541.Mandalay, MyanmarMandalay. Its name alone conjures up the essence of the exotic in every Westerner's imagination. Unfortunately, the only thing exotic about modern-day Mandalay is its name.
Electricity works but only intermitently; poverty looms large but safety is never a concern; cars exist but are as rare as a cool breeze. Manadalay is a fascinating wreck of a city.
On a clear day climb up temple-encrusted Mandalay Hill for panoramic area views. Then take in an evening marionette performance or laugh your way through the non-stop political satire of a Moustache Brothers show.
Even better are the sites surrounding the city: the ancient cities of Ava and Mingun, the scenic U Bein's bridge or the Mahagandhayon Monastery where over 1,000 monks can be seen going through their daily rituals.
