The Strand Cruise
Irrawaddy River, Burma
At a Glance
Colonially-styled cruise boat
3, 4 and 7-night cruise itineraries available on the Irrawaddy River
Just 27 cabins and suites, all with floor-to-ceiling windows and French balconies
Plenty of outdoor space on the sundeck, with a relatively large pool and terrace area
Facilities include a spa, a gym, swimming pool, a restaurant, wine cellar and bar
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
The best time to visit Burma is during the dry season from November to April. At this time the warm and sunny days are ideal for sightseeing throughout the country. The temperatures start to rise in March and May to September is best avoided as this is the rainy season when sightseeing can become difficult.
Insider's View
We recommend opting for a Strand Cabin over a Deluxe Cabin for more space
Call us on 858 345 1762 to start planning your vacation to The Strand Cruise or take a look at our itineraries to Myanmar (Burma)
Description
The Strand Cruise is an elegant colonial-style boat with high levels of comfort and an intimate atmosphere. This boat sails the Irrawaddy (or Ayeyarwaddy) River in Burma, allowing passengers to visit the wonderful sites of Bagan and Mandalay.
The Strand Cruise embodies the style and colonial elegance of its sister property, the Strand Hotel, in Downtown Yangon. Operating 4-night cruises between Bagan and Mandalay, and 3-night cruises in the other direction, the ship offers beautiful views of the Irrawaddy River, with a range of activities included.
There are 27 cabins on board the boat, which are comfortably furnished with sleek bathrooms. Windows are floor to ceiling and Deluxe Cabins, measuring 16.5sqm, are furnished with twin beds and an armchair. The more spacious Strand Cabins boast a sofa and armchair and whilst the luxurious Strand Suite has a private balcony.
The Strand Cruise's Upper Deck is the perfect place to relax while cruising along the Irrawaddy, and the relatively large pool is flanked by sun loungers where guests can enjoy cocktails to the front of the boat, with a terrace to the back of the boat. Dining comprises not just artfully prepared meals in the restaurant, but barbecues on the Upper Deck and wine tastings. The restaurant has been designed so that guests can fully appreciate the views during meals.
Guests of the Strand Cruise can be pampered in the spa, with massages, treatments and reflexology on offer in either a single room or the couples' room. The lower deck is home to a gym, complete with treadmills, weights and other gym equipment.
No cruise on the Irrawaddy would be complete without sightseeing to explore the legendary pagodas of Bagan, the colonial city of Mandalay, and the historical cities of Mingun, Sagaing and Ava. Sightseeing is included in the cost of the cruise, with shared guides, although Scott Dunn can arrange for a private guide at an additional cost.
Accommodation
There are 27 cabins on board the boat, which are comfortably furnished with sleek bathrooms. Windows are floor to ceiling and Deluxe Cabins, measuring 16.5sqm, are furnished with twin beds and an armchair. The more spacious Strand Cabins, measuring 23sqm, boast a sofa and armchair. State Suites measure 30.5sqm and the luxurious Strand Suite (40sqm) has a private balcony.
Cabins and suites are equipped with Wi-Fi, branded amenities, a flat-screen TV and a safety box.
Facilities
The Strand Cruise's Upper Deck is the perfect place to relax while cruising along the Irrawaddy, and the relatively large pool is flanked by sun loungers where guests can enjoy cocktails. Dining comprises not just of artfully prepared meals in the restaurant, but barbecues on the Upper Deck and wine tastings. The restaurant has been designed so that guests can fully appreciate the views during meals. Guests can enjoy three meals a day during full sailing days, and breakfast on the day of disembarkation. Local soft drinks & local beer are included, as is house wine during meals.
Activities
Sightseeing is included in the boat's rates, allowing guests to explore the legendary pagodas of Bagan, the colonial city of Mandalay and the historical cities of Mingun, Sagaing and Ava. Guides are shared, although Scott Dunn can arrange for a private guide at an additional cost. The Strand Cruise also has a swimming pool on the sun deck, a spa and a gym.
Experiences
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Archaeology Tour of Bagan
A full-day experience, with an expert on-hand, exploring one of Asia’s most striking archaeological sites. Bagan’s architectural wonders include the famous Ananda and Shwezigon pagodas, showcasing Burma’s legendary kings and the country’s glorious culture
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Bagan Balloon Experience
Serenely float over Bagan’s remarkable temples in a hot air balloon at sunrise and appreciate the sheer scale of these archaeological wonders while watching the Irrawaddy River flow far below.
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Bagan Cooking Class
A fantastic half-day insight into Burmese cookery exploring local food with a local and highly experienced chef. From shopping at the market, to cooking and plating up, this is a truly unique experience.
