4 Days Traveling Around The Majestic Myanmar

Trip Summary

• Day 1: Sunset in Mandalay

  Arrive in Mandalay, Myanmar around noon. Take a motorcycle to see the Golden Palace Monastery (Shwenandaw Kyaung), a beautiful teak monastery, the only original building of the Mandalay Palace that was not destroyed during World War 2.

  Experience sunset at Mandalay Hill and walk back past Mandalay Palace to the hotel to prepare for the early morning sunrise trip.

• Day 2: Motorcycle Around Mandalay

  Took a motorcycle in the early morning (5 AM) to see the sunrise at the U Bein Bridge, the longest teak bridge in the world. After a few hours there, my guide for the day (motorcycle driver) took me to Mahamuni Buddha Temple to see the Mahamuni Buddha image, which is highly venerated and central to many people's lives in Myanmar. After that, we went to Sagaing Hill to climb and overlook the city of Sagaing and the Irrawaddy River from the top of the mountain. My driver insisted on showing me more gold pagodas around Sagaing, including the Shwe Kyet Kya Paya and Kaungmudaw Pagoda. We then drove for an hour to a very remote monastery called the Bagaya Monastery in Inwa, Myanmar. This is one of the best places in Mandalay, hands down, so make sure to check the monastery out. After a whole day under the burning sun, we went back to the airport and took a flight to Bagan.

  Arrived in Bagan, bought an archaeological ticket for $25 (and lost it instantly, more on that later :( ), and then took a free airport transfer provided by the hotel to Nyuang U. Since it rained heavily, I decided to end the day and explore the old city of Bagan in the early morning instead.

• Day 3: Biking Through Bagan

  Another early morning, I woke up at 5, rented a bike provided by the hotel, and proceeded to the first temple, Shwe Zi Gon. Since there are more than 2000 temples to explore, I rode the bike around the whole city of Nyuang U, Old Bagan, and New Bagan all day long. It was a long trip but very well worth it. After finally completing my dream to bike around Bagan, I returned to the hotel to sleep and prepare for my departure tomorrow.

• Day 4: Return Home

  Took an early flight back to Mandalay and, eventually, returned to Bangkok, concluding my trip in Myanmar.

Quick Tips

• Burmese people are very conservative. I biked through Bagan without feeling any danger at all. I decided to experiment further and left a bike unlocked and walked inside a temple. The bike was still there when I returned.
• You must take off your shoes whenever you enter any temples in Myanmar.
• Some temples in Bagan have secret passages that will allow you to ascend to the top of the temple. They are essentially small holes in the wall with extremely steep and narrow stairs that will lead you upward. Watch out for these secret passages, as they may reward you with beautiful scenery and uninterrupted peace.
• If you are biking in Bagan (which you should), bring a map with you. Most of the signs are in Burmese, and your map will be your way out of the maze.
• Don't rent a car or a horse cart for your trip around Bagan. Go with a traditional bike or an electronic one. Basically, choose any transportation that puts you in control of the vehicle because there are many temples that aren't listed on the map, and you will be able to visit these hidden gems that are only accessible by bike.
• You get a much better rate if you exchange your USD to Kyat at the bank than from the airport or your hotel. Simply hire a motorcycle driver to a place you want to go, tell them you only have USD, and ask them to take you to the bank before going. That's what I did, and I got a much better rate there.
• Don't bother getting a SIM card here. For foreigners, it could cost as much as US$200 for a SIM. The internet is also very slow and unreliable, so keep that in mind.
• Stay in Nyuang U when visiting Bagan. The hotels are much cheaper, and you get to experience the locals much more than staying in the Old Bagan or New Bagan area. The distance between Nyuang U and Bagan is not far, and it is bike-able. The road consists of ups and downs, and you can stop at temples along the way to restore your stamina.
• Bagan Map: Download here

Temples worth visiting in Bagan

• Shwe San Daw Paya - Best for Sunrise/Sunset
• Htilominlo Temple
• Ananda Temple
• Thatbyinnyu Temple
• Dahmmayan Gyi Phaya
• Sulamani Temple

What to Pack for Mandalay, Myanmar?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Mandalay, Myanmar:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Mandalay, Myanmar in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Day 1: Sunset in Mandalay

As I arrived in Mandalay, I went to the AirMandalay office to pay for and retrieve my pre-booked domestic ticket to Bagan, which I had to use the next day. It took them 40 minutes to arrange all of this, and I almost didn't catch a free bus that runs on schedule to the city center. Apparently, Mandalay International Airport is 40 minutes away from the city. The free shuttle bus really helped.

