Bagan – Mandalay – Bagan Luxury Cruise: Sanctuary Cruise (Price & Bookings 2021)

Bagan – Mandalay – Bagan Luxury Cruise ( 8 days / 7 nights)

DAY 1

SET SAIL IN BAGAN

Check in at 12:30pm and settle into your suite.

If you arrive on an early flight we will arrange for you to take a tour in Bagan. Leaving at 9am we will visit a local village in the heart of the Bagan plain, to see the way of life of the local people, before visiting a lacquerware workshop. This ancient craft has been practised in Bagan since the time of King Anawrahta around 1050 AD. Here in the workshop, the traditional methods are still used.

After lunch on board, we will visit Kayminga pagoda complex to see the different architecture of the stupas first-hand. This is the perfect starting point to understand how Bagan was built over several centuries and how the architectural style has evolved.

Next, we visit the Ananda Temple. Completed in 1091 AD, it is commonly referred to as one of the four great temples in Bagan. The Ananda is regarded by folklore as one of the most beautiful temples in Myanmar.

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 Ayeyarwady 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.

Sanctuary Ananda

DAY 2

BAGAN

Take an optional early morning balloon tour* to capture a birds-eye view of the Bagan plain, followed by breakfast back on board. Alternatively, visit the bustling local market of Nyaung U, the daily market where farmers meet to buy and sell a variety of goods, ranging from fruit and vegetables to china and lacquerware.

After our visit to Nyaung U, we will move on to the great golden Shwezigon Pagoda. This holds a special place among Burmese pagodas for two reasons: it was the first major monument built in the Burmese style following the country’s conversion to Theravada Buddhism, and it was the first pagoda to have nat (spirit) images allowed within the precinct. The Shwezigon is said to contain important relics of the Gautama Buddha – two bones and a copy of a tooth.

We will then return to the ship for lunch and start sailing upstream towards Sagaing. Visually, Myanmar is unique: the eye is constantly delighted by scenes of beauty. A group of ladies perch on rocks chatting during their daily wash. An ox-cart waits on the banks for a boat to arrive and unload its goods. There is no better way to enjoy this riverine picture than from the Kansi Panorama Lounge.

After lunch, a variety of on board activities will be on offer, 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.

A delicious dinner in the Talifoo Restaurant will then follow.

*Balloons Over Bagan tour is available at an additional cost. Please book in advance. Available 1 October – 30 March. Subject to weather conditions on the day of flight.

DAY 3

MANDALAY

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 centre, 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.

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.

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 and each evening you can watch monks crossing the bridge to collect food donations. This is a wonderfully spiritual experience. The view of the bridge as the sun goes down is perhaps one of the most beautiful sights in Mandalay, making it an excellent photograph opportunity. After sunset, return to the Sanctuary Ananda.

A local performance will be followed by dinner on board.

Myanmar, Sanctuary Ananda

DAY 4

MANDALAY

This morning enjoy a tour of Mandalay. This will include a visit to 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 Thibaw, moved the monastery out of the 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 surrounding it are 729 marble slabs inscribed with the Tripitaka texts (Buddhist cannon). Then, we will move to Mahamuni Pagoda, one of Myanmar’s most religious monuments housing the revered Mahamuni Image.

Enjoy lunch in one of the local restaurants.

In the afternoon, visit a gold leaf beating workshop where you will see how the thin gold leaf that covers Buddha statues is produced. Follow this with a visit to a bronze-casting workshop to learn how the impressively-large statues you’ve seen across Myanmar are made.

Your last stop of the day will be at the 774 foot (236m) high Mandalay Hill upon which the Su Taung Pyai Pagoda rests. Once you reach the summit (via either one of the staircases or more relaxing escalators) you will be afforded a 360-degree view of Mandalay, from the Shan mountain range to the east to the Royal Palace in the south.

Dinner will be served on board.

DAY 5

SIN KYUN

Early this morning Sanctuary Ananda will sail north to the quaint village of Sin Kyun, a village just north of Mandalay which is sponsored by Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy. It has a population of just under 1,000 inhabitants and specializes in farming and hat making.

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

After the village tour we set sail towards Tan Chi Taung. Enjoy the beautiful scenery from the ship while passing Mingun, where you can see the unfinished Mingun Pagoda.

As we continue our journey south, relax as we sail past villages, set against a backdrop of soft browns and rich tamarind trees with white and golden pagodas gracing the distant hills.

After lunch, enjoy our onboard activities, including a back of house tour, followed by a delicious dinner.

Myanmar, Sanctuary Ananda

DAY 6

TAN CHI TAUNG

After breakfast, join our Executive Chef for a cooking demonstration to test your knowledge of local delicacies and learn how to create delicious Asian dishes.

