Mogok can be reached easily from Mandalay by Motorcar. The road winds round mountains with many hairpins bends but it is in good condition. The traveller will be rewarded by fantastic views of forested mountains and the distant Ayeyarwaddy river and the plains.

Mountains and abyss, forests, streams, and gurgling broods are the topographical features of the Mogok region forming a scene of natural splendour. Mogok as a town came into being around AD 1207 during the Bagan Era. It the Shan Language, it is known as "Mongkat" which means "A cool and pleasant town" or "Mong Kut" meaning "A wok-shaped town. With the passing of years, it came to be known as Mogok. It is alternatively known as "Ruby Land" because it produces the highest quality rubies in the world.

Mogok has been famous for its precious rubies and gems since the days of ancient Myanmar monarchs. There was a brisk and profitable trade in Mogok gems between Myanmar and the west during the reign of King Mindon and Mogok rubies especially, became renowned for their quality and beauty. Soon westerners began to eye the ruby land for exploitation.

Mogok also produces the highly valued star sapphires and a whole variety of semi-precious gems like garnets, spinal and topaz and many others.
The Mogok mines have yielded many gems of enormous value. The "Nga Mauk Ruby " is one and it was part of the Myanmar crown jewels.

The most recent finds of world fame is the Na-Wa-Ta State Ruby weighing in at 496.5 carats and another stone, the largest rare ruby found in 1996 that weights 21,450 carats. And then, there is also the largest star sapphire, weighing 63,000 carats.

Mogok, the Ruby land with its treasure trove of rubies, sapphires and many precious gems beckons visitors warmly. It is indeed a place worth visiting.