A Tour of the Mandalay Region: Amarapura, Sagaing, Mingun, and Innwa/AvaMandalay is the second-largest city in Myanmar, situated in the Mandalay Region of the country. It’s also the cultural, educational, and economic hub of Upper Myanmar. With its various surrounding areas, visitors to Mandalay will never want for things to do, as there are several great sites to explore and experience outside of the city itself. In fact, Mandalay makes for the perfect base from which to explore the magnificent sights of the region, including the storied towns of Amarapura, Sagaing, Mingun, and Innwa/Ava.About AmarapuraAmarapura is a town located in Mandalay District, just south of Mandalay. It was once an ancient capital of Myanmar and an important cotton-trading hub. Amarapura is also renowned for its 1.2-mile-long U Bein Bridge – the longest teak bridge in the world. This bridge was built across the Taungthaman Lake in 1750 and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, who come to appreciate its design and take in its spectacular views. Also nearby are Bagaya Monastery and Tee paw Khaung monastery, which are worth visiting if you enjoy admiring incredibly intricate wood carvings and classical Burmese decoration. The former dates to 1637, while the latter was built in 1820. For something a bit more off-the-beaten-track, be sure to visit Pilu monastery. Built by exiled royal family members in 1873, it houses interesting paintings, sculptures and other artifacts. About SagaingLocated in the Sagaing District of Mandalay is Sagaing, an ancient capital of Myanmar. It’s also known as one of South East Asia’s most important centers for Buddhist studies. As such, there are plenty of monasteries and nunneries located here and in the surrounding area that are well worth visiting. On a hilltop above the town is nearby Sagaing Hill, which is packed full of temples and stupas. Visitors will especially appreciate Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda – a temple built over 700 years ago – as well as U Min Thonze Pagoda – an enormous 45-meter-wide reclining Buddha figure.Visiting near Sagaing is also very rewarding. The village of Ywa Htaung is a great spot for admiring ancient monasteries, while Hpo Win Taung is best known for its stunning sandstone caves populated by powerful Buddhas. Misty Kuthodaw Pagoda (known as “the world’s biggest book”) is also located close by – it houses 731 marble slabs inscribed with part of the Buddhist canon to commemorate two wars fought in 1824. About MingunClose to Amarapura is Mingun, home to some of Myanmar’s grandest monuments. Most notably here is the Mingun Pahtodawgyi, a temple that was left unfinished by a King in 1790 after a prophecy said would bring an early premature death to any ruler who completed it. Now smack dab in the center of this small old riverside village, it’s one of the regions’ most impressive attractions and makes for a great pitstop for those interested in seeing monumental Burmese architecture. Mingun also houses Mya Thonezu Pagoda – a large brick complex that is said to be the world’s largest pile of bricks that still stands today – plus King Bodawpaya’s Watch Tower and Wonderful Bell – with the latter being a 90-ton monster suspended from a 39-meter structure that can be rung every day to signal prayer time at every regional temple. About Innwa/AvaRounding up this Mandalay tour is Innwa/Ava – a small island located between two rivers just south-west of Mandalay. The island showcases an incredibly important part of Myanmar culture; the area has been Burma’s capital on and off through the ages and is home to some very interesting historic sights – including fortified walls from the old kingdom; Nanmyin, a 27-meter-tall watchtower built in 1823; picturesque religious sites including Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery; and Bagaya Kyaung Monastery, famous for its amazing collection of Buddha images and ancient teakwood carvings. Visitors should also take some time to admire Nan Myint Tower (also known as “Leaning Tower of Ava”) – who’s leaning roof is said to have been modelled on Allahabad Jain temple in India while also taking a stroll through Ava bazaar where all manner of items can be purchased from locals. Take a TourVisiting all four locations makes for an excellent tour and one which will show all aspects of this incredible region. A tour like this can be easily organized with GetYourGuide here. They offer safe and reliable touring experiences meaning visitors can get the most out of their time – with local insight from knowledgeable and passionate guides plus transport connections included as part of the service! Overall, a tour encompassing all four locations – Amarapura, Sagaing Mingun and Innwa/Ava – makes for an amazing insight into Mandalay region culture, history and more! Visitors will be able to get up close and personal with some incredibly ancient architecture, learn all about Myanmar’s past rulers as well as modern day customs, sample local dishes and more! Be sure to book with GetYourGuide here for an unforgettable experience in Mandalay up close!