From Mandalay: Full Day Excursion to Sagaing, Innwa, Amarapura

Mandalay , Myanmar

From Mandalay: Full Day Excursion to Sagaing, Innwa, Amarapura

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10h

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About this experience

Excursion to 3 Ancient Capitals nearby Mandalay: Sagaing, with numerous Buddhist monasteries, Innwa (Ava), an ancient imperial capital from 14th to 19th centuries and Amarapura, the capital of Myanmar twice in (1783–1821 and 1842–1859).

HIGHLIGHTS
- Exploring Sagaing Hills for numerous pagodas, monasteries and nunneries to learn daily life of Buddhist Nuns,
- Visit to Innwa (Ava) includes, Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery (or) Mei Nu Oke Kyaung (a brick stucco monastery) built by Nanmadaw Mei Nu, the chief queen of Bagyidaw, for her royal abbot U Bok in 1822.
- Bargaya Kyaung (or) Bame Kyaung, built in 1834, the entire monastery is supported by 267 teak posts (the largest measures 60 ft in height and 9 ft in circumference)
- Nanmyint Watch Tower – A remnant of the palace built by King Bagyidaw, at the center of old Innwa,
- A visit to Amarapura to take a stroll and have a nice photo stop at U Bein Bridge, the world’s longest teak bridge nearly 200-years-old.

Available options

Season 2019-2028

Pickup included

What's included

Snow towel & 1 Bottle of purified drinking water

Private sightseeing with an English speaking guide & air-conditioned vehicle

Entrance fees to the attractions mentioned in the description (Innwa & Sagaing)

Lunch at local restaurant

Ferry boat to Innwa (Ava) & Horse cart in Innwa (Ava)

Detailed itinerary

In the morning at 07:30 A.M. pick up from your hotel in Mandalay and drive to Sagaing and visit picturesque Sagaing Hill which is perhaps the living centre of Buddhist faith in Myanmar today. Hillsides are dotted with numerous pagodas and monasteries.

Visit Soon U Ponnyashin Pagoda On the hill is the most famous shrine in the area, the originally built in 1312 and enjoy a magnificent view over the surrounding area. Proceed to another hill to visit an interesting temple U Min Thonze Pagoda, which is built in a crescent shape and houses 45 sitting Buddhas in a vibrantly coloured colonnade.

After enjoying the scenery, drive down to the foot of the hill and visit to one of the Monasteries in Sagaing to study the daily life of the Buddhist monks. Then, visit Ywataung Silver Smith.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Sagaing (or) Innwa depending on time limit.

Then, drive to the former Royal Capital Innwa (Ava) located on an island between the Ayeyarwady and the Myitnge Rivers. A local ferry carries you to the island where your horse cart and driver waiting you.

You will visit Innwa by horse cart and pass through the ancient city walls to visit the brick and stucco monastery of Maha Aungmye Bonzan (also known as Ok Kyaung).

Continue to Nanmyint Watch Tower – and then proceed to see also the impressive wooden monastery of Bagaya Kyaung. Time permitting, visit some village homes to see local handicrafts, such as silk weaving, cane mats and alms bowls.

Stop 5

Return to Mandalay via the Ava Bridge, built by British engineers along the Ayeyarwaddy River and en-route visit Amarapura to take a stroll over the unique U Bein Bridge , a beautiful 1.2 kilometre-long structure built from teak planks and said to be the longest of its type in the world. In 1857, when the capital moved from nearby Amarapura to Mandalay, the local mayor (named U Bein) salvaged wood from pieces of the dismantled teak palace and reconstructed it into this magnificent bridge. Enjoy the sunset from the bridge. Transfer back to your hotel in Mandalay.

Meals included: Lunch

What's not included

Mandalay Zone Fee

Hotel accommodation

Services not mentioned in our itinerary

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

As you will be visiting religious sites, please wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, and remember to take off your shoes and socks when entering pagoda areas.

This tour is not available during the Water Festival period between 12 to 18 Apr. During this time, everything in town is closed: restaurants, shops, markets, Museum, etc. Driving through Yangon is extremely difficult if not impossible because people celebrate the famous water-festival. You cannot avoid of getting very wet because everyone throws water at everybody. People drive through the city in open cars and there are stages along the street where people throw water. Everybody going up will get very wet.

About Mandalay

Mandalay is a cultural and historical hub in Myanmar, known for its rich heritage as the last royal capital of the Konbaung Dynasty. The city is a treasure trove of ancient temples, monasteries, and traditional crafts, offering a deep dive into Burmese culture and history.

Top Attractions

Mandalay Hill

A sacred hill offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas. It's home to numerous pagodas and monasteries.

Historical 2-3 hours Free (donations welcome)

Mandalay Palace

The former royal palace of the Konbaung Dynasty, now a museum and historical site.

Historical 2-3 hours 5,000 MMK

Kuthodaw Pagoda

Famous for housing the world's largest book, a collection of 729 marble slabs inscribed with the Tipitaka.

Religious 1-2 hours Free (donations welcome)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Mandalay Fried Rice

A flavorful fried rice dish with meat, vegetables, and traditional Burmese spices.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made vegetarian or with seafood

Mandalay Tea Leaf Salad

A tangy and nutritious salad made with fermented tea leaves, nuts, and seeds.

Snack/Lunch Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in Mandalay Hill Biking around the city Tea house visits River cruises Visiting temples and pagodas Attending local festivals Boat rides on the Irrawaddy River Watching traditional puppet shows