THE CENTRE OF MYANMAR CULTURE
Mandalay, the last capital of the Myanmar Kings,
is located in Central Myanmar, 668 km north of
Yangon. Also known as Ratanabon - Napyitaw
(meaning Gem City), it was built in 1857 by
King Mindon. Today, it is the third 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.
is located in Central Myanmar, 668 km north of
Yangon. Also known as Ratanabon - Napyitaw
(meaning Gem City), it was built in 1857 by
King Mindon. Today, it is the third 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.
HOW TO GET THERE
Manadalay International Airport is the gateway. Mandalay is only over an hour's flight from Yangon. Myanmar Airways, Yangon Airways, Air Bagan and Air Mandalay operate daily flights. By road, it takes about 12 hours by Express coaches; and about 14 hours by train.
WHERE TO STAY
Mandalay has a wide choice of accommodation from
international chain hotels to local hotels, and guest
houses for visitors to suit their taste and budget.
international chain hotels to local hotels, and guest
houses for visitors to suit their taste and budget.
WHAT TO SEE
Manadalay Hill
Mandalay Hill, 230 metres in elevation, commands
a magnificent view of the city and surrounding countryside.
The legend has it that the Buddha, on his visit, had made
a prophecy that a great city would be founded at the foot of
this hill.
a magnificent view of the city and surrounding countryside.
The legend has it that the Buddha, on his visit, had made
a prophecy that a great city would be founded at the foot of
this hill.
Kuthodaw Pagoda
King Mindon built this Pagoda in 1868, surrounding it
with 729 marble slabs inscribed with the Tipitaka text
(the Three Baskets of the Buddhist Pali canon). It is
often called the "World's Biggest Book".
with 729 marble slabs inscribed with the Tipitaka text
(the Three Baskets of the Buddhist Pali canon). It is
often called the "World's Biggest Book".
* Atu-ma-shi Monastery
Not too far from the Kuthodaw Pagoda is the Atu-mashi
Monastery (the Incomparable Monastery), built in 1878 by
King Mindon, and partially destroyed by fire in 1890.
It was rebuilt in 1996. * Kyauktawgyi Pagoda
Monastery (the Incomparable Monastery), built in 1878 by
King Mindon, and partially destroyed by fire in 1890.
It was rebuilt in 1996. * Kyauktawgyi Pagoda
Kyauktawgyi Pagoda (the Pagoda of the Great Marble
Image), also built by King Mindon, stand 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.
Image), also built by King Mindon, stand 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.
Other attractions are Sandamuni Pagoda,
Eindawya Pagoda, Shwe In Bin Monastery,
Mandalay Museum and Library, Zegyo Market
and Silk Weaving Cottage Industry.
Eindawya Pagoda, Shwe In Bin Monastery,
Mandalay Museum and Library, Zegyo Market
and Silk Weaving Cottage Industry.
* MANDALAY'S SURROUNDINGS *Amarapura
Some 11 km south of Mandalay is the town of Amarapura. It was the capital of Konbaung Dynasty during the regin 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.
In-wa (Ava)
In-wa is another ancient capital, known as the Kingdom of In-wa during the Second Myanmar Empire.
Today In-wa is a small town south of Amarapura. The sites to see in In-wa included Nanmyint Watch Tower, Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery, Bagaya Monastery, Lacquerware Industry and In-wa Bridge spanning the Ayeyarwaddy River. * 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 wellknown for its 90 ton Mingun Bell,
the largest ringing bell in the world; a mammoth
unfinished Mingun Pagoda; Settawya Pagoda,
and Hsinbyume Pagoda.
on the western banks of the Ayeyarwaddy River, is
a town wellknown for its 90 ton Mingun Bell,
the largest ringing bell in the world; a mammoth
unfinished Mingun Pagoda; Settawya Pagoda,
and Hsinbyume Pagoda.





