Yangon boasts a far greater number of shopping centres and facilities while Mandalay's proud of better roads and cleaner streets.
Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon's spiritual and cultural centre, is the symbol of Myanmar advertised worldwide. Mandalay's home to the quintessentially Burmese U Bein bridge, the opulent King Mindon’s Palace and the highly revered Mahamuni Paya.
Yangon is obviously bigger with over seven million people living permanently in the Yangon Region, while the population of Mandalay hardly reaches one million dwellers. About 70% of Yangon residents live in urban areas while in Mandalay this figure is twice as low – 35%.
This is probably explained by a better connectivity of townships in Yangon that form a bigger circular-shaped city. Mandalay is still struggling to develop its outskirts to integrate them into the Greater Mandalay area.
Compared to Yangon, Mandalay feels more rustic and less crowded. People of Mandalay tend to wake up and go to bed early, while Yangon residents often stay awake till late.
While Yangon offers many opportunities for outings and entertainment, residents of Mandalay declare they love the natural feel their city bears, especially its central part around the moat.
Which one do you like more?
Yangon–Mandalay Rivalry Continues
News in Asia
Mandalay and Yangon continue vying for the 'best city' status. The social media are closely following their heated debate which of the cities is better to live in.