We welcome you to your cruise on the Ayeyarwady River from Mandalay downstream to Bagan. As the luxurious Anawrahta sets sail, take a last look back at enchanting Mandalay. After some refreshments, move into your ‘home’ for the next days and settle in. Take a rest on the plush bed or take in the picturesque river scenery as it changes from cityscape to wide open countryside fields and gently rolling hills. To while away the time on board, have a drink at the outdoor Kipling’s Bar or on the sun deck as the ship sets sail towards Sagaing, one of the ancient capitals of Myanmar.

We disembark to discover the highlights of Sagaing and the former royal capital of Ava, two cities which are connected by the famous 16-span cantilever ‘Ava bridge’, built in 1934 by the British. Ava (also called Innwa) was the main metropolis of the Burmese kingdom between the 14th to the 19th century. 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, learn more about some of the long-lasting traditions of Myanmar from our 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, you are warmly invited to a cocktail gathering at the Kipling’s Bar. Get to know your fellow travelers while taking in the sweeping views of the countryside and enjoying our bartender’s delicious concoctions. With such a setting, you wouldn’t be the first of our guests to form new, lifelong friendships aboard Anawrahta.

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 tensions to the stunning backdrops of Myanmar’s riverscape. Today, you have some time to relax while we cruise towards Yandabo in the morning. To set the right tone for our voyage and prepare you for the amazing sights you’re about to see, join an eye-opening lecture about Bagan’s history in the Mandalay Lounge after breakfast. If you prefer to bask in the sun, find a spot on the sun deck and gaze at the riverbanks of this eternal stream. For complete relaxation, book a treatment at the beautiful Thazin Spa.

Right after lunch, we arrive at the quiet riverside village of Yandabo. It is here in this unique and fascinating 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.

After this adventure, an exquisite afternoon tea awaits you back aboard the Anawrahta. Enjoy the fancy treats and exchange impressions with newfound friends as we set sail for Pakokku while passing the confluence of the Ayeyarwady and its greatest tributary, the Chindwin River. 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 and send ‘a toast to the past’ during a British Club where gents smoke cigars and ladies sip on tasty gin and tonics. As you look around, the present moment seems like a scene from an old photo album dating back to a bygone era.

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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

On the way south towards Pakokku and Bagan, delight in a rich breakfast and marvel at the luscious landscapes passing by. The next stop, Pakokku is 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 thriving 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. Pakokku 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 southwards. In the early afternoon, embark on an exploration of the temple highlights of ancient Bagan. Over 2000 temples, stupas and pagodas can be found in an area of just 30 square kilometers. We explore the most remarkable ones such as the Ananda Temple and the Sulamani Pagoda. To end your first day in this magical place on a high note, we enjoy a breath-taking vista from an elevated viewpoint and marvel at the temple-strewn plains dipped in the sun’s gentle evening light. Keeping with the Bagan theme, our staff performs a traditional Bagan dance for you at the Mandalay Lounge before dinner is served.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning we provide the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join a sunrise balloon flight over the Bagan area (at an extra cost, advanced booking required, subject to season). Take this chance to see the beauty of Bagan as it comes to life in the early morning hours as day-to-day activities slowly commence under the rising sun. Have your breakfast in the restaurant or served on the open deck to observe the quiet flowing river.

This morning starts with a stroll around the bustling Nyaung-U market, a truly Burmese market where nearly everything is offered. This market visit provides the best picture-perfect moments of local life and gives you many chances to interact with local vendors. Afterwards, take in the splendor of the revered Shwezigon Pagoda. This prototype of a Burmese stupa consists of a circular gold leaf-gilded stupa surrounded by many smaller temples and shrines. You may also stop at a lacquerware workshop, a must-see of long-standing, traditional craftsmanship whose gleaming colour and elegant patterns make for lovely souvenirs or beautiful decorations. The morning tour concludes with a visit to the Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi Pagoda with its intricate frescoes and carvings depicting Buddha’s previous lives and teachings. We return to the ship for lunch and some relaxation time aboard.

The afternoon holds two options to choose from. The first is a visit to the picturesque Mount Popa monastery, which sits atop a steep volcanic rock formation (some mobility and fitness are required to reach the top). Burmese people believe this place is home to animist spirits - the Nats. Afterwards, the trip continues on to a palm sugar plantation where you can look over the shoulders of a local candy manufacturer and try some of their delectable sweets.

The second option includes an exploration of Myinkaba Village. The journey begins at Manuha Pagoda, where King Anawrahta imprisoned the Mon King Manuha in 1059, followed by a visit to see the beautiful architecture of the nearby Gubyaukyi Temple. After taking a short rest at this temple and relishing its calming atmosphere, take some time to explore the village of Minnanthu at your own pace and experience the idyllic village life in Myanmar, which has barely been touched by outside influence.

Since tonight is your final evening aboard Anawrahta, our crew has planned a special farewell in the Mandalay Lounge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, 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 Ancient Capitals.

