Sanctuary Ananda
Shared, small group cruise based on DBL occupancy
3 - 12 DAYS
FLEXIBLE LENGTH
6 Guests
3 Cabins
Overview
Highlights
- Contemporary luxury combined with authentic Burmese style
- Outstanding art collection
- Award-winning, celebrity executive chef
- All-suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and full balconies
- Wi-Fi on board
- Performances, lectures and demonstrations
- Spa and pool
- Local communities support projects
Sanctuary Ananda is a 48-passenger river vessel, custom built by local craftsmen and launched in 2014. This luxurious all-suite ship will take you in style on voyages of astonishing beauty and discovery on the mystic rivers of Myanmar. Visit temples, pagodas, palaces and monasteries along the Irrawaddy River, or journey along its great tributary, the Chindwin, to places visitors rarely see – through the jungles of the north, forgotten villages, and ancient towns.
Cabins
Sanctuary Ananda’s 21 cabins, located on three decks, include four lavish Staterooms measuring 334 to 356 square feet. Other cabins range from 291 to 301 square feet, and all have floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies, while the Staterooms have full balconies with outdoor furniture.
Additionally, the signature Owner’s Suite, which measures an expansive 807 square feet comes with a king-sized bed, dressing area, separate living and dining areas, a freestanding bathtub and a monsoon shower, and also offers butler service.
In every room, vintage photographs, lush silks, polished teak and exquisite lacquerware pieces celebrate Myanmar’s rich heritage of arts, crafts and textiles, while Egyptian-cotton sheets ensure a comfortable night’s rest. Each has an en-suite bathroom, individually controlled air-conditioning, a safe deposit box, and an iPad with free Wi-Fi albeit with limited internet coverage outside of the main cities of Mandalay & Bagan.
The smaller suites each have double or twin beds and a bathroom with a monsoon shower; the Staterooms have additional indoor seating areas and an extra convertible bed for a child. Two pairs of interconnecting cabins are also available for families.
Dining
Look forward to the delicious cuisine of Myanmar alongside a choice of Western favorites and international dishes. Specially crafted menus and inspired dining experiences encompass dishes such as soft-shell crab, red curries, and mango and pomelo salad enhanced with fragrant flavors including lemongrass, kaffir lime and sweet chilli.
Meals are served in the main dining room, Talifoo Restaurant, and alfresco lunch is available in the Mindoon Restaurant. The on-board library can also be used for private dining.
Facilities on board
The upper Bhamo Deck, where all the Luxury Suites are situated, houses the Kansi panorama lounge and there is also a Sun Deck and an outdoor plunge pool. Other facilities on your Sanctuary Ananda Cruise include the Thambayadine Spa by L’Occitane, where you can indulge in traditional therapies and soothing massages.
On board Activities
Be captivated by performances of Burmese dances which often tell stories of local myths and legends. Enjoy lectures on an array of interesting topics about Myanmar’s history and culture. Join a cooking demonstration run by the ship’s professional chefs and learn how to cook some of the delicious local meals served on board. Learn how to tie a longyi − the skirt that both men and women traditionally wear − and how to make and apply tanaka natural sun cream.
Excursions
Shore excursions on these voyages of discovery combine the ‘must see sights’ and fabulous landscapes with visits to small villages to meet the local people and observe the hand production of time-honored crafts.
Suitable for families, couples, solo travelers and friends, the Sanctuary Ananda offers a wonderful insight into Myanmar on a choice of cruises from Mandalay to Bagan, Bhamo or Yangon.
Itinerary & Prices
A 20% supplement applies during Peak Season (20 Dec – 10 Jan).
