Alhough Yangon is the modern day capital of Myanmar, the "City of Gems" is without doubt the "spiritual" centre. Sitting on the majestic Ayeyarwady River, Mandalay combines Myanmar's royal history and spiritual traditions. The city is at the hub of river routes from China and India and land routes from Shan State and Thailand.

King Mindon created Mandalay as the nation's capital in a move to break with the past and establish a new era of peace and prosperity for Myanmar. The original moat and walls a mile and a half on each side still stand, with their spires over each gate. Inside was the "Forbidden City", a community of pavilions, throne rooms and halls.

Modern day Mandalay is a wonderful place to spend some time and still has a genuine laid back, old style atmosphere. Hill tribes mix freely with the local community in the many markets, all offering treasures from their own way's of life.

Places of interest

Golden Palace Monastery
Home to the most revered Buddha statue in Mandalay, housed in the Mahamuni pagoda. The statue is growing due to the non-stop flow of worshippers placing gold leaf as a sign of respect. Only the face remains untouched.

Kuthodaw Pagoda
The Kuthodaw, the world's largest book, has the Buddhist scriptures inscribed on over 1,700 marble slabs, each housed in a private pavilion.

Mahamuni Temple
Mandalay's principal shrine, greatly revered by the local community.

Pyin Oo Lwin
Just outside of the main town is Pyin Oo Lwin hill station, where beautful old colonial buildings can be seen in their finest form. You can also take a ride in a stage-coach!

Mingun
A trip up-river brings you to the unfinished pagoda of Mingun which houses the largest working bell in the world.

Ava and Amarapura
Two fascinating former capitals just south of Mandalay. Although the royal palaces have gone, the pagodas, temples and monasteries remain.