Central Myanmar
 Mandalay
is Myanmar's second largest city and is situated along the
Ayeyarwady River. It was the last royal capital of Burma. Mandalay
retains a wealth of architectural jewels including: monasteries,
pagodas and temples, which are among the most beautiful in Myanmar.
When Mandalay, it is a must to visit to the huge Marble Buddha and
to Kuthodaw Pagoda. The center of religiosity in Mandalay is
the Maharmyatmuni Pagoda with its golden Buddha image,
 featuring
the Buddhist script in Pali and the Shwe Nandaw Kyaung located just
east of the Mandalay Palace. Mandalay Palace, which is only about
2sq.kilometersin size, gives insight into the splendors of king
Mindone's kingdom as a culture center. Mandalay Hill is stepped in
history and provides as extraordinary view of the city from above.
Mandalay is also a centre for many crafts such as silk-weaving and
tapestry making.
It is not far from the Kathodaw Pagoda. It
was built in 1878 by king Mindon and was partially destroyed by fire
in 1890. But, it was rebuilt in 1996.
South of the Patadawgyi Pagoda the shallow
Taungthaman Lake is crossed by a huge teak bridge known as U Bein's
bridge after the then Mayor U Bein. It is the longest wooden
bridge in the world. During the dry season, the bridge crosses
dry land. This old bridge has stood for two centuries.
Taungpyone is approximately 20km north of
Mandalay and is the main location for the Festival of Spirit or nat
pwe which takes place for 8 days in August.
Mandalay's Surrounding
In the environs of Mandalay are several
places worth visiting. The ancient cities are
reminders of the city's The ancient cities of
Amarapura, Sagaing, Mingun and Innwa are just a
stone's throw away from Mand.
Amarapura, which is 12km. from Mandalay, is famous for cotton
weaving, which is still largely done by traditional methods on hand
looms. The city is also known for bronze casting. A short journey
from Amarapura is the ancient city of Innwa. Several monuments and
ruins still stand at the royal city including the Nanmyint
Watchtower and the Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery.
 Mingun
can reached by one hour boat ride up river.Mingun is known for it's
massive unfinished pagoda. At the beginning of the 19th century
,King Badawpaya wanted to build the highest pagoda of the Buddhist
world in Mingun. Even though he failed to complete it, the
unfinished pagoda is impressive anyway.The world's largest ringing
bronze bell can also be found in Mingun, 90 tons, is 3.7 meter in
height and 5 meters wide.
The ancient city of Inwa (Mouth of the Lake),was for a long time
a capital of Upper Burma after the fall of Bagan.It is on the
Mandalay side of the Ayeyarwady River close to the Ava Bridge, a few
kilometers south of Amarapura.
PyinOoLwin / Maymyo,which is Myanmar's only botanical garden
boasts Pyin Oo Lwin, formerly a British Hill Station known as Maymyo.
The newly reopened National Park,which is 430 acres in area, is a
"must-see" in Pyin Oo Lwin. Here, visitors can enjoy beautiful
scenery and nostalgic atmosphere.
Mogyoke is about a 7 hour drive north of Mandalay. It is famous
for the beautiful rubies and sapphires mined there,for it's
picturesque natural surroundings and for it's temperate climate.
Visitors may shop at the gemstone markets in Mogyoke. Only packaged
tours are allowed to visit Mogoke with special permission.
Sagaing was an ancient capital.Today, It
is still very much the center of Buddhist
faith in Myanmar. The most famous pagoda in
Sagaing is the Kaungmudaw Pagoda located
10km. from the city on the far side of the
Sagaing Hill.
Sagaing Hill
Stands some 100 meters south of Mingun Bell and played an important
role in Myanmar history in the 18th
Century.
 Monywa
is Sagaing Division's largest city. It is a dusty Chindwin River
port city about 135km west of Mandalay.The countryside west of
Mandalay has a rugged frontier flavor.It sprawls across dry central
Myanmar between the mighty Ayeyarwaddy and Chindwin River System.
The Phowintaung area was home to pre- Myanmar Hanlin cave dwellers.
The caves at Hpowintaung become an important repository of religious
art. The scope of the artistry is awe-inspiring. Some of the art
apparently date 17th and 18th centuries.
Visitors to the Monywa region cross the Chindwin River by ferry boat
and then ride about west of the river about three hours to travel to
and from Monywa and see the main sights at Powintaung and
Shwebataung.Near Monywa are two other unique pagodas which are:the
Thanboddhay Pagoda which is about 12km. toward Mandalay on the main
highway and is a magnificent repository of more than half a million
Buddhist images and the Original pagoda which was built in 1303 (
its present form dates only from 1939).
 Bagan
is the main tourist attraction in Myanmar.
It is one of the richest archaeological
sites in Asia. It is located on the eastern
bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River.Between 11th
and 13th century, the kings of Bagan dynasty
ruled the country and ordered thousands of
pagodas and temples be built. Today, about
20 temples and pagodas are of particular
interest due to their temple architecture or
ornamental design.
The Ananda Temple,which was built after the Shwezigon in 1090, is
the masterpiece of the early style temple architecture. It is one of
the finest, largest and best preserved of all the temples in Bagan.
There are four huge Buddha images in a standing position and eighty
reliefs depicting the life of the Buddha from his birth to his
enlightenment.
