Now a vibrant multicultural city
Not far from Mandalay is the town of Pyin Oo Lwin. Once a place where British colonials sought to cool down during their holidays, now it is a vibrant city with a multicultural population. Step into a colourful wooden carriage for a leisurely tour. At the pace of a quiet trot, you'll pass colonial buildings, impressive villas and churches, dating back to the time when the city was still called Maymyo.
Put on your walking shoes for a visit to the Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens. Here you can wander for hours in a lush landscaped environment with hundreds of species of flowers, plants and trees, an orchid garden, birdhouse and butterfly museum.
Educational and fun is a visit to fruit growing and dairy farms. Did you know what a pineapple plant looks like? Did you expect to taste freshly prepared strawberry ice cream in Myanmar?
A fascinating train journey traverses the spectacularly beautiful Shan Mountains. Hairpin bends and steep slopes, moaning wagons, the train is in no hurry. You can even get out and walk along from time to time. Don't forget to breathe during the crossing of the Gokteik viaduct: the view over the 300 meter deep gorge is dizzying!