Driven by our adventurous spirit and insatiable curiosity, we've compiled a bucket list of destinations, including Luang Prabang, Mandalay, Bagan, and various exotic locales. We've been scheming to persuade our friend to join us on an exploration, but work commitments have kept us grounded. Despite our frequent travels, we've primarily visited developed and trendy destinations. However, with a six-day window in late May, we proposed a spontaneous trip to Mandalay.

Mandalay – Raw, authentic, and begging to be explored in a cool and unconventional way.

Image of a beach with palm trees and turquoise water.

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Image of a woman standing on a rock overlooking a valley.

With less than four days to prepare, the trip wasn't exactly rushed. Mandalay is easily accessible, with abundant online information. Hotels can be researched and booked through websites like TripAdvisor, Traveloka, Agoda, Expedia, and others. Flights are also convenient, with ThaiAirAsia offering direct flights to Mandalay twice daily (roundtrip). Ticket prices are reasonable, making travel within the AEC region a spontaneous possibility.

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Image of a woman standing on a cliff overlooking the ocean.


"Traveling broadens our horizons." This quote inspired my girlfriend and me to embark on a journey of exploration. We created a small page called "Escape Work, Travel" and a blog at www.ibreak2travel.com
As you read this, we want to share that... years ago, when we first met, "I was a tourist with a full-time job, and my girlfriend was a full-time worker who wanted to travel." We were so different, but when we started dating, our differences found a balance that led us to the point where we wanted to create a page to take our fellow working friends on trips with us. If we can do it, anyone can.
Please support our page by liking it. It will encourage us and let us know that you are still with us. "Work hard, play hard."
https://www.facebook.com/ibreak2travel/
http://ibreak2travel.com/

A Glimpse into Burmese Travel: Essential Tips for a Smooth Journey

Before embarking on your Burmese adventure, take a moment to delve into these helpful tips that will ensure a smooth and enriching experience:

1. Visa Requirements:

  • Nationals of many countries require a visa for entry into Myanmar. Ensure you have the necessary documentation and apply well in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.

2. Currency Exchange:

  • The official currency of Myanmar is the kyat (MMK). While major cities offer exchange facilities, carrying small denominations of US dollars is recommended for smaller towns and villages.

3. Respectful Attire:

  • Burmese culture emphasizes modesty. Opt for clothing that covers shoulders and knees, especially when visiting religious sites.

4. Bargaining Etiquette:

  • Bargaining is an integral part of Burmese culture, particularly at markets and street stalls. Be polite and respectful, and don't hesitate to negotiate for a fair price.

5. Transportation Options:

  • Myanmar offers various transportation options, including buses, trains, and taxis. Research and book tickets in advance, especially during peak season.

6. Accommodation Choices:

  • Accommodation options range from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious hotels. Consider your budget and desired level of comfort when making your selection.

7. Cultural Sensitivity:

  • Be mindful of local customs and traditions. Avoid touching people's heads or pointing your feet at others, as these gestures are considered disrespectful.

8. Responsible Tourism:

  • Support local businesses and communities by purchasing souvenirs from ethical vendors and respecting the environment.

By following these tips, you can ensure a memorable and culturally enriching experience in Myanmar.


"Traveling broadens our horizons," this sentence inspired my girlfriend and me to embark on a journey of exploration. We created a small page called "Escape Work, Travel" and a blog called www.ibreak2travel.com

Up to this point, we want to say... Looking back several years ago when we first met, "I was a tourist who had to work a regular job, while my girlfriend was a regular worker who wanted to travel sometimes." We were so different.

But when we started dating, our two differences found a common ground, leading us to the point where we wanted to create a page to invite our fellow working friends to travel with us. We believe that anyone can travel like us. Please visit our page and give us a Like. It will encourage us to know that you are always there for us. "Work hard, but also know how to travel."

https://www.facebook.com/ibreak2travel/

http://ibreak2travel.com/

Why Burma? Why Mandalay? Why you (this is irrelevant)

The question arises: why visit Myanmar? The blunt answer is "because Myanmar is not yet developed." While the world is spinning at breakneck speed, with people reaching for their phones before brushing their teeth, every aspect of life in Myanmar moves at a leisurely pace.


