will disembark in time to visit Amarapua known for its traditional silk weaving, silver and bronze casting, and to see the sunset at the famous “U Bein's Bridge”, the longest teak bridge in Myanmar. After a farewell dinner, enjoy the evening entertainment Ramayana show, a legendary story and performance accompanied with traditional music instruments.

Hsithe to Mandalay = 43 miles / 68.8 km
Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner

Bid farewell to the crew as you check-out after breakfast.

Board the majestic Anawrahta, berthed at the quay of Mandalay’s riverside and enjoy a warm welcome by our staff with some refreshments and a short safety briefing as you move into your “home” for the next days. Leisurely unwind on a relaxing sailing day. Take a swim in the 360-degree view pool on the sundeck or try out the fine treatments of our Thazin Spa while sailing towards Sagaing. Our lecture today will be on “Myanmar’s ways of life” followed by a cultural demonstration on “Traditional Longyi and Thanakha”, Myanmar’s traditional costumes and a natural paste applied on the face and body. Kindly join afternoon tea served in the Kipling’s Bar while gazzing at the vast river view of the Ayeyarwady river. Tonight a longyi Cocktail Party will break the ice with your fellow guests.

Mandalay to Confluence = 87 miles
Confluence to Yesagyo = 15 miles
Lunch, afternoon tea and dinner

An early morning yoga session will be held on the sundeck to strengthen your muscles and ease your mind before Anawrahta enters the Chindwin river. Our morning excursion will take us the historical village of A Myint, which endured almost all of Myanmar’s dynasties. Explore the village life and their ancient pagodas built in 11-13 AD. Back on board, we will sail a short distance to Monywa while lunch is served on board. After lunch, we go by bus to Monywa where a spectacular styled Thanboddhay Pagoda (Thambuddhei Paya) with over 500,000 Buddha images and hundreds of golden spires can be found. Further down the road is the second tallest Buddha statue in the world, measuring 116 meters. It’s located behind a tremendous religious site with Bodhi trees, gardens with hundreds of sitting Buddhas, and a huge lying Buddha. The whole interior features depictions of Buddhist teachings on several floors. Back on board, we continue sailing up the river. Enjoy BBQ dinner tonight and a “Yamayana” dance performance on the sundeck.

Yesagyo to Ah Myint = 23.5 miles
Ah Myint to Alon = 22 miles
Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Today we disembark for a morning visit of Moktaw, a typical riverside village, to see their traditional way of life. If we are lucky
we may witness a special ceremony at the local monastery. In the afternoon you will have the chance to join a ship tour with
our cruise general manager exploring the fascinating Anawrahta. As the evening approaches and the Burmese sun immerses 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 gathering where gents may whiff cigars and ladies sip on tasty gins with homemade tonic while listening to music and poems of a by-gone era.

Alon - Moktaw = 34.25 miles
Moktaw – Lon Pyi = 44.75 miles
Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner

Start your day with a morning walk through the small village of Maukkadaw, which once was a busy teak port. We will show you their remaining teak enterprises before visiting the local school and walking through this old village. Back on board, we continue cruising upstream passing small villages amid rolling hills at the riverbanks. In the afternoon a “Burmese Speaking Lesson” will be held in the Mandalay Lounge to be prepared for our market ralley the next day. Tonight we arrive at the riverside port of Kalaywa passing by its bridge that connects the main land with the Indian border for trade.

Lon Pyi – Maukkadaw = 13.5
Maukkadaw – Kalaywa = 59.75 miles
Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner

This morning we will take a tour around Kalaywa by local tuk tuk. Visit the Pagoda on a hill top to have a vast view over the Kalaywa Town and Chindwin River. We continue to the Kalaywa Market. Do some shopping at the bustling colorful local market of Kalaywa, where you can practice your Burmese language skills during a market rally (no worries, language lesson, assistant and small cash is provided for shopping).

