House of travel Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Myanmar Brochure 2017 | Page 60

MANDALAY

MANDALAY

Situated on the banks of the legendary Ayeyarwady River, Mandalay, the last royal capital of the Burmese Kingdom, is today a bustling city.
Neighbouring the mountain regions of the Shan and Kachin people, the city acts as a gateway to Northern Myanmar. The city itself is home to many different forms of crafts as well as the world’ s largest book found at the Kuthodaw Pagoda. With its streets based on a grid system, getting around downtown Mandalay and its markets, restaurants and temples can be easily done on foot however if you’ re looking to go a little further you’ ll need to get a taxi. Day trips to the surrounding ancient royal capitals of Ava, Amarapura, Mingun and Sagaing, make this one of Myanmar’ s most historical and culturally rich regions. Rudyard Kipling wrote of‘ Mandalay’ in his evocative poem – a city whose charms are yet still to be discovered by many.

Mandalay City Hotel Mandalay Hill Resort Hotel Sedona Hotel Mandalay

From

$ 73

From

$ 206

From

$ 169

Located in the heart of Mandalay, the landscape and pathways at this hotel are uniquely designed to give an oasis feeling. Offering the right mix of convenience, comfort and functionality, guest rooms include tea and coffee facilities along with satellite TV and complimentary WiFi. The hotel swimming pool makes for a great place to relax and escape the heat whilst the hotel bar is a retreat to unwind over a refreshing beverage.
Ideally located from which to explore the city, this resort lies at the foot of Mandalay Hill. After a day of exploration, spacious guest rooms offer a haven of rest and relaxation, with some rooms boasting great views over Mandalay Hill with all its pagodas glistening through the green canopy. Take advantage of the complimentary WiFi to catch up with loved ones back home whilst you laze around in the lovely pool area or head to Kipling’ s Lounge serving tapas and classic beverages.
Nestled on four acres of landscaped gardens, this hotel is ideally located in the heart of the city close to many local restaurants, the Mandalay Palace and Mandalay Hill. Comfortable suites and guest rooms are well-appointed and include general amenities. Upgrade to the Club Floor to gain exclusive Executive Club Lounge access and benefits. Whether it is a leisurely swim, an adrenaline-pumping game of tennis, or a pampering spa session there’ s more than enough to keep you occupied with stay at this hotel.
Duration: 10 HRS Price from $ 147pp

Mandalay and Amarapura Tour

Head to the ancient royal capital of Amarapura, here you will visit Mahagandayon Monastery, a school for young monks, and then the nearby U Bein Bridge. More than two centuries old and at 1.2 kilometres, the bridge is the longest teakwood span in the world. Return to Mandalay to visit the highly revered Mahamuni Pagoda; a gold leaf hammering craftshop, Shwenandaw Monastery, noted for its exquisite wood carvings and Kuthodaw Pagoda, renowned as the world’ s largest book for its 729 stone slabs containing the entire Buddhist scriptures.
Duration: 10 HRS Price from $ 209pp

Mandalay & Mingun Tour

Transfer to the Mandalay Jetty and board a private boat for a short and pleasant ride up the Ayeyarwady River to the ruins of the Mingun Pagoda. The mammoth base of this unfinished pagoda is a very impressive sight as you approach from the river. Nearby, visit the Mingun Bell, moved from the pagoda and now hung in a new shrine building. It is said to be the largest hanging un-cracked bell in the world. Return by boat to Mandalay and visit Mahamuni Pagoda, a gold leaf hammering craftshop, Shwenandaw Monastery and Kuthodaw Pagoda.
Duration: 10 HRS Price from $ 213pp

Ancient Royal Capitals

Board a local ferry and journey to the ancient imperial capital of Ava( Inwa). Explore by horse and cart-visit the Nanmyint Watch Tower, a 27-metre-high masonry tower, followed by the brick and stucco Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery. Continue on to Bagayar Monastery, famous for its impressive ornate woodcarvings and teak posts. Next head to Sagaing – visit Sagaing Hill to enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding area followed by a visit to the nearby Kaung Hmu Daw Pagoda. End the day at Amarapura to enjoy the sunset at U Bein Bridge.
60 www. activeasia. co. nz