We’ll spend the rest of the morning sailing downstream towards Bagan, which means you have ample time to enjoy the luxuries on board Sanctuary Ananda. Maybe have a spa treatment or relax by the pool with a book from our library?

Enjoy lunch as we enter pagoda sprinkled Bagan.

After lunch on board, we will head to the top of Tan Chi Taung mountain to enjoy your first glimpse of the Bagan plain, containing more than 2,000 pagodas and stupas. Next, we will watch an Elephant dance on the shore, an age old acrobatic dance used to entertain the Bagan people. As we sail back to our jetty, enjoy the breathtaking and beautiful sunset from the Kansi Panorama Lounge with one of our signature cocktails.

Tonight, a candlelit dinner is served on the banks of the Irrawaddy river.

DAY 7

BAGAN

Enjoy a morning tour of Bagan. Leaving at 9am we will visit the three tiered Htilominlo temple built during the reign of King Htilominlo in the heart of the Bagan plain, to see the way of life of the local people. A horse-cart will be your mode of transport through the Bagan plains, with several photo stops and a visit to Sulamani pagoda along the way.

After lunch on board, depart to visit Kyauk Gu U Min Temple, one of only four temples in Bagan built from stone brick. Built into a river bank, this is a temple unlike any other in Bagan. Known as the ‘Rock Cave Tunnel’, this cave-like temple is the perfect place to meditate. Enjoy this wonder as you stroll past the underground corridors lit up by light wells.

Before returning to the ship, visit a local village where you will be able to witness the traditional way of life for the Burmese people of this region. Get the chance to feel like a local as you wander past their settlements. It is interesting to see how unaffected their daily routine is in the shadow of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The day will come to an end with a farewell dinner on board.

Myanmar, Sanctuary Ananda

DAY 8

BAGAN

Enjoy an early breakfast on your final morning before check-out at 9am.

If you are departing on a later flight we will arrange for you to take a tour in Bagan, departing at 9am.

Cabin Prices

Low     05 – 19 Apr; 26 Jul; 23 – 30 Aug; 13 – 27 Sep

Medium    01 Mar – 29 Mar; 06 Dec – 20 Dec

High     05 Jan – 23 Feb; 04 Oct – 29 Nov

Peak     27-Dec

Departure Dates The Sanctuary Ananda 2020 / 2021

*Rates are based per person / on double/twin cabin occupancy, single cabin suppl. apply.

Rates quoted in this agreement are valid from 1^st November 2010 to 30^th December 2021.

RATES INCLUDE   

• Rates include all meals, soft drinks and local beer during the day, local wine with lunch and dinner, guided excursions, and all port charges.
• Prices exclude international and internal flights, transfers, wine (outside of meals), spirits and gratuities.
• Rates are subject to availability and can be withdrawn without prior notice anytime at the sole discretion of Sanctuary Retreats.

RATES EXCLUDE

• Any items of a personal nature such as laundry (if not staying in the Luxury Suites or the Owner’s Suite), telephone calls and purchases from the gift shop
• Extra optional excursions other than those mentioned
• International and domestic flights or transfers other than those mentioned
• Wine (outside of meals) and spirits
• Gratuity to staff
• Medical services, travel insurance or visas
• Other meals than those mentioned

ADDITIONAL NOTES

• Regardless of occupancy, the minimum Owner’s Suite rate is two full paying adults.
• The lounge area can be converted to accommodate an extra adult or one/two children each paying 50% of the adult rates.
• All single occupancy bookings are subject to the single supplements – please contact us for details.
• Deluxe Suites do not offer triple accommodation but 2 sets of interconnecting deluxe suites are available.

CHILD POLICY 

• Children aged 6 and over are welcome on board Sanctuary Ananda.
• One child aged up to and including 12 years sharing a Luxury Suite with two adults pays 75% of the adult rate.
• One or two children aged up to and including 12 years sharing the Owner’s Suite with two paying adults pay 50% of the adult rate.
• On all other occasions children pay the adult rate.
• Luxury Suites can accommodate an extra child by converting the sofa into a smaller bed. Maximum occupancy of a Luxury Suite is 2 adults and 1 child or 1 adult and 2 children.
• The living area of the Owner’s Suite can be converted to accommodate one extra adult or one or two children.

ON-BOARD ESCAPISM

Marvel at lush untouched countryside, gold-spired temples and rare birdlife without straying from Sanctuary Ananda’s peaceful sundeck. Can there be a more soul-uplifting start to the day than early-morning meditation in this tranquil setting? We promise entertainment to match every mood.