Speak with one of our travel specialists for more price details and availability.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Accommodation on board for your trip
- Welcome package with 1 complimentary bottle of wine (French Rosé)
- Full board, gourmet snacks, fruits, drinking water, tea, coffee, soft drinks and & local beers
- Watersport equipments : fishing rod, kayak, paddle board, snorkeling gear
- Cleaning fee
- Local tax
- Yacht insurance
- Wildlife encountering and trekking excursions
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
- International/domestic airfare
- Airport taxes
- Travel insurance
- Cost of any relevant visa or reciprocity fee
- Cost of medical treatment, including evacuation
- National Park fees
- Any other requested activities or services
- Gratuities to crew
- Alcoholic beverages
- Souvenirs, spa treatments or additional services such as laundry
- Jet skiing, wakeboarding is only allowed outside national park areas. Price is around 60 USD per 30 minutes, payable directly to local operator
- Free Diving : guide/instructor 120 USD per night and special equipment 25 USD per night
- Rendezvous dives (with local dive club in Koh Phi Phi for example) cost around 80 USD per dive per diver
- Dive support boat will stay with Maha Bhetra during the trip, approx. 2,000 USD surcharge per night will apply with unlimited number of dives and divers
- Anything not clearly listed as included
Embarkation – Mai Thon – Koh Racha Yai
After embarking the Maha Bhetra in Phuket, sail to Mai Thon and dive into its crystal clear waters. Discover a whole new world underneath; a thriving coral sanctuary that is home to 400 species of fish and spectacular marine life. Relax and bask in the glow of the glorious warm sun by the shore and feel the waves as they touch the soles of your feet. Look out into the horizon and if you are lucky, you might spot some dolphins frolicking in the sea.
Later explore Koh Racha Yai, famed for its beautiful beaches, visiting the two larger beaches of Patok Beach and Siam Bay and smaller ones Lha Bay, Ter Bay, and Kon Kare Bay, located on the eastern side of the island.
Optional dinner at The Racha Resort.
Koh Phi Phi – Monkey Beach – Maya Bay
Today explore famous Koh Phi Phi, a group of six stunning islands. The two main islands are Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. The larger and inhabited Phi Phi Don attracts hundreds of visitors to stay on its lovely shores while the smaller uninhabited Phi Phi Leh hosts stunningly beautiful bays and beaches, including the world-renowned Maya Bay, which was the set where The Beach (with Leonardo Di Caprio) was filmed.
Marvel at Monkey Beach, a simply stunning150m-long strip of white powdery sand fringed by emerald water, located on the southwestern side of Tonsai Bay, about 700m from the jetty. The backside of the beach is a rather steep limestone cliff, covered with lush vegetation that offers monkeys a comfortable habitat, which is where it gets its name from.
Later, behold heaven-like Maya Bay’s stunningly beautiful shores sheltered by 100-meter-high cliffs on three sides, and made famous as the set where The Beach with Leonardo Di Caprio was filmed. Inside the bay there are several beaches—the main one some 200 meters long, others smaller and only visible at low tide—all with silky soft white sand sloping into exceptionally clear waters that reveal a reef of colorful coral and exotic fish.
Dive Koh Bida Nok, the largest of Phi Phi’s most southerly islets, and open to all levels of diver. Divers usually enter the water on its eastern side and steadily move south around the rock. It is home to a large variety of marine life and is especially renowned for its zebra sharks and stingrays lying on the sand.
Option dinner at Zeavola Resort.
James Bond Island – Disembarkation
Next stop, James Bond Island, a small rocky island located on the north side of the cove of Khao Phing Kan island, southwest of Ao Phang Nga National Park, named after its starring role as a setting in the James Bond movie, The Man with the Golden Gun (1974).
Nearby, explore Koh Hong Phang Nga, an island formed from collapsed cave systems open to the sky and surrounded by towering limestone walls. Accessible only by kayak through a cave, discover a hidden realm rich in unspoiled flora and fauna, right in the very heart of the island.
For your finale, choose between dinner party options at Koh Yao Yai or Six Senses Koh Yao Noi.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
A 20% supplement applies during Peak Season (20 Dec – 10 Jan).
