Horse Carriage Riding in Myanmar

Before you go: since the 2021 military coup, parts of Myanmar have seen armed conflict, and the March 2025 earthquake centred near Mandalay and Sagaing damaged many temples and historic sites. Check your government’s latest travel advisory, and confirm current access to the places in this article with a local guide before you travel.

One of the historic places in Myanmar where you can ride a horse carriage

Inwa is located in the Mandalay Region, Myanmar. Inwa was the royal capital of successive Burmese kingdoms on and off from the 14^th to the 19^th centuries. When you are in Mandalay, it is well worth a visit for its ancient buildings, temples and pagodas, and for the horse carriage ride through the green countryside along the way.

In the green (rainy) season, you can see even more beautiful nature views.

1. Bagaya Kyaung

Bagaya Kyaung, built in 1834, is a teak monastery in Inwa and one of its most memorable sights. The monastery is made entirely of teak. It is supported by 267 teak posts, the largest is 60ft high and 9ft in circumference, creating a cool and dark prayer hall that feels genuinely aged.

2. Wingabar Ancient Pagoda

The Wingabar ancient pagoda compound, also in Inwa, is a beautiful collection of old pagodas surrounded by fresh, green countryside.

3. Yadanasemi Ancient Pagoda

This is one of the most beautiful places in Inwa. You can see amazing ancient architecture, take pictures with beautiful green views and enjoy the peace and fresh air.

4. Nanmyint Tower

It is the main surviving structure of the old Inwa Royal Palace, built in the early 19th century under King Bagyidaw. The masonry watchtower (Nanmyin in Burmese), about 27 meters high, leans noticeably after past earthquakes. It has long been a good photo spot with a view over the countryside.

5. MalNu Brick Monastery.

MalNu Brick Monastery (Maha Aung Mye Bonzan Monastery) is one of the good places to learn about Burmese monastery architecture during the Konbaung dynasty. The monastery is also known as the Brick Monastery it is a well-preserved building in ochre color. The very ornate structure is decorated with intricate stuccoed sculptures. MalNu Monastery is also one of the first brick monasteries of the Konbaung Dynasty. Note that the monastery was very badly damaged in the March 2025 earthquake, and other sites in Inwa were also affected, so ask a local guide what can currently be visited.

Find out more about Myanmar: Myanmar Facts: Know Before You Go · Five Must-See Places in Mandalay

Cover photo: Adam Jones, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons