Mandalay
From World travel guide
Mandalay is the second largest city (after Yangon), and former capital of Myanmar. The city is the economic and religious hub of upper Myanmar. The city is centred around the Royal Palace, and has wide lanes filled with bicycles and motorcycles. Mandalay is known for its millionaires, its monks (half of the country's monks reside in Mandalay and surrounding areas), and its cultural diversity.
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Get in
By plane
All air traffic to Mandalay arrives and departs at Mandalay International Airport. The airport has a very modern airport terminal (unlike that of Yangon!). Taxis are readily available at the airport. Do not allow porters to carry your luggage, because they will demand a tip. However, the airport is nearly 40 minutes from Mandalay's town centre. A modern road leads to the main highway, which enters the city.
By train
There is a railway linking Yangon to Mandalay, but trains should be avoided as they are crowded and noisy. In addition, lack of repairs makes it hazardous to travel by train.
Get around
Taxis are relatively inexpensive and are excellent for travelling around Mandalay.
Many sights willy are centred around Mandalay Hill, which makes foot-walking feasible in that area.
Do not ride bicycles or motorcycles, because doing so is extremely dangerous in the city.
See
Religious sites
- Maha Myat Muni Paya (Burmese: ma-ha myah mu-ni pei-ya) is Myanmar's second holiest pilrimage site. It is a 4-metre high Buddha statue, made of gold and decorated with precious jewels. The image was brought from Rakhine State, southeast of Mandalay.
- Shwe Kyi Myin Paya (Burmese: shui ji myin pei-ya) was built in the 1st century, by Prince Min Shin Saw.
- Sandamuni Paya (Burmese: san-da-mu-ni pei-ya), located at the foot of Mandalay Hill, is similar to Kuthodaw Paya, an adjacent site. Sandamuni contains the world's largest iron Buddha image.
- Kuthodaw Paya (Burmese: ku-tho-dau pei-ya) is site of the world's largest book, located at the foot of Mandalay Hill. Built by King Mingdon in the 1800s, 729 white stupas within the complex contain the complete text of the Tripitaka, Theravada Buddhism's most sacred text.
- Mandalay Hill (Burmese: man-da-lei thaonh) is a 230-metre hill located near Mandalay. Along its path are several monasteries and temples. At its top are famous pagodas and temples.
Miscellanious sites
- Royal Palace (Burmese: man-da-lei nan-dau) is a walled city within Mandalay. It was built in 1861 by King Mindon, to fulfill a prophecy. The palace, although destroyed in WWI, was renovated, and was renovated recently. The palace contains several pavillions and chambers. Those who enter from the "foreigners-only gate" should expect to fill out an extensive and probing form. However, to avoid such a form, use the "locals-only gate" (myao-pao) and pay bribes to the army officials there.
Do
Buy
- Zegyo Market (Burmese: zei-gyo) is a collection of bazaar street markets located near the city centre. Beware, because a bombing occurred at Zegyo in 2005.
Eat
- Shan cuisine is popular in Mandalay, because of a large Shan minority. Shan dishes usually include fermented pastes, vegetables, and meats.
- Muslim Chinese noodles (pronounced pan-THEI-kao-sweh) are famous in Mandalay and surrounding hills. Consisting of flat thin noodles mixed with an array of spices, chili, and chicken, they are delectable. Typically, noodle shops owned by Muslim Chinese (known locally as panthei, or "little flowers"), which are recognisable by bilingual Arabic and Chinese signs, sell this dish.
- Htou moun (pronounced to-moh) is a traditional Burmese dessert sold only in Mandalay. Two chains specialise in htou moun. Beware, it contains a lot of oil and is extremely sweet. It is gelatin-like in texture.
Drink
Sleep
Mandalay has several tourist-friendly accommodations. Many hotels face the Royal Palace.
Mid-range
- Sedona Mandalay, No. 1, Junction of 26th & 66th Street, [1]. A Singaporean-owned hotel built blending traditional Burmese and modern architecture that faces the Royal Palace and Mandalay Hill.
- Mandalay Hill Resort, No.9, Kwin (416.B), 10th Street, [2]. A 10-storeyed hotel located at the foot of Mandalay Hill, the hotel offers many modern amenities. However, it is located away from the city centre.
Stay safe
Mandalay is a haven for drug kingpins and is a main trading centre of illicit drugs. In 2005, an explosion occurred at Zegyo Market. Always be cautious, and attempt to keep a low-profile.
Get out
- Sagaing, located to the east, contains many Buddhist temples and monasteries, many of which are located on Sagaing Hill.
- Maymyo (also known as Pyin U Lwin) is a former British hill station, located in a lush alpine forest. The small town contains a variety of colonial relics, and is most famous for its Botanical Gardens (modelled after the Kew Gardens of England). Maymyo is also known for the Defence Services Academy, the top-ranked military academy in Myanmar.
- Amarapura (Pyi) is a city famous for its ancient sights.
- Mingun, known for the Mingun Bell (one of the largest bells in the world), is a boat ride from Mandalay.
External links
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