Cruising the Chindwin River on Sanctuary Ananda

Myanmar is a country of many rivers making a boat cruise a delightful way to explore the scenery.  The less explored beautiful Chindwin River gives you the chance to marvel at lush gorges, wild jungles and unspoiled scenery that rarely gets exposed to tourists. Enroute you visit many riverside villages where you can gain a cultural insight into local people’s lives as well as getting the chance to visit striking pagodas and monasteries. This brand new route on Sanctuary Ananda travels from the intriguing city of Mandalay to the iconic temples of Bagan on a 10 night itinerary.

Sanctuary Ananda launched last year and is the ultimate in luxury river cruising, combined with an authentic sailing experience. It is custom-built for Myanmar’s rivers and travels on routes through the Ayeyarwady and Chindwin Rivers, exploring the well known areas of the country such as Bagan and Mandalay as well as many hidden gems off the beaten track. With a high staff to passenger ratio, the Sanctuary Ananda offers exceptional service where guests will feel the warmth of the local hospitality. 

Sanctuary Ananda combines contemporary luxury with authentic Burmese design. It offers 21 spacious suites on three decks which all have full balconies, an iPad and air conditioning. It features an a la carte restaurant and a relaxing lounge area, or if you prefer, there is al fresco dining on the sundeck to take in the gorgeous views as you sail by. A fitness centre, swimming pool, spa and library can also be found on board. You will get a chance to gain a true insight into Myanmar through on board talks on traditions such as the local dress and thanaka make-up, which protects skin from the hot sun. You can also listen to talks on the history of Myanmar from a local perspective and watch cookery and yoga demonstrations.

Highlights on this cruise include visiting Bodhi Tataung in Monywa, where you can go into enormous Buddha statues at a record height of 424 feet, and having the opportunity to see monks being ordained at a Buddhist monastery in Mokhtaw. You will have the option of experiencing an authentic working elephant camp near the colonial village of Mawleik, and see an extraordinary blend of European and Burmese architecture of the Mahar Minkyaung Monastery in Minkin. The Po Win Taung caves near Shwe Ba Taung, carved out of the sandstone hills, are positioned in a breath-taking setting, and a trip here is a real must on any visit trip to Myanmar. You will also get the chance to witness locals working their trade, as you watch cotton-blanket weavers and traditional cheerot makers at work and visit a local brick factory and jaggery workshop which produces unrefined sugar. 

By the end of this 10 night cruise you will have experienced the majestic beauty of this country and felt the warmth of its people. You will feel completely immersed into the rich and fascinating culture of magical Myanmar and will have gained a completely unique experience of this gorgeous country.

For more information on cruising on the Sanctuary Ananda contact our travel experts on 020 7843 3531 or info@clevelandcollection.co.uk or make an enquiry here.