Heritage Line Anawrahta

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.

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.

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).

After docking in Mandalay, our guests who booked the 2-Night itinerary check out.

Get ready for an exciting afternoon in the remarkable city of Mandalay. Our expert guide takes us on an exhilarating sightseeing tour to explore the highlights of this ancient town. Watch the incredible process of gold leaf beating, visit a silk-weaving workshop and finally, have a stroll through the narrow streets and peruse the marble carving workshops. The ultimate highpoint of the day is a sunset outing in a small rowing boat which takes us around the world’s oldest and longest teakwood bridge, the U-Bein Bridge – a true Kodak moment.

After some time to freshen up on board, you are invited to watch a traditional dance and music performance by students and teachers of the Mandalay Art School

Wake up early in the morning to watch the Ayeyarwady come to life at the start of the day. Have your breakfast in the restaurant
or served on the open deck to observe the bustling river in front of the city.

After breakfast, our guests who booked the 3-Night itinerary check out.

This morning we take you on a tour to discover the more exciting attractions of Mandalay. First, we visit the Kuthodaw Pagoda, which is known as the “the world’s largest book”. This pagoda comprises a gilded stupa, hundreds of shrines housing inscribed marble slabs and several pavilions. We continue to the Mahamuni Pagoda, which is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Burma and houses the country’s most highly revered image of Buddha. Last but not least, we visit the atmospheric Shwenandaw Monastery. It is one of the finest examples of traditional 19th-century wooden monastery architecture and formerly a part of King Mindon’s Mandalay Royal Palace. From this elevated point, we have a fantastic view over the entire city of Mandalay.

We return to the ship and have lunch while Anawrahta sets sail for Mingun, home to the monumental, unfinished stupa of King Bodawpaya. Construction was never finished, due to an astrologer’s prophecy stating that once the temple was completed, the king would die. If completed, the Mantalagyi Stupa would have been the largest in the world with a height of 150 metres/490 ft (it had only reached a third of that height when construction was abandoned). Large cracks in the structure can be seen today as a result of an earthquake in 1839. On a relaxed walking tour, we reach the world’s largest un-cracked bell, weighing 90 tons.

Upon returning to the ship, our cruise manager invites you for pre-dinner cocktail event accompanied with sweets and treats while Anawrahta sails gently back to
Mandalay at dusk. Afterwards, the crew offers some farewell entertainment in the lounge before you retire for your last night on board.

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 – Myanmar.

Inclusive on our rate:

• Accommodation
• Group shore-excursions
• Entrance fees
• Transportation
• Tour guide services (English speaking)
• Taxes, fuel, river pilots, port dues
• Transfers in Saigon and Siem Reap from/to the meeting point to/from embarkation/disembarkation point or vice versa
• Daily yoga class, onboard entertainment, sauna as mentioned in program
• Meals are included full board
• Free flow of beverages: mineral water, soft drinks, juices, tea, coffee at all times
• Free flow of local beer and house wine by glass during lunch and dinner
• Drinking water
• Insurance (passenger liability)
• Internet access in public areas

Exclusive of:

• Crew and guide gratuities
• Any visa fees
• Private transfer and all transfer not stated in program
• Personal expenses and purchases
• All further beverages
• Premium spirit and other services not included in the inclusions
• Fuel charges
• Medical services
• Spa treatments
• Telephone expenses.

Board the majestic Anawrahta, berthed portside at the Mandalay riverside, and enjoy a warm greeting by our staff with some welcome refreshments. Your room has been prepared to be your‘home’ for the next seven nights. As the luxurious Anawrahta sets sail, wave good-bye to the local folks on the quay of Mandalay. Soon after our departure, the riverside scenery changes from cityscape to wide open countryside fields and gently rolling hills. As we spend the morning cruising up the river, while away some time at the outdoor Kipling’s Bar or enjoy the 360-degree view from the elevated sun deck and pool.

After lunchtime, our expert local guides make you familiar with some of the deep-rooted, yet still ever- present, traditions of Myanmar. Together with our staff, they explain and demonstrate how to wear the traditional Longyi, a wrap-around skirt worn by Burmese men and women on a daily basis. You also can try to apply Thanaka to your face, a traditional paste to keep your skin beautiful and blemish-free, even under Burma’s hot sun. During the journey, you will see this ever-present paste on almost every local woman’s face, and we may also be seeing you comfortably dressed in a Longyi along with Thanaka-decorated skin, just as locals do, during this journey.

We pass the village of Hsithe, which we will see again and visit on our way back in a few days’ time. This area is dedicated to the Ayeyarwady Dolphin Conservation Area. Be on the lookout and you may spot one of these endangered fresh water specimens. At mid-afternoon we reach the small town or village of Nwe Nyein and its neighboring hamlet Kyauk Myaung, famous for pottery production. Next to the village of Yanderbo (located south of Mandalay) the pottery village of Nwe Nyein is renowned in Myanmar for its manufacturing of large ceramic pots. All of the pottery is still produced based on traditional techniques passed down over generations. A wide variety of decorative pots is on display, and you might have an opportunity to try your hand at making your very own. Known as Martaban jars, the large glazed earthenware pots can hold up to an impressive 400 liters.

