Mandalay

From Yangon -> Duration time: 1 hr 25 minutes

Often and fairly described as the cultural capital of Myanmar, Mandalay is a vastly different city to either bustling Yangon or the national capital Nay Pyi Taw. For many tourists Mandalay is the stepping off point for a tour of the country’s peak tourist attractions – the stupa-dotted plains of Bagan and the idyllic Inle Lake. But the city offers so many of its own attractions that it’s easy enough to spend a couple of days there, although it’s best to plan ahead and do sightseeing outside of the hottest hours in the afternoon because the weather can be intense.

Mandalay has many fascinating religious sites such as the Mahamuni Pagoda and Mandalay Hill, but there is also the Royal Palace and cultural attractions such as handweaving of silk and cotton, stone carving, goldworking shops and bronze casting. Further afield are the ancient capitals of Amarapura, Sagaing, Ava and Mingun. Of these, Mingun is considered unmissable, with its incredible brick pagoda and giant bronze bell sure to catch the eye of visitors.