A former capital situated only 30-minute drive south of Mandalay. At one time Myanmar was known in the west as the Kingdom of Ava. Though the Royal Palace has gone, the Pagodas, Temples and Monasteries still remain.

Of particular interest are the brick monastery called Maha Aung Myay Bonzan, built by Queen Me Nu and Nanmyint watchtower, which gives a birds' eye view of the ancient site.