Optional Activity : Mandalay Morning Ride
Escape the hustle and bustle of the dusty city and discover the tranquility and charm of the Mandalay countryside. This is a chance to discover another side of Mandalay and daily life in Myanmar’s second-largest city. Take a leisurely ride to the outskirts of the city and through the countryside in a part of Mandalay few visitors see. On the way back to the city, enjoy lunch at a Tea Shop and sample some of Mandalay’s most famous dishes. The tour will end at 12:00 Noon.
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, discover the former ancient Kingdom of Sagaing, cross the bridge over the Ayeyarwady River to Sagaing Hill covered with white, silver and gold pagodas and monasteries that are decorated along the riverside.
After reaching the bottom of Sagaing Hill, drive to the summit for sweeping panoramic views, noteworthy Pagoda on the hill is Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda was originally built in 1312. The temple offers spectacular panoramas of pagoda-decorated hills with the Ayeyarwaddy River flowing beyond.
Continue visit, Umin Thonze Pagoda also known as 30 Caves Pagoda filled with 45 beautiful gilded Buddha images which are unique in a different size. The golden statues, set in turquoise colored tiled mosaic hall, form an impressive sight. These thirty caves make for some excellent photo opportunities.
From here, admire an amazing view of the beautiful green valley below and many stupas around.
Afterward, time to explore before visiting one of the monasteries which is home to many monks. In his lifetime, a Myanmar male is expected to spend some of his life serving as a monk to learn the ways of Buddhism. Upon time permitting, observe lunch offering time at the monastery their last meal in a day.
Continue visit to Sagaing local typical market rarely visited by tourists and explore local daily life. From here visit a small pottery village to observe potty production in a traditional way.
Drive to Amarapura, head to U Bein bridge, a 200-year old, built-in 1782 and reputed to be the world’s longest teak footbridge. Enjoy a stroll along the bridge and the fabulous views of the surrounding farms and streams.
Following the sightseeing, transfer to the Mandalay Airport for a short flight to Bagan (approx.: 30 mins). Upon arrival, orientation tour on the way to the hotel (upon flight time permitting).
Overnight in Bagan.
Breakfast included
Overnight