Mandalay Hotel Reviews

Mandalay and the nearby mountains (about 2 hours drive) have many interesting sights to visit. We would recommend using a private (tour) taxi as you can get to places that are not accessible by tour coach. The drivers also are very knowledgible and can provide a lot of information and help, e.g places to eat. You can usually hire by the day and cost ranges between about US$30 to US$50. We found the modern Mandalay airport a refreshing change from the outdated and poor condition Yangon airport. When arriving make sure to purchase a ticket that allows foreign tourist entry for most of the attractions/sights in the Mandalay area. The cost is US$10 per person but can save a lot of money over paying at each individual sight. Be prepared for additional charges for the use of still cameras and video cameras. These vary from place to place and are usually paid in local currency.

Mandalay city itself isn''t a real beauty. But you should absolutely walk all the 1.400 or so steps up to the hill and start about 4 p.m., so you''ll be there before sunset. While walking you will meet a lot of Myanmar people, who like to talk to foreigners and who love to practise english. Mahamuni pagoda is also a must. There is a view point for sunset somewhere at the Irawady (I don''t know exactly where, you should ask for good places apart Mandalay Hill to watch the sunset). This place isn''t yet touristic at all - people are living on their houseboats...great ambiance!!! The surroundings of Mandalay are very nice, very green. Amarapura, Sagaing, Inwa are nice. and there are more places. I''ve been twice to Myanmar and in both cases I took a taxi with driver from the Inle Lake (Nyaungshwe) to Mandalay (it has to take the old road) and the route is SO nice. You first go a long way through the mountains and then it''s green and there are canals. Even if the trip by car lasts about 7 hours - it''s worth while!!!

After much research and shopping around the best antiques are to be bought from Soe Moe which although out of town well worth the effort. The Moustache Brothers nightly show is a must do as is the Mingin river half day trip.

We visited Mandalay, Amapura, Inwa, Saigan and Mingun. We took a small taxi for two days: it was very funny and cheaper (only 18 USD).

We had a "whistle stop" tour of Mandalay and so did not really get a feel for the city. However a restaurant we used was "KO''s Kitchen". This was exceptional value and close to our hotel. The service would not be out of place in any 5 star restaurant and the food was equally good. It does appear in lonely planet.

In Mandalay, we highly recommend a boat trip on the Irrawady river to Mingun to see the collosal uncompleted Mingun Paya.

We reached Mt Popa by taxi (about 40 minutes), through interesting countryside, stopping only at a palm plantation to smoke some cheroots and drink the local brews. The kids rode on buffaloes. You can trek in the hills, or horseride, feed the monkeys at the temple or go to the deer reservation.

We hired a car to get around at the cost of USD17 per day. The English speaking driver was very helpful and he served as a tourist guide to us as well. He recommended us to see the sunset at Ubengdada (old bridge) which was one of the most wonderful experiences I ever had.

Mandalay hill about 4 pm is mystical with buddhist chanting. Take along a walkman with recording potential. We didn''t and wished we had. Stay for the sunset. It draws a crowd but the sunset mixed with the chanting will take you some place new within.

We hired a taxi driver for one day and we visited AVA, AMARAPURA and the SAGAIN hills which was really fascinating! For ladies:I had a traditional hairwash done in a beauty salon! This was an extraordinary experience! It is really different in europe but the head massage was really perfect! I really recommend this to all women-it is very relaxing!

Mount Popa is amazing. Just be aware that if you choose to climb the 777 steps to the top of the monastery, you will be doing so barefoot, as shoes are not allowed. The steps are covered much of the way but there are several sections that are basically ladders. There are wild/semi-tame monkeys all over the monastery, and they occasionally grab visitors'' possessions or jump on visitors. They also leave their droppings everywhere -- and remember, you will be barefoot! The view from the top makes it all worthwhile, though. A magical place.

We chartered a boat to Mingun which allowed us to stop at villages along the way. Mingun was the most touristy place in Myanmar although there was still not very much hassle. We would thoroughly recommend the 40 minute trip to Amarapura (by taxi) coinciding with lunch time at the monastery (about 10.30 am) as the sight of 1,000 monks lined up 2 by 2 is amazing. We got around Mandalay using trishaws.

Good location off hotel, so you can easy take taxi or you can walk.

I didn''t particularly like Mandalay as I found it dusty and noisy. We enjoyed a boat trip up the Ayerwaddy to Mingun where we met Zaw Min, a young artist who has produced some beautiful work. We also took a taxi ride to the U Bein Bridge and watched local life while enjoying a cold beer. <BR><BR> We ate at the Green Elephant which is very close to the hotel. The food was good but the service overbearing - waiters standing behind you watching your every mouthful. We had this problem all over Myanmar as it was the start of the low season and we were often the only tourists - definitely the only ones with young children. <BR><BR> There is a marionette theatre in the road next to the Sedona which is probably worth a visit if you haven''t seen a Burmese puppet show.

A day and a half is sufficient to visit the main sites: Mandalay Hill, monasteries and temples. We recommend a half day boat trip to Mingun: nice temples and a glimpse at river life.

The Green Elephant restaurant serves excellent Burmese food. It is just round the corner from the hotel, ask at reception for a map.

We spent four days in Mandalay and loved every minute of it. It is a great base for day trips to nearby ancient cities.

Mandalay is worth spending two days. Visit Mingun by scenic boat trip. Visit Inwa as well. The other "highlights" are not that interesting.

Mandalay is a must as home base for daily excursions to e.g. Mingun. Saggain is no must if you manage to go to Pagan and you have to choose between the two. Marie Min, vegetarian restaurant, is a great place for food and lassi, to meet other travellers and to talk to Tommy, Marie''s brother. Toe Toe also a great place to eat Myanmar Food.

We can advice travellers to eat in "a little bit of Mandalay" nearby the hotel. Big value for local food; clean and helpful service.