See Myanmar’s beautiful countryside from the water
Stretching for over 2,170km from its source in Kachin State to its delta in the Andaman Sea, the Ayeyarwady (or Irrawaddy) River is the longest in Myanmar. As it winds its way lazily from north to south, it passes by many of Myanmar’s most impressive sites. An Ayeyarwady cruise is a fantastic way to see the country – from Bagan’s ancient temples to the romantic town of Mandalay.
One of our favourite ships currently plying the route is the Sanctuary Ananda. Launched in 2014, she’s a beautifully crafted, all-suite ship specially designed to offer comfort and character to our passengers on Ayeyarwady cruises. Built by Burmese shipbuilders using traditional materials and techniques, the Sanctuary Ananda offers a glimpse into the river’s past, while still providing all the modern conveniences you’d expect from a luxury trip. We love the way she has been designed with a shallow draft too. This makes it possible to navigate the Ayeyarwady River more easily, so you can reach the least explored, and least spoiled, parts of the country.
The most popular stretch of the river for cruises is between Bagan and Mandalay. Both the RV Paukan and The Road to Mandalay offer leisurely trips between the two destinations too. Stylish and comfortable, they’re a great way to explore Myanmar’s main waterway.