Natural beauty, authentic experiences, exciting and exotic locations all enjoyed
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| Sanctuary Ananda MYANMAR Natural beauty, authentic experiences, exciting and exotic locations – all enjoyed in true luxury – is the guiding philosophy of Sanctuary Retreats and of our newest ship, Sanctuary Ananda. Welcome to these, our newest experiences on the rivers of Myanmar, known as the rivers of spirit and recognised by travellers, explorers, as well as the people themselves, as the only way to discover the real Myanmar. Flowing from the high beauty of the Himalayas through undiscovered forests, hidden villages, half-forgotten monasteries and glorious pagodas, through a land that has been shrouded in mystery and magic and blessed by its Buddhist culture since almost the beginning of time. Experience this on Ananda, named after the famous temple which in turn means extreme happiness and one of the highest states of being in Sanskrit – something we know you will understand while sailing on her on Myanmar’s magical rivers. Luxury, Naturally 4 Myanmar .................................................................................................... 6-9 Ananda’s Itineraries ..................................................................................10-23 Ananda – Deck plans ....................................................................................24 Ananda – Our Ship ..................................................................................25-33 Community .............................................................................................34-35 Touring Around Myanmar .......................................................................36-42 China and Myanmar Combined ....................................................................43 Sanctuary Portfolio ..................................................................................44-45 Contents
6 7 A country of smiles … a land of grace … a people of welcome … a place of history and culture … Myanmar is slowly unfolding its charms and hidden treasures to a world hungry for new adventures and new experiences. A land that time had almost forgotten has at last opened her doors to those looking for wonderment and places to treasure. Bordered by five countries – Thailand, Laos, China, Bangladesh and India – it is a gentle land of shimmering lakes, mythical rivers, emerald forests, villages unchanged for centuries and people of warmth and grace. Its temples and stupas, shrines and monasteries are as much part of the landscape as the colourful markets, vibrant festivals and remote villages. It is a land waiting to be uncovered … waiting to be discovered … but gently, slowly and with care, which is why one of the best ways to explore its beauty is on our luxury vessel – the Ananda. As she glides past golden temples, vivid green paddy fields, saffron-swathed monks and pink-robed nuns, families heading to markets and ox-drawn carts trundling along uncharted roads, it is like heading back to another time, as this beautiful country makes its way softly into the future. Myanmar
As each day dawns, new delights await you, from the exoticism of the ethnic tribes almost hidden in the Shan Hills to the everyday sights of the men in their longyis and the women with their faces daubed with silvery white tanakha to protect them from the sun. Or the great archaeological spectacles such as the pagodas of Bagan, more than 2,000 of which are spread across this great plain. See them in the early morning as the sun spreads a pale rose wash over them, or at sunset when they gleam like burnished gold, kissed by the deep orange-red of the setting sun. Or indeed visit the heritage cities which mark the country’s history. Most visits to this magical place begin in Yangon, the former capital and still the commercial heart of the country. The city offers a glorious mix of grand old British heritage- era buildings alongside the sleepy side streets, the bustling markets, the vibrant port and the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda, the most sacred of all the country’s Buddhist sites. Dominating the city’s skyline on Singuttara Hill, and surrounded by more than 100 smaller stupas, legend has it that Shwedagon has existed for more than two and half thousand years. Covered in gold donated throughout the centuries by the people, its crowning glory is composed of 2,317 rubies and 5,448 diamonds with a 76-carat diamond right at the top. It is not just magnificent but the place that every citizen wants to visit at least once during a lifetime. Invaded and plundered, threatened by foreign armies, earthquakes and fire, the Pagoda has been central to both the heart and the soul of the Burmese people, who daily pour in with their offerings and prayers.
