Mandalay is the former royal capital (the last capital of Myanmar before the
British took over) and some claim that the city takes its name from Mandalay
Hill, the 240m high hill in the northern part of the city. Mandalay Hill, with
its spiralling stairways, sheltered steps and many temples, gives you sweeping
views over Mandalay and the pagoda studded countryside. Something is always
happening on the streets of Mandalay, whether bustling street markets or
constant activity at the Ayeyarwady riverfront.