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Mandalay
Mandalay (Yadanabon) is the second largest city of Myanmar, the royal capital of the last monarchy Myanmar and lies in the heartland of Myanmar 620 Km north of Yangon. Mandalay was founded in 1857 as the capital by King Mindon and remained the capital city of the Konboung. Mandalay is full with Myanmar's politeness, artistry and religion. There are gold and silver crafts, wood and marble carving, silk weaving and ancient tapestry. And also have peerless gold leaf making, hand-weaving of silk and cotton, wood and stone carving and bronze casting, ancient tapestry and also traditional dance. The way you can see the river jetty at Mandalay is abundant with small boat through up and down the river, bamboo rafts and cargo boats with huge logs from the teak forests upriver. Mandalay international airport is the gateway to Mandalay and its takes around one and half hour flight from Yangon. Or, 14 hours by express coaches and about 14 hours by train from Yangon.
Tour Sightseeing is included Mandalay Hill, Mandalay Palace, Mahamuni Pagoda, Kuthodaw Pagoda, Zeycho Market, Shwenandaw Golden Palace Monastery and handicraft work shop. There have many ancient capitals environment of Mandalay such as Amarapura, Sagaing, Ava, Mingun where Kongboung dynasty kings established their capitals respectively.
How to get to Mandalay?
You can travel with flight from Yangon Airport, Bagan Airport, Heho Airport respectively. Daily operate during the tour season from October to May. Approximately it will take Yangon to Mandalay: one and half hour, Bagan to Mandalay: one and half hour and Heho to Mandalay : 45 minutes (it can be change depend on weather). And also you can uses by river route and railway. The private express coaches are also operate throughout Yangon – Mandalay highway, it take about 14 hours. On the way, you can be green and lush view on board. If you like to travel, please check detail with our company.
Where to Visit?
Mandalay Vicinity
Where to Stay?
Hotels in Mandalay
Where to Eat ?
Restaurants in Mandalay
Mandalay Palace
King Mindon, the second last king of Myanmar convert his capital from Amarapura to Mandalay in 1861, and the site was selected by prophecy and astrological nudge. It becomes know as the Golden Palace although it was built of teak wood on brick platform, albeit affluent person with gold and vermillion. It was built in 1857 and the whole glorious palace compound was destroyed by fire during the World War II. But you can see the city gates and moat at present. The reflection of Mandalay in the eastern moat was a beautiful scene. The moat was filled by water from a muddy canal by surprisingly the reddish water. You can be seen at the Mandalay Palace (Mya-nan-san-kyaw Shwenandaw) the small archetype, Nanmyinsaung, Cultural Museum and Pyi-gyi-mon floating restaurant in the moat inside the palace grounds.
Mahamuni Pagoda
In 1784, King Bodawpaya brought the holiest Mahamuni image from Rakhine state and brought to the royal capital at Amarapura, Mandalay. It is the landmark of Mandalay where hundreds of Buddhist is praying, in most of the time, in front of a venerable bronze statue of Buddha image whose height is 1.5 meters, placed on the 4m-high golden throne, which is thickly covered by 15cm layers of gold leaves by thousands of devout Buddhists over the years, except the face. Each morning at 4 am, Yedaw Sayadaw and his accompany wash the Mahamuni’s face and even brush the teeth – an event well worth getting up early to see. Unique ceremonial scene of wash for Buddha statue, at every dawn, lead by venerable monks and attending many laic disciples, is a record of graceful time. And the image is also considered as the greatest, next to Shwedagon Pagoda, in Myanmar. A visit to Mandalay is incomplete without a visit to Maha Muni Pagoda.
Kuthodaw Pagoda
Kuthodaw Pagoda is also called for Maha Lawka Marazein Paya, and also knows as for "World's Largest Book". The pagoda is located at the southeastern foundation of Mandalay Hill. At the center of the temple is the 100 foot high golden Maha Lawka Marazein Pagoda. It was built by King Mindon in 1857; the most interesting sign of the temple is the 729 smaller pagodas that besiege at the central shrine. In each of 729 stupa, total of 729 marble slabs (Largest Book in the world) inscribed the Tipitaka which is the complete Buddhist scriptures in pali script.
Mandalay Hill
The realistic prominent of Mandalay and surrounding rural, this is good vantage point for Mandalay magnificent view from 236 meter elevations top of the hill and can enjoy a spectacular sight of sunset. One can have a panoramic view of the city including the royal moat and the palace. You can be ascend easy and rest with use by the covered passage. The natural landmark of Mandalay, the hill has for long been a holy mount and legend has it that the Buddha on His visit had made a prophecy that a great city would be founded at its foot.
