Mandalay and Amarapura

Once a thriving kingdom, Mandalay's legacy remains significant, despite the British exile of its last king, who was laid to rest in Ratnagiri, India. The royal palace was destroyed but has since been reconstructed—though not with the original teak wood. From Mandalay Hill Pagoda, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the palace and much of the city, surrounded by stupas and pagodas set amidst lush greenery.

The city is also known for its local crafts, including exquisite embroidery and the gold leaf industry. At the Maha Muni Pagoda, you'll find a 1,500-year-old Buddha statue that is anointed with gold leaf day and night. This revered statue is now solid gold, weighing 15 tonnes and growing every day.

Don't miss the U Bein Bridge, the world’s longest teakwood bridge, spanning 1.2 km. It’s especially stunning at sunset.

Also worth seeing is the Kuthodaw Pagoda, home to the world’s largest book, with 730 stone leaves, each carved with 1460 pages of Buddhist scripture.