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Mandalay Travel Guide

mandalay travel guide

Mandalay is the second largest city in Myanmar and sits on the banks of the famous Irrawaddy River. It is a popular spot in any Myanmar trip. Capture a magic sunset moment over Ubein bridge, take a trek up to Mandalay Hill for a breathtaking view, or take the local ferry to remote villages of Mingun, Mandalay has a lot more to offer than what you think. Our Mandalay Travel Guide will give you full information for your trip to this beautiful city.

Table of Contents

 The best time to visit Mandalay

Taxi / motorcycle taxi, private tours, attractions in mandalay, where to stay in mandalay, what & where to eat in mandalay, nightlife in mandalay, best hospital in mandalay.

Mandalay is located in the central dry zone of Myanmar. So, the weather is little bit hotter and drier than other parts of the country. The best time to visit Mandalay is from November to February when the weather is coolest and dry. During this period, the average temperature in day time is around 29° C and the rainfall is very low (about 3 days of rain per month).

Beautiful sunset over Ubein bridge.

With low travel cost, the rainy season (from May to October) is also good time to visit Mandalay. Due to its location, Mandalay receives less rainfall. In peak months of rainy season, it rains in about 9 days per month while rain falls over half of number of days in the coastal areas as Ngapali or Yangon.

Mandalay experiences very hot climate in March and April. So, you should avoid to come in these two months if you are not familiar with the intense heat.

For more information on Mandalay weather, view on our post: https://myanmartravel.com/mandalay-weather/

How to get to Mandalay?

Mandalay is the second biggest city in Myanmar. It has an international airport which is about 45 km from city centre. Travelers can fly directly to Mandalay from China (Kunning), Thailand (Bangkok & Chiang Mai) and Singapore. You can get a private taxi or public buses into town. Private transfers are also available from most travel agents and hotels.

View more information here: https://myanmartravel.com/mandalay-international-airport/

Except for three above countries, travelers from all over the world need to fly to Yangon, the main gateway to Myanmar. To get in Mandalay from Yangon, you may have some options to choose, by air, train or bus.

Myanmar National Airlines is one of the airlines which operates daily flights between Yangon and Mandalay.

There are many direct flights from Yangon to Mandalay per day. The earliest flight departs at 6.30AM and the latest one departs at 18.00. Flight time is one hour and ten minutes. You can choose to fly with Air KBZ, Air Thanlwin, Golden Myanmar Airlines, Man Yadanarpon Airlines or Myanmar National Airlines. Airfare is about US$ 100 per person.

Travel to Mandalay by JJ Express Bus.

Buses between Yangon and Mandalay takes about 9 hours through Yangon – Naypyitaw –Mandalay Expressway. There are a lot buses running every day since 6.00AM to 10.00PM including JJ Express, Yar Zar Tun, Elite Express and others. They operate both Normal and VIP bus service. If you opt for the Normal service, you’ll get a very affordable ticket (US$ 10) on a comfortable bus that features air conditioning and reclining seats! The VIP service takes the level of service and amenities up a couple of notches, providing you with even more comfortable seats that feature TVs in the seatbacks, plus snacks are served along the way. The only drawback is that the price of a seat on the VIP bus is almost double that of the Normal service (US$ 19). Most of buses depart from Aung Mingalar Bus Station, Yangon and arrive at Kywel Sel Kan Bus station, Mandalay.

Trains from Yangon to Mandalay are a pretty comfortable. If you choose the Upper Class, you will have a comfortable seat and you can easily wander around to stretch your legs whenever you need to – something that you can’t really do on a bus.  The journey lasts about 15 hours but you should expect one or two hours later.

Experience the slow train journey from Yangon to Mandalay over the old British-built colonial railway.

In fact, the train ride is the slowest way to travel but it is a highly recommended experience, over the old British-built colonial railway.  There are 3 trains per day with departing at 5.00, 15.00 & 15.45. There is one more train on Sundays which depart at 19.00.

The trains are affordable, with ticket prices for a seat in Upper Class coming in somewhere between the cost of the Normal and VIP buses mentioned above.

How to get around Mandalay?

To get around Mandalay city and its surrounding, there are many vehicles for you to choose, such as taxis, motorcycle taxis, bicycle or on foot.

People are walking on the street in Mandalay.

