Mandalay, Myanmar-5-day-itinerary

Mandalay, Myanmar: A 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive in Mandalay and check-in at Mingalar Hotel or similar.
  • Afternoon: Visit the famous U Bein Bridge, a 1.2 km long teak bridge built in 1850. Take a stroll along the bridge and enjoy the sunset.
  • Evening: Explore the Night Market at 26th Street, where you can find local snacks, souvenirs, and mingle with locals.

Day 2: Mandalay Hill and Surroundings

  • Morning: Visit Mandalay Hill, a sacred hill with stunning views of the city. Climb up to the top for panoramic views.
  • Afternoon: Explore the nearby Kuthodaw Pagoda, which houses the world’s largest book, made up of 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist scriptures.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Aye Yar River View Restaurant, offering delicious Myanmar cuisine and river views.

Day 3: Ancient Cities

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the ancient city of Innwa (Ava), located on an island in the Irrawaddy River. Explore the ruins of the ancient kingdom by horse-drawn carriage.
  • Afternoon: Visit Sagaing, another ancient city with numerous pagodas and monasteries. Take in the stunning views of the Irrawaddy River.

Day 4: Local Life and Crafts

  • Morning: Visit the Mandalay Market, where you can find local produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Shwe Inbin Monastery, a beautiful wooden monastery with intricate carvings. Learn about Myanmar’s traditional crafts at the nearby Workshop for Traditional Crafts.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Myanmar puppet show at Mandalay Marionettes.

Day 5: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for last-minute souvenirs or exploring the city.
  • Afternoon: Depart from Mandalay to your next destination.

Transportation

  • From Yangon, take a domestic flight (1 hour) or overnight bus (10 hours).
  • Within Mandalay, use taxis, bicycles, or horse-drawn carriages.

Tips and Things to Know

  • Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting temples and monasteries.
  • Be prepared for hot weather and sun protection.
  • Try local food at street stalls or markets, but ensure proper hygiene practices.
  • Learn some basic Myanmar phrases to interact with locals.
  • Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas.

Other Places of Interest

  • Mahamuni Pagoda: A beautiful pagoda housing a revered Buddha image.
  • Shwenandaw Monastery: A historic monastery with intricate wood carvings.
  • Mingun Pahtodawgyi: A massive unfinished stupa with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

This itinerary provides a mix of culture, history, and local life experiences in Mandalay. Enjoy your trip!