Embark on a tour of Mandalay to visit the highlights.  Start your morning with a visit to see the Gold Leaf making process at a workshop. This is a traditional industry in Mandalay which is important throughout the country. Gold Leaf appears on pagodas, offerings to the Buddha and even in souvenirs such as laquerware boxes. Next, visit the Mahamuni Pagoda that is home to the country’s most sacred and revered Buddha Images covered completely in gold.

Then, travel out of Mandalay to the city of Amarapura. Our first stop will be at the country’s most prominent monastic colleage: Mahagandhayon Monastery. Arrive in time to see the monk’s preparing for lunch. A visit here gives an insight into the daily rituals and lifestyles of the monks residing here. We then visit the main highlight in Amarapura: the 200-year-old U Bein’s Bridge, which is the world’s longest teak bridge and spans over 1.2 kilometers long. Our last stop in Amarapura is to a Silk Weaving workshop. Weaving is one of the main professions of the Amarapura people. Get insight into the interesting process of silk weaving and learn more about this cottage industry.

After lunch (own expenses), visit two more cottage industry workshops: stone carving and wood carving, where you can observe the ancient methods used since centuries ago. Then continue visiting the highlights in Mandalay City such as the Mandalay Palace, the last royal palace of the Burmese monarchy, and the Shwenandaw Monastery, which was built in the 19th Century and is entirely made of very finely carved teak. The monastery is built inside the Royal Palace ruins and was also once known as the Golden Palace Monastery. Head over to see the Kuthodaw Pagoda, which consist of the “World’s Biggest Book” (729 Marble Slabs of Buddhist scriptures). To end the day, visit Mandalay Hill to get an amazing sunset view of the city as well as the magnificent Irrawaddy River. 

Operating Hours
 

Tour timing: 8AM to 6:30PM

Above timings and routine of places visited are subject to change based on pick up location and available time. Guests are also free to discuss with their guide and visit places of interest based on their preferences, guide’s recommendations and available time between 8AM and 6:30PM.

What You Get

Includes

• English speaking licensed tour guide
• Private vehicle with driver

Excludes

• Mandalay Tourist Zone Fee (10,000 Kyats per person, usually to be paid on arrival to Mandalay at the airport)
• Mandalay Hill Entrance Fee (500 Kyats per person)
• Myanmar Kyats for your personal expenses such as lunch and shopping, as well as optional tips/gratuities to your guide & driver
• Travel insurance (recommended)