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Overview Sagaing
Location
Sagaing, majestically located on the top of Sagaing Hill, next to the legendary Ayeyarwaddy River, is an ideal destination for those who desire to explore Myanmar's unique cultural and spiritual treasures.
This place, only 20km Southwest of the vibrant city of Mandalay, has a peaceful beauty like an oasis of peace amid the hustle of life.
To arrive in Sagaing, visitors can choose from many flexible means of transportation. From Mandalay, you can easily catch a bus or taxi at a reasonable price. The journey only takes about 45 minutes, taking you through winding roads, weaving between green hills and ancient villages.
Sagaing welcomes visitors with a fresh, airy atmosphere and majestic, poetic natural scenery. This place owns more than 100 ancient Buddhist temples, hidden on the hillsides, creating an awe-inspiring spiritual picture.
Coming to Sagaing, you will be able to explore unique architectural works, exquisite carvings, and mysterious historical stories hidden in each pagoda roof and each Buddha statue.
Moreover, Sagaing also attracts tourists with its long-standing traditional craft villages, where sophisticated handicraft products are made from silver, wood, and fabric.
Sagaing Market is an ideal destination for tourists to shop for souvenirs, immerse themselves in the energetic shopping atmosphere, and experience unique local culture.
Come to Sagaing to discover the mysteries of Buddhism and feel the peace spreading in your soul. Sagaing tour promises to bring you unforgettable experiences, completely different from any other destination in Myanmar.
Sagaing - The landscape studded with Pagodas and Monasteries
Best time to visit Sagaing
Sagaing, the land of thousands of ancient temples and charming landscapes, welcomes you to a colorful journey of discovery. Depending on your interests and plans, you can choose to visit Sagaing during one of three seasons of the year, each season bringing its own unique experiences.
To have a complete trip to Sagaing, Asia Links Travel will carefully learn with tourists about the characteristics of each tourist season here.
Fall (October - February)
Autumn is the best time to visit Sagaing. The weather is cool with clear blue air, and little rain, suitable for visiting places in Sagaing. Visitors can admire the romantic scenery of hills covered with golden leaves, or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere at ancient temples such as Soon Oo Ponya Shin or U Min To Temple.
Besides, the Thadingyut festival taking place in November is also a unique cultural highlight, attracting tourists with brilliant parades and solemn Buddhist activities.
Soon Oo Ponya Shin Pagoda in Sagaing
Dry season (March-May)
When the dry season comes, Sagaing puts on its brilliant beauty under the warm sunlight. This is the peak tourist season, attracting visitors with vibrant festivals and exciting outdoor activities.
Visitors can participate in the Thingyan festival, Myanmar's most vibrant water festival, taking place in April, or explore bustling local markets with unique handicrafts and rich cuisine.
Traveling to Sagaing this season, visitors should remember to bring sunscreen, hats, and appropriate clothing to avoid being affected by hot weather.
Rainy season (June - September)
The rainy season in Sagaing often has heavy rainfall, but does not last continuously. Rain often comes in the evening, bringing a cool and refreshing atmosphere.
Tourists should take advantage of this time to visit museums, and historical sites or enjoy delicious street food. However, you should be aware of slippery road conditions and possible local flooding this season.
Let Sagaing conquer you with its natural beauty, unique culture, and the warmth of its people during your Myanmar package tour.
Things to do in Sagaing
Sagaing, once the ancient capital of Myanmar, attracts tourists with its peaceful, sacred beauty and massive Buddhist architectural treasure. This place is like a peaceful oasis in the heart of the vibrant city of Mandalay, welcoming visitors to explore spiritual destinations and unique cultural experiences.
1. Sagaing Hill
Setting foot on Sagaing Hill, visitors will be overwhelmed by the breathtaking scenery with hundreds of white Buddhist temples and monasteries sparkling in the sunlight.
This place is known as the "Brilliant Golden Hill", and is an ideal destination for tourists to pray for peace and admire Myanmar's unique Buddhist architecture.
