Mandalay, Myanmar 6 Day Itinerary

Title: 6-Day Itinerary for Exploring Mandalay, Myanmar

Day 1: Arrival & Orientation

  • Arrival at Mandalay International Airport (Transportation: Taxi or pre-arranged pickup service)
  • Check-in at Hotel (Recommended: Mandalay Hill Resort or Royal Orchid Gardens Hotel)
  • Lunch at Kywe Pyay Tea Shop (Iconic Burmese cuisine)
  • Afternoon rest and acclimatize
  • Evening stroll around Mandalay Night Market for local snacks and souvenirs

Day 2: Mandalay City Sightseeing

  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Morning visit to Mahamuni Pagoda (Sacred Buddha statue)
  • Lunch at Shwe Nyin Thit (Popular local restaurant for Burmese cuisine)
  • Afternoon visit to Kuthodaw Pagoda (World’s largest book), Shwenandaw Kyaung (Golden Palace Monastery), and Mandalay Palace
  • Evening visit to U Bein Bridge for sunset (Take a boat ride if desired)
  • Dinner at 3 Beans Restaurant (Western food options)

Day 3: Sagaing Hill & Inwa (Ava) Tour

  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Morning visit to Sagaing Hill (Temples, pagodas, and monastic schools)
  • Lunch at local restaurant in Sagaing
  • Afternoon boat ride to Inwa (Ava) (Rent a bike or horse cart for exploring)
  • Evening return to Mandalay
  • Dinner at Mingalabar Restaurant (Offers a variety of Asian and Western dishes)

Day 4: Mingun Day Trip

  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Morning boat trip to Mingun (Visit Mingun Bell, Mingun Pagoda, and Hsinbyume Pagoda)
  • Lunch on the boat or in Mingun
  • Afternoon return to Mandalay
  • Dinner at Pansodan Food Market (Variety of local street food)

Day 5: Amarapura & Yandabo Day Trip

  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Morning visit to Amarapura (Taungthaman Lake, U Pein Bridge, and Bagaya Monastery)
  • Lunch in Amarapura
  • Afternoon boat trip to Yandabo (Village famous for pottery making)
  • Evening return to Mandalay
  • Dinner at Aye Yar Myanmar Restaurant (Offers traditional Burmese dishes)

Day 6: Departure

  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Check-out and transfer to Mandalay International Airport for departure

Things to Know:

  • Mandalay is a bustling city with lots of traffic, so it’s best to use taxis or arranged transportation.
  • Dress modestly when visiting temples and pagodas (long pants, shirts with sleeves).
  • Haggling is common in markets but always be respectful.
  • Tipping is not expected but appreciated.
  • Cash (Myanmar Kyat) is the preferred method of payment, and credit cards are less commonly accepted.
  • Enjoy your journey through Mandalay!