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Inle Lake 8 Any visit should also take in the second city of Mandalay and the country’s last capital before colonialism, still recognised as the cultural capital of Myanmar. Visit Shwenandaw Kyaung, a glorious example of teak architecture with the finest carvings, and the palace where King Mindon kept his 40 concubines and housed his hundreds of children. A climb to the top of the Mandalay Hill has the best views across the town, the plain and the river below. Mandalay is also the gateway to see the remains of the four oldest cities, from Mingun which houses the heaviest uncracked bell in the world to Amarapura, with its wonderful one-mile-long U Bein Bridge across Taungthaman Lake. Go at sunset, when the monks are taking their last outing of the day and the bridge resembles a moving spice rack with shades of saffron, turmeric, chilli and mustard reflected in their robes. And then of course there is Bagan, unlike anywhere else in the world – 104 square kilometres of a plain housing over 2,000 gilded pagodas. It is the spiritual heart of the country and the Shwezigon Pagoda is the most important as well as the largest in the region. Tour it on foot or on bicycle, take a bullock or horse drawn cart, or even more memorably, soar in a balloon far above the plain, the villages and the stupas. It is almost like being in a dream. Myanmar has so much more to give of herself, her culture and her heritage. There are the two great rivers: the Ayeyarwady and its largest tributary the Chindwin, which flow through the country like silver ribbons, snaking through the emerald forests and the jade mountains of the north as well as the golden beaches of the Bay of Bengal. Surprises abound: vast Inle Lake, at once serene as you skim across its surface, and yet full of vibrancy along its banks; traditional fishermen’s villages on stilts; age-old monasteries and temples; thriving market gardens growing tomatoes, avocados and fruits on the waterside; and the lively floating market. Not to mention the welcome of the local Inthe people whose fishermen are admired for their unique leg-rowing technique. Travel from the lakeside up into the former hill station of Kalaw, so cool and leafy it is little wonder that British civil servants made it their summer retreat from the heat of the towns. And for a totally different aspect of Myanmar there are the beaches of Ngapali. Wherever you go, whatever you see and experience you will be welcomed everywhere by people so charming, so warm and so open-hearted – and so pleased that you have chosen to visit and get to know their country. In the Burmese language there is no word for tourist – everyone is a guest, and all these people want to do is welcome you to their home. 11 Each day Ananda brings you new experiences, new sights, and new delights on eight cruise itineraries. Our luxurious, all-suite ship takes you in style on voyages of breathtaking beauty and discovery on the great rivers of Myanmar: the majestic Ayeyarwady between Bagan and Mandalay, visiting temples, pagodas, palaces and monasteries along the way; and its great tributary, the Chindwin, which takes you to places visitors rarely see: through the jungles of the north, forgotten villages, and ancient towns almost to the Indian border. Not to mention the great towns and cities throughout the land, from the vibrant metropolis of Yangon to the old imperial capital of Pyay and the tropical township of Bhamo, the gateway to the great gorges of Kachin State. We also offer guests arriving on an early flight in Mandalay the opportunity to book an optional city tour. You can also experience early morning ballooning over Bagan on many of our cruise itineraries. Both activities are at an additional charge. Ananda’s Itineraries Sagaing Pyin Oo Lwin Amarapura Sale Ava Pakokku Mandalay Bagan Myanmar
Mt. Popa 13 12 Day 1: Join Ananda. Guests arriving early can book an optional tour to Minanthu weavers’ village, a jaggery workshop and Thone Zu Pagoda. In the afternoon, travel to Bagan by coach to visit some of the most important pagodas among the 2,000 at this most magnificent archaeological site: the Ananda (which our ship is named after), and the Htilominlo. Visit a laquerware workshop at Myinkaba village, before enjoying the sunset from Pyathatgyi Pagoda. Day 2: Choose one of two early morning optional excursions: a balloon ride over Bagan or sunrise meditation at a temple. Visit the sacred Buddhist Shwezigon Pagoda, which houses a bone and tooth of the Gautama Buddha, and the Gubyaukgyi Temple as well as Nyaung U market. Return to our ship to sail northwards. Choose from a range of afternoon lectures and demonstrations or simply enjoy the scenery. Day 3: Our ship sails towards Ava, the ancient imperial capital for five centuries. Visit the monasteries and pagodas of Bagaya, Sagaing and Amarapura by horse drawn cart or coach. Take time to visit local silversmiths or textile workshops before heading by coach to the U Bein Bridge for drinks at sunset. Day 4: Arrive in Mandalay and disembark. 13 Bagan to Mandalay, 3 nights Day 1: Join Ananda and in the afternoon, travel to Bagan by coach to visit some of the most important temples and pagodas among the 2,000 – the Ananda (namesake of our ship), the Htilominlo and the Pyathatgyi. Enjoy the sunset from the latter. Day 2: Choose one of two early morning optional excursions: a balloon ride over Bagan or sunrise meditation at one of the temples. Visit the sacred Buddhist Shwezigon Pagoda, which houses a bone and tooth of the Gautama Buddha, and the Gubyaukgyi Temple, as well as Nyaung U market. Return to our ship and sail northwards. A choice of lectures and demonstrations are on offer during the afternoon. Day 3: Enjoy the scenery along the river – the villages, rice fields and distant stupas. Arrive in Ava, which was for five centuries the ancient imperial capital. Explore Ava by horse drawn cart to visit the Bagaya monastery, and afterwards by coach to Sagaing with its convents, pagodas and silversmiths. Continue onto Amarapura to visit its textile workshops, and then by coach to the U Bein Bridge to watch the sunset and enjoy a drink. Day 4: Transfer by car to Pyin Oo Lwin to take the train across the Gokteik Viaduct to Naung Pein, where a picnic lunch awaits. Return to Pyin Oo Lwin and its Botanical Gardens via a visit to the Peik Chin Myaung Caves. Tour the colonial houses by pony and cart before returning to the ship. Bagan to Bagan, 7 nights
pagodas of Mahamuni (the holiest site in the city), Kuthodaw and Shwenandaw, as well as the gold-beating workshops. Then your ship begins to cruise south. There is a choice of lectures and demonstrations to enjoy as well as savouring the scenery.
trishaw waits to take you on a tour of the local market as well as the cheroot and shoe factories before you rejoin the ship and sail on towards Bagan. Enjoy a tour of Bagan with its extraordinary collection of temples, as well as a visit to Minanthu village, famed for its weavers and the Thone Zu Pagoda.