Burma: A Land of Contradictions

  • A former British colony that has managed to retain its unique identity.
  • A healthcare system that operates independently of the World Health Organization.
  • Young people still wear longyi (sarongs) and apply thanaka (a traditional cosmetic paste) to their faces (and chew betel nut for good measure).
  • A deeply religious Buddhist population that does not hold monks in particularly high regard.
  • Temples serve as community centers, and people are more likely to visit a temple than a shopping mall.
  • Fast and reliable 3G and 4G mobile phone networks, but roads, electricity, and water infrastructure are still under development.

This raw, real, and confusing way of life is the unadulterated charm that we both want to experience. And if we want to experience the true essence of Burma, we must start in Mandalay. This is because it was the former capital and the closest city with an airport if we intend to visit Bagan and Inle Lake.

It's time for a cool trip to the real, raw city of Mandalay! Please follow me.


If you're good-looking and want to fly on time, come with ThaiAirAsia.

This trip, we booked our tickets just a few days before flying, as we had just found some free time. We planned to arrive in Mandalay on the first flight of the day so that we could start exploring right away.

The flight we booked is FD244, departing from Don Mueang Airport at 10:50 AM and arriving in Mandalay at 12:15 PM. Please note that Mandalay local time is 30 minutes behind Thailand time.

The image depicts a scenic landscape with rolling hills and a winding river, likely captured in a natural environment.

Good-looking people fly with AirAsia. Fly with value... complete quality.

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This time I booked a Hot Seat. The person on the right is actually thin. He looks swollen because of the bad lens.

The flight from Don Mueang to Mandalay takes approximately 2 hours. We had pre-ordered our meals, and as soon as we boarded the plane, the beautiful flight attendant brought them to us. I enjoyed the grilled salmon with rice, which had a slight spiciness that I liked. Oh!


Faster than the traffic jam at Ladprao intersection!! We have arrived at Mandalay International Airport!!

The airport is not very big, similar in size to Phuket Airport (but with far fewer shops). While it was raining heavily in Thailand at the end of May, the sky in Mandalay was clear and the sun was hot. >_< Did you bring sunglasses, kids?

The image depicts a breathtaking landscape, showcasing a vast expanse of rolling hills and lush greenery. The rolling hills, adorned with vibrant vegetation, create a sense of depth and perspective. The lush greenery, with its rich hues of green, adds a touch of vibrancy and life to the scene. The image evokes a sense of tranquility and serenity, inviting the viewer to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.

The image depicts a scenic landscape with rolling hills and a winding road leading to a distant town. Lush greenery covers the hillsides, and a clear blue sky stretches overhead. The road is lined with trees, and a few houses can be seen in the distance. The overall impression is one of peace and tranquility.

The young woman's street style is reminiscent of Harajuku fashion.

Arrival in Mandalay: Next Steps

Upon arrival at Mandalay International Airport, several essential tasks await you in the Arrival Hall. These include:

  • Currency Exchange: Exchanging your currency for Burmese Kyat is crucial for making purchases and transactions within the country. Designated exchange counters are readily available within the Arrival Hall.
  • SIM Card Acquisition: Securing a local SIM card provides convenient access to mobile data and communication services. Numerous mobile network operators offer SIM card packages tailored to your needs.
  • Transportation Arrangement: Securing transportation to your desired destination is essential. Taxis are readily available outside the Arrival Hall, offering both metered fares and negotiated rates. Alternatively, pre-arranged airport transfers or car rentals are also options.

According to the article on preparation, you will need to exchange your currency for Burmese Kyat. The exchange rate is approximately 39.73 Kyat to 1 Thai Baht or 1,358.34 Kyat to 1 US Dollar (as of June 2017). It is recommended to exchange US Dollars for a better rate. Please exchange only the amount you need, as counterfeit Kyat notes are common and may be difficult to exchange back.

Here's a simple rule of thumb: 1,000 kip equals 25 baht. Remember this, and you'll never be confused.

Tip: Don't be surprised if you have hundreds of thousands or even millions of kip in your hands, as the currency is weaker than ours. Divide your money into several parts and keep it in different bags. Don't keep all your money in one bag, and don't show anyone that you have a lot of money.

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There are several money exchange counters in the Arrival Hall with slightly different rates. Choose the one you prefer.

Image of a woman standing on a rock overlooking a valley.

This is what the Thai baht looks like.

