Sanctuary Ananda Cruise 4 Days 3 Nights - Ayeyarwady River

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. 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.

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.

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• Shwezigon

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.

After, visit Bagan to see the Ananda Temple, regarded by folklore as one of the most beautiful temples in Myanmar.

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.

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• Ananda Temple

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 center, 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. 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.

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• U Bein Bridge

Early the morning Sanctuary Ananda will sail north to the quaint village of Sin Kyun, a village just north of Mandalay sponsored by Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy.

Take an optional tour to witness first-hand the way of life in this unspoiled 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.

At 8am the Sanctuary Ananda will sail to Mandalay and arrive just after breakfast for check out.

As your cruise trip comes to an end, we thank you for sailing with us on board the Sanctuary Ananda and immersing yourself in the magic of Myanmar.