Mandalay has a surprising amount to offer for those seeking lesser-known sites and activities. Almost as though it has risen from the ashes, Mandalay exists today as a young, lively and vibrant city, famous for its culture, education and arts. The city is also home to some of the country’s most lively and colorful markets. Mandalay’s gem market for example, is the largest of its kind in the country and a great way to witness the experienced buyers and sellers do what they do best. Then there is the “Thaye Zay Station Bazaar, a local market with a difference. For anyone who’s tired of popular tourist hot spots in Mandalay and wants a glimpse of ordinary Burmese social life, there’s no better way to spend your morning than shopping for produce at the “Thaye Zay” Station Bazaar. The open-air market spans both sides of a railway track, springing to life in the morning when vendors arrive with close to one hundred pop-up stalls. This business is purely temporary however, seeing as the vendors are frequently required to remove their stock to make way for passing trains. About one kilometer north of Mandalay’s symbolic moat, the open-air market spans […]
Our Hotel by the Red Canal health and safety measures are designed to address a broad spectrum of viruses, including COVID-19, and include everything from hand washing hygiene and cleaning product specifications to guest room and common area cleaning procedures. As it has always been, the safety and security of our guests and associates remain our highest priority. We have been closely monitoring the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Sports, Myanmar statements regarding the corona virus (COVID-19) situation in Myanmar. Specific steps we are taking include: Hand Hygiene: Proper and frequent hand washing is vital to help combat the spread of viruses. In our daily meetings, our teams are reminded that cleanliness starts with this simple act. It’s important for their health and that of our guests. Cleaning Products and Practices: Our hotels use cleaning products and protocols which are effective against viruses, including: Guest Rooms: Hotels use cleaning and disinfecting procedures to clean rooms after guests depart and before the next guest arrives, with particular attention paid to high-touch items. Public Spaces: Hotels have increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting in public spaces, with a focus on the counter […]
The year was 1885 and the last Burmese king was standing strong. The British forces were marching into Mandalay with very little opposition. Their plan to take over the country was succeeding- but capturing the Royal Palace of Mandalay in the centre of the city, was going to be an important symbolic victory. As it turned out, overtaking the palace- and King ThibawMin- was even easier than predicted. The British demanded unconditional surrender and that’s what they got.The King and Queen were put on a bullock cart and taken down to the river to be sent into exile in India. The story goes that when the British soldiers pulled out their guns, the King dropped down to his knees and begged for his life to be spared. His queen, however, walked on her own defiantly towards the steamer on the mighty Irrawaddy. After the British invasion, the palace was used by the colonialists as a base for troops in Mandalay and many of the royal treasures were looted and sent back to London ( many are still on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum). Every global aggress or eventually must face a rising challenger. And so it was that […]
Coronavirus is breaking the entire world. The speed at which it is spreading and affecting the travel and hospitality industry is really troubling. When it appears that the COVID-19 disease is more deadly than seasonal influenza, it is obvious that your guests are afraid to travel or consider any other accommodation option safe. But, as a hotel, you can adopt a few preventive measures, and assure a safe stay for your guests. Well, we have covered the what, why and how of COVID-19 and which preventive measures hotels should take to assure a safe stay to your guests. What is Coronavirus? Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people and others circulating among animals, including camels, cats and bats The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new virus that causes respiratory illness in people and can spread from person-to-person. This virus was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. The World Health Organization (WHO) has made a dedicated page that has comprehensive information on COVID-19. You can explore more of this outbreak from here. How does it spread? Coronaviruses in human spread just like the flu or a cold (from person to […]
It isn’t the oldest bridge in the world, but U Bein Bridge is the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world. Crossing the naturally beautiful Taungthaman Lake from East to West. The 1.2km (0.75mi) bridge was built around 1850 and the construction began when the capital of Ava Kingdom moved to Amarapura, build by Bodawpaya’s eponymous mayour using timber from Ava. The bridge was built in curved shape in the middle to resist the assault of wind and water. The main teak posts were hammered into the lake bed seven feet deep, supported by more than 1,000 poles. Earning its rights as a must visit while in Mandalay. Many photographers flock here to take photographs of the bridge silhouette and the setting sun as the backdrop. It may be the most photographed spot in Myanmar. The morning view was quiet, peaceful and also spectacular. Drove down to Amarapura early in the morning around 4:45am and managed to reach the bridge just right before the sun began to rise. The calm atmosphere in the early morning is exactly what I was looking for and you can only see monks from the near monasteries crossing the bridge. Great photography opportunities if […]
