The Mandalay: Sagaing, Innwa, and Amarapura Sightseeing Tour offers travelers a chance to enjoy Myanmar’s captivating cultural heritage. From the serene hills of Sagaing to the iconic wooden monasteries of Innwa, this full-day excursion promises an enriching experience. Explore the historical significance of Shwenandaw Monastery, marvel at the intricate carvings of Mahamuni Pagoda, and witness the breathtaking sunset at the famous U Bein Bridge. What secrets and surprises await on this journey through Myanmar’s ancient cities?
Key Points
- Comprehensive full-day sightseeing tour exploring the historical cities surrounding Mandalay, including ancient monasteries, pagodas, and panoramic views.
- Key highlights include Shwenandaw Monastery, Atumashi Monastery, Kuthodaw Pagoda, and the iconic U Bein Bridge at sunset.
- Tour features intricate wood carvings, gilded Buddhas, and the world’s largest book at Kuthodaw Pagoda.
- Includes English-speaking guide, transportation, and lunch, priced at $75 per group.
- Itinerary covers morning pickup, visits to religious sites, and concludes with the scenic U Bein Bridge sunset.
Overview of the Tour
This tour provides a comprehensive sightseeing experience of Mandalay and its surrounding historical cities. Priced from $75 per group, it’s a full-day adventure exploring ancient monasteries, pagodas, and the majestic Mandalay Hill.
Travelers can marvel at intricate carvings, gilded Buddhas, and panoramic city views. The tour includes an English-speaking guide, transportation, and lunch.
Marvel at intricate carvings, gilded Buddhas, and panoramic city views, with an English-speaking guide, transportation, and lunch included.
Visitors can optionally explore Sagaing and Innwa by boat and horse-drawn carriage, concluding with a sunset visit to the iconic U Bein Bridge.
With a 4.8/5 rating, this tour offers an immersive look into Myanmar’s rich cultural heritage.
Looking for more options in Mandalay? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Key Highlights of the Itinerary
The tour begins with a morning pickup from the traveler’s Mandalay hotel, allowing for a prompt 8:00 AM departure.
The first stop is the Shwenandaw Monastery, renowned for its intricate carvings and gilded Jakarta scenes.
Next, the group visits the Atumashi Monastery, a significant religious site built in 1857 by King Mindon.
The tour then explores the Kuthodaw Pagoda, featuring a gilded pagoda and hundreds of marble inscribed slabs.
The day continues with stops at the Sandarmuni Pagoda, home to a massive 40,924.8-pound Buddha statue, and Mandalay Hill, offering panoramic city views.
Exploration of Shwenandaw Monastery
As visitors approach the Shwenandaw Monastery, they’re immediately struck by the intricate wood carvings that adorn the exterior of the structure. These carvings depict scenes from Buddhist lore, showcasing the skilled craftsmanship of the builders.
Once inside, the monastery’s interior is equally captivating, with ornate gilded Jakarta scenes covering the walls and ceilings.
The monastery’s significance lies in its history, as it was originally part of King Mindon’s palace before being relocated and repurposed as a religious site.
Today, it stands as a testament to Myanmar’s rich cultural heritage and architectural prowess.
Visiting Atumashi Monastery and Kuthodaw Pagoda
Visitors to the Mandalay sightseeing tour are next treated to the grandeur of Atumashi Monastery. Built in 1857 by King Mindon, this significant religious site features:
-
Intricate carvings and gilded interior decorations
-
Soaring spires and ornate architectural elements
-
A sense of tranquility and devotion among its visitors
Following this, the tour explores the renowned Kuthodaw Pagoda. This remarkable site houses a gilded pagoda and hundreds of marble slabs inscribed with the entire Buddhist scriptures, earning it the title of "The World’s Largest Book."
More Great Tours NearbyDiscovering Sandarmuni Pagoda and Mandalay Hill
Next, the tour arrives at the impressive Sandarmuni Pagoda. Adorned with intricate carvings, the pagoda houses a colossal Buddha statue weighing over 40,000 pounds.
