Destinations: Yangon | Mandalay | Babagan | Inlay | Other Destinations

The last capital of the Myanmar kingdom, Mandalay not only offers wonderful sights to behold, but also has a number of nearby attractions, most historical and fascinating, all within a 3.2 kilometre radius - from cool hill resorts to nostalgic market places, from an ancient palace to a river ride up the famous "Road to Mandalay", the Ayeyarwady River, or a ride in unique trishaws or horse-drawn carts.

Some highlights:
 

Mandalay

Mandalay Hill

Mandalay Hill, 230 metres in elevation, commands a magnificent view of the city and surrounding countryside. The legend has it that the Buddha, on his visit had made a prophecy that a great city would be founded at the foot of this hill.

Mandalay Hill

Kuthodaw Pagoda

This pagoda was built by King Mindon in 1857. Within its premises may be found what is popularly known as "The World’s Largest Book" - the complete Buddhist Scriptures inscribed on 729 upright stone slabs surrounding the pagoda.

Kuthodaw Pagoda

Mandalay Palace

A golden city within a city, this was King Mindon’s centre of glory- a truly magnificent palace complex. However, it was tragically destroyed by allied bombing during World War Two. An exact replica of the old palace is now being built inside the walls. The finely built palace walls, surrounded by a moat, a delight for artists, architects, painters and photographers, is a sight to behold.

Mandalay Palace

Shwe Nandaw Kyaung

A masterpiece of woodcarving techniques, this wooden monastery is a reminder of King Mindon’s sleeping apartment in his palace complex. Best known for its fine and intricate woodcarvings, it is an outstanding example of traditional Myanmar wooden architecture.

Shwe Nandaw Kyaung

Golden Sights near MANDALAY

Amarapura

An ancient capital of the Myanmar Monarchy, 11 kilometres south of Mandalay, Amarapura’s attractions include the Patodawgyi Pagoda, U Bein’s Bridge and the silk weaving industry.

U Bein's Bridge

Sagaing

The lure of Sagaing, 21 kilometres south west of Mandalay, on the west bank of Ayeyarwady, is the Sagaing Hills - a spiritual recluse for Buddhist studies and meditation. The Kaunghmudaw - a gigantic dome-shaped pagoda and the Ywahtaung Village - work place of silver craftsman are other points of interest.

U Min Thonze Pagoda

lnwa

What is impressive about this historical capital is its fine Myanmar masonry, art and architecture, especially the outstanding Maha Aung Mye Bonzan Monastery.

Maha Aung Mye Bonzan Monastery

Mingun

The 11-kilometre boat ride up the famous Ayeyarwady river from Mandalay to Mingun promises a pleasant adventure. Boatmen in their gliding vessels on mirror-like waters, the lively chatter of womenfolk on floating platforms with their laundry, mighty boat-pullers, smiling carefree children and bamboo homes in green fields - all these sights make it a shutterbug’s dream voyage.

At the end of this picturesque trip, you will come face to face with the "World’s Biggest Ringing Bell" - The Mingun Bell. Another principal sight is the colossal ruined base of the Mingun pagoda- an unfinished work of King Bodawpaya, which if it had been completed, would have supported the largest pagoda in the world.

Mingun Bell

Pyin-Oo-Lwin

A timeless colonial serenity greets you as you enter Pyin-Oo-Lwin" scenic and cool highland 1,100 metres above sea level. Little seems to have changed since Kipling’s day. 60 kilometres north-east of Mandalay, this well-kept resort of beautiful Tudor architecture, nostalgic stagecoaches, happy market place and the fresh and lush bloom of colourful flowers, is worth a visit, Seeing is believing. Visit the spacious and verdant 142 hectares National Kandawgyi Gardens with its cherry blossom in December and January, and do not miss the nearby Pwekauk Waterfalls, the recently opened limestone grotto and an underground stream known as Peik-Chin Myaung.

National Kandawgyi Gardens