Speak with one of our travel specialists for more price details and availability.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Accommodation on board for your trip
- Welcome package with 1 complimentary bottle of wine (French Rosé)
- Full board, gourmet snacks, fruits, drinking water, tea, coffee, soft drinks and & local beers
- Watersport equipments : fishing rod, kayak, paddle board, snorkeling gear
- Cleaning fee
- Local tax
- Yacht insurance
- Wildlife encountering and trekking excursions
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
- International/domestic airfare
- Airport taxes
- Travel insurance
- Cost of any relevant visa or reciprocity fee
- Cost of medical treatment, including evacuation
- National Park fees
- Any other requested activities or services
- Gratuities to crew
- Alcoholic beverages
- Souvenirs, spa treatments or additional services such as laundry
- Jet skiing, wakeboarding is only allowed outside national park areas. Price is around 60 USD per 30 minutes, payable directly to local operator
- Free Diving : guide/instructor 120 USD per night and special equipment 25 USD per night
- Rendezvous dives (with local dive club in Koh Phi Phi for example) cost around 80 USD per dive per diver
- Dive support boat will stay with Maha Bhetra during the trip, approx. 2,000 USD surcharge per night will apply with unlimited number of dives and divers
- Anything not clearly listed as included
Embarkation – Surin
After embarkation we sail north to explore Koh Surin. The topside scenery of the island, with its evergreen forests, mangroves, and small beaches arguably surpasses that of the nearby Similan Islands. Underwater, the reefs of Surin have the greatest hard coral diversity in Thailand.
You are likely to see Napoleon wrasse, yellow-masked angelfish, bump head parrotfish, tomato anemonefish, and barramundi. as well as lots of turtles that still come ashore in this area to lay their eggs. Because of the remoteness, not many liveaboard boats visit these islands and you will be able to enjoy the dive sites without sharing it with tourist hordes.
Similan Islands – Koh Tachai
Sail to the northernmost tip of the Similan National Park and the island of Koh Tachai—one of the latest additions to the National park area together with the island of Koh Bon—where you will find beautiful white beaches and azure crystal clear waters all around it. The rich waters of the Andaman Sea here are renowned for their amazing scuba-diving and snorkeling experiences, with great opportunities to spot mighty Whale sharks and Manta rays, so much so that its extravagant marine life has led to its nomination by the National Geographic Society as one of the top 10 diving destinations in the world.
The Island itself is open for tourism from November through April.
Embarkation – Surin After embarkation we sail north to explore Koh Surin. The topside scenery of the island, with its evergreen forests, mangroves, and small beaches arguably surpasses that of the nearby Similan Islands. Underwater, the reefs of Surin have the greatest hard coral diversity in Thailand. You are likely to see Napoleon wrasse, yellow-masked angelfish, bump head parrotfish, tomato anemonefish, and barramundi. as well as lots of turtles that still come ashore in this area to lay their eggs. Because of the remoteness, not many liveaboard boats visit these islands and you will be able to enjoy the dive sites without sharing it with tourist hordes. Maha Bhetra – Surin & Similan- Day 1 LOCATION Pansea Beach DAY 1 / 4 Similan Islands – Koh Tachai Sail to the northernmost tip of the Similan National Park and the island of Koh Tachai—one of the latest additions to the National park area together with the island of Koh Bon—where you will find beautiful white beaches and azure crystal clear waters all around it. The rich waters of the Andaman Sea here are renowned for their amazing scuba-diving and snorkeling experiences, with great opportunities to spot mighty Whale sharks and Manta rays, so much so that its extravagant marine life has led to its nomination by the National Geographic Society as one of the top 10 diving destinations in the world. The Island itself is open for tourism from November through April. Maha Bhetra – Surin & Similan- Day 2 LOCATION Surin Island DAY 2 / 4 Koh Bon – Donald Duck Bay
Delve into the underwater wonderland of Koh Bon where you are likely to see manta rays, Napoleon wrasse, sweetlips, octopus, bluefin trevally, giant moray eels, great barracudas, fire dart goby, popcorn shrimp, spiny lobster, and nudibranchs of many types. The dive sites here vary from wall diving to gently sloping reefs and from submerging boulders to coral gardens.
