The Strand Luxury Cruise: Bagan to Mandalay
- Duration
- 5 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,712
Explore Myanmar’s ancient capitals on a river cruise down the Irrawaddy River. Stroll past thousands of temples on the heritage trail in Bagan before boarding the luxury Strand Cruise and sailing up the Irrawaddy River to explore the ancient capitals of Mingun and Ava and the nation’s second largest city, Mandalay.
This 5-day cruise aboard the Strand Cruise takes you from the ancient capital of Bagan up the Irrawaddy River to the second largest city in Myanmar, Mandalay.
Your Myanmar vacation starts in the ancient capital of Bagan. This quiet municipality boasts some of the country’s greatest historical sites. Walk the heritage trail past some of the 2,200 remaining temples, visiting Ananda Temple and the gold-leaf decorated Shwezigon Pagoda, among other ancient sites. Then board the Strand Cruise to voyage up the Irrawaddy River.
The Strand Cruise is a luxury 28-cabin ship completed in 2015. Mirroring the legendary style of its sister property, the Strand Hotel in Yangon, the Strange Cruise encourages the social interaction and boasts the elegant design that made the Strand Hotel so famous. Its cabins boast air-conditioning, large beds, and round-the-clock butlers eager to help make your stay as comfortable as possible. Enjoy al fresco dining on the sun deck or dine among fast friends in the enclosed restaurant. On-board facilities also include a swimming pool, fitness centre, and spa.
Aboard the Strand Cruise, you’ll voyage up the Irrawaddy towards Mingun, Ava, and Mandalay, mooring in prime locations along the river that are as close to landmarks as possible. Mingun is one of the country’s many ancient capitals that is now a quiet river village. Tour the town to see the world’s largest un-cracked hanging bell as well as Paya Hsinbyume, a stunning pagoda with 7 whitewashed terraces representing the seven sacred mountain ranges of Buddhism. In war-ravaged Ava, visit the Yadana Shemee and Wingaba temples, as well as the incredible teak monastery, Bagaya Kyaung.
Complete your Myanmar vacation in Mandalay, disembarking to explore the country’s second largest city. Mandalay is rapidly growing and as such, it’s a bit of a whirlwind. However, beyond the modern bustle of a city rapidly entering the 21st century lies a rich historical heritage. Visit Mandalay Palace to see where the kings of the Konbaung Dynasty reigned. At Kuthodaw Pagoda you can lay eyes on hundreds of Buddhist statues, while strolling the U-Bein Bridge takes you across the oldest teak bridge in the world.
This cruise aboard the Strand Cruise on the Irrawaddy River combines history and luxury on a trip to Myanmar.
- Duration
- 5 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 1,712
Itinerary View Trip Map
Bagan and the Heritage Trail
This morning begins with a welcome breakfast in the shaded gardens of the oldest lacquerware house in Bagan. Explore the nearby Shwezigon Pagoda, famous for its gold leaf decor, and the Ananda temple, one of the four great temples of Bagan. Afterwards, make a short transfer to the ship for check-in. Alternatively, you may choose to board the ship directly at its jetty in Old Bagan anytime after 10:00am, and enjoy breakfast on the Sundeck (cabins will be available from 12:00pm). At midday, enjoy an official welcome and lunch. This afternoon, continue your exploration of the Bagan Heritage Trail, including the exquisite Sulamani and Gubyaukgyi temples. As the sun sets, admire Bagan's magnificent skyline from the ship's sundeck. After sundown, enjoy a traditional Myanmar cultural show and dinner.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 Nights |
| Accommodation |
The Strand Cruise |
| Location | View map |
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The Strand Cruise
The Strand Cruise is a boutique luxury cruise sailing the Ayeyarwady River between the ancient cities of Mandalay and Bagan. The 28-cabin ship has access to private moorings in prime locations along the river. The design and layout of the ship mirrors the legendary style …
The Strand Cruise is a boutique luxury cruise sailing the Ayeyarwady River between the ancient cities of Mandalay and Bagan. The 28-cabin ship has access to private moorings in prime locations along the river. The design and layout of the ship mirrors the legendary style of the iconic Strand Yangon Hotel, and encourages social interaction. On board facilities and services include a swimming pool, fitness room, spa, and 24-hour butler service.
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Cruising the Irrawaddy
Rise early this morning and enjoy tea, coffee and pastries in the Sarkies Bar before joining an excursion to view the sunrise over Bagan from the Shwe San Daw temple. A leisurely brunch will be served as the vessel begins its upstream journey to Mandalay. The landscapes and villages of the Irrawaddy have inspired authors and artists throughout history, including Rudyard Kipling. This afternoon, relax, lie by the pool, or enjoy activities, workshops and performances arranged by the crew, before enjoying a traditional Strand afternoon tea. As night falls, the ship will moor on a remote and wild section of the river. Enjoy a cocktail and tapas dinner in the Sarkies Bar, followed by a traditional Myanmar puppet show.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Mingun
Enjoy a late breakfast this morning, as the ship will cruise until mid-afternoon. You might choose to relax by the pool with a book, take part in a cooking demonstration or a join a workshop introduction to the traditional thanaka and longyi. After an Asian family-style lunch on the Sundeck, arrive Mingun, one of Myanmar's former capitals. Visit Mingun's unfinished pagoda by tuk tuk and admire its bell, the largest un-cracked hanging bell in the world. Continue to Paya Hsinbyume, an impressive pagoda with seven curved whitewashed terraces which represent Buddhism's seven sacred mountain ranges. Back on board the ship, relax with a glass of champagne before a grill dinner in the Strand Restaurant.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Mandalay and Ava
Begin the day with a freshly prepared breakfast while surveying Mandalay from the ship, the last royal capital of Myanmar. After making a traditional food offering to monks, stop at U-Bein Bridge, the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world. Explore Mandalay's heritage trail by visiting the Mahamui Buddha temple, visited by the Buddha in 554, and the Shwe In Bin monastery. Back on board, enjoy buffet lunch and cruise towards Ava, another ancient capital. Horse carts await the ship to transport you on a delightful ride through the countryside. The ship will moor overnight next to a remarkable temple, allowing you to explore the site after the daytime visitors have left. As the sun sets, enjoy a signature cocktail on the Sundeck followed by a French dinner in the Strand Restaurant.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
|---|
Disembarkation in Mandalay
After a last breakfast, disembark at Mandalay's Gaw Wein jetty and transfer to the airport or a Mandalay hotel for your onward journey.
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
|---|
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
2019: Mondays February- April & September - December
2020: Mondays January- April
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 4 nights' cabin accommodation
- Meals as indicated
- Soft drinks and local beer
- House wine during meals
- Shore excursions and guided touring as per itinerary
- Onboard activities, shows, lectures
- Arrival transfer from Bagan Airport for flights arriving by 8:00am
- Departure transfer from pier to local airport or hotel
- Port charges
- Satellite WiFi internet (when available)
- Daily newspapers
PRICE EXLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Visa fees if applicable
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Arrival transfer for other locations/times
- Imported wines or spirits
- Optional excursions
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.
30 Oct 2020