After exchanging your currency, purchase a SIM card at the red Ooredoo store. Ignore any roaming advertisements. Ooredoo offers the strongest 3G/4G signal in Myanmar. At the airport, you may encounter a blue Telenor store (owned by DTAC). We recommend skipping it, as its signal is inferior to Ooredoo's. The friendly staff will assist you with your SIM card replacement. When it comes to customer service, the Burmese people are exceptional.

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After purchasing a SIM card, you'll need to choose an internet package based on your data usage. We opted for a 6-day, 2GB package for 3,000 kip, but it wasn't enough. Most hotel Wi-Fi is slow, so consider purchasing a 3.5GB package if you're an active social media user.

Image of a woman standing on a rock overlooking a vast landscape.

Ooredoo Internet Package Prices

After exchanging currency and obtaining a SIM card, if you have a hotel reservation and transportation arranged, look for your name on a sign and approach the person holding it. If you do not have transportation, exit the building and you will be approached by young men eager to assist with your luggage. Do not be alarmed! Remain calm, smile, and gather your composure (you will encounter this frequently). Inform them of your desired hotel in the city center.

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Young men eagerly helped carry the luggage, providing excellent service.

Taxi Fare

Taxis typically cost around 15,000 kip, which is the standard rate (clearly displayed to prevent price gouging). Request a new car with cold air conditioning, and they will provide it. However, the real fun lies with the young men who assist with your luggage. They offer excellent service, carrying your bags all the way to your vehicle.

Once they're done, they'll turn to you with a smile and ask for a tip for carrying your bags. At this point, if you want to tip, it's recommended to give around 500-1,000 kip per person. If there are several of them, you can tell them to split it amongst themselves. However, if you don't tip, it's not wrong, you might just feel a bit of pressure from their gaze.

The image depicts a breathtaking landscape, showcasing a vast expanse of rolling hills and lush greenery. The rolling hills, adorned with vibrant vegetation, create a sense of depth and perspective. The lush greenery, with its rich hues of green, adds a touch of vibrancy and life to the scene. The image evokes a sense of tranquility and serenity, inviting the viewer to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.

This area is full of taxis, and we were lucky to find this one.

Taxis from the airport are typically sedan cars with air conditioning that may or may not be working properly. However, on this trip, we were fortunate to find this taxi. The air conditioning was cold, the seats were comfortable, the driver was professional, spoke good English, and had a wealth of historical knowledge. And yes, we both decided to use this driver to take us around Mandalay for the next few days. ^_^


Getting to know Mandalay (a bit of information)

Mandalay, the former capital of Burma, served as the final royal capital before the end of the monarchy. King Thibaw (of the Konbaung dynasty) was the last reigning monarch. The city is the third largest in the country, after Yangon and Naypyidaw, and is situated on the eastern bank of the Irrawaddy River.

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The Irrawaddy River, a major river in the country

Image of a woman standing on a rock overlooking a valley.

Numerous temples were built along the banks of the Irrawaddy River.

An image of a person standing on a rock formation overlooking a body of water.

This scene was filmed on location in Mandalay.

The level of development is good, with wide roads and complete public utilities. Strong 3G/4G signals are available. There are trendy restaurants, hotels, and international shopping malls. Internet access is available (although hotel Wi-Fi is notoriously slow). The majority of the population practices Buddhism, and there are numerous businesses and shops from Thailand.

This sentence describes a travel itinerary that includes visiting Mandalay, Sagaing, and Mingun. It also mentions providing recommendations for accommodation, restaurants, shopping, and insights into the identity of these cities.

Mandalay Map

3 Cities to Explore in Mandalay


Tourist attractions in Mandalay

In Mandalay, it is highly recommended to utilize taxi services for sightseeing. Ideally, securing a knowledgeable taxi driver who is familiar with local attractions and possesses English proficiency would be advantageous. Alternatively, hotels can assist in arranging taxi services. The average cost ranges from 50,000 to 70,000 kyats per day, subject to distance and destinations.

To fully enjoy Mandalay, it is recommended to allocate 2-3 days to explore the city at a leisurely pace, especially during the hot summer months. Avoid rushing, as the heat can be overwhelming. Take your time and savor the experience.

Image of a woman standing on a rock overlooking a vast landscape.

The cool evening light at Tonle Tamon Lake, by the Ubeng wooden bridge.

An image of a beach with palm trees and a blue sky.