Next stop, Donald Duck Bay is a beautifully photogenic bay located at the northern end of Similan Island No. 8. It is complete with a pristine beach and unique rock formation that is relatively easy to climb. The dive site is named after a huge strange-shaped rock on the Western side of the bay that, not surprisingly, looks like the head of the cartoon character Donald Duck.
Princess & Honeymoon Bays – Disembarkation
Princess bay is a beautiful bay and beach (Haad Yai) on the north face of Similan Island number four (Koh Miang) perfect for a beach trip to give everyone a break from diving and their first taste of the super soft white sands that the islands are so famous for.
Honeymoon Bay is located on the eastern side of the island in front of a small beach, they call “Haad-Lek”. This site is not too deep and perfect for liveaboards mooring in the evening to have a night dive.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
A 20% supplement applies during Peak Season (20 Dec – 10 Jan).
Speak with one of our travel specialists for more price details and availability.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Accommodation on board for your trip
- Welcome package with 1 complimentary bottle of wine (French Rosé)
- Full board, gourmet snacks, fruits, drinking water, tea, coffee, soft drinks and & local beers
- Watersport equipments : fishing rod, kayak, paddle board, snorkeling gear
- Cleaning fee
- Local tax
- Yacht insurance
- Wildlife encountering and trekking excursions
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
- International/domestic airfare
- Airport taxes
- Cost of any relevant visa or reciprocity fee
- Cost of medical treatment, including evacuation
- National Park fees
- Any other requested activities or services
- Gratuities to crew
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Souvenirs, spa treatments or additional services such as laundry
- Dive support boat will stay with Maha Bhetra during the trip, approx. 2,000 USD surcharge per night will apply with unlimited number of dives and divers
- Jet skiing, wakeboarding is only allowed outside national park areas. Price is around 60 USD per 30 minutes, payable directly to local operator
- Free Diving : guide/instructor 120 USD per night and special equipment 25 USD per night
- Rendezvous dives (with local dive club in Koh Phi Phi for example) cost around 80 USD per dive per diver
- Anything not clearly listed as included
Embarkation – Mai Thon – Racha Yai
After embarlation, sail to Mai Thon, where the beauty of the underwater world is just 10 steps away from the shore! Dive into the crystal clear water and discover a whole new world underneath; a thriving coral sanctuary that is home to 400 species of fish and spectacular marine life.
Later, visit the remarkable Racha Islands, best known for being among the best diving and snorkeling destinations in Thailand. Located some 12 km south of Phuket, Racha Yai reveals itself in splendid fashion, with most arrivals landing onto a strip of fine white sand.
Option dinner at The Racha Resort.
Koh Phi Phi
Explore the paradise that is Phi Phi, a group of six islands situated half way between the the larger islands of Phuket and Ko Lanta. The two main islands are Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh, the larger and inhabited Phi Phi Don attracting hundreds of visitors to stay on its lovely shores, while the smaller uninhabited Phi Phi Leh hosts stunningly beautiful bays and beaches, including the world-famous Maya Bay, which was the set where The Beach (starring a young Leonardo Di Caprio) was filmed.
Option dinner at Zeavola.
Bida Nok – Koh Ma
Delve into the underwater delights at Bida Nok, a dive site that is accessible to all diving levels and provides great entertainment for all visitors. The underwater topography is diverse from sandy bottoms, slopping reefs, a great wall, small caves, large crevices, and a great selection of both hard and soft corals.
More aquatic adventure awaits at Koh Ma, another island in the border area of Krabi and Trang that is great for snorkeling. Shaped like a horse, Koh Ma has no sandy shoreline, but what it lacks in beaches it makes up for in bats! With the boat moored against the cliff, keep your eyes peeled for the fruit bats frolicking above.
Option dinner at Zeavola.
