Mandalay
Mandalay was founded in 1857 as the capital by King Mindon and
remained the capital city of the Konboung, Myanmar’s last
dynasty. Accordingly, it is the richest historical landmark next
to Bagan. The Mandalay Palace boasts finely built palace walls
and a beautiful moat surrounding this fortress. Moreover,
Mandalay is not only an important city for Myanmar 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,
brasses molding works, stone and marble carvers, gold leaf
pressing, tapestry workshop, cotton and silk textile weaving,
silver smith workshop, bamboo fan factory, colorful Zeycho
Market, Shwenandaw Golden Palace Monastery, Shwe In Bin
Monastery, Atumashi Kyaung, Kuthodaw Pagoda (the world’s largest
book) and Mandalay Hill. The Mahar Myat Muni Buddha Image is the
most revered Buddha image in Mandalay.
Amarapura
Situated about 11 km south of Mandalay, Amarapura is an ancient
capital of the Konbaung Dynasty. Places of interest include the
Patodawgyi Pagoda, silk and cotton weaving workshops and U Bein,
the world’s longest Teakwood Bridge (1208 meters long). Another
of Amarapura’s treasures is Maha Gandayon Monastery with more
than 1000 monks.
Inwa
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 Inwa in a horse-drawn pony cart. Highlights
include the Nanmyint Watchtower, Bagaya Teak wood Monastery,
Maha Aungmye Bonzan, Htilaingshin Paya and the workshop making
lacquer alms bowls for monks.
Kyaukme & Hsipaw
On the road to Lashio, Kyaukme and Hsipaw are neighboring towns
in the cool Shan valley. Both towns are very picturesque and
offer unique styles of Shan and Burmese architecture. The Bawgyo
Pagoda, Aungzedhi Monastery and the town markets are popular
sites to visit. Near these towns are the Shan paper making
workshops.
Lashio
Lashio is the trading centre for northern Shan State at the
beginning of the famous Burma Road leading into China. From
Mandalay you can reach Lashio by road in a day. Lashio has one
of the most colorful markets in Myanmar. Each morning Chinese,
Wa, Shan, Myanmar, Lisu and Palaung nationalities gather for
their daily shopping. It is a mountain town at 855 metres. Quan
Yin San Chinese Temple, hot springs and New Pyi Lon Chan Tha
Paya are among some of the places to visit.
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, Thanbodday 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.
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.
Mogok
Roughly 200 km north of Mandalay, Mogok is famous for its gem
mines of rubies and sapphires. The town is nestled in a valley
at over 1000 m around a large lake - the weather is cool. Mogok
means ‘ruby land’.
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.
Pyin U Lwin
Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo), 1070 metres 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 U 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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