The Irrawaddy River is home to the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin, found just north of Mandalay. What’s unique about Burma’s (Myanmar) Irrawaddy dolphins is their relationship with local fishermen. Dolphins and fishermen communicate and fish together, a practice called “cooperative fishing”–a unique phenomenon found in only two other places in the world. Taking this Irrawaddy Dolphin Watching trip in the hottest month in Myanmar turned out to be a great idea. As a group of 4 we opted for the 2 days/ 1 night trip and enjoyed the cooling breeze and beautiful scenery as we slowly made our way up the river. What is an Irrawaddy Dolphin? Irrawaddy dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) are an oceanic dolphin named after the Irrawaddy (Ayeyawaddy) River and are one of the world’s five species of dolphins that live in rivers. They have a grey body, a blunt forehead and nose, unlike the other oceanic dolphins, and can live up to 50 years. They use echolocation (sound) to hunt fish and communicate together. Irrawaddy dolphins are endangered and have an estimated total population of 7,100. They are found in only three rivers today, and there are less than 70 individuals left in the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar, […]
King Mindon established Mandalay Yadanarbon Nay Pyi Taw in 1857 and the city was completed in 1859. Construction on the royal capital began in 1856 and took nearly seven years to complete. King Mindon himself designed the physical layout of the city—the city blocks and streets, the palace, the moat, residential buildings and markets—on a square plot of land under the shadow of Mandalay Hill. This year 2019 is 160 years of Mandalay City, as the memorial day, the Royal families members organized and celebrate the donations with Mandalay citizens. Hotel by the Red Canal family participate the donation to 160 monks with the Royal Families and the Mandalarians.The donation held in the “Thudhamma Zayats”, at the footage of Mandalay Hill are the most notable Zayats. When King Mindon first laid foundation for building Mandalay Yadanabon, the Royal City, The Thudhamma Zayats are included together with Royal Palace, Moat, Kuthodaw (known as world biggest book and UNESCO Heritage site), the Congregation Hall, the Incomparable Monastery (AH-TU-MASHI) and Pitakataik (Library). This shows how much Myanmar People care about well-being of their guest.Zayat for visitors are available in almost all the villages of Myanmar. Any visitors are welcome to stay in any […]
“Maha Walu Ka” Sand Stupa Annual Festival held on two days ahead of “Kasone” full moon day also known as “Vesak”Day. ” Maha Walu Ka” sand stupa pagoda is also known as “Mont Te Su Sand Stupa Pagoda” because of situated in “Mont Te Su Quarter”, 85th street between 37th and 38th. The exact date of Vesak is based on the Asian lunisolar calendars and is primarily celebrated in Vaisakha month of the Buddhist calendar and the Hindu calendar, and hence the name Vesak. In Nepal, which is considered the birth-country of Buddha, it is celebrated on the full moon day of the Vaisakha month of the Hindu calendar, and is traditionally called Buddha Purnima, Purnima meaning the full moon day in Sanskrit. In Theravada countries following the Buddhist calendar, it falls on a full moon Uposatha day, typically in the 5th or 6th lunar month. The date varies from year to year in the Western Gregorian calendar, but usually falls in April or May. In leap years it may be celebrated in June. Mandalay is famous and strange of celebrating “Sand Stupa Pagoda” among the other towns in Myanmar because six sand stupa pagodas are situated in quarters along […]
Mingalabar and Warmly Welcome from Hotel by the Red Canal, May I kindly explain about our “Thingyan –Water Festival”. Thingyan, Myanmar Water Festival, takes place toward the end of the hot, dry season and ushers in the Myanmar New Year. This festival is also celebrated in neighboring Theravada Buddhist countries; Songkran in Thailand and Laos, Chaul Chnam Thmey in Cambodia. The festival lasts three or five days. Standing on bamboo stages erected along the streets, people splash water on passersby. Powerful water pipes douse people driving by in jeeps and trucks.Children use water pistols to drench their friends, relatives, and anyone else in range – only monks and the elderly are safe. The water symbolizes the washing away of the previous year’s bad luck and sins. On New Year’s Day itself, all the water-throwing ends. This day is celebrated by releasing captive fish and birds as acts of merit, and special feasts are held for monks. We would like to announce for the transportation and limousine services inconveniences during “Thingyan_Water Festival”. Everyone is enjoying and there can be difficult to find out transportations services/taxi services and traffic will happen this time. Alert for your Safety When you visit around the […]
Mingalabar and Warmly Welcome to Hotel by the Red Canal, Mandalay, Myanmar! Every people enjoy “Thingyan-Water Festival” and our hotel is going to celebrate “Water Festival” infront of the hotel with traditional mandat of coconut leaves and around our swimming pool side. Serving with Myanmar traditional desserts and traditional dance performances and singing myanmar “Thingyan” songs within 3:00pm to 5:00pm during Thingyan Period. We are cordially invited you to stay with us and enjoy with us. We are doing our best services to fulfill upon our valued guest. We hope that you were able to enjoy your holiday with us. With Best Regards, Hotel by the Red Canal Family