Major Highlights
• Mahamuni Pagoda
Locally named Phayagyi which means
Great Pagoda, is the most sacred place
in Mandalay where hundreds of Buddhist is
praying, in most of the time, in front of a
venerable bronze statue of Buddha image
whose height is 1.5 meters, placed on the
golden throne, which is thickly covered by
layers of gold leaves, except the face. As a
particular wonder, only the men can go
inside to apply small packets of gold leaves
on the statue's surface. Unique ceremonial
scene of wash for Buddha statue, at every
dawn, lead by venerable monks and attending
many
 laic
disciples, is a record of graceful time. The
collection of Khmer bronze statues dated
back to 15 century, in a sanctuary of Mahamuni pagoda, is well known for typical
beauty of Cambodian art and for a local
popularity which tells that their power can
cure the illness of human body when the
corresponding parts of figurines are
seriously touched by hands. As dynamic as a
small town, main entrance of Mahamuni
pagoda, is fascinating with many shops on
each side where Buddhist monks' utensils
like bowl, umbrella, robe, and other
faith-related items like statues, chaplets,
books of sermons, and varieties of
handicraft can be found.
• Kuthodaw Pagoda
Other historic pagodas in the city are
numerous, among them- Kuthodaw pagoda
of king Mindon from 19 century, situated on
the foot of Mandalay hill, where hundreds of
white temples, despite the small size, to
shelter the sacred writings of Buddhist
philosophy, being carved on the white marble
slabs, attracts many visitors by famous name
of the world's biggest book.
•
Shwenandaw Monastery
The old wooden monastery of Shwenandaw,
next to Kuthodaw, is considered as type
example of Myanmar architecture of 19
century where huge teak pillars as well as
decorative teak sculptures are marvelous.
The royal usage of gold leaves in this
monument is remarkable; interior is visibly
covered, because it was one of the royal
buildings of Mandalay palace under the reign
of king Mindon.
Mandalay is always rich with its places of
craftsmen where old traditional techniques are
still used, for instance, area of gold-leaf
makers, in 36th street between 77th and 78th
streets, is well known to explore how they work
delicately for sacred gold-leaf. And then,
bronze-casting workshops, usually for huge
size of Buddha images, are unique to enjoy. Many
more are such as tapestries, marble Buddha
sculptures, woodcarvings and others. A visit to
these workshops is truly a visit back in time.
 Full day excursion in the environs of
Mandalay includes the former capital cities of
Amarapura, Ava (Innwa), and
Sagaing. The Mahagandayon monastery,
which has over 1,000 monks, one of the largest
monastic education centers of country, is
considered as major place of interest in
Amarapura. Besides, the 1.2km long U-Bein
Bridge, at the middle of beautiful
Taungthaman lake, built over 150 years ago from
teaks taken from the Ava royal palace, is always
enchanting place and spectacular view of sunset
can be seen from the place beneath the bridge.
 Ava, an ancient capital between 14 and
18 centuries, may be explored by horse and
carriage through the villages and ruins of
ancient splendors, after crossing a small river
by boat. Beautiful teakwood Bagaya monastery
and Maenu Okkyaung monastery are
interesting places to visit by horse cart. Quiet
and peaceful, hidden in a picturesque landscape
of toddy palms, rice fields, the ruins of
ancient temples are the gifts of nature in Ava.
After that, Sagaing is known as a
retreat center for Buddhist devotees that
support dozens of monasteries and nunneries as
well as a major monastic hospital. Most
spectacular is the sunset, seen from a hill-top
Son Oo Ponnyashin pagoda, offering a
beautiful panoramic view.
Mingun
 A nice typical village across the
Ayeyarwady River, was royally denoted as
recreational place for noble families during the
time of monarchy. One hour boat trip, about 12km
upriver from Mandalay, brings the most scenic
points along the river side. Upon arrival, the
huge bell of Mingun with its weight of 90
tons and the unfinished brick pagoda with its
impressive cracks caused by an earthquake must
be particularly attractive for sightseeing.
Monywa
 Around 140km to the west of Mandalay is
Monywa, a major trading center of
agricultural products come from nearby
Chindwin valley. The monumental high-lights
are the Thanbodday pagoda with its
500,000 Buddhas, the Baddhi-tataung pagoda
with its grove of 1,000 sacred banyan trees and
the huge reclining Buddha in concrete. On the
opposite side of Chindwin River are Phowin
Taung caves, a recently opened archeological
complex of caves containing thousands of frescos
inside the caves depicting daily life of ancient
time, some dating back to the 14th century.
Pyin Oo Lwin
 A short drive, 80km to the east of Mandalay
is the former British hill station of Maymyo,
now renamed as Pyin Oo Lwin where one can
find the colonial vestiges. A visit to the
market, the old clock tower and recently
renovated botanical gardens, are not to be
missed. A drive around town by antiquated
horse-cart, especially in the areas of old
buildings from British era, suits with its cool
and clean atmosphere. For train lovers a ride
from Mandalay to PyinOoLwin offers stunning
views as the train zigzags up and down the
mountainsides. It is five hours more by train to
Thipaw (Hsipaw), a nice hilly town that has
retained Haw or old Palace of Shan Seigneurs,
and good base for treks in northern Shan state.
The particular wonder along the scenic journey
by train is Gokteik Viaduct, 300meters above a
gorge in mountain ranges |
Mandalay
was founded by King Mindon of Koneboung dynasty
in 1852.The royal palace, established at the
center of royal compound protected by immense
brick wall and moat, four gates at sides, covers
2 square kilometers, which had been completely
destroyed, except palace's wall with fort,
during World War 2, but in recent years, the
reconstruction has been finished. Although many
significant places to explore in Mandalay, it is
quite interesting to visit the palace site for
nostalgic thinking, if time permits. Not far
from palace, Mandalay hill, with 235 meters
above sea level, is absolutely a pleasant place
to contemplate the sunset. 
