The Mandalay: Sagaing, Innwa, and Amarapura Sightseeing Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Myanmar’s cultural treasures. Led by expert guides, this full-day excursion takes visitors through a captivating journey, from the serene hilltop monasteries of Sagaing to the historic charm of Innwa. Along the way, they’ll witness the grandeur of Shwenandaw Monastery and ascend Mandalay Hill for panoramic city views. As the day draws to a close, they’ll witness the breathtaking sunset at the iconic U Bein Bridge. With inclusions like hotel pickup and a horse-drawn cart ride, this tour provides an immersive experience that promises to leave a lasting impression.
Key Points
- Comprehensive tour exploring the Mandalay region, including Sagaing, Innwa, and Amarapura, with private transportation, English-speaking guide, and entrance fees.
- Priced at $75 per group (up to 3 participants) with flexible cancellation policy and key landmarks like Shwenandaw Monastery, Kuthodaw Pagoda, and U Bein Bridge.
- Includes private air-conditioned vehicle, meals, moist towels, purified water, and arrangements for horse-cart and ferry boat.
- Highlights the exploration of Sagaing City, with its numerous monasteries and pagodas, and the historical Innwa (Ava) City.
- Tour culminates with a sunset visit to the iconic U Bein Bridge for a serene and cultural experience.
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Tour Overview and Pricing
The Mandalay Sightseeing Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of three major cities in the Mandalay region – Sagaing, Innwa, and Amarapura.
Priced from $75 per group (up to 3 participants), the tour provides a private air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking guide, and all entrance fees. Visitors can enjoy a flexible cancellation policy with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour covers key landmarks like the Shwenandaw Monastery, Atumashi Monastery, Kuthodaw Pagoda, and Mandalay Hill, plus a lunch break and a boat and horse-cart ride to Innwa.
The tour concludes with sunset views at the iconic U Bein Bridge.
Inclusions and Experience
The tour includes a private air-conditioned vehicle with a driver and an English-speaking guide to accompany visitors throughout the day.
The inclusions cover:
- Entrance fees and camera/video fees.
- Meals, moist towels, and purified drinking water.
- Parking fees and fuel surcharge.
- Horse-cart for Innwa/Ava (1,500 MMK) and ferry boat (2,000 MMK per person).
This comprehensive experience ensures visitors can focus on exploring the historical and cultural highlights of Mandalay, Sagaing, and Innwa/Ava without worrying about logistics or additional costs.
Itinerary Highlights
After pickup from the Mandalay hotel at 8:00 AM, the tour begins with visits to the Shwenandaw Monastery, Atumashi Monastery, Kuthodaw Pagoda, Sandarmuni Pagoda, and the iconic Mandalay Hill. Guests then explore the Royal Palace before heading to the Mahamuni Pagoda, one of Myanmar’s most sacred sites. After a lunch break, the tour continues to Sagaing City, known for its numerous monasteries and pagodas. Visitors then cross the Irrawaddy River to reach Innwa/Ava, exploring the historic city by boat and horse-drawn carriage. The day culminates with a sunset visit to the famous U Bein Bridge before returning to the hotel.
| Site Visited | Significance | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Shwenandaw Monastery | Intricately carved teakwood monastery | Explore the ornate details |
| Mahamuni Pagoda | One of Myanmar’s most sacred sites | Witness the daily rituals |
| U Bein Bridge | Iconic teak bridge over Taungthaman Lake | Capture the breathtaking sunset |
Important Information
Tourists’ passports are required for this tour, as they may be requested at certain sites.
Dress code is important, as sleeveless shirts aren’t permitted, and shoes must be removed when entering pagodas and temples. This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women.
Participants should bring the following:
- Passport
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Lightweight, conservative clothing
- Hat and sunscreen (for protection against the sun)
Following these guidelines will ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience on the Mandalay sightseeing tour.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
According to the provided information, the Mandalay sightseeing tour has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 9 reviews.
The guide and transportation services received 4.8 out of 5 ratings, while the value for money was rated 4.7 out of 5.