Phang Nga Bay – Koh Hong – Disembarkation
Visit ‘James Bond Island’, Phang Nga Bay and marvel at the teetering Koh Tapu, a tall islet whose peak towers 20 meters above sea level, and famous landmark for visitors worldwide since it was shown in the 1974 James Bond movie “The Man with the Golden Gun”.
Kayak the solitary cave entrance into Koh Hong (Room Island), a limestone island completely surrounded by cliff walls open to the sky so that it looks like a huge hall. There are many such Hong Islands in the Bay of Phang Nga waiting to be explored.
Optional farewell dinner at Koh Yao Yai or Six Senses Yao Noi.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
A 20% supplement applies during Peak Season (20 Dec – 10 Jan).
Speak with one of our travel specialists for more price details and availability.
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
- International/domestic airfare
- Airport taxes
- Travel insurance
- Cost of any relevant visa or reciprocity fee
- Cost of medical treatment, including evacuation
- National Park fees
- Any other requested activities or services
- Gratuities to crew
- Alcoholic beverages
- Souvenirs, spa treatments or additional services such as laundry
- Dive support boat will stay with Maha Bhetra during the trip, approx. 2,000 USD surcharge per night will apply with unlimited number of dives and divers
- Jet skiing, wakeboarding is only allowed outside national park areas. Price is around 60 USD per 30 minutes, payable directly to local operator
- Free Diving : guide/instructor 120 USD per night and special equipment 25 USD per night
- Rendezvous dives (with local dive club in Koh Phi Phi for example) cost around 80 USD per dive per diver
- Anything not clearly listed as included
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
- International/domestic airfare
- Airport taxes
- Travel insurance
- Cost of any relevant visa or reciprocity fee
- Cost of medical treatment, including evacuation
- National Park fees
- Any other requested activities or services
- Gratuities to crew
- Alcoholic beverages
- Souvenirs, spa treatments or additional services such as laundry
- Jet skiing, wakeboarding is only allowed outside national park areas. Price is around 60 USD per 30 minutes, payable directly to local operator
- Free Diving : guide/instructor 120 USD per night and special equipment 25 USD per night
- Rendezvous dives (with local dive club in Koh Phi Phi for example) cost around 80 USD per dive per diver
- Dive support boat will stay with Maha Bhetra during the trip, approx. 2,000 USD surcharge per night will apply with unlimited number of dives and divers
- Anything not clearly listed as included
Embarkation – Koh Lipe
After embarkation, sail to Koh Lipe, a small L-shaped island located in southern Thailand’s Satun Province near the Thailand/Malaysia border. It belongs to the Adang-Rawi Archipelago, situated on the outskirts of the Tarutao National Marine Park. Originally only inhabited by Sea Gypsies, the Chao Ley who gave the island its name – Koh Lipe means Paper Island in Chao Ley.
Pattaya Beach – Sunrise Beach
Visit Pattaya Beach, Koh Lipe’s main beach. It is a large sheltered bay with soft powdery sand, crystal clear blue water, and good snorkeling right from the beach.
Snorkel the best snorkeling waters in Koh Lipe at Sunrise beach, also known as “Haad Chao Ley” due to the Chao Ley village being located there. In order to enjoy the best coral this beach has to offer, visitors are advised to swim far enough from the shore to reach the coral reef.
