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Discover how Myanmar'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. Abandoned
after it was completely destroyed by a series
of major earthquakes in 1839, only a few traces
of its former grandeur remain today here in this
former capital. 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. BLD
Day 13. Sagaing, Mingun. In Sagaing,
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
Myanmar'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 the world's largest book.
Here, Buddhist scripture has been inscribed
on some 729 marble slabs, each contained
in its own stupa. Later, take in a tour of the
Shwenandaw Monastery, an architectural
masterpiece known for the carvings of Buddhist
myths that adorn its roof and walls. This
evening, enjoy a sunset sampan cruise
alongside the U Bein Bridge with a glass
of champagne. 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
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