Mandalay is a nice city to walk around. The streets in the city center are arranged in a grid and have numbers rather than names. If you are staying at central Mandalay hotel, you can easily walk to most places in the city. However, there are very few traffic signs or controls, so just be careful when you are exploring!

Mandalay is bicycle friendly city thanks to grid layout.

If you wish to see the main sites like Mandalay Hill, Royal Palace or the Kuthodaw Pagoda then a bicycle would be best as these sights are a far walk from the city centre. While some of the main crossroads are a little difficult, overall the city’s grid layout is quite bicycle friendly. You can hire a bike for around 5 USD a day. Most hotels and guesthouses offer bike hire.

A typical taxi in Mandalay in which 3 or 4 people can share.

For day trips such as to Amarapura, Inwa, and Sagaing, taxi is an easy and fast option. You will find plenty of taxis in Mandalay close to hotels or parked on the side of the street. In every touristy place, you will encounter guides touting for business. Expect to pay around 20 USD for a day hire. Taxis from most hotels to a restaurant or the ferry station are 6,000 kyats (4 USD) one way or 10,000 kyats (7 USD) round trip. If you are taking the boat to Bagan from Mandalay, arrange your taxi the night before.

Motorcycle taxis are available throughout Mandalay and can be a cheap option for sightseeing. You can pick up a day sightseeing tour on a motorcycle taxi for 15,000 kyats (10 USD).

Trishaw is the convenient way to watch people and take photos at leisure.

Mandalay is homeland of Myanmar Trishaw. It was invented by Sayar Nyo, a car repairer from Nyaung Bin Market, Mandalay in 1938. It is made of three wheels – a combination of a bicycle and sidecar which has two back to back seats for two passengers on the left side of the driver. Once the main mode of transport in the city of Mandalay, pedal trishaws are not as popular as they once were. It is slow mode of travel but comfortable and very convenient way to watch people and take photos at leisure.

Buses in Mandalay are quite old and no English is shown.

Mandalay does not have public modern buses as ones in Yangon. Public transport in Mandalay consists of pick – up trucks which stop frequently and often don’t move off until they are jam packed. The destination will be displayed in the front window but in local script. If you are interested in local experience, you should try at least once. Cost is 500 kyats (0.3 USD)

Explore architect and history of Mandalay Palace with our private guide.

Actually, you can simply explore Mandalay by yourselves. However, organized tours with private car and guide will bring you more benefits. Local guides with huge knowledge of their region will tell you interesting stories about the people, history, culture of the destination. You can ask him anything you want to know about Mandalay and Myanmar.

Like other cities in Myanmar, Mandalay is home to many pagodas, some of which are impressive in their architectural style and construction. The remarkable ones are Mahamuni Pagoda which houses the most scared Buddha image in Myanmar, Hsinbyume Pagoda – a unique architecture resembles the description of the mythological mountain Mount Meru in white color, Kuthodaw Pagoda – known as “the world’s largest book…

Mandalay is home to many beautiful pagodas.

Mandalay can also be considered as city of royalty. The other attractions in Mandalay are reminders of the time when Burmese kingdoms were still in existence. This is the city where the Royal Palace as well as ancient capitals as Amarapura or Inwa can be found. Last but not least, the best attraction in Mandalay is not made by man. Mandalay Hill is the most famous attraction of the city for a panorama view of the city, a necessary stop for any traveler who arrives in this part of Myanmar.

Find out the best places to visit in Mandalay in below post: https://myanmartravel.com/attractions-in-mandalay/

Pullman Mandalay Mingalar Hotel is the only new hotel in luxury category.

Compared to other tourist attractions such as Yangon or Inle Lake, Mandalay does not have many new hotels, especially luxury ones. In recent 5 years, Mandalay has only new luxury hotel which is Pullman Mandalay Hotel. Most of new hotels are middle – ranged. However, Mandalay still offers enough options for every budget in Mandalay.

You can see our suggestion of the best hotels here: https://myanmartravel.com/best-hotels-in-mandalay/

Mandalay offers many delicious street food which is different from other areas.

Mandalay is a big city so you will find plenty of food options! From delicious local and street food to the international fast food, there is a wide range of restaurants something for everyone. The people who visit Mandalay in the first time should not miss the native food of Mandalay which do not have the same taste as other areas.