Embarkation – Koh Lipe After embarkation, sail to Koh Lipe, a small L-shaped island located in southern Thailand’s Satun Province near the Thailand/Malaysia border. It belongs to the Adang-Rawi Archipelago, situated on the outskirts of the Tarutao National Marine Park. Originally only inhabited by Sea Gypsies, the Chao Ley who gave the island its name – Koh Lipe means Paper Island in Chao Ley. Maha Bhetra – Lipe Island & Butang Archipelago-Day 1 LOCATION Phuket Yacht Haven DAY 1 / 7 Pattaya Beach – Sunrise Beach Visit Pattaya Beach, Koh Lipe’s main beach. It is a large sheltered bay with soft powdery sand, crystal clear blue water, and good snorkeling right from the beach. Snorkel the best snorkeling waters in Koh Lipe at Sunrise beach, also known as “Haad Chao Ley” due to the Chao Ley village being located there. In order to enjoy the best coral this beach has to offer, visitors are advised to swim far enough from the shore to reach the coral reef. Maha Bhetra – Lipe Island & Butang Archipelago-Day 2 LOCATION Pattaya Beach DAY 2 / 7 Tarutao – Adang-Rawi
Visit the Tarutao National Marine Park in southwest Thailand close to the Malaysian border. Tarutao Marine national park is the first marine National Park of Thailand, and known for its history and beautiful nature. Within this national park, there are two groups of islands: Tarutao and Adang-Rawi.
Koh Rawi, an area of about 29 sq km, with a beautiful beach, crystal clear sea, and serenity. It is the location of the Tarutao National Park Ranger Station To To 6 (Hat Sai Khao). There is no accommodation on the island, so visitors come here to enjoy swimming and diving around the coral reef.
Koh Adang is surrounded by pristine coral, which is thriving with underwater life.
Koh Muk – Koh Ngai
Off the Thai mainland in Trang Province, the small, seldom-visited island paradise of Ko Muk awaits. The eastern side of the island is home to a charming traditional fishing village whose way of life has largely been untouched by tourism. On its western side, towering sea-cliffs hide the main attraction, Tham Morakot (Emerald Cave), a dazzling sea cave that can only be accessed by swimming 80 m through a small entrance cave. Inside you are greeted by your own secret hideaway complete with secluded beach.
Later, head to Hai Island (Ko Ngai) one of the most famous islands in Krabi Province, near Koh Lanta. The island has a long white beach surrounded by clear waters and magnificent corals perfect for snorkeling and diving.
Koh Haa
Koh Haa Yai is the largest one. It has a small, sandy beach and a shallow bay. Koh Haa is a great place for snorkeling or to kayak between the islands. Koh Ha is a great spot to drop anchor for the night and also a beautiful spot for scuba diving, featuring lots of large fish, small marine life, and a variety of crabs and octopuses.
Accommodations
CRUISES & LODGES
2 CABINS
Suite
GUESTS | SIZE | BEDS |
2 | 27 m² / 291 ft² | Double / Twin |
Guests can enjoy these expansive suites that come with large windows and private balconies. These suites also feature individually controlled air conditioning and a luxurious bathroom equipped with a monsoon shower, a basin, and a separate toilet.
7 CABINS
Mandalay Deluxe Suite
GUESTS | SIZE | BEDS |
2 | 27-28 m² / 291-301 ft² | Double / Twin |
These suites are designed to ensure comfort and luxury. They feature a private balcony that comes with chairs and tables, allowing guests some intimate time to take in the breathtaking oceanic view. The Mandalay suites also feature one set of interconnected suites for bigger groups.
7 CABINS
Bagan Deluxe Suite
GUESTS | SIZE | BEDS |
2 | 27-28 m² / 291-301 ft² | Double / Twin |
These suites feature one set of interconnecting suites that is ideal for either a large family or a group of friends. The suites also have a private balcony with outdoor chairs and a table where guests can relax as they sunbathe.
4 CABINS
Luxury Suite
GUESTS | SIZE | BEDS |
2 | 31-33 m² / 334-356 ft² | King |
The luxury suite features a private balcony with tables and chairs where guests can enjoy some alone time. The suites come with a stylish bathroom fully equipped with a monsoon shower and other amenities, ensuring a guest enjoys a refreshing shower.
1 CABINS
Owner's Suite
GUESTS | SIZE | BEDS |
2 | 75 m² / 807 ft² | King |
The owner’s room is very spacious, featuring ensuite living areas, a separate dressing, and a big verandah where guests can sunbathe and take in the cool breeze. The expansive bathroom oozes luxury with a fully equipped freestanding tub, monsoon showers, and his-and-hers sinks.