Mandalay Travel Essentials
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Ideal duration: 2-3 Days
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"The Cultural & Pilgrimage Centre of Myanmar"
Mandalay Tourism
Mandalay is a city located on the banks of the Irrawaddy(Ayeyarwady) River in Central Myanmar. It is the second-largest city in the country after Yangon. Most people expect an old Burma when it comes to Mandalay, but end up getting welcomed by sprawling buildings, wide roads filled with motorcycles and cars, pagodas with towering stupas, shopping complexes, tea houses and many lovely buzzing markets.
Spread around the foot of Mandalay Hill, Mandalay functioned as a royal capital of Ava kingdom for a few decades. The magnificent Royal Palace and Atumashi pagoda are some of the monuments of this period, which were reconstructed by the British. Mandalay is famous for trade, the centre of Burmese culture and Buddhist learning.
The city is popular among tourists for life across the Irrawaddy, plenty of ancient Buddhist pagodas which speak of the rich Burmese culture revolving around Buddhism. The boat cruises from Mandalay to Bagan and Inle and are quite famous for the scenic journey which spans for multiple days on the river.
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History of Mandalay
The city functioned as the royal capital and centre of administration for more than 25 years until the annexation by the British Empire, during which the last King Thibaw Min and his Queen Supayalat were sent into exile. The British established their capital in Yangon, and Mandalay became the centre for commerce and culture. It was considered as the centre for Buddhist learning in Burma.
The British looted the wealth from the Royal Palace and renovated it to function as a fort. Mandalay suffered extensively during WWII when the Japanese tried conquering Burma, which resulted in substantial loss. Mandalay became a part of independent Myanmar in 1948. It continues to be a centre for trade and commerce, and the rise in the number of Chinese has increased its position with the republic.
Tips
- The boat cruises in Mandalay river comes in different types - short sunset or sunrise trips in groups or private guided tours and the multiple days' boat trips from Mandalay to other cities. It is best to book them once in your in the city for better prices. Check with local operators and hotels to compare quotations before making a booking.
- Although Mandalay hill can be explored within a few hours, it is recommended to keep more than half-a-day as there are many sites.
- There are many bicycle group tours, especially to U-bein bridge, which is recommended if you enjoy outdoor sports.
- There are plenty of options for accommodation in the city, but most hotels don't allow early check-in unless you are willing to pay extra, which is usually a day's price. So plan your arrival accordingly.
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