The Chindwin Explorer
Mandalay - Homalin - Bagan
Cruise in luxury on the Anawrahta vessel traversing the beautiful yet seldom-visited Chindwin River, the largest tributary of the Ayeyarwady.
Slow Journey
Board a luxury vintage train or meander on a river cruise to truly experience the surroundings as a local might, with time to admire the journey and not just the destination.
Our Sample Itineraries
Our Tailored Experiences
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Scenic River Cruise to Mingun
Mandalay, Myanmar
Cruise along the legendary Ayeyarwady River to the charming riverside town of Mingun. In the late 18th century, ambitious King Bodawpaya used thousands of prisoners of war to build what he hoped would be the world’s largest stupa.
Had it been completed, it would have been 152m (500ft) high, as high as the Great Pyramid of Giza. While the stupa was never finished, the 52m (170ft) base is still incredibly impressive, as is the nearby 90-ton Mingun Bell that King Bodawpaya cast to go with his gigantic stupa. Visit several more notable sites before re-boarding your boat for a traditional Burmese lunch as you cruise back to Mandalay.
Duration: 6hrs
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Ballooning Over Inle Lake
Heho, Myanmar
Boating on Inle Lake is an incredible experience, but nothing quite compares to flying over Myanmar’s second largest lake in a hot air balloon. Enjoy hot drinks and a continental breakfast while watching your balloon being inflated in the early dawn hours.
After a full safety briefing from experienced, UK-licensed commercial balloon pilots, begin your 45-60 minute flight, with the possibility of rising up to 3,000m (10,000ft) thanks to being in a sparsely populated area with the nearest airport two mountain ranges away and with no early morning flights. Enjoy the magnificent views over the colourful clapboard houses, the beautiful lines of floating gardens and the surrounding Shan mountains in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Duration: 4hrs
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Cruising the Mekong from the Thai-Lao Border to Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang, Laos
The saying that “it’s not about the destination; it’s about the journey” could very well apply to travelling along the mighty Mekong River from Huay Xai (just across the river from Chiang Khong in Thailand) to Luang Prabang.
An excellent option for those travelling overland from Thailand (including Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai) into Laos, this comfortable two-day, one-night cruise makes several interesting stops along the way visiting two ethnic minority villages including the lowland Lao village of Ban Baw, famed for its Lao whisky and woven handicrafts, and the Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of Buddha statues. On the boat, sit back, relax and watch the ever-changing riverscapes go by, highlighted by verdant forests, banana and coconut plantations and more.
Duration: 2 days/1 night
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Exploring the Mekong Between Luang Prabang and Pakbeng
Luang Prabang, Laos
The Mekong River touches the lives of millions as it flows some 4,500km (2,702mi), with at least one-third forming the international border between Laos and Thailand. Get to know the Mekong up close and personal as it flows through northern Laos on a two-day, one-night river cruise between Luang Prabang and Pakbeng, halfway to the Thai border.
Shore excursions include visiting a hill tribe village famed for producing lao-lao, a traditional whisky made from fermented rice, and the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, home to some 4,000 Buddha statues left over the centuries by devoted worshippers. In between stops, take in the natural beauty of the river in this particularly scenic stretch of the Mekong.
Duration: 2 days/1 night
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The Serenity of Angkor
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Escape the crowds at Angkor at three of the more atmospheric yet less visited spots in the temple complex. Travel by tuk-tuk to the 12th century Banteay Kdei, an impressive Buddhist monastery also known as the “Citadel of Cells”. Walk around this peaceful compound, surrounded by four concentric walls and look for a rare Buddha statue in the largely Hindu complex.
Also cruise the quiet waters surrounding Angkor Thom in a gondola reminiscent of those used in ancient Khmer ceremonies and battles. In the tranquil solitude, visualise the royal city when it ruled over two million people nearly 800 years ago. Make your way to Prasat Chrung, a small temple built in the style of Bayon, and climb a steep iron staircase to a quiet spot for excellent sunset views over the ruins.
Duration: 3-4hrs
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Exploring the River Life of the Mekong Delta (Exclusive)
Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Vietnam’s lush, green Mekong Delta is home to about 20 million people and nearly 3,600km (2,230 mi) of streams, canals and rivers. The Delta is Vietnam’s pantry, producing 50% of the nation’s rice, 80% of its fruit, and 60% of its fish. Spend a full day exploring the sprawling rice paddies, colourful fruit farms and bountiful waterways of the region for a glimpse of how life is lived in the Vietnamese countryside.
Highlights include visiting a small home factory that makes sticky rice wrapped in coconut leaves; scenic motorboat and sampan ride along narrow, tree-lined canals past rural riverscapes; leisurely cycling along small village lanes for a taste of country living; and visiting the Delta’s tropical fruit orchards via your choice of horse-drawn cart or tri-motorcycle.
Duration: Full day
