Share the road with oxcarts and school kids on a bike ride through Mandalay’s outskirts. Chat with locals at a small rural village and learn more about life in the Myanmar countryside. See the effort and craftsmanship which goes into making the country’s finest leather sandals. Visit a busy market as residents do their morning shopping.
Day 1: Mandalay
This morning set off on an easy 20-25 kilometer guided bike ride through Mandalay’s outskirts for a chance to see a different side of the city. Sharing the road with oxcarts, local cyclists and school kids you’ll pass through small villages, monasteries and temples; and visit local markets. With plenty of opportunities to stop for photos or chat with the locals, this Myanmar day trip is an experience unlike any other.
We’ll return to Mandalay in time for lunch at a local curry shop popular with the locals. After lunch, take a break from the afternoon heat to relax and freshen up at your hotel.
Around 4pm we’ll transfer up to Mandalay Hill for fabulous views of the city as the day comes to a close; then hop into a local trishaw and explore the western side of the palace gates and its historic compound.
Continue by car to your hotel or the city centre for dinner at your leisure. We recommend taking a walk around the night market or checking out the local barbeque restaurants on 34th Street.
Overnight in Mandalay
Meals included on this day: Lunch
Day 2: Mandalay- Monywa
This morning, depart Mandalay for a 3-hour drive to Monywa, a typical Burmese town on the banks of the Chindwin River. We will make a few stops along the way to stretch our legs and take photos.
We’ll reach Monywa at midday and check into the hotel. Take time to freshen up before starting your sightseeing around Monywa. (lunch will be at the hotel or in town) (client’s account)
This afternoon begin with a visit to Thanboddhay Pagoda, a huge Buddhist temple covered with more than 500,000 Buddha images. Also stop at Boditahtaung Pagoda which houses the largest reclining Buddha image in Myanmar, at 100m long and 27m high. Nearby is the largest standing Buddha in the world, Laykyun Setkyar, at 423 feet in height.
Having explored the sites and sceneries of Monywa we then head to the banks of the river to watch the sun set. Return to your hotel this evening.
Overnight in Monywa
Meals included on this day: Breakfast
Day 3: Monywa- Bagan
Take the one hour drive to the cave temple complex of Po Win Taung. The 947 sandstone caves here have been dug from the hills and contain the richest collection of Buddhist statues and mural paintings in Southeast Asia.
Nearby, the cliff-carved monasteries and temples of Shwe Ban Taung provide further insight into Buddhism in this area.
Afterwards, drive on to Kyet Su Kin, a small rural village where you’ll chat to locals and learn more about life in the countryside of Myanmar. It’s back in the car next and a further one hour to the famous ‘slipper’ village of Pakkoku. After lunch at a village restaurant, we’ll visit a slipper factory to see the time, effort and craftsmanship which goes into making the finest leather sandals in the country.
Board a local boat next for the two hour cruise to Bagan. Once in Bagan, transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Bagan
Meals included on this day: Breakfast
Day 4: Bagan visit
Explore beautiful Bagan today. Start the day with a morning trip to the busy market of Nyaung Oo and see local life as Bagan residents do their morning shopping. Continue to nearby villages to see how the local delicacy, plum jam is produced.
Optional hot air balloon trip over Bagan: A once in lifetime experience, take an unforgettable hot air balloon ride over the temples of Bagan at dawn. Available from October to March only, the 45minute to 1-hour flight glides over temples, stupas, villages and dependable on the wind, the Irrawaddy River.
You’ll also learn about how Poneyay, pea powder paste is made. Witness the craftsmanship of the locals next with a visit to workshops producing wood carvings and lacquer ware.
Bagan is famous for these two crafts and the skills are passed down from generation to generation. You’ll also see how traditional bullock carts are made with a visit to local cartwrights.
The rest of your day is free at leisure until you depart for further Myanmar exploration, or for your onward flight.
Meals included on this day: Breakfast
Prices
Your dreams and our passion combine to create your perfect trip and a customized price. Please contact us for your personalized offer.
Travel starts daily. You will travel independently with your own personal tour guide. Joining a group is not possible.
