Hostels in MANDALAY, MYANMAR

City Mandalay in Myanmar – Old Royal Capital

Second largest city and the last royal capital of Burma, Mandalay is located 716 Kilometres north of Yangon on the east bank of the River Irrawaddy. Economic hub as well as main educational, health, and commercial centre of upper Burma it has a population of nearly one million.

Accommodations
Luxury and budget hotels, both are available in Mandalay besides youth hostels, bed and breakfast resorts, and guest houses. Most of them provide the right combination of convenience, comfort, functionality as well as prices. Luxury hotels are mostly located on picturesque sights and offer various entertainment programs. Budget hotels and other accommodations however cater to all basic needs of the visitors.

History
Established at the foot of Mandalay Hill on 13th February, 1857 by King Mindon, it continued as the capital city of Burma till its annexation by the British in 1885. Rail route to Mandalay was established in 1889 but the first college was set up only in 1925. Fort Dufferin was the new name given to erstwhile royal palace by the British. Occupied by Japanese from 1942 to 1945, it reverted to British dominance that year but got independence in 1948. Prosperity eluded the city under isolationist rule of General Ne Win during 1962-88. Recurrence of fire incidents also harmed the economy greatly. Currently the city is experiencing Chinese dominance and consequential improvements in stature.

Places of Interest
Major places to visit in the city are Maha Myat Muni Pagoda, Kuthdew Pagoda, Kyauktawgyin Pagoda, Mandalay Hill, Atumashi Monastery, Mandalay Palace, Sandamuni Pagoda, Shwenandaw Monastery, Shweinbin Monastery, Kandawgyi Lake, Buddha Tooth Relic Pagoda, Bagyar Monastery, Shwekyimyint Pagoda,Setkyathiha Pagoda, Eindawya Pagoda etc.

Places of interest around the city are Amarapura, Shwebo, Mogok, Sagraing, Innwa, Monywa, Mingun, and Pyin Ou Lwin.

Getting Around
International airport of Mandalay is largest in the country but conducts few international flights. Freight transportation is largely dependent on Ayyarawady River while passenger transportation is taken care of by extensive Myanmar Railways and road networks covering most of the cities and places in Myanmar including Yangon. Motor transport is highly expensive and therefore bikes and bicycles and buses are major means of road transport. Traffic in the city however, is poor. A city guide therefore would be handy for the first time visitor.

Entertainment
Food in Mandalay combines Indian, Thai, and Chinese cuisines though European food is also available. Traditional snacks are available in street stalls. A busy city and centre of Myanmar trading operations, it has theatre halls, beauty salons, karaoke lounges, spas, and many astrology centres.

Language
Main language of the city is Burmese followed by Mandarin Chinese. English is spoken only by the urban elite in the city.

Currency
Myanmar kyat is also the currency used in Mandalay. Keeping a track of the currency exchange rates news and online is advisable since the rates are highly volatile and fluctuates every week with regularity.

Group accommodation in Mandalay | Cheap hostels & budget hotels