Highlights
The Strand
Embarkation
AM: Our journey through this Golden Land commences with a leisurely breakfast alongside Taungthaman Lake in Mandalay, allowing you an opportunity to meet fellow passengers prior to commencing the tour of this exciting city.
The morning tour commences with a visit to the world-famous U Bein Bridge in Amarapura, one of the oldest teak bridges in the world, and a landmark of the area for over a century, after which we continue to the Mahamuni Temple, the second most revered shrine in the country, and said to be one of five likenesses of the historical Buddha. The remainder of the morning is spent exploring the city, as well as a visit to Shwe In Bin Kyaung monastery, which dates from the 1890's and is regarded as an oasis of calm amidst the bustle of the city.
PM: At 12.00, we board the R.V Strand, where the crew will be waiting to greet you and direct you to your cabin, after which a safety briefing and introduction will be held on the sun deck. Lunch is served as we set sail for Mingun on the Ayeyarwady River.
We will moor in Mingun during the course of the afternoon, and passengers will disembark to explore this interesting city, a former capital of Myanmar during the reign of King Bodawpaya, and home to the Pahtodawgyi stupa, standing 500 feet high. We journey to the sites by local tuk-tuk, and visit the world famous Mingun Bell, once the world’s largest functioning bell, after which we visit Paya Hsinbyume, an impressive whitewashed terrace representing the seven mountain ranges around Mount Meru, an integral part of the Buddhist universe.
Enjoy a sundowner or a Signature Strand cocktail as you admire the majestic sunset. A Barbeque dinner will be served on the sandbank, allowing you the opportunity to dine al fresco under the stars.
LOCATION
Mandalay
DAY
1 / 3
Ava
AM: Our day begins with a visit to Ava, the ancient imperial capital of successive Burmese kingdoms from the 14th to 19th centuries. Horse carts await the ship to transport guests for a delightful ride through the naturally preserved Ava landscape and key landmarks. Journey through this historical city on horse cart through endless banana plantations, and immerse yourself in the splendor of Yedanasini Pagoda and Bagaya Kaung, one of Myanmar's finest teak monasteries.
PM: At 12.00, a light lunch is served at "Noodles Shop". We can then experience Myanmar cooking first-hand with our on-board cooking demonstration. The remainder of the day is spent sailing towards the ancient capital of Bagan, so relax and enjoy an afternoon beside the swimming pool, indulge in a massage or just experience the passing landscape of this beautiful countryside.
Enjoy a sundowner or a Signature Strand cocktail as you admire the majestic sunset as we
prepare to moor for the night. A light dinner is served, after which guests are welcome to enjoy a drink in the bar, relax and enjoy a tranquil evening with fellow passengers.
LOCATION
Ayeyarwady River
DAY
2 / 3
Disembarkation
AM: After the last breakfast, guests disembark in Old Bagan and will be accompanied onwards to the airport or their hotel.
LOCATION
Bagan
DAY
3 / 3
Embarkation
AM: We begin our day in Mandalay with a welcome breakfast in a private area by the illustrious Royal Lake, before visiting the magnificent U-Bein Bridge, a crossing that spans the Taungthaman Lake near Amarapura. It is also believed to be the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world. After a tour of the bridge, we travel onwards to discover the Mahamuni Pagoda and the Shwe In Bin monastery, a beautifully carved teak monastery known as the perfect spot for meditation in the heart of Mandalay. At midday, the Strand Cruise crew will be waiting to greet you on board and welcome you with a generous buffet lunch of Mediterranean cuisine.
PM: After lunch we will stop in Mingun, one of the country’s former capitals, at the foot of the unfinished pagoda, one of the largest pagodas ever constructed in the history of Myanmar. We will visit the pagoda by a popular local means of transportation, the Tuk Tuk. The pagoda is home to the magnificent Mingun Bell, claimed to be the largest un-cracked hanging bell in the world. We will also visit Paya Hsinbyume, an impressive pagoda that rises in seven curved whitewashed terraces representing the seven mountain ranges around Mt Meru, the mountain at the centre of the Buddhist universe. As the sun sets, admire the magnificent sights over the Irrawaddy river from the ship’s Sundeck, sipping one of the Strand Hotel’s signature cocktails, before joining your fellow travelers for a Myanmar dinner in the Strand restaurant.
LOCATION
Mandalay
DAY
1 / 4
Ava
AM: Our day begins with a visit to Ava, the ancient imperial capital of successive Burmese kingdoms from the 14th to 19th centuries. Horse carts await the ship to transport guests for a delightful ride through the naturally preserved Ava landscape and key landmarks. A once-prominent city, throughout history Ava has been ravaged by war and natural disasters and rebuilt numerous times. Today, all that is left are the ruins and remains of an abandoned kingdom forever imprinted in history. Here we will visit the Yadana Shemee and Wingaba, temples, as well as the Bopaya monastery and the brick monastery.
