Mandalay 3 Days Itinerary

Mandalay 3 Days Itinerary

Mandalay is famous as the biggest Buddhist centre in Myanmar. It is also the busiest city in the north, boasting intrigue mix of culture. Things to experience in Mandalay is plentiful ranging from spectacular river journey to fabulous imperial relics and quaint local markets. 3 days is probably the best time frame for a good to enjoy all the best Mandalay has to offer.
Here are some beautiful options for Mandalay 3 days itinerary
mandalay burma

Mandalay Discovery

This is an easy 3 days itinerary to explore all the outstanding attractions of Mandalay.

Day 01 : Mandalay City Tour

If you are curious about local culture, rise up early and watch a typical alm collection ceremony in the morning. You will have opportunity to see monks passing by the streets to take the " givings" from local families. 
Start your day with a visit to Mahamuni, a well known pilgrimage site, home to 6,5 Buddha bronze image.
The next stop is Shwenandaw Monastery. This site was built in 1800s and it is the last wooden palace remaining in Myanmar today. 
Before lunch time, drop by Kuthodaw pagoda. The pagoda contains 730 marble stabs depicting the lessons from Buddha hence is it s called the world's biggest book.
In the afternoon, Royal Palace is a nice place to learn about the last dynasty of Burma Kingdom. From here, take a drive to Mandalay Hill for sunset over the city and Irrawaddy River.

Day 02 : Visit Mingun and Sagaing

This day, you will cross the river with an upstream journey to Mingun in the morning. Our suggestion is to book a private tour or if you travel independently, head to the jetty a little early so you can get a shared boat. 
The boat ride itself is a nice experience with views toward local communitities and river landscape. What Mingun charms you are : incomplete pagoda  and Myatheindan Pagoda. These two sites has their own stories. 
The best idea for the afternoon is to continue your river cruise but downstreet to the foothill of Sagaing. From there, disembark for a hike up to the peak where Kaunghmudaw Pagoda locates. Return to the city by car or boat.

Day 03 : Ubein bridge and Inwa

Ubein, undoubted a must see for any itinerary to Mandalay is amazing shooting site. While all the photographers head there for sunset, you can differentiate your travel by taking sunrise photos by this world longest teakwood bridge.
Afterward, embark on a ox-cart ride to see Inwa, one of four Burma ancient capitals around Mandalay. 
The remainder of the day is for your leisure.

tailor made

Active Mandalay 3 days Trip

An option for those who seek the new experience, a further adventure like no other or simply soak up the Burma authenticity by the most active way.
We also recommend this itinerary for indepent travel in Burma too.

Day 01 : Mandalay Markets on Bike

Before you kick off the day, make sure you arrange the bike rental before arrival. 
Depart from your hotel in the morning for Zay Cho market. Take time to see all the Mandalay products ranging from food stalls to handicrafts. From here, prepare your ride to Gem market. You do not need to be an expert but if you are curious about how they trade gems and precious stones then do not miss it.
Spend your afternoon near Sagaing hill. This is a perfect riding destination when you hit the road that curves along the Irrawaddy river. If you are interested in traditional workshop, see black smith and silver smith. Return to your hotel in the afternoon.

Day 02 : Maymyo and Anisakan Fall

The highlight of this day is Maymyo, also known as Pyin Oo Lwin, the best hills tation filled with numerous British colonial Buildings. The whole area enjoys cool mountain air, exposing extravagent botanical gardens and lush flower plantation. On the way to Maymyo, there is colorful flower market for photography. 
After visiting the key attractions of Maymyo including churches, ancient villas, you return by another way which leads you to the cascading Anisakan fall. 
Stop for sunset by Inwa bridge.

Day 03 : River Cruise and Mandalay City

To conclude your pleasant 3 days in Mandalay, take a morning cruise to admire the stunning of Sagaing view.  It could be a trip to Mingun or simply take a private tour at Mandalay jetty. It costs about $40 for such private trip with a local boat.
Keep your bike to uncover at least the Royal Palace and Kuthodaw pagoda. 

Mandalay 3 days itinerary with kids

Mandalay is not lack of things to entertain your kids and this itinerary is just a way to put all these kid-friendly attractions into the details. 

Day 01: Mandalay City 

Begin your 3 days in Mandalay with a visit to Mandalay Palace. The whole area around the palace offers a good ambiance to walk and play. It is recommended to hire a tour guide so that your kids will understand better the local history. 
From there, head to the famous Kuthodaw pagoda, known as the home to the world`s biggest book. Again, it is interesting to study this book as it is about life, love and how to be a good person. 
In the afternoon, let your kid have fun with a trishaw ride around this bustling city. Let`s explore the traditional workshop of making gold leaves and wood sculptures. 

Day 02: Mandalay easy biking 

Mandalay is a nice area to bike as the terrain is flat and it has a lot to show you. We can choose a short loop for the morning where you`ll see open markets, and less-visited villages in the skirts of Mandalay. Burmese people like kids and on the biking way, you`ll experience this. 
In the afternoon, you can cross the river to Mingun. The visit requires no physical effort. The monuments in Mingun reflect the ancient architect of the Burma kingdom. Spend the evening for a traditional puppet show. 

Day 03: Mandalay - Pyin Oo Lwin

Leave Mandalay for a scenic drive to Pyin Oo Lwin. This is home to numerous British Maison-style, beautiful gardens full of flowers and vegetation. Amongst the top things to do in Pyin Oo Lwin, national botanic garden and some nearby waterfall are good places to make them happy.
Return to Mandalay late afternoon. 

Things to see in Mandalay for 3 days

If you want to make your own itinerary of Mandalay, these travel sites and experiences are the most prominent things you should do :
  • Mandalay Royal Palace
  • Shwenandaw Monastery
  • Ancient Capital of Inwa
  • Ubein bridge - the world`s longest teakwood bridge 
  • The Mandalay Cultural Museum
  • Kuthodaw pagoda
  • Amarapura ancient capital
  • Mahamuni temple
  • Pahtodawgyi pagoda in Mingun
  • Mandalay Marionettes theatre
  • Mandalay Hill
  • Traditional workshop of carpetry
  • Traditional workshop of wood scuptures
  • Traditional workshop of gold leaf making
  • Bagaya Monastery

Destinations for day trips from Mandalay

For a day out of Mandalay, these are just perfect ideas :

Pyin Oo Lwin

Lying at an elevation of 1,050m above sea level; Pyin Oo Lwin used to be a summer escape for British officers during the colonial era.  Nowadays, it remains one of the favorite sites for local tourists to enjoy the cool weather and spectacular nature. 
Many people choose Pyin Oo Lwin as a trekking base to explore hidden waterfalls and hill tribe villages.

Amarapura

You`ll not regret to put Amarapura into your Mandalay 3 days itinerary as it has many things to explore. From amazing view over Irrawaddy river to timeless pagoda and ancient capital signature, Amarapura is worth spending a day. 

Need more inspiration for other areas, discover our tips for : 
Bagan 3 days Itinerary 
Inle Lake Itinerary

For an extraordinary Myanmar Tour, please contact our travel expert
 

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