julies

I am down to the wire here and need to figure out a final itinerary for our trip coming up very soon. Since I am typically more of a wing it (when possible) person this is proving difficult for me to figure how much time to devote to these places. I have read a gazillion posts and still can't figure out what is the best approach for us.

We much prefer and remember overall ambiance to just ticking off visiting certain sights. For us travel isn't just about visiting the biggies and the major historic sites; we appreciate and enjoy just walking around and soaking up everyday atmosphere and daily life. Authentic markets also appeal to us. As lovers of India, I can say without a doubt that we don't need sanitized for tourists experiences and places.

As I understand Yangon is more walk able than Mandalay, but, despite having some old colonial architecture, it is still a big, noisy, traffic-filled Asian city. And it is hot! And, I've read that it is not a good city to just wander in. There is the big pagoda, and some people like to ride the circle train to observe the outskirts of the city and how people live.

Mandalay itself is not walk-able, dusty and dirty, not charming but has some interesting sights outside the city. The bridge, the boat trip to MIngun and a visit to Sagaing are what seem to most interest people. We intend to take the boat between Mandalay so need to at least go through Mandalay.

Are the impressions that I got from my research about these two cities correct?

I am now contemplating really minimizing my time (one full day in Yangon and one full day in Mandalay) in these large cities so we have more time to devote to outer places in the country that everyone seems to agree are good--Inle Lake and Bagan.

Thoughts? Advice?

Kathie

I often advise people on their first trip to Burma to cut Mandalay so they have more time in other places. But since you have said this will be your last Asia trip, I'd suggest you not cut it. You can even stay outside of Mandalay or even in Sagaing. Decide what is important to you to see and plan your time and lodging around that. On our first visit, we did the three ancient cities in one day. Also, consider whether you want to get far off the tourist trial - easily possible near Mandalay if you have a good driver who knows these places.

Yangon I'd suggest just a couple of days. The city is changing rapidly and I think it is interesting to see a city move form the 1950s to 2000s in a few short years. The old architecture is well worth seeing, IMO. And who knows, you might get lucky with the weather.

But in general I agree with you - spend much less lime in Mandalay and Yangon than in Bagan and Inle.

BTW, while most of what you want to see at Inle you will get to via boat, if you are interested in visiting Kakku, have your travel agent arrange a car and driver. We visited on our way from the airport to our hotel.

MmePerdu

Your assumption above regarding Yangon & Mandalay don't tally with my experience. I walked in both cities. I enjoyed exploring Yangon on foot for several days, but though walking around was fine in Mandalay, I found the city much less interesting. If time is limited it makes perfect sense to spend as much time as possible in the Bagan & Inle Lake Areas. But I suggest an open mind with regard to Yangon. I found surprisingly few other tourists out & about which can be nice.

If you find you have a couple of days to spend away from Inle Lake, consider Kalaw, friendly small town feel and different from the usual stops. I think a taxi is the best way to & from, not too far into the mountains.

julies

I already have planned a 2 night stay in Kalaw to do some day hiking, so thanks for re-confirming that this will be of interest.

I think I may just make Mandalay a one night stay if the timing will work out. One of the itineraries that I was given as a possibility would put us into the Mandalay airport at 8:25 am. So that would give us basically one full day if we take the crack of dawn boat to Bagan the next morning. If we have a driver we should be able to pick and choose what to do that day.

Perhaps I will schedule 2 nights and one full day in Yangon upon arrival from the US and another half day before we depart.

I looked at the idea of staying in Saigaing, but lets' just say that lodging choices are extremely limited.

Thanks again.

MmePerdu

I highly recommend the place we stayed in Yangon,
http://www.classique-inn.com/.
It's popular and books up so if it interests you, don't delay. The neighborhood is upscale residential, walking distance to the famous residence of "the Lady" and the US Embassy. They'll call you a cab anytime to get to the city center but it's very nice to be out of the hustle & bustle. And the food is excellent.

Kathie

It is a very full day to see all three ancient cities in one day. Personally, I wouldn't try to do it if my plane was arriving at 8:25, but you may decide to skip some things we saw and liked.

thursdaysd

I actually rather enjoyed Mandalay, but I was there back in 2004 and I expect it has changed some. Given there are sights outside the city, I think just one day might be a bit short. I had two nights, but arrived late and left early, so just one full day, but I know I missed some things, like the long bridge.

I never blogged that trip, but my (still!) totally unedited photos are here:
https://kwilhelm.smugmug.com/Travel/...004-5/Myanmar/

Password "myanmar". Mandalay is photos 250 to 336.

julies

MmePerdu--We must have similar lodging tastes. This was on my Yangon short list. Good to hear an enthusiastic recommendation. Unfortunately, they appear to be booked when we arrive, but we could use them as a departure lodging.

Kathie--I am wondering about just doing the boat trip to Mingun and visiting the bridge. Or, would I be able to fit in just Saigaing with those?

Other Kathy--I am guessing things may have changed in 13 years. Love the fact that you too still have totally unedited photos from past trips. I'm definitely in the same boat. The time you had in the city is basically what we are talking about.

Thanks all.

julies

Of course, research overload has now hit, and I am once again vacillating and thinking I should add another night to each of these places. Last night we watched the Trekking the World episode on Myanmar, and both Mandalay and Yangon looked leafy and surprisingly more interesting than I would have anticipated. I'd say the emphasis of the series is often the more mundane, everyday aspects of a place trying to get at how spiritual or life orientation plays out rather than just hitting the big tourist highlights. And, we are ones who do like to just wander and observe everyday life and immerse ourselves in what hopefully is the overall ambiance of a place.

I do wonder though how much things may have changed since the episode was filmed in the early 2000s (about the same time Kathy visited).

Kathie

Since you don't anticipate being back in Myanmar, I'd certainly add a day to both cities. There is plenty worth seeing.

billirandall

I think you had taken a good decision for staying one full day in Yangon and one full day in Mandalay,in these large cities so that you have more time to devote to outer places in the country..