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Bagan Village Biking
Hop on a bicycle for a unique and memorable day in Bagan’s countryside. A slow-paced journey through narrow lanes reveals a land of farms, rolling hills and tiny villages, much unchanged over the centuries.
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Cycle Mandalay
Pedal your way through the outskirts of Mandalay on this half-day guided excursion for a chance to see a different side of the city. Pass through small villages, monasteries and temples and visit a local market while stopping chat with locals.
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Discover Mandalay and Mingun
This thrilling full-day tour showcases the best of Mandalay and Mingun and involves ascending Mandalay Hill for a bird's-eye view of the city below, exploring the former Royal Capital’s temple and cruising up the Irrawaddy River for a visit to Mingun.
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Half Day Local Color Tour, Bagan
Experience a taste of local Burmese life and see the world from a local’s point of view by visiting neighborhoods barely touched by the modern world and mixing with the locals at Nyaung U Market.
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Introduction to Bagan
Discover the very best of Bagan, from exploring the finest temples to watching traditional craftsmen produce beautiful lacquerware and cruising along the Irrawaddy River. Further insights into local neighborhoods also reveal age-old traditions, hidden temples and unique cave temples.
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Irrawaddy Sunset Cocktail Cruise
A glorious sunset cruise along the famous Irrawaddy River, cocktail in hand. This is a unique way to appreciate Bagan’s incredible temples from afar and an opportunity to see scenes of daily life play out on Burma’s largest waterway.
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Mandalay Hill and Environs
The last royal capital of Myanmar comes to life with this half-day guided tour of the main heritage sites of Mandalay. Visit the Golden Palace Monastery, Kuthodaw Pagoda and Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda and climb Mandalay Hill for views over the countryside.
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Mandalay Nights by Motorbike
During this exciting night-time tour, you’ll travel like a local, on the back of a motorbike, taking in the evening scenery, meeting friendly locals and stopping at markets, restaurants and bars perhaps to try some crispy duck and a frosty local beer.
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Mandalay's Royal Capitals
This is a full-day tour exploring Burma’s iconic and glorious royal capitals, including Sagaing, a spiritual center, explore the former capital of Ava by horse cart and stop in Amarapura for a walk along the iconic U Bein Bridge.
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Morning in Mandalay
This half-day guided tour takes in the morning activities of Mandalay’s residents. Join Buddhist worshipers at a local temple, witness the timeless procession of monks collecting alms and venture through the colorful, busy morning market for breakfast.
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Mount Popa & Salay Tour
The chance to learn about Myanmar’s tradition of spirit worship at Mount Popa, to explore Salay, a famous Buddhist center with unique architecture, and to witness scenes of bygone countryside life.
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Pakokku by Bicycle
Cycle to Pakokku, just beyond Bagan’s famous pagodas, and discover beautiful rural villages, local markets and farms that line the Irrawaddy River, all brimming with traditional ways of life. Afterwards, return to historic Bagan along the river, aboard pr
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Swe Daw Lay Su Tour
Follow in the footsteps of King Anawrahta and visit four sacred and photogenic sites around Bagan (Shwezigon, Tu Yin Taung, Lawka Nandar and Tant Kyi Taung), where local pilgrims flock.
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Tant Kyi Pagoda Adventure
Adventure away from Bagan’s busy center and travel by boat and jeep to the hilltop pagoda of Tant Kyi, a little-known gem on the western banks of the Irrawaddy River. Views, the chance to mix with Burmese pilgrims and a memorable experience awaits.
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Trading Jade in Mandalay
This half-day tour takes in the wonderful Jade Market in Mandalay. A truly authentic market, where tourists are the minority, the market brings together local, Chinese, Indian and Thai traders.
Vacation Ideas
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Cruising the Irrawaddy in Style
Yangon, Mandalay, Irrawaddy River, Bagan
from $6200 pp 7 nights
- Experience and explore some of Myanmar’s finest cultural and natural wonders in absolute luxury and style as you cruise along the Irrawaddy River onboard one of the finest examples of a classic riverboat
- Discover the delights of Yangon, where you can enjoy a wave of exciting new restaurants, bars and shops, amongst arguably the most impressive colonial architecture in all Southeast Asia
- Enjoy three blissful days of exciting land-based excursions, interspersed with relaxing moments onboard, gourmet fine dining and unforgettable sunsets from the observation deck
Location & directions
Irrawaddy River, Burma
- 24/7 concierge service
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Firsthand knowledge
- Renowned service
- Award-winning tour operator