Mandalay & Vicinity Tour – 5 Days

Day 1: Mandalay Arrival – Mingun – Mandalay Palace – Mandalay Hill
Mingalabar! Arrive at Mandalay International Airport, Burma Travel guide and driver will welcome you. Embark on a private boat upstream Irrawaddy River to visit Mingun. Upon arrival, the first site attracting your attention is Mingun Pahtodawgyi, the uncompleted yet the largest pagoda in Mandalay. Continue the sightseeing to Mingun Bell, the world’s largest ringing bell, which is said to weigh around 90 tons. Then take a walk to the incredibly-white Hsinphymae Pagoda with its special structure and history. A visit to Mingun is definitely the highlight of your journey in Mandalay. Continue to Mandalay Royal Palace, the last home of the last Burmese monarchy. Afterward, you proceed to Mandalay Hill at the height of 240 metres for a superb view over Mandalay. From the highest point of the city, enjoy the sunset panoramic views of Mandalay, you can also see the square of the Royal Palace, some pagodas dotted surrounding, and the mighty Irrawaddy River.
Meal: N/A
Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay
Day 2: Mandalay – Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo)
Escaping from the high temperatures of Mandalay, you have a 2-hour-driving to Pyin Oo Lwin (formerly Maymyo). At the altitude of 1,070m, Pyin Oo Lwin is blessed with the pleasant weather and once was a summer retreat during British rule. This hill station is well-known for its colonial buildings and lush botanical gardens. Late in the morning, you reach the hill town and wander around to explore the landmark, including the colorful local market, Purcell Clock Tower in the town center. Following up is the traditional horse drawn carriage through the streets which is very different to the one in Ava. During the ride, you experience the small taste of the colonial past, especially the unique brick and timber British houses. Finally, you have a visit at Botanical Gardens. This 175-hectare garden allows you to leisurely stroll around and enjoy the wonderful landscape of peaceful lake, flower galore, and forestland.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel in Pyin Oo Lwin
Day 3: Pyin Oo Lwin – Train to Gokteik – Kyaukme
Wake up early and get ready to experience one of the most exhilarating train rides in Myanmar After breakfast, you are picked up for a short transfer to Pyin Oo Lwin train station. Here, you will start a bumpy yet safe ride towards the Gokehteik Viaduct.  Finished in 1900, it was one of the world’s largest steel structures and considered a spectacular feat of engineering. Crossing throughout the Shan hills, you enjoy the authentic and peaceful scenery. You also have interesting opportunities observing the locals from different villages as they get on and off with their numerous wares. Arrival at Kyauk Me in the afternoon & take a stroll around this charming trading town amid the Shan Hills. Late afternoon, transfer back to your hotel in Pyin Oo Lwin.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodations: Hotel in Pyin Oo Lwin
Day 4: Pyin Oo Lwin – Amarapura – Sagaing – U Bein Bridge
After breakfast, drive all the way back to Mandalay. Upon arrival, you head to Amarapura, the royal capital from 1783 until 1859, now has the country’s most prominent monastic college named Mahagandaryone Monastery. Here you have great chance to experience the monk life in Mandalay. Every day at mid-morning, monks and novices line up silently to receive their daily offering of alms and food from faithful Buddhists.
Continue to Sagaing, which is renowned as the religious center of not only Mandalay but also Myanmar. Here you will be impressed with the view of the countless white and gold pagodas dotting along the river and around the Sagaing Hill. Furthermore, it is also the home to more than 100 meditation centers and 3,000 monks. Here you will have the visit at U Min Thonze Pagoda and U Ponya Pagoda. In the afternoon, visit Mahamuni Pagoda that is the famous construction with the exquisite wood carvings and stunning perfection in every detail. It is the sole surviving Royal Palace building in Mandalay, which offers a glimpse of the original style and traditional architecture of the Myanmar royals. The next stop is Kuthodaw Pagoda, a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site, well-known as the world’s largest book inscribed on 729 stone slabs. It’s time to learn about the story and scriptures with our experienced tour guide. If time permits, you Artisan quarters with some of the oldest craftsmanship are showcased dating back to the last kingdom of Myanmar. Here you visit the handicraft workshops, observe the process of pounding gold leaf, detailing teakwood carvings and embroidering Myanmar tapestry. You also see how bronze and marble Buddha statues are carved, cast and molded. End of the day, you have a drive to 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.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Mandalay
Day 5: Departure
You are free to explore city on your own or enjoy last minute shopping for souvenirs before getting transferred to the airport for departure. End services.
Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodations: N/A