The last Kingdom of Myanmar

It is the last royal capital of the second last Myanmar monarchy; Mandalay is the second largest city in Myanmar and situated in the hot and dry central region of the country. With a population of 700,000, Mandalay is the cultural centre of Myanmar and it is surrounded by other ancient royal capitals like Sagaing, Ava (Inwa) and Amarapura, which are highly interesting sightseeing destinations due to their historical and religious importance – in ancient times as well as at present.

Mandalay is also known for its fine gold and silver crafts, wood and marble carving, silk thread weaving and ancient tapestry, marionettes and bronze casting. Besides handicrafts workshops, interest places are Zaycho Market, teak pavilion carved all over with motifs and mythical creatures was once entirely covered in thick gold inside and out; Shwenandaw Golden Palace Monastery, Kuthodaw Pagoda (also called the largest book in the world) built by King Mindon after the Fifth Buddhist Synod, where he entire Buddhist Canon in described on 729 marble stone slabs, and 230 meter high Mandalay Hill, famous for beautiful sunsets. Mandalay also houses the most revered Buddha statue in the whole of Myanmar, the Maha Myat Muni. Mandalay has excellent air, road and river connections to all parts of Myanmar and is the ideal base from which to explore the rest of Upper Myanmar.
Zone fees: US$10

How to get there

Mandalay International Airport is also the gateway to Myanmar. Air Mandalay operates directly flight from Chiang Mai to Mandalay. It is only over an hour's flight from Yangon. By road, it takes about 14 hours by Express coaches, or by train from Yangon. This newly built airport is 35km south of Mandalay; the country's second international airport has similar services and facilities to those available at Yangon International Airport.

Environs

Amarapura

Amarapura is situated about 11km south of Mandalay where founded by King Bodawpaya in 1783 as his new capital. Amarapura means City of Immortality.1.2 km long U Bein Teak Wooden Bridge built over the seasonal Taung Thaman Lake in 1786 with over 1700 discarded palace huge teak pillars which have stood firm for 150 years. Mahagandayone Buddhist Monastery which is the biggest Buddhist University in Upper Myanmar is the most interesting site in Amarapura. Day return visit to Mingun, Ava (Inwa) and Sagaing could be done around the Mandalay.


Mingun



Crossing with Sampan in majestic Ayeyarwaddy River to Mingun takes 1 hour for up-river and 40 minutes for down-river. A boat trip to Mingun is pleasant with plenty of life on the river to see. It is situated approximately 12 km north of Mandalay. Mingun today hosts the world second largest ringing Bell of 90 tons in weight and unfinished pagoda to go with it. Mingun Pagoda was dedicated to be the world largest monument however which today stood uncompleted and is like to be the world largest brick pile.
Entrance fees: US$3


Ava (Inwa)

It was the capital of Burmese Kingdom for nearly 400 years. It is located across Myitnage River about 20 km southwest.  All the major buildings, which are undamaged during the earthquake of 1838, had been transferred first to Amarapura and then to Mandalay however the 88 feet high watchtower known as the “leaning tower of Ava" and Bargaya teak monastery and monastic school for the village children, is famous for its teak pillars amounting to 267 in total is still to be seen today. Visitors cross the river on a ferryboat and ride around the sites of Ava in a horse-drawn cart can give the pleasant experience of wandering in olden days.
Entrance fees: US$3


Sagaing


Sagaing located in 21 km south-west of Mandalay on the west bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River. Today, Sagaing is the capital of Sagaing Division and known as a meditation centre. The Sagaing Hills offer famous religious retreats where monks and nuns and lay people go for study and meditation in over 400 monasteries. Nearby is Ywataung village known for its silver craftsmen.
Entrance Fees: US$3


Pyin Oo Lwin

This one-time British hill town hideaway, 1070 meters above sea level, is 67 km east from Mandalay. It is best known as Maymyo, a former British colonial summer retreat, is about two hours drive from Mandalay, present cool weather, eclectic architecture and stagecoaches. The famous Candacraig Hotel, the Kandawgyi Botanical garden the garden, founded back in 1915, is home to a large variety of trees and flowers from Myanmar and abroad as well as numerous birds, the National Landmark Garden and the Pyin U Lwin Market are popular sites. The visit of Pwe Kauk Falls, Peik Chin Myaung Cave which houses many Buddha images and by a ride on a horse-drawn stagecoach through the town can be enjoyed. Pyin Oo Lwin is an easy day trip from Mandalay. Hiking trips to the nearby Anisakan and Dattawchaint Water Falls can be arranged. There are choices of tourist grade accommodations in Pyin Oo Lwin. The train through Gokhteik Viaduct will give you exotic journey.
Entrance fees (National Botanical Garden): US$5