Weather: In January, the average daily temperature in Mandalay is around 23°C. The highest temperature is around 31°C, and the lowest 11°C.
January weather is nice. It's still the dry season and enjoys the coolest weather of the year. Since it's cooler than the previous month and there are more sunny days, outdoor activities are highly recommended.
Clothing: Since there is a big temperature difference between day and night, you may be prone to catching cold. You should wear a thin long-sleeved shirt or blouse by day, but also bring a coat for the cooler nights. For outdoor activities, you can wear a T-shirt.
Other tips:
1. January overlaps with Christmas and New Year vacations, so there are lots of visitors to Mandalay. It's highly advisable to book a hotel or a tour at least 3 month in advance for this peak season.
2. January is in the dry season, so you should drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
3. Although it's not so hot this month, there are lots of sunny days, so ultra-violet radiation is strong by day. Do remember to protect yourself well against the sun (sunglasses, hat, long-sleeved shirt, higher Sun Protection Factor in sun block).
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Excellent planned and executed Myanmar excursion
Asia Highlights and their local Myanmar partner "mAsia" did an excellent job in planning and execution of a one week trip to Myanmar.The various tour guides and drivers had good knowledge and good command over English. More
Gerd, Jan 2018
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Cambodia dream tour with Vimol
I wanted to share our incredible visit to Cambodia with our guide, Vimol. His knowledge of the temples and the details within rgem was exceptional! He really looked after us and made our trip unforgettable. If you decide to visit Cambodia, Siem Reap, I would highly recommend Asia Highlights and ask for Vimol as your guide. More
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Great trip to Southeast Asia!
We had a fantastic journey to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand with Asia Highlights. Our trip planner Leon listened to us and created a trip that suited us well. All of our hotels were amazing, as were our guides. It was a tremendous value for the money and we highly recommend Asia Highlights! More
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Things to Do
With the sunny days and pleasant temperatures, you are advised to do outdoor activities rather than indoor visits. A nice short trek to explore Mandalay or a flight on a hot air balloon would be good options.
Mandalay Hill
Located northeast of Mandalay city, Mandalay Hill is a 240-meter high hill with 1,729 stairs. The city is named after the hill.
Mandalay Hill is known for its abundance of pagodas and monasteries, and for being at the highest altitude in the city. You can catch a wonderful view of the city and of the Irrawaddy River from the top.
If you wish, you can avoid climbing the stairs by taking a motor bike or taxi to a lift, which takes you directly to the pagoda at the summit. But in this pleasant season, on a cool and sunny day, walking up barefoot provides a good workout in the fresh air. Watching the stunning sunrise or sunset from the hill is highly recommended.
It's quite an experience to survey the foggy city dotted with pagodas in the early morning sunlight; or to see the beautiful pagodas and stunning colors as the sun is setting. A special atmosphere is generated as you watch the sunset to the sound of monks chanting nearby.
NB: You should take off your shoes and socks all the way up! Take them with you in a bag.
Sagaing Hill
Sagaing Hill, located 20km south-west of Mandalay, is one of a lush series of hills adjacent to the Irrawaddy River. The hill has numerous pagodas, monasteries and meditation centers, and is renowned as a peaceful place for studies on Buddhism. In this cool and pleasant season, we recommend you visit this hill.
Sagaing Hill is a wonderful place, full of life. Gorgeous temples dot the hillsides, making for a delightful view of hilly jungle, with stupas dotting the scene. The pagoda on top of the hill is also nice, with a spectacular line of 45 Buddhas. Buddhist culture is really vibrant here.
The hill also offers great views of the surrounding area, including the Irrawaddy River, and great photo opportunities.
Please note:
1. Wear decent clothes when visiting religious sites. Please cover your shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes and socks, when entering pagoda areas.
2. Don't disturb people when they are praying or meditating. Visitors should avoid loud talk and should take care not to touch anyone who is meditating.
Rent a bike or motor bike to visit the area around Mandalay
Taking a bicycle or motor bike is the best way to explore the different sites of the city, the landscape and the people here. Also, January is the best month to bike, with its cool and sunny weather.
If you would like to learn more about the culture of Myanmar, it's advisable to have a guide when biking. Local guides will be helpful and informative. They share from their personal experience and insight to give you a better understanding of Mandalay. In the company of a guide, you can enjoy a day full of surprises and discoveries.
Guides will take you along roads less traveled and even to areas that would not be accessible by car or tour bus. This gives you the opportunity to see lesser known villages and Buddhist monasteries.
You can climb hills, jump off your bike to take pictures when you please, talk to villagers, Buddhist monks or nuns, drink tea and eat dinner in local houses, and observe everything along the way.
Visit Myanmar with Asia Highlights
We provide tailor-made tours to Myanmar. Tours typically start or end in Yangon or Mandalay and last approximately 9 days; visiting Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Inle Lake.
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