This itinerary volition comprehend the Yangon, Bagan together with Mandalay, Myanmar over 8 days, together with is the commencement business office of my Myanmar backpacking trip. To fast frontwards to my adjacent itinerary, delight depository fiscal establishment check out my 11 twenty-four hours itinerary for Hsipaw, Inle Lake, Kyaiktiyo together with Hpa-An
Trip Summary
Trip length together with when did I go? 8 days inwards Jan 2016
Fly from Kuala Lumpur to Yangon ‣ Walking tour unopen to Yangon ‣ Sule pagoda ‣ Maha Bandoola garden ‣ Strand road ‣ Overnight charabanc from Yangon to Bagan
Sightseeing unopen to Nyaung U together with Old Bagan past times bicycle ‣ Sunrise at Bulethi pagoda ‣ Sulamani ‣ Dhammayangyi ‣ Ananda temple ‣ Shwezigon pagoda ‣ Overnight inwards Shwe Na Di guesthouse inwards Bagan
Sightseeing unopen to Old Bagan, Myinkaba & New Bagan past times e-bike ‣ Gawdawpalin ‣ That Byinnyu ‣ Shwe Sandaw pagoda ‣ Overnight inwards Shwe Na Di guesthouse inwards Bagan
Check out from Shwe Na Di guesthouse ‣ Minibus from Bagan to Mandalay ‣ Sightseeing unopen to Mandalay ‣ Royal Palace ‣ Mandalay hill ‣ Overnight inwards Acestar BnB Backpackers Hostel inwards Mandalay
Day trip to Mingun past times ferry from Mandalay ‣ Walking tour unopen to Mandalay ‣ Thinga Yazar canal ‣ Shwe In Bin Kyaung ‣ Overnight inwards Acestar BnB Backpackers Hostel
8.10 am - Arrival at Yangon international aerodrome past times flying (Air Asia) - RM341 (return)
Immigration clearance. To date, Myanmar is the only Association of Southeast Asian Nations province that doesn't offering visa costless entry for Malaysians, thus nosotros are required to apply for a visa prior to arrival. You tin flame depository fiscal establishment check this website on how to apply for a Myanmar tourist visa inwards Malaysia. Made mine dorsum inwards Malaysia prior to arriving hither - RM141.80
Updated inwards June 2017: Myanmar tourist visas for Malaysians straightaway cost RM223
Went to the currency central on my way out of the aerodrome to convert some of the dollars I brought to kyats for my piece of work later
Note: Money changers inwards Myanmar only conduct hold notes inwards mint condition. However inwards my experience, some of my notes had slight imperfections together with I was soundless able to merchandise them inwards alongside no problems at all. Remember to plough inwards only large denominations, preferably hundred dollar bills. Don't bother alongside anything else, every bit you lot volition oft acquire real lousy rates for lower denominations. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 nifty line a fast 1 on I learnt was to pay for tours & transfers inwards dollars, together with then asking to acquire your alter dorsum inwards kyats, I works life the rates I got were real competitive
Cheapest cab ride to downtown Yangon I could notice was 8,000 kyat. Since I was alone, I decided to choose the local charabanc instead
9.10 am - Walked from the aerodrome to Ten Mile marketplace (take a correct after exiting the airport, together with then walk downward the route for nigh fifteen minutes until you lot gain an arch. Turn correct after this together with walk for some other 100m until you lot come upwards to the market
9.30 am - Ride charabanc #51 from Ten Mile marketplace to downtown Yangon - 200 kyat. It's worth noting that the charabanc may live hard to spot every bit most of the charabanc numbers are written inwards Burmese. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 skillful tip would live to hear out or enquire for 'Sule'
Arriving inwards Mandalay International Airport
Changing some coin into kyats at the airport, before going off on my grand conduct chances unopen to Myanmar. Wouldn't state this is the best house to acquire your kyats, but it's a start
Leaving Yangon International Airport. It'll live some other 2 together with a one-half weeks before I run across this house again
After walking downward the route from the airport, you lot volition come upwards to this arch. To acquire to Ten Mile market, you lot only demand to plough correct hither together with and then walk some other hundred meters or so
At Ten Mile market, where I took a local charabanc to downtown Yangon
In & Around Yangon
11.00 am - Hop off at the charabanc halt nigh Sule pagoda, located at the intersection betwixt Merchant route together with 30th street (keep this house memorized every bit this is also where you lot tin flame choose a charabanc dorsum to the airport)
Walked from the charabanc halt to Maha Bandoola garden (under v minutes)
11.10 am - 12.00 pm - Begin walking tour of Yangon past times walking unopen to Maha Bandoola garden together with visiting several points of involvement nearby:
Independence Monument. Located within Maha Bandoola garden, where admission is free
Sule Pagoda. One of the oldest pagodas inwards Myanmar, together with also marks the city's center. Only did an external viewing every bit there's a 3,000 kyat entrance fee
Yangon City Hall
Immanuel Baptist Church. One of the oldest churches inwards Yangon
Yangon High Court Building
Lunch at Lucky Star eating topographic point (next to the High Court Building) - Mohinga (2,000 kyat)
Hopped off here, at the intersection betwixt Merchant route together with 30th street, within walking distance to Sule pagoda together with Maha Bandoola garden. This is also where you lot tin flame choose a local charabanc to Ten Mile market, together with and then onwards to the airport
Maha Bandoola Garden, the Independence Monument (the white obelisk) together with Yangon High Court Building (the reddish edifice alongside the clock tower on the left) inwards 1 shot
Sule Pagoda on the left, together with Yangon City Hall on the right
Immanuel Baptist Church, 1 of the oldest churches inwards Yangon
Trying out mohinga, Myanmar's national dish. Tastes a chip similar laksa but to a greater extent than pungent inwards taste
In & Around Yangon (continued)
1.00 pm - 2.00 pm - Continue walking tour of Yangon along Strand Road. Visited a few points of involvement along this road:
