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.

........................................................................................................................................................................

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.

........................................................................................................................................................................

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.

........................................................................................................................................................................

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.

........................................................................................................................................................................

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.

........................................................................................................................................................................

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.

........................................................................................................................................................................

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.