Amarapura, Sagaing, Mingun, and Innwa/Ava Tour in Mandalay Region

When looking for a great way to see the beauty of Mandalay Region in Myanmar, many visitors opt for the Amarapura, Sagaing, Mingun and Innwa/Ava tour. This tour is a great guideline to exploring some of the best places to visit within the region and also learn more about the rich history, culture, and traditions of Mandalay.

Located east of Mandalay is Amarapura. This small city was the last capital before Mandalay city was established. It was founded in the 18th Century and is home to many Buddhist monasteries and temples. The most popular attraction here is U Bein Bridge. It was constructed in 1849 and is still standing strong as the longest teak wooden bridge in the world. Other attractions here include Bagaya Monastery and the Mahargiri Pagoda.

Next on the tour is Sagaing, a massive city full of fresh fruit and vegetables, gold-plated pagodas, and monasteries. One of the best places to visit in Sagaing is U Min Thonze Pagoda. This 45m long pagoda which is set on a hilltop amidst 30 small halls, has 45 Buddhas which are placed inside coves for visitors looking for some peaceful meditation.

Continue on to Mingun where visitors will find some of the most beautiful architecture in Mandalay region such as Mingun Paya and Wat Thone-Lae Pagoda. Mingun Paya is one of the famous temples of Burma that was built by King Bodawpaya in 1790 after he retired from the throne. This large temple has remained unfinished as plans were abandoned following King Bodawpaya’s death. The one-legged Wat Thone-Lae Pagoda was built by his successor King Bagyidaw and is considered one of the most beautiful pagodas in Mandalay region.

Finally, the tour goes to Innwa/Ava which was Myanmar’s capitals between the 14th and 19th centuries. Here some exciting attractions are the Nanmyint or the “leaning tower of Ava’ which was built by King Bagyidaw as a watchtower in 1822. Maenu or “inner city’ depicting old-style urban planning also remains while horse carriages are still used as transport mode. Other amazing attractions here include Bargayar Monastery, Ava Bridge, and Bagaya Monastery.

On this Amarapura, Sagaing, Mingun and Innwa/Ava tour, travelers will get to witness the best of what Mandalay region offers. Guests can join a two day private tour of these four places to witness the unique history and culture of this majestic country such as this one, which offers tourists the chance to be accompanied by an English speaking guide for two days with accommodation included. With so many great attractions that this tour has in store for travelers, it’s been regarded as one of the best ways home visitors can experience the beauty and history of Mandalay Region without missing any important sites.

Overall, this two-day Amarapura, Sagaing, Mingun and Innwa/Ava tour in Mandalay Region brings travelers incredibly close to Myanmar’s remarkable cultural heritage and history. With these sacred sites located near each other, you can explore the country’s culture in an efficient manner with the help of a guide who will offer you pertinent information about each place visited. If you are looking for a way to experience Myanmar’s rich cultural heritage firsthand, then this is a tour you should not miss out on!

An Insider’s Guide to Mandalay

Mandalay, the second-largest city in Myanmar, is known for its cultural and religious significance, as well as its enchanting nature and mesmerizing landscapes. Mandalay region holds a lot of cultural and historical treasures, and exploring it is like a journey through time. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best places to visit in Mandalay, including Amarapura, Sagaing, Mingun, and Innwa/Ava.

Attractions

Mandalay is home to numerous attractions that are a must-see for any visitor. Here are some of the top places to visit:

Amarapura

Amarapura is a former capital city of Myanmar, located about 11 km from the city of Mandalay. It is known for its rich history and traditional silk weaving industry. The U Bein Bridge is one of the most popular attractions in Amarapura. It spans approximately 1.2 km across Taungthaman Lake and is the longest teakwood bridge in the world. Visitors can enjoy a breathtaking sunset view while walking across the bridge or taking a boat ride on the lake.

