Mandalay & Amarapura Tour with Mandalay Hill & Kuthodaw Pagoda – Full Day

Home to history, culture and some visually stunning viewpoints, Mandalay is on most travellers’ radars and for good reason. Amarapura is a little lesser-known, but boasts some of Myanmar’s most scenic and culturally-rich attractions. Our action-packed itinerary for the day will look a little like this:

U Bein Bridge: With the sun barely up, the early morning is the best and quietest time to walk the world’s oldest teak bridge. Thousands of wooden pillars support U Bein Bridge, which runs for three-quarters of a mile. It was once walked by the Royals and is now more commonly frequented by locals and tourists!

‘’We really enjoyed wandering up and down the bridge as there were so many cool things to look at. Just a unique, culturally amazing place...’’ – Steve R, Trip Advisor

Mahagandayon Monastery: What better way to experience Burmese culture than by paying a visit to one of the largest monasteries in the country? By visiting early, you can observe 1,500 monks say their prayers and eat their morning meals. As one of the few ‘open’ monasteries’ that tourists can visit, it’s a must for first-time visitors to Myanmar.

Mahamuni Buddha: As it is one of Myanmar’s holiest sites, many Buddhists take regular pilgrimages to the Mahamuni Buddha shrine. According to their religion, there are five ‘likenesses’ to the Buddha; two can be found in India, two in paradise, and one in Amarapura! Believer or not, you’ll marvel at the enormous golden statue.

Mandalay Hill: The highest vantage point in Mandalay is a fantastic spot to get a panoramic view and catch your bearings. Interestingly, the city is named after the hill rather than the other way around!

Kuthodaw Pagoda: The world’s largest book featuring 729 stone pages is a must for bookworms and just about anybody else! There’s plenty more to look at too, including a 57-metre tall gold stupa.

‘’I particularly liked this pagoda, as it is different from all the others I saw in Myanmar. Definitely worth a trip.’’ – Simone G, Trip Advisor

Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda: It wouldn’t be a trip to Amarapura without setting eyes on the largest marble Buddha statue in the country. This temple is an interesting one because it’s both Buddhist and Hindu, featuring snakes, lions and Buddha statues.