Mandalay, Myanmar-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Mandalay International Airport. Take a taxi or bus (about $5-10) to your hotel.
  • 9:00 AM: Visit the iconic Kuthodaw Pagoda, home to the world’s largest book (the entire Buddhist canon). ($3 entry fee)
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at Mandalay Restaurant, a local favorite serving Myanmar and Chinese cuisine. ( Try their mohinga, a traditional breakfast dish)
  • 1:30 PM: Visit the nearby Shwenandaw Monastery, a beautiful example of Burmese architecture.
  • 4:00 PM: Explore the Mandalay Palace ruins, a former royal palace that offers great views of the city.
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Yadana Khaing Restaurant, known for its delicious curries and traditional Myanmar dishes.

Accommodation

Stay at The Hotel by the Red Canal, a comfortable hotel with a beautiful pool and garden. (Rates start from $30 per night)

Things to Know

  • Be prepared for the heat and humidity, and bring sunscreen and a hat.
  • Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting temples and pagodas.
  • Bargaining is expected at markets and with taxi drivers.

Day 2: Mandalay Hill and Royal Moustache

  • 6:00 AM: Watch the sunrise from Mandalay Hill, which offers stunning views of the city. (Free entry)
  • 8:00 AM: Visit the nearby Shwe Nyaung monastery, a beautiful example of Burmese architecture.
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at The Red Canal Restaurant, located in your hotel and serving delicious Myanmar cuisine.
  • 1:30 PM: Visit the Royal Moustache, a museum showcasing the history of Burma’s royal family. ($3 entry fee)
  • 4:00 PM: Explore the nearby Maha Aung Mye Bonzan monastery, a beautiful example of Burmese architecture.

Transportation

Get around Mandalay using taxis (about $5-10 per ride) or hire a car and driver for the day (about $20-30).

Day 3: Mingun and Inwa

  • 8:00 AM: Take a taxi to Mingun, about an hour away from Mandalay. (About $15-20)
  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Pahtodaw Pagoda, a massive unfinished pagoda that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at Mingun Restaurant, located near the Pahtodaw Pagoda and serving delicious Myanmar cuisine.
  • 1:30 PM: Visit the nearby Mingun Market, where you can buy local handicrafts and souvenirs.
  • 4:00 PM: Return to Mandalay and visit the Inwa ruins, a former royal city that offers great views of the surrounding countryside.

Accommodation

Stay at The Hotel by the Red Canal, a comfortable hotel with a beautiful pool and garden. (Rates start from $30 per night)

Day 4: Amarapura and Ava

  • 8:00 AM: Take a taxi to Amarapura, about an hour away from Mandalay. (About $15-20)
  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Amarapura Market, where you can buy local handicrafts and souvenirs.
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at Amarapura Restaurant, located near the market and serving delicious Myanmar cuisine.
  • 1:30 PM: Visit the nearby Ava ruins, a former royal city that offers great views of the surrounding countryside.
  • 4:00 PM: Return to Mandalay and visit the nearby Mingun River, where you can take a boat ride (about $5-10).

Things to Know

  • Be prepared for the heat and humidity, and bring sunscreen and a hat.
  • Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting temples and pagodas.
  • Bargaining is expected at markets and with taxi drivers.

Day 5: Departure

  • 9:00 AM: Check out of your hotel and head to Mandalay International Airport for your departure flight.