Heritage Line Co. Ltd. 68 Street Nr. 10 - Tran Trong Cung Tan Thuan Dong Ward (District 7) Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam info@heritage-line.com

Heritage Line, a consummate collector of ships and vessels and a dynamic cruise company offers guests an experience at once intimate, authentic and adventurous. Heritage Line designs ships to re-create the past of an era gone-by. Each detail painstakingly crafted, to remake history. Always in search of the exceptional. And this naturally draws guests from distant corners of the planet to partake in their splendours.

Heritage Line are artisans. It is more than a mere provider of tours on water. They craft the most memorable on- and off-shore experience and bring to life untold stories with the right mix of comfort, adventure, culture, history, luxury and tradition. And passion.

Heritage Line travellers are inspired by the people they meet, by the closeness to nature during their journeys and of course by bringing home those everlasting glimpses of Asian beauty.

There is a reason Heritage Line is called a boutique spark on water. They are personal. They are exclusive. They are veritable hosts who embrace you with unbridled warmth and never let you forget your stay. Where intimate bonds are created and friendships nourished. And they remember your names.

Imagine a singular collector of unique ships and boats. Passionate to the core. Deeply committed to making your journey an unforgettable adventure.

Day breaks and the early signs of life are unmistakable. The denizens who owe their livelihoods to the Mekong spring to life: fishing nets are cast, engines of boats sputter to life and women make a beeline to the river to fetch water for their household chores. Millions of Asians – from China, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand – pay tribute to this mighty river which guards their living and looks protectively over its people.

The world’s 10th longest river, it runs an estimated length of 4,909 km and drains an area of 795,000 km2, discharging 475 km3 of water annually. The Mekong’s history is as rich as the river itself. The earliest known settlement dates back to 2100 BC. In the 1st century, the Mekong Delta saw the arrival of the Indianized-Khmer culture of Funan brought about by cross border trade. Celebrated Australian historian Milton Osbourne opined that the mission of Doudart de Lagrée and Francis Garnier, travellers extraordinaire, were filled with danger when they left Saigon on June 5th, 1866, determined to follow the Mekong into China. They navigated every conceivable threat and every spine curdling hazard to fulfil their dream of a viable route for commerce through lands of undiscovered riches. Alas, their hopes were futile but their contribution to geographical knowledge was immense.

Today, the Mekong basin is one of the world’s richest areas of biodiversity in the world. Home to more than 20,000 plant species, 400 mammals, 1,200 birds, 800 reptiles and amphibians and an estimated 850 kinds of fish.

No description of the Mekong is complete without a paean to the Tonle Lake which converges with the massive Mekong in Phnom Penh. For five months of the year, this river undergoes a unique natural phenomenon – it reverses its flow upstream. The reversal of the Tonle flow acts as a safety valve to prevent flooding further downstream. During the dry season (December to April) the Tonle Lake provides around 50% of the flow to the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. During the rainy season, the Mekong becomes a swelling depository and can increase its height by 10 meters, thus becoming a vast ocean. But, as it reaches Cambodia’s capital city, the volume of water is so immense, it forces the Tonle River to reverse its flow, allowing for balance to triumph.

A journey on the Mekong is an exceptional voyage. The Mekong’s serenity envelops the visitor in a warm embrace. Filled with mystery. Rich in history. A full adventure.

A mysterious body of water. Flowing through six countries in Asia. Giving love and life to millions. Received its fame by the legendary God King of ancient Cambodia, King Jayavarman VII, who linked hands with the waters of the Mekong to build the magnificent Angkor civilization. Welcome to the Mekong.

Siem ReapSiem Reap is home to the world’s largest city in the 13th century and the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex. A UNESCO heritage site, the overwhelming and majestic temple complex, located five kilometres north of Siem Reap amidst lush greenery, is evidence of the golden civilization of Cambodia in the 11th and 12th centuries.

