Mandalay Palace and Moat
Just a 10 minute drive from AIS, Mandalay palace and moat serve as a wonderful place to visit with students or with visiting family. Currently the site serves as a museum and recreation area for locals. The 8 km. perimeter of the palace walls is a popular morning jogging site. As the heart of the tourist area in Mandalay, the moat has many restaurants that offer food, drinks, and beautiful sunset views.
U Bein Bridge
Across town, U Bein Bridge is the oldest teakwood bridge in the world. It is also one of the longest at 1.2 km. Although a tourist attraction, U Bein still serves as a tranquil place to buy local art and handicrafts. Authentic, local food stalls and daily boat rides make U Bein a wonderful weekend or afterschool destination.
The Goteik Viaduct
The Goteik Viaduct is a breathtaking railway trestle a few hours outside of the city. It is located just outside the former colonial hilltop town of Pyin Oo Lwin. The meandering train crosses the bridge 250 m. above the canyon below. This railway links Pyin Oo Lwin to the sleepy town of Hsipaw which offers daily and overnight treks. This area is significantly cooler due to its elevation and offers a respite from the Mandalay heat.
Inle Lake
Take an overnight bus or short flight to Inle Lake for rest and relaxation. This lake town is very popular for its scenery, food, and wineries. This is also the site of Nyang Ohak, a surreal yet beautiful area where nature has begun to take over the derelict pagodas. Inle Lake is a great place to clear your mind and enjoy the environment.
Bagan
Bagan, one of Myanmar’s most famous sites, is located a few hours southwest of Mandalay. Built between the 9th and 13th centuries by kings of the Pagan Empire, Bagan is filled with thousands of temples both quaint and majestic. Bagan is the most historically significant site in Myanmar as it was the founding city of the first Burmese empire. Enjoy the temples on foot, by e-bike, in a horse drawn carriage, or even splurge on a hot air balloon tour from high above the temple spires.
Mandalay Hill
Just minutes from the school, situated on the north side of the palace, Mandalay Hill overlooks the city. Legend has it that the Buddha stood on the hill, pointed to the valley below, and predicted that it would become a great city of Buddhist scholarly knowledge. Today a temple sits atop the hill and merchants line the covered walkway up. At the foot of the hill, local artists have set up shop to display their work. The hill is so close, many of the school apartments have an unbeatable view of this famous site.
The night time view of the palace and moat from Mandalay Hill are spectacular. The city comes alive with millions of candles, floating lanterns, and fireworks during the Thadingyut light festival.
Ayeyarwaddy River
The Ayeyarwaddy River for centuries has been the lifesource of Myanmar. It flows north to south through much of central Myanmar. The river connects Mandalay and Bagan, and boat tours between the two famous cities run daily. It is also home to our school mascot, the Ayeyarwaddy Dolphin. This endangered species and other unique wildlife make a trip to the Ayeyarwaddy river truly memorable.
Kuthodaw Pagoda
Kuthodaw Pagoda, also known as “the world’s largest book” is a few minutes from the school, located on the southeast side of Mandalay Hill. On site there are 729 stone structures containing a separate stone carving of “page” of the the Buddhist canon. Each page is over a meter tall and structures covering the pages surround a 57 meter high pagoda. Although a tourist site, the pagoda is still attended by locals to meditate or have picnics between the “caves” housing the pages. The beautiful geometric design of the pagoda and its book can be observed from atop Mandalay Hill.
Mingun Bell and Paya
Mingun Bell and Paya are located just across the Ayeyarwaddy River from Mandalay. Daily boat trips are available or take a motorbike across the bridge to see the historic sites. Built over 200 years ago by King Bodawpaya, both the bell and stupa are testaments to the power of the Burmese of the time. The bell is one of the largest working bells in the world, weighing in at 199,999 lbs. The stupa would have been the largest of its time had it been completed. Work on the stupa was purposefully discontinued by the king after he was told that misfortune would fall upon his kingdom once the pagoda was finished. This site is wonderful for field trips or a way to learn more about Burmese history.
