With a wealth of history, ranging from its time as the former capital of Myanmar to its spell under the British, Mandalay is a living, breathing museum with a vibrant centre and a diverse population. Located in the centre of Myanmar on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, Mandalay is full of exceptional examples of Myanmese buildings including the resplendent Shwenandaw Monastery and the Mandalay Palace. Alongside this grandeur, are nearby constructions like the astonishing U Bein Bridge, a teakwood bridge and the oldest of its kind, stretching 1.2km across the Taungthaman Lake.