Day 3: Nwe Nyein to Kyar Nyet
After an early breakfast, take a leisurely walk to a pottery factory in the village of Nwe Nyein on the western bank of the Ayeyarwady River. Here you’ll watch the craftsmen create beautiful pots as they work their potters’ wheels with their legs.

As you glide down the river, you can enjoy talks and demonstrations on traditions such as how to wear a longyi (sarong) and the thanaka make-up technique (the local cosmetic used to protect skin from the hot sun).  You’ll then spend the day travelling through soul-stirring riverscapes to Kyar Nyet where the ship will dock for the night.


Day 4: Kyar Nyet to Kann Ni
The ship will be departing from Kyar Nyet early in order to arrive in Tagaung in the morning. After a fine breakfast you shall depart to explore ancient Tagaung, which dates back to the Pyu Dynasty. This rich archaeological site still has the original city walls which have been extremely well preserved. Next you’ll sail upstream to Katha which we will reach the following morning.

Brush up on your local knowledge at the evening lecture where you will learn about Myanmar’s past, present and future.


Day 5: Katha to Shwe Gu
Start the day with a meditation session on the Sun Deck and for those who wish to learn how to prepare Asian delicacies, the chef will be happy to demonstrate.

You will arrive in Katha mid-morning and after lunch on board you will have the chance to visit this charming town.  Since Katha was featured in George Orwell’s Burmese Days, we’ll take you by tuk-tuk to the author’s former house in what was the British Club.

After the visit, the ship will sail upstream to Shwe Gu where you'll moor overnight. This evening the staff will screen one of the most famous movies about Aung San Suu Kyi, The Lady, in the Kansi Panorama Lounge with canapés.


Day 6: Shwe Gu to Bhamo
The ship will set sail from Shwe Gu at 5.30am and the day will be spent aboard Sanctuary Ananda. Whilst sailing, take part in a morning lecture presented by the resident guide.
After lunch, join this resident guide for an afternoon lecture.

As you sail the 40 miles towards Bhamo, why not relax aboard the sundeck? Watch the beautiful scenery and pass famous landmarks like the parrot head, which marks the entrance to the second defile that can be admired from the Sun Deck.  Before this evening’s dinner you will be treated to a Kachin traditional dance performance.


Day 7: Bhamo to Moeda
You will arrive at Bhamo at lunchtime where there will be non-stop spectacular rivers scenes for you to admire before the ship docks to explore the town in the afternoon.  This visit to Bhamo will let you see the market and downtown Bhamo, which includes a trip to Shwe Kyi Na pagoda and historic Catholic churches.

Then set sail for Moeda village just before lunch, and as you travel down the river you'll pass the notable ‘spirit rock’ which has been sculpted into the shape of a parrot.

In the afternoon, visit an elephant logging camp and in the evening, take part in a cocktail demonstration during which you will learn how to make Golden Land and Chindwin cocktails and taste them first hand.


Day 8: Moeda to Kyar Nyat
Join a morning meditation session on board the Sun Deck or relax during a leisurely cruise to Kyar Nyat. Just before lunch, a lecture will take place in the Kansi Panorama Lounge.  In the late afternoon, take a guided walking tour of the small village of Kyar Nyat and you’ll spy archaeological treasures and get an authentic taste of local life.

After an early breakfast, take a leisurely walk to a pottery factory in the village of Nwe Nyein on the western bank of the Ayeyarwady River. Here you’ll watch the craftsmen create beautiful pots as they work their potters’ wheels with their legs.

As you glide down the river, you can enjoy talks and demonstrations on traditions such as how to wear a longyi (sarong) and the thanaka make-up technique (the local cosmetic used to protect skin from the hot sun).  You’ll then spend the day travelling through soul-stirring riverscapes to Kyar Nyet where the ship will dock for the night.


Day 4: Kyar Nyet to Kann Ni
The ship will be departing from Kyar Nyet early in order to arrive in Tagaung in the morning. After a fine breakfast you shall depart to explore ancient Tagaung, which dates back to the Pyu Dynasty. This rich archaeological site still has the original city walls which have been extremely well preserved. Next you’ll sail upstream to Katha which we will reach the following morning.