Irrawaddy River Delta Pagoda Group

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This trip captured the full morning and evening atmosphere.

Our itinerary for Mandalay includes capturing the sunset at U Bein Bridge, attending the Mahamuni Buddha's face-washing ceremony (at 4:00 AM), and capturing the sunrise at U Bein Bridge. During the day, we will visit temples, markets, and other attractions. As most flights arrive in Myanmar between noon and afternoon, we will begin our sightseeing in the afternoon, following our planned itinerary.

Important Information: International tourists must purchase a Mandalay Tourist Zone entrance ticket for 20,000 kyats per person (valid for 5 days). This ticket grants access to various attractions, including Mandalay Palace, Kuthodaw Pagoda, Shwenandaw Kyaung, Atumashi Kyaung (adjacent to Shwenandaw Kyaung), and Sandamuni Pagoda.


1. Mandalay Palace

Image of Mandalay Palace

The last royal palace of the Burmese dynasty, constructed during the reign of King Mindon, took 28 years to complete. Remarkably, the palace was built entirely of golden teakwood and adorned with gold, diamonds, gems, and other precious stones. However, as history records, the dynasty eventually collapsed during the reign of King Thibaw, and Burma became a British colony.

Every treasure was looted, including the Peacock Throne, a symbol of the dynasty, and the golden Singha Throne in the Grand Audience Hall, adorned with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and other precious gems, all of which were shipped to England. To make matters worse, the entire palace complex was destroyed by fire during World War II!

Image of a woman standing on a rock overlooking a vast landscape.

Image of a person standing on a rock formation overlooking a body of water.

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Replica of King Mindon and his Queen

The current palace is a reconstruction by the Burmese authorities, modeled after the original palace. While it may not possess the same level of grandeur as during its heyday, the remaining structures still offer a glimpse into the architectural prowess of Burma.

Why visit: This location offers numerous vintage-style photo opportunities! The surrounding area is spacious and lush, with plenty of trees. In addition to witnessing the grandeur of Mandalay's past, you can dress up and take photos in this vintage-inspired setting.

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The image depicts a breathtaking landscape, showcasing a vast expanse of rolling hills and lush greenery. The rolling hills, adorned with vibrant vegetation, create a sense of depth and perspective. The lush greenery, with its rich hues of green, adds a touch of vibrancy and life to the scene. The image evokes a sense of tranquility and serenity, inviting the viewer to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.

Image of a woman standing on a rock overlooking a valley.

Vintage corners can be found throughout the palace.

Highlights: The gatehouse, plastered walls, classic wooden paneling, and the watchtower. The watchtower requires some effort to climb, but the panoramic view of the palace from the top is worth it. The cool breeze and stunning photo opportunities make it a must-visit. We recommend visiting early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting.

Image of a woman standing on a cliff overlooking the ocean.

The image depicts a breathtaking landscape, showcasing a vast expanse of rolling hills and lush greenery. The rolling hills, adorned with vibrant vegetation, create a sense of depth and perspective. The lush greenery, with its rich hues of green, adds a touch of vibrancy and life to the scene. The image evokes a sense of tranquility and serenity, inviting the viewer to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.

Image of a woman standing on a rock overlooking a valley.

To enjoy a panoramic view, we invite you to climb this tower.

The image depicts a picturesque landscape with rolling hills, lush vegetation, and a winding river. The vibrant colors and intricate details create a sense of depth and realism.

The view from above is magnificent, with a cool and refreshing breeze.

Image of a woman standing on a rock overlooking a valley.

2. Kuthodaw Pagoda

The Kuthodaw Pagoda, located in Mandalay, Myanmar, is known for its collection of 729 marble slabs inscribed with the entire Pali canon of Theravada Buddhism.

Burma boasts a wealth of World Heritage Sites, but the most striking feature is the multitude of white pavilions surrounding the pagodas. These pavilions commemorate the Fourth Buddhist Council, where King Mindon commissioned the inscription of the 84,000 teachings of the Tipitaka onto 729 marble slabs, creating the world's largest collection of Buddhist scriptures. These slabs are enshrined within 729 white pavilions surrounding the Maha Lawka Marazein Pagoda, a replica of the Shwezigon Pagoda in the Bagan Kingdom.

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White marble pavilion housing the Tripitaka

An image of a woman standing on a rock formation overlooking a body of water.