The Strand Hotel. Holds the distinction for beingness the oldest hotel inwards Myanmar, together with is 1 of the most famous hotels inwards the world
Myanma Port Authority Building
Yangon General Post Office
2.00 pm - 3.00 pm - Continue walking tour past times continuing northwards along Bo Aung Kyaw street. Visited to a greater extent than points of interests along the way:
Ministers' Building. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 historical landmark alongside a terrible past, where Bogyoke Aung San (father of Aung San Suu Kyi) was assassinated
St. Mary's Cathedral, the largest cathedral inwards Myanmar
3.10 pm - Photo walk dorsum to Sule pagoda (did this past times continuing eastward along Bogyoke road, together with then southward downward Sule Pagoda road)
4.00 pm - Back at Sule pagoda. Decided to hang unopen to together with relax inwards Maha Bandoola garden for a chip before heading out again
The heavily congested Strand Road
Strand Hotel, the oldest hotel inwards Myanmar
Myanma Port Authority Building
Rear stance of Yangon General Post Office
The Ministers' Building is merely beyond this fence. Couldn't notice a way in, so I gauge it's off limits to visitors
St. Mary's Cathedral, the largest inwards Myanmar
Back inwards downtown Yangon
After long, tiring twenty-four hours of walking, spending a relaxing afternoon at Maha Bandoola garden didn't seem similar a bad thought at all
Yangon to Bagan
4.45 pm - Walked from Maha Bandoola to the charabanc halt adjacent to Sule Pagoda (under v minutes)
5.00 pm - Ride charabanc #43 to Aung Mingalar charabanc station - 300 kyat. Admittedly, it tin flame live a chip daunting trying to acquire on the correct charabanc among the chaos. Try to hear out for 'Mingalar', or enquire unopen to using the words 'Aung Mingalar a way pyay'
Note: There are alternatives you lot tin flame choose to acquire to Aung Mingalar charabanc station. One way is to choose the Aung Mahar shared taxi (1,000 kyat) from the same charabanc halt nigh Sule Pagoda, maintain inwards hear that they only leave of absence for Aung Mingalar when full. Another way is to ride the circular develop from Yangon develop station (200 kyat) together with hop off at Mingaladon station. From there, it's some other fifteen infinitesimal walk to Aung Mingalar
6.20 pm - Hop off at Aung Mingalar charabanc station. Walked to JJ Express's branch (under 10 minutes). The house is huge together with tin flame acquire quite confusing, enquire unopen to for directions if you lot are unsure where to go
Purchased a 1 way ticket for the overnight charabanc (JJ Express) departing at 8pm for Bagan - $18. Advisable to pre-book your tickets at their website every bit same twenty-four hours tickets are hard to come upwards by
8.00 pm - Board charabanc (JJ Express) saltation for Bagan. Was given a box of confectioneries together with drinks for the journey. Sleeping on the charabanc wasn't much of a work every bit the lights are turned off throughout the journeying together with the seats had ample legroom. Even if you lot couldn't sleep, there's in-bus amusement to maintain you lot from feeling bored. By far the best charabanc service I took inwards Myanmar
11.00 pm - Dinner halt on the way - Burmese vogue fried rice alongside egg (500 kyat)
Taking a local charabanc to Aung Mingalar charabanc station
Waiting to board the charabanc that volition live departing for Bagan
5.00 am - Arrive inwards Bagan (dropped off at Bagan charabanc station)
Several taxis together with Equus caballus carts at the charabanc station conduct hold quoted me a fixed cost of 5,000 kyat for a ride to Nyaung U/New Bagan together with 7,000 kyat to Old Bagan. Felt this was a chip every bit good expensive for me, so I decided to acquire out the charabanc station together with choose handgrip of a passing cab to Nyaung U - 2,000 kyat
5.15 am - Passed past times the ticket checkpoint enroute, curiously I wasn't asked to pay the Bagan zone fee ($20). Under normal circumstances, all tourists entering Bagan are required to pay a zone fee together with volition live given a ticket which must live kept at all times spell inwards Bagan every bit it volition live checked regularly. In my experience, the ticket checks are sporadic together with non strictly enforced, so provided you're extremely cautious, you lot could in all probability acquire away non paying the zone fee at all
5.30 am - Arrive inwards Nyaung U. Was dropped off at my accommodation, Shwe Na Di Guesthouse. Tried to acquire an early on check-in but my room wasn't ready yet. In monastic tell to maximize my fourth dimension inwards Bagan, I decided to exercise some exploring unopen to Nyaung U inwards the meanwhile
Arriving at Bagan charabanc station, together with the commencement thing you lot volition notice is touts, touts everywhere. The fare they were charging to Nyaung U felt similar a ripoff to me, but fortunately I had other alternatives
Shwe Na Di guesthouse, my accommodation inwards Nyaung U. Couldn't depository fiscal establishment check inwards merely yet, so I decided to rent a wheel together with exercise some touring commencement to maximize my fourth dimension inwards Bagan
In & Around Nyaung U
Rented a wheel from the guesthouse to start touring unopen to Nyaung U - 1,500 kyat
6.00 am - Cycled from the guesthouse to the nearby Bulethi pagoda (under 20 minutes) to lookout the famed Bagan sunrise
6.30 am - 8.00 am - Sunrise viewing at Bulethi pagoda. If you lot fourth dimension your see merely right, it's possible to choose handgrip of hot air balloons fleeting across the heaven every bit well. This coupled alongside the beautiful sunrise against the Bagan landscape makes for a real memorable sight
8.00 am - 11.00 am - Begin cycling tour betwixt Nyaung U together with Old Bagan, visiting the next temples along the way:
Sulamani. The commencement temple I went to, only a curt distance away from Bulethi pagoda. Very impressive size together with architecture. Like a lot of temples inwards Bagan, you lot demand to choose off your footwear before entering every bit a sign of respect. The locals are quite strict on this, I fifty-fifty got reprimanded for keeping my socks on!