PM: Once back on board the Strand Cruise, an Asian family style lunch is served on the Sundeck while enjoying the beautiful landscape passing by as the ship cruises onwards to the ancient city of Bagan. Throughout the afternoon, relax, meditate, or just lie by the pool, enjoy activities and workshops arranged by the crew as well as a number of performances by talented local artists and entertainers before enjoying a sunset cocktail. As night falls, our ship will moor on a remote and wild section of the river. Surrounded only by the soft whispering of nature, our Captain invites you to a cocktail and grill dinner in the Strand Restaurant. Night owls can linger in the bar over a glass of fine wine or single malt whiskey and recreate the golden age of the Strand as a meeting place for explorers and raconteurs.
LOCATION
Irrawaddy River
DAY
2 / 4
Bagan
AM: This morning sees our arrival in Bagan and the start of the much-anticipated Bagan Heritage Trail. Bagan is remarkable for the magnificent architecture of its buildings and the contribution they have made to Burmese temple designs. Marvel at Bagan’s wonders including the Ananda Temple, one of the most exquisite temples of the country, and the Shwezigon Pagoda, renowned for its gold leaf decor.
PM: After a delicious buffet lunch back on board, we continue our day in Bagan with a visit to the magnificent Shwe San Daw temple, followed by a journey to the beautiful Sulamani temple and Gubyaukgyi temple. As twilight sets in, admire the sunset from the sundeck before a festive evening and farewell French dinner in the Strand Restaurant
LOCATION
Irrawaddy River
DAY
3 / 4
Disembarkation
AM: After the last breakfast, guests disembark in Old Bagan and will be accompanied onwards to the airport or their hotel. Another exhilarating tour add on (available at an additional cost) at sunrise is a hot air balloon ride, where you can gently float above the 2,000 pagodas of Bagan. For more information about the hot air balloon ride, please contact your travel specialist.
LOCATION
Bagan
DAY
4 / 4
Embarkation
AM: We begin our journey through this golden land with a freshly made welcome breakfast in the tranquil shaded gardens of the oldest lacquerware house in Bagan. Lacquerware is a traditional art that began when the Pagodas of Bagan were first being built in the 11th century and is still practiced today. We will then move onto the nearby Shwezigon Pagoda, famous for it’s gold leaf décor, and the Ananda temple, famous as being one of the four great temples of Bagan and one of most exquisite temples in Myanmar.
PM: A short scenic transfer takes us to The Strand Cruise for check-in and to meet fellow passengers over lunch on the Sundeck. For those arriving in Bagan later in the day, our rendezvous point is aboard the ship. Once settled into your cabin, meet your fellow passengers for lunch prepared by our Chef. During the afternoon, we will continue our exploration of the Bagan Heritage Trail, including the beautiful Sulamani and Gubyaukgyi temples. As the sun sets, admire Bagan’s magnificent sights over the Ayeyarwady river from the ship’s sundeck, sipping a Strand signature cocktail. After sundown, enjoy a traditional Myanmar cultural show before joining your fellow travelers in our fine dining restaurant for a Myanmar dinner.
Bagan
AM: Early risers this morning can enjoy tea, coffee and pastries in the Sarkies Bar before joining an excursion to view sunrise over Bagan from the Shwe San Daw temple. This pagoda contains a series of five terraces, topped with a cylindrical stupa, which has a bejeweled umbrella. From the top you get an impressive 360-degree view of the entire area of Bagan.
PM: A leisurely brunch will then be served in the restaurant as we begin cruising upstream to Mandalay. The passing landscapes and typical Ayeyarwady villages have inspired many authors and artists throughout history, including Rudyard Kipling. As we spend the afternoon drifting on the gentle waters of the Ayeyarwady, relax on the sun deck, meditate, visit the spa or enjoy the many activities and workshops arranged by our experienced crew, before enjoying a traditional Strand afternoon tea.
As night falls, our ship will moor on a remote and wild section of the river. Surrounded only by the soft whispering of nature, our Captain invites you to a cocktail and tapas dinner in the Sarkies Bar, followed by a traditional Myanmar puppet show in the restaurant. Night owls can linger in the bar over a glass of fine wine or single malt whiskey and recreate the golden age of the Strand as a meeting place for explorers and raconteurs. Another exhilarating tour add on (available at an additional cost) at sunrise is a hot air balloon ride, where you can gently float above the 2,000 pagodas of Bagan. For more information about the hot air balloon ride, please contact your travel specialist.
LOCATION
Irrawaddy River
DAY
2 / 5
Mingun
AM: Enjoy a late breakfast this morning as the ship will cruise until mid afternoon when we arrive in Mingun. Throughout the morning, relax by the pool with a book or participate in the many activities and workshops prepared by the crew as we pass through the wonderful countryside, such as a cooking demonstration or an introduction to the traditional Myanmar thanaka and longyi.
PM: After a generous Asian family style lunch taken on the Sundeck, we will stop in Mingun, one of the country’s former capitals, at the foot of the unfinished pagoda, one of the largest pagoda’s ever constructed in the history of Myanmar. We will visit the pagoda by a popular local means of transportation, the Tuk Tuk. The pagoda is home to the magnificent Mingun Bell, claimed to be the largest un-cracked hanging bell in the world. We will also visit Paya Hsinbyume, an impressive pagoda that rises in seven curved whitewashed terraces representing the seven mountain ranges around Mt Meru, the mountain at the centre of the Buddhist universe. Once back on-board, relax with a glass of champagne on the Sundeck before a grill dinner in the Strand Restaurant.