In Myanmar, we have one of classical song "If you want to live with longevity, Stay near to shape of Mandalay Hill). Meaning, it is good for health when climb foot and top of Mandalay Hill. It takes be long for half an hour climb up steps by steps with good view point to arrive at the top of hill. And also, small stupas and monasteries half hidden under the thickly-clustered trees can be seen down the hillside. But, now we can use car road to arrive at the hill-top from bottom. It is an enjoyable climbs, with be abundant of places to stop for a rest. There is an elevator at the main entrance to save your walk.
Shwe Nan Daw Monastery
This is a monastery of great interest for Mandalay not only a traditional Burmese wooden monastery, but also easy to remind about the old Mandalay palace. It was once a part of the palace compound when King Mindon was in charge and used as his sleeping apartment.
King Thibaw Min turned it into a monastery in 1880, which turned out a great deed that he did as all the other royal buildings were lost to WWII bombs. King Thibaw normally meditates in this Monastery. The whole building is covered with carved panels, but unfortunately a great number of the exterior panels have weathered badly and some have been removed. Inside, however luckily, the carved panels are still in good condition, especially the 10 Jataka that state the past-life stories of the Buddha.
Kyaut Taw Gyi Pagoda
Kyauktawgyi Pagoda is the Great Marble Buddha Image in Myanmar. The Kyauktawgyi Pagoda was built by King Mindon in 1853 on the model of the Ananda Temple at Bagan. It closely resembles the Ananda in exterior form but it falls short of the latter in construction and interior decoration. The pagoda was completed during 1878.CUnlike the Ananda, which has perfect vaulted roofs; the Kyauktawgyi has wooden rafters and beams, which account for the weakness of the structure. There is one principal image carved out of a single block of Sagyin marble. The great stone was taken from Sagyin quarry about twelve miles north of Mandalay city. It was known to have taken about 12,000 men to carry the stone from Sagyin along the Ayeyarwaddy River and to the place where the stone was carved out into the Buddha Image.
Shwe Inn Bin Monastery.
The monastery is one of the attraction points for Mandalay; it was built in ritual Burmese style at the southwest angle of Mandalay City. At the monastery, you can see the many esteem wood carvings and also contains a number of enchanting works of arts. In 1895, Chinese merchants constructed for this monastery. At the moment, 35 monks are lived in the monastery compound.
A Tu Ma Shi Monastery
At beside of Shwe Nandaw Kyaung is the rebuilt monastery known as "Unrivalled Royal Monastery". Atumashi Kyaung, completed in 1878. Inception builder is King Mindon (1853-1979. In 1890 the monastery caught fire and, together with its contents which included four complete sets of the Tripitaka in teak boxes was completely gutted. A famous Buddha image, with an enormous diamond set in its forehead, was the glory of the Kyaung, but it was stolen during the British takeover of Mandalay in 1885. This Kyaung was once described by European visitors as one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Mandalay.
San Da Mu Ni Pagoda
Located at the southwest of Mandalay Hill, this compound of bunch white washed Stupas was built over the site of King Mindon's temporary palace. In addition, this is the spot where the King's younger brother, Prince Kanaung had been assassinated, and to commemorate this sad event, this Stupa was built.
Arts and Crafts
One of Myanmar arts and crafts is riot masterpieces in Mandalay and famous for souvenir. Myanmar tapestry work is beginning during the time of King Alaungpaya in 18th century. At that time it was very knock-about done, and some historians assured that better workmanship was introduced during this son's region when Thai convicts of war were brought to the new capital of Ava. Visitors can be seen Embroidery work (the tapestry is widely use as embellishments like wall-hangings, Marionettes, traditional Myanmar costumes for dance performers, royal dresses which are to be used in special event), Gold Leaf making, Silk weaving, Wood carving.
Pyin Oo Lwin
Pyin Oo lwin is situated at the East of Mandalay and Mandalay-Lashio main road. About 2 hours drive from Mandalay to Pyin Oo lwin and 42 miles distance. Pyin Oo lwin is well-known as Maymyo. Pyin Oo lwin is hilly town and lies on Shan Highland. It is high 3510 feet above the sea level. Pyin Oo lwin is the famous with colonial style housing, Pine trees and natural beauty of the town. The weather of this town is very cool and charming in the whole year. It is one of the most famous hill station town and 69 km away from Mandalay.
The visiting places of this town is the main market around that can find household wares, farming utensils, dried food, then the main food markets, sweater Shops and traditional Shan food shops. The centre of the town, the visitors can see the old clock tower (the Purcell tower) a present from Queen Victoria. The horse-cart is used for transportation since the ancient times. The others interesting things are old buildings which were build during the British era and sweater knitting workshops.
