Cruising the Kingdom of a Thousand Buddhas 16 Days

Depart for Bangkok, we will spend the night on an international flight.

1. Flight

Arriving at the Bangkok international airport, we will be welcomed by a local tour guide and transfer to the hotel.

1. Bangkok Marriott Marquis(5 stars) or similar
2. bus

After breakfast, we will visit the Grand Palace, home to the royal residences, the throne room, and many government establishments. The Grand Palace is a must-see for all visitors to Thailand (Visitors are advised to be dressed appropriately.  Ladies shall not expose their shoulders or knees and gentlemen shall not expose knees). Then we will visit Wat Pho, the temple that houses the “Phra Buddhasaiyat”, a giant reclining Buddha with a very unique pattern on the feet.

1. Bangkok Marriott Marquis (5 stars) or similar
2. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
3. bus

After breakfast, we will take an excursion to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. In the past, daily commerce in Thailand was conducted mostly along rivers and canals. Approximately two hours away from Bangkok, this floating market has become one of the most famous attractions in Thailand.

1. Bangkok Marriott Marquis(5 stars) or similar
2. Breakfast/Lunch
3. bus

After breakfast,  fly to Yangon, also known as "Rangoon", is the former capital of Myanmar and the current commercial capital of Myanmar. Yangon is marked by many beautiful colonial buildings, wide tree-lined streets and tranquil lanes.The Yangon city tour starts at the Mahabandoola Road where there is a panoramic view of the Bangeli Mosque. From there, we will  stroll to the gold shop on Shwebontha Street, where the Sunni Surati mosque is located.Visit the Thachanpe Mosque. Built in 1920, it was restored after 1950. In the evening, we will head to the Kandawgyi Park to enjoy the beautiful scenery and get a glimpse at the magnificent Karaweik Hall. Dinner will be served at a local Halal restaurant .

1. Sule Shangri-La Yangon (5 stars) or similar
2. Breakfast/Dinner
3. Flight

After breakfast, we will visit the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda – the landmark of Myanmar and one of the world’s greatest wonders. We’ll be able to stroll along the street to get a glimpse of the unique architecture of Yangon that you can find nowhere else in Asia and take some photographs of City Hall, the Independent Monument, and many colonial buildings dating back to the British colonial time.Then, we will head to the vibrant local Bogyoke Market (also known as the Scott Market) where you will find a wide range of handicrafts, jewelry, textiles, lacquerware in Myanmar.

1. Sule Shangri-La Yangon (5 stars) or similar
2. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
3. bus

After breakfast,fly to the mythical Bagan. Start your adventure in Bagan at the bustling Nyaung U Market. This is the best place to observe the local life. Then, we will head to a nearby village to see life in the countryside. Visit the Shwezigon pagoda, one of the most revered temples in Bagan built by King Anawrahta. Continue to the Htilominlo Temple, one of the five oldest temples in Bagan, built by red brick and noted for its majestic 46 meters tall. Then the Ananda Temple, an architectural masterpiece of Bagan architecture built in the 11th century. In the late afternoon, move to one of the highest temples in Bagan: Shwesandaw temple, where we will discover the great architecture of the pagoda and its legend of enshrining the Buddha’s relic.

1. Heritage Bagan Hotel (5 stars) or similar
2. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
3. Flight

After breakfast, full day exploring the charm of Bagan in other outstanding temples. Rise before dawn this morning to not miss a chance to marvel at one of the most majestic sun rises in the world. Then visit the Sulamani Temple, built in the 12th century.
Marvel at the exotic paintings faded on the pagoda’s wall and walk through the colonnades to see some of the unique souvenirs before moving to the Dhammayangyi Temple, the largest of all temples in Bagan, displaying the finest brickwork. Head to Myinkaba village to discover the lacquerware production, one of the most famous products in Bagan. We will have the opportunity to interact with the local artisans to learn more about the process of creating these beautiful items.

