Mandalay

Mandalay is the second largest city (after Yangon) and also the former capital of Myanmar.

As an economic and religious hub of upper Myanmar, the city is quite crowded and known for its cultural diversity. Half of Burma's monks reside in Mandalay and the surrounding areas.

Actually, still not many tourists choose Mandalay as a distance in they Myanmar-discovering journey. Maybe because the city is still an uncut gem and not everyone has ever known about it before. But that not-being-prominent can’t be an obstacle preventing you from touching this place and finding the hidden treasure.

You can combine visiting Mandalay to other tours to Yangon or Bagan. The city is covered with white and golden from the architectural complex, however, it’s still classy but not flashy at all.

For the top highlights of Mandalay, tourist can visit the historical attractions Mandalay Hill, Maha Myat Muni, or get to the Jade Market to observe the way jade is processed and traded, of course the casual life of the locals there or have yourself an ornament for a memorial. And the most attractive and prominent landscape you should not miss out is the Kuthodaw Paya, where maintains the World’s Largest Book.

The World's Largest Book was etched on more than 700 stone slabs surrounding Kuthodaw Pagoda

Climate, best time to visit

Mandalay is a semi-tropical city. Winter (which is dry and moderately cool) lasts from November to February, and summer lasts from March to May. Because Mandalay is in the central dry zone, it receives far less rain than the typically tropical area.

Since the winter there is quite more comfortable, this is also the best time to explore the city. Between January and February is the festival season in Mandalay so tourist could join into to know more about the casual life in a Buddhist country.

How to get in and out

Since the city is the ecomomic hub of upper Myanmar, the transportation there is quite diverse and connective.

There is an international airport in Mandalay, with daily domestic flights to the main cities of the country, including Yangon, Bagan, Nyaung U, Heho... and international flights connect Mandalay with Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hongkong, Singapore.

Mandalay is also connected with other cities and provinces of the country by roads and railways. You can get a private car service to get there from Yangon, Bagan, Kalaw or Inle Lake... conveniently.

To get around the city, you can hide a bike or motorcycle; or get a private car and an experienced tour guide to help you discover all the beauty of the city. Mandalay is waiting for you to explore.

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