Dhammayangyi. The largest temple inwards Bagan, together with the adjacent 1 I visited after Sulamani
Shwe Nan Yin Taw. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 collection of small-scale temples together with pagodas spell navigating the backroads on the way from Dhammayangyi to Ananda
Ananda. One of the most pop temples inwards Bagan. Very well-preserved architecture, an accurate representation of what most temples inwards Bagan would've looked similar inwards the old days
Lunch at Be Kind To Animals The Moon eating topographic point (located nearby Ananda temple) - Tomato curry alongside omelette & java (2,900 kyat). Good nutrient together with the prices were real reasonable too
First on my list. Cycled to to the nearby Bulethi pagoda to lookout the famed Bagan sunrise
Balloons together with sunrise over Bagan
View of a G temples from Bulethi pagoda. What's to a greater extent than amazing is that Bagan has to a greater extent than than twice that release of temples
Cycling unopen to Bagan isn't every bit good hard, every bit the terrain is generally flat
Sulamani, the commencement temple I visited, merely a curt distance away from Bulethi
After Sulamani, it was some other few minutes of cycling before I came into stance of Dhammayangyi
Closer upwards await of Dhammayangyi, the largest temple inwards Bagan
Cycling through Shwe Nan Yin Taw to acquire to Ananda from Dhammayangyi
Admiring Ananda temple's well-preserved achitecture. This was what most of Bagan's temples would've looked inwards the old days
Here's what the within of Ananda temple looks like. Came during the Ananda festival, together with at that topographic point were hundreds of visitors, both local together with tourists, coming to offering prayer
Had luncheon at Be Kind To Animals The Moon restaurant, merely unopen to the corner from Ananda
Good vegetarian nutrient together with service, together with the cost was pretty fair too
In & Around Nyaung U (continued)
12.00 pm - 3.00 pm - Continue cycling tour after lunch, heading dorsum inwards the management of Nyaung U. Visited to a greater extent than temples on the way:
Upali Thein. Used to live an ordination hall inwards the old days. It's closed off to visitors most of the fourth dimension but I was inwards luck. The caretaker was unopen to to opened upwards the gates together with allowed me to conduct hold a await at the murals on the ceiling together with the walls inside. No photography is allowed though
Htilominlo. Another impressive temple, similar inwards shape together with size to Sulamani, merely a curt distance downward the route from Upali Thein. There's a large marketplace within the temple chemical compound selling all kinds of souvenirs
Shwe Leik Too. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 smaller temple merely farther downward the route from Htilominlo. You tin flame climb all the way to the top for skillful views
Shwezigon pagoda. One of the most impressive inwards Bagan, alongside the golden pagoda beingness its most noticeable feature, together with is the pattern for many pagodas unopen to Myanmar
3.10 pm - Back inwards Nyaung U. Check-in to Shwe Na Di Guesthouse - $15 per night. Due to a chip of miscommunication, the room I booked before for the black had been taken together with to brand matters worse, the guesthouse had no to a greater extent than rooms for the night. Was offered to remain inwards the shared room instead, where I only had to pay $5 for the commencement night. For the subsequent nights, I got a much amend room for the cost I paid for ($15), courtesy of the staff wanting to brand upwards for the before mistake. Stayed for 3 nights (total cost - $35). Really liked the room together with breakfast, but the wifi was a chip bad
4.30 pm - Cycled from the guesthouse to Bulethi pagoda in 1 lawsuit again for the sunset (under xxx minutes)
5.00 pm - 6.30 pm - Sunset viewing at Bulethi pagoda. Some state that the sunset from Shwe Sandaw pagoda was better, but honestly I beg to differ. It's merely every bit good, alongside the added exercise goodness of having fewer crowds
Upali Thein, what used to live an ordination hall inwards the old days
Htilominlo is some other impressive temple, similar inwards shape together with size to Sulamani
There's a large marketplace within Htilominlo's temple compound, selling souvenirs of all kinds
Shwe Leik Too is a smaller temple merely a curt distance from Htilominlo. You tin flame climb to the top for some skillful views
Continuing on Lanmadaw route dorsum to Nyaung U
Marketplace expanse merely before entering Shwezigon pagoda
Shwezigon pagoda, 1 of the most impressive pagodas inwards Bagan
Enjoying the sunset from Bulethi pagoda, a perfect terminate to the day
Back inwards Nyaung U
6.35 pm - Cycled dorsum to Nyaung U (under 25 minutes)
Stopped at Thiripyitsaya 4 street on the way. Dinner at Shwe Yar Su eating topographic point - Castilian fried rice (2,500 kyat) together with Myanmar beer draught x 2 (1,400 kyat)
8.00 pm - 9.20 pm - Spent the repose of my level walking around Thiripyitsaya 4 street
9.30 pm - Return to the guesthouse (under v minutes)
Evening at Thiripyitsaya 4 road. You volition notice plenty of eateries together with tour agencies here
Having dinner at Shwe Yar Su restaurant. Food together with service wasn't that swell but at to the lowest degree the beer's cheap
Breakfast at the guesthouse - Eggs, toast & cofffee (included inwards the room rate)
9.00 am - Walked from the guesthouse to Thiripyitsaya 4 street nearby (under 10 minutes).