over Bagan or sunrise meditation at one of the temples. Sail southwards to Sale, where a trishaw awaits to take you to Yoke Sone Monastery and the wooden monastery of Thartana Yaunggyi before the cruise back to Bagan. Spend the afternoon on a horse drawn cart enjoying a final visit to the temples of Bagan and watch the marvellous sunset. Day 8: Early morning disembarkation. 15 14 Day 1: Join Ananda and then set off on an afternoon coach excursion to Amarapura with its textile workshops and Sagaing, the centre of Myanmar Buddhist faith, renowned for its monasteries, nunneries, pagodas and silversmiths. Take a coach to the U Bein Bridge to enjoy the sunset with drinks. Day 2: Travel by horse drawn cart to Ava, the ancient imperial capital, and visit the monasteries and pagodas of Bagaya. Sail southwards to Bagan. Spend the afternoon watching the shifting scenery or join a demonstration or lecture to learn more about Myanmar. Day 3: Take a trishaw to the local Pakokku markets and traditional shoe and cheroot factories. In the afternoon take a coach tour of Bagan to see some Mandalay to Bagan, 4 nights of the most important pagodas at this amazing site, the Ananda (our ship’s namesake), the Htilominlo and the Pyathatgyi. Wonder at the sunset from the Pyathatgyi Temple. Day 4: Choose from early morning optional excursions: a Bagan balloon ride or sunrise temple meditation. Sail southwards to Sale and take a trishaw to visit Yoke Sone Monastery and Thartana Yaunggyi, a wooden monastery. Cruise back to Bagan and visit the sacred Shwezigon Pagoda and the Gubyaukgyi Temple. Return to our ship by horse drawn cart.
to Myanmar Buddhism with its myriad of temples, pagodas, convents and monasteries. Visit its main temple, Soon U Ponya Shin, connected by covered staircases up a high hill before seeing silversmiths at work and then heading for the U Bein Bridge by coach in time for the sunset and drinks.
charming archaeological site. At mid-morning Ananda sets sail southwards. There is a wide choice of on board activities including cookery demonstrations, longyi tying, a massage or a lecture on Myanmar traditions. Alternatively, you may simply enjoy the glorious scenery.
trading and shipping centre with its lively market, and to visit cheroot and shoe factories. The afternoon is taken up with the glories of Bagan, with some 2,000 temples and pagodas scattered across a vast plain. See the magnificence of the Htilminlo and Ananda temples (our ship’s namesake). Visit Myinkaba village and its lacquerware workshop, before watching the sunset from the terraces of the Pyathatgyi Temple.
sunrise balloon flight over Bagan before beginning the cruise south to Sale. A trishaw will take you to the Yoke Sone Monastery, Thartana Yaunggyi and the bamboo Buddha image. Enjoy a walking tour of the area before sailing back to Mandalay to Mandalay, 7 nights Bagan. A horse drawn cart will be waiting to take you around the temples and pagodas and you can marvel at the magnificent sunset across the gold stupas.
Popa, an extinct volcano and known as the home of the nats (spirits). Pilgrims climb up 777 steps to give offerings and pray to the carved figures; it’s a climb to take slowly, relishing the views. Then visit the fairytale pagoda of Taung Kalat. Before returning to our ship, explore the area and visit a brick factory and Thone Zu pagoda. Day 6: Early risers can take a sunrise balloon flight over Bagan or practice yoga at a temple before touring some of Bagan’s spectacular pagodas, the Gubyaukgyi Temple, as well as Shwezigon in the nearby town of Nyaung U, which also sports a colourful market. Mid-morning, Ananda sets sail north to Mandalay. Spend the rest of the day enjoying the scenery or simply relaxing on our sundeck or your balcony. There will be a choice of lectures and demonstrations on Burmese life and culture.
five centuries, and Mandalay. On arrival, your tour includes the Shwenandaw monastery, a miracle of carved teak, and Mahamuni pagoda, the holiest pilgrim site in Mandalay, followed a visit to the gold beating workshops. Day 8: Early morning check out. Day 1: Check in on Ananda this morning before taking an excursion to the charming archaeological site of the old imperial capital, Ava, by horse drawn cart. Afterward, a coach takes you to Sagaing, a place central to Myanmar Buddhism with its numerous temples, pagodas, convents and monasteries. Visit the main temple – Soon U Ponya Shin – that is connected by covered staircases all the way up one of the highest hills. Then an afternoon tour of Mandalay, known as the golden city as it is the centre of the country’s gold leaf production for use on statues and pagodas. Visit its Shwe Sande Royal Palace, a most imposing teak building where King Mindon housed his 40 concubines and more than 200 children, as well as the Mahmuni Pagoda, an important pilgrim site, before heading to the U Bein Bridge for sunset.
Magyibinbu and anchor for the night. Day 3: Our ship sails on to Bagan, where you visit Nyaung U market and the Shwezigon Pagoda, a sacred site which houses the Buddha’s bone and tooth. Take a horse drawn cart tour of some of the most important of the more than 2,000 temples in Bagan: the Ananda (which our ship is named after), the Htilominlo and the Pyathatgyi. Afterward, take a coach tour to the lacquerware workshops in the village of Myinkaba. Day 4: Early birds can choose sunrise yoga and meditation practice on deck or a thrilling balloon ride over the temples and pagodas of Bagan, before then Mandalay to Pyay (Prome), 7 nights
Myanmar
Sale Magwe Minbu Thayet Pyay sailing on to Sale. Here a trishaw takes you to the curved architectural gems Yoke Sone Monastery, Thartana Yaunggyi and the bamboo Buddha image.
