One of the easiest ways to reach Mandalay is to fly into Yangon, the country’s capital, and then make an onward connection from there. Flying from Yangon to Mandalay takes approximately 1 hour, 30 minutes, and daily service is available from October to May (the main tourist season) with Myanmar Airways.

Mandalay now has a new, large international airport. The airport is usually nearly deserted as there are only a few scheduled flights operating from here each day. Air Mandalay operates twice-daily service between Mandalay and Yangon, stopping at Bagan. In addition, the airline also operates seasonal services between Mandalay and Chiang Mai, Thailand. Air Bagan also provides service between Mandalay and Yangon, via Bagan.

The new airport is located around an hour’s drive from Mandalay. Arriving here can be a somewhat unusual experience, as the large facility is mostly empty. Few facilities are provided for passengers. The massive terminal is fitted out with jet ways, an international arrivals hall and sizable luggage carrousels. You’re likely to find the air conditioning turned off in the departures lounges and the lights off in the Baggage Claim area. Taxis are not dependably available when flights arrive, so it’s a good idea to arrange transportation with your hotel in advance.

Getting around in Mandalay is accomplished by taxi, bus or trishaw – or a combination of all three. Local bus services operate frequently, and taxis can be hired for short and longer-distance trips. It’s best to be on the lookout for a taxi that’s cruising on the streets, as those waiting at hotels are almost always more expensive. Trishaws are often a visitors’ favourite mode of getting around, as they make exploring the city on a more intimate level possible.

If you have a sense of adventure, a trishaw can be a great way to get around the city. However, travelling by trishaw is not for the faint-hearted; many drivers pass through intersections and cross busy streets without stopping, and move along at breakneck speeds with little regard to potholes and other traffic.

Motorbikes are gaining in popularity, although they aren’t a major means of transport yet. You can hire a motorbike, however, from a few reputable dealers. Honda Motorcycles is located on 35^th street; Suzuki Mandalay is on 28^th street; and Yamaha is located on 27^th street.