Strand Cruise Myanmar Destination Of Bagan Is Counting Temples For World Heritage Bid

The compiling of the inventory of temples, stupas and pagodas is to ensure accurate data can be presented for the World Heritage status, which Bagan hopes to obtain within the next couple of years.

The inventory is expected to be completed in February 2016, for Bagan to strengthen its bid to be listed as a World Heritage site.

Deputy general director of the Ministry of Culture’s Archaeology and National Museum Department, U Thein Lwin, was quoted in local media as saying there were more pagodas in Bagan than first thought.

The most recent records kept by the department state that the Bagan Archaeological Zone covers about 42 sq km and has over 3,000 pagodas.

Bagan is among a number of sites Myanmar has nominated for inclusion on the World Heritage List. The country’s first and so far only inclusion on the prestigious list is the Pyu Ancient Cities, located in vast irrigated landscapes in the dry zone of the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River basin.

Statistics show around 240,000 tourists visited Bagan in 2014 and the local tour guide association estimates international visitor arrivals could reach 500,000 by 2018.

Some 430 miles north of Myanmar’s largest city Yangon, Bagan sits on the Ayeyarwady River that flows through the country from the snow-capped Himalayas to the Andaman Sea and is one of the most important archaeological sites in Asia. Ancient chronicles say it may have been the cultural and economic capital of the Pagan Empire in the 9th Century.

Today, Bagan’s fairytale-like landscape dotted with temples, stupas and pagodas is an awe-inspiring sight to behold and one that greets travelers on the newest luxury Myanmar river cruise – The Strand Cruise – which launched its inaugural season in January 2016.

Created to mirror the legendary style, heritage and world-renowned reputation of sister property The Strand Hotel in Yangon, the Strand Cruise operates a weekly schedule of three and four night cruises along the Ayeyarwady River between Bagan and Mandalay.

Mandalay is the country’s second largest city and the last royal capital of Burma. It is considered the centre of Burmese culture, is home to numerous monasteries and more than 700 pagodas and is affectionately known as the ‘cycling city’ thanks to so many of its citizens who travel around by bike.

The Strand Cruise’s Myanmar luxury cruises include visits to temples, pagodas, palaces, monasteries and remote villages. The ship moors at enchanting spots such as by Old Bagan and at the foot of an ancient Buddhist monastery on Sagaing Hill in Mandalay. Excursions take in iconic landmarks like U-Bein Bridge in Mandalay, some of the main temples in Bagan including Tant Kyi Taung temple and the royal cities of Mingun and Ava.

Life onboard this custom-built 61 metre Myanmar cruise ship is a luxurious, stylish affair with passengers treated to exceptional standards of comfort, lavish cabin accommodation and fine service.

Facilities onboard include a swimming pool, spa and wellness area, The Strand Restaurant serving fine international and Asian cuisine, al fresco dining area, wine cellar, lounge and library corner and the gorgeous Upper Deck in which to socialize, sip on a cocktail and admire the picturesque Myanmar countryside.

The Strand Cruise’s 27 cabins come in the categories of Deluxe Cabins (10), Strand Cabins (13), State Suites (two) and Strand Suites (two). Boasting an elegant décor of Burmese craftsmanship, teakwood floors and items of regional art, each cabin boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony while appointments include complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV with cable channels, international plugs, AV connectivity, safety box, full-length mirror, bathrobes and slippers, branded amenities and separate toilet and rain shower.