1. Heritage Bagan Hotel (5 stars) or similar
2. Breakfast/Lunch
3. bus

Around noon, we will embark on the luxurious Anawrahta, berthed at the quay of Bagan. There is an extraordinary timeless quality to Myanmar’s Irrawaddy River, also known as the Ayeyarwady. Rising among Himalayan glaciers and flowing freely for almost 2,200 km across the whole country into the Indian Ocean, this river is a witness of contemporary history. The kings of medieval Bagan would almost certainly recognise its riverbank life today with its bullock carts or the tiered pagodas atop rambling teak monasteries. We will sail towards Pakokku, an old trading town on the western riverbank of the Ayeyarwady.Continue touring the Shwegu Temple. This temple features incredible, intricate carvings made from rare Yamanei wood. It also houses a unique Buddha image seated on a lotus throne.

1. Cruise: Heritage Line Anawrahta (5 stars)
2. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
3. cruise

We will arrive at the quiet, small riverside village of Yandabo, a unique and fascinating gem of a village. It is here that, in 1826, the King of Ava signed the Treaty of Yandabo, signaling the end of the First Anglo-Burmese war. Nowadays the villagers produce a type of water pot which is reputed to keep water cooler than pots from anywhere else in the country. We will explore the village on foot. You will quickly notice that the villagers here are extremely friendly, charming and open for chit-chat. 

1. Heritage Line Anawrahta (5 stars)
2. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
3. cruise

Arriving in Ava, we will disembark for a wonderful discovery of some highlights in this former royal capital. By horse-drawn carriage we will explore this area, sprinkled with many kinds of distinguished ancient monasteries and fanes such as the Bagaya Kyaung, a jaw-dropping teak monastery built in 1834, which nowadays continues to be a monastic school, the Maha Aung Mye Bonzan Monastery or the Nan Myint watchtower. It is the peace of Ava which you will then hopefully absorb during a laid-back apéritif at a secret place in the middle of this sacred spot.Anawrahta continues the cruise northwards, eventually arriving at the utmost highlight of this journey - Mandalay. The end of this day is a sunset cruise in a small rowing boat around the famous 200 year old “U-Bein Bridge”.

1. Cruise: Heritage Line Anawrahta (5 stars)
2. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
3. cruise

Discover the most impressive pagodas of Mandalay during a morning tour. Visit the Kuthodaw Pagoda, which is known for containing the world’s largest book. This pagoda comprises a gilded pagoda, hundreds of shrines housing inscribed marble slabs and several pavilions. Continue to the Mahamuni Pagoda, which is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Burma and houses the most highly revered Buddha image in the country. Last but not least is the atmospheric Shwenandaw Monastery, which is maybe the finest example of traditional 19th century wooden monastery buildings. It used to be part of King Mindon’s Mandalay Royal Palace. From this elevated point we can entirely overlook the city of Mandalay.

1. Cruise: Heritage Line Anawrahta (5 stars)
2. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
3. cruise

After breakfast, your stay on your floating, luxury home will regrettably ends. Heritage Line and the Anawrahta crew wish you a wonderful onward journey in the Golden Land - Myanmar. We will transfer to the airport and take the flight to Siem Reap.. 

1. Le Meridien Angkor or similar (5 stars)
2. Breakfast/Dinner
3. Flight

After breakfast, a full day visiting the majestic gates of Angkor Thom, the monumental temple of Bayon where we will climb up its towers to gain an overall view of the tropical forest, the Baphuon and Phimeanakas mountain temples, and the terraces of the Elephants and the Leper King. Have lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit  the temple of Angkor Wat, a marvel of balance and architectural perfection. 

1. Le Meridien Angkor or similar (5 stars)
2. Breakfast/Lunch
3. bus

After breakfast , visit of Angkor from the charming Banteay Srei, the apogee of classical Khmer art decorated with superb pink sandstone bas-reliefs. In the afternoon, discover the immense maze of Preah Khan, the charming Neak Pan and the mysterious Ta Prohm invaded by the sprawling roots of cheese trees. Then, you will take the overnight flight to your home city.

1. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
2. Flight

Arrival in your home city, end of the trip.