Hotel by the Red Canal

Top choice in Mandalay


This intimate gem feels like a cosy Southeast Asia–chic palace. Gleaming teak floorboards, toiletries in potion bottles, tasteful Asian knick-knacks and little extras such as teatime snacks and complimentary cocktail hour add to the excellent service. An artificial stream gurgles past the best 'Chin' rooms. Slightly less pricey 'Kachin' rooms compensate for low natural light with tropical outdoor showers.

'Rakhine' rooms lack balconies, though they are the largest and have space to add another bed. Look for online bargains.

Designed to resemble a traditional mud house around Ngapali, the underground Prana Spa, also open to non-guests, offers a full array of massage and other aesthetic services.

The gym is surprisingly well outfitted for a place this size.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Mandalay attractions

1. Row of Stupa Ruins

13.42 MILES

These crumbling ruins are ill-tended (though they're popular as a play spot for local kids). The brickwork suggests Bagan-period origins, but we were…