Mandalay accommodation from AU$43

As the centre of Buddhism in Myanmar, Mandalay boasts a number of interesting temples and pagodas each with maroon-robed monks paying respects in large numbers. Mahamuni Pagoda is the main attraction and the four metre high Buddha inside draws pilgrims from across the country. Shwenandaw Monastery is another must-see part of the city's religious heritage. Made completely from teak this is the only surviving structure from a former palace complex that was heavily bombed during the Second World War. The teak carvings and the architecture are extremely impressive and the importance of Buddhism in this city becomes clear when you visit.

Not too far from the Monastery is the famous Mandalay Hill. Towering over the rest of the city, the hill offers superb views into the distance from a height of almost 800 foot. From your Mandalay hotel, walk up the hill for some strenuous exercise or hop into a pick-up truck for a more thrilling and scary way to the top. Watch a sunrise or sunset at the peak and look into the various pagodas which surround the hill.

No South East Asian city is complete without a bustling market selling exotic fruit and vegetables and Mandalay is no different. Zegyo Market is huge and sells everything you could imagine. Wander around and enjoy communicating with the friendly locals. From your Mandalay resort there are also a number of other historic sites reachable from the city. From the old capital of Amarapura to the beautiful colonial hill station of Maymyo and the UNESCO World Heritage site at Bagan.