The island of Ava is a microcosm of all that is Burma, and I consider it an essential place for visitors to see!
There are many horse-drawn carriages waiting to pick up tourists as soon as they arrive on the island, and the prices they charge are high. If I had just one piece of advice to offer, it would be to be prepared to walk a few meters further, and haggle!
After crossing the banana plantations I discovered some magnificent monasteries and archaeological ruins, which I was able to wander around. There is also a temple built entirely from wood, serving as a school. Even at the height of the tourist season, when there are lots of people around, the atmosphere is calm and relaxing.
Although very touristy, the island of Ava is definitely worth an excursion when visiting Burma.
Ava is a fun outing if you're in the Mandalay region. The tour by horse-drawn carriage will take you through lush scenery to the leaning tower of Ava, as well as the Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery, Some people find negotiating the queues of horse-drawn carriages waiting at the entrance to Ava a bit of a bind. But it has to be said that the site is difficult to visit on your own without using a horse-drawn carriage.
What's more just visiting Ava doesn't do justice to the region. It's recommended you follow your visit to Ava with a trip to Amarapura, where you'll find the famous U Bein Bridge, the longest wooden bridge in the world. It's from here that you'll see the most amazing sunsets. You can also combine a trip to Ava with a tour of Mingun and Sagaing, two equally interesting sites.