Driving south from Mandalay, you reach the former capital of Amarapura where you can visit some of the small pagodas that remain and the impressive U Bein's Bridge. Constructed in teak and nearly a mile in length it spans Taungthaman lake.
If you arrive at around 10am you can visit the nearby monastery to see the monks having their lunch. There is also a nearby weaving workshop where you can watch the girls at work before browsing in the shop that sells ready made clothes at very reasonable prices.
On the western bank of the Irrawaddy River lie the Sagaing Hills, one of the most beautiful places in Asia with many magical and peaceful pagodas to explore. Sagaing was a former capital of an autonomous Shan kingdom during the 14th Century and again in the 18th Century albeit for a short time.
Today this tranquil area is an important centre for Buddhism with numerous monasteries and nunneries scattered all over the hill. The winding lanes are a treasure to explore with many old buildings and flowering bougainvillea. One of the most interesting temples at the top of the hill is the Ponnyashin Pagoda - the views over Mandalay and the Irrawaddy from here are stunning.
The ancient city of Inwa (Ava) was capital of a Burmese kingdom for nearly 400 years until power shifted to Amarapura in 1841. The best way to explore this 'lost city' is by pony and trap which will take you along dusty paths to the brick and stucco monastery of Aungmye Bonzan, built in 1818, the impressive teak monastery of Bagaya Kyaung which is supported by 267 teak posts and the former dilapidated watchtower known locally as the 'leaning tower of Ava'.
Scattered amongst this dry and arid landscape are numerous crumbling zedi and other reminders of a former royal city such as the swimming baths and the vast entrance gates, one remains in particularly good condition.
Depending on the time it is worth stopping again at the U-Bein bridge for magical views at sunset.
The intricate architecture of the Shwenandaw monastery in Mandalay
The beautifully crafted doors of the Shwenandaw monastery, Mandalay
Ornate carvings adorn the Shwenandaw monastery in Mandalay