Please find out what they are here: https://myanmartravel.com/best-food-in-mandalay/ Then, if you look for the best restaurants for your meals, please view ones we suggest in this post: https://myanmartravel.com/best-restaurants-in-mandalay/

If you want a big night out, Mandalay may make you disappointed with what the city offers. Unlike Yangon, Mandalay has very limited options when it comes to night time. But it does not mean that the city is not alive at night.  The city does not have modern pubs and bars where people can dance or sing. There are just few bars locating in big hotels where you can have some beers or cocktails in live music.

Enjoy comedy with Moustache Brothers.

Instead, Mandalay has satire and puppets. The city has Moustache Brothers, who combine comedy, tradition and political commentary. Theatre arts are also represented at night thanks to the Mandalay Marionettes. The absence of pubs does not mean the absence of beer, which can still be enjoyed in the city with some beer gardens serving both local and foreign beer. There are also KTV where you can sing until midnight.

Get more ideas for what to do at night in Mandalay in below post: https://myanmartravel.com/nightlife-in-mandalay/

If possible, try to get to a health care centre in Yangon. For urgent cases, here are a list of medical centres in Mandalay: https://myanmartravel.com/best-hospitals-in-mandalay/

In conclusion, Mandalay has so much to explore and you should spend at least 3 days here. The city itself has enough to keep you occupied for 1-2 days, but the surrounding area is a real treat. Contact Myanmar Travel for any advice for your trip. Our experienced consultants will help you to build the best itinerary to fit your hobby and budget.

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Myanmar 101: The city of Mandalay

• December 4, 2017

A brief introduction to Myanmar’s royal city, cultural capital – and city of seconds.

By JARED DOWNING | FRONTIER

IT HAS THE country’s second largest population (just over 1.2 million, according to the 2014 census) and is the second busiest trade hub (linking China and India with Yangon). It has Myanmar’s second oldest university, second busiest airport and second most successful football team.

However, for Myanmar’s conquering kings of yore, Mandalay and its environs were first choice.

Innwa (also known as Ava), about 30 kilometres (19 miles) to the south, on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwady River, was once a formidable city-state when it was the favourite seat for the Taungoo and Konbaung dynasties, the latter of which founded another capital at nearby Amarapura (the site of the famed U Bein Bridge) in 1738.

In 1857, after the British had annexed the lower part of the country, the Konbaung dynasty’s penultimate king, Mindon, moved his capital from Amarapura to the base of Mandalay Hill, constructing the now-iconic moat and fortress walls, and dubbing the city “Yadanarbon” (the city’s football team still bears that name).

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The new city was supposed to shore up Myanmar’s religion, culture and royal tradition at a time when the Konbaung glory was waning, and industrialised European powers were carving out empires in Southeast Asia. In addition to his lavish palace, Mindon filled the city with pagodas and monasteries, and commissioned a comprehensive history of his kingdom (known in English as The Glass Palace Chronicle).

The city remains a bastion of Myanmar cultural heritage, which is why it might surprise one to learn that it was only under royal rule for 30 years before the British sailed up the Ayeyarwady River and exiled Mindon’s son, Thibaw, to India. Shortly after annexing Mandalay, the British moved the capital to Rangoon.

After sustained Allied and Japanese bombing during the Second World War, and two huge fires in the 1980s, the palace walls and some religious sites are more or less all that is left of the old city – today’s royal palace is a replica built in 1989, and much of the space inside the palace walls serves as an army base.

Chinese influence

The economic landscape is also much changed.

In 1988, the military government overturned Ne Win’s isolationist policies and opened up border trade. Investors, mainly from China and particularly Yunnan province, took full advantage and began buying lots that had been left empty by the two fires.

Journalists abroad wrung their hands about a “Chinese takeover” as the military government cut deals with Chinese companies in real estate, logging and mining, and developed its northern infrastructure to funnel this commerce to Mandalay.

The city’s population has doubled since the 1980s. There is some debate as to how much this boom is down to official or unofficial Chinese immigration, and many of Mandalay’s shopping centres, condominiums and hotels are Chinese-owned. Mandalay remains a hub for largely Chinese-traded jade and gemstones as well as smartphones, motorbikes and other imported goods.

