The Strand Cruise - Mandalay to Bagan
We were lucky enough to experience the magic of the Strand Cruise from Mandalay to Bagan on the timeless and exotic Irrawaddy River.
Traveling along the river is actually one of the best ways to see Myanmar as you’ll see countless ancient pagodas dotting tree topped hills, thatched houses on stilts, and some of the friendliest locals with beaming smiles.
On top of it all, having the luxury and renowned service of the Strand Hotel brought to you on a luxury cruise is the cherry on top!
welcoming and comfortable
The moment you enter the cruise ship, you’re immediately greeted by the smiling and professional staff.
Designed with a light and lovely color palette, the cabins have a nice, leafy tropical feel to them. There are even floor to ceiling sliding glass windows to let you soak in the sights of the river.
Adorning the deck are gorgeous white peacock chairs and comfortable padded sofas perfect for sipping on Strand Sours made fresh at the Sarkies Bar.
Free pressings of all your clothes to get all those suitcase wrinkles out.
Enjoy complimentery daily morning coffee delivered with a view of the sleepy Irrawaddy River.
With design cues taken from the Strand Hotel in Yangon - the bathroom is beautifully appointed with teak wood and fine marble touches.
Some of the views you’ll see from the comfort of your own room.
Or enjoy afternoon tea under the basking glow of the warm Myanmar sunset.
If the Burmese sun is a bit too much for you, take a dip in the pool.
There are framed pieces of art all over the ship, showcasing local talent.
sip cocktails to stunning sunsets
The Sarkies Bar, with its teakwood furniture and beautiful floral rugs, will be a place you’ll find yourself in the afternoons and for cocktail hour. The bartenders really know their stuff and can make you some really fantastic drinks!
amazing world cuisine
The highlight of the Strand Cruise, other than its fantastic crew, is the excellently prepared food.
They have themes for each meal ranging from French, Burmese, Mediterranean, and Thai. I was pleasantly surprised to be having a decadent foie gras meal one night and then perfectly cooked Chilean Sea Bass the next.
In addition, the pastry team on the Cruise served up some of the most authentic croissants, baguettes, and apple pastries I’ve had. We couldn’t stop eating them in the mornings!
All the food served at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea is complimentary. You can also order as much as you like. Careful though - I definitely overate more than once because the food was so good!
unforgettable excursions
At each stop, you’ll be taken for private tours guided by friendly and knowledgeable locals. Some of the highlights of the tours included the Mingun white temple, open air temples of Ava, the magnificent U-Bein Bridge, and the Bagan temple landscape.
There are two options - a 3 night cruise departing from Mandalay or a 4 night cruise departing from Bagan. They also offer unique cruise schedules for classical music lovers, families, and photographers. You can check rates for the cruise here.
Hope to see you on the river drinking a cocktail at sunset!
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