2. Kaunghmudaw Pagoda
Located atop Sagaing Hill, Kaunghmudaw Pagoda is one of the city's most prominent symbols and a must-visit for those exploring places to visit in Sagaing.
The white tower is 50 meters high, built in the 18th century to commemorate King Narathihapati, with unique architecture that harmoniously combines Burmese and Indian styles. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of Sagaing and the majestic view of the Ayeyarwaddy River.
Kaunghmudaw Pagoda in Sagaing, Myanmar
3. Mingun Bell
Mingun Bell, another captivating place to visit in the Sagaing sightseeing itinerary, is a giant bell weighing 55 tons, cast in the 18th century but never completed.
Although incomplete, Mingun Bell is still an impressive architectural work, attracting visitors with its huge size and unique historical story. Visitors can visit the inside of the bell and feel the strong resounding sound when knocking on the bell's wall.
4. Mingun Paya
While exploring places to visit in Sagaing, don't miss Mingun Paya, located a short distance from Sagaing Hill. This unfinished temple is an immense testament to a bygone era.
The temple was started in the eighteenth century, but it was never finished because of an earthquake. However, what remains of Mingun Paya still exudes magnificent beauty with giant red brick walls and majestic Buddha statues.
Visitors can visit the ruins, learn about the history of construction, and admire the unique architecture of the temple.
5. Umin Thounze Cave
Nestled on the Sagaing hillside, places to visit in Sagaing include the mysterious and majestic Umin Thounze Cave. Entering the cave, visitors seem to be lost in another world, where dim light creeps through the mossy cliffs, illuminating the magnificent Buddha statues.
The large white quartz statue of Sakyamuni Buddha is located in the middle of the cave, exuding sacredness and purity. Walking along the cave corridors, visitors will admire countless exquisitely carved Buddha statues, telling mysterious Buddhist stories.
6. Myatheindan Pagoda (Hsinbyume Pagoda)
Myatheindan Pagoda is famous for its unique architecture, modeled after the sacred mountain Meru in Buddhism. The five-storey tower is pure white, sparkling in the sunlight, bringing an elegant and worldly beauty.
Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for a panoramic view of Sagaing, with its shiny golden pagoda roofs, winding roads, and Irrawaddy River. In particular, on festival days, Myatheindan Pagoda is brightly decorated with lanterns and fresh flowers, creating an extremely sparkling and magical scene.
7. Inwa Bridge
The 180-meter-long wooden bridge spanning the romantic Ayeyarwaddy River is the perfect starting point for the journey to explore places to visit in Sagaing. Walking on Inwa Bridge, visitors will be immersed in the peaceful scenery of the Burmese countryside, and rustic stilt houses hidden behind cool green trees.
Inwa Bridge in Sagaing, Myanmar
8. Settawya Paya
Outstanding with a brilliant gold-plated roof, Settawya Paya is one of the most beautiful temples in places to visit in Sagaing. As they enter the temple, visitors are astounded by the distinctive architecture and serene ambiance.
The temple is home to numerous finely carved Buddha statues and murals depicting the life of the Buddha. Climbers can reach the summit of the tower for sweeping views of the romantic Ayeyarwaddy River and Sagaing.
9. Tilawkaguru Cave Monastery
Nestled in the cliffs, Tilawkaguru Cave Monastery offers visitors a special spiritual experience. This cave temple has a 30-meter-tall Milakyaguru Buddha statue carved directly into the rock. Natural light filtering through the ravine creates a magical, sacred atmosphere. Visitors can pray for peace and luck here.
10. Irrawaddy Bridge
This modern cable-stayed bridge spans the Ayeyarwaddy River, making it an ideal destination for views of Sagaing from above. Visitors can walk or cycle on the bridge to enjoy the cool breeze and peaceful scenery of the river.
In the evening, the Irrawaddy Bridge is sparklingly lit, creating an extremely romantic scene. While not an ancient structure, the bridge offers a unique perspective on the many historical places to visit in Sagaing.
