Day Trip to Mingun – Things to do in Mingun, Mandalay | Burma

Day Trip to Mingun – Things to do in Mingun, Mandalay | Burma

A Mingun day trip from Mandalay via the Irrawaddy River to see the archaeological sites is a must for anyone visiting the city. Here's a complete guide with everything you need to know, as well as a list of the best things to do in Mingun once you arrive.

A day trip to Mingun from Mandalay is a popular excursion for those who want to see the spectacular Hsinbyume Pagoda (White Pagoda) and Mingun Pahtodawgyi (Mingun Pagoda).

However, did you know that there are even more Mingun attractions and historical sites to explore? In this guide, I'll cover everything you need to know, from booking a boat to planning all the things to do on a day trip in Mingun!

• alt=“MINGUN PAHTODAWGYI PAGODE MYANMAR“>
• alt=“DIE BESTEN DINGE IN MINGUN, MANDALAY, Hsinbyume-Pagode“>
• alt=“WEISSE PAGODE IN MINGUN, MYANMAR, TAXI“>

How to get to Mingun:

Before I get into the list of things to do in Mingun, here are your options on how to get here.

Mingun tourist fee: 5000 Kyat, payable near the pier in Mingun.

1. Mingun and Sagaing Day Tour

The easiest way to get to Mingun is to book an organized tour from Mandalay. I usually prefer the independent options, but after doing a bit of research I found this tour that offers really good value for money.

For about $36, you can get a full 9.5-hour tour of Sagaing and Mingun, including transportation and a stop at all of the Mingun attractions and highlights featured in this blog.

2. Mandalay to Mingun by boat

Another option is to simply hop on the public ferry from Mingun Jetty in Mandalay to Mingun. I have marked the location for the jetty on the map below.

Remember: you must bring your passport to book a ferry ticket. Don't forget it!

The boat from Mandalay to Mingun takes approximately 1.5 hours and is usually a very smooth ride up the Irrawaddy River.

Mingun boat price

The cost of a Mingun boat is 5000 Kyat (US$3.50) per person per way. Most boats on the jetty plan fill with enough passengers to leave. However, in the low season the boats only leave if they have at least six passengers. In this case, you will have to split the total cost of 30,000 kyat for departure.

Mingun Jetty schedule

Unfortunately the only public boat to Mingun leaves at 9am. The same boat docks in Mingun and you must be back on board at 12:30pm for the return trip, which returns to Mandalay around 2:00pm. I would recommend getting there at least 20 minutes before departure.

Private boat to Mingun from Mandalay

If you prefer a private boat to Mingun, you can speak to the agents at Mingun Jetty who will arrange one for you for 30,000 kyat one way.
alt=“MINGUN RIVER BOAT FROM MANDALAY, MYANMAR”>Typical Mingun boat
alt=“MINGUN JETTY BOAT TRIP FROM MANDALAY, THINGS TO DO IN MINGUN, “>Mingun Jetty

Don't miss: From Mandalay to Inle Lake

3. Taxi or Grab

Another way to get to Mingun on a day trip is to pay a taxi driver or get a driver to take you to Mingun.

35,000 kyat should cover the rental of a taxi or a pick-me-up for a full day. Just ask the driver to wait for you once you arrive in Mingun.

Taking a taxi is a good choice if you are unsure about riding a motorbike and would rather come to Mingun for sunrise or stay for sunset.

Tip: Use BookAway to find the cheapest bus routes and deals in Myanmar.

4. Rent a motorcycle

For maximum freedom to explore Mingun and other Mandalay attractions, renting a motorbike is a good option. The streets of Mandalay are much more relaxed than other major cities in Southeast Asia, so if you're confident you shouldn't have too many problems.

To rent a motorbike in Mandalay, ask your hostel or hotel staff and they should be able to point you in the right direction. For car rentals, visit RentalCars.com.

Mingun map

Below, I've captured all of Mingun's must-see attractions on an easy-to-use map.

Things to Do in Mingun – The Best Sites

Okay, with that out of the way, let's get to the list of things to do in Mingun. Most of these attractions are within walking distance, allowing you to explore Mingun on foot and at your own pace.

1. Hsinbyume Pagoda

Hsinbyume Pagoda, also known as Mya Thein Tan Pagoda or “White Pagoda,” is one of the most unique and beautiful pagodas in Myanmar, and that’s saying something.

This unique pagoda is painted completely white and shaped in a circular pattern resembling the sacred Buddhist mountain. Mount Mera.