Pyin Oo lwin is the one of the most attraction and favorite place for nature lovers. The night-long shops are opened around the city. In December to March, the Strawberries are the main products to import. Along the hills’ slope can see coffee trees, strawberries and pine-apples plantation fields.
There are many numerous of small and old fashioned street containing workshops, tea shops, snacks shops are on the way of Mandalay-Lashio main road. Pyin Oo Lwin is the best of wine product and jams. Nowadays, Pyin Oo lwin is the economic city in Myanmar. Flower and Vegetable are well grow in this town like chrysanthemum, aster, gladiolus is the most imported flowers to others towns and cities.
History
The King Alaung Paya started to settle down in this place and later, the King Mindon Min was works there for the formation of large lake to supply for his capital with water but it never completed. In early 1900s, the Myanmar’s Government moved to Pyin Oo Lwin because of the weather heat from Rangoon. Actually the original Government house from Rangoon was constructed in 1903, but it was completely destroyed in 1943. Many houses, shops, churches remained at that time. But for now, the Government house has now been built as the famous high class hotel. The Government also planned to build Pyin Oo Lwin Museum in near future. The plan of original town was changed. In Pyin Oo Lwin has so many horse riding trails the visitors can ride from out of the town into the countryside. This transportation services were well used from early 1940s. The visitors can see these horse trails at the well populated areas.
How to get there
From Yangon to Mandalay takes about one hour flight. The Mandaly from Pyin Oo Lwin is 42 miles distance and it takes about two hours drive. The railroad of Mandalay to Pyin Oo lwin is being used today. Journey by train to Pyin Oo lwin on the way you can see the beautiful natural scenery, the Gokteik Viaduct, so windy road by climbing up on the slops of the Shan Plateau.
The Pyin Oo lwin airport is built at Anisakhan in (2005), the nearest point with connection to Yangon, Taunggyi, lashio and other city.
Where to Visit?
Pyin Oo Lwin Vicinity
Where to Stay?
Hotels in Pyin Oo Lwin
Where to Eat ?
Restaurants in Pyin Oo Lwin
Churches
There are many church around the city, but there are two or three having importance and historical site. These historical sites are “all saints’ Anglican Church”, “the sacred heart church”, the church of the Immaculate Conception.
All saints’ Anglican Church
All saints’ Anglican Church is Built in 1912 this was the first official Government Church, and has recently renewed many of its ties with historical Maymyo.
Trekking
Pyin Oo lwin is the coolest trekking tours in Myanmar and visitors also like the cultural and traditions. Visitors can be seen in countryside, agricultural methods and traditional cottage while trekking around in Pyin Oo Lwin.
Botanical Garden
Mr.Roger is founded by the botanical garden in 1915-1916 years, there are collected with local plants, trees and cultivating on 32 acres of land at present sites. Nowadays (Botanical garden) the name change National Kandawgyi garden, they have 437 acres areas. There are nearest to the National Landmarks garden and Orchid garden. Kandawgyi garden is a famous place, wonderful park the visitors can see the landscapes, the forestlands, flowerbeds, whispered pine forest, eucalyptus and flower galore. The National Kandawgyi is an exact copy of landmarks both building and natural views from each state. Overlooking the Nanmyint tower can see the whole Kandawgyi garden, it is very beautiful view of landmarks and very unique up hill town in Myanmar.
Pwe-Kauk Water-fall (BE Fall)
It is situated far about 5 miles from northeast of Pyin Oo lwin town. Pwe Kauk water-fall is the most attractive and one of the oldest places in the town. The Place is very pleasant beautiful scenery, beautiful wild flower and Imaginative plantations in the gardens. Pwe-Kauk water-fall is not far from the Maha Anthtookantha Pagoda. It is about 8km away from town. “Pyae lone chan thar pagoda” is a mysterious pagoda, which enriched wonderful Buddha image and it was built a few years ago. Visitors can enjoy at the waterfall and pray to the Buddha so can do two intentions in one place.
PeikChin-Myaung Pagoda (Maha Nandamu Cave)
Peikchin Myanung Pagoda is located 12 miles northeast of Pyin Oo Lwin and near the Wetwun village. Peikchin-Myaung cave is one of the tourists attraction place and the cave’s entrance is into the ravine and many beautiful springs. Inside the cave, the visitors can be seen natural limestone, some dramatic cascades of stalactites with numerous Buddha image carved by devotees and the cave history is estimates to be 230 million and 310 million years old form the formation of limestone and hillocks. Another name of the cave is Maha Nandamu cave. Around the cave some local shops are sold their products like wine, jams (which is making with fresh fruits) and dried meat. This waterfall is always crowded with visitors.
