Myanmar Mandalay Hill

Mandalay was named after this hill. It has been a Buddhist temple for at least 200 years, the capital of Burma for a while and a British outpost during the colonial era but the commanding view if offers of all the surrounding area meant it was a key military asset in times of war. The Japanese occupied it during WW II and proved hard to dislodge. Eventually, the British resorted to bombing and rolling barrels of flaming petroleum in to the cellars to dislodge the poor sods just serving their nation. Now, there is little evidence of this; its decorative and still offers those commanding views and the temple elements are prominent once more.

Sunsets from this location are famous, so expect crowds, not packed but busy. The warm light works well with the building. The area below looks very different: smoke from small, managed, fires stays close to the ground, rather than rising. The temple complex itself is easier to photograph

Wide angle and a tripod will serve you well. Also, stay back after the tide of visitors has gone; the light changes and you’ll get different shots.

Just get a taxi – they’re plentiful and convenient, especially in warm, high humidity.