Rented an e-bike from a go way at that topographic point - 5,000 kyat. It was my intention at first, to rent a wheel again, soundless since at that topographic point was to a greater extent than Blue Planet to comprehend today, I relented together with rented an e-bike instead. Rented a unmarried seater for a full day, which was plenty for my usage. The double seater ones cost more, unopen to 7,000 - 8,000 kyat
9.30 am - Ride from Nyaung U to Old Bagan (under 10 minutes)
Sightseeing unopen to Old Bagan
9.40 am - Passed past times Tharabar gate together with acquire inwards in Old Bagan
10.00 am - 12.00 pm - Begin sightseeing tour unopen to Old Bagan, visiting the next points of involvement along the way:
Shwe Gu Gyi. The commencement temple I visited upon reaching Old Bagan, located correct after Tharabar gate. You tin flame climb upwards to the rooftop to acquire a skillful stance of your surroundings
Mahabodhi. Only a curt distance away from Shwe Gu Gyi, this temple was built to resemble the Mahabodhi temple inwards India. There are some interesting exhibits that item how Buddha achieved enlightenment
Bupaya pagoda. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 golden pagoda past times the Ayerwaddy river, together with my adjacent halt after Mahabodhi
Gawdawpalin. Second tallest temple inwards Bagan, only a curt distance from Bupaya
Mimalaung Kyaung. An ancient monastery, non far from Gawdawpalin, together with the halfway betoken of my tour unopen to Old Bagan
Shwe Gu Gyi was the commencement temple I visited upon reaching Old Bagan
A mutual sight everywhere inwards Bagan, peddlers selling hand-drawn paintings
The Mahabodhi temple inwards Bagan was built to resemble the 1 inwards India
Bupaya, a golden pagoda situated past times the Ayerwaddy river
Excellent views of Ayerwaddy river from Bupaya
Gawdawpalin, the 2nd tallest temple inwards Bagan
The within of Gawdawpalin
The ancient monastery of Mimalaung Kyaung, non every bit good far from Gawdawpalin
Sightseeing unopen to Old Bagan (continued)
12.00 pm - 2.00 pm - After Mimalaung Kyaung, I took the backroads together with continued my sightseeing tour unopen to Old Bagan, stopping past times at to a greater extent than places of involvement enroute:
Pahto Thamya. Small together with oft acquire unnoticed, it's a hidden jewel of a temple on the backroads on the way to Mahazedi together with That Byinnyu
Mahazedi pagoda. Great views of Gawdawpalin together with That Byinnyu from the top, together with some other fantabulous spot for sunsets
That Byinnyu. The tallest temple inwards Bagan
Shwe Sandaw pagoda. The most pop spot for sunrise together with sunset inwards Bagan, non surprising given how spectacular the views are from upwards here. For those who somehow managed to go into Bagan without paying the zone fee (cough), maintain inwards hear that due to its popularity, ticket checks are rigorously done during sunrise together with sunset. The checks are a chip to a greater extent than relaxed during other times of the twenty-four hours though
Stopping for a photograph nigh Pahto Thamya
A glimpse within Pahto Thamya
Mahazedi pagoda, some other swell spot for sunsets
Views of Gawdawpalin together with the Ayerwaddy river from Mahazedi pagoda
That Byinnyu, the tallest temple inwards Bagan
Shwe Sandaw pagoda, merely nigh everyone's favorite spot to lookout sunrises together with sunsets inwards Bagan
Views from the top of Shwe Sandaw pagoda. That Byinnyu, the temple I merely came from earlier, tin flame live seen inwards the distance. You could in all probability brand out Gawdawpalin inwards the far distance
Another stance from Shwe Sandaw, Dhammayangyi tin flame live clearly seen on the horizon
Sightseeing unopen to Myinkaba & New Bagan
2.15 pm - Ride from Old Bagan to Myinkaba village
Late luncheon at Diamond Arrow eating topographic point - Stir fried vegetables together with rice (3,000 kyat). Food hither was okay, merely non worth the price
3.00 pm - 5.00 pm - Continue sightseeing tour unopen to Myinkaba, visiting to a greater extent than temples on the way to New Bagan:
Mingalazedi. Very similar inwards designing to Shwezigon pagoda, minus the gilding
Gubyauknge. Another hidden gem, quite unopen to Mingalar Zedi. In improver to beingness real photogenic, the wall carvings hither are some of the most well-preserved I've seen inwards Bagan
Gubyaukgyi. Located adjacent to Myazedi, the murals within are said to live the oldest remaining inwards Bagan. They don't allow whatever form of photography within though
Myazedi. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 beautiful golden stupa worthy of admiration, together with is also habitation to the Myazedi inscription, the oldest rock inscription inwards Myanmar
Manuha. This unassuming temple inwards Myinkaba houses a reclining Buddha together with a gigantic sitting Buddha
Nagayon. Another hidden jewel located past times Myinkaba on the way to New Bagan
5.00 pm - Continue on to New Bagan
5.20 pm - 6.20 pm - Had some drinks together with watched the sunset at Sunset Garden eating topographic point - Myanmar beer (2,500 kyat)
Arriving inwards Myinkaba village
Mingalazedi, an almost identical twin to Shwezigon
Gubyauknge, a hidden jewel of a temple alongside well-preserved wall carvings, merely off the route a curt distance from Mingalar Zedi
The murals within Gubyaukgyi are said to live the oldest remaining inwards Bagan
Next to Gubyaukgyi lies Myazedi, a beautiful golden stupa which houses
