As a World Cultural Heritage site, Mandalay has numerous monasteries and pagodas, showcasing the history of Buddhism and of feudal dynasties. Explore this Buddhism city with private car and driver, according to a well-designed itinerary but flexible to explore at your own pace. Covers 7 of top attractions including temples, monuments, and U Bein Bridge in a full day.
• Full-day private air-conditioned car and driver service.
• Climb to the top of Mandalay Hill to overlook the whole city.
• Marveled with incredible Buddhist carvings in either teak monastery or jade pagoda.
• Enjoy the beautiful sunset on the World’s Oldest Teak Bridge.
• Includes pickup and drop-off at downtown Mandalay hotels.
• Optional English-speaking tour guide service.
Pickup included
08:30~09:30:Stand on the top of Mandalay Hill, overlook the Whole City.
Mandalay Hill is a good place to have a great view of the city and surrounding areas. You can either walk or ask for a driving to the top. If you have enough time, a 30-minute walking is strongly recommended. En route, you’ll not only enjoy the fun of hiking, but also be able to admire a Buddhist statue and some little pagodas. Once you reach the top of the hill, there are two temples, the Sandamuni and Sutaungpyei Pagodas. Here, at this tranquil site, pilgrims often present offerings and pray.
09:30~10:30:Stroll the Mandalay Palace, feel the Glory of Myanmar’s Last Dynasty.
Now you see the Mandalay Palace is a replica, because the original palace was destroyed during WWII. It was built by King Mindon in 18 century and surrounded by a beautiful moat. As the home of King Mindon and his family, it is one of the land mark of Myanmar.
Stroll the extensive grounds and enjoy the shady, ancient gardens, playgrounds, and swimming pools. For those interested in its military aspects, security ports for soldiers, horses, and archers can be viewed. You will also encounter sheds for the royal animals, audience halls and a monastery. Royal clothing is on display and can even be worn for photos.
10:30-11:30:Shwenandaw Monastery - Embossed Teakwood Beauty
Shwenandaw means “Golden Palace” because it was once part of the Royal Palace. No longer plated in gold, this monastery still exhibits intricately carved 19th-century architecture.
As you walk through, you will see stories told in the beautiful relief carvings. All around the walls and roofs are shapes or designs etched into the beautiful teak. The main shrine houses a gilt statue of the Buddha.
11:30-12:30:Kuthodaw Pagoda - Peruse the World's Largest Book
Built in 1857, the exterior of this temple is completely covered in gold. The real treasure, however, is in the 730 marble structures that comprise the ‘book’ containing the whole of the Buddhist canon.
As you meander through these rows of stupas, you will see that each tablet contains approximately 100 lines. When completed in 1868, the words on each stone were plated with gold. The gold was looted several decades later, but the tablets remained and are recognized as the world’s largest book.
12:30-13:30:A Lunch Break.
We will have a break for a cup of traditional Myanmar-style tea or coffee, which is complimentary. A favorite tea house with the locals. You'll find dozens of tea shops serving up quick eats in addition to tea and coffee. If you are feeling hungry, pick one of tea shops and seat with locals. (Optional).
13:30-14:30:Werawsana Jade Pagoda
Stands outside Amarapura, Werawsana Jade Pagoda is reputedly the world’s first pagoda built entirely out of jade, is said to have been built using 10 million kg of jade. A series of chambers for praying and making merit ring the roughly 75-foot-tall structure. The exterior walls are inlaid with arrays of carved amulets, sculpted leaves, and inscriptions.
14:30-16:30:The Ancient City of Inwa - Travel to the Past on a Horse and Buggy.
The driver will drop you at the river jetty just south of the Inwa Bridge. From there you’ll take a short ferry ride (1,300 Kyat round-trip) across the Mytinge River. Innwa, sometimes also referred to as “Ava”, is the former capital of the country, and its oldest buildings date back to the 14th century; but each renovation brought a new style of architecture. The splendor of the past can be seen in the huge fort walls, standing ever-vigilant around the old buildings.
The visiting route covers around 6km, so taking a horse cart to get around the ancient city is mostly recommended (Optional). The price has been fixed at 10,000 Kyats ($7.40) for a 2-hour horse carriage tour around the area that includes the 4 main sites – Bagaya Monastery, Yandana Sine Pagoda, Nan Myint Watch Tower, and Mai Nu Monastery.
Go back in time on a horse-drawn carriage to this ancient city. The enchantment here is the glimpse of history you get from a city which was destroyed by invasions and earthquakes, and later rebuilt.
Here you can also see the Maha Aung Mye Bonzan monastery. Unlike its counterparts, this marvel was made of brick. The entrance is guarded by stone chinthes and its ornate design makes it a must-see for any traveler.
17:00-18:30:Enjoy the Beautiful Sunset on the World’s Oldest Teak Bridge.
In the afternoon, you can take a seat and relax at a local shop or stroll along the lakeside, to observe local people’s lives, and enjoy a breathtaking sunset there. For a nice change of pace, stroll across Taungthaman Lake on the longest teak bridge in the world. The water levels vary according to the season, but the lake will always give you a sense of serenity.
1. Hotel pickup and drop-off services are available within central area of Mandalay.
2. For the last minute booking, there could be a secondary confirmation because we need to make an appointment for you. You will be contacted by the tour operator if the massage is fully booked.
You also can contact customer service number for more assistance.
Contact us for more assistance:
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• Line: niko@trippest
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.
A sacred hill offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas. It's home to numerous pagodas and monasteries.
The former royal palace of the Konbaung Dynasty, now a museum and historical site.
Famous for housing the world's largest book, a collection of 729 marble slabs inscribed with the Tipitaka.
A flavorful fried rice dish with meat, vegetables, and traditional Burmese spices.
A tangy and nutritious salad made with fermented tea leaves, nuts, and seeds.
This is the cool and dry season, ideal for exploring the city's attractions without the extreme heat or heavy rains.
Burmese Kyat (MMK)
GMT+6:30
230VV, 50HzHz
Mandalay is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious of your surroundings and keep valuables secure.
Mandalay Central Railway Station
Mandalay Bus Terminal
Buses are affordable and cover most parts of the city, but can be crowded.
Available • Apps: Grab
Car, Bike, Scooter
A former royal capital known for its beautiful U Bein Bridge and serene landscapes.
Price varies by option