Kampong ChhnangKampong Chhnang is renowned for its fine clay pottery. In fact, its name in Khmer means Port of Pottery. Kampong Chhnang is a tranquil province lined with sugar-palm trees and paddy fields which disappear into the horizon in delightful puffs of gold and green.

Wat NokorWat Nokor is an 11th-century Khmer sanctuary which is bound to charm every visitor with its temple-within-a-temple layout – a modern Theravada Buddhist pagoda is squeezed into the walls of an 11th century Mahayana Buddhist shrine of sandstone and laterite.

Wat Hanchey Located at the top of a hill overlooking the river, the Wat Hanchey temple complex offers one of the most breath-taking views in Cambodia. Built in the 8th century, this ancient structure, together with a bigger and newer addition underscores the superb architecture of the Chenla Empire which predates the mighty Angkor temple complex.

Phnom PenhPhnom Penh, once called the Paris of the East for its French-inspired architecture and side-walk cafes, was considered one of the loveliest French-built cities in Indochina in the 1920s. Today, this “Pearl of Asia” has retained matchless charm with its rustic elegance, historical treasures, striking Royal Khmer and French Colonial architecture and its people who always have a smile on.

Kampong ChamKampong Cham is a charming, rarely visited city and is certainly the best place to embrace the “real” Cambodia. The remnants of French Colonial rule are seen in the dilapidated government buildings and wide, open cross country roads. Kampong Cham is Cambodia’s most populous province (1.6 million).

Chau DocChau Doc, is a remote border town and cultural melting pot of Chinese, Cham and Khmer communities. The city is situated at the intersection of a tributary linking the Bassac and the Mekong River. What Chau Doc lacks in size, it makes up in colours. Lots of it. Vivid and vibrant. Even its store fronts are painted in warm pastel shades.

Cai BeCai Be is an alluring mélange of river and land. The pace, languid, the scenery, idyllic. But Cai Be’s biggest attraction is the floating market. Where, at the break of dawn, traders and sellers converge on water on trusty wooden boats. And the vociferous bargaining begins amid a cacophonous congregation of sounds, smells and colours.

Ho Chi Minh CityFormerly called Saigon, Ho Chi Minh is Vietnam’s largest city. It is a charming metropolis – skyscrapers and office buildings sit side by side with markets and noodle stands. Today Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s booming city. It has managed to maintain its French Colonial charm, as seen in its fascinating architecture, wide boulevards and street cafes.

My first promenade stroll in Phnom Penh allows me to spot a group of people dancing in unison led. An elderly couple brisk walking doing their daily exercise. I sit on a bench and keep on anticipating how this amazing day is going to roll out in the descending blue hours of the evening sun.

Another day beckons me. Another day of being bathed in the smiles of the engaging crew. Today is “Wat” day. Temples, monks, pagodas and Khmer culture. I count the number of steps to Wat Hanchey – 303 in all – and 500 meters in height. It was worth the climb as it was my first glimpse of the glorious Angkor civilization.

Breakfast is simply marvellous – the creamy Italian cappuccino reminds of my cruise to the Mediterranean last year. But it is the lavish dose of smiles from the staff which give me my hit for the day. I am now ready to discover Chau Doc – the cruise director told me I will get to learn about fish farming.

I gingerly hop onto a sampan which glides along the narrow Mekong channels, allowing me to savour colourful life on the river. Farmers smile and wave. They beckon me to join them for a tête-à-tête.

I kick back and unwind on my private balcony with a book in one hand and an orange-mango smoothie in the other. The Mekong life floating by distract me from my reading. Both compete for my attention. The scenery wins. I put my book aside, reach out for my camera and snap away.

Never would I have imagined a Tai Chi lesson at the unearthly hour of dawn could be so revitalizing. The green marshland sparkles in the early rays of the sun. I am immersed in Cambodia’s water world. My thoughts are captured by a single, floating house. A young mother holds her baby and smiles at me. I believe it doesn’t take much to be happy in life.