Maha Anthtookanthar pagoda
The mountain top town (Pyin Oo Lwin) has many famous pagodas. Most of the pagodas are well maintained by the government. The “Maha Anthoo Kantha” pagoda from Pyin Oo Lwin have historical worth and opponent with others famous pagodas from Myanmar. This pagoda is not intended to build in Pyin Oo Lwin. The three marble Buddha image was made in Mandalay and planed to transport to China. During the way to China the Buddha image was fell from the lorry and cannot lift from that place. Any lifting machine cannot reload that Buddha Image. Thus why the Buddha Image was left at that place and a Buddhist monk decided he wants to try and he sat 1 week in front of that Buddha Image and preached to the locals about the Buddha’s teachings. One week later, unbelievable, the huge Buddha Image was easily lifted and placed in its current locations. The people build a building to place that Buddha Image thus why this pagoda is located to the china border towns of Lashio and Muse road.
Dattaw Gyaint
Dattaw Gyaint water-falls is situated about 6 miles from south of Pyin Oo Lwin, near the village of Anesakhan. Nowadays, the new Anesakhan Airport is there and nearby Yatanarpon cyber city. The spectacular Dattaw Gyaint Waterfall’s bottom is about 50 minutes and 90minutes up the falls. Dattaw Gyaint is the most attractive and very peaceful place in Myanmar.
Other Intresting Places
Cane (Hnee) Pagoda
Chinese Temple
Kyaukse
Kyauk Se is the small town and placed on the Zawgyi River in Mandalay region (the central Myanmar). It is far 25 miles (40 km) to the south of Mandalay. Yeywa Dam also situated at the near of Kyauk Se township. The town has a large shopping centre Aye Mya Kyi Lin market. The turmeric, mango and onions are very popular products of Kyauk Se Township. The Kyauk Se town is running to the south of Mandalay along the Shan Plateau. This town area is located at the middle of the Myanmar country’s dry zone but used up from Panlaung and Zawgyi River. These are the ancient canal system thus why peoples settled down near this area. This canal is constructed by King Anawrahta in 11th century. This is the huge historic project of the Myanmar King. Under the British era the canal was reconstructed and expended.
In the history, the Burmese peoples settled down in Kyauk Se area about 800 in 13th century as the first home. Kyauk Se has the Education College, Technological University and Kyauk Se University. The ancient pagodas and old cities are still remained in Kyauk Se Township. The Shwe Tha Lyaung pagoda is very famous between pilgrimages. This pagoda was built by King Anawrahta in (1044-1077).
The most tourists’ attractions are the Kyauk Se’s elephant dancing festival. This festival is very fantastic and wonderful performance. A huge elephant figure which is made with bamboo paper, colorful painted and decorated with gold foils and gems. The two men take place inside of this elephant figure and dance in rhythm. During dancing, the others also playing Drums, Dobats and cymbals (Myanmar instruments). The dancer of elephant figure, turn 3 times like circular shape, to pray the Shwe Tha Lyaung pagoda. The figure dancers required to dance with rhythm and timing to maintain the elephant figure. The person from nearby area come to Kyauk Se to see elephant dancing festival. This festival is held during October full moon day. This elephant dancing festival is celebrated since ancient times until now. The native peoples are hanging over the festival from generation to generation. The elephant figure, which is making with bamboo paper, with unique design and it’s included in the list of ten noble arts in Burma.
Mogok (Ruby Land)
Mogok is known as ruby-land because the town produces not only rubies but also other precious gems. The town is situated about 118 km north-east of Mandalay. It is told that in the 6th century, the Italian merchant Ludovico de Varthema, purchased 200 rubies (paid with some coral) after seeing the gems shining at moonlight. Mining of the gems and selling of the precious are major business in Mogok. The private gems traders are open shop in Mogok and the place of gems trading place was called “Hta Pwe for sale of the gems”. The dealers in Mogok usually take good and fine light of gems and stones.
There has three of gem’s quality. First, they see gems and stones in the sunlight. And differentiate the stone color of “soft” , “strong” and “normal”. The gems dealer are choose if the gems or stone color is “normal”. The dealing place is open twice a day Morning and Evening while they trading rubies, sapphire, balas rubies and another multi-colored stones after paying tax on their stones of reasonable prices. Some are give high price who are experts in selection stones or valuable stones. The Mogok gems market is very lovely and noble. There is nobody sold imitated gems at the market and they make tender service. We invite you to visit Mogoke where you will experience gems dealing at "Hta Pwe or gem markets" where you can also study the traditional customs of the gems industry. With prior arrangement, required special permit can be applied for tourists to visit Mogok.
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