Mandalay, famous for its gemstones, stunning temples and scenery, is a must on any visit to Myanmar. Now you can fly business class direct (all the way baby), so we thought we should check out this developing city, and give you the scoop.
Here are 6 things not to miss in Mandalay:
#1 – Mahagandar Monastery
It’s always quite surreal to visit a monastery, such a quiet and spiritual place. Witness daily life at Mahagandar monastery, and catch hundreds of monks lined up in colourful robes to collect their food for the day. You’ll certainly feel humbled by the experience.
#2 - U Bein Bridge
This is an impressive 200-year-old bridge that spans the Irrawaddy River for a massive 1.2km. Constructed with 984 teak posts, this is the longest teak bridge in the world, and is simply stunning at dusk or dawn.
#3 – The Ruins of Ava
Be prepared for a boat trip, followed by horse and cart ride to reach the ancient city of Ava, formerly the capital of Mynamar. This old southern city of the Mandalay region provides a glimpse of local rural life. Here there is an old wooden Bagaya Monastery, where monks and students still live and study in the remains of the Royal Palace and Fort.
#4 – Temples
This city is filled with temples (otherwise known as pagodas), but there are just three you really must see. The first is Kuthodaw, now a UNESCO site, which houses the world’s largest book – 729 pages of marble stone stabs of Buddhist scriptures. The second is Mahamuni Pagoda – which houses one of the country’s largest and most revered gold-covered Buddhas, which grows daily as visitors to the temple leave their mark. And the third is U Min Thone Sae on the stunning Sagaing Hill.
#5 – Local Markets
There is nothing quite like the colours, smells and sounds of a local market. Some not all good, of course. But it gives you a real sense of local life when you see mothers buying food, baby’s napping in baskets, women sewing, while old ladies nap amongst the hubbub.
#6 – Craft Workshops & Lacquer Stores
From mining gold and precious gems, to making lacquer ware and silk weaving – Mandalay’s craft is still the primary industry driving the city. Most workshops welcome tourists to come and learn about their crafts, of course with an exit through the gift shop. Tip: hire a guide for approx. USD$50 a day, and they can take you to the workshops and talk you through the impressive craftsmanship.
When to go: the best time to visit is Oct-April when it’s cooler, avoid May and June when it hits 40 degrees daily, and July-August when it’s crowded with European tourists.
Stay: We stayed at the Sedona Hotel, a 5-star hotel (with wifi!) that is clean, comfortable, and centrally located.
Tip: Hire a guide. We used Exotissimo Travel, who were professional, knowledgeable and spoke excellent English – absolutely worth every penny!
Thanks to Silkair for sponsoring our visit to Mandalay. From more travel inspiration on Myanmar, check out our Top Picks of Bagan, coming soon.