Mandalay Amarapura, Sagaing, Mingun & Innwa Day Trip with Ferry

Amarapura’s weaving, Mingun’s white pagoda and Innwa by horse cart

You’ll cross U Bein Bridge in Amarapura at your own pace, watch silk weaving up close, ring the giant bell at Mingun, climb Sagaing’s pagoda stairs for sweeping views, then ride a horse cart through Innwa’s ruins before heading home with dust on your shoes and maybe a new favorite story.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup in Mandalay, bottled water in an air-conditioned vehicle all day long, plus fuel surcharge and parking fees taken care of so you can focus on exploring—just remember some entry tickets and local transport like ferries or horse carts are paid directly as you go along.

Traveler reviews

4.88★★★★★★★★★★

76 verified traveler reviews

Ratings come from travelers who booked this exact experience. We never edit or filter them.

Read all the reviews ›

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Amarapura, Mingun, Sagaing, and Innwa

• Pick up from hotel at 09:00AM
• Visit Mahargandaryone Monastery in Amarapura
• Walk on U Bein Bridge at Amarapura
• See traditional weaving in Amarapura
• Travel to Mingun by river
• Explore Pathodawgyi Pagoda in Mingun
• Visit MyaTheinTan Pagoda in Mingun
• See Giant Lion statue in Mingun
• View Mingun Bell
• Travel to Sagaing
• Visit Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda in Sagaing
• Explore U Min Thonze Caves in Sagaing
• Stop at Innwa boat jetty
• Take boat to Innwa city
• Ride horse-cart in Innwa city
• Visit Maha Aungmye Bonzan monastery in Innwa
• Climb Watch Tower in Innwa
• See Yadanar Semi Buddha ensemble in Innwa
• Visit Bagaya Monastery in Innwa

The Experience

Ever wonder what it feels like to walk across a bridge made from old teak planks that creak under your feet? That’s how our day started in Amarapura, just outside Mandalay. Our driver picked us up right on time—he smiled a lot but didn’t say much at first, just pointed out the Mahargandaryone Monastery as we passed monks shuffling quietly in their maroon robes. There was this faint scent of incense and something cooking nearby—maybe sticky rice? I tried to ask about the weaving workshops (I’d read about Amarapura silk), and he nodded, pulled over, and suddenly we were inside a room full of clacking looms. The women laughed when I tried to guess which pattern was for weddings. I got it wrong every time.

The drive to Mingun felt longer than I expected—maybe because the road hugs the river and you keep catching glimpses of boats drifting past. Mingun itself is kind of surreal: there’s this massive pile of bricks (the Pathodawgyi Pagoda) that looks like someone just gave up halfway through building it. Our guide explained King Bodawpaya wanted it to be the biggest stupa ever, but honestly, it just feels haunted by ambition. We rang the Mingun Bell (it really does echo deep in your chest) and stood blinking at the blinding white MyaTheinTan Pagoda—kids ran around barefoot on the cool stone, giggling at tourists trying to pronounce “MyaTheinTan.”

Sagaing Hill was next—a steep climb with covered stairways that smelled faintly of dust and old flowers. The view from Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda is...well, I still think about that patchwork of gold roofs stretching into mist. There was this moment where everything went quiet except for bells chiming somewhere below. It felt heavy but peaceful at the same time.

We finished with Innwa (or Ava—I never figured out which name locals prefer). After a quick ferry ride across muddy water, we climbed onto a horse cart that rattled so much my teeth almost clicked together. The Bagaya Monastery was dark and cool inside; you could run your hand along those giant teak pillars and feel grooves worn smooth by centuries of prayers. We watched sunset through crumbling arches before heading back to Mandalay—dusty, tired, but somehow lighter than when we left.

Top questions

How long does the Mandalay Amarapura Sagaing Mingun & Innwa day trip take?

The tour starts with hotel pickup at 9:00 AM and lasts most of the day.

Is hotel pickup included in this day trip?

Yes, private hotel pickup is included in Mandalay city.

Do I need to pay extra for ferries or horse carts in Innwa?

You’ll need to pay for the ferry (2000 MMK per person) and horse cart (15000 MMK for two people) on-site.

Are entrance fees included?

No; entrance fees such as Mingun (5000 MMK) and Innwa/Ava (10000 MMK) are paid separately.

What should I wear for visiting monasteries or pagodas?

Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees; shoes must be removed inside religious sites.

Is lunch included during this Mandalay day trip?

No lunch is provided; bring snacks or buy food locally during stops.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but involves some walking and stairs.

Will there be a local guide during all stops?

A driver accompanies you throughout; guides may join at certain sites depending on booking details.