The Myazedi inscription, the oldest rock inscription inwards Myanmar, which is written inwards 4 ancient languages, 1 on each side
Manuha temple inwards Myinkaba
The large reclining Buddha inwards Manuha temple
The gigantic sitting Buddha within Manuha's primary chamber
Nagayon was my lastly temple for the day. Another hidden jewel located on the way to New Bagan from Myinkaba
Sunset together with drinks at Sunset Garden, New Bagan
Back to Nyaung U
6.30 pm - Ride dorsum from New Bagan to Nyaung U (under xxx minutes)
Stopped past times at Thiripyitsaya 4 street. Went to the same go way in 1 lawsuit again to volume a daytrip past times shared taxi to Mount Popa the adjacent twenty-four hours - 10,000 kyat. Trip duration is nigh 4 hours, together with at that topographic point are 2 timeslots available, 9am together with 3pm. Took the 3pm 1 every bit I wanted to run across the sunset
Dinner at Novel eating topographic point - Set dinner comprising of fish curry, vegetable soup together with salad (4,800 kyat)
9.00 pm - Return to the guesthouse
Back inwards Shwe Na Di guesthouse. Finally got upgraded to the room I paid for :D
Breakfast at the guesthouse - Eggs, toast, samosas & java (included inwards the room rate)
Had no plans for the morning, so I decided to exercise some sightseeing unopen to Nyaung U town
8.30 am - Walked from the guesthouse to Nyaung U town pump (under 20 minutes)
9.00 am - 10.30 am - Did some sightseeing together with shopping at Mani-sithu market. Had java at Cafe Bagan - Cafe latte (2,500 kyat) together with a easy (800 kyat)
10.45 am - 11.45 pm - Walked to the Nyaung U 'beach' to exercise a chip of sightseeing
12.00 pm - 2.00 pm - Photo walk dorsum to the guesthouse, visiting a few points of involvement on the way:
She Mye Hna
Aung Mye Bontha
Bokadaw Hpaya
Sapada Paya
2.00 pm - Back inwards the guesthouse. Had a quick shower together with some rest
Early morn inwards Nyaung U town center
Mani-sithu market. Best fourth dimension to come upwards hither is early on inwards the morning, where you lot acquire to run across it inwards its loud together with chaotic glory
Another business office of Mani-sithu market, where locals peddle merely nigh everything nether the sun, poultry, vegetables together with flowers
Strolling along the Nyaung U 'beach'
Just 1 of the few small-scale temples I visited unopen to Nyaung U town on the way dorsum to the guesthouse, this 1 is named Aung Mye Bontha
Just some of the neighborhood I passed past times on the way back
Mount Popa & Taungkalat Monastery
3.00 pm - Pickup past times shared taxi from the guesthouse to Mount Popa. The journeying to Mount Popa wasn't every bit bumpy every bit I heard it to be, gauge the route conditions going at that topographic point must've improved a lot since then
4.30 pm - Arrive inwards Mount Popa (dropped off nigh the entrance to Taungkalat monastery)
Before doing anything, I decided walking a chip upwards the route to acquire a skillful stance of Taungkalat monastery from afar
4.45 pm - Begin ascending the 777 steps to the top of Taungkalat monastery (under 20 minutes). It's a strenuous climb but real manageable if you're fairly fit. It's costless to go into but you lot volition live asked for donations
5.05 pm - 5.45 pm - Sunset viewing at the top of Taungkalat monastery
5.50 pm - Descend to the base of operations of Taungkalat (under 10 minutes) to hold off for my carry dorsum to Nyaung U
The taxi I shared alongside a few other travelers going to Mount Popa
Short tourist halt at this small, local brewery past times the roadside, where they harvest palm carbohydrate together with sesame seeds from the nearby plantations
Where they procedure into vino together with diverse kinds of candy
Taungkalat monastery from afar
Climbing the 777 steps to the top of Taungkalat monastery
Some of the amazing views from the top of Taungkalat
View of Mount Popa from Taungkalat. People oft acquire these 2 confused alongside 1 another
The beautiful sunset from the top of Taungkalat
Back to Nyaung U
6.10 pm - Pickup past times shared taxi dorsum to Nyaung U
8.00 pm - Back inwards Nyaung U (dropped off at Thiripyitsaya 4 street). Went to the same go way to volume my onward trip to Mandalay the adjacent morning. There are plenty of options but I went alongside the minibus (OK Express) departing for Mandalay at 8am the adjacent twenty-four hours - 9,000 kyat
Walked dorsum to the guesthouse together with had dinner at Perfect Cafe, a local eating topographic point merely nearby the guesthouse - Hot & sour chicken (1,200 kyat) together with fried potatoes (800 kyat). Unbeatable cost for actually skillful nutrient inwards Bagan
9.00 pm - Return to the guesthouse
Having dinner at Perfect Cafe nigh my guesthouse on my lastly black inwards Bagan
7.00 am - Wake up. Pack upwards together with check-out from guesthouse
Breakfast at the guesthouse - Eggs, toast, samosas & java (included inwards the room rate)
8.30 am - Pickup past times minibus (OK Express) from the guesthouse. Depart from Bagan to Mandalay
Everything nigh the OK Express was merely every bit the advert suggests, their punctuality together with door-to-door service was top notch. They were correct on the coin when they said they would acquire inwards in Mandalay when they said they would
10.00 am - Short stopover at Myingyan
Taking the OK Express from Bagan to Mandalay
Arrival inwards Mandalay
12.30 pm - Arrive inwards Mandalay (dropped off nigh my accommodation inwards Mandalay)
