Bagan - Mandalay 4 Days

Cruise name

Sanctuary Ananda

Company

Sanctuary Retreats

Class

Luxury

Capacity

21 cabin

Type

Sharing

Destination

Myanmar - Myanmar

Departure

Itineraries

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If you arrive on an early flight we will arrange for you to take a tour in Bagan.

Check in at 12:30pm and enjoy lunch on board. After lunch on board, we will visit Kayminga pagoda complex to see the different architecture of the stupas first-hand. After, visit the Ananda Temple, regarded by folklore as one of the most beautiful temples in Myanmar.

Enjoy the sunset over the Bagan plains and 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 Irrawaddy River, filling the sky with a reddish glow, a truly magic moment.

A welcome briefing and champagne reception will be hosted in the Kansi Panorama Lounge before a candlelit sandbank dinner is served with the backdrop of the twinkling lights of Bagan.

Meals: Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Sanctuary Ananda Cruise

Choose between an early morning balloon tour (an additional charge applies, please book in advance) or visit the bustling local market of Nyaung U. The daily market is where the farmers meet to buy and sell a variety of goods, ranging from fruit and vegetables to china and lacquerware.

Next, on to the great golden Shwezigon Pagoda which is said to contain important relics of the Gautama Buddha, two bones and a copy of a tooth.

We will then return to the ship and start sailing upstream towards Sagaing during which a variety of on board activities will be offered including a longyi (sarong) and thanaka (cosmetic) demonstration, and a talk on Myanmar.

A delicious dinner in the Talifoo Restaurant will then follow.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Sanctuary Ananda Cruise

Enjoy a back of house tour and cooking class with our Executive Chef as we cruise the Irrawaddy.

In the afternoon 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 where you will have the opportunity to meet some of the residents and understand the teachings of Buddhism. Afterwards, take in the views from the top of the hill on the terraces of the Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda which are truly breathtaking.

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. After sunset, return to the Sanctuary Ananda.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: Sanctuary Ananda Cruise

Breakfast is served before check out in Mandalay.

If you are 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. Lastly a visit to Kuthodaw Pagoda (Maha Lawka Marazein) built by King Mindon in 1857, in effect a copy of the Shwezigon Pagoda in Bagan.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: N/A

Check rate

Important Notes

Price includes

Accommodation
All three meals during full sailing days with lunch and dinner on day of embarkation and breakfast on day of disembarkation
Soft drinks and local beer
All sightseeing as stated in set itineraries

Price excludes

Any items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls and purchases from the gift shop
Wine and spirits
Extra optional excursions
International & domestic flights
Gratuity to staff
Medical services, travel insurance or visas

Remark:

Cruise itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather and operating conditions. Unused services are not subject to a refund.
Meals on board are fusion: Myanmar & international. Guests should advise of any special food preferences, allergies or dietary requirements at least three days prior to the cruise date.
Seasonality

Low Season: April, July - August

Medium Season: September & December

High Season: January to March, October & November

Peak Season: December

Myanmar's rivers are subject to seasonal variations in the water level - sometimes by as much as 28 meters. Such changes can occur suddenly and without prior warning - even overnight. This may well result in the ship not being able to sail at the expected speed and/or be unable to pass under bridges or indeed the water level being too low to safely progress. A beautiful feature of the rivers is its sandbanks but navigationally these also pose many problems - not least of which is the potential to run aground. Such experiences are part of the excitement of any river expedition and are to be expected. Our published itineraries are indication only and subject to change due to all the above. Additionally from time to time the river authorities may also close sections of the river but we normally get some advance notice of this. We will always replace the itinerary based on our 'safety first' philosophy whilst doing all we can to respect the places published or substituting alternatives. It simply may not always be possible to maintain every feature.