The boat moors here, and to kick off the night, we all come together to break the ice with fellow passengers at our Longyi Cocktail Party. Mingle, chit-chat and enjoy a drink before dinner commences.

For early morning risers, we offer a yoga session on the sun deck. Strengthen your muscles and ease your mind by merging your movements with the languid flow of the Ayeyarwady. We are still cruising in the Ayeyarwady Dolphin Conservation Area, so keep your eyes open. This morning we also pass through the 3rd defile of the Ayeyarwady. Here, about 100 km north of Mandalay, is where prehistoric lava flows caused the river to bend sharply.

As we start the day sailing towards Tagaung, we have in stock this morning some interesting onboard activities to join in based on your own liking. A ship tour with the cruise manager lets you have a look behind-the-scenes of this fascinating river vessel. The visit with the captain at the bridge is an interesting way to learn how and what is required to maneuver safely along the Ayeyarwady and avoid its tricky moving underwater sandbanks. Afterwards, join our guide in the lounge for an informative presentation about the amazing waterway, the Ayeyarwady, learning of its many facets and peculiarities.

Sailing along, we pass by bamboo built villages and small fishing settlements. Fishermen cast their nets, and women do their laundry on the shores. Children curiously gaze and wave as we cruise by. Waiving enthusiastically back to them will surely brighten their day. In the afternoon, Anawrahta docks in Tagaung. Our excursion introduces you to life on the riverbank and the town’s ancient, but naturally time-worn, fortifications. The place is also known for its archaeological sites and famous Nat (spirit) shrines, such as the Bo Bo Gyi shrine.

Upon returning to the ship, we serve an afternoon tea at the Kipling’s Bar. Along with the magnificent sunset views of the surroundings from the ship’s top deck, you may like to try one of our bar tender’s signature long drinks or cocktails. The ship sails
until nightfall and find its overnight mooring position. After dinner, you are welcome to enjoy a movie in a very unique setting, as we have set up our cinema under the stars on the sun deck.

Enjoy the morning at ease after breakfast while we are sailing towards Katha, a former British outpost on the upper Ayeyarwady with a fascinating colonial history. Katha was the final resting place for many of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company, and over a hundred ships were scuppered here in 1942 – an act of denial by the British before the advancing Japanese. The Irrawaddy Flotilla Company’s sunken ships bells are one of the town’s highlights.

For some onboard entertainment, join a cooking class led by our Executive Chef. You can learn how to prepare some delicious local dishes. Among the recipes shown are some easy ones to try back home yourself. The cooking class is followed by a beginner’s Burmese language class in the Mandalay Lounge, where you can learn a few useful phrases to use during the journey. We recommend paying extra attention to shopping-related vocabulary, as this will be a very useful tool for a market shopping tour on our excursion on the next day.

In the afternoon, we reach the charming colonial town of Katha, the setting of George Orwell’s novel Burmese Days. As you stroll around Katha’s streets (we also use a trishaw for authentic local transportation), you can imagine that little has changed since the time the book was published in 1934. Our tour takes you around the places which play
a major role in his novel, including George Orwell’s personal house. It gives you a chance to imagine how life must have been in this far-flung corner of the British Empire. We also invite you for a special lecture, hosted at the former British Commissioner’s house by the local historian Mr. Nyo Ko Naing. His expert knowledge paired with the historic venue, make for a truly special experience. Enjoy a relaxing tea time in the garden of the British Commissioner’s house after the lecture to chit-chat a bit more about the old days of yore with Mr. Nyo Ko Naing (alternatively, we may host the afternoon tea onboard the ship).

Back on board enjoy some down time. As the evening approaches and the sun immerses everything in a golden light, a special event is going to take place at
the Kipling’s Bar. Dress up in style to send‘a toast to the past’ during our ever popular“British Club”, as we reenact a time where gents smoked cigars and ladies sipped 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.

After dinner, we welcome some folks from the Shan tribes who live in a village near town. They perform a traditional local dance with music on the sun deck. We also offer our cinema under the stars once again on the sun deck.

This morning, after breakfast, we embark on an exclusive and quite adventurous daytrip. We have chartered a carriage to take you on an Oriental train ride from Katha inland towards the small town of Naba. The train meanders through the thick and vivid jungle of teak forest. It is a little like a step back in time to the old days when trains slowly rolled through the countryside passing small villages and lush green vegetation. At the train station in Naba, a small local welcome committee awaits our “delegation” with a local performance amidst the on-goings on the platforms of Naba’s main terminal.

After this tour through Myanmar’s back gardens and nature, we drive back by bus to Katha. We stop at the local, colorful market for some grocery shopping. Here you can try to apply your Burmese language skills which you have learned the day before. Hope you were paying attention! Partake in some banter and laughter with the vendors like the locals do and become part of the daily bustling market atmosphere.

Back on board lunch is served and the afternoon is at your own leisure as the ship enters the most scenic area of the upper Ayeyarwady, making its way to the famed 2nd defile. You can kick back on your private balcony, have a snooze on the sun deck, or join us for a demonstration of the ancient habits of betel-chewing and smoking cheroot cigars. Tasting is optional but if you want to try these traditional pleasures, now is your chance.

