Mandalay

Like many other Burmese cities, Mandalay has seen growth through destruction during World War II. In the following years, it rose from its ashes to become the second city of Myanmar. Mandalay is now a treasure-trove of Buddhist monasteries, authentic tea houses, iridescent countryside, and countless temples. The rulers of the city set about building it in a modern style after it was bombed to the ground in 1942.

Among the places worth exploring in Mandalay, Mahamuni Pagoda is arguably the most revered. Calling for the attention of travelers with its gilded roof, the temple is a major pilgrimage site among locals and hosts the breathtaking Mahamuni Buddha image. You will find worshippers at the Buddha’s altar almost every day, dressed in vivid colors and constituting one of the most heartfelt scenes in all of Myanmar. Another must-see attraction is the Golden Palace Monastery or Shwenandaw. It has a stark appearance, featuring dark wooden frames and scarlet roofs. The most inspirational Buddhist myths come to life on its walls.

The best trips in Mandalay end with a 30-minute hike to Mandalay Hill. It looms over the city some 240 meters from the ground and shelters the most spectacular scenery the country has to offer. Rustic temples and pagodas pepper the land along the way, which makes the climb all the more captivating. At the top, you will see a glowing landscape blanketed with lush forests. The settlements of the city appear among the trees right below the Irrawaddy River. Driven by the forces of nature and tradition, Mandalay is a multitiered city offering visitors unrelenting satisfaction.