Heritage Line crafts journeys like a kaleidoscope of moments, experiences and adventures, strung like a string of pearls along a vividly iridescent river. A tête-à-tête with a sun-darkened fisherman, a cherubic smile and firm handshake from your rickshaw driver in Phnom Penh, a delightful experience in haggling at a local market conspire with our exclusive excursions to create eternal memories of the Mekong.

Heritage Line offers a total of four cruise options on the Mekong. The Lost Civilization - a seven night cruise - is the most popular. Our Serenity, Pearl of the Orient or Deep in the Delta (2-4 nights) are various short leg journeys along the Mekong. Guests who treasure privacy can travel at their own pace with tailored daily excursions (The Jahan).

They are known as brothers, each with his distinct personality and yet bound together by a blue-blooded heritage. Bringing regal beauty to an equally regal waterway. When they meet in the capital of Cambodia it is akin to the arrival of two dignified royals amid a rumble of pomp and pageantry. They are proud, imposing and majestic. Yet, each defiantly tries to be different, is unique in his décor, setting and flavour. And history.

The Jayavarman is the grand patriarch who is fatherly, kind and a quiet disciplinarian. He is imposing as he brings with him years of tradition and civilization. Then there is the Jahan, the hopelessly romantic younger brother. A rebel. Violently in love.

The Jayavarman offers the exclusive and the exquisite. Every delicate detail designed with care. The ship’s décor is a marvellous fusion of French and Indochinese flavours with a strong Khmer soul permeating its very essence. Grab a book from our library and kick back at the Henry Mouhot lounge whilst enjoying soul stirring tunes of the classics or grand French chansons. Or forget time in the funnel bar “Club 1930” whilst having a glass of wine and listening to the bar man’s ear-widening Cambodian stories.

The Jahan boasts of 26 elegantly designed rooms in colourful British-India themes. Luxury becomes the Jahan, from the individually selected paintings and artefacts that adorn the ship’s interior to the spectacular view of the Mekong from the Observatory Lounge. The entire décor of each cabin is hand painted and the furniture on board the Jahan is highly authentic – sourced from family-owned furniture makers in East India.

Didn’t we say the two brothers were different yet similar?

Breathtaking beauty. Matchless serenity. A spectacular seascape of islands, islets and limestones. All brought to life by a legendary tale that is as incredible as it is heart-warming. The Halong Bay, where the spirits of dragons roam and the spirit of life are infused in this stunning creation of nature. It is a floating world all of its own, like it’s not part of the same earth. Myth, legend or fantasy? It doesn’t really matter. Welcome to the Halong Bay.

Local legend tells of a tale – which got taller down the line – of the invasion of Vietnam by outsiders. The gods in heaven sent down a family of dragons to help protect the country. Instead of chucking out fire, these fiery creatures began spitting out clusters of jewels. These jewels turned into the islands and islets dotting the bay, linking together to form a great wall against the invaders. Rock mountains – no doubt lead by celestial spirits – appeared from out of nowhere on the seas, ahead of the invaders’ ships and effectively blocking them. The invaders beat a hasty retreat and the dragons – comfortable in their victory – decided to rest peacefully in this bay. Halong is the name of the first port of call of the grand matriarch of the dragons.

Halong, which means descending dragons in Vietnamese, is one of the world’s most pristine sights. Situated in the Gulf of Tonkin, the Bay is a serene body of water, dotted by thousands of limestone hills which disappear into the horizon in puffs of green. Most of the 1600 islands are uninhabited and remain insulated from human influence.

The dragons have long left, but as you immerse yourself in its overpowering splendour, you will be consumed by the all-encompassing flames of beauty and love that the legendary creature bequeathed to Halong.

Mysterious. Imperious. Mystical. The Halong Bay eludes a definitive description. Experience the thrill of rowing your kayak in moving rapids, cycling along coastlines and through the lush green paddy fields on Cat Ba Island and studying the rustic lives of fishing communities in floating villages. A two or three day journey though the Bay that is at once surreal and fulfilling.

The two-day “The Dragon Passage” ( ) and the three-day “The Jewels of Halong Bay” ( ) are our journeys to discover the bay.

