China & Northeast Asia

Sanctuary Ananda: Mandalay to Yangon cruise

The Sanctuary Ananda cruises the waters of the Irrawaddy and Chindwin rivers in Burma. Custom built from traditional materials by local craftsmen, the ship took to the river in 2014 and, since then, has been at the top of its game. Boasting sleek and contemporary luxury, and 20 suites and one owner's suite over 3 decks, the Ananda is all-out five-star. Suites are decorated in an elegant but local style, the private bathrooms include L'Occitane toiletries and there is an outdoor pool, panoramic lounge and spa to enjoy.

Cruise from Mandalay all the way down the Irrawaddy to Burma's largest city Yangon, admiring beautiful scenery and local life as you go.. Add this cruise, or the Yangon to Mandalay route, to complete your Burma adventure!

Sanctuary Ananda: Mandalay to Yangon cruise Itinerary

  • Day 1 : Begin with a tour of Mandalay including the Mahamuni Pagoda, Shwenandaw Monastery and Kuthodaw Pagoda, then, after sailing past the monasteries of Sagaing and visiting Amarapura, we will take in the sunset at U Bien Bridge before witnessing traditional village life in Sin Kyun.
  • Day 2 : Explore Mingun by ox cart, taking in the unfinished Mingun Pagoda, huge Mingun Bell and Myatheindan Pagoda. After lunch, sail south, enjoying talks, longyi (sarong) and thanaka (make-up) demonstrations, or a cooking class before dinner
  • Day 3 : Take a trishaw to Pakokku’s local vegetable market and traditional cigar factory then, come afternoon, visit the great temples of Htilominlo and Ananda where you can admire magnificent artwork before sunset on the terrace of the ancient Pyathatgyi Temple.
  • Day 4 : Start with a sunrise hot-air-balloon tour (available for an extra charge, must be booked in advance), then explore the bustling Nyaung-U market followed by the golden Shwezigon Pagoda. We will then sail downstream to Sale and explore its Yoke Sone Kyaung monastery, and Tha-ta-na Kyaung temple.
  • Day 5 : We’ll spend the morning sailing to Magwa, passing Mindu village where you can see Nga Ka Pwe Taung, meaning ‘Dragon Lake’ – a unique gas-and-mud bubbling pool.
    Visit Myat Than Lun Paya, a 1929-built pagoda of solid-gold bricks set on a river-view hilltop. Later this afternoon we will carry on along the river towards Minhla Fort, the dramatic military construction here, which harks back to the Konbaung era.
  • Day 6 : Today we will take a walking tour of the Minhla Fort, before visiting the charming village of Thawutti. Next, we’ll cruise on to Thayet where we’ll dock overnight.
  • Day 7 : Explore the white pagodas and colonial houses of postcard-perfect Thayet on foot before heading back to the ship to sail to Pyay (pronounced by some as ‘pyay’ and ‘pyi’ by others) – a highlight of the cruise. Shwe Daung village and the Shwe Myet Hman pagoda finish the day.
  • Day 8 : Before returning to see more of Pyay, we will visit Thayekhittata, an old Pyu Dynasty city. Next up is the amazing Shwesandaw Paya.
  • Day 9 : This morning, take in the sights of Akauk Taung or ‘Tax Mountian’. Pause at Kenaung village and see locals enjoying the traditional team sport of chinlone with its unique balletic moves. After lunch, sail south towards Zalon.
  • Day 10 : Serene from morning meditation, visit the small port town of Zalon by trishaw – the local tricycle rickshaws – and see the bronze Buddhas in remarkable Pyi Taw Pyan. After sailing south to Danuphyu, visit a monastery at Maha Bandula.
  • Day 11 : We’ll spend today sailing downstream, which means you have ample time to make the most of the many luxuries on board Ananda. Maybe have a spa treatment or relax by the pool with a book from our library? Or just enjoy gliding through the soul-stirring riverscapes which few tourists get to see...
  • Day 12 : The ship arrives late morning in Yangon, formerly Rangoon, and once the capital of Burma, in time for you to check out.

Gallery

More information

Highlights

Mandalay – Mingun – Pakokku – Bagan – Sale – Magwa – Pyay – Zalon – Danuphyu – Yangon

Duration

11 Nights

Prices

Prices available on request.

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