Our knowledgeable local guide will escort you in a private car towards the first of today’s three ancient royal capitals – Amarapura, capital from 1783 until 1859. . Most people like to take the public ferry that departs once a day in the morning and then returns around midday. But Mandalay was bombed flat in WWII and the palace disappeared, along with much else. It was founded along the Irrawaddy River bank by King Mindon in 1857. What it does have is a number of varied historical sights around it, being surrounded by several old…Enjoy easy Mobile Bookings at Royal City Hotel Mandalay, your home away from home in Mandalay, Myanmar. 4. Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Mandalay. While staying at Royal City Hotel, visitors can check out Shwe In Bin. Review. Another colourful celebration is the week-long Taung Pyone Nat. It is the second largest city in the country with over a million inhabitants. Mandalay (မန္တလေး), as the center of Myanmar culture, was outstanding in the past, and it will continue to be a place of pride of Myanmar in the future. #1 The U-Bein Bridge Region Size: 37,024 sq km / 14,295 sq miles. It is one of the most popular attractions and usually quite busy with tourists, locals trying to sell souvenirs, and monks. Mandalay, the royal city of Myanmar, is a treasure trove of ancient Burmese culture and traditions. Most notable of these is the 2-week long Maha Myat Muni Pagoda Festival in February. In the Area. 7 million (2014) Mandalay City, A center of Myanmar Culture Mandalay is the second largest city and the last royal capital, founded at the foot of Mandalay Hill in 1857 by King Mindon as his royal capital surrounded by a moat. Mandalay is known for its millionaires, its monks (half of the country's monks live in Mandalay and surrounding areas) and its cultural diversity. Royal City Hotel, Mandalay: See 177 traveler reviews, 91 candid photos, and great deals for Royal City Hotel, ranked #29 of 168 hotels in Mandalay and rated 4 of 5 at Tripadvisor. In a country where officials still largely labor with pen. Trips Alerts Sign inNow $23 (Was $̶3̶2̶) on Tripadvisor: Royal Pearl Hotel, Mandalay. For a more vibrant city, choose Yangon. The site has experienced a tough long time since being constructing. However, initially, it started off wrong. The rhyming couplet easy to memorize the year of building the royal city is " Okkyit-Kyaw Aye / Mandalay " or " Aung Kyaw Chan Aye / Mandalay ". Hotel deals on Royal City Hotel Mandalay in Mandalay. Amarapura, just south of Mandalay City, was the royal capital of Burma during periods in the 18th and 19th centuries. Many festivities take place in and around Mandalay throughout the year. 6. View deals for Royal City Hotel, including fully refundable rates with free cancellation. The largest teak bridge in the world, the U-Bein Bridge spans 1. As I said earlier, Mandalay is considered the cultural capital of Myanmar. So,You can visit easily to there by foot,bicycle or bike. Featuring a restaurant, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Restaurants near Royal City Hotel, Mandalay on Tripadvisor: Find traveler reviews and candid photos of dining near Royal City Hotel in Mandalay, Myanmar. 5 of 5 at TripadvisorMandalay is the historical old capital, a capital of Myanmar culture. 29th Street, Between 80th & 81 Street, Central Mandalay, Mandalay, Myanmar, 11221 - See map. Well worth seeing, we ended up using KoBala again for the next day as well. Not only Mandalay- the last royal city of Myanmar, travelers will also be seduced by the royal capitals surrounding it including Amarapura, Inwa, Sagaing and Mingun. Hotels near Sri. Known for a multitude of pagodas and monasteries Mandalay Hill is located northeast of the city center. In 1885 the royal family was captured and the palace no longer was a royal residence. Around the Mandalay hill with many famous…Mandalay was the last royal city before Myanmar was colonised by Britain in 1885. Royal City Hotel, Mandalay: See 177 traveller reviews, 91 user photos and best deals for Royal City Hotel, ranked #29 of 168 Mandalay hotels, rated 4 of 5 at Tripadvisor. 7. Value. le: [màɴdəlé]) is the second-largest city and the last royal capital of Myanmar (Burma). Mandalay is a city and former royal. After all, Mandalay was the last royal capital of Myanmar before the British occupation. Given a first look, the city looks like any other Southeast Asian city with upcoming big buildings, busy streets and smiling people. Overview of Mandalay. et al. The 3-star Royal City Hotel Mandalay places guests within 2. Mandalay & Surrounding. Review. The Royal Mandalay Palace is in the center of the citadel and it seems Mandalay City has since been built around the boundaries of the fortress. For over two centuries, Mandalay Hill has been a major pilgrimage site for Burmese Buddhists. 