This full-day tour takes you to explore a few of Myanmar’s former capitals. Myanmar has seen many power shifts in its history, and this tour covers just a few of these previous kingdom’s highlights, including Sagaing, Ava, and Mingun.

Your tour departs from Mandalay and begins with an hour-long boat trip on the Ayeyarwaddy River. First, you’ll arrive in Mingun to see Mingun Pahtodawgyi, a massive unfinished pagoda left behind by King Bodawpaya. It’s home to the second-largest ringing bell in the world.

Next, you’ll drive 45 minutes south to catch a ferry to Ava (or Inwa) Island. Ava served as the capital from the 14th to the 18th century. Once you arrive at the island, you’ll find a horse-drawn carriage waiting to take you to the Bagaya Monastery and the remains of the old royal palace. Among the ruins, you’ll see everyday life in rural Myanmar.

The tour continues to Sagaing, which takes about 30 minutes to reach from Ava. Here, there are over 600 pagodas and monasteries, all painted white. These monasteries provide a home to over 6,000 monks, making Sagaing one of Myanmar’s top religious centers. You’ll get a view of the many pagodas from the top of Sagaing Hill. Before you drive back to Mandalay, you’ll visit a pottery village to see local potters making bowls.

Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, light clothes, bug spray, and comfortable shoes that are easy to take on and off.

Transportation and guided tour.