DAY TRIP OUTSIDE MANDALAY
Maymyo (Pyin U Lwin)
A former British hill station in a lush alpine forest. The small town contains a variety of colonial relics, and is most famous for its botanical gardens (modelled on England’s Kew Gardens). Also known for the Defence Services Academy, the top-ranked military academy in Myanmar.
Mingun
Is best known for the Mingun Bell (one of the largest bells in the world), is a boat ride away.
Sagaing (20 km to the south-east)
This area has many Buddhist temples and monasteries, especially on Sagaing Hill. Have lunch on the hill with a veiw of the valley.
Old Ava
This antiquated looking and very charming Bagaya Monastery was built in 1834 by King Bagyidaw (impressive and awe-inspiring monastery entirely on very thick teak log stilts with superb wood carving craftsmanship)