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Mandalay, Mandalay

Myanmar, Mandalay

Given the current political situation, we cannot organise travel to Myanmar at this time.

Please read our article here for more info: Is it safe to travel to Myanmar now?

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For many, the town of Mandalay has romantic and exotic connotations by virtue of it featuring heavily in colonial literature and poetry, and the rapidly modernising but endlessly fascinating city we see today does not disappoint. Mandalay was the seat of the last Royal Kingdom of Burma before it was annexed by the British in the last Anglo-Burmese war and so, historically, was the seat of Burmese culture in upper Burma. Mandalay's most important sites include the Kuthodaw Pagoda, home to the 'World's Largest Book' with Buddhist scriptures inscribed on marble slabs, plus the intricately carved wooden Shwenandaw Monastery in town, a remnant of the last days of the Konbaung dynasty and royal Burma. The ruins of what was once intended to be the largest stupa in the land lie a short boat ride up the river at Mingun, where only the cracked and decaying stupa base sits on the river bank flanked by two giant lion statues, also unfinished.

We often encourage people to have a free day in Mandalay or take a day trip into the city, in order to enjoy all that the city also has to offer in terms of restaurants, bars and shopping. Although it is a busy city, Mandalay maintains a provincial small-town feel and so is a good place to have some down time and gentle exploring in the middle of your Myanmar itinerary. 

You can include this experience as part of an Experience Travel Group holiday designed exclusively for you.

Culture & Beach with 3 day river cruise

Culture & Beach with 3 day river cruise

Myanmar's highlights in trademark Experience Travel Group style including river cruising, beach time and cultural adventures.

Explore Myanmar & Irrawaddy Expedition

Explore Myanmar & Irrawaddy Expedition

3 weeks exploring Myanmar's highlights and getting a little further off-the-beaten-track along the Irrawaddy River in comfort.

Family Myanmar Adventure

Family Myanmar Adventure

This itinerary perfectly combines the highlights of Myanmar with something a little extra special!

Insider Highlights and Luxury River Journey

Insider Highlights and Luxury River Journey

17 day's exploring Myanmar. Fantastic hotels and a once-in-a-lifetime experience aboard the luxurious Sanctuary Ananda boat.

Myanmar Classic Highlights

Myanmar Classic Highlights

The ideal introduction to Myanmar, insider experiences, the 'must see' sites, brilliant guides and great hotels.

Myanmar Highlights with 3 day Trek

Myanmar Highlights with 3 day Trek

As well as the main sites, this holiday includes a wonderful 3 day trekking experience from Kalaw to Lake Inle.

Myanmar to Thailand via the Mergui Islands

Myanmar to Thailand via the Mergui Islands

Explore the sites of Myanmar before veering off-the-beaten-track to stay in a beautiful rustic-luxury retreat in the remote Mergui Archipelago.

The Colours of Southeast Asia

The Colours of Southeast Asia

Discover the most glorious cultural and scenic highlights of Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia.

The Rivers of Myanmar and Laos

The Rivers of Myanmar and Laos

Sail along The Irrawaddy, explore Myanmar's eastern hills, traverse "The Golden Triangle" and take a river journey to Luang Prabang.

Map centered on Mandalay. Zoom out to view other hotels (H) and experiences (E) in the area.

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