12 day Myanmar Exotic Chindwin and Irrawaddy River Cruise

Start your day with an invigorating yoga session on the sundeck, a perfect way to enhance your strength and clear your mind while enjoying the breathtaking views of Myanmar’s riverscape. This mindful activity will leave you well-prepared for our first excursion and is available every morning on the top deck.

After breakfast, we’ll embark on a morning trip to the historic village of A Myint, located in the lower Chindwin region, just south of Monywa. This village, rich in history, has witnessed the rise and fall of several ancient Burmese dynasties. According to legend, A Myint was established in the 11th century by a general under King Anawrahta, who was exiled from the Bagan kingdom due to a scandalous affair with Princess Manisanda. Today, A Myint is renowned for its 336 stone stupas scattered throughout the village. Explore the charming village and its bustling riverside port to gain insight into local life. Take a moment to appreciate the ancient pagodas and allow the tranquility of these timeworn structures to wash over you.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy our various onboard facilities. After lunch, our guide will provide an in-depth presentation titled “Myanmar’s Ways of Life,” offering you a deeper understanding of the country’s traditions and customs and their relevance in contemporary society.

As we sail into the evening, our chef and kitchen team will prepare a delightful outdoor BBQ feast on the sun deck, featuring an array of grilled meats, seafood, vegetables, and local delicacies. To cap off this exciting day, our team will perform a traditional “Yamayana” dance—a captivating storytelling performance accompanied by traditional music, said to have originated during the reign of King Anawratha.

The ship sets sail in the early morning as we make our way upstream.

We arrive at Moktaw in the morning, a charming riverside village where you can observe the traditional lifestyle along the remote Chindwin River. If fortune smiles upon us, we might witness a special novice ceremony at the local monastery. Visitors are always greeted with warmth, making you feel instantly integrated into the community. After our excursion, we'll visit a mobile clinic—a unique initiative supported by Heritage Line.

Following lunch, we’re back to cruising, and we have some engaging onboard activities for you to enjoy at your leisure. Join the cruise manager for a behind-the-scenes tour of the ship, or visit the captain on the bridge to learn about navigating the sometimes challenging waters of the Chindwin. Be sure to prepare some questions for the bridge crew! Later in the afternoon, indulge in our delightful tea session at Kipling’s Bar.

As evening falls and the sun casts a golden glow, a special event awaits at Kipling’s Bar. Dress to impress and raise a glass during our iconic “British Club” night, where we recreate an era of gentlemen smoking cigars and ladies enjoying refreshing gin and tonics (don’t forget to bring your attire for an unforgettable experience). Looking around, you may feel as if you’ve stepped into an old photograph from a bygone time. Sometimes, all we need is to pause and savor the moment.

After departing from Bagan, you will take a domestic flight to Heho and then continue to Inle Lake. Upon arriving at Heho Airport, enjoy a picturesque one-hour drive to Nyaung Shwe, the gateway to Inle Lake. Along the way, we will stop to visit the stunning Shwe Yan Pyay Monastery, a striking red-painted teak structure. Once we reach Inle Lake, we’ll embark on a private longtail boat excursion, exploring one of Myanmar's most breathtaking sights. Glide across the tranquil waters of the lake, passing by Buddhist temples and the stilt houses of the Intha people. Observe the local fishermen as they use their unique leg-rowing techniques to navigate the waters. Take in the sights of the floating gardens, formed from water hyacinths anchored by bamboo poles. We’ll also visit Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the main Buddhist site on the lake, home to five gilded Buddha images. After the tour, spend the evening unwinding and immersing yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of this remarkable location. Overnight stay at Inle Lake.

This morning, we set off on a land excursion, starting with a visit to a hilltop pagoda that offers breathtaking views of Kalaywa Town and the Chindwin River—truly a spectacular sight! Our next stop is the local market, where you can put your Burmese language skills to the test (hope you’ve been paying attention!) as you explore the vibrant market stalls. Feel free to browse for unique local produce, whether it's fresh vegetables or fruits. Engage in friendly conversations with the vendors and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of village life. Enjoy this delightful experience with our guide and staff ready to assist you whenever needed.

The remainder of the day will be dedicated to cruising. Take advantage of the luxurious amenities aboard the Anawrahta. Take a refreshing dip in the pool, unwind in the sauna, or treat yourself to specialized treatments at the Thazin Spa. In the mid-afternoon, we’ll gather to showcase the intriguing items acquired at the morning market. Our “local market items presentation” promises to be a fun and engaging way to learn more about local customs and daily life. Meanwhile, our culinary team will be preparing afternoon tea at the Kipling Bar, complete with snacks and beverages.