Brush up on your local knowledge at the evening lecture where you will learn about Myanmar’s past, present and future.


Day 5: Katha to Shwe Gu
Start the day with a meditation session on the Sun Deck and for those who wish to learn how to prepare Asian delicacies, the chef will be happy to demonstrate.

You will arrive in Katha mid-morning and after lunch on board you will have the chance to visit this charming town.  Since Katha was featured in George Orwell’s Burmese Days, we’ll take you by tuk-tuk to the author’s former house in what was the British Club.

After the visit, the ship will sail upstream to Shwe Gu where you'll moor overnight. This evening the staff will screen one of the most famous movies about Aung San Suu Kyi, The Lady, in the Kansi Panorama Lounge with canapés.


Day 6: Shwe Gu to Bhamo
The ship will set sail from Shwe Gu at 5.30am and the day will be spent aboard Sanctuary Ananda. Whilst sailing, take part in a morning lecture presented by the resident guide.
After lunch, join this resident guide for an afternoon lecture.

As you sail the 40 miles towards Bhamo, why not relax aboard the sundeck? Watch the beautiful scenery and pass famous landmarks like the parrot head, which marks the entrance to the second defile that can be admired from the Sun Deck.  Before this evening’s dinner you will be treated to a Kachin traditional dance performance.


Day 7: Bhamo to Moeda
You will arrive at Bhamo at lunchtime where there will be non-stop spectacular rivers scenes for you to admire before the ship docks to explore the town in the afternoon.  This visit to Bhamo will let you see the market and downtown Bhamo, which includes a trip to Shwe Kyi Na pagoda and historic Catholic churches.

Then set sail for Moeda village just before lunch, and as you travel down the river you'll pass the notable ‘spirit rock’ which has been sculpted into the shape of a parrot.

In the afternoon, visit an elephant logging camp and in the evening, take part in a cocktail demonstration during which you will learn how to make Golden Land and Chindwin cocktails and taste them first hand.


Day 8: Moeda to Kyar Nyat
Join a morning meditation session on board the Sun Deck or relax during a leisurely cruise to Kyar Nyat. Just before lunch, a lecture will take place in the Kansi Panorama Lounge.  In the late afternoon, take a guided walking tour of the small village of Kyar Nyat and you’ll spy archaeological treasures and get an authentic taste of local life.


Day 9: Kyar Nyat to Sin Kyun
This morning the ship will head South. While you are sailing, join the chef for a cooking demonstration of traditional Asian cuisine. For the next leg of the cruise, gaze at riverside pagodas such as Anya Thi Ha Taw on its island in the Ayeyarwady. Next stop is Sin Kyun, where you will arrive about mid-morning.

Sin Kyun is a village just north of Mandalay sponsored by Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy. It has a population of just under 1,000 inhabitants and specialises in farming and hat making. Take an optional tour to witness first-hand the way of life in this unspoilt location seldom viewed by outsiders. Following the village Chief’s request for a library and a house for an English teacher, Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy donated the money necessary to begin this new partnership.


Day 10: Sin Kyun to Sagaing
Cruise southwards to Mingun where the monumental temple and 90-tonne Mingun Bell, one of the world’s heaviest ringing bells, awaits.

In the afternoon visit Amarapura, once known as ‘The City of Immortals’. Today, the leisurely ‘clack-clack’ from the looms of the cotton and silk weavers has replaced the noisy bustle of this former capital. We will visit one of the textile workshops, followed by the U-Bein Bridge, a spectacular place to enjoy the sunset. This long teak bridge snakes across the ever evolving Taungthaman Lake. After sunset, catch a boat up the Ayeyarwady River and return to the Sanctuary Ananda.

Tonight you will have the chance to watch a marionette show.