In March, U Win Htay, vice president of the Mandalay Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told the Straits Times: “People call this place Yunnan-Mandalay. If you do business, and you don’t want to work with Chinese, you simply can’t make money.”

Culture and education

As well as Mandalay University, which was established in 1925, the city also has institutions for medicine, dentistry, art and technology. However, Mandalay’s real strength is in religious studies; in addition to the Mandalay Theological College, the Phaung Daw Oo school in the city’s outskirts is the largest monastic school in the country, with about 9,000 pupils at the primary, middle, high school and university levels.

Although it has little in the way of contemporary art, Mandalay has thriving traditions of masonry, wood carving and metal-working for pagodas and religious images, as well as traditional painting, textile weaving and jade work.

These traditions go back to the original craftsmen who built Mindon’s splendid new palace and monasteries, and tourists can witness their handiwork in the carved teak Shwenandaw Monastery, the 729 marble slabs bearing the Pali Canon at the Kuthodaw Pagoda, and the mirrored mosaic walls of the Sutaungpyei Pagoda on Mandalay Hill.

And if you climb the hill at sunset, keep an eye out for Mandalay Central Prison to the northwest, visible by its tell-tale semi-circular walls and radial barracks (but lower your expectations before visiting in person; it only has a one-star rating on Google).

Who’s in charge?

Physician U Ye Lwin, 66, was appointed mayor in 2016 by the Mandalay City Development Committee. He presides over the seven-township Mandalay District, which includes the city proper (Chanayethazan Township contains the downtown area) and suburbs, including Amarapura.  

Mandalay’s Yadanarbon Football Club has won four out of the nine Myanmar National League championships to date. Its arch rival Yangon United also has four, but sneaks ahead having played in more championship appearances. Their grudge matches have been dubbed the “Myanmar Derby.”

Previously, Yadanarbon’s most bitter rival was Zeyar Shwe Myay Football Club of neighbouring Sagaing Region. After matches, brawls were known to have broken out near the stadium, as fans in various states of intoxication made their way back home.

However, the fights are (hopefully) a thing of the past, after Zeyar Shwe Myay was disbanded in 2016 over a dispute about its home ground.

Though second in most things, Mandalay ranks first in the number of Burmese roofed turtles. The Mandalay Zoological Gardens is the only zoo in Myanmar to feature the endangered species.

Jared Downing

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On the Road to Mandalay Photo Essay

By jack picone.

Mandalay. Even the word is enigmatic. Melodic and sweet sounding as it rolls off the tongue igniting the imagination and inviting wonder. I cast my memory back trawling to find answers to the questions ‘Mandalay’ asks me. My earliest associations with the word began in my formative years as a boy in junior high school in Australia. My English teacher introduced the class to the English poet Rudyard Kipling. In 1890, Kipling had penned a poem titled ‘Mandalay’. I recall at the time not fully understanding the poem fully. Regardless, as a teenage boy I was stirred by the lines I read, including ‘There’s a Burma girl a-settin’, and I know she thinks o’ me’, and the dramatic description, ‘An’ the dawn comes up like thunder outer China ‘crost the Bay”! ‘Mandalay’ (The poem) is largely the reflections of a British soldier (back in England) but still longing for the exoticism of Asia, he experienced while in Burma. Burma contrasted favorably to the dank, cold, and foggy climates and to the banality and social disciplines of the UK. Four of the six stanzas in Kipling’s poem end with the line,  ‘On the road to Mandalay’. Fast forward to 2015 and given the lasting impression Kipling’s poem left on me a road trip from Rangoon to Mandalay was imminent.

Road trips are exciting. Breaking away and escaping the grinding banalities of everyday life. A putting your foot down on the accelerator and propelling into new territories. The choice of car chosen to escape in is as important as who you decide to drive off into the distance with. The selected car was a jet black 1998 Nissan Cedric Brougham VIP. More of a statement than a car.  A long black ominous looking limousine it cuts an imposing figure on the streets of Yangon which is populated mostly with compact contemporary Japanese cars. Metaphorically, it tends to ask more questions than it answers. It cannot be just anyone you choose to make a road trip with. Saying that it was a fait accompli who my traveling companions would be. I would be taking to the road with a friend and fellow photographer Gerhard Joren and my photography assistant Yani Clarke.