1 The Royal Dock This is the meeting point for all guests who are slated to cruise with the three dainty sisters – Violet, Ginger and Jasmine – of Halong Bay. As you board your junk, a strong brew of Vietnamese coffee greets you, accompanied by the cherubic smiles of svelte Vietnamese ladies who form the welcome team and hand you a fresh lemongrass scented wet towel. Sprightly young men help with bags and usher you to your cabin. The boat begins its slow trundle, dancing merrily over the little waves. All aboard - the voyage begins.

2 Cruising into the Bay Hypnotized by the therapeutic cadence of waves lapping against the boat, you stand at the deck and drink in the scenery. And there they are – all the islands and islets – greeting in a welcoming embrace. So close that it feels almost surreal. Hunger descends (seawater has a way of doing this to you). You pry yourself away from the deck and adjourn to the restaurant. Your eyes are glued onto the scenery whilst the junk sneaks deeper into the Bay.

3 Tien Ong Cave Already you have made a few friends amongst guests and staff. Today, a tender will bring you to the magnificent Tien Ong cave – a recent discovery at Halong. Archeologists opine that ancient Viet people lived in this cave between eight to 10,000 years ago. Formed out of ancient limestone karsts about 700,000 years ago, the cave is four meters above sea level. Archeologists continue to make new discoveries including work tools and excavation holes housing fresh water nails and clams, indicative of a community life in the cave.

4 Cua Van Floating Village Halong is also home to four fishing villages whose 600 denizens live their lives in perfect harmony with the Bay. Our visit takes us to Cua Van – the biggest floating village in Halong. You will marvel at the way the people go about their daily chores sans cars, motorcycles and high rise buildings. Children play in their floating houses and joyfully wave at you. Be mesmerized by the smiles and laughter of these residents who have found true happiness despite their meagre surroundings. You observe them fishing for squids and oysters, their children at school and the women-folk doing the laundry – a definite milestone of your Halong journey.

5 Mooring Place Lom BoThe boat reaches the Lom Bo area, nestled at the border of Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay. An ideal place to moor for the night as you are able to watch the sun make its gentle descent over the horizon in the evening. From the deck, watch the lights of other junks nearby shine and flash, like flickering dots in the sky. You sip your wine and gently fall into a slumber.

6 Soi Sim Beach Soi Sim beach is a white sandy crescent-shaped stretch that hugs the outline of the petite Soi Sim island. The water is shallow. Shady umbrellas abound. Relax, kick back on the beat, lying on beach towels. You notice the sporty guests climbing up hill on a small natural trail. Once on top, they savour the moment – a panoramic view of a world’s heritage. Definitely a Kodak moment.

7 Lan Ha Bay & Cat Ba Island with Viet Hai Village (“The Jewels of Halong Bay” only)Another day beckons. You transfer onto the Halong Sunset, a luxurious day boat. The boat moves deep into the Lan Ha Bay, another spectacular wonder of Halong. Legend has it that three women of the Tran Dynasty were killed and their bodies floated all the way to Cat Ba Island. Each body washed up on a different beach. The residents of Cat Ba built a temple as a paean for each woman, and the Island was aptly known as Cat Ba or Women’s Island. Cat Ba is the largest island among the 366 islands in the Bay and approximately half of its area is covered by a National Park..

The Cat Ba experience is filled with activities and cycling is a marvellous way to explore this place. You follow a beautifully designed low water coast. Cycle on a small concrete road with spectacular views of the Bay. Pass tunnels under shady tree domes on the way to Viet Hai, a rural village with approximately 200 residents. If you like, become a guest teacher to energetic children at a class at a local primary school. The kids laugh. They find your blonde hair and light eyes really unique. What a wonderful way to get in touch with locals.

