The direct flight from Singapore lands at the Yangon International Airport. I was transiting to Mandalay directly and so would be taking another flight from Yangon to Mandalay. This flight has to be taken from the domestic airport which is not connected to the International Airport. There are a few security guards at the door of the International Airport, mention "Mandalay" and they will point you in the correction direction.
Yangon International Airport.
In general, you will need to come out of the International Airport, turn left and walk along the main road about 50meters away. As you wheel your luggage over the bumpy roadside pavement you may wonder if you are heading in the correction direction. Furthermore, you will not be able to see the domestic airport while walking as it is kind of around a bend and there are no signs. But keep going.
Waiting area in the Domestic Airport. It was so vintage you feel like you have moved back in time
There are Thai Airway stickers pasted on some of the seats which made me think these old-school chairs are hand-me-downs from Thailand.
A huge scale to weigh your luggage
Once we landed in Mandalay, we head to the Peacock Lodge, a quaint bed & breakfast. We had made prior arrangements with the friendly Inn owner named Tun for a taxi pickup from the Airport. It is recommended you do that as well as these small inns can be difficult for taxi drivers to locate and they will not understand your language. Pick up service is at 4000 kyats (USD 4) per person, or a whole car price of 12000 kyats (USD12)
Main entrance of the lodge
Outdoor breakfast area
Once we had deposited our luggage, we then headed to Sutaungpyei ('wish fulfilling') Pagoda. The temple sits on a 240 metre (790 ft) hill that is located northeast of the city center of Mandalay. Do pre-arrange the taxi with the inn in advance to ensure you do not miss the very beautiful sunset from the top of the Pagoda!
It is a rewarding experience to aligh at the foot of the hill and climb up the seemingly never-ending stairs to the top, otherwise you can get the taxi to continue up the narrow one-way road. As this climb is done by many pilgrims, climbers can browse the stalls selling flowers, streamers, pennants and umbrellas meant as offerings for the Buddha.
En route to the Sutaungpyei Pagoda, take from the taxi
view from the top of the Pagoda
The sun was yet to set, so took some photos around
The beautiful light glistening off the emerald green pillars inside the temple
Peacock Lodge
Address: 5, 61st Street, Mandalay
Telephone: +95-2-61429 / +95 9 204 2059 (mobile)
Website: http://www.peacocklodge.com
Standard room: US$ 27.00 (single) and US$ 30.00 (double)
Deluxe room: US$ 45.00 (includes tv, private balcony overlooking the lotus pond garden)
