34
Discover how Burma's Buddhist traditions influence almost every aspect of daily life
Day 12. Inwa. Arrive today in Inwa, an
ancient imperial capital of Burmese kingdoms
from the 14th to 19th centuries. Here, set out
on a tour by horse-drawn cart, taking in
Maha Aung Mye Bon Zan Monastery and
the teak-wood Bagaya Monastery, built in
1593. You'll also have the opportunity to
get up close to the 'Leaning Tower of Inwa'
– a magnificent watchtower that was
damaged by an earthquake in 1838. BLD
Day 13. Sagaing, Mingun. In Sagaing, visit
a silver workshop then explore Soon U Ponya
Shin and Kaunghmudaw pagodas. Later, cruise
to Mingun, home to the Mingun Pahtodawgyi,
a monumental but incomplete brick pagoda
that dates back to the late 18th century. Here,
see the second largest ringing bell in the world,
the Mingun Bell, as well as the Myatheindan
Pagoda, modelled on the mythological
Buddhist mountain, Mount Meru. BLD
Day 14. Mandalay. Set out on a full-day
tour of Mandalay which will take you to many
of the city's major attractions and hidden gems.
Visit Mahamuni Buddha Temple, one
of Burma's most important Buddhist
pilgrimage sites and home to a six-tonne
Mahamuni Buddha statue. Afterwards,
explore a range of workshops in which thin
sheets of gold, marble carvings and tapestries
are produced. Then head for Kuthodaw Pagoda
at the foot of Mandalay Hill to see what is
thought to be the world's largest book. Here,
Buddhist scripture has been inscribed on some
729 marble slabs, each contained in its own
stupa. Later, ascend Mandalay Hill for views
over the city before a tour of Shwenandaw
Monastery, an architectural masterpiece known
for the carvings of Buddhist myths that adorn
its roof and walls. This evening, visit the
U Bein Bridge near Amarapura. Thought to
be the world's oldest and longest teak-wood
bridge, U Bein spans 1.2 kilometres across
Taungthaman Lake. Back on board your ship
later, enjoy a Farewell Dinner. BLD
Day 15. Disembark Ship, Depart
Mandalay. Disembark your ship for the final
time after breakfast this morning and transfer
to the airport for your onward flight. B
www.aptouring.com.au