Myat Than Lun Paya, a pagoda built in 1929 of solid gold bricks. This is an astonishing building with amazing views of the river and its surrounds. Afterward, drive to Minbu, a small village home to the Nga Ka Pwe Taung (Dragon Lake), a pond of butane gas which is set in a lunar-like landscape dotted with bubbling pools. There is an afternoon excursion to Minlha Fort, built for the Burmese king by Italian engineers to resist a British invasion in the second Anglo-Burmese war. Day 6: A relaxing day on board enjoying the countryside and life on the riverbanks as our ship sails onto Thayat, an authentic Burmese village with its white pagodas and elegant colonial buildings. Take time for a walking tour of this charming settlement. The afternoon sailing to Pyay gives ample time for relaxation, enjoying the spa and its treatments, and learning more about the culture and history of the country from a menu of demonstrations or lectures. Arrive at Pyay at sunset.
Irrawaddy Flotilla Company established the cargo port for upper and lower Burma in the 19th century. Visit Shwedaung village where you can see the Shwemyetman Paya Pagoda and the only Buddha wearing gold sunglasses. Afterward, visit the hilltop Shwedesabdaw Paya and its Sethagy Paya Buddha which stands 10 metres high in front of the pagoda. Day 8: Early morning check out and disembarkation. Sagaing Sale Mandalay Bagan Magwe Minbu Minhla Thayet Kanaung Danubyu Zalun Pyay Yangon Myanmar
18 19 Day 1: Check in to Ananda. Take our afternoon tour to Sagaing, a place central to Myanmar Buddhism with its myriad of temples, pagodas, convents and monasteries. Visit its main temple, Soon U Ponya Shin, before going on to see silversmiths at work, the textile workshops of Amarapura, and finally the U Bein Bridge by coach in time for drinks at sunset . Day 2: Enjoy a horse drawn cart tour to Ava, an old imperial capital. At mid-morning our the ship sails south. There is a wide choice of activities including a cookery demonstration, longyi tying lesson or a lecture on Myanmar traditions; you may also choose simply to enjoy the glorious scenery. Our ship anchors for the night by a sand bank. Day 3: Sail towards Bagan, stopping on the way at Pakokku. Take a trishaw tour of the local market as well as the cheroot and shoe factories. Arrive in Bagan, where a coach takes you to visit some of the most important temples and pagodas: the Ananda (our ship’s namesake) and the Htilominlo. Marvel at the sunset views from the Pyathatgyi. Day 4: Choose an early morning optional excursion: a balloon ride over Bagan or sunrise temple meditation. Visit the sacred Buddhist Shwezigon Pagoda and the Gubyaukgyi Temple, as well as Nyaung U market. Our ship sails on to Sale, where a trishaw takes you to the Yoke Sone Monastery, Thartana Yaunggyi and the bamboo Buddha image. Enjoy a walking tour of the area. Day 5: Ananda arrives at Magwe where you can visit the hilltop Myat Than Lun Paya, a pagoda built in 1929 of solid gold bricks. Then drive to Minbu, a small village which hosts the Nga Ka Pwe Taung, a butane gas pond set in a moon-like landscape dotted with bubbling pools. In the afternoon, go on a walking tour of Minlha Fort built for the Burmese king by Italian engineers. Mandalay to Yangon, 11 nights
countryside, river life and the sheer beauty of the place. Enjoy a morning’s visit to Thayat, an authentic Burmese village with its white pagodas and elegant colonial buildings, before sailing for Pyay.
established in the 19th century as the cargo port for upper and lower Burma. Visit Shwedaung village where you can see the Shwemyetman Paya pagoda and the only Buddha wearing gold sunglasses. Also home to the hilltop Shwedesabdaw Paya and its ten-metre-high Sethagy Paya Buddha. Day 8: Ananda sails close to the Akauk Taung caves for a photo opportunity of the hundreds of Buddhas carved along the river bank. Our ship anchors on the river bank tonight. Day 9: This morning provides a scenic introduction to the beauties of Myanmar from its villages, paddy fields, distant pagodas and hills. Savour the sights before arriving at Kenaung village where you can enjoy a chinlon demonstration. Chinlon is part sport, part dance as teams of six pass a ball with their feet, knees and heads as they walk in a circle. It is played throughout Myanmar by people of all ages.
houses the famous bronze Buddha stolen by the British Army and returned by order of Queen Victoria. Spend a leisurely day back on board before arriving at Danuphyu to visit of the Monastery of Maha Bandula and the Pagoda of Tyuakalon Pun. Day 11: Explore the charming little town by trishaw. It was from here that General Maha Bandula led the Burmese against the British in the Anglo-Burmese War. Return to the ship to enjoy your last afternoon and evening on Ananda.