We will anchor at Kindat—a place you likely haven't encountered before. There’s not much information available online about this serene and picturesque spot, but rest assured, it's a perfect place to relax and let your spirit unwind as the sun sets over Kindat.

This morning, take some time to relax as we continue our northward cruise. After the many impressions and experiences of the past few days, enjoy some leisure time to indulge in your favorite activities before lunch. The landscape transforms into a stunning panorama of lush jungles, verdant hills, and a distinct sense of seclusion. We will also offer a fascinating lecture on “World War II in Myanmar,” discussing how this region, then known as Burma, became involved in the conflict as the Japanese forces advanced through Southeast Asia, impacting this remote area of colonial Burma.

In the afternoon, we arrive at Sittaung, a charming riverside village with only 28 houses and around 200 residents. The locals welcome you warmly, inviting you into their peaceful, isolated way of life. However, this village and its surroundings have a history marked by conflict, notably when the British Irrawaddy Flotilla Company, the largest river fleet ever assembled, was deliberately sunk by retreating British forces in 1942 to prevent it from falling into Japanese hands. Today, Sittaung feels like a little utopia—a hidden paradise where time seems irrelevant, and the rhythms of day and night shape the community’s existence, providing all they need for happiness.

After returning to the ship for lunch, we sail on under the afternoon sun. Join us for afternoon tea, complete with snacks and a bit of shopping. As dusk approaches, we will anchor mid-river, concluding another exhilarating yet relaxing day of cruising through the exotic Chindwin.

Even if you’re not typically an early riser, today’s yoga class (or at least a sunrise cappuccino) is not to be missed, as this morning’s setting is the most stunning part of the upper Chindwin River. After breakfast, we invite you to join a lecture on “Ethnic Groups in Myanmar” to gear up for the day’s adventures. Following this, there will be a demonstration of the traditional practice of betel-chewing and cheroot cigar smoking. Tasting is optional, but if you're curious to try these local delights, this is the perfect opportunity.

After navigating 400 nautical miles, we arrive at our northernmost destination—Homalin. Nestled among forested mountains that soar to 2,700 meters, this charming town sees few tourists and offers a glimpse of Myanmar in its most authentic form.

In the afternoon, we’ll explore the town and visit the Buddha Lotus Garden, which features various statues depicting scenes from the life of Buddha and provides breathtaking views of the Nagaland mountain range. The highlight of the day follows: a visit to a village of the Naga tribe, one of Myanmar’s ethnic minorities, who maintain their unique culture and traditions. They will greet us with a vibrant celebration—a replica of their New Year festival—specially arranged for our group. Dressed in traditional warrior attire, they perform tribal dances around a bonfire, accompanied by traditional food and drinks at this memorable event. Happy New Year!

Upon our return to the ship, Anawrahta will remain moored overnight. As another enlightening day comes to a close, we look forward to what lies ahead while the sun sets over the enchanting land of the Naga.

The ship sets sail at dawn as we have a considerable distance to cover downstream today. With the current on our side, we glide effortlessly along the river, and the scenery whizzes by at a lively pace. Today is dedicated to cruising, so take some time to treat yourself. You might consider hitting the gym for a workout or arranging a private sauna session through our staff (available upon reservation for an additional fee).

For a blend of fun and learning, join the cooking class led by our Executive Chef this morning. You'll get the chance to whip up some tasty local dishes, lend a hand, and ask any lingering questions about Myanmar's cuisine. The recipes shared are simple enough to recreate at home. After lunch (and perhaps a short nap), our guide will present a fascinating history of the renowned British Irrawaddy Flotilla Company, which operated on Myanmar’s waterways over a century ago. As the day transitions into evening, you might enjoy watching the sunset from our cozy bar or unwinding on Anawrahta’s expansive sun deck, complete with a large Jacuzzi pool.

Our culinary team is excited to host another delightful dining experience this evening, featuring a fantastic BBQ dinner on the sun deck, complemented by performances from some of our talented crew members.

Following our relaxing day onboard yesterday, we have an exciting excursion planned for this morning. Mawlaik, once the administrative capital of the British Burmese empire, still showcases many colonial-era houses built by the Bombay-Burma Trading Company. The town's charm is enhanced by its limited traffic, as locations along the Chindwin River are accessible only by boat. This heritage tour will take you to the post office, former British administrative buildings, the residence of the British Commissioner, and conclude at the so-called "Old English British Golf Club" of Mawlaik. While we admit the name is a bit of a creative twist, the course dates back to the colonial period. Prepare for some fun as we host a mini golf tournament on this historic course, followed by a celebration of the winner on the clubhouse veranda, which once served as a social hub during the Victorian era.

