SANCTUARY ANANDA
PER PERSON | 10 NIGHTS
The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the luxury escapes we offer
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The luxurious all-suite ship will take you in style on voyages of breathtaking beauty and discovery on the mysterious rivers of Myanmar (Burma). Visit temples, pagodas, palaces, and monasteries along the Irrawaddy River on a choice of cruises from Mandalay to Bagan, Bhamo, or Yangon. Journeys on its great tributary, the Chindwin, will take you to places visitors rarely see – through the jungles of the north, forgotten villages, and ancient towns almost to the Indian border.
Sanctuary Ananda is custom-built by local craftsmen using traditional materials while offering sleek contemporary luxury. Sanctuary Ananda set sail on the Myanmar Rivers in November 2014 and offers 21 spacious suites on three decks, the luxurious Owner's suite, a sundeck with an outdoor pool and the Kansi panorama lounge.


- 5-Star contemporary luxury combined with authentic Burmese style
- Award-winning, celebrity executive chef
- The only ship mooring in downtown Mandalay with a private docking point
- Wi-Fi on board (coverage is limited outside the main cities of Mandalay & Bagan)
- All-suite ship with some of the largest entry-level, main category, and top-level suites in Myanmar
- All suites have floor-to-ceiling windows plus full balconies with outdoor furniture
- Fascinating itineraries with a full choice of excursions included and unique cultural experiences
- Delicious dining options with a variety of exquisite settings, offering Asian and international dishes
- Professional staff offering friendly, gracious service
- Custom built with a shallow draft to navigate the Upper & Lower Irrawaddy and Chindwin Rivers
Sanctuary Ananda is a perfect combination of local culture and luxury, because we understand that even when you are immersing yourself in a new experience, there are some things you should never be without, such as a large comfortable bed, the pleasure of a good drink, excellent food, immaculate service, and the company of like-minded people.
Custom-built with just 21 suites, Sanctuary Ananda showcases original Burmese design and contemporary chic in an atmosphere of five-star comfort. In every suite, lush silks, polished teak and beautiful lacquerware celebrate Myanmar’s rich heritage of arts, crafts and textiles and Malaika Egyptian-cotton sheets ensure that we make you as relaxed as can be. Expect L’Occitane-stocked ensuite bathrooms, individually controlled air-conditioning and, naturally, consummate craftsmanship throughout. Choose from having a double or twin bed, and look forward to your own relaxing space to lounge in – every suite has its own private balcony.


The largest suite on the river boasts a luxurious king-size bed, separate dressing and living areas, plus a big veranda with sun loungers as well as a table and chairs. The spacious bathroom will spoil you with a freestanding tub as well as a monsoon shower and his-and-hers sinks. Other benefits will include a private guide, butler service, early morning tea and coffee, complimentary laundry, and exclusive dining experiences.



These four suites have an indoor seating area with a sofa bed available to accommodate a child. There is a private balcony with a table and chairs, and the ensuite bathroom has a monsoon shower. Other perks include early morning tea and coffee, and complimentary laundry.



Our 14 deluxe suites are the largest entry-level cabins on the river with living space as well as either double or twin beds, depending on preference. Each has a private balcony with outdoor chairs & table, and a separate en suite bathroom with a monsoon shower. Two sets of interconnecting suites are available.


Our two suites with 27 sqm of living space have either double or twin beds, depending on your preference. Both suites have a separate en suite bathroom with a monsoon shower, basin, and separate toilet. The suites have individually controlled air conditioning and open balconies.










If you arrive on an early flight we will arrange for you to take a tour in Bagan. Leaving at 9am we will visit the bustling 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 our visit to Naung U, we will move on to the great golden Shwezigon Pagoda before returning to Sanctuary Ananda.
Start sailing upstream towards Sagaing. Relax as we past villages set against a backdrop of soft browns, rich tamarind trees, with white and golden pagodas gracing the distant hills. There is no better way to enjoy this riverine picture than from the Kansi panorama lounge.
After lunch, a variety of onboard activities will be offered including a longyi (sarong) and thanaka (cosmetic) demonstration, a back-of-house tour, and a talk on Myanmar – covering the country’s incredibly rich history, more recent and controversial events, and prospects for the future.


The morning will be spent sailing as you enjoy the passing countryside. A cooking class with our Executive Chef will be available.
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.
Next, take in the views from the top of the hill on the terraces of the Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda which are truly breathtaking. Below and all around, pagodas of different shapes and sizes dot the landscape.
Visit the U Bein Bridge, a spectacular place to enjoy the sunset. This long teak bridge snakes across the Taungthaman Lake and each evening you can watch monks crossing the bridge to collect food donations. This is a very spiritual and time-traveling experience.


Breakfast is served before check out in Mandalay.
If you are leaving on a later flight we can include a tour of Mandalay. This will include a visit to Mahamuni Pagoda, one of Myanmar’s most religious monuments housing the revered Mahamuni Image. Continue on to visit Shwenandaw Monastery, the only palace building to survive the bombings of World War II. This beautiful teak monastery had been the apartment of King Mindon, and after his death in 1879, his son King Theebaw removed it from the Mandalay Palace.
Lastly a visit to Kuthodaw Pagoda (Maha Lawka Marazein), built by King Mindon in 1857, in effect a copy of the Shwezigon Pagoda in Bagan. Kuthodaw is often called the biggest book in the world, for the surrounding, it is 729 marble slabs inscribed with the Tripitaka texts (Buddhist canon).
- 3 Nights Bagan - Mandalay
- 4 Nights Mandalay - Bagan
- 4 Nights Monywa - Mandalay - Bagan
- 7 Nights Bagan - Mandalay - Bagan
- 7 Nights Mandalay - Bagan - Mandalay
- 10 Nights Chindwin Mandalay - Paung Pyin - Bagan
- 11 Nights Mandalay - Bhamo - Bagan
- 11 Nights Mandalay - Yangon
Contact our Travel Specialists for further details on these cruises.
Tailored for You
Every Holiday is totally flexible
Every holiday is totally flexible. We have a dedicated team of specialists who will take the time to understand your preferences and craft them into an itinerary that’s perfect for you. Contact us today for a quotation and let us help you create the ultimate adventure.
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A tailor-made safari is one designed according to your specific requirements, including budget, dates, personal interests, the number of people travelling, and more. This itinerary is just an example and can be refined and altered to make it perfect for you.