6 km from Market. Royal Guest House, Mandalay: See 185 traveller reviews, 51 photos, and cheap rates for Royal Guest House, ranked #45 of 167 hotels in Mandalay and rated 3. Mandalay is the second largest city and was the last royal capital of Myanmar. Foreigners have to deposit their Passport to gain entrance. 5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. G at Mandalay HIll for sunset views over the city. Mindon Min had the pagoda built as part of the traditional foundations of the new royal city of Mandalay in 1857. The royal palace is located in a corner of the city wall at Innwa, at its centre in Amarapura and Mandalay. Service 4. Overview: Map:. Dec 30, 2018 - While at first I thought I fell into a tourist trap, my tour to visit the Royal Cities around Mandalay turns out to be a breathtaking highlight. I told them I’d take whatever was available, which turned out to be a $17 room, but it wouldn’t be ready for a while. Mandalay, city, north-central Myanmar (Burma), the second largest in the country (after Yangon [Rangoon]). Value 3. King Mindon of the Konbaung Dynasty, created. Now. Getting Around Mandalay. Location 4. Shwenandaw Monastery is a historic Buddhist monastery located near Mandalay Hill. To get around Mandalay city and its surrounding, there are many vehicles for you to choose, such as taxis, motorcycle taxis, bicycle or on foot. The best time to visit is early in the morning for sunrise, or for sunset. City From top: Mahamuni Buddha Temple , cultural conservation zones around Mandalay Hill , U Bein Bridge , Zegyo Market , Mandalarthiri Stadium , the Mandalay PalaceSpend the day exploring the highlights of Mandalay, a city and former royal capital in northern Myanmar on the Irrawaddy River. A pagoda in MandalaySave. For a more relaxed city, choose Mandalay. The car parking and the Wi-Fi are always free, so you can stay in touch and come and go as you please. Joel Carillet/Getty Images. Tip: Arrive before the sun sets to capture breathtaking views during golden hour. Things To do; Restaurants; Hotels; Countries; Menu. Kuthodaw pagoda. He built the fort, the beautiful palace and so many other buildings inside. Most notable of these is the 2-week long Maha Myat Muni Pagoda Festival in February. Discover genuine guest reviews for Royal City Hotel along with the latest prices and availability – book now. Mandalay city tour and Around Day 1: Mandalay City Tour and Mingun - Mahamuni Buddha Image was believed to build in BC600. 84 km (63. Resort price range starts from Rs. He moved his capital from Amarapura to strengthen its security from the British threat. . Motorcycles range from10,000-12,000 kyat/day ($8) and is by far the best way to see this. One of the awesome places to visit in Mandalay is Maha Myat Muni Pagoda. A great choice for a stay in Mandalay, Royal Mingalar Hotel features an airport shuttle. 20. The palace was constructed between 1857 and 1859 as part of King Mindon’s founding of the new royal capital city of Mandalay. Despite a short life, the city is home to numerous sights such as Pahtodawgyi Pagoda and Maha Gandhayon Kyaung monastery as well as the. Restaurants near Royal City Hotel, Mandalay on Tripadvisor: Find traveler reviews and candid photos of dining near Royal City Hotel in Mandalay, Myanmar. It serves today as a restricted military zone. Pahtodawgyi. For that alone, people add Mandalay Fort to their itinerary to have the best experience of the country. 24-hour live chat & Best Price Guarantee. Once a seat of kings, the city of Mandalay in northern Myanmar has seen turbulent chapters in its 162-year history – the fall of Burma's last royal dynasty and decades of colonial rule. 130, 27th Street, Between 76th & 77th Street, Central Mandalay, Mandalay, Myanmar, 11221 - See map. Mandalay is known for its millionaires, its monks (half of the country's monks live in Mandalay and surrounding areas) and its cultural diversity. The tour removes the hassle of planning, it’s relaxed and well planned out. Additional Info. 26 sq mi. 2km-long, 8m high walled thing and guarded by a 7m wide. It is really nice, clean and cheap accomodation. Mandalay Mandalay is the last Royal Capital, located in the central part of Myanmar on the east bank of River Ayeyarwady. Towels. Now it’s been restored for visitors – and here’s what you need to know! The year was 1885 and the last Burmese king was standing strong. History of Mandalay. The moat, palace walls with city. These hotels near Mandalay Central Railway Station in Mandalay have great views and are well-liked by travelers: Royal City Hotel - Traveler rating: 4. It is also sometimes denoted the world's largest brick pile and would probably have collapsed if finalised due to structural problemsThe surrounding villages are green and spacious allowing those visiting Mandalay to embark upon airy and invigorating bicycle rides. 