You are free to explore Hsinbyume Pagoda without a guide. Just remember to leave your shoes at the entrance.
alt=“WHITE MINGUN PAGODA,”>Hsinbyume Pagoda (Mya Thein Tan) – The White Pagoda

2. Mingun Pahtodawgyi (Mingun Paya)

In my opinion, Hsinbyume Pagoda is more beautiful than the main attraction in Mingun; the Mingun Pahtodawgyi or Mingun Paya. However, the latter tends to receive more attention as it would be the largest stupa in the world when completed. Regardless, visiting Pahtodawgyi Pagoda is one of the best things to do in Mingun.

Mingun Pagoda is a ruined structure begun by King Bodawpaya in 1790. It was badly damaged by a large earthquake about 180 years ago.

Unfortunately, only the base was completed, which is about 50 meters high, only a third of the planned height of 150 meters.

You can go up the stairs and enter the face of the building where there is a small tribute chest.
alt=“MINGUN PAHTODAWGYI PAGODA MYANMAR, MINGUN DAY TRIPS”>Mingun Pahtodawgyi

3. Stone lions

Another ruin worth seeing on a day trip to Mingun are the Chinthe Ruins, colloquially known as the “stone lions”.

These huge lion sculptures were originally built to guard the Hsinbyume Pagoda. Due to erosion and earthquake damage, the stone lions are now almost unrecognizable. However, it is still possible to see some fine carved details.
alt=“LIONS OF STONE CHINTHE RUINS IN MINGUN, MYANMAR, THINGS TO DO IN MINGUN”>Stone lions in Mingun

4. Mingun Bell

Another of the best things to do in Mingun is to see the Mingun Bell. This 90-ton bronze bell was the heaviest bell on Earth until the year 2000 and is still one of the largest and heaviest uncracked bells in the world.

The weight of the bell is 55,555 in Viss, a traditional Burmese measurement. This number is significant in Buddhist numerology and is found on the side of the bell.

For those visiting Mingun, you can admire it from a distance or even stand underneath it (you just don't want anyone ringing it while you're there).

• alt=“BURMESISCHER MÖNCH BEI MINGUN BELL“>
• alt=“MINGUN GLOCKE, MYANMAR“>

5. Pondaw Pagoda

If you want to have a rough idea of ​​what the Mingun Pahtodawgyi would have looked like if it had been seen in its entirety, then you can stop by the Pondaw Pagoda. This small, white pagoda mimics the structure of the Pahtodawgyi.

6. Sat Taw Yar Pagoda

Another Mingun attraction and one of the things you should see on a Mingun day trip is the Sat Taw Yar Pagoda.

This is another white pagoda complemented by beautiful golden towers.

You can find Sat Taw Yar Pagoda north of Mingun Docks.
alt=“Sat Taw Yar Pagoda from the White Pagoda in Mingun”>

Where to stay in Mandalay

Where I stayed: Ostello Bello MandalayOstello Bello is a chain of hostels in Myanmar that I personally love. Great prices, good vibes and always clean rooms and comfortable bunks.

Budget Hotel – Aurora Hotel Good value hotel in a good location making it easy to explore Mandalay. Free breakfast is a bonus here too.

Best Luxury/Value Mix: Hilton MandalayIf you've always wanted to stay at a Hilton hotel but prices were too high in other Asian cities, here's your chance. Luxury hotel experience at a low price!

• alt=“Hsinbyume-Pagode auf einem Mingun-Tagesausflug von Mandalay“>
• alt=“DIE BESTEN DINGE IN MINGUN, MANDALAY, Hsinbyume-Pagode“>

More things to do near Mandalay

I hope this guide to the best things to do in Mingun was helpful when planning your Mandalay day trip! For more Myanmar travel guides and articles, check out the list below.

Enjoy!

MY CAMERA AND PHOTO EQUIPMENT

• Spiegellose Kamera: Canon R5
• Drohne: DJI Mavic Pro 2
• 360-Grad-Action-Kamera: Insta360 One X2
• Landschaftsobjektiv: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8L
• Allround-Objektiv: Canon RF 24–105 mm f/4L
• Teleobjektiv: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4,5–7,1 L
• Lange Aktionsstange: Insta360 Invisible Pole (BulletTime)
• Landschaftslinsenfilter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
• Kamerarucksack: F-Stop Tilopa
• Lieblingsfotozubehör: Peak Design Capture Clip

For a list of my recommended photography gear (including what I use and why), check out my Travel Camera Gear Guide.

If you would like to use any of the photos on this website, please visit my licensing page to find out how. I also sell professional art prints, visit my Print Store or contact me directly for customs deductions of images on We Seek Travel.
alt="Day Trip to Mingun – Things to do in Mingun, Mandalay">

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