Myanmar · Boating

10-Hour Ayawaddy River Boat Tour to Shein Makkar Monastery and Mingun

10 Hours Round trip from Mandalay Easy pace

Admire the architecture of stunning pagodas around the city

Watch the sunset over the Ayawaddy River

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Visit the 100-year-old Shein Makkar Monastery in a dense riverside sanctuary
02 Explore Mingun and see the world's biggest ringing bell
03 Discover Mingun's massive, unique, and beautiful old pagodas
04 Relax on the boat with snacks and coffee as the sun sets over the Ayawaddy River

Embark on this full-day boat tour along the Ayawaddy River to explore beautiful sights along its shoreline. Visit the 100-year-old Shein Makkar Monastery in its dense riverside sanctuary, then continue to Mingun to see the world's biggest ringing bell and its massive old pagodas. End the day relaxing on the boat as you witness a glorious sunset over the river.

Explore Mingun, where the world's biggest ringing bell exists, along with other massive, unique, and beautiful old pagodas.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 10 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Mandalay, Mingun

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Shein Makkar Monastery, Mingun and Ayawaddy Sunset Cruise

Start the boat ride at 8 am from the port facing City Park. You will be sent the Google Map location.
Take the stairs up to Shein Makkar Monastery and explore the area.
Return to the boat for lunch. Then, cruise back again and stop at Mingun Port.
Explore Mingun, where the world's biggest ringing bell exists, along with other massive, unique, and beautiful old pagodas.
Return to the boat and enjoy snacks and coffee.
Witness the sunset over the Ayawaddy River, and relax on the boat while watching it.

Where this trip takes you

Shein Makkar Monastery, Mingun Pahtodawgyi and old pagodas, Ayawaddy River sunset

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Mandalay 2 cities · 10 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Water bottles
Coffee
Lunch and snacks
English-speaking Burmese guide
Boat transport

What's Not Included

Hotel pickup
Land transport
Mingun entrance fee (5 USD or 3 USD per person)
Anything not mentioned
Tips and gratuities
Personal expenses

Know before you go

Shein Makkar is near a village where dolphin sightings are frequent, but there is no guarantee that you will see dolphins, as they are constantly moving.
Please check availability at least 2 days in advance. An advance fee will be collected 1 day prior at your place, as the guides need to prepare food and cancellations are very costly for us.
You can choose Chinese cuisine or Myanmar traditional cuisine for lunch. The cook is known for its amazing taste.
Children must be supervised by adults.
The dress code is formal (cover your knees and shoulders) when entering the monastery or Mingun, but while on the boat, you can wear anything.
You can fish or swim in the river at your own risk. If you are not familiar with the local waters, it is not recommended.
Please let us know in advance about any food allergies.
The boat has two storeys. There is a toilet and a simple, small cabin room where you can lie down and stretch out.
Shein Makkar Monastery is over 100 years old and was founded by King Mindon. It is located in the Shein Makkar Sanctuary, a dense forest on the riverside. You can explore the old and ruined parts of the buildings. The monastery also provides free education for poor children, so you may see little monks playing and learning in class.
This tour includes a boat ride to Shein Makkar Monastery in the riverside sanctuary and to Mingun.