Mandalay, Bhamo, Bagan, 11 nights 21 20 Bhamo Katha Shwe Paw Zinbon Shwegu Amarapura Tagaung Male Mogok Bagan Myanmar
Mingun Nwe Nyein Sagaing Ava Mandalay Burmese Days), take a trishaw tour round town. Day 7: Tour the nearby village of Kyan Hnyat to visit the school and meet the locals, giving you a true glimpse at how the local people live — an opportunity that few travellers have ever enjoyed. Later, sail towards Mogok.
especially rubies and sapphires. Continue to a forestry reserve where healing plants are grown for their essential oils, after which you head for the teak forest to encounter the working elephants.
horse drawn cart. Then stop at Sagaing, where you visit its myriad of temples, pagodas, convents and monasteries. Visit the main temple, Soon U Ponya Shin, before going on to see silversmiths at work and then heading the textile workshops of Amarapura. Proceed to U Bein Bridge by coach, arriving in time for the sunset.
the grand sights and stupas of this extraordinary archaeological masterpiece, such as the the sacred Buddhist Shwezigon Pagoda, which houses a bone and tooth of the Gautama Buddha and the Gubyaukgyi Temple. Day 11: Choose from a sunrise balloon ride over the stupas of Bagan, or an early morning temple meditation. A coach takes you to Mount Popa, stopping to visit a jaggery workshop and a traditional village on the way. Mount Popa is an extinct volcano and is known as the home of the nats (spirits). Pilgrims climb up 777 steps to give offerings and pray to the carved figures, a climb to take slowly. Visit by horse drawn cart, a lacquerware workshop as well as some of the most magnificent of the 2,000 temples in Bagan. Witness sunset from the steps of Pyathatgyi. Day 12: Check out and disembark. Day 1: Check in on Ananda. Our ship sails to Mingun where you can visit the vast unfinished stupa of King Bodawpaya. To accompany the temple the huge Mingun Bell was cast and, at 90 tons, it is still the largest ringing bell in the world. Close by visit the elegant Asinphyumae Pagoda.
the scenery changes from expansive to high and dramatic as the river files through these narrow channels with vast cliffs on either side. Dock for a walking tour of the village of New Nyein, where the huge 50-gallon clay water pots are made. Day 3: Sail further north and on arrival at Naba you can take a short train journey into the dense jungle hinterland and teak forests of northern Myanmar. This is the land of the Kachin people, known for their fighting and jungle survival skills as well as their craftsmanship.
villages which have barely changed in the last century. One such village is Mae Dar, which you can explore on foot before heading off to Shwe Paw Island with its ancient pagodas.
traditional settlements before arriving at the old colonial village of Zinbon. Arrive at Bhamo, which gives access to the town centre and its colourful, lively market, before you head back to Ananda for lectures or a massage or simply to relax. Day 6: A fleet of smaller boats will take you to the bustling port of Shwegu and onwards to a Shan village to meet the local people and get an insight into their lives and customs. Sail southwards towards Katha. On arrival at this traditional market town (which features in George Orwell’s
Day 1: Check in and discover the delights of Ananda, and enjoy the cruise along the Chindwin, sailing by local villages, paddy fields and distant pagodas. Day 2: Ananda sets sail from the Chindwin confluence to Monywa, stopping at Yesagyo, a charming market town. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Monywa and its famed Thanboddhay Pagoda, the walls of which are covered with thousands of Buddha images. Continue to Bodithaung Pagoda, which houses the largest Buddha statue in Myanmar. Day 3: This morning’s cruise takes you to the simple country town of Moktaw where you can explore its workshops, markets and monastery. Then cruise to Maukkadaw, where you can relax and learn a little more about Burmese traditions and history from demonstrations and a lecture on World War II. Day 4: Arrive at Maukkdaw, a famous teak port. Explore the town and its stunning teak buildings made even more exotic by the tropical jungle that surrounds them. Your cruise continues through the lush Chindwin gorges, thick jungle and tiny riverside villages in a land that time forgot. Relax or join a lecture on the history of the Burmese Chindits, a special allied World War II force. Day 5: Cruise to Kalewa and Mawleik. Kalewa is a charming old-fashioned town and you will have time to stroll through and explore it, while Mawleik, once the administrative centre of the Bombay Burmah Trading Company, is still a lively town with a vibrant market and some old colonial buildings. This is a part of Myanmar that few tourists see. Mandalay, Homalin, Bagan, 10 nights
of the Chin Province. On arrival you can explore this little town or take an optional jungle trek, or remain on board to learn about the tastes and flavours of Myanmar from a cookery demonstration.
Uyu, a Chindwin tributary, flows into the main river and where you can see it change colour as the sand in it carries gold particles. Locals can be seen panning the river in the hope of finding gold. Visit the Buddha Lotus Garden and the market while exploring the town. Day 8: The Homalin market is at its liveliest in the early mornings, so take a stroll through it as the town comes to life. Then head back on board for a leisurely day cruise down the Chindwin towards Mingin and Kani.
mélange of European and Burmese architecture. Here you can see the Shwe Sagar Buddha, which was one of ten carved from a single trunk of wood almost 1,000 years ago. Carry on to Kyidaung, a typical riverside village and see local life. Overnight at Kani and visit the shrine of the Lord of the White Horse nat.