Positive feedback highlights the driver’s assistance and the tour’s overall convenience.
However, some reviews suggest the need for comfortable footwear due to the requirement to remove shoes at various sites.
Plus, a few customers noted concerns about the driver’s English proficiency.
Sagaing City Exploration
The tour explores the historic city of Sagaing, situated across the Irrawaddy River from Mandalay.
Visitors can expect to witness the following highlights:
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Stroll through the serene Sagaing Hill, home to over 500 monasteries and stupas, offering panoramic views of the Irrawaddy.
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Visit the Umin Thonze Pagoda, famous for its 45 small shrine chapels carved into the hillside.
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Explore the Soon U Ponya Shin Paya, a stunning white-washed stupa with intricate carvings and a gilded spire.
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Discover the tranquility of the Kaunghmudaw Pagoda, featuring a unique spherical design adorned with hundreds of smaller stupas.
After exploring the sacred sites of Sagaing, the tour continues to the ancient city of Innwa.
Innwa/Ava City Exploration
Departing from Sagaing, visitors cross the Irrawaddy River by boat to reach the ancient city of Innwa (also known as Ava).
The tour explores this former royal capital, once the seat of the Burmese kingdom. Visitors ride a traditional horse-drawn cart to navigate the city’s narrow streets, passing by the remains of the royal palace, monasteries, and the leaning watchtower.
The journey provides a glimpse into Innwa’s rich history and the local way of life.
After exploring the city, the tour continues to the iconic U Bein Bridge, where visitors can witness the sunset over the tranquil waters of Taungthaman Lake.
Sunset at U Bein Bridge
Frequently, the tour culminates at the iconic U Bein Bridge, where visitors can witness the sunset over the tranquil waters of Taungthaman Lake.
This 1.2-kilometer teak bridge, built in the mid-19th century, offers a breathtaking vantage point to observe the day’s end.
Visitors can:
- Stroll across the bridge, taking in the serene atmosphere and the stunning reflections on the lake.
- Capture the vibrant hues of the sunset as they dance across the water.
- Interact with the local monks and residents who gather on the bridge for their daily routines.
- Savor the peaceful ambiance and the sense of timelessness that permeates the scene.
As the sun dips below the horizon, the U Bein Bridge becomes a captivating symbol of Myanmar’s rich cultural heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Time Is Spent at Each Sightseeing Location?
The tour itinerary doesn’t specify the exact time spent at each location. However, it covers the major sights in Mandalay, Sagaing, and Innwa, allowing visitors to explore the highlights of each area during the full-day tour.
Are There Any Additional Costs for the Horse-Cart or Ferry Boat?
The tour includes the cost of the horse-cart for Innwa/Ava (1,500 MMK) and the ferry boat (2,000 MMK per person). These fees are covered in the overall tour price, so there aren’t any additional costs for these activities.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Accommodate Specific Interests?
Yes, the tour can be customized to accommodate specific interests. The tour provider is flexible and willing to adjust the itinerary based on the traveler’s preferences, within the tour’s scope and duration.
Are There Any Prohibited Items or Activities During the Tour?
The tour has a few prohibited items and activities. Visitors can’t wear sleeveless shirts and must remove their shoes when entering pagodas and temples. Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women.
How Reliable Is the Punctuality and Dependability of the Tour Provider?
The tour provider is generally reliable based on customer reviews, which praise the driver’s assistance and tour convenience. There are some concerns about the guide’s English proficiency, but the overall punctuality and dependability seem satisfactory.
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Recap
The Mandalay: Sagaing, Innwa, and Amarapura Sightseeing Tour offers a captivating journey through Myanmar’s cultural heritage. Highlights include visits to Shwenandaw Monastery, Mandalay Hill, Sagaing’s hilltop monasteries, historic Innwa, and the iconic U Bein Bridge. Guided by an English-speaking expert, this full-day tour provides a immersive experience of Myanmar’s rich history and beautiful landscapes.