8 Tunnel Kayaking(“The Jewels of Halong Bay” only)Ah, time for the adventurous kayaking. You change into your trunks, put on a swimming vest and glide into the kayak with your partner. You row in unison through several arches including the Ha Ba Ham formations. The kayak moves with the waves into the cavernous tunnel and out the back. A little golden beach pops over the horizon. Thoughts of Robinson’s Crusoe’s swashbuckling adventures spring to mind.

Years ago, a French aristocrat and his wife settled in the legendary Halong Bay. T hey had three stunning daughters, the most special being Violet. When she glides on the water, the moon and stars stop shining and the winds whisper her name...

They are siblings but each sister is as distinct as the other. Violet, the youngest, is fiery yet graceful. She can be pompous at times but her coquettishness will melt any heart. A six-room high end vessel, her interior design is exquisite and her finishing delicate.

Jasmine – the middle child – is sturdy and strong. She has a decidedly languid air about her. A 24 cabin vessel, she marries space and beauty artfully in a rich 1930s Indochine-styled wooden décor.

And then, there is Ginger – the eldest. She is graceful and responsible, yet she exudes a delectable avant-garde air. She combines classic beauty with modern comfort and space for guests to lounge around and unwind.

All three enjoy sailing with pride and beauty through one of the marvellous wonders of our planet.

Meet Ginger, Jasmine and Violet. Known as the three sisters of Halong, they were born to upper-crust bourgeoisie parents – proud, dignified and refined. They are junks who sit coyly at the Bay. Cooing at the stars. Singing to the moon. They are diminutive but together, they form a formidable force ready to take on the world and the legendary dragons of the past.

Age-old traditions and culture have stood the test of time. Monks in flaming red, walk cheek by jowl with cars and motorcycles. Pagodas and temples – in gushing devotion to the nation’s fervent belief in Buddhism – line the nation’s landscape.

Squeezed between India and Thailand, Myanmar stills holds as much romance today as it did for George Orwell whose book - Burmese Days - gave the outside world a glimpse of this beautiful country. Resource rich, this Southeast Asian country has gold in abundance and the Irrawaddy river yields this precious metal. As Buddhism is the dominant religion of this country, most of the Irrawaddy gold ends up on Buddha statues and pagodas.

No description of Myanmar is complete without a paean to the Irrawaddy. Myanmar’s longest and most important commercial waterway, it flows from the northern tip of this landlocked country into the southern delta. The Irrawaddy’s history is steeped in myth. According to a legendary tale, the Great Spirit of the world on the icy Himalayan peaks poured water from two gold cups: the Mai Kha River flowed from the cup in his right hand and Mali Kha, from the left. The two rivers were twins - male and female – and they merged at the confluence, giving birth to the Irrawaddy river.

Throughout its voyage of 1240 miles, the Irrawaddy acts with divine generosity, infusing life into a livelihood, a people and its economy. Huge rafts transport teak wood downstream. Entire families – from wizened grandmothers to knee-high grandchildren – live on board bamboo rafts. The Irrawaddy is also impeded by a series of three defiles. Those defiles are narrow points - gorges - of which the one close to Katha is the most spectacular.

The Chindwin river, the largest tributary of the Irrawaddy spills its strength into the mother of rivers not far from Mandalay. What it lacks in length, it makes up in the spectacular scenery of lush jungles and sheer cliffs, misty-blue mountains and charming towns and villages, proudly running through a region of abundant natural resources and fertile meadows.

The benevolence of Myanmar and the Irrawaddy benefits all – journey with us as it is time to explore the latest jewel of South East Asia.

Formerly known as Burma, Myanmar is a rare jewel - an untarnished diamond in Southeast Asia. There is a decidedly languid pace that flows through this undiscovered country. Gently stirred by the Burmese people who go about their quiet ways. Welcome to Myanmar.

The Shin Arahan is the embodiment of luxury and grandeur, much like the majestic Irrawaddy that it cruises on. Where Burmese tradition – ancient and everlasting - meets British colonial elegance. This dream-like ship could well be straight out of a Huckleberry Finn’s quixotic novel as this paddle wheeler marries romance with adventure.

