Mandalay, Burma's second-largest city and former royal capital, is a major cultural and economic hub located along the Irrawaddy River. Known for its rich history, it features the reconstructed Mandalay Palace and numerous Buddhist temples. Top attractions include Mandalay Hill, the U Bein bridge, and Mahamuni Paya.

Mandalay was accorded an evocative image by Rudyard Kipling.