Mandalay 

Mandalay

Mandalay, today the countries second largest city, was the last royal capital of Burma. This city along the Ayeyarwady River retains a wealth of architectural jewels - monasteries, pagodas and temples belong to the most beautiful ones in Myanmar. A 1square miles area of once world famous Mandalay Palace dominates the city proper. Today only the walls of the Palace can be seen, the Palace itself with its gold covered teakwood buildings was burnt down during Second World War. From Mandalay Hill you can enjoy a panoramic view of parts of the city. A visit to the huge Marble Buddha and to Kuthodaw Pagoda is a must. But the center of religiousness is Mahamuni Pagoda with its golden Buddha image. Mandalay is also the centre for many crafts such as silk weaving and tapestries. There are some good restaurants close to the walls of former Palace.  

The surroundings

Sagaing: Most spectacular is the sunset watched from a hilltop pagoda in Sagaing. The visit to Amarapura and Sagaing should be combined in one excursion.

PyinOoLwin/Maymyo: Myanmar's only botanical garden boasts Pyin Oo Lwin, formerly a British Hill Station known as Maymyo. Here visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery and a nostalgic atmosphere.
Mogkok: The world of famous Burmese sapphires rubies and jade now can enter in Mogkok. The town can be reached by road after a 9hours drive (200km northwest of Mandalay) or by an Ayeyarwaddy boat ride via Thabeikkyin (full day). The town itself is quite interesting and also the open air gem market. This excursion needs at least 1 overnight in Mogkok.
Mingun: After a one-hour boat ride upriver your clients reach Mingun with its massive unfinished pagoda. At the beginning of the 19th century King Bodawpaya wanted to build the highest pagoda in the Buddhist world in Mingun. He failed - but the unfinished pagoda already looks impressive enough. You also can see the world's largest ringing bronze bell.                                     
Monywa: A must for the cultural minded tourist is the excursion to the temples of Monywa along the mighty Chindwin River (140 km northwest of Mandalay by road). To make it easier, one overnight in Monywa should be included. Very beautiful are the ancient cave temple of Po Win Daung with its carvings and the spectacular and new Thanbodday Stupa complex.
Amarapura: Another one-hour boat ride downriver (or half an hour by car) is Amarapura with its beautiful temples and monasteries, once a royal centre also.              

Yangon (Rangun)  -  Mandalay  -  Pagan  -  Inle Lake