Discover one of Mandalay’s best kept secrets: the sleepy town of Paleik. Visit the town’s main temple to join local devotees as they wash massive pythons, a bizarre daily ritual. Then explore remarkable jungle-covered ancient ruins and the charming rural villages for a glimpse of life in the countryside. Travel through fields and farms before turning off the main road into the town of Paleik. Upon reaching Paleik, go first to the snake temple. Officially called Hmwe Paya, the site is famous, as its name suggests, for the massive pythons which live within the temple grounds as well as its statue which depicts Buddha surrounded by snakes. The locals believe this image brings good luck and, thus, they gather daily to wash the image and the actual live snakes. Watch this bizarre ceremony from a distance and step closer for a chance to touch the snakes.