A city whose very name conjures images of poets and explorers of bygone days, Mandalay retains much of its old-world charm alongside the ongoing bustle. To overly romanticise this former capital, however, would to be to miss out on much of what it has to offer - this is a living city, and there's always something going on at every turn. For those who want to see as much of the country as possible on their Burma holidays, it is perfectly possible get the Mandalay experience in a day or two - though it may leave you wanting to come back for more. Familiarising yourself with the city, its history and its ways, will certainly help you to get the most out of your itinerary, so read on for an introduction to Mandalay as well as some top tips for what to see and do.
A Brief History
Mandalay, unlike many of the other celebrated places you might visit on Burma holidays, is a relatively young city. Founded in 1857 by King Mingdon Min, it has, throughout its history, always been a strategic trade centre, situated on land and river routes between China and India - which accounts for its prosperity in its early days, and its growing position as Burma's commercial hub today. Despite its scant 150-odd year history, Mandalay has been subjected to a great deal of trauma, particularly from British colonialism and Allied bombing during World War II. While the most widely advertised 'historic' landmarks of the city are in fact modern reconstructions, the many religious buildings and markets offer a flavour of life from centuries past.
The City Today
In many ways Mandalay is still the spiritual capital of Burma, with up to half of the country's monks residing there, as well as many of Burma's most important Buddha statues. The 230-metre high Mandalay Hill, from which the city takes its name, is worth a climb (or a hair-raising hired pick-up ride) for the views it offers over the city, as well as the temples and pagodas at the top. At its foot is Kuthodaw Paya temple complex, said to house the world's largest book: the full text of the Tripitaka, a sacred text of Theravada Buddhism (the form of Buddhism that is practised in Burma). While most stopping points on Burma holidays will include spiritual features, this one is really something special. Nearby, Sandamuni Paya boasts the world's largest iron Buddha statue.
From serene temples you can step out onto hectic streets - Burma holidays are never monotone. At the heart of Mandalay you'll find Zegyo Market, which is, in fact, a collection of street bazaars. You can find just about anything here, including cheap food and accommodation, and it has enough character that just spending a pleasant hour getting lost in its streets is an enjoyable endeavour all by itself.
A Brief History
Mandalay, unlike many of the other celebrated places you might visit on Burma holidays, is a relatively young city. Founded in 1857 by King Mingdon Min, it has, throughout its history, always been a strategic trade centre, situated on land and river routes between China and India - which accounts for its prosperity in its early days, and its growing position as Burma's commercial hub today. Despite its scant 150-odd year history, Mandalay has been subjected to a great deal of trauma, particularly from British colonialism and Allied bombing during World War II. While the most widely advertised 'historic' landmarks of the city are in fact modern reconstructions, the many religious buildings and markets offer a flavour of life from centuries past.
The City Today
In many ways Mandalay is still the spiritual capital of Burma, with up to half of the country's monks residing there, as well as many of Burma's most important Buddha statues. The 230-metre high Mandalay Hill, from which the city takes its name, is worth a climb (or a hair-raising hired pick-up ride) for the views it offers over the city, as well as the temples and pagodas at the top. At its foot is Kuthodaw Paya temple complex, said to house the world's largest book: the full text of the Tripitaka, a sacred text of Theravada Buddhism (the form of Buddhism that is practised in Burma). While most stopping points on Burma holidays will include spiritual features, this one is really something special. Nearby, Sandamuni Paya boasts the world's largest iron Buddha statue.
From serene temples you can step out onto hectic streets - Burma holidays are never monotone. At the heart of Mandalay you'll find Zegyo Market, which is, in fact, a collection of street bazaars. You can find just about anything here, including cheap food and accommodation, and it has enough character that just spending a pleasant hour getting lost in its streets is an enjoyable endeavour all by itself.
