You will take the local ferry to the former capital, Inwa (Ava), located on an island between the Ayeyarwaddy and the Myitnge Rivers, 21km south of Mandalay.
To reach Maha Aungmye Bonzan – a unique brick and stucco monastery, you should take a horse cart ride through the ancient city walls. You may climb up the top of Nanmyin Watch tower to indulge in lovely views over the river.
As your journey continues, you will stop by the impressive wooden monastery of Bagaya Kyaung, formerly the “monastic college” for the royals. If time permits, you may visit some local handicraft workshops, including silk weaving, mats and alms bowls.
Then, you will be driving to Sagaing, 20km Southwestern Mandalay. Upon arrival, prepare yourselves to be amazed at the picturesque Sagaing Hill, widely regarded Burma’s centre of Buddhism, the site of numerous pagodas and monasteries. Afterwards, a quick break at the glittering Swan Oo Pon Nya Shin and U Min Thonze Pagoda may be worth waiting for.
For the rest of the day, you will pass by Amarapura via the Ava Bridge, built by British engineers to visit a weaving workshop. Finally you can walk over the U Bein Bridge – the world’s longest teak bridge stretching 1.2 km and enjoy fabulous views of the countryside and encounter the friendly locals.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: There are 3 hotel ranges for your selection, please scroll down.