We welcome you to your cruise on the Ayeyarwady River from Bagan upstream to Mandalay. As the luxurious Heritage Line Anawrahta sets sail, take a last look back at enchanting Bagan. Enjoy a leisurely lunch as the ship sails towards Pakkoku, an old trading town on the eastern riverbank of the Ayeyarwady and known for its port (the country’s third largest after Yangon and Mandalay), bustling with local trading ships bringing goods to and from all corners of Myanmar. Just before we arrive at the town, we pass Pakokku Bridge, the longest of its kind in Myanmar.

On shore, you get to explore some of the small industries in this area such as a cheroot-rolling factory and the workshop of ‘Burmese slippers’ (flip-flops). Learn how local handicraft vendors make their living from this trade and take the chance to buy a few authentic souvenirs for your loved ones back home. Later, a visit to the booming market gives you insights into local goods and trading practices. You’ll see countless fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs as well as all kinds of other household goods and livestock being traded in this bustling center of Pakokku’s daily life. The city is also famous for its production of tobacco. If you would like to buy some Burmese cigars, this is the place.

After the busy market, we change the scene for an excursion to the serene Shwegu Temple. This temple features intricate carvings made from the rare Yamanei wood and also houses a unique image of Buddha seated on a lotus throne. Settle in for a moment of quiet contemplation and let today’s impressions sink in.

Back on board lunch is served and Anawrahta continues the cruise northwards on the Ayeyarwady. As the evening approaches and the Burmese sun immerses everything in a golden light, a special event takes place at the Kipling’s Bar. Dress up in style to send ‘a toast to the past’ during our famous British Club, a time where gents smoke cigars and ladies sip on tasty gin and tonics (bring your respective attire to make this night unforgettable). As you look around, the moment seems like a scene from an old photograph dating back to a bygone era. Sometimes we need just that – to stop the ticking of the clock.

For a low-key end to a beautiful day, feel free to join our open-air cinema under the stars on the sun deck. Our timeless classics go perfectly with the atmosphere on board.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

For early morning risers, we offer a daily yoga session on the sun deck. Strengthen your muscles and ease your mind by merging your movements with the languid flow of the Ayeyarwady. Settle into your body and release tension to the stunning backdrops of Myanmar’s riverscape. We leave in the morning from Pakkoku for Yandabo. While indulging in a rich breakfast, enjoy the view when the ship passes the confluence of the Ayeyarwady and its greatest tributary, the Chindwin River.

After a short while cruising, we arrive at the quiet riverside village of Yandabo. It is here in this unique gem of a village that the King of Ava signed the Treaty of Yandabo in 1826 and brought about the end of the First Anglo-Burmese war. Today the town is known for manufacturing a kind of water pot which is reputed to keep water cooler than pots from anywhere else in the country. We explore the village on foot, so you get the chance to meet and engage with the friendly locals. They are known to be charming and open for chitchats, a fact which will make for many unforgettable memories and fun encounters. You have an opportunity to try your hand at making the famous Yandabo pot as an artisan guides you.

As we continue our journey further north, we have some time to relax. Now is the time to find a spot on the sun deck and gaze at the river banks of this eternal stream. In the afternoon we learn more about some of the long-lasting traditions of Myanmar from our local expert guide. Our staff demonstrates how to wear the traditional Longyi, a wrap-around skirt worn by Burmese men and women on a daily basis. You also get to apply Thanaka paste to your face and learn how it helps to keep your skin beautiful and blemish-free, even under Burma’s hot sun.

A fascinating presentation about the history and culture of Myanmar follows afterwards to give you an even deeper understanding of the country’s traditions and cultures and how they shape life here today. Before dinner is served, you may want to book a treatment at the Thazin Spa.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

As Heritage Line Anawrahta makes its way north along the Ayeyarwady, delight in a rich breakfast and marvel at the luscious landscapes passing by. In Ava, we disembark for a wonderful discovery of the highlights of this former royal capital. A horse-drawn carriage takes you around this unique area, which is dotted with distinguished ancient monasteries, namely the Bagaya Kyaung, a jaw-dropping teak monastery built in 1834 which operates as a monastic school today. The Maha Aung Mye Bonzan Monastery and the Nanmyint Watch Tower both also exhibit unique designs and architecture. It is Ava’s peace and tranquility which sets the tone during a laid-back teatime picnic at a secret spot in the middle of this sacred place.

Back on board, lunch is served and Anawrahta continues the cruise northwards, eventually arriving at the ultimate destination and famed city, Mandalay. Along the way, enjoy the amazing backdrop – the beautiful Sagaing Hill with its innumerable scattered pagodas. We arrive at Mandalay in the early afternoon (approx. 2 o’clock).

Upon arrival, your stay on your floating, luxury home comes to an end. Heritage Line and the Anawrahta crew wish you a wonderful onward journey in the land of the Ancient Capitals - Myanmar.

