Mandalay, the old royal city is rich in Myanma arts and crafts, and renown for the preservation of cultural heritage. The city is popularly acclaimed as the second capital of Myanmar.

The most famous place in Mandalay is the palace, resplendent with the moat and the royal city walls. King Mindon of the Konbaung dynasty built Mandalay in 1856. One can still observe the grandeur of Mya-nan-san-kyaw Golden Palace within the royal city walls.

Another prominent place in the city is the Maha-Myat-Muni Buddha Image. Pilgrims from far and near flock to the precinct to pay homage. Every Myanmar Buddhist wishes to visit and pray there.

While in Mandalay, climbing Mandalay Hill is also irresistible for visitors. At the top, the replica of two serpents with raised hoods, appears to pay homage to the lord Buddha and protecting guarding the Hill, is one of the attractions. Since Mandalay Hill is towering over the city, one can have a bird’s-eye-view of the environment: Sagaing Hills, Ayeyawaddy River and Mingun to the West, Yankin hill and Ye-ta-gun hill to the east.

At the foot of Mandalay Hill, inside the precinct of King Mindon’s Kuthodaw Pagoda, there are marble stone inscriptions on the Pitaka treatises, famous as the World’s Biggest Book. One may also visit the royal abbot’s monastery and Atumashi monastery built in 19th century, unveiling glimpses on the era.

South of Mandalay lies Taungthaman Lake where U Pein’s wooden bridge spanned across it looking like a centipede. The choppy lake with rows of Mezali or cassia simea on the bank, makes a pleasant view.

Sagaing hills, West of Mandalay, is the haven for Buddhist devotees, meditating in peace. There are innumerable Pagodas, caves and rest houses to accommodate.

Mandalay is also nicknamed the city of bicycles. It is spectacular to see men and women of all ages using bicycles.

Mandalay Zayghodaw bazaar is the pride of the city. It is the shopping paradise where Myanma arts and crafts and other consummer goods are transacted. It is famous throughout the nation for the good conduct of the damsels at the stalls in the tradition of Mandalay.

Besides these interesting places, it is opportune to have a look at Myanma traditional crafts such as coppersmith, stone sculpting, making of gold foils and intricate weaving of fabric, carrying on still today.