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Impressive Gorges

Impressive Gorges

HORHL
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Description

The scenery of the Upper Ayeyarwady is the most dramatic along the 1,200-miles of the river along the three ‘defiles’ (sometimes erroneously referred to as gorges). Passing through the second of these is particularly memorable. Within that defile there is a famous rock, painted like a parrot’s beak. It has been used as a water level marker for many years and is needed due to the great water difference between the seasons. Although the rain water of the monsoon does contribute, the real supplier to the river is the melting waters of
the Burmese Himalaya mountains. It’s a beautiful and unspoiled part of the world that makes travelling here a life enriching adventure.

Trip Name
Impressive Gorges
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: River Boat/Small Ship Passenger Capacity: 46 Length: 65 m Built: 2015 With the largest cabin space on the Ayeyarwady river,  Anawrahta offers the finest on-board experience in Myanmar. This impressive vessel is named after the founder of the Burmese nation, the modern day Myanmar. During his reign, from 1044-1077, he introduced and spread the religion of Theravada Buddhism throughout the land. King Anawrahta was born in 1014. His mother was Myaunk Pyinthe and his father, King Kuhshaw Kyaunghpyu was once the ruler of Pagan. His father was overthrown by his stepbrothers, Kyiso and Sokkate. Anawrahta upon coming of age and learning the betrayal of his father, challenged Sokkate to a duel and won, bringing back the crown to their family. King Anawrahta made Pagan the capital of Burma and described it as the “City of a thousand temples” because of the numerous structures, temples and pagodas built there. He also unified the country and introduced Theravada Buddhism, the oldest and most traditional form of the practice that focuses on the “Teachings of the Elders.” Blending the purity and serenity of King Anawrahta’s Buddhist beliefs with the opulence of the British Empire, Anawrahta is the perfect vessel on which to explore Myanmar’s mighty Ayeyarwady River. Built to resemble a British colonial paddle steamer, the elegant 65-meter/ 214 feet long Anawrahta features three spacious decks and 23 luxurious cabins. With its gleaming white rails, polished lacquer, intricately carved woodwork and shining brass, Anawrahta takes guests back in time to an era of bygone elegance. KIPLING'S BAR Set on the Terrace Deck, the Kipling’s Bar is the perfect place to watch the world slip by as you enjoy your favorite wine or cocktail. With its high ceilings, large windows and colonial-style rattan chairs, the Kipling’s Bar invites guests to relax and contemplate the passing river life. With colors inspired by local spices, the Kipling’s Bar is a spacious 157-square meters/ 1,690-square feet. MANDALAY LOUNGE With polished wood floors, comfortable rattan chairs and traditional Burmese decorations, the 162-square meter/ 1,744-square feet Mandalay Lounge has the relaxed feel of a colonial club, at once exclusive and welcoming. Lean back against the burnt-orange cushions and enjoy a good book, or join friends for a nightcap in the lounge’s elegant and exotic ambiance. This elegant venue is located on the Upper Deck. HINTHA HALL RESTAURANT Inspired by the lavish decorations of old Bagan and Mandalay, Anawrahta’s Hintha Hall Restaurant evokes the elegant dining halls of yesteryear. White tablecloths and gleaming glassware are surrounded by polished wood, intricately-carved floor and ceiling panels and – last but not least – stunning views, framed by large picture windows. With seating for 48, the 141-square meter/ 1,518-square feet Hintha Hall lies on the Terrace Deck. THAZIN SPA Anawrahta is especially proud of its spa, which offers expert service, locally-inspired treatments and beautiful surroundings. Inspired by Mandalay’s White Hsinbyume Pagoda, the Thazin Spa features three massage beds, manipedi stations and a steambath. Superbly trained staff and inspiring views make this the ultimate place to unwind. CULINARY Local flavors. Fresh, diverse and delicious As well as offering international favourites, Anawrahta’s chefs take great pride in introducing their guests to the authentic flavours of Burma. Influenced by the cuisines of China, Thailand and India, Burmese food is as diverse as it is delectable. Thanks to its long coastline, seafood plays a prominent role, as do fresh herbs, aromatic spices and both highland and lowland vegetables. A typical Burmese meal involves steamed rice, a fish or meat curry and a light soup. Salads, known as a thoke, are plentiful, as are imaginative condiments. Last but not least, the nation’s Buddhist culture has given rise to mouth-watering vegetarian options.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1: NWE NYEIN
Morning embarkation in Mandalay and sailing north, through the Dolphin Sanctuary. There will be a morning lecture on Myanmar culture entitled “Myanmar Ways of Life” and a Myanmar Traditional Dress demonstration early in the afternoon. In the cooler air of late-afternoon we will make a tour of the pottery village of Nwe Nyein. Here you can see traditional techniques still being used to produce a wide variety of decorative pots. Tonight a longyi Cocktail Party will break the ice with your fellow guests.Mandalay to Nwe Nyein = 51 miles / 81.6 kmLunch, afternoon tea and dinner
Day 2 - DAY 2: TAGUANG
Tagaung-myanmar-cruise-heritage-line-ayeyarwady-riverIn the morning, we offer yoga and meditation on the sun deck. Today's sailing is through the rolling hills of the Third Defile. Passing by bamboo villages and small fishing settlements, you will realize how tranquil these lives can be. Join our chef for a cookery demonstration in the morning and attend an informal Burmese language lesson in the afternoon. We will reach Taguang for another late afternoon tour, which will show life on the riverbank and introduce you to this small town with its ancient fortifications, archeological area and famous nat or spirit shrines.Nwe Nyein to Taguang = 76 miles / 121.6 kmBreakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
Day 3 - DAY 3: KATHA
