What to See in Mandalay, Mandalay, Myanmar (B)

Mandalay is the second largest city (after Yangon) in Myanmar. Similarly to Yangon, it also used to be the country's capital and has retained the royal splendor until this day. Surprisingly, although Mandalay feels way older than Yangon, it was established as late as the 19th century. Nevertheless, even though the most popular pagoda in Myanmar (the Shwedagon Pagoda) is located in Yangon, I preferred the authentic feeling and the overall Burmese atmosphere of Mandalay. Less modern high-rise blocks, more spectacular temples, palaces and piece-of-art wooden buildings. Less organized, more messy, chaotic and hectic - but in the positive sense of the word.

Those who visit Mandalay, go there usually in order to get to the amazing Bagan temples (a must-see in Myanmar!), take a look at this post to find out how we reached Bagan and how we got around the impressive pagodas. Nevertheless, Mandalay is also worth a visit in itself!

Myanmar, thanks God, is not as touristy as the neighboring Thailand and Cambodia so you are less likely to fall for scams. People are nicer, more authentic and don't look at you like "how can I trick the stupid white westerner" the way they do in Thailand. What we had been through in Thailand, especially Bangkok, was not pleasant (take a look at my post about why Bangkok is an overrated tourist trap) and I was more than well prepared to experience something similar in Myanmar. Luckily, I was mistaken. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).