Sagaing

Sagaing is a city located about 20 km southwest of Mandalay. It is known for its numerous pagodas and monasteries, and is often referred to as the religious center of Myanmar. The Sagaing Hill is one of the most famous attractions in the city and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Visitors can also experience the local culture by visiting Ywa Htaung Village, where they can witness pottery-making and interact with the local communities.

Mingun

Mingun is a town located on the western bank of the Irrawaddy River, about 11 km northwest of Mandalay. The town is known for its unfinished Mingun Pagoda, which was intended to be the largest pagoda in the world but was never completed due to natural disasters and the death of the king who ordered its construction. Visitors can also see the world’s largest ringing bell, the Mingun Bell, and the beautiful Mya Thein Tan Pagoda.

Innwa/Ava

Innwa (also known as Ava) was the capital of Myanmar from the 14th to the 19th century. The city is located about 21 km south of Mandalay and is known for its ancient ruins and impressive structures. Visitors can explore the Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery, the Bagaya Monastery, and the Nanmyin Watch Tower, among other attractions.

Dining Spots

Myanmar cuisine is rich and diverse, and Mandalay is no exception. Here are some of the top places to try local cuisine in Mandalay:

Mingalabar Myanmar Restaurant

This restaurant is located in the heart of Mandalay and serves traditional Myanmar dishes with a modern twist. The ambiance is cozy, and the staff is friendly and welcoming.

Aye Myit Tar Restaurant

Aye Myit Tar is a popular restaurant chain in Mandalay, and its location in the city center is no exception. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes, including local cuisine and Burmese-Chinese fusion.

Nylon Icecream Bar

For something sweet, Nylon Icecream Bar is a great option. The shop offers a wide selection of locally made ice cream flavors, including durian, mango, and coconut.

Cultural Experiences

Mandalay is a city rich in culture and history. Here are some of the best cultural experiences to enjoy in Mandalay:

Mandalay Marionettes Theater

The Mandalay Marionettes Theater is an excellent place to experience traditional Burmese puppetry. The theater hosts regular shows and workshops for visitors to learn more about the art form.

Myanmar Traditional Medicine Museum and Herb Garden

The Myanmar Traditional Medicine Museum and Herb Garden offers visitors a chance to learn more about traditional Burmese medicine. The museum displays a variety of traditional medicines and practices, and the herb garden showcases a wide variety of medicinal trees and plants.

Shwe In Bin Monastery

The Shwe In Bin Monastery is a stunning example of traditional Burmese architecture. The structure features intricate wood carvings and beautiful teak pillars and is one of the best places in Mandalay to experience the local arts and culture.

Local History

Mandalay has a rich and complex history, influenced by the nearby kingdoms and colonial powers. Here are some of the best places to explore the local history:

Mandalay Palace

The Mandalay Palace was the last royal palace of the Burmese monarchy and is a must-see for any history buff. Visitors can explore the palace grounds and the surrounding gardens and learn about the history of the Burmese monarchy.

Shwenandaw Monastery

The Shwenandaw Monastery is a beautiful wooden structure built in the traditional Burmese style. It is one of the only surviving buildings from the original Mandalay Palace complex and is an excellent place to explore the history and culture of the region.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For travelers looking for something different, here are some off-the-beaten-path suggestions in Mandalay:

Mya Tha Lyaung Reclining Buddha

The Mya Tha Lyaung Reclining Buddha is a stunning statue located about 70 km south of Mandalay. The statue is over 80 meters long and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and pagodas.

Mandalay Hill

While Mandalay Hill is a popular attraction, visitors can take a less-frequented route by starting at the back of the hill. The route offers stunning views of the city and a quieter, more peaceful experience.

Pyin Oo Lwin

Pyin Oo Lwin is a charming colonial town located about 67 km east of Mandalay. The town is known for its cooler climate, beautiful waterfalls, and lovely gardens and is an excellent escape from the bustling city.

Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature, Mandalay has something for everyone. With its stunning attractions, delicious cuisine, and welcoming locals, it is no wonder that Mandalay is becoming an increasingly popular destination for travelers.