Meals: Breakfast

We welcome you to your cruise on the Ayeyarwady River from Mandalay downstream to Bagan. As the luxurious Anawrahta sets sail, take a last look back at enchanting Mandalay. After some refreshments, move into your ‘home’ for the next days and settle in. Take a rest on the plush bed or take in the picturesque river scenery as it changes from cityscape to wide open countryside fields and gently rolling hills. To while away the time on board, have a drink at the outdoor Kipling’s Bar or on the sun deck as the ship sets sail towards Sagaing, one of the ancient capitals of Myanmar.

We disembark to discover the highlights of Sagaing and the former royal capital of Ava, two cities which are connected by the famous 16-span cantilever ‘Ava bridge’, built in 1934 by the British. Ava (also called Innwa) was the main metropolis of the Burmese kingdom between the 14th to the 19th century. 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, learn more about some of the long-lasting traditions of Myanmar from our 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, you are warmly invited to a cocktail gathering at the Kipling’s Bar. Get to know your fellow travelers while taking in the sweeping views of the countryside and enjoying our bartender’s delicious concoctions. With such a setting, you wouldn’t be the first of our guests to form new, lifelong friendships aboard Anawrahta.

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 tensions to the stunning backdrops of Myanmar’s riverscape. Today, you have some time to relax while we cruise towards Yandabo in the morning. To set the right tone for our voyage and prepare you for the amazing sights you’re about to see, join an eye-opening lecture about Bagan’s history in the Mandalay Lounge after breakfast. If you prefer to bask in the sun, find a spot on the sun deck and gaze at the riverbanks of this eternal stream. For complete relaxation, book a treatment at the beautiful Thazin Spa.

Right after lunch, we arrive at the quiet riverside village of Yandabo. It is here in this unique and fascinating 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.

After this adventure, an exquisite afternoon tea awaits you back aboard the Anawrahta. Enjoy the fancy treats and exchange impressions with newfound friends as we set sail for Pakokku while passing the confluence of the Ayeyarwady and its greatest tributary, the Chindwin River. 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 and send ‘a toast to the past’ during a British Club where gents smoke cigars and ladies sip on tasty gin and tonics. As you look around, the present moment seems like a scene from an old photo album dating back to a bygone era.

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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

On the way south towards Pakokku and Bagan, delight in a rich breakfast and marvel at the luscious landscapes passing by. The next stop, Pakokku is 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 thriving 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. Pakokku 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 southwards. In the early afternoon, embark on an exploration of the temple highlights of ancient Bagan. Over 2000 temples, stupas and pagodas can be found in an area of just 30 square kilometers. We explore the most remarkable ones such as the Ananda Temple and the Sulamani Pagoda. To end your first day in this magical place on a high note, we enjoy a breath-taking vista from an elevated viewpoint and marvel at the temple-strewn plains dipped in the sun’s gentle evening light. Keeping with the Bagan theme, our staff performs a traditional Bagan dance for you at the Mandalay Lounge before dinner is served.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning we provide the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join a sunrise balloon flight over the Bagan area (at an extra cost, advanced booking required, subject to season). Take this chance to see the beauty of Bagan as it comes to life in the early morning hours as day-to-day activities slowly commence under the rising sun. Have your breakfast in the restaurant or served on the open deck to observe the quiet flowing river.

This morning starts with a stroll around the bustling Nyaung-U market, a truly Burmese market where nearly everything is offered. This market visit provides the best picture-perfect moments of local life and gives you many chances to interact with local vendors. Afterwards, take in the splendor of the revered Shwezigon Pagoda. This prototype of a Burmese stupa consists of a circular gold leaf-gilded stupa surrounded by many smaller temples and shrines. You may also stop at a lacquerware workshop, a must-see of long-standing, traditional craftsmanship whose gleaming colour and elegant patterns make for lovely souvenirs or beautiful decorations. The morning tour concludes with a visit to the Wetkyi-In Gubyaukgyi Pagoda with its intricate frescoes and carvings depicting Buddha’s previous lives and teachings. We return to the ship for lunch and some relaxation time aboard.

The afternoon holds two options to choose from. The first is a visit to the picturesque Mount Popa monastery, which sits atop a steep volcanic rock formation (some mobility and fitness are required to reach the top). Burmese people believe this place is home to animist spirits - the Nats. Afterwards, the trip continues on to a palm sugar plantation where you can look over the shoulders of a local candy manufacturer and try some of their delectable sweets.

The second option includes an exploration of Myinkaba Village. The journey begins at Manuha Pagoda, where King Anawrahta imprisoned the Mon King Manuha in 1059, followed by a visit to see the beautiful architecture of the nearby Gubyaukyi Temple. After taking a short rest at this temple and relishing its calming atmosphere, take some time to explore the village of Minnanthu at your own pace and experience the idyllic village life in Myanmar, which has barely been touched by outside influence.

Since tonight is your final evening aboard Anawrahta, our crew has planned a special farewell in the Mandalay Lounge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, 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 Ancient Capitals.

Meals: Breakfast