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Why visit: The Kuthodaw Pagoda is located at the Shwenandaw Monastery in the heart of Mandalay, making it easily accessible. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's a must-see for any visitor to Mandalay. The pagoda complex offers a pleasant space for strolling and taking photos, with stalls selling local handicrafts and a serene atmosphere. Unfortunately, the main stupa was undergoing renovations during our visit, preventing us from capturing its full beauty. (T_T)

Image of a woman standing on a rock overlooking a valley.

When I grow up, I will help my mother sell things.

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Image of a woman standing on a rock overlooking a valley.

The sound of the gong was so cool, it went "whoosh, whoosh, whoosh..." I ended up buying it, haha!

An image of a person standing on a rock formation overlooking a body of water.

Must-see angles: Visit this pagoda in the late afternoon or early evening when the sun casts an oblique angle through the pavilion, creating a stunning light effect. We recommend inviting vendors or children from the temple to join you in your photos for an authentic local experience.


3 : Mandalay Hill (Mandalay's Great Hill)

Mandalay Hill, Myanmar

At dusk, if you want to enjoy the beautiful view of Mandalay, this is the answer. Not only will you be able to climb up and enjoy the view, but you will also be able to pay homage to the relics of the Buddha at the "Sutaungpyay" pagoda on the top of the hill. People here believe that Mandalay Hill is the hill that will support Buddhism to flourish forever.

For the most adventurous tourists, you may want to test your faith by trying to walk and enjoy the view from the foot of the mountain, through 7,292 steps to the top of the mountain. This hill is only 239 meters high. ^^ But if you don't want to sweat, try taking a shared taxi from the foot of the mountain (or if it's convenient, a taxi will take you to the top). From the parking lot, there is an escalator to facilitate it for free.

Please remove your shoes before stepping onto the escalator. Footwear is not permitted on the upper level.

Mandalay Hill Elevator

To avoid sweating while climbing stairs, consider using the escalator.

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For foreign tourists, the entrance fee is 1,000 kip.

Why come here? : To enjoy the view, of course! ^^ This is a popular evening spot for the people of Mandalay and a must-visit for tourists. On a clear day, you can see the Irrawaddy River, Mandalay Palace, and Kuthodaw Pagoda.

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Image of a woman standing on a rock overlooking a body of water.

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No need to worry about thirst, there are drinking water and herbal water available above.

Image of a woman standing on a rock overlooking a valley with mountains in the background.

Image of a woman standing on a rock overlooking a valley.

Must-See Angles: After taking your fill of selfies, we encourage you to put your phone away and stand on the balcony to witness the magical sunset over this enchanting city. Don't forget to offer prayers and bathe the Buddha statue for good luck.


Where will you sleep tonight?

When traveling to countries with comfortable climates like Japan, Taiwan, and Korea, we are not too concerned about accommodation. We are easygoing sleepers and only require a clean, safe, and conveniently located place to stay. However, our trip to Mandalay is different. We are unsure of the cleanliness, safety, and overall condition of the rooms. This time, we researched on TripAdvisor and read reviews from various hotel websites.

Our Hotel Requirements and Choices

Our primary hotel requirements were affordability, cleanliness, strong air conditioning (a crucial factor), running water, and Wi-Fi access. For this trip, we selected two highly-rated hotels with excellent service.

Hotel Yadanarbon

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This small hotel boasts an impressive number of positive reviews. At under a thousand baht per night, it offers clean rooms with comfortable beds (not the kind that swallow you whole). The service is excellent, and in the evenings, guests are treated to a traditional Burmese puppet show. It's easy to see why this hotel earns a 4/5 rating. Conveniently located, it's just a short distance from the Mandalay Palace.

The downside is that the Wifi is slower than a turtle walking. 555555

Image of a woman standing on a rock overlooking a valley.

The Burmese-accented English is... much easier to understand than Indian-accented English.

Image of a person standing on a rock formation overlooking a valley.

The bedroom is not cramped and offers ample living space. It features a standard-sized bed.

Image of a woman standing on a rock overlooking a valley.

The bathroom is clean and well-equipped.

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The restaurant is decorated in a local style, reminiscent of Chiang Mai.

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Upon arriving in Myanmar, be sure to try Myanmar Beer.

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The Burmese marionettes have an eerie appearance.

