Mandalay
 Mandalay is the
second largest and
situated about 600
kilometers north of
Yangon. The
population is about
one million. It was
royal capital of
last monarchy of
Myanmar (Burma). It
enjoys the splendor
of the golden age
and still has
great importance as
a cultural center.
The palace was
constructed in 1857
in Myanmar
traditional
architectural
styled. The city was
destroyed in the
fierce fighting of
World War II,
including the Royal
Palace, which has
been reconstructed.
There are many
historical building
and interesting
sites.
Mandalay is famous
for not only its
high tradition and
culture but also for
handicrafts. A visit
to Mandalay can
discover hand-woven
embroidery in silk
and cotton, the
wonderful process of
making gold leaves,
bronze casting, wood
and stone carving
etc.
There are several
ancient cities
around Mandalay such
as Amarapura, Ava,
Sagaing (Sagaing
hill is covered with
many monasteries and
pagodas). Mingun,
here Kongboung
dynasty kings
established their
capitals
respectively, with
its unfinished
pagoda and the
world's largest
intact bronze bell.
Shwenandaw
Monastery
 This is one of
the important
attractions in the
town of Mandalay.
The monastery is
prominent for a
building, which has
been moved from the
ancient royal palace
area in 1880, after
King Mindon had died
inside it, which was
taken as a bad omen.
In 1880, the
building was turned
into a monastery. It
was reconstructed at
the present site in
1880 under the
orders of King
Thibaw. This
monastery is famous
for its incredible
woodcarvings
(consists mostly of
teak wood, is richly
ornamented with
carvings and hints
at the grandeur of
the ancient royal
palace) and is
reminiscent of old
Mandalay Palace.
Mahamuni Pagoda
 In 1784, Mahamuni
Pagoda is built to
be revered as the
holiest shrine by
King Bodawpaya. The
Buddha Image is
brought from Rakhine
State to house at
recent Pagoda. The
donor was King Canda
Suriya (Mon
religion),one of the
most illustrious of
Rakhine Kings. The
Image is said to
have been cast in
the life - time of
the Buddha and that
the Buddha embraced
it seven times
thereby bringing it
to life. In ever
early morning,
ritual of washing
the face of the
Buddha image draws a
daily crowd of
devotees.
Mandalay Hill
 Mandalay hill is
230 meters in
elevation and can
enjoy a spectacular
sight at sunset. The
legend says that
Buddha on his visit
had prophesied that
a great city would
be founded at its
foot. A magnificent
view of the city and
the surrounding
countryside would be
seen from Mandalay
Hill. And also,
small stupas and
monasteries half
hidden under the
thickly-clustered
trees can be seen
down the hillside.
Other interesting
places
- Arts and crafts
- Kuthodaw Pagoda
- Atu mashi
- Kyaut Taw Gyi
- Mandalay Zeygyo
Market
Pyin Oo Lwin
 It lies some 69
km, north of
Mandalay, at 1040
meters above sea
level and only one
and a half hour
drive from Mandalay.
The weather at Pyin
Oo Lwin (May Myo) is
pleasant and cool
the whole year. It
is surrounded by low
hills within an area
of approximately 30
square km. Coffee,
vegetables and
strawberries are
grown successfully
on the slopes of the
hills.
 Other interesting
places
- The Botanical
Garden
- The Chinese Temple
- Pwekauk Waterfall
- Peik-Chin-Hmyaung
Cave
- Buildings from
British colonial
time
Amarapura
 It lies on the
bank of mighty
Irrawaddy River and
situated about 11 km
south of Mandalay.
It was founded by
King Bodawpaya in
1783 and one of the
capitals of the
third Myanmar
Empire. It is famous
with the
longest Wooden
Bridge 1.2 km in Myanmar
which is built
totally with teak
two centuries ago.
It was named after
its donor U Bein and
built since 1782
with over 1700 huge
teak pillars. It
spans Taungthaman
Lake, near Amarapura,
with its farther end
at Kyauktawgyi
Pagoda.
 Other interesting
places
- Mahagandayone
Monastery
- Silk Weaving
Handlooms
- U Bein wooden
bridge on
Taungthaman Lake
Sagaing
 It lies on the
bank of Ayeyarwady
River and 21 km
south-west of
Mandalay. It is well
known for meditation
centers, 600
Buddhist pagodas,
temples and
monasteries. Myanmar
people from all over
the country visit
Sagaing for religious
purposes.
Innwa ( Ava )
 Innwa is one of
the memorable cities
as well as Royal
capital city (400
years ago) about 20
kilometers southwest
of Mandalay. Bargaya
teak monastery is
famous for its teak
pillars amounting to
267 in total are
still to be seen
today.
Mingun
 It's located in
12 km north of
Mandalay across
majestic Ayeyarwaddy
River. Mingun, here
Kongboung dynasty
kings established
their capitals
respectively, with
its unfinished
pagodas and the
world's second
largest ringing
bronze bell 90 tons
in weight.
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