Shin Arahan also pays tribute to the country’s deep-seated affection for Buddhism. The Burmese accents, artefacts, patterns and ornaments on the boat will inspire you to immerse yourself in the real Burma. And then, British flavour is thrown into the mix, colonial touches of an imperial era.

The Shin Arahan boasts of the largest cabin floor space on the Irrawaddy. Four kinds of cabin categories are offered - each with its private balcony. The two enormous suites (53sqm) sit grandly on the terrace deck with a front view of the bow and the gorgeous Irrawaddy. Wide glass doors open to an extra large teak wood balcony where a private jacuzzi extends that extra floating feeling.

Four signature rooms – slightly smaller - accompany the suites

on this floor like their adjutants. However, they are equally impressive as their splendid interior design, peppered with fine Burmese artefacts, is visually captivating. All eight deluxe cabins stand at attention on the upper deck – with just a short walk to the grand lounge and its ample reception area.

The Superiors form themselves on the main deck like a British cavalry whose uniform is decked in fine insignia, portraying understated British elegance. But above all, exquisite Burmese themes and flavours re-create that unique aura of the Burmese days of the past.

With the Shin Arahan’s arrival on the Irrawaddy, Heritage Line hits the spot - a grandiose ship cruising on a grandiose river.

A cruise journey on the Irrawaddy and throughout Myanmar is a pristine voyage, like a novel layered with intense story-telling about a little known

enclave tucked away in the world’s vast labyrinthine maze.

The Irawaddy has remained unchanged in decades. Riversides dotted with a myriad of white and golden pagodas along the meandering Irrawaddy. People and traditions remain defiantly unaltered by modernity. Relive the days of the old Burma – just like Kipling and Orwell embraced it – in our treasure-filled expedition through the Land of Gold.

Various cruise lengths are available all around the year up- and downstream the Irrawaddy:

A four night Standard Cruise between Bagan and Mandalay.

A five night extension (to a total of a nine night extravaganza tour) exploring the upper north part of the Irrawaddy River.

Special program: Chartered cruises on the Chindwin River – up to 10 nights – are available on request (low season).

Bagan Bagan was the capital as well as the political, economic and cultural centre of the ancient Pagan Empire from the 9th to the 13th centuries. Over the course of 250 years, Bagan’s rulers constructed over 10,000 religious monuments (stupas, temples, monasteries) in an area of 104 square kilometres in the Bagan plains. Today, over 2,200 temples have survived the test of time.

Yandabo Yandabo is tucked away in central Myanmar, on the banks of the Irrawaddy, without any road access. It is beyond doubt a hidden gem as it is famous for the production of terracotta pottery made from river bank mud. The signing of the historic Treaty of Yandabo between the British and the Burmese (1826) signalled the beginning of British imperialism in Burma.

Ava and Amarapura Founded in 1364 this city underwent numerous wars and upheavals but it was a series of earthquakes which reduced it to shambles. Today, ruins – battered and shattered – remind visitors of its former days of glory. King Tharrawaddy chose to rebuild a new palace in Amarapura – replacing Ava – as the capital in February 1842. Today, Amarapura is absorbed into Mandalay’s urban sprawl.

Mandalay Mandalay is the second-largest city and the last royal capital of Myanmar. It remains upper Burma’s main booming district but above all it is the spiritual centre of Myanmar and the hub of Buddhism. The city took its name from Mandalay Hill, considered a religious and pilgrim site by Buddhists. Legend say Lord Buddha had prophesied a great city would be founded at its foot. This prophecy is quickly being fulfilled.

Kyauk Myaung Kyauk Myaung stands majestically on the western bank of the Irrawaddy River. A small town, Kyauk Myaung is synonymous with pottery. Every household earns its living by making pots, including large Martaban jars. The pots range from tiny containers to glazed jars with the capacity to hold 50 gallons of liquid.

