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"The Best of Myanmar Tour"(SV-5) "The Classic Myanmar Tour"(ST-1) |
The Golden CityThe walled palace at Mandalay is a city within a city. A palace. A fort. The Mandalay Palace was built in 1857 by King Mindon Min, and is surrounded by thick brick walls and a wide gracious moat, viewed at dawn or sunset, you'll think you’re looking at a marvelous painting. The palace is something not to be missed! Walk into the glory days of a great kingdom with all its relics and opulence.
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Mandalay HillMandalay takes its name from this hill that rises above the city. It was here that Buddha himself predicted that a great Buddhist city would be built at its foot. And, indeed, Mandalay is the Buddhist religious center of the country. Be sure to enjoy a magical sunset over Mandalay from this historic hill.
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The Maha Muni PagodaDon’t’ miss the awe-inspiring Buddha (or the Maha Muni image) at this pagoda. This glittering image was cast of bronze in the 1st century, and is now covered in a very thick coat of gold leaf. The devoted worshipping at this stunning image will touch your heart.
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The World’s Largest BookThe world’s official "Buddhist Bible", also known as the world’s largest book, resides at the bottom of Mandalay Hill. Here are 729 slabs inscribed with the entire Buddhist cannon, each housed in it own stupa. Wander through this maze of sparkling white stupas, and you will be in awe at the dedication of those that came before.
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MonasteriesMandalay is the religious center of Myanmar and houses some 60% of the nation’s monks. The Bagara Monastery is well worth the visit to see one of the largest and most active of Myanmar’s wooden monasteries that contains manyrare works of art and over 400 Buddha statues. Ruins of stupas are scattered around the area within the old city walls.
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The Marionette TheaterDon’t miss this classic form of entertainment of beautifully crafted marionettes in their stunning costumes set to classic Myanma music. The marionette theater dates back many centuries and was popular in the royal courts. Visit the Mandalay Marionettes and Culture Show or the marionette theater performed at the Pyigimon Restaurant.
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AmarapuraJust 11 km south is the old capital of Myanmar, founded by King Bodawpaya in 1783. Walk across the old U Bein Bridge that stretches across Taungthaman Lake. Visit the old Kyauktawgyi or Nagayon Pagodas. Be sure to stop at noontime at the Mahagandayone Monastery and see the long line of monks coming for lunch.
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Inwa (formerly Ava)The much written about King’s Court at Ava, was the capital of the Burmese Kingdom from 1394 and lasting nearly 400 years. Take the ferryboat across he river, then ride a pony cart and visit the Bagaya Monastery.
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Mingun11 km up the Aeyarwaddy River from Mandalay is the world’s largest hanging uncracked bell. Cast in 1808, it is 20ft 3in high, 16ft 81/4in in diameter, has a circumfrence of 50ft 4 3/4in, weighs 90.52 tons and is 20ft 3in tall !! Crawl inside this hugebell to truly experience its size. Then visit the world’s largest pile of bricks. This unfinished pagoda was begun in 1790 by King Bodawpaya is of solid brick and is 49 meters high. A massive earthquake in 1838 caused the deep fissures in the bricks.
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SagaingThe scenic Sagaing hills are the site of the former Shan capital of Sagaing, located just down river from Mandalay. It is well worth the visit to see the fascinating stupas scattered over the hills. Don’t miss the Kaungmdaw Pagoda in Sagaing, a sparkling white perfect hemisphere, with a very interesting story about its creation in 1312. Experience another fabulous sunset from the top of Sagaing Hill at the Ponya Sin Zedi
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Pyin-Oo-Lwin (formerly Maymyo)East of Mandalay, travel up the historic Burma Road to the old British Hill Station of Pyin Oo Lwin. The British came here to escape the hottest days on the plains; as the air here is cool and fresh. Tour this charming colonial town in one of the small local stagecoaches; and spend the night in gracious old British officers quarters turned hotel. Visit the botanical gardens; the Maymyo Market (a center for selling the many "English" fruits, vegetables and flowers); see the waterfalls and caves of Pwe Kauk Falls, or hike up to the stunning Anisakan Falls…well worth the hike!
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