Myanmar

Mandalay Hill lies north of downtown Mandalay and is 230m high. It is dotted with pagodas and Buddhist temples. The fabulous panoramic view of the city, especially at sunrise or sunset, is worth the effort of the barefooted climb on the covered stairway on the hill’s southern slope.

U Bein Bridge, built in the mid 19th century using reclaimed teak from dismantled buildings, is a glorious sight especially in early evening as it becomes silhouetted against the vivid sunsets.

When King Mindon Min founded Mandalay in 1857 he ordered the construction of a new Royal Palace. This was the last palace built by Burmese royals. The king located it in a square citadel surrounded by four 2km-long walls with a total of 48 turrets and 12 gates, one for each sign of the zodiac.