Myanmar’s Irrawaddy River has always been the mainline in the country’s transportation network. Even now with paved highways spreading out as the country modernizes, the river remains important for transporting goods. As travelers discover the Southeast Asian nation’s beautiful secrets, and the tourism and hospitality industry opens up, enterprising operators have already been running riverboat cruises between the cultural heritage sites of Bagan and Mandalay. Now, as more affluent travelers seek out Myanmar as a new, exotic destination, the boats are getting increasingly upscale and luxurious.
The bar for luxury river cruises on the Irrawaddy was raised considerably late last year when Sanctuary Retreats launched their newest boat, the Sanctuary Ananda. Now, after enjoying the top spot on the upscale list for less than a year, two new ships are getting set to join the Ananda: The Avalon Myanmar from US-based Avalon Waterways, and perhaps most excitingly, The Strand from the iconic Strand Hotel in Yangon, Myanmar.
All of these boats have less than 30 cabins, and a high staff-to-guest ratio ensuring that every need is met. Rooms and lounges are well appointed with fine silks and polished teak. Experienced chefs serve up the highest quality local and international cuisine. Each boat features a swimming pool on the rooftop deck, and a spa and wellness center where guests can unwind with the rich traditions of Asian massage and therapies to relax the body, mind and soul.
The main route traveled by all of these ships is Mandalay to Bagan. Mandalay was the last royal capital of Burma, and also the seat of power for the British Empire in the North of the country. It is still considered to be Myanmar’s cultural capital, with too many worthwhile attractions in and around the city to mention here. Bagan, for those unfamiliar with it, is an absolutely exquisite destination. Like Machu Picchu in Peru, and Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Bagan is the crown jewel in Myanmar’s proud cultural history, and now the top attraction for tourists.
More than 2000 temples and stupas dot the Bagan Plain for as far as the eye can see. Even with the increasing popularity, it’s no trouble at all for adventurous travelers to cycle around the area and find themselves alone among the 11th-13th Century temples. The only way to truly take in the immense scale and beauty of Bagan is with a dawn hot air balloon ride, to see the rising sun illuminating the eastern side of the stupas, their shortening shadows piercing the fine mist across the plain. The balloons only fly in clear weather, are up to Western safety standards, and have an immaculate safety record.
Depending on the specific boat and the water level, there may be other routes available outside of Mandalay – Bagan. The longer Yangon – Bagan – Mandalay route is available at certain times, and smaller tributary rivers may be explored as well. And of course all of the companies can assist in booking onward overland journeys and tours. For now, The Strand will only ply the three to four day Mandalay – Bagan stretch of River. The Ananda and Avalon will do the shorter trip, and also offer longer and more varied itineraries, with the former offering journeys up to 11 days, and the latter with options as long as 19 days.
The Irrawaddy River has always been the lifeblood of Burmese civilization. A slow journey along what Rudyard Kipling called ‘the Road to Mandalay’ is the best way to experience the beauty of Myanmar. With stops at local villages, markets and temples, led by experienced local guides with strong language skills, travelers can see life on the river as it’s always been lived, as well as the remarkable changes coming to Myanmar as the country opens back up to the world.
After a long day of exploring, there’s nothing like unwinding with a massage, afternoon tea or perhaps a gin and tonic, and a gourmet dinner. Luxury river cruises have well and truly arrived in Myanmar, and the competition between boats should keep these once-in-a-lifetime journeys affordable for many travelers. Travel deals and discounts are common during the low season of late Spring to early Fall, either through direct bookings or travel agents. Now is the ideal time to experience one of the world’s premier new cultural travel destinations.