Monywa to Bagan Cruise: The Sanctuary Ananda (Price & Bookings 2021)

Monywa to Mandalay – Bagan River Cruise ( 5 days / 4 nights)

DAY 1

SET SAIL FROM MANDALAY

Check in at 12:30pm and settle into your suite. If you arrive on an earlier flight we can arrange a tour of Mandalay. This will include a visit to Mahamuni Pagoda, Shwenandaw Monastery and lastly a visit to Kuthodaw Pagoda (Maha Lawka Marazein). Kuthodaw is often called the biggest book in the world, for surrounding it are 729 marble slabs inscribed with the Tripitaka texts (Buddhist cannon).

Lunch will be served on board as we cruise towards the pagoda sprinkled hills of Sagaing.

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.

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. After sunset, return to the Sanctuary Ananda.

A local performance will be followed by dinner on board.

DAY 2

SAILING TO SALINGYI

Today is spent sailing south towards Salingyi. Take the opportunity to enjoy the on board activities and amenities.

After breakfast, our Executive Chef will take you on a culinary journey through the unique favours of Myanmar with a cooking demonstration. This is a great opportunity to discover what spices, meats and vegetables are used in traditional Burmese cooking, giving you lots of recipe inspiration you can take home with you.

After lunch a variety of on board activities will be offered including a back of house tour, a longyi (sarong) and thanaka (cosmetic) demonstration and a talk on Myanmar – covering the country’s incredibly rich history, the recent controversial decades to the outlook for the future of The Golden Land.

As we continue to sail south, enjoy the scenery of Myanmar’s river from Sanctuary Ananda’s sundeck. The inviting sun-loungers are shaded by canopies for when the sun is too high, while the plunge pool provides a cooling experience. There is also the option to visit our in-ship spa where there is a wide selection of treatments to choose from.

Try therapies such as a traditional Thai massage or reflexology session. Our signature treatments include the ‘Ananda body scrub’ and ‘Ananda facial’, all using L’Occitane products and guaranteed to leave you feeling rejuvenated and ready for everything Myanmar has to offer.

Just before sunset we will enter the Chindwin River and start sailing upstream towards Monywa. This is an altogether different river to the Irrawaddy so expect the scenery to change dramatically and beautifully.

A delicious dinner will bring the day to an end.

Myanmar, Sanctuary Ananda

DAY 3

PO WIN CAVES & BODHI TATHAUNG

This morning, visit the Po Win Taung caves near Shwe Ba Taung. Carved out of the sandstone hills, this setting is breathtakingly special to behold, and a highlight of any trip to Myanmar. More ancient than the Thanboddhay pagoda are the two cave pagoda complexes of Po win taung and Shwe ba taung, believed to be over 300 years old. There are almost one thousand caves in which both the Buddha images and the thrones were carved out of living rock.

The natural shape of the caves was kept, and 17th century wall paintings in exquisite detail cover the interior walls. The entrances are rimmed with traditional motifs of vines and flowers, in high or low relief. Figures of mythical beings and traditional design elements are seen both carved and painted.

After the morning’s exciting excursion, we’ve chosen the perfect spot to serve a gourmet picnic lunch, offering exceptional views of the surrounding scenery.

Next we’ll head on to the intricately decorated golden Thanboddhay Pagoda, a truly staggering sight with its hundreds of crumbling stupas and almost half a million images of Buddha located in the niches around the inner wall.

Afterward, visit Bodhi Tataung where you can see the two enormous Buddha statues – the one reclining is about 333 foot long, and the other stands at a record height of 424 feet. The reason we bring you here at this time of day is that it is best appreciated in the afternoon light.

Back on board, enjoy a delicious dinner and cocktails on board.

DAY 4

BAGAN

After breakfast, join one of our chefs who will take you to the local market in Pakokku where mouth-watering fruit and vegetables are laid out with consummate style.

We will return to the Sanctuary Ananda for lunch as we sail on to Bagan.

After lunch on board, we will visit a small pagoda complex to see the different architecture of the stupas first-hand.

Next, 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 (as distinct from Mon style) following the country’s conversion to Theravada Buddhism, and 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.

Enjoy the sunset over the Bagan plains. 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 Irrawaddy River, filling the sky with a reddish glow, a truly magic moment.

A local performance will be followed by dinner on board.

Myanmar, Sanctuary Ananda

DAY 5

DISEMBARK IN 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. 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.

Next visit a lacquerware workshop. This ancient craft has been produced in Bagan since the time of King Anawrahta around 1050 AD. Here in the workshop the traditional methods are still used.

Cabin Prices

Low 01 Apr – 15 Apr; 29 Jul; 26 Aug; 16 – 30 Sep

Medium 04 – 25 Mar; 02 – 16 Dec

High 01 Jan – 26 Feb; 07 Oct – 25 Nov

Peak 23 – 30 Dec

Departure Dates The Sanctuary Ananda Cruise 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.