The Thatbyinnyu Temple, constructed in white stucco,is the
Bagan's highest pagoda. It was built by King Aloungsithu in middle
of the 12th century. The view from its terraces is spectacular at
all time,but especially at dawn and dusk.
Built by Alaungsithu in 1311, this temple is an early example of
a transition in architectural styles resulting in airier, lighter
buildings. The temple is also notable for its stucco carvings and
for the stone slabs in the inner wall, which tell its history.The
construction of Shwe Gugyi Temple took seven months.
This 13th century temple is similar to the Thatbyinnyu Temple.It
is about 60 meters high with a fine view of the Bagan plains.
Bu Pagoda
Situated on the bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River,the Bu Pagoda has
been claimed to be the oldest in Bagan, dating from the 3rd century
AD .It was completely destroyed when it tumbled into the river after
an earthquake in 1975, but it has been completely rebuilt.
Shwesandaw Pagoda
The Shwesandaw pagoda built by King Anawrahta in early 11th
century.It displays a strong Mon influence with a steep stairway
leading directly to the terraces for a superb view from the upper
level.
Sulamani Temple
The Sulamani Temple was built in 1181 by King Narapatisithu.It is
known for its murals dating from 11th - 12th centuries.
Other attractions in Bagan are Mingala Zedi pagoda, Manuha Temple,
Lawkananda Temple, Bupaya Pagoda and the Bagan Museum.
 Dhammayangyi Temple
Bagan's most massive temple, the Dhammayangyi Temple, was built
by King Narathu in 1167. This temple was never finished, but it is
known for it's fine brick work.
Mahabodhi Pagoda
The Mahabodhi Pagoda this pagoda is unique in Myanmar because it
was modeled after indian style temples.It was built during the reign
of Nantaungmya (1211-1234). The pyramid-shaped spire is covered in
niches each enclosing a seated Buddha Figure, rises from a square
block.
 Tharaba Gateway
The ruins of the main gate on the east wall are
all that remain of the old 9th century city. The gate is guarded by
brother and sister " Nats " the male on the left and the female on
the right. Traces of old stucco can still be seen on the gateway.
Bagan Archaeological Museum
The Bagan Archaeological Museum is an interesting
smaller museum standing close to the Ananda Temple. It contains a
large number of images and other fine works found in temples around
Bagan.
Near Nyaung U & Wetkyi - in
Shwezigon
Pagoda
This
golden
pagoda
was the
first
monument
built in
the
Myanmar
style,
the
prototype
for
later
pagodas.
It was
first
built by
King
Anawrahta
and
completed
by King
Kyansittha
in 1087.
"Nat"
(Spirit)
images
can be
found
within
its
precincts.
Htilo
Minlo
Pagoda
Inside
the
Htilo
Minlo
Pagoda,are
Traces
of
ancient
murals
which
are
still
visible.
 Gubyaukgyi
Temple
This
early
13th
century
Gubyaukgyi
Temple
displays
a strong
influence
of
Indian
culture.
Inside
are the
wall
paintings
and 28
Buddha
images
in
sitting
position.
Near Myinkaba
Manuha Temple
Manuha Temple was constructed by the captured King Manuha .In
the back of the temple is a reclining Buddha in very cramped quarters,
supposedly reflecting the king's displeasure at captivity.
Near Thiripyitsaya & Bagan Myothit
Lawkananda Pagoda
Near Minnanthu
Leimyethna Temple
Near Pwasaw
Dhammayazika
Pagoda
A beautiful sunset View can be seen as the day wanes.It is best
to watch sunset from one of the Pagodas selected by our tour guide.
Take an evening boat ride on the Ayeyarwaddy River ending at at
Lawkananda Kyaung, a riverside monastery rich in history and where
the sunset views are breathtaking.
Bagan's Surroundings
 Excursion to Mt. Popa
Take a morning drive to Mt. Popa ,which rose from the ground in a
massive earthquake in 442 BC. Mt. Popa is renowned as the home of
the Nats (Spirit Gods) and for it's panoramic view of the local
tropical region.
Magway is in central Myanmar and It is capital of Magway
Division.It is located on the eastern bank of the Ayewaddy River.It
is accessible by car, eight hours from Yangon 530km north of Yangon
on Yangon-Pyay-Mandalay Road.Places of Interest are:
- Mya Thalon Pagoda
- Bogyoke Aung San Museum located
in Natmauk Township 32km from Magway.
- Taung Twin Gyi Museum which displays
ancient Pyu articles, stone weapons,
ancient coins and antique
Salay
Salay is where you can observe Yoke Sone Kyaung,
the oldest surviving wooden monastery hall bearing the original 120
- year - old sculptures, which including Jatakas and Ramayana
Tales,which are three-dimensional cargings of 19th century court
life.
It is the oldest existing monastery built entirely with teak wood.
It has 154 teak posts and decorated with beautiful wood carvings. Nan Paya
Nan Paya a largest lacquer Buddha image.It is 6
meter high dated from the 13th century. Pakkoku
The tobacco trading center of Pakkoku is located
on the western shore of the Ayeyarwaddy River,not far north of Bagan.
Of particular interest in this 19th century town with old city
walls,the archaeological museum, two of old wooden monasteries and
colorful local markets.
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PyinOoLwin
Sagaing Hill
Ananda Temple
Gawdawpalin Temple
