Mandalay is the second largest city in Burma after the former capital Yangon. Most of the attractions are outside the hotels area and need at least a bike to get there. People are very used with tourists and taxi drivers do their best to rip them off . They were actually amazed when we were refusing to pay for a ride more than it would cost us at home. Monywa is a much smaller city, just a few hours away and not so well known. We spent 1 day and half and saw no other foreigner. The place is well worth a visit for the nearby attractions.