King Bagan Hotel

Image of a person standing on a rock formation overlooking a body of water.

Hotel Lobby

Another highly recommended hotel is the King Bagan Hotel (located in Mandalay). The hotel is decorated with a Bagan palace concept, making it grand and luxurious. It's a 4-star hotel with a slightly higher price, but we chose to stay here on our last night before returning to Thailand as a luxurious treat. The room rate is 3,000 baht per night, including a buffet breakfast (with high-quality ingredients). The hotel also has strong Wi-Fi.

This popular hotel in Mandalay offers a comfortable and luxurious stay. It features an elevator, air conditioning, spacious and clean rooms with comfortable beds, and grand bathrooms. The food is delicious and reasonably priced. We highly recommend this hotel, giving it a rating of 4.8 out of 5.

Disadvantages: The design of the rooms and bathrooms is beautiful, and the materials are good. However, the layout and functionality are not ideal. For example, there is a towel rack in the bathroom, but it is so high that I cannot reach it. As for the light switches, there are too many of them, and I have to turn off the lights in the whole room every time I want to go to sleep. What were they thinking?

The image depicts a scenic landscape with rolling hills and a winding road.

Image of a person standing on a rock formation overlooking a body of water.

The bathroom is incredibly luxurious! I almost don't dare to use it.

Image of a woman standing on a rock overlooking a valley.

There is a sofa to sit on, so we can work comfortably here.

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Image of a person standing on a rock formation overlooking a valley.

The hotel offers a complimentary Happy Hour with two free cocktails per guest from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The cocktails are delicious!

Image of a woman standing on a rock overlooking a body of water.

The restaurant design is very stylish.

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Free cocktails are available at this event. I ordered 3 glasses. 5555

Early Morning Program in Mandalay

4. Witnessing the Mahamuni Buddha's Face-Washing Ceremony

The Mahamuni Buddha, a revered religious icon in Mandalay, undergoes a daily ritual known as the "face-washing ceremony." This ceremony, held at dawn, attracts numerous devotees who gather to witness the cleansing of the Buddha's face with fragrant water and sandalwood paste. The ceremony is a deeply spiritual experience, offering participants a chance to connect with their faith and seek blessings.

Image of Mahamuni Buddha Temple in Mandalay, Myanmar.

"The insistent ringing of my phone woke me up at 3 am! It was a struggle to overcome my drowsiness, but I was determined to participate in this important ceremony in Mandalay. I had come this far, and I was not going to give up now! At this point, I recommend using a taxi. If you want to get there on time, a taxi is your best option."

3:45 AM is the designated time for the taxi to pick us up at the hotel. We will then head straight to the Mahamuni Pagoda. This renowned temple houses the Mahamuni Buddha statue (known as Maha Myat Muni by the Burmese), a national treasure of Myanmar. The statue, adorned in royal attire, was created at the behest of King Chandasuriya of the Dhanañwaddy Kingdom. Inspired by a dream of the Buddha, the king commissioned the statue in the hope that it would bolster Buddhism in Myanmar.

The washing ceremony is rooted in the belief that the Mahamuni Buddha statue is alive, having received the breath of the Buddha himself. As a living entity, the statue requires cleansing, which is considered a meritorious act. Hence, the daily ritual of washing the Mahamuni Buddha's face at 4:00 AM.

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The image depicts a breathtaking landscape, showcasing a vast expanse of rolling hills and lush greenery. The rolling hills, adorned with vibrant vegetation, create a sense of depth and perspective. The lush greenery, with its rich hues of green, adds a touch of vibrancy and life to the scene. The image evokes a sense of tranquility and serenity, inviting the viewer to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.

The image depicts a scenic landscape with rolling hills and a winding river, likely captured in a natural environment.

Why come here: Because this is the center of magic and faith in Mandalay. The fact that Burmese people diligently wake up to participate in this ceremony at 4:00 AM every day, for a very long time, we think it is a true representation of the faith of the Burmese people.

The image depicts a scenic landscape with rolling hills and a winding river, likely captured in a natural environment.

Image of a woman standing on a rock overlooking a valley.

An image of a person standing on a rock formation overlooking a body of water.

The image depicts a breathtaking landscape, showcasing a vast expanse of rolling hills and lush greenery. The rolling hills, adorned with vibrant vegetation, create a sense of depth and perspective. The lush greenery, with its rich hues of green, adds a touch of vibrancy and life to the scene. The image evokes a sense of tranquility and serenity, inviting the viewer to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.