492 Buddha sandstone chambers are carved into the hillside. Cruise to Bagan, stopping at Pakakgyi to visit the Kaung Taw Gyi Monastery and Sithushin Pagoda. Arrive in Bagan in time for one of its spectacular sunsets. Day 11: Check out and disembark. Sagaing Mandalay Bagan Kalewa Maukkdaw Kani Monywa Mawlaik Sittaung Homalin Myanmar
23 24 Ananda will commence sailing in late 2014. She is being custom built for the Myanmar Rivers by local shipbuilders using age-old knowledge and traditional materials while incorporating the most modern technology. She has a shallow draft so that she can navigate both the Upper and Lower Ayeyarwady and Chindwin Rivers. Across four decks, Ananda is spacious and gracious, allowing her guests to enjoy the luxury on offer. This includes 20 large suites, including our outstanding Aloungpayah Suite with its panoramic views, and our two restaurants: Talifoo, for indoor dining, and its al fresco counterpart, Mindoon. Both offer a choice of international and Asian cuisine as well as a wide selection of traditional Burmese dishes. Our Kansi panorama lounge on the top deck is the ideal place to watch and wonder at the sights, scenery and glories of Myanmar as we sail along these magical rivers, it is also an enjoyable meeting place as well as hosting a number of lectures and demonstrations on the history and culture of the country. For the ultimate in relaxation, visit our Thambyadine spa to enjoy a number of therapies and treatments which have their origins in the age-old healing traditions of Myanmar and its surrounding countries, or cool off in the outdoor plunge pool. In fact, the Ananda offers everything a memorable holiday requires. Sanctuary Ananda
Deck Plans aloungpayah Suite kanSi panorama lounge luxury SuiteS Deluxe SuiteS minDoon al freSco Dining WheelhouSe Dufferin library talifoo reStaurant Deluxe SuiteS lobby
guiDe accommoDation thambyaDine Spa anD gym engine room
Our Aloungpayah suite is named after the 1876 Irrawaddy Flotilla Paddle Steamer, which in turn was named after one of the 18th-century kings of Burma who founded the Konbaung dynasty and reunified all of Burma, driving out the French and English and founding Yangon. Aloungpayah is as lavish in space as it is luxurious in style. Its 67m 2 (721ft 2 ) consists of both a living and dining area that also provide a breathtaking aspect of the river and its environs. The master bedroom has a king-size bed, a spacious dressing area and its own private balcony complete with sun loungers. The large bathroom sports a generous tub, monsoon shower and ‘his and hers’ sinks. Aloungpayah Suite
Luxury and Deluxe Suites All suites have their own private balcony with chairs and a table, allowing you every comfort while savouring the spectacular views along the river. Deluxe suites (27-28m 2 / 291-301ft 2 ) have living space as well as either a double or twin beds, depending on preference. Each has a separate en suite bathroom with monsoon shower, basin and separate toilet. Luxury suites (31-33m 2 / 334-356ft 2 ) also have an indoor sitting area, complimentary minibar and laundry. Enjoy private butler service as well as early morning tea and coffee. All suites have air-conditioning, iPod docking station and iPad TV connection. Each reflects Myanmar’s renowned arts, crafts and textiles in its furnishings and décor, which showcases local fabrics, wood and lacquerware. The old Irrawaddy Flotilla is remembered as each suite is named after a ship, complete with a splendid vintage photograph of that ship in suite.
The culture and cuisine of Myanmar are reflected in the dining options available to guests each day, alongside a choice of Western favourites and international dishes. Our elegant Talifoo restaurant welcomes guests from early morning through late evening while our Mandalay deck is home to our Mindoon al fresco restaurant for lunches and snacks. A full continental breakfast of fresh juices, fruits and freshly baked bread is served each morning alongside a full cooked menu as well as Myanmar’s traditional mohinga breakfast dish (fish noodle soup). Lunch can be taken either in the restaurant or on our Mandalay deck and offers a wide selection of salads served on Kantokes (local wooden trays) as well as a daily changing choice of hot à la carte specials of local and western dishes. Dining
In the evening dinner too, offers a choice of both Western and Burmese dishes. The local cuisine shows influences from its neighbours Thailand, India and China as well as reflecting its own indigenous tastes. This latter can include seafood and freshwater fish as well as chicken and all kinds of meat served with noodles, potato or rice. Fresh fruits and vegetables are always available while sour and shellfish based soups or vegetables with noodles are very popular. Flavours are enhanced by herbs and spices such as tamarind, ginger, lemongrass and chilli. A comprehensive wine cellar is on offer to guests while a complementary selection of local beers and soft drinks are available at each meal to complement our menus.
