Burma Touring & Ananda Cruising

Similar to the other “luxury” hotels throughout Burma, the Governor’s Residence is in need of renovation from the many years of economic sanctions levied on the country. That being said, this Victorian (teak) boutique former mansion is our favorite hotel in Yangon. Located in the leafy embassy district of the city, the rooms have a nice aesthetic with local Burmese wares displayed throughout. The Governor’s Residence is a particularly special place in the evening, with the property and lush grounds illuminated.

Similar to the other “luxury” hotels throughout Burma, the Governor’s Residence is in need of renovation from the many years of economic sanctions levied on the country. That being said, this Victorian (teak) boutique former mansion is our favorite hotel in Yangon. Located in the leafy embassy district of the city, the rooms have a nice aesthetic with local Burmese wares displayed throughout. The Governor’s Residence is a particularly special place in the evening, with the property and lush grounds illuminated.

The Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort is located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River overlooking 800 years of history. Once a Government VIP guest hotel, the Thiripyitsaya is now a collection of 70 bungalow rooms amid a beautiful setting of tropical gardens. Although we feel this is the very best nongovernment hotel in Bagan, the rooms are dated and not really deserving of a 5 star status. Nevertheless, as with other hotels in Burma, the service here is heartfelt and sincere.

The Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort is located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River overlooking 800 years of history. Once a Government VIP guest hotel, the Thiripyitsaya is now a collection of 70 bungalow rooms amid a beautiful setting of tropical gardens. Although we feel this is the very best nongovernment hotel in Bagan, the rooms are dated and not really deserving of a 5 star status. Nevertheless, as with other hotels in Burma, the service here is heartfelt and sincere.

The Sanctuary Ananda is a 21 all-suite vessel that will surely lift Burma river cruising to a whole new high-touch, luxury level. Limited to 41 passengers, the Ananda will offer many nice amenities, including its own spa and gym, and all cabins offering individually controlled air conditioning (a real blessing given Burma’s stifling heat)!

The luxury suites offer private butler service, “monsoon” showers and L’Occitane en Provence bathroom amenities (yes, our beloved Provence on the Irrawaddy). Similar to the Paukan vessels, the new Ananda’s shallow draft will allow village stopovers along the river which makes the cruising so much more culturally compelling. This is the big drawback for the large, ponderous Road to Mandalay luxury vessel.

The Sanctuary Ananda is a 21 all-suite vessel that will surely lift Burma river cruising to a whole new high-touch, luxury level. Limited to 41 passengers, the Ananda will offer many nice amenities, including its own spa and gym, and all cabins offering individually controlled air conditioning (a real blessing given Burma’s stifling heat)!

The luxury suites offer private butler service, “monsoon” showers and L’Occitane en Provence bathroom amenities (yes, our beloved Provence on the Irrawaddy). Similar to the Paukan vessels, the new Ananda’s shallow draft will allow village stopovers along the river which makes the cruising so much more culturally compelling. This is the big drawback for the large, ponderous Road to Mandalay luxury vessel.

Although somewhat dated, Bev, Zen and I feel the Inle Princess Resort is the finest resort in the area. Made up of 46 Shan-style wooden chalets, the staff and service here is most heartwarming. The resort’s gardens and surrounding islands are lush, green and most welcoming. We felt we had our best Burmese massage at the small spa here. The sunsets here are beyond beautiful!

Although somewhat dated, Bev, Zen and I feel the Inle Princess Resort is the finest resort in the area. Made up of 46 Shan-style wooden chalets, the staff and service here is most heartwarming. The resort’s gardens and surrounding islands are lush, green and most welcoming. We felt we had our best Burmese massage at the small spa here. The sunsets here are beyond beautiful!