Myanmar’s former royal capital, Mandalay, will become one of a string of cities to host AFF Suzuki Cup matches for the first time in 2018.

Nestled on the banks of the Irrawaddy, the riverside city in the north of the country is renowned for its religious monuments, street markets and the panoramic view from the top of the Mandalay Hill.

With the usual dazzling array of cuisine and welcoming locals, the nation’s second largest city is an ideal spot to take in the AFF Suzuki Cup action.

City: Mandalay

Population: 1.2 million

Currency: Kyat (1MMK = 0.00064 USD)

Stadium: Mandalarthiri Stadium

Local clubs: Yadanarbon FC

With matches being split between two venues in the country, Mandalay will host just the one fixture at the finals as the Asian Lions welcome Cambodia on November 12 in a rematch of the pair’s clash at the 2016 AFF Suzuki Cup where Myanmar emerged 3-1 winners.

What to do: Featuring several man-made wonders as well as some natural escapes there’s more than enough to keep any visiting fans busy in Mandalay.

At 1.2 kilometres long, the U Bein Bridge is believed to be the longest such teakwood structure anywhere in the world and is a dazzling sight at sunset whilst the view from atop the Mandalay Hill – some 240 metres high – is also well worth taking in at the same time of day.

Also not to be missed is the Kuthodaw Pagoda, a magnificent structure that is said to contain the world’s largest book, with whole blocks of marble having been engraved with the entire text of the Tripitaka.

What to eat: Shan Khauk Swe – Given its location on the edge of Shan State there are plenty of traditional Shan dishes in Mandalay and for one that the locals regularly eat you can’t go wrong with the simple Shan noodles (khauk swe) – rice noodles served with chicken or pork and which is eaten at all times of the day.

Useful phrases: With English being quite limited across Myanmar, learning a few simple greetings will certainly impress the locals and the basics will surely be appreciated wherever you go, so a simple thankyou (jezu tin ba deh) or hello (mingalaba) should go a long way.

Where to watch the other games: In recent years there have been a wave of rooftop bars opening in the city and if you want to catch one of Mandalay’s famed sunsets at the same time as taking in all the AFF Suzuki Cup action that could be an ideal option.

Where to stay: Given that central Mandalay is often quite busy with traffic many locals suggest to stay in the eastern part of the city although the range of options downtown will provide spectacular views of the Irrawaddy River that runs through the city.

Stadium access: Getting around Mandalay is generally much easier than other places given that the city is laid out in a grid pattern with the majority of streets simply being known by their associated numbers.

The stadium itself is a stone’s throw from the domestic airport if you arrive closer to kickoff but it’s also fairly centrally located and within walking distance of many of the accommodation options in the downtown part of the city.

Inside knowledge: Hlaing Bo Bo (Myanmar midfielder)

22-year-old Hlaing Bo Bo is one of the stars of both the Myanmar national team as well as powerhouse domestic side, Yadanarbon, based in Mandalay and here the young star shares some tips for his hometown.

  • As a local, we're always proud of Mandalay food and there are so many famous foods such as Mandalay Moat Ti, Mandalay Mee Shay, Mandalay Htoe Moat, Lahpet (Tea Salad), Pork Stick, Kyae Oh, Shan Tofu, Mohinga (rice noodle and fish soup).
  • If I have to choose one, I'll pick Baydar Shwe Kyar Lahpet (Tea Salad) to try and buy as souvenir.
  • There are also famous destinations as well - Mandalay Palace, Mahar Myat Muni Pagoda, U Bein Bridge, Zay Cho Market, Mingun Pagoda, Mandalay Hill are top destinations for tourists.
  • I would pick U Bein Bridge which is the world’s longest teak footbridge gently curves 1300 yards across shallow Taungthaman Lake, creating one of Myanmar’s most photographed sites and the best time to visit there is an hour before sunset.