Myanmar’s largest collection of pagodas and monasteries, lies amid the low, wooded hills on the opposite bank of the Ayeyarwady River at Sagaing. Connected by an extensive network of covered walkways, the monuments were all erected on the site of the first Burmese capital to be built in this region after the fall of Bagan in the early 14th century. Vehicles can drive to the summit of the highest hill, where the glittering Pun Nya Shin Pagoda affords spellbinding views over the gilded spires and river.

Time permitting, we always suggest TransIndus clients wind up their tour of Sagaing with a visit to the mighty Kaunghmudaw Pagoda, on the northern fringes of town. Although it is the largest of its kind in the country, hardly any foreigners seem to know about this huge dome-shaped stupa, which King Bodawpaya (of Mingun fame) built in the late 17th century.