Myanmar

For those of you who have traveled recently to Sagaing, Mingun, Anarapura, Inway, which of these day trips are not to be missed? Can you combine going to more than one of these in a day? Which one%26#39;s would you combine? Is the Golden Rock worth the 1 day round trip? What are your feelings about Pyin Ol Lwin? Is it a really cool place? Is there enough to do there for a half day. I need some help from those of your who have experienced these locations.

Myanmar

Of the places you mentioned in the Mandalay area, the one I enjoyed the least was Inwa. The problem with seeing those places, in my opinion, is that most tourists try and do too much in too short a period of time; like doing 3 cities in one day. I%26#39;d advise to slow down and break it up. Do the half-day boat trip to Mingun one morning, come back to town for a late lunch and relax in your hotel and then head out to Amarapura (only about a 20-minute drive) for sunset at the bridge. Another day you take time to explore the hills and pagodas in Sagaing. And don%26#39;t forget Paleik: the ';Snake Temple'; there is interesting (they keep 3 huge Burmese pythons there, and bathe and feed them each morning at 11:00) but tucked away a few hundred yards behind that pagoda is a very tranquil riverside area packed with ancient stupas. Well worth exploring.

Golden Rock is also worth seeing. But I didn%26#39;t rush that either. I spent that night at a hotel near the top, which enabled me to see both sunset and sunrise at the rock, which are truly magical moments.

I spent 2 days in Pyin U Lwin and liked it. It%26#39;s a fun town to cycle around and see all the old Colonial (Tudor style) mansions and gardens. The look of this town is quite different than other areas around the country. In addition to the huge Botanical Gardens, the Shan market there is also worth a visit. I%26#39;d try to spend more than a half day there if you can do that.

Myanmar

We are planning a trip in January and would like to hire a driver for the trip from Bagan to Rangon. Has anyone done this or would you recommend stops along the way?

Bagan to Yangon, it takes about 12 hours if you don%26#39;t stop over night. Usually, Pyay is night stop between Bagan and Yangon. You can explore around Pyay too.

I have just returned from one month in Mynamar.

Amarapura and Inwa: you do the same day. First go to Inwa, you have to take a boat (short trip, 15 minutes). Once there, the only way to visit the village is with a horsecart. They are waiting on the riverside so no problem to find one. In the afternoon you go to Amarapura for sunset at U Bein bridge, don t miss this.

Mingun: half day trip. Tourists are allowed to take only a special boat, depart at 9, return at 13. You cannot depart or return at other time.

Sagaing: didn t visit.

Pyin o Lwin: yes, cool place. Enough for half day, botanic garden, wander around. Shan market is only in the mornings.

Golden rock: did 2 days trip. Sleep up in the mountain. I found the night ';mood'; much interesting than during the day. At sunrise you can see a monks ceremony.