Day Trips Mandalay

Day Trips in Mandalay: A Comprehensive Guide

Welcome to Mandalay, a captivating city nestled along the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar! Known for its rich history, magnificent Buddhist temples, and cultural diversity, Mandalay offers numerous opportunities for memorable day trips. Here are some suggestions to help you make the most of your explorations.

1. Mandalay Hill (ဒေသကြံ)

   • Location: Within Mandalay City
   • Highlights: Visit the Sutaungpyei Buddha image, admire the panoramic view of Mandalay from the top, and explore Mahamuni Pagoda at its base.
   • Tips: Reach the summit either by foot or car; climbing the stairway is a popular sunset activity.

2. Innwa (Ava)

   • Location: Approximately 1-hour boat ride south of Mandalay
   • Highlights: Discover ancient Burmese architecture, visit the famous Leaning Tower of Ava, and explore Nanmyint Watchtower.
   • Tips: Hire a traditional horse cart for a leisurely exploration around Innwa.

3. Sagaing Hill (စကာိင်းလေး)

   • Location: Approximately 20-minutes drive west of Mandalay
   • Highlights: Wander through the numerous Buddhist monasteries, visit U Min Thonze Pagoda and Soon Oo Ponya Shin Pagoda.
   • Tips: Take a leisurely stroll along Sagaing’s scenic roads for stunning views over the Irrawaddy River.

4. Mingun (မင်က္နူး)

   • Location: Approximately 1-hour boat ride upstream from Mandalay
   • Highlights: Marvel at the world’s largest ringing bell, visit Mingun Pagoda, and admire the unfinished Mingun Pahtodawgyi.
   • Tips: Wear appropriate clothing to enter the pagodas; longyis (traditional Burmese wraparound skirt) are often provided for women.

5. Monywa

   • Location: Approximately 3-hours drive northwest of Mandalay
   • Highlights: Discover ancient temples and caves, marvel at the immense Thanboddhay Pagoda, and explore the mysterious Bodhi Tataung statue.
   • Tips: Plan to spend at least one night in Monywa for a full exploration; it’s best to visit during daylight hours due to limited illumination at night.