This sprawling cultural centre is the most Burman of Myanmar's cities. It was the last capital of Myanmar before the British took over and is the country's second-largest city, known for its bustling markets selling produce and handicrafts from all over northern Myanmar. Its nearby ancient cities (including Amadura), make great day trips.

Highlights in town include the ancient Rakhine Buddha image at Mahamuni Paya, and a walk up Mandalay Hill, with its spiralling stairways, temples and sweeping views. There are four 'deserted cities' nearby: Amarapura, Sagaing, Ava and Mingun. The 1.2km (0.7mi) teak U Bein's Bridge at Amarapura is the most appealing site for most visitors - and it's possible to hire a boat to get views from the lake. Mingin, accessible only by government boat, features an enormous but half-finished stupa. Mingun is only accessible by river by government ferry.

The excursion to the incredible balancing boulder stupa called Kyaiktiyo (or Golden Rock) is a must-do. The small stupa, just 7.3m (24ft) high, sits atop the Gold Rock, a massive, gold-leafed boulder delicately balanced on the edge of a cliff at the top of Mt Kyaikto. This is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Myanmar.

One of four ancient city sites around Mandalay, Mingun has a number of interesting features in a relatively compact area, including the massive brick base of an incomplete stupa called Mingun Paya; the Mingun Bell which, at 90 tonnes and 5m in diameter, is the biggest hung (and uncracked) bell in the world; and the 1811-built vaulted shrine of Settawya Paya.