The soft directional dawn light bathes everything in a pale shade of yellow; our driver hurried us into the Brougham so we could exit Yangon before the streets turned into the world’s biggest parking lot. Rangoon receded behind us as we passed the mornings commuters sounding their horns in frustration and crawling bumper to bumper into Rangoon to work for the day. The open road unfolded in front of us. Windows wound down and the wind in our hair the impossible felt possible, the notion of freedom filled the spacious cabin of the Brougham – the atmosphere was electric. Heading northwest Gerhard estimated it was approximately 390 miles to Mandalay and Yani now sporting a pair of retro Blues Brothers Raybands states the driving time was about 7 to 8 hours, but we all agreed to – it takes – as long as it takes. Our group mantra becomes ‘slow is fast’. We all want to soak up the sense of space and stop for anything or anyone that engages us along the road. I consider Kipling’s poem ‘Mandalay’ and know that things have changed exponentially since he penned it. It is probably the romantic in me, but I secretly hoped that we would still see some visual traces of what Kipling saw in the late 19th century. Even, perhaps find a few traces of the poet himself.

Cruising along the concrete covered Yangon-Mandalay Expressway appears to be a brand new state of the art travel experience. Our driver with a knowing smile suggests that it is not. The expressway built to connect Yangon with the nation’s new capital Naypyidaw, and its second largest city Mandalay did not meet international design and construction standards. He adds that there has been a spate of fatalities on it since it opened in 2010. Consequently, the locals have dubbed it the “Death Highway”. Oh, how reassuring. The landscape neatly framed by the car windows and windscreen appears, unremarkable, flat, baked by the humidity and heat is unforgiving. Supersized green traffic signs with large white arrows point to Naypyidaw and Mandalay. The monotony and regularity of these signs are occasionally punctuated by a sign that broadcasts, ‘Life is a journey’ then below this line in letters capitalized, and twice the size is ordered ‘COMPLETE IT’! Perhaps confirming why the locals call it the “Death Highway.”   

Babs Hoffman the American writers carefree words, “Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and enjoy the journey” dissolve the drivers disparaging description of the road we are traveling along. I decide the journey is about who you share it with, that you meet on the way and the experiences you have. 115 miles into the journey, we make a stop at the incongruously named Pioneer Food Centre at Ah Myan Lan. I was expecting something else, something more traditional. It was a ubiquitous, formulaic roadside complex that could be found almost anywhere in the world. Constructed of glass and iron, clean and bright, on offer was a mix of basic European dishes and traditional Burmese fare. Given its simplicity, the soup was memorable perhaps the most memorable meal I had the whole time I was in Burma. Odd, to find such great soup in the most ordinary of places. It was one of those meals when an intersection of travel, time and sheer great taste elevated the experience from ordinary to extraordinary. An everyday soup in Burma but the mix of noodles, garlic, tofu, tomatoes, mustard leaves and mint was exotic – to me – and culminated in a culinary climax. I would have given the uninspiring Pioneer Rest Stop at least One Michelin Star just because of the soup!

Back on the road and up ahead a vignette comes into view that could have easily walked off the pages of Kipling’s 19th Century prose and poetry. Farmers wearing their longyis sitting atop of their payload steer a convoy of oxen carts across the highway. Languidly they join a dirt track on the other side trailed by a cloud of dust disappearing into the distance as ethereally as they appeared. In sharp contrast to the time capsule ox carts is the frequency and diversity of Burma’s new petrol stations. Every station representing a different international oil company and different brand. Unlike the west, were a few major oil companies dominate the landscape.

In some way, I thought that they probably reflected Burma’s new period of openness to foreign investment. Not confined to big international gas stations there were also smaller local entrepreneurs who had set up their businesses anything from traditional pump stands to roadside stalls, selling petrol in plastic bottles. Even at the plastic bottle level it is a barometer that Burma is changing. Not long ago the oil business was strictly regulated now regulation has loosened thus liberating its people to engage in private enterprise.