Sagaing is a destination for tourists who want to explore Myanmar in their way. This place allows you to experience authentic local culture and enjoy rare serenity. Come to Katha and discover for yourself the wonders this town has to offer!
Things to buy in Sagaing
Traveling to Sagaing, visitors not only have the opportunity to explore historical and cultural values but can also shop for unique souvenirs to bring back as gifts for everyone. Let's learn about them with Asia Links Travel!
1. Sand Picture
The art of sand painting has been around for hundreds of years in Myanmar and Sagaing is one of the most famous places for this art form. Sand paintings are made from colorful fine sand grains, painting delicate images, depicting landscapes, temples, Buddhism, or traditional stories.
Sagaing sand paintings are unique and meaningful souvenirs, giving the recipient a part of Myanmar's culture.
2. Jewelry
Myanmar is famous for its precious stones and exquisite jewelry. Visitors can find and buy jewelry such as bracelets, necklaces, and earrings made from precious stones such as jade, rubies, diamonds, etc. at reasonable prices.
3. Longyi
Longyi is a traditional Burmese costume, woven from soft cotton fabric with a variety of colors and patterns. Visitors can easily find longyi at local markets at affordable prices.
This is a meaningful gift for friends and relatives, helping them experience Burmese culture directly. Many Myanmar package tours even include a chance to try on a longyi, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local way of life. This is a wonderful way to take a piece of Myanmar's cultural identity home with you.
Longyi - The beautiful traditional costume of the Burmese
4. Buddha
Buddha statues are indispensable souvenirs when traveling to Myanmar. Sagaing is famous for its long-standing Buddha sculpture workshops, where sophisticated and artistic statues are crafted.
Visitors can choose to buy Buddha statues of many different sizes and materials such as wood, stone, bronze, etc. Each statue carries a deep spiritual meaning, symbolizing luck and peace.
5. Decorative Carpets
Decorative carpets are a traditional Myanmar handicraft. Carpets are woven from wool or synthetic fibers with many different patterns and colors, bringing warmth and luxury to the home space.
6. Wind Chimes to Exorcise Evil Spirits
Wind chimes to exorcise evil spirits are a common item in Myanmar homes. People believe that wind chimes can ward off evil spirits and bring luck to the homeowner. Wind chimes are made from many different materials such as wood, metal, etc with many different shapes and sizes.
7. Myanmar Cigars
Looking for a unique souvenir on your Myanmar tour? Consider Myanmar cigars! Made from locally grown tobacco leaves, Myanmar cigars have a rich and unique flavor, different from other cigars in the world. Myanmar cigars are ideal souvenirs for those who like to smoke cigars.
8. Paper Umbrella
Don't get caught in the rain during your Myanmar tour! Paper umbrellas are a popular item in Myanmar, especially during the rainy season. Paper umbrellas are made from oiled paper and bamboo and come in many different colors and patterns. Myanmar paper umbrellas are unique and useful souvenirs.
Myanmar traditional paper umbrella
9. Shallow Puppet
Shallow puppets are a traditional art form in Myanmar. The puppets are made from wood, fabric, and paper, and controlled by strings to perform folk tales, legends, etc. Shallow puppets are unique and interesting souvenirs for children.
Shopping in Sagaing is a fun and rewarding experience. Not only can you find unique souvenirs, but you can also support the local community by shopping at local arts and crafts stores.
Take time to explore the markets and shops in Sagaing and you're sure to find the perfect items to take home as souvenirs of your Myanmar package tour.
Dos and don'ts
Dos
- Wear modest clothing when visiting religious sites.
- Remove your shoes before entering the temple.
- Bring a hat and drink water when walking outdoors.
- Enjoy local cuisine
- Learn a few basic Burmese phrases to communicate with locals.
Don'ts
- Taking photos or filming in places with prohibited signs.
- Talk loudly or laugh on the temple grounds.
- Touch Buddha statues or religious relics.
- Bargain excessively when making purchases.
- Show affection in public
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