Ananda’s sundeck is an area of peace and calm where you can relax and enjoy the countryside, villages, farms and temples as you float past. Comfortable, inviting sun loungers are shaded by canopies for when the sun is too high, while the plunge pool provides a cooling experience. Complimentary early morning meditation and yoga is offered each day on the sundeck. Our Thambyadine spa and gym are available on the Yangon deck where guests can enjoy invigorating workouts or relaxing massage and sensual spa treatments. Our Kansi panorama lounge is fully air-conditioned and has floor to ceiling windows, providing uninterrupted views of the passing scenery. It’s the ideal place for mid-morning coffee, afternoon tea or evening cocktails, while a number of lectures and demonstrations on the culture and traditions of Myanmar take place here so that you can learn more about this magical country. Its comfortable chairs and colonial style sofas allow plenty of space for relaxing as well. Life on Board
30 One of the greatest attractions of Myanmar is its people: their charm, gentleness and hospitality. And it is a great pleasure for us to introduce you not only to this extraordinary country, but to its people. Sanctuary Retreats is committed to support local communities and projects to help bring work and investment to the land. Ananda itself is being built at a local Myanmar shipyard by two Burmese brothers, U Soe Naing and Myo Aung, and will be based out of Mandalay bringing new jobs at our private dock in Ava. All our guides are Burmese Myanmar experts who will share their knowledge and expertise with you. They will organise opportunities for guests to enjoy interacting with local communities, from eating in local restaurants and visiting local markets and workshops to watching silversmiths, lacquer workers, cigar makers and weavers display their age-old traditions. They will share with you the fun of local transport, be it a bullock cart or a swift rowboat. They will take you to off-the-beaten-track temples and monasteries. Most importantly of all, they will introduce you to local communities and tribespeople. It will be their pleasure to share their country with you. Not only will Sanctuary Retreats aid local employment and training, but also we are already involved in helping local orphaned children. This is a cause close to the heart of Goldene, one of our leading guides who looks after the abandoned children from the Nargis cyclone and is now funding their secondary education. We are supporting small local businesses such as the ladies who make soap for our suites and the local weavers making the fabrics for our bedroom headboards. We are also researching further projects, including freshwater wells for villages without clean drinking water. We want the people of Myanmar to know how much they are valued and how crucial they are in helping us — and you — to know and enjoy their homeland. Community
The extraordinary thing about visiting Myanmar is that guests always want the experience and the holiday to linger on, because there is always more to see, more to do, and more enchantment lying in wait. This is why we offer a number of extensions where you can spend time discovering more about this magical country – whether it’s an extra few days in Yangon, a visit to the villages of Inle Lake, a short stay in a monastery, a trip to the hill stations of the north, time to discover more about the tribal people of Shan State or simply some relaxation time on the beach at Ngapali, Sanctuary Retreats will make it happen for you. Touring Around Myanmar 37 When the time comes to relax and consider all the wonders of Myanmar you have seen and visited, there is no better place than Ngapali. Not only does it have the best beach in Myanmar at Sandoway, it is also a place full of gentle people, wonderful restaurants and almost constant sunshine. Even for those connoisseurs of beach holidays, Sandoway is a complete surprise and revelation. Here in a country of pagodas and palaces, a country still so unexplored, it is also possible to discover a pristine beach with pale gold sand edging down to a clear warm sea … a sea which invites and excites. Even better, dotted along the sands are friendly little beach cafes serving the freshest fish, the crispest salads and the most exotic of fruits – sustenance and sunshine, a gorgeous combination. Located in Rakhine, the westernmost state of Myanmar, where the Arakan Mountains come down to the turquoise waters of the Bay of Bengal it provides the perfect way to end your holiday. Ngapali
34 39 Yangon
The former capital is a glorious mélange of temples, a thriving port and colourful markets. Take a walking tour along the esplanade to see gracious British heritage mansions and the elegance of the Strand and Pansoden Street. Enjoy the bustle of the food and flower markets, the Chinese area, the secondhand bookstalls, but most of all visit the Shwedagon Pagoda. This is the most important Buddhist shrine in Myanmar as well as the most awe-inspiring. Seen across the city, it’s sheathed in gold and topped by a crown of 2,317 rubies, 5,448 diamonds with a huge 76 carat diamond at the top. Or visit the reclining Buddha at Chaukhtatgyi Paya and its small shrine to Ma Thay, a holy man who could stop rain. For something totally different head for Bogyoke Market. It’s a spellbinding place with local handicrafts – Shan bags and slippers, t-shirts, scarves and longyi, not to mention the pearls and gems for which Myanmar is renowned. The National Museum offers a tour of the country’s past while the city streets offer a rich experience of its people and life. Kalaw and Pindaya The centre of trekking and hiking heaven lies just west of Inle Lake in the Shan Plateau, and is the gateway for travellers to visit a number of tribal settlements and villages of the Shan, Palaung and Danu people. Overnight trekkers are invited to spend the night in one of the many monasteries dotted throughout the hills, an authentic experience almost as old as time and a privilege for any traveller.