Visitors are awestruck by the sheer scale and grandeur of this revered site. After exploring the pagoda, the tour continues to the iconic Mandalay Hill.
Offering panoramic views of the city, the hill is a popular destination for both locals and travelers. Ascending the steps, the group takes in the stunning vistas, including the distant Royal Palace and the winding Irrawaddy River.
This stop provides a breathtaking conclusion to the tour’s sightseeing highlights.
Exploring the Royal Palace and Mahamuni Pagoda
From Mandalay Hill, the tour group descends to the iconic Royal Palace.
This sprawling complex features over 40 timber buildings, painstakingly reconstructed in the 1990s after previous destruction.
Highlights include:
-
The Audience Hall, an ornate throne room where the Burmese monarchs once held court.
-
The Shwenandaw Pavilion, a masterfully carved teak structure adorned with gold leaf.
-
The Mahamuni Pagoda, home to a revered 13-foot-tall seated Buddha statue. Pilgrims flock to this sacred site to pay their respects and apply gold leaf to the statue.
Exploring these regal sites offers a glimpse into Myanmar’s storied past.
Afternoon Activities in Sagaing and Innwa Cities
After exploring the highlights of Mandalay, the tour continues its immersion in Myanmar’s cultural heritage with visits to the ancient cities of Sagaing and Innwa.
In Sagaing, participants discover the region’s rich spiritual legacy, visiting centuries-old monasteries and pagodas.
Next, the tour crosses the Irrawaddy River to Innwa, the former royal capital. Here, visitors can rent a traditional boat and horse-drawn carriage to explore the city’s ruins and historic sites.
Visitors can rent traditional boats and horse-drawn carriages to explore Innwa’s ancient ruins and historic sites.
As the day winds down, the group heads to the iconic U Bein Bridge to witness a breathtaking sunset over the serene waters.
Sunset at U Bein Bridge
The tour culminates with a visit to the iconic U Bein Bridge, believed to be the world’s longest teak footbridge.
As the sun dips below the horizon, visitors are treated to a breathtaking display:
-
Golden light dances across the still waters of Taungthaman Lake, casting a warm glow on the 1.2-kilometer-long bridge.
-
Locals and travelers alike gather to witness the daily ritual, some strolling along the bridge, others capturing the moment on camera.
-
The tranquil scene is punctuated by the sound of horse-drawn carriages and the laughter of those enjoying the serene atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?
The tour doesn’t allow pets. Bringing pets along is not mentioned in the tour details, and the guide likely won’t be able to accommodate them. Passengers should leave their pets at home for this sightseeing tour.
Do You Provide Wheelchairs or Strollers for the Sites?
The tour operator doesn’t provide wheelchairs or strollers. However, they can accommodate guests with mobility challenges by arranging for accessible transportation and assisting with navigation at the sites. Visitors are encouraged to inquire about special needs when booking the tour.
Can I Take Photos Inside the Monasteries and Temples?
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the monasteries and temples, but visitors should be respectful and avoid using flash. Some sites may have specific rules or restrictions, so it’s best to check with the guide beforehand.
What Is the Dress Code for the Afternoon Boat Ride?
The tour does not mention a specific dress code for the afternoon boat ride. However, it’s generally advisable to dress modestly when visiting religious sites in Myanmar, covering shoulders and knees.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour does not explicitly mention an option to extend the duration. However, customers can inquire with the tour provider about the possibility of adding more time to the itinerary for an additional fee.
The Sum Up
The Mandalay: Sagaing, Innwa, and Amarapura Sightseeing Tour offers a captivating glimpse into Myanmar’s rich cultural heritage. Travelers will be immersed in the serene landscapes of Sagaing, explore the iconic wooden monasteries of Innwa, and witness the breathtaking sunset at the famous U Bein Bridge. This comprehensive tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to uncover the enchanting history and natural beauty of this remarkable region.
You can check availability for your dates here: