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.