Day 11: Mandalay to Yandabo
This morning, see Mahamuni Pagoda and Shwenandaw Monastery where hundreds of age-old marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist religious texts at Kuthodaw Pagoda are referred to by some historians as the ‘biggest book in the world’.  Then spend the afternoon sailing downstream to Bagan, which means you have ample time to enjoy the luxuries on board Ananda. Maybe have a spa treatment or relax by the pool with a book from the ship's library?

In the afternoon, take part in a back of house tour of Sanctuary Ananda where you will learn how the ship works behind the scenes, from the engine control room to the wheel house.  Tonight the staff will screen the movie Rangoon and serve delicious canapés in the Kansi Panorama Lounge.


Day 12: Bagan
Enjoy breakfast as you spend the morning sailing towards Bagan. After lunch, visit bustling Bagan by bus and its Nyaung-U local market and the great golden Shwezigon Pagoda. Then travel to the incredible 1091-built Ananda Temple.

The day’s finale is a quiet moment on the terraces of the Pyathatgyi Temple. Admire the light change on the pagodas as they exude antiquity and mystery. Finally the sun sets behind the hills on the far side of the Ayeyarwady River, filling the sky with a reddish glow, a truly magic moment.  A local performance will take place on board before a romantic sandbank dinner.


Day 13: Disembark
Enjoy an early breakfast back on board before check out at 9am then you fly to Yangon and then be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay in Yangon


Day 14: Depart for the UK

Day 3: Bagan to Sin Tea
Spend today sailing upstream towards Sin Tea, which means you have ample time to enjoy the luxuries on board Ananda. As you will be sailing all day, why not take advantage of our spa treatments? We have a range of specially prepared offers on our holistic spa treatments for use on board today and tomorrow.

Visually Myanmar is unique: the eye is constantly delighted by scenes of casual, almost unintended beauty. A group of ladies perch on rocks chattering as they do their daily wash. An ox-cart waits on the banks for a boat to arrive and unload its goods set in a background of soft browns, noble tamarind trees with white and golden pagodas gracing the distant hills. There is no better way to enjoy this riverine picture than from the Kansi panorama lounge or the Pool deck.

Enjoy the on board activities including a longyi (sarong) and thanaka (cosmetic) demonstration.


Day 4: Sin Tea to Nwe Nyein
Around midday the ship will be sailing past Sagaing, an important religious and monastic centre, home to some 554 monasteries and 6,000 monks and nuns. Sagaing was the capital of a Shan kingdom for nineteen years but in 1364, the founder’s grandson moved the capital across the river to Inwa (Ava). Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure while cruising towards northern Myanmar. Today you can learn more about Myanmar during our lecture – covering the country’s incredibly rich history, more recent & controversial events and prospects for the future.

After lunch, take part in a back of house tour of Sanctuary Ananda where you will learn how the ship works behind the scenes, from the engine control room to the wheel house.


Day 5: Nwe Nyein to Kyar Nyat
Visit Nwe Nyein, the home of the pottery makers. Vast mat-sheds are filled with pots of all shapes and sizes; watch the master-potters deftly working the wheel with their feet. The pottery making technique requires great skill which you will be able to watch first hand while walking through this bustling town. We’ll then spend the day travelling through soul-stirring riverscapes to ancient Tagaung. On the way, the crew will screen one of the most famous movies about Aung San Suu Kyi, The Lady, in the Kansi Panorama Lounge with canapés.


Day 6: Kyar Nyat to Kann Ni
Join the early morning meditation session on the Sun Deck, followed by breakfast while sailing past the picturesque island pagoda at Thihataw. Next, explore the ancient city of Tagaung on foot. Another of the Pyu Dynasty (1-9 CE) cities, the city wall can be seen, and there is an interesting museum. As the city is on latitude 23 degrees there is a post marking the Tropic of Cancer. After lunch, enjoy the lecture in the Panorama Lounge while sailing upstream to the charming small town of Katha.


Day 7: Katha to Shwe Gu
Enjoy the cooking demonstration lead by the ship's amazing chef. Arrive to Khata later morning and explore this charming, small town, featured in ‘Burmese Days’. Tuk-tuk’s will ferry you to Orwell’s own house, the former British Club and along Strand Road.  After the sightseeing, set sail towards Kyak Htone Gyi.