Browse coffee-table art and history books in the library or borrow a bestseller to read by the pool; discover up-and-coming Myanmar artists in the gallery and buy pieces to take home; finish your day with a citrus-enhanced Sanctuary Sour in the sociable cocktail bar. We keep you inspired from dawn until dusk and beyond. Sign up for edifying lectures and masterclasses where you can learn about traditional thanaka make-up techniques and how to dress in longyi.

To unwind, try therapies such as a traditional Thai massage or reflexology session in the Thambyadine spa by L’Occitane.

THAMBYADINE SPA BY L’OCCITANE

Sanctuary Ananda has partnered with L’Occitane en Provence to offer an unrivalled spa experience to our guests. Our expert therapists have been trained by L’Occitane en Provence to deliver the best treatments in Myanmar while our menu has been exclusively designed to embrace traditional Burmese therapies that stay true to the L’Occitane spa experience.

We invite you to explore our range of treatments in our Thambyadine Spa by L’Occitane.

FIRST-CLASS CUISINE

The fragrant flavours of Myanmar, including lemongrass, kaffir lime and sweet chilli, are evoked as we handpick the freshest local ingredients during our village-market visits. Specially crafted menus and inspired dining experiences encompass dishes such as soft-shell crab, red curries, and mango and pomelo salad.

Enjoy dinners à la carte in our Talifoo restaurant, with soft drinks, local beers and selected wines available on the house. Mindoon is the perfect spot to enjoy al fresco breakfast and lunches, with a tempting buffet as well as à la carte options. Relish breath-stealing views through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the air-conditioned Kansi panorama lounge while you take afternoon tea with traditional treats and organic teas and coffee.

SOPHISTICATED SUITES

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.

OWNER’S SUITE (75M² / 807FT²)

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 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.

LUXURY SUITES (31-33M² / 334-356FT²)

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

DELUXE SUITES (27-28M² / 291-301FT²)

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

SUITES (27M² / 291²)

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 monsoon shower, basin and separate toilet. The suites have individually controlled air conditioning and have open balconies.

KANSI PANORAMA LOUNGE & SUN DECK

Picture windows with uninterrupted river views in widescreen make this the perfect place to pause for a decadent afternoon tea or a dragon fruit smoothie. Sign up for lectures or demonstrations and you’ll be enlightened in pure, air-conditioned comfort. The lounge leads directly out to the sundeck where you can take a dip in the plunge pool or enjoy a sunrise meditation session.

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MINDOON AL FRESCO

Fresh air and fine food await – from just- squeezed juices and house-baked pastries at the Continental breakfast buffet to a menu of local and international favourites. Lunchtime brings an irresistible salad buffet and a spread of desserts as well as à la carte options.

LIBRARY

An intimate and cultured setting that’s not only a destination for its literature, and a great place to socialise with new friends, it can be privately reserved for dinners à deux or other special occasions.

Terms and Conditions

1. 1. Travel Terms & Conditions

   The purchase of any travel services offered by MyanMarvels Travel and Tours, constitutes a contractual arrangement between you (the Traveler) and MyanMarvels Travel and Tours, based in Yangon, Myanmar, and represents your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand the Terms & Conditions prior to booking.

   Important Notes

   • Cruises departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change
   • A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is required for MyanMarvels Travel and Tours to secure the cabin for you.

   The following charges are not included in the river cruise holiday  price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; domestic flights, unless specified in the itinerary; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; port fee, unless specified in the itinerary; guide tips, alcoholic drinks unless specified in the cruise itinerary, Myanmar Visa, Vaccinations, Travel Insurance, Laundry, Telephone.

    

   2. PRICE GUARANTEE Once you have paid in full for your trip, you are safe from any additional charges.

    

   Cruise Price

   The ‘Myanmar Cruises Price’ is the total amount listed on your itinerary. All Tour Prices are quoted in U.S. Dollars. MyanMarvels Travel and Tours reserves the right to vary Cruise Prices at any time to account for any increase in costs, including but not limited to airfares, fuel, government taxes and charges, exchange rate fluctuations or other tour related costs or tariffs. If payment if received received the full amount of the River Cruise from the customer , there will be no increases to your Cruise price, regardless of any increases in the tour costs inside or outside of our control.

   Incoming Taxes. Sales taxes assessed by Myanmar & Local authorities  as identified on your itinerary are included in the Cruise Price.

    

   3. Booking/Payment.

   Booking / Deposit. You must pay the deposit listed on the itinerary (the “Deposit”) within 5 days of booking your travel. Your Booking will be automatically canceled if your Deposit is not received by MyanMarvels Travel and Tours on or before the due date. A 20% deposit of your total booking value with The Sanctuary Ananda is required upon confirmation and is non-refundable.

    

   Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable, except as otherwise expressly stated herein.

