Mandalay and surrounding >>
Mandalay
Mandalay was founded in 1857 as the capital by King Mindon
and remained the capital city of the Konboung, Myanmar's last
dynasty. The Mandalay Palace boasts finely built palace walls
and a beautiful moat surrounding this fortress. Moreover,
Mandalay is not only an important city for Burmese culture, but
the principle centre for Buddhism studies in Myanmar. Mandalay's
monasteries and pagodas are of great religious significance to
all Myanmars. Recommended tour highlights include Buffalo Point,
marble carvers, gold leaf pressing, colorful Zeycho Market,
Shwenandaw Golden Palace Monastery, Kuthodaw Pagoda and Mandalay
Hill.
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Amarapura
Situated about 11 km south of Mandalay, Amarapura is an
ancient capital of the Konbaung Dynasty. Places of interest
include the Patodawgyi Pagoda, U Bein Bridge (1208 meters long),
silk and cotton weaving workshops and Maha Gandayon Monastery.
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Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo)
Pyin Oo Lwin, 1070 meters above sea level, is 67 km east from
Mandalay. It is best known as Maymyo, a former British colonial
summer retreat. The famous Candacraig Hotel, the Botanical
gardens and the Pyin Oo Lwin Market are popular sites.
Excursions to Pwe Kauk Falls, Peik Chin Myaung Cave and a ride
on a horse-drawn stagecoach through the town - Pyin Oo Lwin is
an easy day trip from Mandalay. Hiking trips to the nearby
Anisakan Falls can be arranged.
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Sagaing
The ancient capital of Sagaing lies 21 km southwest of
Mandalay on the west bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River. The Sagaing
Hills offer famous religious retreats where monks and nuns go
for study and meditation in over 400 monasteries. Nearby is
Ywataung Village known for its silver craftsmen.
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Monywa
Monywa, about 140 km to the west of Mandalay is a commercial
centre of the Chindwin Valley. Bodhi-ta-taung Pagoda (one
thousand Bo trees), a 300 foot long reclining Buddha, Kyauka
Shweguni Pagoda and lacquer ware village, Thanbodhyi Pagoda (
with over 500,000 Buddha images), and Shwe Ba Hill and the
famous caves of Po Win Daung across the river are major tourist
attractions. Monywa is about a 3 hour drive from Mandalay.
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Mingun
Mingun is 11 km upriver from Mandalay on the western bank of
the Ayeyarwaddy River. It is noted for the Mingun Paya, a huge
unfinished pagoda, Myatheindan Pagoda and a gigantic 90-ton bell
- the largest uncracked ringing bell in the world. The 45 minute
boat trip to Mingun is a very pleasant way to see the life along
the Ayeyarwaddy River.
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Ava (Inwa)
Ava lies 20 km south west of Mandalay. Founded by the Shan
King Thadominbya in 1364, it remained the royal capital for
almost 5 centuries. Visitors cross the river on a ferry and ride
around the sites of Ava in a horse-drawn pony cart. Highlights
include the Nanmyin Watchtower, Bagaya Teak wood Monastery, Maha
Aungmye Bonzan, Htilaingshin Paya and the workshop making
lacquer alms bowls for monks.
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