Check-in to Ace Star BnB Backpacker Hostel - $10 per night. Stayed for 3 nights (total cost - $30). The hostel was decent plenty for a few nights, located within walking distance to Mandalay develop station together with 77th street, where you lot tin flame notice plenty of street nutrient twenty-four hours together with night. Special outcry out to the reception staff who were incredibly friendly together with helpful. Really appreciated their form gesture when they helped packed my breakfast for my onward trip on my lastly twenty-four hours here
Dropped off nigh Mandalay develop station where my accommodation was
Acestar BnB Backpackers Hostel, Mandalay
The bunk bed I got inwards the hostel
In & Around Mandalay
1.30 pm - Hired a motorbike taxi to choose me to Mandalay Royal Palace - 1,000 kyat (bargained downward from 2,000 kyat)
1.40 pm - Arrive at Mandalay Royal Palace (dropped off at the eastward gate). Paid the Mandalay zone fee, which gives you lot access to the violet palace together with some of the primary temples unopen to Mandalay, Amarapura together with Innwa - 10,000 kyat
2.00 pm - 3.30 pm - Sightseeing unopen to Mandalay Royal Palace. If you're going on foot, exercise choose annotation that there's a considerable distance betwixt the eastward gate together with the violet palace, nigh 1km each way (under fifteen minutes). You tin flame rent a wheel at the gate for 1,000 kyat
Mandalay Royal Palace wasn't that interesting to live honest, but I suppose it's soundless a worthy investment of your fourth dimension if you lot conduct hold an afternoon to spend. Climbing the lookout tower to acquire a skillful stance of the palace grounds was a exceptional highlight
The moat unopen to Mandalay Royal Palace. Mandalay loma tin flame live seen far inwards the distance
Beautiful bloom beds merely exterior the palace walls
The long walk from the gate to the violet palace. Now I wished I had rented a wheel at the entrance before lol
Inside Mandalay Royal Palace. The palace watchtower is the cylindrical construction inwards the middle
View of the Mandalay Royal Palace from the watchtower
Mandalay Hill
3.35 pm - Walked to the base of operations of Mandalay loma (under fifteen minutes). Visited the Sandamuni together with Kuthodaw pagodas before continuing on
5.00 pm - Begin ascending to the top of Mandalay loma on pes (under xxx minutes). Found it to live a lot harder than Taungkalat (Mount Popa) but soundless quite manageable due to the pleasant weather
Note: Don't worry if you're non able to exercise this, every bit at that topographic point are other ways to acquire to the top. You tin flame hire a motorbike taxi to convey you lot to the top, costs unopen to 1,000 - 2,000 kyat, depending on how skillful your bargaining skills are. Alternatively, you lot tin flame also rent a motorbike together with ride to the top, maintain inwards hear soundless that there's a toll together with parking fee of 200 kyat each
5.30 pm - Arrive at the top of Mandalay hill. Paid the camera/entrance fee - 1,000 kyat
5.35 pm - 6.30 pm - Sunset viewing from the top of Mandalay hill
6.40 pm - Start descending to the base of operations of Mandalay loma (under 20 minutes). Stopped a few times on the way downward to admire the beautifully illuminated temples inwards the distance
7.00 pm - Back at the base of operations of Mandalay hill. Quick photograph halt at Kyauk Taw Gyi pagoda
Just 1 of the few temples at the base of operations of Mandalay hill. This is the Sandamuni pagoda, its signature trait are the few hundred white stupas contained within its compounds
That tiring climb to the top of Mandalay hill
Watching the sunset from Mandalay hill
Viewing expanse at the top of Mandalay hill
Enjoying the night's stance from the top
Admiring the beautifully illuminated temples on the way down
Kyauk Taw Gyi pagoda. It's worth spending some fourth dimension hither merely to run across the primary highlight of the place, a large Buddha paradigm which was carved out from a unmarried piece of marble
In & Around Mandalay (continued)
7.25 pm - 7.55 pm - Photo walk along the eastern side of the Mandalay Royal Palace
8.00 pm - Hired a motorbike taxi to choose me dorsum to the hostel - 1,000 kyat
Dinner at Super 99 Beer Station (located along 77th street) - Yangon steamed rice (2,000 kyat) & Myanmar beer (700 kyat)
10.00 pm - Return to hostel
The beautifully lit Mandalay Royal Palace moat at night
Breakfast at the hostel - French toast & java (included inwards the room rate)
Rented a motorbike from the hostel - 10,000 kyat (renting for 1 day). Quite expensive, but I haven't works life whatever other house nearby that offered a cheaper rate. It's worth noting that the hostel I stayed at also arranges twenty-four hours trips roofing Amarapura, Inwa together with Sagaing past times shared taxi for the same cost of 10,000 kyat, soundless I went alongside the commencement selection every bit I wanted to a greater extent than liberty to explore Mandalay at my ain pace
Mahamuni Temple
8.00 am - Ride from the hostel to Mahamuni temple
8.20 am - 9.20 am - Arrival together with sightseeing unopen to Mahamuni temple, the holiest site inwards Mandalay and one of the holy 3 of Myanmar. Wasn't asked to pay the photographic idiot box camera fee (1,000 kyat)
Keep inwards hear that the clothes code is real strict here, so clothes conservatively before coming here, together with vesture a longyi so that you lot don't acquire turned away at the gate. Another thing to annotation is that women are non allowed within the inner sanctum (bummer!)
