Sagaing, Ava and Mingun
Three old capitals within sight of each other on one bend of the river.
Ask Our River AdvisorsThree Old Capitals Within Sight of Each Other
Before Mandalay was founded, the kings of Burma ruled from a string of capitals along this bend of the Irrawaddy: Sagaing on the west bank, Ava (Inwa) on an island-like site at the mouth of the Myitnge, and Amarapura to the south. Mingun, a few miles upstream, was the scene of a king’s unfinished attempt to build the world’s largest stupa. Together they made the opening or closing day of most Mandalay river cruises.
Where things stand (October 2026): the U.S. State Department rates Burma (Myanmar) Level 4: Do Not Travel — its highest level — citing civil unrest and armed conflict, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, poor medical care and land mines (U.S. State Department Burma travel advisory, issued May 8, 2026). The large U.S.-market river lines are not selling the Mandalay–Bagan run, and Pandaw’s Irrawaddy sailing calendar showed no Rangoon–Mandalay departures when we checked. This site explains the route so you know what it involves; please read the advisory before you plan anything.
Sagaing
Sagaing’s ridge of hills, dotted with white and gold pagodas and hundreds of monasteries and nunneries, is a center of Buddhist learning. Covered stairways lead up to viewpoints over the river and the bridges. It lies close to the epicenter of the March 28, 2025 earthquake and was among the worst-affected areas.
Ava (Inwa)
For several centuries Ava was the royal capital; its name became the old European name for the whole kingdom. Today it is a rural area of fields and ruins, explored by horse cart: a leaning watchtower, a brick monastery and a carved teak one. Visitors traditionally crossed by a small ferry from the Mandalay side.
Mingun
The unfinished pagoda
King Bodawpaya’s vast brick base, left incomplete in the early 19th century and cracked by an earthquake in 1839.
The Mingun Bell
A giant bronze bell cast for the pagoda, long described as one of the largest working bells in the world.
Hsinbyume Pagoda
A white pagoda built in tiers to represent the mythical Mount Meru.
Visiting the Old Capitals Responsibly
- Treat damage and repair sites with care; follow signs and guides on where it is safe to walk.
- Dress modestly for monasteries and nunneries in Sagaing and Ava, and remove shoes and socks at shrines.
- Hire horse carts and boats locally; it is how many families here earn a living.
River Town Questions
What happened to Ava (Inwa) in the 2025 earthquake?
The quake was centered near Sagaing, across the river. The old Ava Bridge, a 1930s road-and-rail bridge, collapsed into the Irrawaddy, and historic buildings in the area were damaged. Ask a local operator what can be visited.
How did cruise passengers reach Mingun?
By ship or a small local boat up the river from Mandalay. On many itineraries it was the first or last stop of the cruise.
Questions About the Mandalay Area?
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise keep up with river cruise news across Asia. Ask us what is sailing and we will send free quotes for the best options.
Ask Our River Advisors