Mandalay, Myanmar Cruises

Mandalay, Myanmar Cruise Port

• The historic Buddhist Shwenandaw or Golden Palace Monastery was built in 1880 by King Thibaw Min. Constructed in the traditional Burmese architectural style there is a plethora of teak carvings representing Buddhist myths decorating the walls and roofs.
   
• The Kuthodaw Pagoda built during the reign of King Mindon is also known for containing the world's largest book: Set in stone, it contains 730 leaves and 1460 pages; each page is 3.51 feet wide, 5.02 feet tall, and 5.1 inches thick. The pagoda itself is a Buddhist stupa, containing relics and gilded in gold.
   
• Mandalay Hill is not only an excellent viewpoint, but it's also where the city got its name. The 790 foot hill can be climbed via covered stairway; it's been a pilgrimage site for nearly two centuries, with many pagodas and monasteries at the top. Along with the great view, climbing the hill is also considered a "meritorious deed" by Buddhists.
   
• History and military buffs will want to visit the royal palace of the last Burmese monarchy, Mandalay Palace. Located inside a walled fort surrounded by a moat, you can rent a bike to ride around the grounds if you're all walked out after the other temples and pagodas.