Mahamuni temple, the holiest site inwards Mandalay
Devotees offering prayer inwards the prayer halls merely exterior the inner sanctum
The Mahamuni Buddha within the inner sanctum
Mahagandayon Monastery, Amarapura
9.30 am - Continue on to Mahagandayon monastery inwards Amarapura
9.45 am - Arrive at Mahagandayon monastery, merely inwards fourth dimension to witness hundreds of monks lining upwards for breakfast, normally starting unopen to 10.15am daily. This house was recommended to me past times the hostel. While it was a rather interesting event, I works life it to live extremely touristy together with non worth the time. Skip this unless you lot conduct hold plenty of time
At Mahagandayon monastery, merely exterior the canteen expanse where the monks volition line of piece of work upwards for breakfast
Monks lining upwards for breakfast. Count the release of tourists together with cameras inwards this picture
Inwa (Ava)
11.00 am - Continue on from Amarapura to Inwa
11.20 am - Arrival at the jetty to Inwa island. Parked my motorbike nigh the jetty together with ride the ferry across the river to Inwa (under v minutes) - 1,000 kyat (two way). Take annotation that you lot tin flame also convey your bike across for an additional 1,000 kyat. There's non much of a waiting time, every bit the ferry is fairly frequent (every 10-15 minutes)
Over at Inwa, you lot tin flame hire a Equus caballus cart to convey you lot unopen to for unopen to 15,000 kyat. Too expensive for me, so I decided to explore Inwa on foot
11.30 am - 1.30 pm - Walking tour unopen to Inwa, visiting the next the points of involvement on the island:
Maha Aung Mye Bon Zan monastery. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 rather quaint together with impressive monastery, merely nether fifteen minutes walk away from the jetty. Was asked for my Mandalay zone fee ticket upon entering
Nanmyin watchtower, the one-time site of the Palace of Ava, some other 10 minutes walk from where Maha Aung Mye Bon Zan is
1.35 pm - Ride ferry dorsum to the mainland (under v minutes)
Boarding the ferry at this jetty to cross the river to acquire to Inwa island
Walking unopen to Inwa. I chose non to hire a Equus caballus cart every bit a lot of the primary sights are within walking distance from the jetty
Maha Aung Mye Bon Zan monastery, 1 of the primary sights inwards Inwa
Nanmyin watchtower is what's left of the Palace of Ava. It's a shame you lot can't climb the stairs to the top
Sagaing
1.40 pm - Continue on from Inwa to Sagaing. Stopped for a quick photograph halt at the Yadanabon span before crossing to Sagaing
There are some checkpoints after the bridge, where tourists volition live requested to pay the Mingun/Sagaing zone fee (5,000 kyat) before entering. Fortunately for me, I wasn't asked to pay this
2.00 pm - 4.30 pm - Sightseeing unopen to Sagaing, visiting the next points of involvement unopen to the area:
Kaunghmudaw pagoda. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 bell-shaped pagoda painted inwards bright gold. This was the furthest away, so I decided to start alongside this first
Soon U Ponya Shin. My commencement halt coming to Sagaing hill, located on the eastern face. Great views of Ayerwaddy river from upwards here. On clear days, it's possible to acquire a glimpse of Mandalay from upwards here. Wasn't asked to pay the photographic idiot box camera fee (1,000 kyats)
U Min Thonze. Second halt inwards Sagaing hill, located on the western face. Good views of the countryside, fifty-fifty amend when it's sunset.
