destination >> Mandalay and Environment

MANDALAY

Mandalay, Myanmar's second largest City, is located in Central Myanmar 668 kilometers north of Yangon. It was built in 1857 by king Mindon and also stood as the old royal capital of kings for centuries before Mandalay. Having been the last capital of Myanmar kings, Mandalay has remained till the present time the centre of Myanmar culture and traditional arts and crafts. It is the place where the Theravada Buddhist religion shines brightest, with the largest number of Buddhist monks studying Buddhist scriptures and practicing the Buddhism. Now it is a new trade centre easily accessible by rail, road, river and air. And with the number of monuments relating to Buddhism, Mandalay is the centre of Buddhism studies in Myanmar. It is an important economic center rich in cultural and historical monuments, pagodas, art galleries. Places of interest are Mandalay Hill, Royal Palace, Moat and Wall, Mahamuni Buddha Image, Golden Palace Monastery, Kyauktawgyi Pagoda, Kuthodaw Pagoda, Atumashi Monastery and Shwenandaw Monastery.
Offering panoramic views of Mandalay city and its environment, Mandalay Hill is extremely popular with guests as the best place to observe the bustling city and to watch the panoramic sunset view.

Side trip: Out of Mandalay, many other places worth visiting include Mingun, Innwa, Amarapura, Sagaing, Pyin Oo Lwin (hill station) and Monywa. You can take a boat ride excursion to Bagan from Mandalay, enjoying the astounding natural beauty of the Ayeyarwaddy river.
 

MINGUN

An hour boat excursion up river from Mandalay is the vast picturesque ruin of the King Bodawpaya's unfinished Pagoda considered to be the world largest one if finished. It is one of the most visited in Mandalay and well known for its Mingun Bell cast in 1790 AD, weighing 90 tons, the largest ringing bell in the world. In front of the Pagoda you will see some remains of the colossal huge brick lions facing the river. Hsibyume Pagoda is also worth a visit. The boat excursion to Mingun provides you an excellent chance to take a sunbath on the boat, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Ayeyarwaddy River. Mingun is fine for a half-day excursion.

INNWA (Ava)

Innwa, situated 20 km southwest of Mandalay, is easily accessible by road from Mandalay. Being an ancient capital of Myanmar Kings during 1364 to 1841, it is one of the tourist attractions in Mandalay. The cultural remains of ancient and medieval times give this place a special charm. Places of interest to the tourists are Bagaya Monastery, Nanmyint Watch Tower, Maha Aung Mye Bonzan Monastery, Innwa (Ava) Bridge spanning the river Ayeyarwadday. Reaching Innwa, do not fail to visit Bagaya Monastery because the monastery is considered as the museum of Myanmar culture heritage representing splendid ancient architectural and wooden relief which is rarely found in the other monasteries.
Note: Sightseeing is done by horse-cart due to the road condition, but a fascinating way to cover Innwa.

AMARAPURA

Amarapura, an ancient capital founded by king Bodawpaya in 1783, is about 11 km south of Mandalay. It is noted for its silk and cotton weaving and bronze casting. Places worth visiting are U Beun Bridge, Kyauktawgyi Pagoda, Mahagandayone Monastery, Cotton and Silk weaving industries.

U Bein Bridge

It is a remarkable world's longest teak bridge (1.2 km / ¾ mile long) spanning the Lake Taungthaman. It was built in 1784 by the town's Mayor U Bein. It is really worthwhile experience to walk over it and offers some of the exciting scenic splendors of the lake. It is also the best place to watch the panoramic sunset view.

SAGAING

Sagaing, once an ancient capital, is situated 21 km south-west of Mandalay and on the west bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River. Places of interest are Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda, Kaug Hmudaw Pagoda, Sagaing Hill and Ywataung village.

SAGAING HILLS

Sagaing Hills are considered being a centre of the Buddhist faith. It is also a seat of Buddhism for those who take shelter under Buddhist faith and meditation after having been tired of daily life. The most distinguish feature is Sagaing hills dotted with over 500 monasteries, numerous temples, stupas and caves. Sagaing hill will give you an excellent chance to enjoy the scenic beauty of the landscape and also offers an opportunity to see the real Buddhist monastic life.

PYIN OO LWIN (May Myo)

Situated over 1000 meters above sea-level, Pyin Oo Lwin is a popular hill station about 69 km away from Mandalay, accessible by car and train. The climate of Pyin Oo Lwin being so fine the whole year around, British government designated it as the summer seat of government during the British colonial time in Myanmar. Up to present time, Pyin Oo Lwin as a summer resort or a hill station attracting large number of not only local visitors but also tourists during the hot season. Brightly painted miniature coaches drawn by horses make Pyin Oo Lwin unique. There are other places of interest in its vicinity are Peik Chin Myaung Cave with Buddha image in it, Pwe Kauk Waterfall and Ani-sakan Waterfall. In addition, the Royal Lake adoring the Botanical Garden with colorful flowers booming at all time. Being the loveliest town, it is a very pleasant unforgettable and refreshing experience to all tourists.

Side Trip: While in Pyin Oo Lwin you can make a short excursion to Goteik Viaduct, the second highest viaduct in the world.

MONYWA

About a four hour drive by road from Mandalay is Monywa. It is noted for its Po Win Taung Cave in which Buddha statues and mural paintings dating back to the 17th – 18th century are housed. Other places of interest are Thanboddhay Pagoda and Alongdawkathapha National Park covered with forests teeming with wild animals.