Kalaywa – Kindat = 47.25 miles
Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner

Join a lecture by our guide this morning or lounge around watching the passing sceneries of jungled cladded gorges. In the afternoon we arrive in the small Sittaung village, with its 28 houses and only 200 inhabitants. Today’s tour takes us to the ships of Irrawaddy Flotilla Company (the greatest river fleet that was ever assembled worldwide). Many of these were scuppered by the retreating British in 1942; rather than leaving them for the advancing Japanese Army. Back on board, we keep sailing upstream and afternoon tea will be served at the Kipling’s Bar.

Kindat – Sittaung = 50.25 miles
Sittaung – Paungbyin = 21.75 miles
Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner

Time for an early morning yoga session on the sundeck while the ship sails towards the most beautiful part of the upper Chindwin river. After breakfast, you can join a demonstration about the ancient habit of betel-chewing as well as smoking cheroots cigars. Tasting is optional! On our afternoon excursion, we will visit the town Homalin, the end of the 400 navigable miles on the Chindwin river for us. Here we will take a tour of the stunning views from the high vantage point of the Buddha Lotus Garden before starting our downstream voyage. Our guide will explain the significance of the various statues depicting scenes from the life of Buddha. On the way back from this view point, you have a great chance to visit the village of the Naga tribe; one of Myanmar’s minorities that still have their own lovely culture and customs. Join their traditional tribal dance and to enjoy their traditional cuisine and drinks.

Paungbyin – Homalin = 63.25 miles
Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner

Today you have another opportunity to simply relax, enjoy the passing scenery and enjoy the facilities on board our beautiful ship. We will sail around 142.25 miles. You may appreciate the power of the river as we now sail with the force of the current on our side. In the late morning, there will be a cooking demonstration by our Executive Chef who will show you the preparation of a local dishes. The recipes will be provided for you to try them at home! In the afternoon a presentation about “Buddhism
in Myanmar” will be lectured by our onboard guide. Tonight a BBQ dinner will be served together with a entertaining performance by our crew. We will moor near the city Mawlaik.

Homalin – Mawlaik = 142.25 miles
Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner

Mawlaik has been used as the administrative capital of the British and many of the colonial-era house built by the Bombay-Burma Trading Company still remain nowadays. Our colonial heritage tour will take you to the post office, former British administrative buildings, the house of a former British commissioner, and the Mawlaik Golf Course which was built in the old colonial times. The tour ends with fun mini golf match at the greens of the Mawlaik Golf Course. Afterwards, we return to the ship and enjoy lunch on board. If today’s sailing goes well, we will have the time to visit the small village of Kyi Taung Oo where we can discover the only surviving (and still-working) wooden monastery that pre-dates the Konbaung Dynasty’s Foundation in 1752. “Kyi Taung Oo” means “Great Sacred Hill”, as you might expect there will be some astonishing views over the river and its surrounding area. Our ship’s free medical service will be include for the village people.

Mawlaik – Kyi Taung Oo = 82.25 miles
Breakfast, lunch and dinner

This morning you can simply relax and enjoy the passing scenery as well as our facilities on board. Our afternoon excursion will take you on a 45 minutes’ bus ride to Pho Win Taung to discover the cave-temple complexes outside of the city and the Shwe Ba Taung mountains. The caves are believed to be around 500-years-old containing many sandstone carvings of Buddha images, animals, plants, demons and ogres. In the evening a group will perform a “Puppet Show” on board in the lounge.

Kyi Taung Oo – Monywa = 103.25 miles
Breakfast, lunch and dinner

This morning you can simply relax and enjoy the last sailing hours on board and observe the passing scenery. In the afternoon we will arrive at our final destination- Bagan, the ancient city of King Anawrahta. On an orientation tour, we explore the magnificent Ananda Temple and Shwe San Daw Temple. Our evening ends at one of the “sunset “pagodas or a high plain ground to watch the breath-taking vista of the sun setting over the temple-strewn plain.

Monywa – Bagan = 94 miles
Breakfast, lunch and dinner

A bid farewell to the crew and your floating home as your stay on the majestic Anawrahta ends after breakfast.

Breakfast