Mandalay is the former royal capital in northern Myanmar (known as Burma). I took the cruise from Bagan to Mandalay on the Irrawaddy River. This is a 12 hours sail where I had to wake up before dawn to catch the 5.30am departure. There was no onboard entertainment and it was more about immersing myself into the timeless scenery watching the mist lift off the river and sunrise painting almost everything gold. I enjoyed the scenic journey. Breakfast and lunch were provided.

I stayed in this hostel that was owned by a young Singaporean girl and the local. This is just oppositive the old palace and near the Su Taung Pyae Pagoda.

I visited the Gold Leaf Workshop.

I followed the tour to Inwa. This is the historic, ancient imperial capital of the Burmese kingdoms for nearly 360 years between the 14th and 19th centuries. It is now a popular tourist destination known for its peaceful, rural atmosphere, featuring ruins, monasteries, and pagodas scattered among villages and farmland. Yes, need to take the horse cart to tour the places. It was US$10 for about an hour ride.