Day 8: Kyak Htone Gyi Bhamo
Set off in the early morning to visit an elephant loggingcamp. Upon your return we will set sail through the beautiful scenery and pass famous landmarks like the parrot head, which marks the entrance to the second defile that can be admired from the Sun Deck. This is the largest gorge in the Irrawaddy and not to be missed. While you are on the Sun Deck keep a lookout for the Ayeyarwady dolphins. As the ship continues sail there will be non-stop spectacular rivers scenes for you to admire.

Enjoy the traditional Kachin dance performance before a gourmet dinner.


Day 9: Bhamo to Moeda
During your morning visit to Bhamo will let you see the market and downtown Bhamo, which includes a trip to Shwe Kyi Na pagoda and historic Catholic churches. Here we will visit the bustling town which boasts a vibrant market; with many stall owners in their ethnic dress – maybe Paulaung or Lisu.  The ship will set sail for Moeda village at midday.

In the late afternoon, you can browse the old wooden shop-houses of Moeda’s market and take in the colours and aromas of the fresh produce and food stalls here.  In the evening enjoy a cocktail presentation by our on board mixologist. You can learn how Golden Land and Chindwin cocktails are made and taste it first hand.


Day 10: Moeda to Kyar Nyat
Join a morning meditation on the Sun Deck or simply relax during a leisurely cruise to Kyar Nyat – this is the day to take full advantage of the many amenities and activities aboard the Ananda while soaking up the beauty of the scenery along the banks of the Ayeyarwady River.

In the morning, join the on board lecture to learn more about Myanmar past, present and future. We also encourage you to keep an eye out for the Ayeyarwady dolphin which is often spotted along this part of the river.  Later in the afternoon you will arrive at the small village of Kyar Nyat, which is where we’ll dock. Next, take a guided walking tour of the small village of Kyar Nyat and you’ll spy archaeological treasures and get an authentic taste of local life.


Day 11: Kyar Nyat to Sin Kyun
Join the ship's chef for a morning cooking demonstration and learn how to prepare delicious Asian dishes. The river now narrows as Male with its two white stuppas side-by-side marks the entrance to the Third Defile or gorge. A beautiful section of river unfurls old vessels full of huge teak trunks sail slowly downstream, their pilot boats ever watchful for the sandbanks.

Relax during a leisurely cruise to Sin Kyun and take full advantage of the amenities and activities on board the Ananda while soaking up the beauty of the scenery along the banks of the Ayeyarwady River and admire riverside pagodas such as Anya Thi Ha Taw.

This afternoon you will visit the quaint village of Sin Kyun, just north of Mandalay. It is sponsored by Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy and has a population of just under 1,000 inhabitants and specialises in farming and hat making. Take an optional tour to witness first-hand the way of life in this unspoilt location seldom viewed by outsiders. Following the village Chief’s request for a library and a house for an English teacher, Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy donated the money necessary to begin this new partnership. We hope that with the support of Sanctuary Ananda guests, we will be able to provide further funds to improve the quality of life of the villagers.  Tonight the crew will screen the movie Rangoon and serve delicious canapés in the Kansi Panorama Lounge.


Day 12: Mingun to Mandalay
Today cruise to Mingun, to view the monumental Mingun Temple, a colossal unfinished stupa that towers above the surrounding landscape, and the 90-ton Mingun Bell, one of the world’s heaviest ringing bells.

Return to the ship and cruise southward to Sagaing. Visit the pagoda sprinkled Sagaing Hill, an important religious and monastic centre, home to some 554 monasteries and 6,000 monks and nuns. Here we will visit a Monastic school and orphanage where you will have the opportunity to meet some of the residents and understand the teachings of Buddhism.

Next, take in the views from the top of the hill on the terraces of the Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda which are truly breathtaking. Below and all around, pagodas of different shapes and sizes dot the landscape.

