Discover one of Mandalay’s best kept secrets: the sleepy town of Paleik. Visit the town’s main temple to join local devotees as they wash massive pythons, a bizarre daily ritual. Then explore remarkable jungle-covered ancient ruins and the charming rural villages for a glimpse of life in the countryside.
Programme Details
Today your tour will start at 08:00.
Travel south of Mandalay to Paleik, watching as the modern skyline of the city quickly disappears from view. Travel through fields and farms before turning off the main road into the town of Paleik.
Upon reaching Paleik, go first to the snake temple. Officially called Hmwe Paya, the site is famous, as its name suggests, for the massive pythons which live within the temple grounds as well as its statue which depicts Buddha surrounded by snakes. The locals believe this image brings good luck and, thus, they gather daily to wash the image and the actual live snakes. Watch this bizarre ceremony from a distance and step closer for a chance to touch the snakes.
After this unusual visit, continue to discover Paleik’s other sites. Wander through Ava-style temples that have been abandoned and covered by jungle, an atmospheric site that few tourists get to see. On the drive back to Mandalay, stop at some small villages for a short walk before returning to the city around midday.
You might also like...
Here is a selection of products that may also fit the needs of your client.
Become a partner-
You might also like...
Here is a selection of products that may also fit the needs of your client.
Become a partner -
-
-
-
Get in touch
Our sales team is on hand to ensure that the process of working with us is as smooth as possible. If you should have any questions, feel free to reach out to them.
Nick Ghosh
Global Director of SalesEXO Sales Team
Having spent much of his childhood between Southeast Asia and the UK, Nick has the passion and destination knowledge of a true local. After teaching English at Shanghai University in 2006, Nick returned to the UK to work for a top tour operator for ten years. Serving as a Southeast Asia Product Manager prior to joining EXO, Nick became our UK Sales Director in 2016 and since August 2018 our Global Sales Director based in the UK.
Lucas Arruda
Sales Manager, Latin AmericaEXO Sales Team
Hailing from Brazil, Lucas leverages a deep well of professional experience, destination knowledge and love of travel to his role as Sales Manager for Latin America. He initially joined EXO in our China offices, gaining a strong understanding of EXO services and products, which he brings to this new role.
Sophie Rowley
Sales Manager UK & IrelandEXO Sales Team
Sophie's passion for travel began when she was young, joining her parents for trips abroad. Captivated by the allure of new destinations and diverse cultures, she went on to pursue a degree in International Tourism and Hospitality Management. After a decade working for a renowned UK travel agent, she transitioned to her role as EXO’s Sales Manager for the UK & Ireland.
Pantanida Jantsakool Pitz
General Manager German MarketEXO Sales Team
Born in Bangkok, Pantanida began her career in the travel industry in the early 2000's. After travelling around Southeast Asia for a period of time, she moved to Ho Chi Minh City to help start up the German department for EXO Travel. She has been based in Germany since 2008, where she looks after our German-speaking clients.
Amanda Pilar
Sales Director - North AmericaEXO Sales Team
Amanda is a graduate in Hospitality and Tourism Management and calls Boston home. She first fell in love with Asia in 2012 then worked as a travel specialist creating bespoke luxury journeys to Asia for a leading US tour operator. Her passion to bring unforgettable travel experiences for all clients ensures she brings the best in terms of support for our trade partners in North America.
Kate Winslow
Sales Manager, North AmericaEXO Sales Team
Kate joined EXO Travel in 2023 as North American Sales Manager. With a history of extensive travel in Asia and a proven track record as a Virtuoso advisor, she enriches the travel planning process and promotes EXO's diverse destinations with a fresh perspective. Her passion for unique journeys is a boon for both EXO and our partners.
Nadine Jones
Sales Manager Australia and New ZealandEXO Sales Team
As a former Olympic-qualifying athlete and lifelong travel industry professional, Nadine combines a wealth of experience with a competitive mindset to deliver top shelf services to our partners in Australia and New Zealand.
Alice Lefebvre
Sales Manager - FranceEXO Sales Team
Alice caught the travel bug early, accompanying her parents on cultural and architectural trips as a young child. She went on to study tourism and work for a well-known tour operator before taking a solo trip across three continents. In 2017, Alice joined EXO Malaysia as Inbound & Product Manager and, in 2023, returned to Paris as Sales Manager to support EXO's partners in the French-speaking market.