Description

Highlights

• • Get an intimate insight into everyday life beyond the main tourist sites.
  • Meet Mandalay’s locals and learn about their daily struggles and pleasures.
  • See the differing styles and techniques of traditional and contemporary artists

Portraits of Mandalay

Meet Linn Pin Zaw, a forward-thinking and self-taught graffiti artist. He is popular among Mandalay locals for drawing the famous “Stop Riot” illustration for Myanmar-Muslim peace.

Professional gym trainer and fitness model, Su Pyae Thin Thin, is next on the itinerary. In addition to working out every day, she also stars in commercial photo shootings in Mandalay.

Then, head to Amarapura Township to meet with U Chit Mya, one of a few artists who is keeping the dying art of bottle and glass painting alive. Taught by his grandfather, he creates beautiful paintings on dried gourd shell and coconut shell as well as glass and bottles. His wife helps him with the drawings and his eldest son is an expert in making wooden floral reliefs.

If time permits, walk along the 1.2 kilometre-long wooden U Bein Bridge before transferring back to Mandalay. On arrival, escape the afternoon heat with a locally made ice cream or cold drink at a local ice-cream bar.