Mandalay, Myanmar-6-day-itinerary

August 5, 2024

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Mandalay City

Arrival: Arrive at Mandalay International Airport. Take a taxi or grab ride to your hotel.
9:00 AM - Kuthodaw Pagoda: Start the day with a visit to the world’s largest book, housed in a small stupa within Kuthodaw Pagoda. ($3 entrance fee)
10:00 AM - Shwenandaw Monastery: Visit this beautiful wooden monastery, known for its intricate carvings and stunning architecture.
12:30 PM - Lunch: Head to Mo Mo Cafe, a popular spot for local cuisine and coffee. Try their signature dish, Shan noodles.
2:00 PM - Explore Mandalay City: Wander around the city, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling streets. Visit the Mandalay Palace (entrance fee: $5) if you have time.
6:00 PM - Sunset: Find a spot to watch the sunset over the Irrawaddy River.

Day 2: Mingun Island

9:00 AM - Boat to Mingun Island: Take a boat from Mandalay’s jetty (entrance fee: $10, including return trip and lunch) to Mingun Island.
10:00 AM - Pahtodaw Pagoda: Visit the unfinished pagoda, which was meant to be even larger than Borobudur in Indonesia.
12:30 PM - Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch on the island or try some street food.
2:00 PM - The Mingun Market: Browse the local market for souvenirs and try some snacks.
5:00 PM - Return to Mandalay

Day 3: Amarapura and Pahtodaw

9:00 AM - Amarapura: Visit this historic town, which was once the capital of Myanmar. Explore the old palace grounds and museum (entrance fee: $10).
12:30 PM - Lunch: Head to The Royal Heritage Hotel, a colonial-style hotel with great food and service.
2:00 PM - Pahtodaw Pagoda: Visit this stunning pagoda, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
5:00 PM - Return to Mandalay

Day 4: Day Trip to Bagan

6:00 AM - Early Start: Take an early bus or taxi (around $20) to Bagan (approximately 3 hours).
9:00 AM - Explore Bagan: Visit some of the most iconic temples in Bagan, such as Ananda and Dhammayangyi.
12:30 PM - Lunch: Try some local cuisine at one of the many restaurants in Bagan.
2:00 PM - Hot Air Balloon Ride (optional): Take a hot air balloon ride over the temples (around $300) for a unique perspective on this ancient city.
5:00 PM - Return to Mandalay

Day 5: Mahamuni Pagoda and Local Markets

9:00 AM - Mahamuni Pagoda: Visit this sacred pagoda, which houses the famous Mahamuni Buddha image.
11:00 AM - Local Markets: Explore the local markets in downtown Mandalay for souvenirs and snacks.
12:30 PM - Lunch: Head to The Golden Duck, a popular spot for local cuisine and drinks.
2:00 PM - Relaxation Time: Take some time to relax at your hotel or explore the city on your own.

Day 6: Departure

9:00 AM - Check-out: Check out of your hotel and head to the airport (around $10 by taxi) for your departure flight.
Departure: Fly back home, bringing with you memories of this incredible city and its rich history.

Accommodation

Tips and Essentials

Language: Burmese is the official language, but many locals speak basic English. It’s still a good idea to learn some basic Burmese phrases.
Currency: Myanmar Kyat (MMK) is the local currency. You can exchange currency at airports or banks.
Weather: Mandalay has a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity levels.
Safety: Be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded areas and avoid traveling alone at night.

Getting Around

Taxis: Available everywhere, but be sure to agree on prices beforehand.
Grab: A popular ride-hailing app that’s widely used in Mandalay.
Walking: Walking is a great way to explore the city, especially in quieter areas.