Introducing Mandalay
Compared with the ancient treasures surrounding the city, Mandalay is a veritable whippersnapper at just 150 years old. Founded as capital of the Burmese empire in 1861, Mandalay saw the swansong of the last kings of Burma. The British stormed in and took over in 1885 in a one-sided conflict.
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Poetic though the name may be, Mandalay is a thoroughly modern city, the second largest in the country. The dusty streets sprawl east of the Ayeyarwady and south of Mandalay Hill, a stupa-studded hill looming over the flat cityscape. It’s impossible not to be impressed by the golden Buddha of Mahamuni Paya, but the real attractions lie beyond town in the nearby ancient cities.
The town continues to boom thanks to Chinese investment and, so the story goes, from the red, green and white trades – rubies, jade and heroin. Beneath this bustling bravado, there is a more meditative side to life here, as it’s home to three in five of Myanmar’s Buddhist monks.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Tips & articles
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A first-timer’s guide to Myanmar
26 April 2012
Things are changing rapidly in Myanmar (Burma), politically and for tourists, so it’s an exciting time to visit. But information...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Bus from Inle Lake to Bagan
by berberis 31 May 2012
Thanks for the suggestion RUGMM. How long is it from Inle Lake to Mandalay? I would need to go back to Mandalay after Bagan, because…
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Re: burma or sri lanka
by Alex2306 31 May 2012
I was in Burma in 86 and guess it is now very different. I have never been to Ankor so can't compare Pagan but it is probably the greatest…
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RE: Burma next week - shared taxis anyone?
by happyx2 31 May 2012
Hi, on June 12, we (2 persons) are going to Inle from Bagan or Manadalay. Let's see how to meet up. what's your email?
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