Most Scenic Road Trips in Mandalay, Burma

1. Mandalay-Monywa Road Trip

Experience the scenic route to Monywa, passing through the picturesque Chindwin River Valley and the ancient city of Sagaing.

River Views: Enjoy stunning views of the Chindwin River throughout your journey
Ancient Cities: Visit historical sites like Sagaing, a major center of Buddhist learning since the 14th century
Thabin Gyi Pagoda: Witness the breathtaking Thabin Gyi Pagoda in Monywa, home to the world's second-tallest standing Buddha statue

Travel to Pyin Oo Lwin, passing through lush mountains and colonial-era architecture.

Colonial Architecture: Explore British colonial-era buildings, such as the Governor's Residence
Botanical Garden: Stroll through the National Kandawgyi Gardens, home to a vast variety of flora and fauna
Train Ride: Take a scenic train ride up the winding mountain tracks to Pyin Oo Lwin

Drive through rural landscapes en route to Bagan, where you'll find thousands of ancient temples and pagodas.

Ancient Temples: Visit over 2,000 ancient temples and pagodas in the Bagan archaeological site
Sunset Views: Witness spectacular sunsets over the plains of Bagan
Hot Air Balloon Ride: Take a hot air balloon ride for an unforgettable bird's-eye view of the temples

Travel to Kyaukme, taking in picturesque landscapes, lush tea plantations, and the Palaung culture.

Tea Plantations: Explore rolling hills covered with lush tea plantations
Palaung Culture: Experience the unique Palaung culture in villages along the way
Gokteik Viaduct: Cross the impressive Gokteik Viaduct, a railway bridge over the Gokteik River

Journey to Ywangan, taking in the stunning scenery of the Shan Plateau and its hill tribes.

Shan Plateau: Explore the beautiful Shan Plateau with its lush green valleys
Hill Tribes: Interact with local hill tribes and learn about their unique customs
Kyauk Phyu Paya: Visit the stunning Kyauk Phyu Paya, a pagoda built on top of a large rock in the middle of a lake

Drive to Sagaing Hill, passing through small villages and scenic vistas.

Scenic Vistas: Enjoy panoramic views of the Ayeyarwady River and surrounding landscapes
Monasteries: Visit numerous monasteries on Sagaing Hill, an important center of Buddhist learning
U Min Thonze Pagoda: Explore the unique U Min Thonze Pagoda, a series of small temples built on top of a hill

Travel to Inwa (Ava), exploring the ancient capital by horse cart.

Horse Carts: Explore Inwa on a traditional horse-drawn carriage
Ancient Monuments: Visit ancient monuments like the Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery and the Nanmyint Watchtower
Nandaw Oo Pagoda: Marvel at the Nandaw Oo Pagoda, with its distinctive reflection in the nearby lake

Drive to Amara Mountain for stunning views of Mandalay and the surrounding plains.

Stunning Views: Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Mandalay from Amara Mountain
Taungthaman Lake: Visit Taungthaman Lake, where you can hire a boat to see the famous U Bein Bridge
U Bein Bridge: Walk along the over 1.2-kilometer-long U Bein Bridge, built in 1850 and considered one of the world's longest teakwood bridges

Take a ferry to Mingun, visiting the massive Mingun Bell and the unfinished Mingun Paya.

Ferry Ride: Experience a scenic ferry ride across the Ayeyarwady River
Mingun Bell: See the massive Mingun Bell, weighing over 90 tons and one of the largest bells in the world
Unfinished Mingun Paya: Explore the Unfinished Mingun Paya, a brick temple that was left unfinished after an astrologer predicted its completion would cause an earthquake

Drive to Sagain, exploring the ancient city's numerous monasteries and stunning views.

Scenic Vistas: Enjoy panoramic views of the Ayeyarwady River and surrounding landscapes
Monasteries: Visit numerous monasteries in Sagain, an important center of Buddhist learning
Sagain Hill: Climb Sagain Hill for a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings

Journey to Lashio, passing through lush mountains and the Palaung culture.

Lush Mountains: Travel through beautiful lush mountain scenery
Palaung Culture: Experience the unique Palaung culture in villages along the way
Shwe Nyaung Daw Pagoda: Visit the stunning Shwe Nyaung Daw Pagoda, known for its gold-plated statues and intricate murals

Drive to Taunggyi, taking in the scenic landscapes and visiting the vibrant Shwe Kyaung Market.

Scenic Landscapes: Travel through beautiful mountainous landscapes
Shwe Kyaung Market: Visit the bustling Shwe Kyaung Market, where you can find local produce and handicrafts
Taunggyi Balloon Festival: Witness the annual Taunggyi Balloon Festival, featuring colorful hot air balloons shaped like animals and traditional objects

Journey to Putao, passing through the Hukawng Valley and experiencing the diverse cultures of Myanmar's north.

Hukawng Valley: Travel through the beautiful Hukawng Valley, home to diverse flora and fauna
Diverse Cultures: Experience the unique cultures of ethnic minorities like the Lisu and Nungji
Mount Hkakabo Razi: Trek to Mount Hkakabo Razi, the highest mountain in Myanmar and part of the Himalayas

Travel to Kalewa, taking in scenic views of the Chindwin River and exploring the Chin culture.

Chindwin River Views: Enjoy stunning views of the Chindwin River throughout your journey
Chin Culture: Experience the unique culture and traditions of the Chin people in Kalewa
Kalewa Boat Trip: Take a boat trip from Kalewa to Mawlaik along the Chindwin River, passing through scenic landscapes and local villages

Travel to Momauk via Kyaukme, taking in the beautiful landscapes of the Shan State and visiting hill tribe villages.

Shan State Landscapes: Explore the picturesque landscapes of the Shan State
Hill Tribe Villages: Visit traditional hill tribe villages to learn about their unique customs and way of life
Momauk Hot Springs: Relax at the Momauk Hot Springs, known for their therapeutic properties