From Yangon to the Mekong: A Journey of Passion, Laughter, and Discovery
Meet Mr. Win Myint, a man whose life is as adventurous as the rivers he sails. Born and raised in the colorful city of Yangon, Myanmar, he started off on a rather traditional route: a physics degree, some malaria research, and a brief stint as a primary school teacher. But destiny had other plans, and it wasn’t long before he found his true calling—sharing the wonders of Myanmar with the world.
“People always ask me how I went from teaching kids math to navigating the Irrawaddy River,” he laughs during our interview. “Honestly, I have no idea. But I like to think I’m still teaching, just with better views now.”
A Career Flowing with Surprises
After earning his degree in physics at Yangon University in 1985, Mr. Win turned his attention to French, because, well, who doesn’t want to speak the language of romance when you’re living in a land of pagodas? But before he could perfect his accent, Myanmar was rocked by the Student Revolution for Democracy, closing universities for four years. Instead of falling behind, he took the opportunity to become a primary school teacher.
When the universities reopened in 1992, he was back at it, finishing his French certification and diving into a whole new world of tourism. He was a tour guide aboard Myanmar’s first luxury vessel. “I thought I was living the dream, sailing on a river with guests who were just as amazed by the view as I was,” He recalls. “But little did I know, that would be the moment I fell head over heels for river cruising. Honestly, once you’ve got the sound of water lapping against the boat, it’s hard to go back.”
From Tour Guide to River Cruise Enthusiast
Mr. Win’s passion for river cruising quickly blossomed. He worked with different cruise, guiding guests through some of the most breathtaking riverscapes in the world. But no matter how many rivers he explored, the Mekong always tugged at his heartstrings.
“I remember the first time I saw the Heritage Line Anawrahta in Myanmar in 2017. I was not being able to get it out of my mind. I just knew this boat had something special.”
That love affair with the Anawrahta eventually led Mr. Win to his current role as the General Manager of Heritage Line ‘Anouvong,’ the only luxury boutique vessel sailing along the Upper Mekong River. “It’s like the universe finally gave me what I wanted,” he beams. “The Mekong is untamed, mysterious, and majestic. It feels like every bend in the river is a new adventure waiting to be discovered.”
Stepping aboard the Anouvong in 2023, and what a job it is! As General Manager, Mr. Win orchestrates everything from crafting unforgettable itineraries to leading an amazing team of guides. “I’m basically a cruise conductor, a tour guide, and I occasionally give people advice on what to eat in Luang Prabang,” he jokes.
Living the Dream on the Mekong
So, what’s the secret to a career like Mr. Win’s? Well, just like his name, “Win,” he’s always winning. The secret? Passion. Whether he’s gliding along the majestic Irrawaddy River or sharing captivating stories about the Mekong’s rich history, Mr. Win doesn’t just work the river—he lives and breathes it. His love for these waterways is infectious, making every moment of the journey feel like a dream.
Travel the Laotian Upper Mekong and get to meet Mr. Win. With a wealth of knowledge and a passion for the river, he’s always ready to share fascinating stories and insights with our guests. Whether you’re on a 4, 7, or 9-night journey, Mr. Win will be an integral part of an unforgettable Mekong experience.
