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Sightseeing in Mandalay
The last capital of royal Burma, Mandalay is still one of the largest cities in Myanmar, and a cultural and spiritual centre. Neighboring Sagaing is home to over sixty per cent of the country s monks, while the artisans of Mandalay continue to turn out the finest crafts in Myanmar. In the morning, head to Mahamuni Paya. The Mahamuni image enshrined here is perhaps the most venerated image in Myanmar, covered in over 15 cm of gold leaf. Worshippers flock daily to the shrine at four in the morning to observe the unique face-washing ceremony. En route to the pagoda, stop to observe the laborious process of Gold-Leaf Beating, where gold is painstakingly hammered into tissue-thin squares. Before breaking for lunch, visit a Craft Workshop specializing in one of the arts for which the city is famous: bronze-casting, marble-carving, wood-carving, or puppetry.
The afternoon s tour includes some of the city s most interesting temples and palaces. Begin at Shwenandaw Kyaung, or the Golden Teak Monastery. Built entirely of golden teak, this intricately carved wooden monastery was once part of the Mandalay Palace, used as private apartments by King Mindon and his chief queen. Continue to Kyauktawgyi Paya, famous for its monumental seated Buddha, carved from a single block of marble. Continue to Kuthodaw Paya, known also as the world s biggest book. Around the central stupa are miniature pavilions, each housing a slab of marble Numbering altogether 729, these slabs are inscribed with the entire Tripitkata, or Buddhist scriptures. The final stop is at Shwe Kyin Old Monastery, an old monastery at the base of Mandalay Hill which was built during the period of King Mindon.
Visit Mandalay Hill at sunset
Visit Mandalay Hill and take an easy climb up sheltered steps to experience panoramic views over the palace, Mandalay and the paya-studded countryside. The famous hermit monk, U Khanti, is credited with inspiring the construction of many of the buildings on and around the hill in the years after the founding of the city.

Overnight : Mandalay
Meal : x

Excursion to Amarapura, Sagaing, and Inwa (Ava)
This day tour visits three former royal capitals, each with its own unique atmosphere. In the morning, drive to Amarapura, and visit Mahagandayon Monastery; every day at mid-morning, monks and novices line up to receive their daily offering of alms and food from faithful Buddhists. Next, pay a visit to Sagaing, the spiritual centre of Myanmar. Hundreds of stupas, monasteries, temples and nunneries are to be found in Sagaing Hill, sometimes known as a living Bagan. Thousands of monks and nuns retreat here for meditation and contemplation. Stop at some of the most famous temples, such as Sun U Ponya Shin Paya, U Min Thonsei Paya and Kaung Hmu Daw Paya.
Cross the river by ferry to Inwa (Ava), situated on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. Once a royal capital, Inwa (Ava) is now a quiet rural oasis. Enjoy a leisurely Horsecart Ride around the peaceful countryside, briefly visiting Bagaya Kyaung, a beautiful teak wood monastery, Maha Aungmyay Bonzan Kyaung, and Nan Myint Tower. On the way, stop and observe how local artisans make theit famous alms bowls out of iron. Finally, return to Amarapura, to end the day At U Bein s Bridge, a picturesque teak bridge which extends over one kilometre across Taungthaman Lake. At dusk, the bridge teems with monks and local people as they stroll home or linger to enjoy the colours of the sunset.

Overnight : Mandalay
Meal : Breakfast (Hotel)

Excursion to Mingun with boat trip (SIC boat)
Travel upriver by boat to Mingun, enjoying the views of river life
fishing villages, market boats, women attending to their washing, and children playing in the water. Explore the ruins of the vast Mingun Paya, a monument to human ambition
never finished, its size would have dwarfed all contemporary pagodas. See the Hsinbyume Paya, a pagoda dating from 1816, first built by King Bagyidaw and dedicated to the memory of his wife, the Hsinbyume Princess. Like many other pagodas, this structure is a symbolic representation of the mythical Mountain Meru. Visit the Mingun Bell
in 1808 Bodawpaya had a gigantic bell cast to go with the gigantic chedi. Weighing 90 tons, it is claimed to be the largest bell in the world. After that, return downstream by boat to Mandalay.
Excursion to Yae Tagon, with visit to an orchid farm
Before leaving Mandalay, visit an Orchid Farm, where several variants of this exotic flower are grown. Continue to Yae Kyi Village, just outside of Mandalay near the base of Yae Tagon Mountain, and observe the activities of daily life; making bamboo fans and gardening. Drive up to the caves which are situated halfway up the mountain and enjoy the picturesque views of the golf course and endless green rice paddies. From there, begin trekking uphill through jungle landscapes to the Shwe Hin Tha Cave area, with a natural stone representation of a Hintha bird at the entrance. (Entering the cave is not recommended during the rainy season)

Overnight : Mandalay
Meal : Breakfast (Hotel)

Transfer.

Overnight : x
Meal : Breakfast (Hotel)

* Above prices are current as of today but will be subject to any additional airfare and fuel increases that occur without our prior notice, and we reserve the right to adjust our quotes accordingly.
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* An additional surcharge may be applicable for bookings that fall within the Peak Season dates; Christmas, New Year and Water Festival. In these cases, ORIENTAL ESCAPE will automatically apply the additional charge and advise you immediately.