Rivers, Villages & Trails from Mandalay to Bagan 4Days

RIVERS, VILLAGES & TRAILS FROM MANDALAY TO BAGAN

Day 1: Mandalay – Cycling – Mandalay                                                                                                  (B,L)

This morning set off on an easy 20-25 kilometre guided bike ride through Mandalay’s outskirts, for a chance to see a different side of the city. Sharing the road with oxcarts, local cyclists and school kids you’ll pass through small villages, monasteries and temples and visit a local market. With plenty of opportunities to stop for photos or chat with the locals, this Myanmar day trip is an experience unlike any other.

We’ll return to Mandalay in time for lunch, a local curry shop popular with the locals. After lunch, take a break from the afternoon heat to relax and freshen up after your bike ride at your hotel.

Around 4pm we’ll transfer up to Mandalay Hill for fabulous views of the city as the day comes to a close and then visit Shwe Tien monastery. This 100 year old teak monastery is a serene retreat at the base of Mandalay Hill and every night as the sunsets the monks gather for their evening chants.

Return to the city centre for dinner at your leisure. We recommend taking a walk around the night market or checking out the local barbeque restaurants.

Overnight in Mandalay.

Day 2: Mandalay – Monywa – Powintaung – Monywa                                                                    (B)

This morning, depart Mandalay for a 3-hour drive to Monywa, a typical Burmese town on the banks of the Chindwin River.

On the way, stop to visit Thanboddhay Pagoda, a huge Buddhist temple covered with more than 500,000 Buddha images. Also stop at Boditahtaung Pagoda which houses the largest reclining Buddha image in Myanmar, at 100m long and 27m high.

This afternoon, cross the Chindwin River by ferry and proceed to Po Win Taung by local open-air jeeps. This extraordinary complex consists of 947 sandstone caves dug out of the hills and contains what is considered by archaeologists to be the richest collection of mural paintings and Buddhist statues in Southeast Asia.

After visiting Po Win Taung, continue a few hundred meters away to Shwe Ba Taung.  Spend time exploring this interesting site where monasteries and temples are carved out rocky narrow cliffs.

Having explored the sites and sceneries of Moywa its time to transfer to your hotel to check in and relax.

Overnight in Monywa.

Day 3: Monywa – Pakkoku – Bagan                                                                                                          (B)

Depart Monywa after breakfast and travel along the quiet eastern river bank.  This ‘road less traveled’ takes you passed traditional villages where you may see farmers climbing palm trees to extract juice from which they will produce palm tree sugar. Stop at Ah Nyeint, Ah Myint and Ma U Ah Le villages for an opportunity to learn more about the lifestyle and culture of the countryside residents.

Then, resume your journey to Pakokku (Drive time is approximately 4 hours in total). This town has a rich craftwork tradition and produces handmade goods such as colorful woven blankets, traditional paper toys and traditional sandals cottage industry.  Enjoy a short rickshaw ride through town before continuing to the port at Pakkoku. Have lunch at a local restaurant in Pakkoku (client’s account).

This afternoon we board a private local boat in Pakkoku for a leisurely, two hour cruise downriver to Bagan. Upon reaching the shores of Bagan, transfer to the hotel.

Overnight in Bagan.

Day 4: Bagan      Villages – Departure                                                                                                      (B)

Today visit around Bagan’s local villages. Start at the Nyuang Oo morning market where locals gather every day to buy and sell everything from fresh produce and meats to flowers and pottery. There are many food stalls around as well as tea shops, a great vantage point for watching the busy morning market. Then learn the interesting process of creating “Poneyay” (pea powder paste) and see how local plum jam is made and packed. In addition, visit workshops of two of the region’s best known products: handmade lacquer ware and wooden handicrafts. In addition, you will visit the villages and observe about how Cartwrights make a traditional bullock carts, still used by farmers and locals throughout the country. 

This remainder of your day is at leisure to relax and explore on your own or continue on your Myanmar holiday with more sightseeing.

***END OF SERVICES ***

Our services Include:

·        3 nights accommodation on twin or double room basis with daily breakfast

·        English-speaking throughout guide

·        All transfers with private vehicles with driver

·        Meals mentioned (B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner) 

·        Entrance fees for the visits mentioned in the program

·        Private boat Pakkoku – Bagan (note: boat is a wooden motorized boat with lifejackets; the boat has a covered section for sun protection as well as an open deck in the sun)

·        Porter fees at the Jetty

·        Bike & Helmet Rental in Mandalay

·        Service charges

Our services do not Include:

·        International ticket to/from Yangon

·        Meals others than mentioned (B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner) 

·        Visa arrangements for Myanmar

·        Entrance fees for visits not mentioned in the program

·        Drinks and personal expenses

·        Tips and porters at the hotels

·        International airport departure tax Yangon (USD 10/pax at present)

·        Any other items not mentioned