Ireland
Myanmar Travel and Destination Guide
PLACES TO SEE
Mandalay
Mandalay is a city steeped in spirituality, prophecy and conflict. Whilst only 150 years old, the city derived from the Pali word Mandare, meaning 'an auspicious land', has a rich history shrouded in its flat, dusty plains.
Yangon (Rangoon)
Yangon lies in the fertile delta country of southern Myanmar on the Yangon River. Although the population hovers around 4 million, the city seems so full of trees and shade that some neighbourhoods are practically jungle, giving it a totally different feel from other Asian cities of comparable size.
Mandalay
This sprawling cultural centre is the most Burman of Myanmar's cities. It was the last capital of Myanmar before the British took over, and is the country's second-largest city, known for its bustling markets selling produce and handicrafts from all over northern Myanmar. Its nearby ancient cities (including Amadura), make great day trips.
Kyaiktiyo (Golden Rock)
The excursion to the incredible balancing boulder stupa, called Kyaiktiyo (or Golden Rock), is a must-do. The small stupa, just 7.3m (24ft) high, sits atop the Gold Rock, a massive, gold-leafed boulder delicately balanced on the edge of a cliff at the top of Mt Kyaikto. This is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Myanmar.
Mingun
One of four ancient city sites around Mandalay, Mingun has a number of interesting features in a relatively compact area, including the massive brick base of an incomplete stupa called Mingun Paya; the Mingun Bell which, at 90 tonnes and 5m (16.4ft) in diameter, is the biggest hung (and uncracked) bell in the world; and the 1811-built vaulted shrine of Settawya Paya.
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