Discover the heart of Myanmar
To the devoutly Buddhist Burmese, Mandalay is the city that truly reflects their soul. Rickshaws, horse-drawn carts and bicycles can still be seen on the city’s roads, which are alive with trade and activity. The geographic and cultural heart of Myanmar, Mandalay was established by King Mindon 150 years ago as a centre for the study of Buddhism.
Today, the city remains deeply religious and in fact Mandalay is home to more than half of the total population of monks in Myanmar. We’ve spent endless days exploring the city’s streets, waterways and attractions to ensure you make the most of your Mandalay Cruise.
During your Mandalay holiday we’ll take you to the nearby city of Sagaing, former capital of the once independent Shan Kingdom. Its whitewashed walls are perched on a hilltop on the far side of the Ayeyarwady River. Just to the south of Mandalay is Amarapura. A former royal capital, its name translates as City of Immortality. Its monasteries, palace and pagodas will make a fascinating day trip during your Mandalay holiday.
As a centre for religion and culture, a trip to Mandalay is the perfect way to get under the skin of the country and find out what really make Myanmar such a unique, enchanting and fascinating destination.