As I was sitting at the back, an AirAsia employee approached me and offered to drive me around Mandalay the next day. After he saw my itinerary, he quoted me for US$20. It was a good deal, also I thought (more on that later). I accepted and scheduled to meet him at 5 AM in front of my hotel (Hotel Yadanarbon) the next day.

I was really impressed with the room and the service at Hotel Yadanarbon. I recommend this hotel to anyone who is looking for a nice hotel for their Mandalay trip.

I hired a motorcycle driver from the hotel to the Golden Palace Monastery (Shwenandaw Kyaung) for 800 kyat (US$0.8) one way. The monastery was built with teak wood and it is the only remaining building of the palace that still stood after most of it was destroyed during World War 2.

Everything was built using teak wood, which gave it a very mysterious look. Honestly, I prefer these teak temples more than the golden pagodas you see everywhere in Myanmar.

As I was about to leave, I met a fellow solo traveler at the entrance. I decided to talk to her, expecting to exchange a few pleasantries before I went to Mandalay hill. Her name was Valerine, and before I knew it, the small introduction turned into a deep, interesting conversation that stretched over an hour. It was definitely one of the best conversations I had in years. We talked about my culture, her culture, our lives, and the things we went through before we decided to travel alone. Surprisingly, the experience was somewhat similar. We were met with skepticism, and after we did it, people started excluding us from normal circumstances and claimed that our lives were different, which is why we were able to travel. The truth is, we were once like them, but we decided to take a leap of faith.

Valerine also suggested many places to visit in Mandalay (Inwa) and Bagan. I took her suggestions, and I was not disappointed. Another great reason why we should talk to fellow travelers while traveling.

Next stop was Mandalay Hill. I took a motorcycle up Mandalay Hill and I was expecting to climb a few hundred steps, but the driver dropped me at the escalator. Without any sweat, I reached the top and saw these amazing scenes. Beautiful, isn't it?

Valerine suggested that I walk from Mandalay Hill back to the hotel so that I could see how the locals live, and so I did.

As I walked for an hour around the Mandalay Palace, I met this little girl playing with her sister on a sidewalk. She was shy but kept smiling at me, and she was willing to let me snap a photo of her. I now know why Valerine recommended me to walk back. It was this little interaction with the locals that made my trip so memorable.

Beautiful sunset at the Mandalay Palace. I'm glad I decided to walk back.

After 2 hours of walking, I collapsed at the hotel and ended my first day in Myanmar.

Day 2: Riding a Motorcycle around Mandalay

I woke up at 4:30 AM and my driver was there on time at 5. A 30-minute drive from the hotel and we arrived at the U Bein Bridge, the longest teak bridge in the world. This record-breaking status didn't interest me as much as the fact that I could observe how people live their day-to-day life relying on this bridge.

People living their lives, monks walking, people exercising, fishermen fishing. Although I didn't get to see the sunrise because of all the clouds, observing and conversing with the locals is equally rewarding.

Me having a little too much fun! :)

First stop, the Mahamuni Buddha Temple. There's a museum dedicated to explaining the birth of Buddha and how he influenced many countries in Asia. It is very informative.

We went to Sagaing Hill next. Although it was not as impressive as I had thought, I did spend a peaceful hour up there.

My driver insisted on changing my plan and showing all these gold pagodas. Personally, some of these pagodas, you can see elsewhere. These are not exactly unique to Mandalay.

We stopped for a little local snack.

Since we had plenty of time left, my driver said he would take me to Inwa. First, I thought he knew the way, but we stopped at every turn to ask where we had to go. In the end, we followed these monks who were also headed the same way. It took us almost an hour to reach the Bagaya monastery in Inwa, but it was well worth the trip. Bagaya is another beautiful teak monastery that I find much more interesting than all the gold pagodas I visited combined.

As I walked inside, I heard chanting echoing throughout the corridor. I walked in further and stumbled upon this.

This is where it got interesting.

After 2 hours there, I left and went to the airport. My guide asked me if I wanted to grab lunch. He told me he knows a cheap place near the airport for lunch, so I decided to go along with it. This was where it got interesting. Apparently, the restaurant was his parents' and it was not that cheap. It cost me US$3 for a plate of rice and a few types of meat and chicken. Not just that, when it came to me paying him the agreed price, he said that the previous price no longer applies because we went off course. Most of the temples we visited were his idea, and he should have told me about the price increase beforehand. In the end, I had to pay him US$37, and I was left feeling a little bitter.