Must-See Angles: We recommend arriving early and securing a spot at the front, especially for men (women are not allowed at the very front), to get a close-up view of the ceremony. If time permits, we suggest taking a walk around the ordination hall, where you will see rows of devotees waiting to receive holy water. For those who enjoy capturing everyday life, this is a fascinating place to visit.

Note: This temple charges a photography fee of 1,000 kip.

The image depicts a breathtaking landscape with rolling hills, lush vegetation, and a winding river. The vibrant colors and intricate details create a sense of depth and realism.

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5. U Bein Bridge: The World's Longest Teakwood Bridge

An image of the U Bein Bridge in Myanmar.

The primary motivation for our visit to Mandalay was the U Bein Bridge, the world's longest and oldest teakwood bridge. Constructed around 1850, it stretches approximately 1.2 kilometers across Taungthaman Lake. Notably, the bridge's construction utilized 1,086 teakwood logs salvaged from the dismantling of the old Ava Palace (during the relocation from Ava to Amarapura). One end of the bridge points directly towards the Kyautawgyi Paya on the opposite bank in Amarapura.

The charm of this bridge lies in the daily life of the people who cross it and the view of the lake. You will see Burmese monks walking among the people on the bridge, flocks of ducks foraging in the lake, and rowboats taking tourists to admire the view of Inle Lake. The atmosphere here is truly breathtaking.

Image of a beach with palm trees and blue water.

Image of a woman standing on a rock overlooking a vast landscape.

In the early morning, the harbor is filled with boats.

Image of a woman standing on a rock overlooking a valley.

Why come here?: Because simply looking at pictures of the U Bein Bridge doesn't do it justice. To truly experience the charm of this iconic landmark, you need to immerse yourself in the authentic way of life here, with the vast sky, the serene water, and the bridge itself serving as a breathtaking backdrop. This unique experience is something you won't find anywhere else.

The image depicts a breathtaking landscape, showcasing a vast expanse of rolling hills and lush greenery. The rolling hills, adorned with vibrant vegetation, create a sense of depth and perspective. The lush greenery, with its rich hues of green, adds a touch of vibrancy and life to the scene. The image evokes a sense of tranquility and serenity, inviting the viewer to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.

Morning Light with Monks and Novices

A Must-See Perspective

This location is accessible during both sunrise and sunset. To capture stunning photographs, careful planning is essential. We recommend visiting between December and February, as the sun rises and sets parallel to the bridge, creating a breathtaking backdrop for your shots.

Morning Photography:

Walk to the other side of the bridge (the side with the white pagoda in the middle of the rice field). Keep walking and set up your camera parallel to the bridge. Wait for the sunrise. You will capture the silhouette of the bridge structure and people with the morning sky as the backdrop. Once the sun rises a little higher, climb onto the bridge to capture images of people on the bridge, backlit slightly for a beautiful effect.

If you come in the evening

In the late afternoon before sunset, walk up to capture the lifestyle of people on the bridge. In the evening, there will be more people, so you have to wait for the moment when people are free and then take pictures. We recommend that you look at the direction of the light to be diagonally behind you, which is better than facing the sun (because your eyes will squint and you won't be able to see the light).

As the sun begins its descent, consider renting a paddle boat and venturing out onto the lake. Position yourselves parallel to the bridge and capture the essence of daily life against the backdrop of the bridge's structure and the vibrant evening sky. The rental fee for a paddle boat typically ranges between 12,000 and 15,000 kip. Notably, the local boatmen possess an exceptional understanding of optimal angles for photography during different lighting conditions and times of day.

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Using a human rower as a model provides a different feeling.

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This photo was taken in the evening, and the backlight is slightly visible.

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If you turn to face the light, your eyes will squint and your face will look oily in the photo.

Image of a woman standing on a cliff overlooking the ocean.

Turn your back to the camera, with the light angled slightly behind you. This will create a more flattering rim light.

Image URL: http://i0.wp.com/ibreak2travel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/25600523-17-50-28-_KNP9608-Edit.jpg?resize=810%2C541

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This photo was taken from a drone at sunset.

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Read more: Mandalay – Raw, Real, and Cool Travel Experiences

A Trip to Mandalay


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