Mandalay

The last capital of Myanmar Kings, is located in Central Myanmar, 668 km north of Yangon. Also known as Ratanabon - Naypyidaw (meaning Gem City), it was built in 1857 by King Mindon. Today, it is the second Largest city boasting its rich cultural heritage. It is also the commercial centre with rail, road, river and air links to all parts of the country. Only 1.5 hour flight form Yangon, it is served by a new international airport 50 km outside the city. The leisurely train or coach ride takes about 14 hours and 12 hours respectively. Mandalay is the place where one could get closet to the real Myanmar. Mandalay is also a Mecca for lovers of arts and crafts.

Tourist Attractions

Mahamuni Pagoda
It is the landmark of Mandalay. 4m-high seated image is cast in bronze completely covered the figure in a 15cm-thick layer of gold leaf by thousands of devout Buddhists over the years. King Bo Daw Paya brought the image from Rakhine State in 1784. Many devotees are present everyday visiting the pagoda. It is the must to visit while you are in Mandalay. Each morning at 4am, Yedaw Sayadaw and his accompany wash the Mahamuni’s face and even brush its teeth – an event well worth getting up early to see.

Mandalay Hill
Legend claims that Lord Buddha had made a prophecy that a great city would be arisen at the foot of Mandalay hill which rises to 230 meters. Half and hour climb up the steps brings you to the panoramic view over the palace, Mandalay and pagoda studded countryside. There is an elevator at the main entranced to save your walk.

Mandalay Palace
The palace was almost completely destroyed by fire during the World War II but the remaining-palace walls, city gates and the moat can still be seen. Models or replicas of the palace were built recently.

Kyauktawgyi Pagoda
Kyauktawgyi Pagoda (the Pagoda of the Great Marble Image), also built by King Mindon, stands at the foot of Mandalay Hill. Built in 1865, the pagoda is so called because it houses a large image of the Buddha sculpted from a single block of beautiful Sagyin marble.

Kuthodaw Pagoda
Known as the world’s biggest book for standing around the central stupa are 729 marble on which are inscribed the entire Tripitaka. Each slab is housed in its own individual small stupa. Built in 1859 by King Mindom. Those who wish to study Buddhism treatise completely there.

Atumashi Monastery
Not too far from the Kuthodaw Pagoda is the Atumashi Monastery (the Incomparable Monastery), built in 1878 by King Mindon, and partially destroyed by fire in 1890. It was however rebuilt in 1996.

Shwenandaw Monastery
Not too far from the Kuthodaw Pagoda is the Atumashi Monastery (the Incomparable Monastery), built in 1878 by King Mindon, and partially destroyed by fire in 1890. It was however rebuilt in 1996.

Art & Crafts
Myanmar arts and crafts are abundant in Mandalay and you can get some really good. There are many little shops selling gems, wood carving, stone curving and tapestries, silk and other crafts.

Mandalay’s Surroundings

Amarapura

Some 11km south of Mandalay is the town of Amarapura. It was the capital of Konbaung dynasty during the reign of King Bodawpaya when he moved its capital to Amarapura in 1783. Places of interest are Pahtodawgyi Pagoda. U Bein Bridge across the Taungthaman Lake, Kyauktawgyi Pagoda, Nagayon Pagoda, Mahagandayone Monastery and Cotton and Silk Weaving Cottage Industry.

Innwa (Ava)

Innwa lies at the confluence of the Ayeyarwaddy and the Dothtavati Rivers about 20 miles south west of Mandalay. The King Thadominbya founded the city in 1364 and it flourished for nearly three hundred years bringing forth its Myanmar culture and literature to the highest pitch. Nanmiynt Watch Tower, Maha Aung Myay Bonzan Monastery, Bagaya Wooden Monastery, Menu brick monastery and alms bowls and Lacquer ware Industry are the highlights of Innwa.

Sagaing

Once an ancient capital Sagaing lies 21 km south west of Mandalay, beside the Ayeyarwaddy River. The Sagaing Hills are dotted with pagodas and there are over 500 monasteries, a retreat for some 6000 monks and nuns. Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda, Kaung Hmudaw Pagoda (a copy of the Mahaceti Pagoda in Sri Lanka) and Ywahtaung (home of the silversmiths’ guilds) are places worth visiting.

Mingun

Mingun, located about 11 km upriver from Mandalay on the western banks of the Ayeyarwaddy River, is a town well-known for its 90 ton Mingun Bell, the largest ringing bell in the world; a mammoth unfinished Mingun Pagoda; Settawya Pagoda, and Hsibyume Pagoda.

Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo)

Over 1000 meters above sea-level, Pyin Oo Lwin is a popular hill-station about 69 km away from Mandalay. It is well-known for its colonial style houses with large compound and pine trees, eucalyptus and silver-oak abound in town. Delightfully cool and pleasant the whole year round, the 175 hectare National Kandawgyi Garden, Pwe Kauk and Anisakan Waterfalls, Goteik Viaduct and Peik Chin Myaung Caves are places of interest.

Monywa

About 136 km to the west of Mandalay is Monywa, the commercial centre of Chindwin Valley. Sites to see in Monywa are Thanbokde Pagoda with over 500,000 Buddha Images, Bodhi-ta-htaung (one thousand Bo Trees), Ledi Kyaungteik monastery where Buddhist scriptures are inscribed on 806 stone slabs and Kyauka Village known for its own style of lacquer ware.