Magical Monasteries of Mandalay
Bite-sized trip
Day 1 – Arrival in Mandalay
Today you’ll arrive in the city of Mandalay, most likely by plane from Yangon. On arrival, a driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel. Your first impressions of Mandalay might be that it isn’t as pretty as other places in Myanmar but you do not have to go far to find golden temples and the former palace. Your hotel is centrally located in the heart of the city. The decor is truly something to behold, from gold-leaf ceilings to rich teak wood flooring and sumptuously rich touches throughout.
Days 2-3 – Visit to Sagaing & Amarapura & departure
Today you drive to Sagaing around lunchtime, a small town at the centre of Buddhism in Myanmar and home to more than 6000 monks and nuns. Set on a hill on the bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River it’s a peaceful place with stunning views. On this excursion you’ll visit a nunnery and some seriously impressive pagodas, with dazzling bright colours and shimmering gold of the impressive architecture.
Next, you’ll visit the old capital of Amarapura, a quiet village where only the sound of the weaving machines and locals going about their daily routines can be heard. Take a walk through the famous Mahagandayon monastery complex with hundreds of monks as well as visiting one of the small weaving factories and walk over U-Bein Bridge.
At the end of the tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Mandalay where you can have dinner on the roof terrace and soak up your new surroundings. Sadly, your time in Mandalay will come to an end the following morning as you make your own way to the airport or bus station for your next adventure in Myanmar.
Accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options
Upgrade to our In Style accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we have an alternative option available for your accommodation. Our In-Style version is something a bit more special or unique but still with lots of local flavour! If you would like to upgrade your accommodation for this bite-size trip select our In Style option below.
Mandalay by night!
Get to know the real Mandalay! This interactive night out starts with sunset views from a vantage point near the Ayeyarwaddy River before moving on to the lively fish market. You’ll continue on to the busy Yadanar night market for some traditional snacks before stopping by one of the most famous beer stations and BBQ restaurants in Mandalay. After dinner, the night’s entertainment is rounded off at the Mandalay marionettes theatre for a show performed by a mix of traditional dancers, musicians and puppeteers.
Biking tour: magnificent Mandalay mornings
Head out of the city and explore the surrounding countryside on two wheels! Your local guide will lead the way as you weave through the back lanes of Mandalay and out of town, passing through fresh markets and lively neighbourhoods, and into the countryside to see farmers tending to their fields and villagers go about their daily life. You’ll spend the whole morning exploring village life before returning to Mandalay by midday, stopping for tea along the way. Phew!