177 reviews. Most notable of these is the 2-week long Maha Myat Muni Pagoda Festival in February. 5. Located 12 km south of Mandalay, it is the youngest of the many royal cities near Mandalay. 00 – $4. If you need to. CITY, AREA or PROPERTY Check-In Check-Out You are booking. Staff very helpful and friendly. Royal City Hotel: A Good, Friendly Choice in Mandalay - See 177 traveler reviews, 91 candid photos, and great deals for Royal City Hotel at Tripadvisor. It is located near Mingalar Mandalay, the. The resonant name of Mandalay - Myanmar, reaches out far beyond the country's borders, with all the associations of its rich and exotic past. The palace was constructed as part of the founding of the new royal capital city in Mandalay by King Mindon. per adult (price varies by group size) Bicycle Food Tour in Mandalay. Royal City HotelExplore the former royal cities around Mandalay and wander Yangon’s downtown to see the remains of the British colonial era. Getting around in Mandalay and the surrounding area. If you need to book a flight, search for the nearest airport to Mandalay, Myanmar. Today. The plan of Mandalay Palace largely follows the traditional Burmese palace design, inside a walled fort. Moreover,there has. The return trip costs around 5000 kyats, which is quite cheap compared to the cost of taking a private taxi tour from Mandalay. summary. Royal Pearl Hotel. Hotels near Mandalay Palace, Mandalay on Tripadvisor: Find 6,219 traveler reviews, 22,916 candid photos, and prices for 192 hotels near Mandalay Palace in Mandalay, Myanmar. This paper isMandalay is the second largest city, and a former capital of Myanmar. During Burma’s long history, capitals were moved many times for various reasons. Speak to a Myanmar specialist to start planning your tailor-made holiday. Stayed for 4 nights, this city and its surrounding area has a lot to offer. Work on the park began earlier this month, despite the fact that the palace is. It is situated about 600 kilometers north of Yangon on the Ayeyarwaddy river, with a population about half a million, making it Myanmar's second largest city. Royal City Hotel: Huge room in friendly hotel - See 177 traveler reviews, 91 candid photos, and great deals for Royal City Hotel at Tripadvisor. 19 reviews. Royal Guest House in Mandalay, Myanmar: View Tripadvisor's 185 unbiased reviews, 51 photos, and special offers for Royal Guest House, #46 out of 169 Mandalay hotels. This royal city, regarded as the heart of Myanmar culture, is not very old. Audience halls, throne halls, a monastery, a watch tower, a court building a library and a tooth relic. Amarapura (Pyi) - famous for its ancient sights, and for U Bein bridge, the world's longest teak bridge and also Inwa (Ava), both. Best Price (Room Rates) Guarantee Check all reviews, photos, contact number & address of Royal City Hotel, Mandalay and Free cancellation of Hotel available. The city functioned as the royal capital and centre of administration for more than 25 years until the annexation by the British Empire, during which the last King Thibaw Min and his Queen Supayalat were sent into exile. There were no free rooms, but there would be around check-in time (2:00 PM). Pahtodawgyi means Great Stupa & it's built in 1820 by King Bagyidaw at the outside of his old city walls. 177 reviews #41 of 225 hotels in Mandalay Location 3. LizaFalcon. Free cancellation. You will see the good view & get pleasure. Simona P wrote a review Mar 2017. Mandalay is the second largest city and the last royal capital, founded at the foot of Mandalay Hill in 1857 by King Mindon as his royal capital surrounded by a moat. The moat, palace walls with city. Now arriving at the guest house, which wasn’t Yu Yu but Royal Guest House, the lobby was filled with people, most of them sleeping. LizaFalcon. The British conquered Mandalay in 1885, marking the end of monarchy in. Cleanliness 3. Service and facilities are complimentary breakfast, free WiFi. Introduction. Mandalay was the last royal city before Myanmar was colonised by Britain in 1885. Largely due to Kipling, Mandalay, Burma’s last Royal City, is often assumed to be an old romantic city of an ancient Burmese kingdom. A visit to Mandalay Hill is one of the top things to do in Mandalay, especially if you’re a sucker for a good viewpoint! Located at the northern end of the Royal Palace, the 231 meter high hill, offers sweeping views right across the city. Through Pagoda Forests and Royal Cities, a 10 days tour from Rangoon to Mandalay, Bagan and 4 destinations. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Mandalay has some fascinating sites and unlike Thailand the temple designs are very different. The entrance fee to Mandalay Hill is K1000 (0. 16 things to do and see in Mandalay Our last stop in Myanmar was Mandalay, the country's royal capital and second largest city. Inle Lake. Mandalay, the second largest city of Burma with over one million inhabitants is the cultural and Buddhist center of Burma. One reason is the country has other more interesting places like the former…A Mandalay Archaeological Zone combo ticket (10,000 kyat / $10. There were some men inside who saw us walk in, and they quickly came out to open the door and got our luggage inside for us. Review. A big city usually has a population of at least 200,000 and you can often fly into a major airport. The Palace was constructed, between 1857 and 1859. A challenging drive to the Royal Cities around Mandalay. It is possible to make various stops along the way which would increase the length of the journey to around six hours. The Shwenandaw Monastery is located a few hundred meters from the Northeast section of the Royal Palace grounds, next to the Atumashi pagoda. Amarapura is bounded by the Ayeyarwaddy river in the west, Chanmyathazi Township in the north and the ancient capital site of Inwa in the south. 1 to 3. That hotel is located on downtown of Mandalay City and near Mandalay palace & Hill. Other attactions like Central Mosque, Cultural Museum & Library, Fire Lookout Tower are within close reach. Located 716 km (445 mi) north of Yangon on the. Mandalay is the second largest city in Burma (after Yangon), and a former capital of Myanmar. From downtown Mandalay you can get there by rickshaw which should cost around US$2 or by private taxi at around US$ 4. Amarapura is an ancient royal city and was the center of power until 1857, when the capital was moved to Mandalay, located 11 kilometers away. It has wide lanes filled with bicycles and motorcycles and is known for its cultural diversity. Royal City Hotel: Shabby and better value to be found elsewhere in Mandalay - See 177 traveler reviews, 91 candid photos, and great deals for Royal City Hotel at Tripadvisor. While staying at Royal City Hotel, visitors can check out Skinny Buddha (1. When King Mindon Min founded Mandalay in 1857 he ordered construction of a new Royal Palace called the Mya Nan San Kyaw. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Mandalay to Bagan to Mandalay. The moat, palace walls with city. Cool article, thanks for sharing your experience. The entire city would be a delimited sanctuary with. Then to Kuthodaw Pagoda famous as ”The World’s Biggest Book” and which was. Around Mandalay in 2 Day and Next Day to Transfer Bagan. E 1221 ). Royal Guest House, Mandalay: 185 Hotel Reviews, 51 traveller photos, and great deals for Royal Guest House, ranked #46 of 169 hotels in Mandalay and rated 3. King Thibaw and his family were expelled and forced into exile to India. Royal City Hotel, Mandalay - Book Royal City Hotel online with best deal and discount with lowest price on Hotel Booking. The local people believe that the Buddha put his feet on this hill. Hsinbyume Pagoda in Mingun,. Hotel fee is also cheaper. MKT Car Rental and Tours Services with Experienced. March 2015. 17 reviews. Shwe In Bin Kyaung. Royal City Hotel: Good location, clean room. The moat, palace walls with city. 24/7 customer support. This golden pagoda is known for holding the world’s largest book. Many festivities take place in and around Mandalay throughout the year. King Mindon for example moved the capital city from Amarapura to newly built Mandalay to fulfil an ancient. The city is located on the banks of the Irrawaddy river in Central Burma some 700 kilometers North of Yangon and. Published by: NUS Press Pte Ltd. Discover genuine guest reviews for Royal City Hotel along with the latest prices and availability – book now. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Mandalay is the second-largest city and former royal capital in Northern Myanmar. The moat, palace walls with city. It was the custom at that time for a new king to move the capital to a new site whenever he ascends to the. 5/5Once a seat of kings, the city of Mandalay in northern Myanmar has seen turbulent chapters in its 162-year history – the fall of Burma's last royal dynasty and decades of colonial rule. 84 reviews. 5, Myaypadaythar Street, off 61 st street, between 25 th and 26 th street, Mandalay. About this area. Mandalay (မႏၱေလး), Myanmar's second city, is a relatively new creation, founded at the foot of Mandalay Hill in 1857 by King Mindon as his royal capital. It has remained Upper Burma's major commercial, educational and health center beyond the fast growth of Naypyidaw. There are four covered stairways leading to the summit, leading in and out of various pagodas and monasteries along the way. Among many temples, pagodas, and other traditional structures, the city plays host to the last royal palace of the last monarchy when Myanmar was still Burma. In 1857 Mandalay was set up in an empty area, because, according to an ancient prophecy, in that exact place a town would come into existence on occasion of the 2,400th jubilee of Buddhism. Book now - online with your phone. Sagaing is an area just opposite the river of Mandalay city and is a very religious place. City Mandalay lies at the foot of the hill by King Midon built in 1857. All rooms have LED TVs and minibars. Royal City Hotel, Mandalay: See 177 traveler reviews, 91 candid photos, and great deals for Royal City Hotel, ranked #30 of 169 hotels in Mandalay and rated 4 of 5 at Tripadvisor. From the moment we met Mr. No problems. Mandalay was the last royal royal capital of Burma before the British arrived and the Mandalay Palace was the last royal place of residence of the Konbaung dynasty, the dynasty which ruled Burma from 1752 to 1885. Cultural Museum Mandalay. Both the outer city and the farmland around the capital city need water. Today was truly a fantastic day. Safe driving. The British conquered Mandalay in 1885, marking the end of monarchy in Myanmar. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour security, ticket service, taxi service, 24-hour front desk are there for guest. 2km over the Taungthaman Lake. Visit Mandalay, Myanmar's last royal capital and a religious hub. There are few foreign tourists visiting the city, if you are planning on. When visiting Mandalay, Royal City Hotel is a great choice to consider. When the British arrived, they turned the palace into a fort and later it was almost. Most notable of these is the 2-week long Maha Myat Muni Pagoda Festival in February. 0. Trips Alerts Sign inMandalay: last royal capital of Burma. Mahamuni Paya. 0. Hotel Mandalay aims to make your visit as relaxing and enjoyable as possible, which is why so many guests continue to come back year after year. The usual starting point is the staircase between a large pair of chin-thé (lion-dogs) on 10th Street; there is another entrance a little further east. Half of Burma's monks reside in Mandalay and the surrounding areas. Stuff is. The Burmese royal cities had official names that glorified the kingdom, such as. If you’re going to spend 2 days in Mandalay, follow my 1-day itinerary for your first day. Based on 643 reviews. It is located in the city centre and hard to miss. In the morning the tour starts at 08:00. Mandalay Fort is pride of place in Mandaly, Myanmar and the entire south east Asia. Picture taken March 30, 2019. We can pick you up any hotel from Mandalay and Mandalay International Airport to Bagan City. King Mindon of the Konbaung Dynasty, created this capital. We were so pleased how genuine and professional Mr. So much to see but hardly any visitors. Trips Alerts Sign inSkip to main content. . Location 4. Mandalay was a project of King Mindon, a devout Buddhist, aRoyal Mingalar Hotel in Mandalay, Myanmar: View Tripadvisor's 17 unbiased reviews, 44 photos, and special offers for Royal Mingalar Hotel, #74 out of 169 Mandalay hotels. Trips Alerts Sign inMandalay, on the other hand, was old Burma’s last royal capital, with King Mindon founding the city around the vast grounds of the Royal Palace. 