Irrawaddy Voyage II

Built in 2008 to emulate the legendary Pandaw, the Orient has seen service in Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysian Borneo and Burma.

There are 30 cabins – 20 on the upper deck and ten main deck staterooms, all teak and brass with air conditioning, an en suite shower room, traditional ship cots and French doors that open out to onto deck where you can watch the riverside world pass by from wicker chairs.

Head to the dining room for semi-buffet breakfasts and lunches along with themed dinners specialising in local seafood, Asian and European cuisine, or to the top deck for its convivial bar.

Pandaw II echoes the lines of vessels that have plied these waters for over a century and was built in Rangoon using traditional methods. One of the first luxury Irrawaddy cruise ships of this century, she has attained something of a cult following and is the queen of the growing Pandaw fleet.

Original teak and brass interiors can be found in the upper deck such as the real ship’s berths, with staterooms available for those after something a little more spacious. All feature air conditioning.

A local chef and experienced international culinary team serve up semi-buffet breakfasts and lunches a well as granded and seated theme dinners nightly. Also to be enjoyed on board are cultural performances, educational talks and cooking classes.

Venture ashore on excursions to temples, historic cities,

The ship has quality mountain bikes for your independent exploration.

Cruising the waters of the Irawaddy River is Anawrahta, one of the most elegant sailing vessels. Named after the founder of the Burmese nation, King Anawrahta, this boat is every bit as elegant as you would expect.

Built to resemble a British colonial paddle steamer, the Anawrahta has plenty of old-world charm with polished lacquer, intricately carved woodwork and shining brass. 23 luxury cabins are decorated with original handicrafts and textiles inspired by the brocade of Myanmar’s different ethnic groups.

Dark wood panels and splashes of burnt orange and red make each cabin warm and welcoming, and the large windows allow guests to relax and watch the world go by in comfort. The larger suites have their own balconies and the two royal suites, named after the king and his son, feature their own private Jacuzzi.

The Hintha Hall restaurant is inspired by old Bagan and Mandalay with pretty stained glass and crystal chandeliers, and features floor-to-ceiling windows for sublime views as you dine. There is a separate lounge and bar with colonial-style rattan chairs for when you want to relax with a glass of wine or expertly mixed cocktail. The top deck features a swimming pool and shaded loungers and there is also a spa offering a range of treatments.

Sister to the historic Strand Hotel in Yangon, the newly launched Strand Cruise embodies similarly refined values, combining a colonial charm with modern luxury for an unforgettable journey along the Irrawaddy River between Bagan and Mandalay.

28 sumptuous cabins and suites are tastefully decorated with Burmese craftsmanship and Teakwood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, en suite bathrooms, complimentary Wi-Fi and round the clock butler service. The Strand Suites feature a private outdoor balcony and a personal butler for your every desire.

The ship’s heart is the upper deck, where Myanmar’s passing landscapes can be viewed from the comfort of sun loungers, the cocktail bar or the swimming pool. It’s also the venue for entertainment in the evening. Relax in the spa, get invigorated in the fitness room, or delve into the region’s fascinating history in the ship’s library.

Cuisine on board is another highlight of the journey – whether you chose to dine in the restaurant or alfresco at the BBQs on the upper deck – the Strand’s internationally renowned chefs work with the freshest and finest ingredients to offer up a delightful take on international and Asian cuisines.

Get in touch with our expert travel designers to learn more about the Strand Cruise’s Irrawaddy cruise itineraries.