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We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
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- Destinations
- Asia
- Myanmar
- Yangon
- Mandalay
Mandalay
Mandalay is Myanmar's second-largest city and the former royal
capital of the Burmese kingdom. The city is modernising rapidly,
due to an influx of Chinese money and businessmen, and while
facilities are improving the charm of old Mandalay is receding.
A good place to start a visit here is to hike up the 780-feet
high (240m) stairwell to the top of Mandalay Hill, itself a holy
site with an ornately decorated temple and Buddha statue
overlooking the former capital city and far reaching flatlands.
Dominating the city's centre are the 150 year-old palace grounds of
King Mindon and King Thibaw with an adjacent temple and wide
surrounding moat. More than 50 people were buried alive during
construction. A prison visible below is a reminder that human
rights haven't improved much since. For local travellers the
Mahamuni Buddha is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for
Buddhists in Myanmar. Another worthwhile experience is to catch a
performance of the Moustache Brothers, a subversive satire show
that takes the considerable risk of poking fun at the military and
aspects of Burmese life.
Aside from sightseeing, shopping is Mandalay's other pastime. A
fun jewel market, where visitors can watch craftsmen shape gems, is
worth a visit. Crafts such as monk's umbrellas, gold leaf, ornate
furniture, and lacquer-ware are made and sold in the city.
Motorbike taxis seem a bit overeager in a city where horse and
wagon are more common. Better to use the trishaw and fall into
Mandalay's slow rhythms. Bland guesthouses are splashed about the
city offering similar variations on the theme of cheap and gritty
accommodation.
Information & Facts
Language
Burmese is the official language, yet English is widely
spoken and understood. Burmese's alphabet is made up of circular
and semi-circular characters. Other languages spoken are Karen,
Shan and Kachin.
Money
The official currency is the Kyat (MMK) pronounced 'Chat'. The
best currency to travel on in Myanmar is the US Dollar. The Foreign
Exchange Certificate (FEC) is a legal currency for visiting
tourists that is usable in government shops and hotels. It is no
longer a requirement to convert US$200 into FEC upon arrival in
Myanmar. One FEC is equivalent to one US Dollar. It is recommended
to use US Dollars. It is difficult to cash American Express
travellers cheques in certain cities, such as Mandalay, and even
when it is possible the commission can be as high as 10 percent. US
Dollar notes will not be accepted if they are damaged or torn in
any way, or have pen marks on them.
There is a big difference between the official and
unofficial exchange rates; street moneychangers offer
favourable rates at hotels and Scott Market. As a rough guide, the
black market rate is in the region of US$1 = MMK 1000 - a dramatic
difference when compared to the official government rate. Very few
major hotels, airlines, shops and restaurants accept credit cards
and ATM cards can rarely, if ever, be used. It is advisable to
carry cash. Banks are closed on weekends.