LOCATION
Irrawaddy River
DAY
3 / 5
Mandalay, U-Bein Bridge & Ava
AM: We begin our day with a freshly prepared breakfast while surveying the next and most awaited stop, Mandalay, the second- largest city and the last royal capital of Myanmar. After making a traditional food offering to the monks in their monastery in Mandalay, our first stop is the U-Bein Bridge, a crossing that spans the Taungthaman Lake near Amarapura. The bridge is believed to be the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world. We continue the Mandalay Heritage Trail by visiting the Mahamui Buddha temple. Legend has it that the great Buddha himself visited the city of Arakan in 554 and that King Sanda Thuriya ordered a likeness of Buddha’s face to be created and placed in the temple.
PM: From here we visit the Shwe In Bin monastery before re-joining the Strand Cruise. After a buffet lunch on board as we cruise, we will explore Ava, the ancient imperial capital of successive Burmese kingdoms from the 14th to 19th centuries. Horse carts await the ship to transport guests for a delightful ride through the naturally preserved Ava landscape and key landmarks. We will have an exclusive mooring overnight at Ava next to a remarkable temple, allowing Strand Cruise passengers access to the site after the crowds have departed in the late afternoon until the following morning. As we reach the end of the day, a sunset cocktail will be held on the Sundeck, before a French dinner in the Strand Restaurant.
LOCATION
Irrawaddy River
DAY
4 / 5
Disembarkation
AM: In the early morning, as a last farewell to the locals, guests will attend a private Alms Giving Ceremony with the Monks before heading back on board for a healthy breakfast. We disembark at the Gaw Wein jetty in Mandalay. Onward transport to the airport can be arranged, or guests may continue their adventures in this Golden Land.
LOCATION
Mandalay
DAY
5 / 5
The Strand Cruise Boat has 27 cabins in four different categories: Deluxe, Strand, State Suite and Strand Suite. Each has been furnished with style, with striking pieces of regional art complemented by indigenous teakwood flooring. Each offers ample space, a comfortable king-size bed, floor-to-ceiling windows, an en-suite bathroom, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
A semi-circular teak staircase connects the passenger decks, where the design palette is a fusion of Oriental influences with colonial accents. While harking back to the days of the British Empire in its ambiance, the vessel is equipped with the latest technology and safety features.
Another pleasure awaiting you aboard The Strand is the exquisite cuisine, introducing local spices and Burmese culinary traditions within an upscale interpretation. You can also enjoy international dishes and signature dishes. On the Top Deck you’ll find the Sarkies Bar, which takes its inspiration from the original colonial bar at Strand Yangon. Here, you can try a signature Strand cocktail.
In the evenings, Sarkies becomes a stage for performances, dances and puppet shows, giving you an insight into the royal pleasures of the old Burma. Meals will be presented in The Strand Restaurant, on the alfresco Sun Deck or, occasionally, somewhere else very romantic and special, such as a sandbank in the middle of the Ayeyarwady.
From dawn to dusk, the Sun Deck is the place to be, furnished with plenty of sofas and armchairs. Watch the ever-changing landscape while indulging in relaxing activities or enjoy a glorious sunset while the sommelier delights you with a wide choice of wines. To the front of the ship is an infinity-edged swimming pool, with sun loungers positioned on each side as well as a cabana section.
Ease your tired muscles with a massage in the spa, which will leave you ready to take on a new day of exploration and discovery. If you have an enquiring mind, check out the schedule of activities, lectures and historical demonstrations on Myanmar’s fascinating culture and customs.
Uniquely, The Strand Cruise has a number of private moorings along the Ayeyarwady, allowing for some exclusive experiences including visiting the temples of Ava after the crowds have departed. In fact, each day offers you another glimpse into the past and present of Myanmar.
As you meander through a traditional market, for example, observe how the thanaka paste on the women’s faces matches their longyi outfits; watch the production of betel leaf concoctions, taste some unfamiliar fruit and allow the scent of the incense to take you on a spiritual journey.
The slow pace of The Strand will carry you to another era, allowing you to see and touch a world that is inevitably vanishing. With the help of The Strand team, you will get a true sense of the beautiful and rich past of this ‘Golden Land’.
Accomodations
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Transfers to/from cruise port from local airport
- Accommodation in double/twin/triple cabins
- All meals while on board
- Soft drinks, local beer and house wine with meals
- All excursions as described in the itinerary
- English speaking guide. Alternative language guides can be provided on request and subject to availability (additional cost may apply)
- Wi-Fi available in all cabins and public areas with satellite internet connection. Due to the current environment and its infrastructure, the internet connection might be unstable
- International daily newspapers
- Port charges
WHAT'S EXCLUDED
- Gratuities
- Airport taxes
- Travel insurance
- Domestic or international airfares
- Cost of medical treatment, including evacuation
- Cost of any relevant visa or reciprocity fee
- Souvenirs, spa treatments or additional services such as laundry
- Anything not clearly listed as included
- Imported wines or spirits
- Extra optional excursions
