OVERVIEW

Scenic beauty, historical sites and awe-inspiring buildings: this guided excursion showcases the best of Mandalay and Mingun. Starting in the former Royal Capital visit the city's famous temples and soak in the views from Mandalay Hill. Take a boat ride up the Irrawaddy River to Mingun where architectural wonders are scattered throughout the sleepy village.

PROGRAM DETAILS

Today your Exotissimo guide and driver will greet you at your hotel to embark on a full day of sightseeing in Mandalay and Mingun.

We begin with a walk up Mandalay Hill. Rising 240 metres above the city, the hill provides a great viewing platform of the surrounding countryside, Irrawaddy River and city centre. At the base of the hill you'll stop to visit Shwe Nandaw Kyuang- or Golden Palace Monastery- which is noted for its intricate wood carvings and to Kayuktawgyi Pagoda to view the huge marble Buddha. The marble is from Sagyin quarry and took 10,000 men almost two weeks to transfer the rock from the riverside to its current location. Finally we'll visit Kuthodaw Pagoda, home to 'the world's largest book', a collection of more than 700 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist teachings.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant by the riverside.

This afternoon embark on a boat trip up the Irrawaddy River from Mandalay to the riverside village of Mingun, enjoying the picturesque scenery of this river and the lifestyles of the local people who live and work on these waters. Unlike Ava and Amarapura, Mingun was not a royal capital yet has many interesting sites to see.

You'll visit the Mingun Bell which weighs more than 87 tons and is more than 3.7 metres tall. This is the world's largest uncracked bell. Just south of the bell you'll also visit Mingun Pagoda, a giant brick structure built in the late 1700s and although it was unfinished due to economic troubles it is still an impressive site. Mingun's other highlight is the Hisnbyume Pagoda, a white-washed temple built to resemble Mount Meru. Throughout Mingun there are small neighborhoods crafting traditional basketry and other artistic items and there is plenty of time to stop and interact with the craftsmen and friendly locals.

Return by boat late this afternoon, as the sun begins to set. From the jetty transfer back to your hotel.  (L)

Time: 0800-1700

PRICING: in US Dollars per person

Rates are valid until 30 Apr 2013

 *NOTE: Due to daily fluctuations in the local currency exchange rate, Exotissimo Myanmar cannot guarantee this tariff rate. Please contact your travel consultant for the current pricing.

Our services include:

• English-speaking guide
• Transfer with private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
• Private local boat for Mingun visit
• Lunch at a local restaurant
• Water and refreshing towel
• Mingun Zone Fee

Our services do not include:

• Meals other than mentioned
• Entrance fees for the visits mentioned in the program
• Drinks and personal expenses
• Any other items not mentioned
• Mandalay Zone Fee