Day Trip from Mandalay to Three Ancient Cities

In the morning, head to Amarapura, situated about 11 km south of Mandalay. It used to be the royal capital city of the third Myanmar Empire in 1783 and 1841. Visit a local weaving factory there to see how colorful Myanmar Longyis (sarongs) are making.

Amarapura is famous for its beautiful silk and cotton wear produced at local weaving workshops. Watch the lunch processing of monks at the famous Mahagandayone Monastery.

Next, take a short walk across the famous U Peins Bridge at Taungthaman Lake. It is the longest wooden bridge in Myanmar with a length of 1.2 km. The supply of wood for the bridge came from the former old palace of Inwa.

Continue your drive to old Inwa city encircled by three rivers. It was the capital of Myanmar three times between the 14th and 18th centuries.

From the pier of Myint Nga, take a short ferry ride to cross the river and then explore Inwa by the horse carts to see religious monuments, ancient ruins, and small communities living in the palace site. You will see Bagaya wooden monastery built-in 1834, leaning watchtower and Mae Nu Oak Kaung monastery.

Then stop at a local restaurant for lunch.

Then drive to Sagaing by crossing a bridge over the Ayeyarwady River. The city is well-known for Sagaing hill, a religious retreat for monks and nuns. Its long mountain ranges are shrined Pagodas on their top and keep over 400 monasteries built on these mountains are the abode for monks, nuns, and for those practicing meditation.

The excursion to Sagaing will offer you the chances to see famous places like Kaungmudaw, Yoke Sone Kyaung, and Soon Oo Pon Nya Shin Pagoda located in the second highest hill of Sagaing and U Min Thone Hse Pagoda with 30 crescent-shaped caves.

Then transfer to your hotel in Mandalay.