Mingun The amazing Mingun temple, whose construction began under King Bodawpaya has remained incomplete as an astrologer predicted the death of the King will coincide with its completion. The King also directed the construction of the Mingun bell. Weighing 90 tons and standing at 6.31m tall. It is the largest functioning bell in the world. A must-see is the beautiful white Hsinbyume Pagoda nearby. No better place for tourists to be on cloud nine.

TigyaingHere is the perfect opportunity to discover the rustic, untouched village life of Myanmar. A great place to stroll around, banter with the kids who will inevitably saunter up to you, and watch the languid pace of life gently trudge along. Katha Katha up north was the base for George Orwell 1926-27 where he penned his novel “Burmese Days”. Places like the British Club featured in the novel can still be visited. About 80km upstream the river is the impressive 2nd defile with its spectacular gorge. It feels like a needle eye of rocks trying to embrace the cruise liner when passing through it.

NabaAptly called the George Orwell experience, you travel deep into the countryside and are given a slice of real Burmese life. Naba is the place to be – somewhere in the middle of no-where where tourists are rarely seen. It is the Burma that unfolds its true unsullied self. The rural Burmese here tend to paint their faces – known as Thanakha – to simply protect, cool and refresh the skin.

Nat Inn Heritage Line funds a school at the Nat Inn village believing that investing in education is investing in the future of Myanmar. Visit the school, talk and play with the kids and bask in their laughter. In the evening the final day of the northern Myanmar journey ends by sipping a cocktail next to a bonfire on a Irrawaddy sand bank – good bye Myanmar.

MandalayIn Myanmar, gold and statutes are interconnected like ying and yang. I was given an insight into the intricate processes of producing gold leaves. An abundance of the leaves end up on the Buddha statute that sits serenely in the spectacular Mahamuni temple. Faithful devotees place day by day gold leaf after gold leaf on this Buddha statute. The world’s largest “book” is another “wow-effect” on that day. The entire Buddhist scrip is written on 729 slabs of stone in the Kuthodaw temple.

Ava & AmarapuraThe name Ava is a corruption of the Burmese Inwa which means “entrance to the lake.” For today’s excursion, it is a comfortable horse ride on well-worn, un-tarred thoroughfare, lumbering past leafy trees and winding through ancient ruins. Buddhism fills every inch of this country. And as the land takes on a bright orange hue, I begin to think of Burma as the land of perfect sunsets.

YandaboThe morning cruise is slow and serene. I am thoroughly enjoying the ride on this wheeler to Yandabo. The smiling denizens of this village make water pots – loads of them – using an amazing and surprising technique. “Why use sticks to mould the round edges of the pot?” If it works, why not?

SagaingThe boat glides into Sagaing from the south. A breath-taking view. Various temples, as far as the eye can see, dotting the hilly landscape in a fascinating pattern. I trek the hills, behold the temples and pagodas.

BaganI alight – of all things – a horse cart fronted by a well-groomed thoroughbred. Lead by a sprightly whip, we trundle to the temples. Dusk makes its gentle approach. With a cocktail in hand, I get an unobstructed glimpse of that majestic place. The sun descents gently and the Bagan plains take on a magnificent glow. Truly a gorgeous sight.

You are made to feel at home. A home that is as warm as it is exquisite. Private breakfast can be served to your staterooms or whilst sitting under a shade on the sun deck in the rising morning sun. Comprehensive menus are created to leave you wishing for more. Single Spa and massage hideaways allow you to feel the complete Southeast Asian touch. Unique lounges of wonderful splendour fitted with cosy and antique furnishings re-create that homely feeling, reminiscent of babies snuggled on their mother’s lap in the living room.

But most importantly, Heritage Line creates intimate bonds and friendships. You will likely be welcomed as a family member. The crew, who are kindred spirits, are keen to ensure your experience remains indelibly etched in your memory. With a genuine smile. They remember your preferences and tastes.

And as mentioned before - they remember your names.

Heritage Line is renowned for being a peerless host on water. They are personal. They are specially arranged to suit your palate, your adventurous spirit, your whims and fancies and at times, your need for privacy.

S pecial people create special voyages