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Mandalay Palace

Built between 1857 and 1859, it was the primary royal residence of King Mindon and King Thibaw, the last two kings of Myanmar. Most of the palace compound was destroyed during World War II, and in the 1990s, the palace was rebuilt, taking reference from original photographs, pictures and palm-leaf manuscripts.

Mandalay Hill

Mandalay Hill is 236.5m above sea level and offers a panoramic view over Mandalay city and the surrounding areas. Walk through the southern covered passage with the Two Great Lions on Haungches and visit the Museum of the Hermit U Khanti, built in honour of the hermit who pioneered the building of religious edifices on Mandalay Hill.

Kuthodaw Pagoda

Located to the southeast of Mandalay Hill, the pagoda is 57.27m tall and the entire compound covers 13 acres. It is also called the ‘World's Biggest Book, for the 729 stone slabs bearing inscribed Buddhist scriptures of the Three Baskets housed there. Spend some time relaxing beneath the sweet-smelling, shady trees there.

Pyin Oo Lwin

Pyin Oo Lwin, also known as Maymyo during the British rule, has a thriving Eurasian community. Some of the main local businesses includes sweater knitting, flower and vegetable gardens, strawberry and pineapple orchards, coffee plantations and cow rearing.

Zay Cho Market

Art & Craft

Mandalay represents the largest repository of Myanmar arts and crafts. Visitors can observe skilled craftsmen making beautiful articles of tapestry, ivory, wood, marble and stone carving and engravings, silverware and bronze statues. Besides those, the other arts and crafts workshops of silk-weaving and gold-leaf making are also places worthy of visiting.

Innwa

Innwa is also called Ratnapura which means "City of Gems". It was the capital of Myanmar from 1364-1841 and after the British conquered Lower Myanmar, Upper Myanmar was commonly called the Kingdom of Innwa. A visit won’t be complete without checking out Bargaya Monastery, Innwa Bridge, Thabyedan Fort, Innwa Mahar Myat Muni Pagoda and Yadana Hsimi Pagodas.

Mingun

Take a pleasant 45-minute boat trip to Mingun and catch a glimpse of life on the river. Must-visits are the two famous monuments - the Mingun Pahtodawgyi (unfinished pagoda) and the Mya Theindan Pagoda. Also check out the Mingun Bell, which is one of the world's largest ringing bells dated A.D 2000.

Amarapura

Amarapura is ideal for a day trip out of Mandalay. Referred to by locals as Taungmyo (Southern City) to distinguish it from Mandalay (Northern City), it is known for silk weaving and bronze casting. Places of interest are the U Bein Bridge, Kyauktawgyi Pagoda, Mahar Gandaryone Monastery, Pahtodawgyi Pagoda, Mahar Wai Yan Bon Thar Monastery, Amarapura Palace Ruins and Silk Weaving Workshop.

Shwenandaw Monastery

The Shwenandaw Monastery, or Golden Palace Monastery, was once part of the palace complex and used as an apartment by King Mindon and his chief queen. After Mindon's death, the building was dismantled and reassembled on its present site in 1880. The monastery is famous for its beautiful wood-carvings and 10 jataka scenes taken from Buddha's life.

Sagaing

Sagaing is home to numerous Buddhist monasteries and also renowned for its silversmith works at Ywa Htaung quarters and pottery at Nwe Nyein Village. Sagaing Hill hosts pagodas, monasteries and meditation centres amidst magnificent views over Sagaing. Places of interest include the Kaungmudaw Pagoda, Umin Thonse` Pagoda, Sagaing (Yadanabon) Bridge, Silver Smith Workshop, Htuparyon Pagoda and Tilawkaguru Cave Monastery.