General information about Mandalay
Mandalay is the last capital of the royal dynasty in Myanmar and a city of sad memories in the history of Myanmar. It founded by King Mindon of the Konbaung Dynasty, who reigned from 1852 to 1878. The city established in 1857 and became the capital in 1861 when the king ordered the transfer of capital from Amarapura. Mindon is a very religious emperor, so he turned Mandalay into a Buddhist center of Myanmar with large temples and monasteries and sculptures decorated meticulously and thoughtfully. Today, Mandalay is a handicraft city. Mandalay is renowned for its silver carvings, silk weaving and marble. Here, visitors will be able to see the hands of the skillful level, the skill of skilled artisans to create extremely attractive models.
Located in the central Myanmar, 668 km north of Yangon, Mandalay is renowned for the City of Gems (Ratanabon – Napyidaw). Today, it is the second largest city with rich cultural heritage. Mandalay is also a commercial center with railways, roads, waterways and airways connecting the region of the country.
Mandalay is one of the most attractive destinations in Myanmar. This city attracts tourists with various temples and pagodas, markets, unique culinary world as well as other sites to admire the sunset and sunrise.

Mandalay

Transportations
To get in Mandalay, you may have some options to choose, by airplane, train, bus, boat or by taxi. If you want to travel by plane, then you have to come to Mandalay International Airport. This international airport is about 45km from the city center. From Yangon, Lashio, Hsipaw, Pwin U Lwin and Myitkyina; there are daily train lines for you to catch. Furthermore, you can get on a bus from Yangon, Bagan, Inle Lake, Kalaw, and Mid-Eastern Towns. Specially, from Bagan to Mandalay, you can take a boat trip. The final option for you is to choose pick-up service or sharing taxi from Pyin U Lwin.
To get around the Mandalay, there are many vehicles for you to choose, such as taxis, motorcycle taxis, cycle hire and motorcycle hire.
People
People living in Mandalay are diverse in origin and race, including Bamar (Burmans), Chinese from Mainland China, local Chinese, the Shan, Thais, Laotians, the Karen (Kayin), Nepalis and Sikhs. All have created a multicultural community.
The weather
Mandalay has two main seasons, which are winter and summer. Winter begins in November and ends in February, and summer lasts between March and May. Mandalay has suffered from the semi-tropical climate.
Food and drink
If you can take the time to explore the unique cuisine of Myanmar, do not forget to enjoy the food from the Asian countries, such as Indian, Tibetan and Chinese food of the roadside restaurants. The food here will bring you a sense of closeness, and familiar, especially, you will quickly feel the culture and lifestyle of the local people. It is also interesting to note that the prices of the food here are very reasonable, so you can taste a lot of food in this culinary paradise.
Here is the list of addresses for tourists to choose from: Green Elephant, 27th street food stalls, Lashio Lay and Karaweik tea house. If you want to try the food or enjoy the atmosphere and cuisine of Europe Mandalay also gives you many options. There are also various eateries, coffee shops serving European tourists, such as Koffee Korner, Best of the Best (BoB) KTV, Central Park and Café City.
The ideal time to travel Mandalay:
– From November to February is the peak season of tourist with hot but pleasant weather during the day, and coller in the evening.
– From April to September, the weather is hot leading to heavy rain in the middle of summer.
– From October to March, hotels are less crowded than in the peak season, the air is quite pleasant, rain can continue.
Some famous festivals in Mandalay:
– The Payagyi Festival (at the Mahamuni Temple, January)
– The Chinlone Festival (at the Mahamuni Temple, in June or July)
– The Taungbyone Nat Festival (in the village of Taungbyone, in July or August)
– The Kyauktawgyi Pagoda Festival (September or October)
Destinations
There are some popular sightseeing for you to choose when traveling to Mandalay, they are: Mandalay Hill, Shwenandaw Kyaung, Mandalay Palace, Eindawya Pagoda, Zegyo Market, Mahamuni Buddha Temple, Shwe In Bin Monastery,…

Explore more topics: Yangon Overview; Bagan OverviewBago Overview; Things to do in Mandalay; Places to visit in Bago; Things to do in Inle; Most famous food in Myanmar