The outskirts of Mandalay, come into sight, the landscape is greener than along the way. The small hills dotted with inverted symmetrical cones of pagodas and unlike Rangoon, they are white, rather than gold. White is the predominant color of the Mandalay temples, and the contrast with the green hillsides is stunning and magical. In Mandalay, down at the riverside, a massive red and purple sun sinks slowly into the horizon signaling the end of the day. Walking along the banks weaving between scores of workers as they frantically shovel sand into waiting lorries and sampans, I side – step people boarding and disembarking a hive of commuter boats coming and going on the majestic Ayeyarwady River. In amongst the noise and chaos, there is a beautiful ‘Burma girl a-settin’. She is perched on a stone wall gazing out to the river. I wondered how she would find her way in the brave new Burma that is now more a memory trace of the Burma Kipling experienced in the late 19th century when he wrote, ‘Mandalay.’

Jack Picone is the recipient of several of photography’s most prestigious international awards. These include the World Press Awards, the U.S. Photographer of The Year Awards (POY) and the Mother Jones/IFDP Grant for Social Documentary Photography. His work has been exhibited and is held in major galleries and venues worldwide, including the prestigious Visa d’Or Reportage Festival in France, Australian War Memorial, State Library of N.S.W and National Portrait Gallery in Australia.

Born in Australia, Picone is currently based in Bangkok and works globally.

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What to Do in Mandalay: Travel Guide & Essential Info

Latest update: November 14, 2022

Every journey comes to an end. A pity really. Mandalay was the last stop on our four-week journey through Myanmar. And as if we hadn’t already seen enough highlights in the past few weeks, Mandalay still managed to blow us away.

Our time here was full of superlatives: The world’s largest book, the largest bell, the longest wooden bridge, the craziest temple, the most unshapely Buddha.

We spent six full days in Mandalay, not only exploring the city itself, but also the most important destinations in the surrounding area: Monywa, Pyin U Lwin, Mingun, Amarapura, Inwa, Sagaing.

In this post, we show you which sights and attractions Mandalay has to offer and provide tips on worthwhile day trips in the surrounding area.

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Sight and attractions in Mandalay

A full day is generally enough to see all the major sights in Mandalay itself. But only if you’re prepared to go non-stop sightseeing without any time to sit down and take a break. We’ll tell you all about our Mandalay highlights in this section.

Mandalay Hill

Mandalay Hill is a 236-meter-high mountain in the north of the city. From the top, you have a great view over the entire city and the surrounding area, but the ascent and the summit itself are real highlights in and of themselves.

The way up along seemingly endless flights of steps takes you past souvenir stalls, Buddha statues, and cute romantic photo backdrops where you can have your picture taken.

Every time we thought we we’d finally made it, another flight of stairs appeared out of nowhere, leading even further upwards.

If that sounds too exhausting, there’s an easier way: There’s a road leading up the mountain, so you can ride a scooter or take a taxi almost all the way to the summit.

Kuthodaw Pagoda, or the world’s largest book

At the foot of Mandalay Hill lies the Kuthodaw Pagoda. The central golden pagoda is surrounded by 729 smaller white pagodas, each containing a marble tablet inscribed with text.

These texts reflect Buddhist doctrine and are often referred to as the largest book in the world. If they were printed on paper, the texts would fill more than 15,000 pages.

Mahamuni Pagoda

Even if you think you’ve seen all possible iterations of Buddha statues in Myanmar, the Buddha in the Mahamuni Pagoda is still bound to surprise you.

This Buddha statue is the holiest in the entire country. It’s not only richly studded with precious stones, it’s also adorned with gold leaf every day by thousands of visitors.

The superfine leaves have accumulated over the years, giving the Buddha a oddly shapeless look. It’s been estimated that the Buddha is covered with between 3 and 12 metric tons of gold leaf. Crazy!

As it happens, only male devotees are to allowed to approach the Buddha statue and apply the gold leaf.

The gold beaters of Mandalay

Speaking of gold leaf: Mandalay’s gold leaf production still operates on pure manpower. There’s even a dedicated profession, the gold beater.

A gold beater’s daily routine involves pounding a small parcel of gold again and again with a hammer that weighs about three kilograms. It’s an extremely hard job, but it’s also in high demand. A total of 6.5 hours is spent beating a piece of gold in a number of steps until it’s only a few thousandths of a millimeter thin.

Then the gold is cut into small squares and packaged. You can buy a small packet of leaf gold for just 3,000 kyat and apply it to the Mahamuni Buddha yourself.