En route to Kalaw, stop at Pindaya, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. It is comprised of three caves, of which only one can be entered and which contains more than 8,000 images of the Buddha, many with inscriptions brought by supplicants. The area, famed for its paper umbrellas and hand-rolled cheroots, is also host to an itinerant market every five days. A vast freshwater lake, 900 metres above sea level, in the heart of the Shan Plateau, Inle Lake is a magical water wonderland. Surrounded by mountains, edged by floating gardens, plant nurseries and villages on stilts and host to one of the best floating markets in Asia. Add to that monasteries and stupas, pagodas and paddy fields; a visit to the traditional silk weavers is also not to be missed. Here they spin, weave, dye and make garments, textiles and accessories often incorporating a yarn they make from the fibres of the lotus plant, which is Inle Lake unique to this area. The lake is also home to the Inthe people who are famed for their extraordinary leg-rowing technique, which allows them to keep their hands free for fishing. Another wonder can be seen at a lakeside monastery where the monks have taught their cats how to leap on command – a true sight to behold. Spend a day on the lake to truly savour its offerings. Thadingyut festival, one of Myanmar’s best known events, takes place here every autumn, almost immediately after the three-week Phaung Daw U festival.
China and Myanmar Itinerary 42 43 Combine one of our Myanmar cruises with a China cruise and get to know and marvel at the magic of two great Asian rivers – the Yangtze and the Ayeyarwady. Join Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer at Chongqing or Yichang in China, for either a three- or four-night cruise along the mighty Yangtze where you can see the glorious Three Gorges region, alongside the eponymous dam, the largest on earth. You then go on to visit ancient towns such as Fengdu, learn the authentic way to prepare tea and tour in a local sampan along smaller tributaries. You can even learn to cook dumplings and begin each day with a tai chi class. From Chongqing it’s a short flight to Kunming and then on to Mandalay, where you embark Sanctuary Ananda to head south along the Ayeryarwady. An unforgettable journey now begins to the ancient imperial capital of Ava and to Sagaing, the centre of the Buddhist faith in Myanmar, before arriving in the great plain of Bagan and the 2,000 pagodas that make up one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world. See sanctuaryretreats.com for more details. Mrauk U
In the northern Rakhine state is the village of Mrauk U, which was once the capital of a sizeable empire and is now an archaeological site of some 700 temples. Until recently this area was off-limits to tourists and few outsiders have ever seen it. Travel there by small boats along the river from Sittwe, before visiting some of the pagodas by either horse drawn cart or bicycle, including the Shittaung Paya, the Dukkanthein Paya and Kothaung Payas. Look on them and marvel that though they sit there in their timeless idyll, life goes on around them with the villagers and farmers working the land and the fields. Monywa Monywa is a thriving commercial centre on the banks of the Chindwin River, trading in jaggery and a number of regional crafts including bamboo and textiles. However, its major attraction is the glorious Mohnyin Thambuddhei Paya Temple, which dates back to the twelfth century, albeit reconstructed in the first half of the 20th century. Its walls are covered in tiny Buddha images. Nearby is the Bodhi Tataung Laykyun Setkyar, the second-tallest standing Buddha in the world at 129 metres. This is located in a vast area housing numerous statues and stupas.
44 Sanctuary Retreats offer some of the most exclusive travel experiences and destinations in the world. We promise adventure, enchantment, and enlightenment in natural luxury. Visit one of our lodges or camps in Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda or Zambia to experience the African wilderness in all its glory. Walk with the elephants in Botswana, meet the Maasai tribespeople on the vast Masai Mara, trek to find gorillas in Uganda or luxuriate in a star bath in Botswana – all magical experiences. Cruise with us in style and splendour along some of the world’s great rivers – the Nile, the Ayeyarwady, the Yangtze – or discover the Galapagos and all its wonders. It would be our pleasure to have you as our guest at one of our 13 lodges and safari camps or on one of our eight boutique cruise ships. Please see our website sanctuaryretreats.com for further information. Our Sanctuary Portfolio 46 46 47 At Sanctuary Retreats, we believe that luxury is as much about experiencing the true beauty and charm of a destination as it is the quality of the service we deliver. This is why we are proud to champion and support local people, their crafts, traditions, knowledge and history in each destination where we have a lodge or ship. This is why our newest ship, Ananda, is being built in a Myanmar shipyard by local shipbuilders using local materials … and why we felt that our brochure, too, needed to reflect the country’s arts and traditions. Throughout Myanmar, especially around the temples and monasteries of Bagan, local artists show their paintings – gentle watercolours depicting the beauty and majesty that surrounds them: the pagodas, the statues and the shrines, the skies, the landscapes and the people. We felt this would be the perfect introduction to a country our guests had heard so much about … and yet still knew so little. A country opening like a flower before us. And then we met Maung Thiha, a renowned watercolourist who has been capturing the magic of his city, Bagan, from his quiet roadside gallery for over 43 years. Maung Thiha does not speak English and our marketing director does not speak Burmese, but through the patience and imagination of our guide Zaw Lynn, along with a number of digital renderings of the ship, discussions about aspect ratios and river views, we are proud to present the illustrations in this, our first brochure for our Ananda. This is a true artist’s impression of a new ship in an age-old landscape highlighting its serenity and beauty. Our Brochure Story 47 tO MAke A BOOkiNG pLeAse cONtAct YOuR tRAveL pROfessiONAL, OR visit sANctuARYRetReAts.cOM/MYANMAR Yüklə 3,42 Mb. Dostları ilə paylaş:
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