Amarapura, was once known as ‘The City of Immortals’. Today, the leisurely ‘clack-clack’ from the looms of the cotton and silk weavers has replaced the noisy bustle of this former capital.
Visit the U Bein Bridge, a spectacular place to enjoy the sunset. This long teak bridge snakes across the Taungthaman Lake and each evening you can watch monks crossing the bridge to collect food donations. This is a very spiritual and time travelling experience.

The view of the bridge as the sun goes down is perhaps one of the most beautiful sights in Mandalay, making it an excellent photography opportunity. After sunset, return to the Sanctuary Ananda.

This evening you will enjoy a local puppet show.


Day 13: Mandalay
Enjoy breakfast before checkout.  For those guests leaving on a later flight we can arrange a tour of Mandalay. This will include a visit to Mahamuni Pagoda, one of Myanmar’s most religious monuments housing the revered Mahamuni Image.

Continue on to visit Shwenandaw Monastery, the only palace building to survive the bombings of World War II. This beautiful teak monastery had been the apartment of King Mindon and after his death in 1879, his son Kong Theebaw, moved it out of the palace.  Then you will fly to Yangon and then be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay in Yangon

Day 14: Depart for the UK

Day 3: Sin Tea to Own Pin Seik
At 5am the ship will start sailing. Enjoy the morning on board at leisure. As we glide down the river, you can enjoy talks and  demonstrations on traditions such as how to wear a longyi (sarong) and the thanaka make-up technique (the local cosmetic used to protect skin from the hot sun).

Arrive in Monywa in the Sagaing Region at 2.30pm, when you’ll no doubt continue to appreciate what’s so very special about this cruise northwest of Mandalay: we take you to unspoiled scenery that rarely gets exposed to tourists. After exploring the city, a coach will transport you to a truly spectacular part of the world: the intricately decorated golden Thanboddhay Pagoda. It is truly staggering with its hundreds of crumbling stupas and almost half a million images of Buddha located in the niches around the inner wall.

Next you’ll visit Bodhi Tataung where you can see the two enormous Buddha statues – the one reclining is about 333 foot long, and the other stands at a record height of 424 feet. The reason we bring you here at this time of day is that it is best appreciated in the afternoon light.
Return to the ship at 4.30pm and enjoy dinner on board while sailing towards Own Pin Seik.


Day 4: Own Pin Seik to Ngar Own
Start the day with a meditation session on the Sun Deck and for those who wish to learn how to prepare Asian delicacies, the chef will be happy to demonstrate. Relax on board as you sail towards the village of Maukkadaw. Arrive at the village in the late afternoon, once an important teak port. Explore the town and its stunning teak buildings made even more exotic by the tropical jungle that surrounds them. Wander around the village and visit the brick monastery.  

This evening the crew will screen one of the most famous movies about Aung San Suu Kyi, The Lady, in the Kansi Panorama Lounge with canapés. Overnight at Ngar Own.


Day 5: Ngar Own to Masein
Take part in a morning lecture presented by the resident guide followed by an afternoon visit to Kalewa. Kalewa is the trading post between Myanmar and India, and this town rests at the point where the Myit Tha River with its source in India joins with the Chindwin. Kalewa is right at the foot of the Western Mountain Ranges that loom over the town, the pagoda on the hill and the placid waters of the river.  The cruise continues after lunch taking you through lush gorges, past wild jungle and tiny riverside villages – the scenery here looks like that of a land that time forgot. We’ll also be hosting interesting talks on board the ship during the afternoon.

Tonight, the ship will dock at Masein.


Day 6: Masein to Hae Nin
Sail in the morning and arrive in Mawleik mid-morning. Mawleik, once the administrative centre of the Bombay Burma Trading Company, is still a lively town with a vibrant market and colonial charm. This is a part of Myanmar that very few tourists see. Return to the ship at 11.30am and cruise north. After lunch, why not take part in one of our interesting on board lectures.

We recommend you take tea in the panoramic lounge as we sail towards the thatched homes of our next rural village stop, Hae Nin. The ship will anchor here for the night.