Meals: Breakfast

We welcome you to your cruise on the Ayeyarwady River from Bagan upstream to Mandalay. As the luxurious Heritage Line Anawrahta sets sail, take a last look back at enchanting Bagan. Enjoy a leisurely lunch as the ship sails towards Pakkoku, an old trading town on the eastern riverbank of the Ayeyarwady and known for its port (the country’s third largest after Yangon and Mandalay), bustling with local trading ships bringing goods to and from all corners of Myanmar. Just before we arrive at the town, we pass Pakokku Bridge, the longest of its kind in Myanmar.

On shore, you get to explore some of the small industries in this area such as a cheroot-rolling factory and the workshop of ‘Burmese slippers’ (flip-flops). Learn how local handicraft vendors make their living from this trade and take the chance to buy a few authentic souvenirs for your loved ones back home. Later, a visit to the booming market gives you insights into local goods and trading practices. You’ll see countless fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs as well as all kinds of other household goods and livestock being traded in this bustling center of Pakokku’s daily life. The city is also famous for its production of tobacco. If you would like to buy some Burmese cigars, this is the place.

After the busy market, we change the scene for an excursion to the serene Shwegu Temple. This temple features intricate carvings made from the rare Yamanei wood and also houses a unique image of Buddha seated on a lotus throne. Settle in for a moment of quiet contemplation and let today’s impressions sink in.

Back on board lunch is served and Anawrahta continues the cruise northwards on the Ayeyarwady. As the evening approaches and the Burmese sun immerses everything in a golden light, a special event takes place at the Kipling’s Bar. Dress up in style to send ‘a toast to the past’ during our famous British Club, a time where gents smoke cigars and ladies sip on tasty gin and tonics (bring your respective attire to make this night unforgettable). As you look around, the moment seems like a scene from an old photograph dating back to a bygone era. Sometimes we need just that – to stop the ticking of the clock.

For a low-key end to a beautiful day, feel free to join our open-air cinema under the stars on the sun deck. Our timeless classics go perfectly with the atmosphere on board.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

For early morning risers, we offer a daily yoga session on the sun deck. Strengthen your muscles and ease your mind by merging your movements with the languid flow of the Ayeyarwady. Settle into your body and release tension to the stunning backdrops of Myanmar’s riverscape. We leave in the morning from Pakkoku for Yandabo. While indulging in a rich breakfast, enjoy the view when the ship passes the confluence of the Ayeyarwady and its greatest tributary, the Chindwin River.

After a short while cruising, we arrive at the quiet riverside village of Yandabo. It is here in this unique gem of a village that the King of Ava signed the Treaty of Yandabo in 1826 and brought about the end of the First Anglo-Burmese war. Today the town is known for manufacturing a kind of water pot which is reputed to keep water cooler than pots from anywhere else in the country. We explore the village on foot, so you get the chance to meet and engage with the friendly locals. They are known to be charming and open for chitchats, a fact which will make for many unforgettable memories and fun encounters. You have an opportunity to try your hand at making the famous Yandabo pot as an artisan guides you.

As we continue our journey further north, we have some time to relax. Now is the time to find a spot on the sun deck and gaze at the river banks of this eternal stream. In the afternoon we learn more about some of the long-lasting traditions of Myanmar from our local expert guide. Our staff demonstrates how to wear the traditional Longyi, a wrap-around skirt worn by Burmese men and women on a daily basis. You also get to apply Thanaka paste to your face and learn how it helps to keep your skin beautiful and blemish-free, even under Burma’s hot sun.

A fascinating presentation about the history and culture of Myanmar follows afterwards to give you an even deeper understanding of the country’s traditions and cultures and how they shape life here today. Before dinner is served, you may want to book a treatment at the Thazin Spa.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

As Heritage Line Anawrahta makes its way north along the Ayeyarwady, delight in a rich breakfast and marvel at the luscious landscapes passing by. In Ava, we disembark for a wonderful discovery of the highlights of this former royal capital. A horse-drawn carriage takes you around this unique area, which is dotted with distinguished ancient monasteries, namely the Bagaya Kyaung, a jaw-dropping teak monastery built in 1834 which operates as a monastic school today. The Maha Aung Mye Bonzan Monastery and the Nanmyint Watch Tower both also exhibit unique designs and architecture. It is Ava’s peace and tranquility which sets the tone during a laid-back teatime picnic at a secret spot in the middle of this sacred place.

Back on board, lunch is served and Anawrahta continues the cruise northwards, eventually arriving at the ultimate destination and famed city, Mandalay. Along the way, enjoy the amazing backdrop – the beautiful Sagaing Hill with its innumerable scattered pagodas. We arrive at Mandalay in the early afternoon (approx. 2 o’clock).

Upon arrival, your stay on your floating, luxury home comes to an end. Heritage Line and the Anawrahta crew wish you a wonderful onward journey in the land of the Ancient Capitals - Myanmar.

Meals: Breakfast