   Final Payment. The balance of the Tour Price must be paid no later than 90 days prior to the tour departure date. Failure to pay the balance within 90 days of the tour departure date will result in cancellation of your trip and loss of the Deposit.

   Please note that the remitting party must cover their own bank charges.

   Bookings Within 90 Days. If you place a river cruise booking with MyaMarvels Travel and Tours within 90 days or less of your chosen departure date, full payment of the Tour Price is required before we can request and confirm your booking. If the tour is not able to be fully confirmed, then we will refund all funds paid to us, and MyanMarvels Travel and Tours will have no further obligations or liability to you in respect of your booking.

   INFORMATION REQUIRED

   • Full name as in your passport
   • Date of birth
   • Full passport details
   • Email address & Phone Number
   • Disabilities
   • Medical conditions
   • Dietary restrictions you make known to river cruise company
   • Emergency contact (non-participant)

   If any additional information is required, it will be requested from you with your reservation.

   4. CANCELLATIONS Terms for The Sanctuary Ananda River Cruise Ships:

   No OF DAYS’ NOTICE PRIOR TO CRUISE COMMENCEMENT – CANCELLATION CHARGE (per person)

   • 90 days and greater Loss of the  Deposit
   • 89-60 days 35% of Cruise Price
   • 59-30 days 50% of Cruise Price
   • Less than 30 days 100% of Cruise Price

    

   5. Cruise Variation, Cancellation or Delay.

   Itinerary Variations. While MyanMarvels  Travel and Tours & its local cruise partners will make reasonable efforts to operate the tour in accordance with your itinerary, changes or substitutions may be necessary for reasons outside Cruise company control or other Force Majeure Events.

   On tours that include cruises, the ship may be changed due to operational reasons. For departures in early and late season operated in cool weather conditions, itinerary variations may occur and certain activities may not be available due to seasonality or weather conditions. Availability of certain activities may also be limited due to itinerary variations.

   Minimum Required Bookings. Your booking is conditional on The Sanctuary Ananda River Cruise Myanmar receiving a minimum number of bookings to operate the tour and ensure an enjoyable group atmosphere.

   For cruise departures where occupancy is less than 5 cabins the company reserve the right to cancel the departure giving all passengers with confirmed bookings 30 days prior notice of this intention. An alternative departure date will be offered subject to availability. If this alternative date is not acceptable to the passenger any down payments made for the cancelled cruise will be refunded. In the event that a passenger has cancelled and paid cancellation fees and the Company subsequently cancel that departure then any cancellation fees (and down payment) will be refunded in full on the request of the passenger. The company reserves the right to change a cabin allocated without notice and in the event that a passenger is downgraded to a cheaper cabin then the difference in cost between the cabins will be refunded to the passenger or the passenger’s agents.

   MyanMarvels Travel and Tours  will endeavor to notify you of any changes to your tour itinerary in the following  manner: (a) if prior to  your tour departure, we will notify you by telephone, email or mail; and (b) if during your tour, personally by your Cruise Director.

    

   6. Force Majeure. For the purposes of these terms and conditions, a ‘Force Majeure Event’ means any act of God; war; terrorism; fire; flood or any other extreme weather condition; loss of power; epidemics or pandemics; industrial disputes, slow-downs or other strike activities; riots or civil disturbances; acts of government, semi-government or other authorities; inability to obtain any necessary license or consent; delays caused by subcontractors, suppliers or other third parties (including telecommunications carriers); material shortages; or other any other disruption, delay, damage or loss resulting from any action, omission or event outside the reasonable control of The Sanctuary Ananda River Cruise.

   You hereby acknowledge and agree that The Sanctuary Ananda River Cruise is not liable for any delay or any failure by The Sanctuary Ananda River Cruise to perform its obligations under these Terms and Conditions resulting from or as a consequence of a Force Majeure Event. lf a delay or failure occurs or is anticipated due to Force Majeure Event, The Sanctuary Ananda River Cruise obligations are suspended for the duration of the Force Majeure Event. If the Force Majeure Event delays performance for a period of 7 days or more, calculated from the date MyanMarvels notifies you of the Force Majeure Event, then MyanMarvels may terminate this agreement and, in such event, you will be issued a future travel credit equal to the amount You paid to MyanMarvels hereunder, less any non-refundable third-party costs. Please note that you are limited to the future travel credit and will not be entitled to a cash refund.

   In these circumstances, The Sanctuary Ananda will offer all affected bookings an alternative departure date and itinerary. If no suitable alternative can be offered, a credit for future cruise will be provided for the guests to make a new booking at a later date. In the event of a cruise being cancelled as a result of the above force majeure situations following the commencement of that cruise period then The Sanctuary Ananda is under no obligation to provide any such offer.