My recommendation is not to go along with whatever they suggest and stick to the schedule, no matter how hard they insist.

I flew out of Mandalay with AirMandalay, and within 30 minutes, I was greeted with this beautiful plane of Bagan. "Finally, the highlight of this trip has come," I thought to myself.

At the Nyuang U airport, traditional luggage waiting :). While walking out of the airport, an official approached me and asked me to pay for an archaeological entry ticket, which cost me US$25.

Arrived at the New Park Hotel. One of the best services I had for a US$30 per night price range hotel.

The reception asked me for the archaeological ticket, and this was the first time in my life that I instantly lost the ticket. It was only a 10-minute drive from the airport, and I lost the damn ticket. Due to my stupidity, I had to pay an extra US$25 for the ticket.

I ended the day, US$25 + US$12 poorer, but I had high hopes for the next day.

Day 3: Biking Around Bagan

I woke up super early, rented a bike, and rode around Nyuang U. My first stop was the Shwe Zi Gon pagoda.

Nothing special here, in my opinion. Just a golden pagoda, like you see all over Myanmar.

These temples aren't on the map I bought, but they are equally stunning. Some of them are deep in the jungle, and you wouldn't have noticed them if you hadn't ridden a bike. I can't stress enough how important it is to ride a bike in Bagan. If you are here, rent a bike!

I felt like I was Indiana Jones, exploring these lost temples. There was no one around in most of the remote temples I went to. It was a majestic experience.

Here's me with my companion for the day.

This is the Htilominlo Temple. It is one of the closest big temples near Nyuang U.

I found this little remote temple, which I had all to myself. I also discovered a secret passage leading to the top, which gave me an overview of the scale of Bagan. You can see how narrow and steep the passage is. I had to squeeze my body in to reach the top. When you are here in Bagan, make sure to watch out for these secret passages, and you may be rewarded with a view not many will see.

Here's the Ananda Temple, a gigantic temple with four humongous standing statues of Buddhas standing at 9.5 meters high.

After a few hours exploring the outskirts of Bagan, I finally arrived at the Old Bagan district.

Another temple with a secret passage. As you can see, the view in Old Bagan was freaking awesome!

This is the Shwe San Daw Pagoda, the best place for you to experience sunrise and sunset.

A pyramid-like temple. It took me ages to get to this place. I biked through a maze of sand tracks and fields for hours and ended up in a cactus field grown by the locals nearby.

It gave me the sense of adventure I have always been looking for.

I was lost in the middle of nowhere under the heat of the thousand suns, but I was grateful, though. It was the most fun experience I had in years, being lost in Bagan. It gave me the sense of adventure I have always been looking for in my life.

And here's the last temple I visited: the Sulamani Temple. I went back to the hotel, packed up, and was ready to depart the next day.

Day 4: Going Back Home

I took an early flight to Mandalay and returned to Bangkok.

And that concludes the fourth entry to my solo traveler's journal of Myanmar. After 3 days experiencing Myanmar, Bagan was, by far, the most impressive place I've seen. With the freedom you get from biking and the sheer number of temples to explore, it's hard not to feel like the adventurous Indiana Jones, exploring and climbing the secret passages in lost temples.

I hope you enjoyed the post, and if you are looking to visit Myanmar and would like to know more, feel free to tweet me or leave a comment below.

Further Reading for Myanmar

Looking for more information for your trip to Myanmar? Here are a collection of articles about Myanmar that might help you with your trip planning:

• Are you planning to travel to Myanmar as part of a big Southeast Asia trip? Check out our 3-month backpacking itinerary for Southeast Asia.
• Bagan is one of my favorite places in the world. With over 2000 pagodas waiting for you to explore, you will need a travel guide. Here's a complete travel guide to Bagan temples and more.
• Not convinced by my words about Myanmar? Here are 64 photos that will inspire you to visit Southeast Asia now.
• You can also watch my travel video about Bagan here: Watch the "Simply Bagan" travel video.
• Want to know where to go after Myanmar? How about One Day in Bangkok Itinerary or starting your journey in Laos with a 10 Best Things to Do in Vientiane?
• For all articles about Myanmar, visit the Myanmar Travel Guide page.
• You can see all of my Southeast Asia-related articles on my Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.