Mandalay, Myanmar 4 Day Itinerary

Mandalay, Myanmar 4-Day Itinerary (Markdown Format)

Day 1: Explore Mandalay City

Morning

  • Breakfast: Start your day at 36th Street Moat-Side Morning Market, where you can find a variety of local Burmese dishes.
  • Mandalay Palace: Visit the last royal palace of the Myanmar kings, showcasing traditional Burmese architecture and history.
  • Shwenandaw Monastery (Golden Palace): Known for its intricate woodcarvings. It was once part of the Royal Palace.

Afternoon

  • Kuthodaw Pagoda: Known as the world’s largest book due to its 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist scriptures.
  • Maha Myat Muni Buddha Image: One of the most venerated Buddha images in Myanmar.

Evening

  • Sunset at Mandalay Hill: Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the top.
  • Dinner: Try traditional Burmese cuisine at Mingalabar Restaurant.

Day 2: Sagaing and Inwa (Ava)

Morning

  • Breakfast at your hotel or a local café.
  • Sagaing Hill: Visit the hill with numerous pagodas, monasteries, and Buddhist universities.

Afternoon

  • Inwa (Ava): Travel to Inwa (Ava), an ancient capital of Myanmar. Rent a traditional horse cart for sightseeing.
  • Lei-myethna Village: Explore the village, visit the Bagaya Monastery and Nanmyint Watchtower.

Evening

  • Dinner at Inwa Hotel Restaurant.

Day 3: Mingun and U Bein Bridge

Morning

  • Breakfast at your hotel or a local café.
  • Mingun: Take a boat trip to Mingun, visit the unfinished Mingun Paya, Mingun Bell, and Hsinbyume Pagoda.

Afternoon

  • U Bein Bridge: Visit the longest teakwood bridge in the world, best viewed during sunset.
  • Dinner at a local restaurant near U Bein Bridge or back in Mandalay city.

Day 4: Amarapura and Surroundings

Morning

  • Breakfast at your hotel or a local café.
  • Amarapura: Visit Taungtha Mani Shedan (Silver Palace), Mahagandayon Monastery, and the Uppatasanti Pagoda.

Afternoon

  • Monywa and Kyaukse (optional day trip): If time permits, consider a day trip to Monywa for Thanboddhay Pagoda and Kyaukse for Yadana Jon Son U Ba Gyaung Monastery.

Evening

  • Farewell Dinner at 40th Street Food Market, known for its street food and local snacks.

Transportation

  • Mandalay International Airport is the gateway to the city. You can also reach Mandalay by train from Yangon or other cities in Myanmar.
  • Within Mandalay, taxis and motorbike taxis are widely available. Boat services operate for Mingun and U Bein Bridge.

Tips

  • Dress respectfully when visiting religious sites. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
  • Bring cash as credit cards are not widely accepted in Myanmar.
  • Learn basic Burmese phrases to communicate with locals.
  • Stay hydrated, especially during the hot season.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.