Mandalay, as a town is busy, chaotic, noisy, and I felt, without charm. The royal palace-right at the centre of things, is a straight road down from the hotel. It is a lovely sight, but now, an army garrison. I was informed by my taxi driver that visits cost 10,000 kyats per entry, for foreigners.
There are many attractions around: interesting - even lovely, pagodas, monastaries and stupas, if that is your interest, and the famous U Bein bridge.
I had stayed 2 days in this town, and then headed to Bagan in a boat, down the Irrawaddy, which was a fabulous experience in itself.