For a low-key end of this cruise day, join the open-air cinema showing of the documentary film titled “The Lady”, the story of Aung San Suu Kyi and her path to becoming a hero of Burma’s democracy movement.

Today is the most scenic day on this voyage, and for our captain, the most challenging day. In the early morning, prepare your binoculars and camera on the sun deck as we make our first passing through the impressive Second Defile. It takes us about two hours to cruise through this section of the river, depending on the force of the current. Breakfast this morning is served on the sun deck, so you can take in every unforgettable moment of this dramatic part of our journey.

Once we reach the other side, Anawrahta makes a U-turn at Sinkan Bridge for a second run through the amazing Second Defile. With the current on our side, it may take as little as 30 minutes to reach the other end this time around. After the defile we reach Kyun Daw Island, where we halt for an afternoon excursion.

We visit the countless small pagodas, local villages and river nomads who live on the riverbanks of the Ayeyarwady. To this day, they live off the land for the most part and make their living from agriculture and fishing. Delve into this wonderfully remote area and get a taste of what a simpler life might be like.

Now sailing downstream, you can feel the current pushing us forward and the riverside landscape passing much faster. After lunch, the rest of the day is all yours. Opt for a spa treatment including sauna for deep relaxation or grab an interesting book from our library (we do have George Orwell’s Burmese Days on board).

Our kitchen team is very much looking forward to inviting you to a special dining event this evening. They are going to host one of their renowned BBQ dinners on the sun deck, which is accompanied by an entertaining Burmese traditional dance performance by the crew.

As there is no rush this morning, you can sleep in a bit longer. We offer the usual sunrise morning yoga or meditation on the sun deck inclusive of wonderful natural backdrops. After breakfast, come to our enlightening presentation on ‘Religion in Myanmar’ in which spiritual habits and customs play a very important role.

We are now back in the region of the Ayeyarwady Dolphin Conservation which was established in 2005 and stretches over 74 km along the river. The Ayeyarwady dolphin (orcaella brevirostris), named after the river of course, is one of five species worldwide that live in rivers. They look different than ocean dolphins, having a grey body and blunt forehead and nose. They can live up to 50 years and are found in only three rivers today. There are less than 70 individuals left in Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady River.

After a relaxed cruise, we reach the picturesque fishing village of Hsithe in the early afternoon. The village has established a visitor center directly on the river bank with panoramic views. Often dolphins can be observed in the waters close-by. This village is also home to fishermen who conduct co-operative fishing with Ayeyarwady dolphins. They do so to protect this critically endangered species. Aside from getting in touch with the locals here, the fishermen also show us how to cast a traditional fishing net.

Life in this small village has changed very little over the centuries. Its charm abounds with its bullock carts, smiling children, and locals going about their daily routine. We moor here overnight alongside our Histhe village neighbours.

In the very early morning our crew participates in alms giving at the local monastery. Feel free to join before we raise the anchor and sail on further south. Around mid-morning, we will reach Mingun. From a far distance, the huge unfinished stupa of King Bodawpaya is already visible. If time permits, we make a short stop to visit this colossal stupa. It has never been completed because of an astrologer stating that once the temple would be finished, the king will die. As people back in the days believed astrological predictions, the king decided not to finish but continue the construction indefinitely.

Eventually we reach Mandalay in the late afternoon. Once the ship has docked we head out to visit one of the must-see attractions located on the outskirts of the city in a place called Amarapura, an area known for traditional silk weaving and silver/bronze casting. Here the renowned wooden U-Bein Bridge – the world’s oldest and longest teakwood bridge – attracts locals and visitors especially during sunset. You may take a stroll on the bridge to mingle with the locals, but one of the best views one can have is from a small barge rowing onto the lake with the bridge and sunset composing a magical picture to remember forever.

We return to the ship and get ready for a joyful farewell dinner aboard paired with a ‘Ramayana’ dance and music show, depicting legendary ancient stories

After breakfast, your stay on your floating, luxury home comes to an end. Heritage Line and the crew wish you a wonderful onward journey in the Land of Impressive Gorges – Myanmar

Inclusive on our rate:

• Accommodation
• Group shore-excursions
• Entrance fees
• Transportation
• Tour guide services (English speaking)
• Taxes, fuel, river pilots, port dues
• Transfers in Saigon and Siem Reap from/to the meeting point to/from embarkation/disembarkation point or vice versa
• Daily yoga class, onboard entertainment, sauna as mentioned in program
• Meals are included full board
• Free flow of beverages: mineral water, soft drinks, juices, tea, coffee at all times
• Free flow of local beer and house wine by glass during lunch and dinner
• Drinking water
• Insurance (passenger liability)
• Internet access in public areas

Exclusive of:

• Crew and guide gratuities
• Any visa fees
• Private transfer and all transfer not stated in program
• Personal expenses and purchases
• All further beverages
• Premium spirit and other services not included in the inclusions
• Fuel charges
• Medical services
• Spa treatments
• Telephone expenses.