Surrounding Mandalay

Amarapura

Situated about 11 km south of Mandalay, Amarapura is an ancient capital of the Konbaung Dynasty. Amarapura was founded by King Bodaw Paya in 1783, soon after he ascended to the throne. Amarapura was also the site for the first British embassy in Myanmar in 1795. It is also noted for silk and cotton weaving and bronze easting.

Patodawgyi Pagoda

Built by Bagyidaw in 1820 this well preserved pagoda stood outside the old city walls. The lower terraces have marble slabs illustrating scenes from the Jataka.

U Pein's Bridge

Situated in South of the Patodawgyi Pagoda, the shallow Taungthaman Lake is crossed by a huge teak bridge. U Bein was the "mayor" at the time of the shift from Inwa and he wisely salvaged material from the deserted Inwa Palace to build this km long footbridge. It has stood the test of time for two centuries.

Sagaing

Sagaing lies 21 km southwest of Mandalay on the west bank of the Ayeyarwady River. Sagaing became a capital of an independent Shan kingdom around 1315 after the fall of Bagan had thrown central Myanmar into chaos. Sagaing is known as a meditation centre. Myanmars, all over the country would visit Sagaing for the purpose of religious retreat.

Sagaing Hill - It is known as a religious retreat where over 600 monasteries for monks and nuns are located for Buddhistic studies and meditation.

Pyin Oo Lwin

Over 1000 metres above sea-level, Pyin Oo Lwin is a popular hill resort with cool and pleasant weather for the whole year. It is 69km away from Mandalay and famous for its colonial style houses, pine trees, eucalyptus and silver-oak all throughout the town. There are famous sightseeing places and pagodas in Pyin Oo Lwin such as National Kandawgyi Park, Pwe Kauk Fall, Peik Chin Myaung (Maha Nandamu Cave), National Landmarks Garden and Maha Anthtookanthar Pagoda,

Mogok

About 7-hour drive north of Mandalay, Mogok is famous in the world for producing the best ruby and sapphire gems of the first grade.