Quick photograph halt at Yadanabon bridge, linking Mandalay together with Sagaing
Sagaing loma every bit seen from the bridge
Kaunghmudaw pagoda, my commencement halt inwards Sagaing
A closer await at the golden bell-shaped pagoda within Kaunghmudaw
Motorcycling to the top of Sagaing hill
The viewing expanse inwards Soon U Ponya Shin, my commencement halt inwards Sagaing hill
Beautiful views of Ayerwaddy river from Soon U Ponya Shin
Another stance from Soon U Ponya Shin. Count how many pagodas tin flame you lot run across inwards this picture
U Min Thonze, my 2nd together with lastly halt inwards Sagaing hill
The stance from U Min Thonze
U-Bein Bridge, Amarapura
4.35 pm - Continue on from Sagaing to U-Bein span inwards Amarapura
5.00 pm - 6.30 pm - Arrival together with sightseeing at U-Bein bridge, the oldest together with longest teakwood span inwards the world. Was non asked to pay whatever entrance fees. Stayed unopen to until sunset before heading dorsum to Mandalay
U-Bein span at Amarapura, the world's oldest together with longest teakwood bridge
Capturing silhouettes inwards the sunset, a favorite must-do hither at U-Bein
Back inwards Mandalay
6.35 pm - Ride from Amarapura dorsum to Mandalay
7.00 pm - Back inwards Mandalay. Dinner at a roadside stall at 77th street - Sea perch curry (2,500 kyat) together with Myanmar beer (700 kyat)
Went to the ticket counter upstairs together with purchased a 1 way ticket for the develop departing for Hsipaw at 4am the adjacent twenty-four hours - 1,700 kyat (lower shape seat). Tried to acquire upper shape seats (3,950 kyat) but they were sold out unfortunately. It's worth noting that they allow the buying of tickets only the twenty-four hours before your departure
Buying my develop ticket to Hsipaw at the counter inwards the upper flooring of Mandalay develop station
Mandalay to Mingun
7.45 am - Hired a motorbike taxi to choose me from the develop station to Mayan Gyan jetty - 2,000 kyat
8.00 am - Dropped off at Mayan Gyan jetty. Went to the edifice (with a signboard that says 'tourists carry jetty') together with purchased a ticket for the 9am ferry to Mingun -5,000 kyat (two way). It's of import to annotation that there's only 1 ferry to Mingun daily. Be certain to convey your passport along every bit they volition asking for it when issuing the tickets
While it's possible to travel overland to Mingun, I preferred the experience of travelling past times ferry on the Ayerwaddy river to Mingun
9.15 am - Board ferry departing for Mingun
The 'tourists carry jetty' edifice at Mayan Gyan, where you lot tin flame purchase tickets for the ferry to Mingun
Waiting for the ferry at Mayan Gyan jetty
On our way nosotros go! The journeying from Mayan Gyan to Mingun takes nigh an hr each way
In & Around Mingun
10.20 am - Arrive inwards Mingun. From the jetty, at that topographic point are bullcarts you lot tin flame hire to choose you lot around, soundless I felt this was unnecessary every bit the primary sights are within walkable distance from the jetty
There's a checkpoint on the way in, together with in 1 lawsuit again I wasn't asked to pay the Mingun/Sagaing zone fee (5,000 kyat)
10.30 am - 12.30 pm - Walking tour unopen to Mingun. Visited the next points of involvement inwards the area:
Pahtodawgyi pagoda. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 massive pagoda the size of a small-scale hill. It's almost impossible to miss, together with it's normally the commencement thing most people volition spot when approaching Mingun. There are some steps you lot tin flame climb to the top for a bird's oculus stance of Mingun
Mingun bell. Currently the 2nd largest bell inwards the world
Hsinbyume pagoda. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 beautiful white pagoda, merely a few minutes walk downward the route from where Mingun bell is. Similar to Pahtodawgyi, you lot tin flame also climb all the way to the top for a skillful stance of your surroundings
12.35 pm - Board ferry dorsum to Mandalay
The Pahtodawgyi pagoda is so massive, it tin flame easily live false for a small-scale hill
There are some steps on 1 side of the pagoda where you lot tin flame climb all the way to the top
At the top of Pahtodawgyi pagoda
Spectacular views of Mingun from the top of Pahtodawgyi. Seen hither are the Mingun Bell (the reddish roofed edifice inwards the middle) together with Hsinbyume pagoda (the white pagoda-like construction on the far left)
Mingun Bell, currently the world's 2nd largest bell
Hsinbyume pagoda
In Mingun, you lot tin flame hire a bullcart to choose you lot around, but I don't know people bother anyways since they seem to live moving slower than a walking someone lol
Pondaw Paya, nigh the Mingun jetty, is a scale model of what the Pahtodawgyi was supposed to await similar if it had been completed
Back inwards Mandalay
1.30 pm - Back inwards Mandalay (hopped off at Mayan Gyan jetty)
2.00 pm - 5.00 pm - Photo walk dorsum to the hostel, stopping at diverse points of involvement along the way:
Thinga Yazar canal, located merely a curt walk away from Mayan Gyan jetty. You tin flame cross the canal on the lovely teakwood span spanning it, if you lot don't hear the aroma of rubbish together with sewage
Chan Thaya pagoda. Stumbled on this rather interesting temple merely after crossing the Thinga Yazar canal
Shwe In Bin Kyaung. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 beautifully carved teakwood monastery, together with 1 of the lastly remaining wooden monasteries inwards Mandalay. Entrance is free.
St. Joseph's church. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 quaint gothic vogue church building inwards Mandalay
5.30 pm - 7.00 pm - Did some sightseeing together with shopping inwards Yadanarpon Supercenter before going for dinner
Dinner at Super 99 Beer Station at 77th street - Pashu friend rice (2,500 kyat) & Myanmar beer (700 kyat)
8.30 pm - Return to hostel
The teakwood span spanning the Thinga Yazar canal nigh Mayan Gyan. Chan Thaya pagoda tin flame live seen inwards the distance
Shwe In Bin Kyaung, 1 of the lastly remaining wooden monasteries inwards Mandalay
Beautiful teakwood carvings are the primary describe of Shwe In Bin Kyaung
Quick photograph halt at St. Joseph's Church on my way dorsum to the hostel
An incoming develop passing nether the span I was walking on
2.30 am - Wake up. Pack upwards together with check-out from the hostel. The hostel staff was gracious plenty to pack upwards some breakfast for me for my onward trip.
3.15 am - Walked from the hostel to Mandalay develop station (under v minutes)
Fly from Kuala Lumpur to Yangon ‣
Walking tour unopen to Yangon ‣
Sule pagoda ‣
Overnight charabanc from Yangon to Bagan
Sightseeing unopen to Nyaung U together with Old Bagan past times bicycle ‣
Overnight inwards Shwe Na Di guesthouse inwards Bagan
Sightseeing unopen to Old Bagan, Myinkaba & New Bagan past times e-bike ‣
Daytrip to Mt. Popa & Taungkalat monastery ‣
Day trip to Mingun past times ferry from Mandalay ‣
Train from Mandalay to Hsipaw
