We started with a 1h private cruise to Mingun on the almost 1km wide Irrawaddy river. In the middle of the river are sandbanks that host small villages that become completely flooded during the rainy season. In Mingun we visited the huge brick Mingun Pathodawqyi and Mingun Bell (90 tons). Visit to the beautiful white Hsinbyume Pagoda. Back to Mandalay by boat. Visit to Mahamuni Pagoda and the gold craftsmen. Continue to the teak Shwenandaw Monastry, only remaining building from the 19th century Royal Palace. Visit to Kuthodaw Pagoda, "World's Biggest Book" because of the 729 marble stone slabs of Buddhist scriptures.