Mandalay Highlights - 3 days

Welcome to Mandalay, the last Royal city of Myanmar.

After breakfast, you will take a boat trip on the Ayeyarwaddy River to Mingun, 11 km upriver from Mandalay and visit the Mingun Bell, which weighs 90 tons and is one of the world’s largest bells. Next, you will stop by the beautiful Hsinbyume Paya (also known as Myatheintan Pagoda) modelled after the mythical Mount Meru. As crossing by the Mingun Paya, intended to be the world’s biggest pagoda, you might be overwhelmed by its massive structure even though it remains unfinished.

Your time will continue at Mahamuni Pagoda, housing one of Myanmar’s most sacred Buddha images and covered by thick layers of gold leaf. The journey extends to Shwenandaw Monastery, noted for its exquisite wood carvings which are mostly done on teak. Then, you will stand toward the renovated Atumashi Monastery, ‘world’s largest book’ and Kuthodaw Pagoda, housing the Buddhist Scriptures inscribed on marble slabs.

At the end, let’s climb to the top of Mandalay Hill, a vantage point for panoramic views of the city and spectacular sunsets.

Meals: Nil

Accommodation: There are 3 hotel ranges for your selection, please scroll down.

You will take the local ferry to the former capital, Inwa (Ava), located on an island between the Ayeyarwaddy and the Myitnge Rivers, 21km south of Mandalay.

To reach Maha Aungmye Bonzan – a unique brick and stucco monastery, you should take a horse cart ride through the ancient city walls. You may climb up the top of Nanmyin Watch tower to indulge in lovely views over the river.

As your journey continues, you will stop by the impressive wooden monastery of Bagaya Kyaung, formerly the “monastic college” for the royals. If time permits, you may visit some local handicraft workshops, including silk weaving, mats and alms bowls.

Then, you will be driving to Sagaing, 20km Southwestern Mandalay. Upon arrival, prepare yourselves to be amazed at the picturesque Sagaing Hill, widely regarded Burma’s centre of Buddhism, the site of numerous pagodas and monasteries. Afterwards, a quick break at the glittering Swan Oo Pon Nya Shin and U Min Thonze Pagoda may be worth waiting for.

For the rest of the day, you will pass by Amarapura via the Ava Bridge, built by British engineers to visit a weaving workshop. Finally you can walk over the U Bein Bridge – the world’s longest teak bridge stretching 1.2 km and enjoy fabulous views of the countryside and encounter the friendly locals. 

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: There are 3 hotel ranges for your selection, please scroll down.

A scenic, 2-hour drive will bring you to Pyin Oo Lwin, formerly Maymyo, a British Hill Station on a plateau 1,070m above sea level. Here, you will visit the colorful local market near the Purcell Clock Tower and take a horse drawn carriage through the streets to see the unique brick and timber British colonial houses.

In the afternoon, you will explore the National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens, 177 hectares of flowers, forests and a lake perfect for a relaxing nature walk. Then, let’s take a break at the Candacraig Hotel, built in 1905 in the style of an English country house, with time for an optional coffee or tea break and the chance to photograph this classic place before returning to Mandalay.

Meals: Breakfast

Note:

Accommodation for today is not included to make it easier for you to connect the trip to the next destinations. Please kindly notice us if you would like to extend the night in Mandalay or assist to connect the trip.