This morning at 08:00 you will be picked up from your hotel by our guide and private car. Then drive towards Sagaing by crossing a bridge over the Irrawaddy River and continue to Mingun village along the banks of the Irrawaddy River. After a 1½ hour scenic drive along the riverside as a whole, you will arrive at Mingun village. Upon arrival in this village, the first monument that will attract your attention is the awe-inspiring Mingun Pahtodawgyi, an enormous stupa which would have been the biggest in the world if it was completed. Take some time to look around this magnificent site and then walk to the Mingun Bell, the world’s largest ringing bell, which is believed to weigh some 200,000 pounds. Then continue by foot to the white-washed Hsinphymae Pagoda with its notable architecture and history. A visit to Mingun’s unique pagodas and historical relics will surely be one of the highlights of your time in Mandalay.
After discovering Mingun return on the same way back to Sagaing for a tour of the three ancient royal capitals surrounding Mandalay: Sagaing, Ava, and Amarapura.
Sagaing is widely regarded as the religious center of Myanmar, and this is evident upon observing the hundreds of white and gold Stupas covering the green of Sagaing hill – a truly enthralling representation of the importance of religion in this country. Sagaing is also home to more than 3,000 monks and over 100 meditation centers.
Lunch will be enjoyed along the way (client’s own account), either in Sagaing or Ava, depending on your preference.
Afternoon Session
Ava-Amapura
Then drive towards Ava where you will take a short boat ride across the river and board a horse-cart for a leisurely ride around the capital city from the 14th to the 18th century. Stop off for visits to the remains of the old wooden Bagaya Monastery and the famous Maenu’ brick monastery.
Later in the afternoon, visit Amarapura, the royal capital from 1783 until 1859. Highlights here include a visit to a traditional silk-weaving workshop and the world’s longest teak footbridge – U Bein Bridge, which crosses the shallow Taungthaman Lake. This is a fantastic place to take beautiful photos and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the bridge as the sunsets.
Optional activity: For a truly memorable sunset, take a short boat ride on Taungthaman Lake with a local boat driver (15000 Kyats per boat – maximum 2 passengers per boat).
Then at around 18:00, you will be taken back to your hotel in Mandalay.