0 Very good 177 reviews #41 of 225 hotels in Mandalay Location Cleanliness Service Value Royal City Hotel is an excellent choice for travellers visiting Mandalay,. com's recommended travel guides for Mandalay, rankings for trending attractions, hotels, and restaurants near Mandalay - check out the latest Mandalay attraction reviews and find out how to explore the area - discover more Mandalay travel discounts - Trip. Ancient cities Madalay area. Many festivities take place in and around Mandalay throughout the year. Orientation and other practical info. Location 3. The entrance fee to the Royal Mandalay Palace is 10,000 Kyat. The Mandalay Royal Palace has since been restored to its former glory and includes audience halls, throne halls, a library, a monastery, and a tower with a view over the palace buildings. The city is centred on the royal palace, and has wide avenues filled with bicycles and motorcycles. It’s also the economic center of Upper Myanmar and considered the center of Burmese Culture. Mandalay Hill is a must-do! This 240-meter-high hill gives you an incredible view of the whole surrounding area. Many festivities take place in and around Mandalay throughout the year. Mandalay, the formal royal capital of Myanmar is a city with beautiful pagodas, bustling alleyways and some unique architecture. Sandamuni pagoda. I told them I’d take whatever was available, which turned out to be a $17 room, but it wouldn’t be ready for a while. 50 USD). I spent three days exploring Mandalay City, its ancient pagodas and beautiful. Royal Yadanarbon Hotel (budget) – This hotel is a great central budget option for couples as rooms only cost about $15 USD a night and include. The city was known as Ya-da-na-bon (Cluster of Gems) Nay-pyay-daw (Capital City) in olden days. 1. Our share-taxi dropped us off at Hotel Sahara. I hired a blue taxi to take me to the three Royal Cities in the vicinity of. The. Here are our recommendation of 9 best things to see and do in Mandalay including where to stay, best way to travel around Mandalay and best spots to eat. Our agency also provides the customers who want to visit other interesting places around the Myanmar such as Bagan,Monywa,Pyin Oo Lwin,Inlay. Once a seat of kings, the city of Mandalay in northern Myanmar has seen turbulent chapters in its 162-year history – the fall of Burma's last royal dynasty and decades of colonial rule. The Link 78 Mandalay Boutique Hotel. Kalaw. The address of Peacock Lodge is No. Under British rule, Mandalay remained commercially and culturally important despite the rise of Yangon, the new capital of British Burma. 5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. Review. Find a hotel. Foreigners have to deposit their Passport to gain entrance. per group. Here are the 25 best things to do in Mandalay. Mandalay Palace. Most notable of these is the 2-week long Maha Myat Muni Pagoda Festival in February. 130, 27th Street, Between 76th & 77th Street, Central Mandalay, Mandalay, Myanmar, 11221 - See map. Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Mandalay. It enjoys the splendor of the golden age and still has great importance as a cultural center. It also features the crumbling remains of a bygone era. Buddhist Sasana and Myanmar traditional arts and crafts, with the life span of one hundred and fifty two year, a city which abounds in historical sites, cultural memorials and. Mandalay is the second largest city in Burma (after Yangon ), and a former capital of Myanmar. Mandalay – The last royal capital of Myanmar. 0 Value 3. Home to the former Royal Palace, there are many other attractions to enjoy around Mandalay Hill. Skip to main content. The city lies at the foot of Mandalay Hill. The moat, palace walls with city. It has wide lanes filled with bicycles and motorcycles and is known for its cultural diversity. Value 3. Hotel deals on Royal City Hotel Mandalay in Mandalay. ROYAL. I’m drawn by the history behind the Tripiṭaka tablets which are also known to be the one of the world’s largest books containing729 kyauksa gu or stone-inscription caves. Mandalay was founded as a new royal capital (replacing Amarapura) in 1860, and the palace walls and side moat near the heart of the city date to this period. Ocomtún: A long-lost Maya city that was just discovered. On the second day, take the 9:00 AM ferry to Mingun, and visit Mingun Pahtodawgyi. Choose your dates. 0. Trips Alerts Sign inRoyal Power Hotel, Mandalay: See 24 traveler reviews, 23 candid photos, and great deals for Royal Power Hotel, ranked #91 of 169 hotels in Mandalay and rated 3. 8 mi), some of Mandalay's top attractions. The hill, its slopes studded with pagodas, still looms over the city. The plan of Mandalay Palace largely follows the traditional Burmese palace design, inside a walled fort surrounded by a moat.