After returning for lunch on the ship, we’ll continue our journey downstream. If all goes well and the currents are favorable, we should arrive at the quaint village of Kyi Taung Oo in time for a visit. This village is home to the only remaining wooden monastery that has been in continuous operation since before the Konbaung Dynasty was established in 1752. The ancient structure is architecturally impressive and offers a glimpse into the craftsmanship of a bygone era. "Gyi-Taung-Oo," meaning "Great Sacred Hill," provides stunning views over the river and its surroundings from the monastery.

In the morning, our ship continues its journey south toward the mouth of the Chindwin River. With 1.5 days of cruising left to reach our final destination, take the opportunity to fully enjoy this beautiful stretch as we navigate through the captivating landscape and observe the vibrant life along the riverbanks. The Chindwin stretches for a total of 1,200 kilometers, and we’ve already traveled a substantial 1,000 kilometers of that. The Chindwin basin itself spans an impressive 114,000 square kilometers, home to about 3.5 million people, with nearly half of the area covered in forest. Locals cultivate rice and other crops for sustenance and income, engage in gold, amber, and sand mining, and gather non-timber forest products for food, medicine, and housing to supplement their livelihoods.

While we enjoy lunch, the ship continues its course until we arrive at Pho Win Taung in the afternoon. A 45-minute bus ride will take us to explore the cave temple complexes located in the Shwe Ba Taung mountains. This remarkable site features around 900 small shrines and temples believed to be around 500 years old, adorned with intricate sandstone carvings depicting Buddhist figures, animals, and mythical creatures. Although we won’t be able to see all of the nearly 450,000 Buddha images, we will have the chance to appreciate this significant spiritual landmark.

Upon our return to the ship, the sun sets as we prepare for dinner. Following another delicious meal, a group of local artists will entertain us with a traditional puppet show in the lounge. This captivating form of entertainment remains immensely popular. Find a cozy spot and let our bartender whip up a delightful cocktail while you enjoy this unique performance.

This morning, we disembark the ship to explore Monywa, renowned for the stunning Thanboddhay Pagoda, which features hundreds of golden spires. This extensive Buddhist complex is adorned with countless Buddha images covering each pillar and tower. Originally constructed in the early 14th century, it underwent reconstruction in 1939 and is now meticulously maintained in its golden splendor. Unlike many other temples in Myanmar, the entrance is not flanked by lion statues but instead showcases two striking white elephants against a radiant backdrop. Take your time to absorb the beauty and otherworldly charm of this remarkable site.

Continuing our journey, we arrive at the world’s second tallest Buddha statue, which stands at an impressive 116 meters. This statue is part of a vast religious area featuring Bodhi trees, gardens dotted with hundreds of seated Buddhas, and a massive reclining Buddha. The interior is adorned with illustrations of Buddhist teachings spread across several levels—another opportunity to fully immerse yourself and escape the stresses of daily life.

We then pass the confluence we encountered on the first day of our voyage. Instead of heading left toward the Ayeyarwady River and Mandalay, we take a right turn toward our final destination, Bagan. The outlets of the Chindwin into the Irrawaddy are interrupted by a series of long, low-lying islands, with the southernmost outlet being an artificial channel created by a Bagan king. This channel had been closed for centuries until a significant flood in 1824 reopened it.

In the afternoon, we reach Bagan, the ancient capital of King Anawrahta, after whom our ship is named. During our orientation tour, we visit the impressive Ananda Temple and the Shwe San Daw Temple. The Ananda Temple, built nearly a thousand years ago, is a stunning example of Burmese Buddhist architecture and remains a significant worship site, attracting many devotees to its golden stupas and radiant Buddha statues. The Shwe San Daw Temple features a striking tiered design topped with a jeweled umbrella, and it holds the relic of Buddha’s hair within its stupa, making it a vital pilgrimage site. Our tour concludes at a sunset pagoda or a nearby hill, offering breathtaking views of the temple-dotted plains of Bagan—allow the rich history of this ancient land to fill your imagination.

We end this incredible journey along the Chindwin with a delightful final dinner and a traditional Bagan dance performance that dates back to the ancient Bagan dynasty (11th - 13th century AD).

After breakfast, your exciting journey along the Chindwin River aboard your luxurious floating accommodation draws to a close.