On 36th Street between 77th and 78th Street, there’s a small showcase workshop where you can watch the gold beaters at work and observe the process of gold beating up until the packing stage.

The Royal Palace

The former Royal Palace encompasses a huge, almost square site of 2×2 kilometers in the middle of downtown Mandalay.

Here once stood the ornate palace of a king that became world-famous as the Glass Palace in the novel by Amitav Ghosh. A novel we can highly recommend if you want to learn more about Myanmar’s history.

Sadly, the palace was completely destroyed and nothing is left of it except for the wall running around the grounds. There have been attempts to rebuild the palace, but they never panned out.

You can probably skip a tour of the palace grounds because there isn’t much to see there.

Where to stay in Mandalay

Hotel rates are generally lower in Mandalay than in the rest of the country. You can get a really nice room for not much money.

We stayed at Hotel 8 and only spent 23 dollars per night. You could easily end up paying 40 dollars or more for a similar room in other parts of the country. The hotel is in a good location and has simple, modern rooms and a relatively good breakfast.

Our hotel: Hotel 8 in Mandalay

Unfortunately, the hotel was fully booked for the final days of our stay, so we moved to the Night Sweet Hotel . It wasn’t quite as good, but not bad either. If you’d like something a bit more luxurious, we’d recommend the Home Hotel .

Getting around in Mandalay and the surrounding area

First the good news: Getting around in Mandalay is really easy, because the streets in the city center are arranged in a grid and have numbers rather than names.

But overall, Mandalay is pretty vast and not much fun to explore on foot. It’s easier to just take one of the ubiquitous taxis to get from A to B.

Exploring Mandalay and the surrounding area by scooter

We rented a scooter and can highly recommend doing the same. That way you’re fast and flexible in Mandalay and have an easy way of going day trips to Amarapura, Inwa, and Sagaing.

Traffic is pretty manageable and since you drive on the right-hand side of the road in Myanmar, it should be easier to get used to than in other Southeast Asian countries – if you’re from continental Europe or another right-hand-driving country that is.

Just ask for the best place to rent a scooter at your hotel, they should be able to hook you up. We were able to hire one directly from the hotel and paid 1,000 kyat per hour. A full day on the road generally came to about 8,000 to 9,000 kyat, which is a very fair price. Gas is really cheap too.

Exploring Mandalay and the surrounding area with a guide

For our trip to Monywa, which we’ll tell you more about below, we hired Zaw Zaw as our driver and guide.

He came highly recommended, and we can definitely pass on that recommendation. Zaw Zaw speaks excellent English and is a pleasure to talk to. You can ask him anything you’ve ever wanted to know about Mandalay and Myanmar. His prices are fair and he’s extremely friendly.

You can get in touch via his e-mail address [email protected] . Zaw Zaw also organizes bicycle tours throughout the country. If that sounds like your kind of thing, then he might just be the right guy for you.

Day trip from Mandalay to Amarapura, Inwa, and Sagaing

There are several highlights in the immediate vicinity of Mandalay. Just to the southwest of the city, there are three great sights that you can visit on a single day trip.

First, let us show you what these three towns have to offer and then we’ll share some tips for your tour.

Sights and attractions in Sagaing

The hills of Sagaing extend to the west of the Irrawaddy River. The enormous bridge leading to the other side of the river offers an amazing view.

The hills are dotted with a total of over 700 temples and pagodas with their golden sheen gleaming out in between the green of the mountains. The pagodas themselves aren’t really major highlights on their own, but taken together, they make Sagaing really special.

But then again, we were pretty spoiled after four weeks in Myanmar and it was hard to get excited about new pagodas anymore. If you start your trip to Myanmar in Mandalay, then Sagaing is sure to impress you.

Sights and attractions in Inwa

Inwa used to be the capital of a series of Burmese kingdoms lasting more than 400 years. Today that seems almost unimaginable as all that remains now are a few ruins surrounded by fields and meadows.

Many travelers take horse-drawn carriages to explore Inwa, which you can hire for around 8,000 kyat per tour. We explored the area with our own scooter.

Unfortunately, it had been raining heavily the day before, so the roads were extremely muddy and we couldn’t get through with our scooter. But we still saw quite a bit, e.g. the leaning tower, which is currently being restored, a pagoda ruin with such scary cracks in its walls that you think it’s about to collapse any minute, or the wooden Shwenandaw Monastery.

