Your Mandalay tour will begin with a relaxing boat ride up the Irrawaddy river, past sprawling reed banks and fishermen’s huts. After braving the whirlwind of a throbbing city, this is your opportunity to relax and unwind and take in the epic scenery of one of the world’s most spectacular rivers.

After an hour of sailing, we’ll arrive at Mingun, where you can now tick “world’s biggest bell” off your bucket list. It is also the site of the Pathodaw temple, a massive stupa that remains unfinished because the king who built it was told that he would die when the last stone was cast.

Only two minutes away is one of the most stunning and unusual pagodas in the whole of Myanmar: Myatheindan. This magnificent structure is pure white and has some robust-looking lions guarding the grand entrance.

You’ll then take a breather as you savor a delicious lunch, at your own expense, after returning to Mandalay by boat. After lunch, we’ll spend our whole afternoon by visiting major sites in Mandalay. Sightseeing for Mandalay will include most of the city’s outstanding historical and cultural sites:

• Mandalay Royal Palace, the last royal palace of the last Burmese monarchy
• KuThoDaw Pagoda, known as the world’s biggest book;
• ShweNanDaw Monastery (Golden Palace Monastery), famous for its wood carving;
• Evening highlights are Mandalay Hill where you can enjoy 360 – degree view of Mandalay from the top.

The tour ends with a safe trip back to your hotel.