Day 7: Hae Nin to Sitthuang
Enjoy an early morning meditation session on board the Sun Deck.  Sail south to Sitthaung, where we will see the emerald green paddy fields on your way to the village pagoda. Near the mouth of the Yu River which drains the Kubu valley, Sitthaung was the final resting place of a number of IFC steamers scuppered there in 1942.  Later on visit Paung Pyin, the northernmost point of the cruise. The Uyu River is a major tributary of the Chindwin River, and the sand in this part of the river gets a lot of attention from locals – look out for folks panning for gold here in the hope of finding small nuggets.


Day 8: Sitthaung to Masein
As the ship travels towards Masein, enjoy a restful day on board and take full advantage of Sanctuary Ananda’s extensive services and facilities.  Join the chef for a cooking demonstration to test your knowledge of local delicacies and learn how to create delicious Asian dishes. Dock at Masein at 2.30pm.

Misty blue and green hills rise high on the horizon, and near the village of Masein, a row of 28 white-washed pagodas line the crest of a sloping hill and file down towards the river. The number signifies the 28 Buddhas that have brought enlightenment to the world.

Tonight the crew will screen the movie Rangoon and serve delicious canapés in the Kansi Panorama Lounge.


Day 9: Masein to Kani
Sail in the morning and arrive at Minkin at 11am. Here you’ll get a chance to see an extraordinary blend of European and Burmese architecture of the Mahar Minkyaung Monastery, the oldest wooden
Monastery. The Shwe Sagar Buddha is especially remarkable – it was carved from a single piece of
wood a thousand years ago. After this visit, the boat will proceed to Kani.

After lunch, join an afternoon lecture to learn about Myanmar’s past, present and future.


Day 10: Monywa to Yesagyo
This morning, visit the Po Win Taung caves near Shwe Ba Taung. Carved out of the sandstone hills, this setting is breathtakingly special to behold, and a highlight of any trip to Myanmar. More ancient than the Thanbodday pagoda are the two cave pagoda complexes of Po win taung and Shwe ba
taung, believed to be over 300 years old. There are almost one thousand caves in which both the Buddha images and the thrones were carved out of living rock. The natural shape of the caves was kept, and 17th century wall paintings in exquisite detail cover the interior walls. The entrances are rimmed with traditional motifs of vines and flowers, in high or low relief. Figures of mythical beings and traditional design elements are seen both carved and painted.

Tonight, take part in a cocktail demonstration during which you will learn how to make Golden Land and Chindwin cocktails and taste them first hand.

Day 11: Yesagyo to Bagan
This morning sail from Yesagyo to Pakokku. This is an opportunity to watch cotton-blanket weavers and visit the local market with Sanctuary Ananda’s chef.  At 11am the ship will set sail to Bagan, arriving after lunch.

Visit the awe-inspiring Ananda Temple. Completed in 1091 AD, it is commonly referred to as one of the four great temples in Bagan. The Ananda is regarded by folklore as one of the most beautiful temples in Myanmar.  Next, visit Htilominlo Temple; a two-storey redbrick temple built around 1211 AD. It is a magnificent structure, though now heavily restored. Enjoy the sunset from the terraces of the Pyathatgyi Temple. Admire the light change on the pagodas as they exude antiquity and mystery. Finally the sun sets behind the hills on the far side of the Ayeyarwady River, filling the sky with a reddish glow, a truly magic moment.

Tonight there will be a  local performance on board.  Enjoy your last night with a candlelit sandbank dinner, served with the backdrop of the twinkling lights of Bagan.


Day 12: Mandalay
Enjoy breakfast before checkout.  For those guests leaving on a later flight we can arrange a tour of Mandalay. This will include a visit to Mahamuni Pagoda, one of Myanmar’s most religious monuments housing the revered Mahamuni Image.

Continue on to visit Shwenandaw Monastery, the only palace building to survive the bombings of World War II. This beautiful teak monastery had been the apartment of King Mindon and after his death in 1879, his son Kong Theebaw, moved it out of the palace.  Then you will fly to Yangon and then be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay in Yangon

Day 13: Depart for the UK