Have a relaxing morning, perhaps enjoying the facilities of our spacious Spa (including the only Swedish-style sauna on the Ayeyarwaddy) or our 8-meter whirlpool swimming pool, conveniently raised so while lying in the water you can still enjoy the passing scenery as we sail to Katha. Early afternoon we reach the enchanting colonial town of Katha, a setting of George Orwell’s Burmese Days. Little has changed since then. Of interest are the fire station’s collections of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company’s ship’s bells taken from sunken ships in the Second War. Katha was the final resting place for much of the old flotilla as over a hundred ships were scuppered here in 1942 - an act of denial before the advancing Japanese. Our tour will take you around all the places that appear in the book and give you the opportunity to really imagine how life was in this far-flung corner of the British Empire.Taguang to Katha = 65 miles / 104 kmBreakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4 - DAY 4: NABA TRAIN RIDE & KATHA MARKET
Myanmar-Cruise-Heritage-Line-Naba-excursion-jungle-trainIn the morning, we will take an oriental train ride from Katha to Naba through the thick Kachin jungle and teak forest. Enjoy this very scenic train ride passing through villages in the forest. Upon arrival in Naba, we transfer back to Katha for a Katha Market visit. It's time for some shopping at the colorful local market of Katha, where you can practice your Burmese language skills during a market rally (no worries, language lessons, an assistant and change is provided for shopping). In the afternoon you may relax on the sun deck while we continue sailing upstream to Shwe Gu. Afternoon tea will be served before a lecture on Myanmar history and current affairs. As the evening approaches and the Burmese sun immerses everything in a golden light, a special event will take place at the Kipling’s Bar. Dress up in style as we send “a toast to the past” during a British Club where gents may whiff cigars and ladies sip on tasty gins with tonic. Share some tales of the old British-Burmese days. This is the perfect time to lose time. Join us for movie under the stars on the sun deck after the dinner.Katha – Shwe Gu = 45 miles / 72 kmBreakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
Day 5 - DAY 5: THE SECOND DEFILE AND KYUN DAW
Myanmar-river-life-anawrahta-heritage-line-cruiseIn the early morning, be prepared on the sun deck as we make our first passing through the impressive Second defile. This will take about two hours depending on the force of the current. Enjoy your breakfast on the sun deck while passing through the dramatic Second Defile. Once on the other side, we will turn at the Sinkan Bridge and begin our return journey by plunging again into the fast flowing waters of the Defile. It may take as little as 25 minutes to reach the other end! We sail on, passing Kyun Daw Island where we visit countless small pagodas, local villages and river nomads who live on the river banks of the Ayeyarwaddy. We return to the ship for lunch and contain our journey to the South of the Ayeyarwaddy River. After dinner, enjoy the entertainment of our crew with their talent for Myanmar’s traditional dance.Shwe Gu to Sinkan = 18 miles / 28.8 kmSinkan to Thagara = 87 miles / 139.2 kmBreakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
Day 6 - DAY 6: HSITHE
Myanmar-heritage-line-hsithe-fishermen-villages-river-life-anawrahta-cruiseIn the morning we offer yoga and meditation on the sun deck. Those wishing for some mental stimulation can join a lecture on 'Religion in Myanmar' and another Burmese language lesson before lunch. After lunch, there will be demonstration of Traditional Burmese Cigar and Chewing Betel Nut. In the early afternoon, we reach the picturesque fishing village of Hsithe. The village is home to fishermen who conduct co-operative fishing with the critically endangered Ayeyarwady River Dolphin. We will take you on a village tour, see the traditional agriculture products and teach you how to cast a traditional fishing net. Afternoon tea will be served at the visitor center of the village with a presentation about the river, the wildlife and the people. We return to the boat for dinner. Afterwards, you can join the outdoor cinema at the village together with the friendly villagers of Hsithe.Thagara to Hsithe = 125 miles / 200 kmBreakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
Day 7 - DAY 7: MANDALAY
Today you have the last opportunity to simply relax, enjoying the luxurious facilities on board and the passing scenery as we sail to Mandalay. Be prepared on the sun deck as we make our way passing through Mingun, a showcase of the monumental and unfinished stupa of King Bodawpaya. It has never been completed due to an astrologer claiming that states: once the temple would be completed, the king will die.We reach Mandalay late in the afternoon where you will disembark in time to visit Amarapua known for its traditional silk weaving, silver and bronze casting, and to see the sunset at the famous “U Bein's Bridge”, the longest teak bridge in Myanmar. After a farewell dinner, enjoy the evening entertainment Ramayana show, a legendary story and performance accompanied with traditional music instruments.Hsithe to Mandalay = 43 miles / 68.8 kmBreakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner
Day 8 - DAY 8: MANDALAY AND CHECK-OUT
Bid farewell to the crew as you check-out after breakfast.
Day 9 - Please Note:
Mentioned times are approximate. Although it is our intention to operate the proposed itinerary as outlined above, we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes of the program that might be necessary as a result of weather conditions, alterations to cruise schedules or other operational factors. Detailed embarkation and disembarkation information is available on our website in the download section.

Trip Dates

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Inclusions

    • Pass through the most dramatic sceneries of the entire Ayeyarwady River, reaching it's peak in the drama of the Second Defile.
    • Walk in the footsteps of George Orwell in Katha, the real-life setting for his Burmese Days, before visiting a nearby elephant logging camp.
    • Savour the peace and tranquility of a remote island monastery.
    • On board, learn from cultural demonstrations & lectures and enjoy our luxurious, three-room Spa facility.

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