Sights and attractions in Amarapura

Just a few kilometers from Inwa, the next royal city awaits you. It also features the crumbling remains of a bygone era. But the U Bein Bridge is an absolute highlight.

At a length of 1,200 meters, it’s believed to be the longest wooden bridge in the world and carries pedestrians across Taungtaman Lake. At sundown, masses of people head to the U Bein Bridge to take pictures of it with the sinking sun in the background.

If you’d prefer it a bit less crowded, you should visit earlier in the day. But the sunset is really a sight to behold. For about 8,000 kyat, you can have someone row you to the best photo spot in front of the bridge, but you’ll have to share the spot with lots of other boats.

Our tips for the tour

We did the tour from Mandalay to the three towns in a single day. First we went to Sagaing, then headed to Inwa, and finally we watched the sunset in Amarapura.

You can easily make the whole trip in a day if you leave early enough in the morning. We started from Mandalay at around 8:30 am.

You have to take a fairly extensive detour on the way from Sagaing to Inwa to cross the bridge of the small Myitnge River. Or you can always take a small boat across at an earlier point in the river.

This costs about 2,000 kyat for 2 people and a scooter, but only do it if it’s sunny and dry out! Because if it’s been raining, there’s no way you’ll get the scooter through the mud and you’ll have to take the boat right back to the other side. We’re speaking from experience here.

You can also do the tour by public transport, but it’s pretty inconvenient and almost impossible to do in a day.

Alternatively, you can also hire a driver or a guide for the tour. We highly recommend our guide Zaw Zaw whom we mentioned above. Or if not, then another option is to book a tour with a private guide and driver online:

Day trip to Sagaing Ava and Amarapura from Mandalay

Final thoughts on the tour: The trip to Amarapura and Inwa is an absolute must-do when you’re in Mandalay that you really shouldn’t miss. Sagaing isn’t quite as exciting as far as we’re concerned, but you can easily fit it in between the other two places.

Day trip from Mandalay to Mingun

Mingun is located to the northwest of Mandalay and is a testament to utter megalomania. A former king wanted to erect a giant temple here. But only the stump of the temple was finished by the time of his death.

When an earthquake shook the region, work on the temple was abandoned and now the temple fragment is left standing around unfinished.

The size of the fragment alone is already enormous though, and it’s hard to imagine how big the temple would have turned out. There are two huge lion statues in front of the temple, which have also largely collapsed.

A huge bell was supposed to ring out from within the temple, and it had even already been completed. Now it hangs a few meters away from the temple ruins and is the largest working bell in the world. The only bigger bell in existence hangs in the Russian Kremlin, but it a crack prevents it from ringing.

As a third attraction, there’s a beautiful white pagoda to see in Mingun.

There’s a ferry going from Mandalay to Mingun at 9 am every day. The boat returns to Mandalay at 12:30 pm. That gives you enough time to see everything. All three sights are within walking distance of the pier.

For a very special experience, you can also hire an ox cart. It’s not much faster than walking, but can say they’ve ever taken an ox cart taxi?

The ferry leaves Mandalay at the end of 26th Street. Just follow the road to the river and it’ll take you right to the pier. You can buy tickets right at the port from a nice older gentleman who speaks very good English.

The ticket costs 5,000 kyat per person (round trip), and you also have to pay 5,000 kyat admission in Mingun.

Our final thoughts on the tour: Mingun is pretty interesting and if you have some time to spare, then go for it. But if you don’t have so much time, we’d recommend exploring Mandalay, or taking a day trip to Amarapura and Inwa instead. But since you return to Mandalay in the early afternoon, that gives you enough time to do something else with the rest of the day.

Day trip from Mandalay to Monywa

To be honest: After four weeks in Myanmar, we started getting a bit tired of temples. We had been in Bagan , in Mrauk-U, in Bago – all places with countless temples and pagodas, one more beautiful than the next.

We really though nothing could beat that. And then we went to Monywa. First, there’s the huge standing Buddha, standing tall at an incredible 116 meters. The only Buddha statue that’s even taller is in China.

There’s another 90-meter-long reclining Buddha lying in front of it, and you’ll find thousands of Buddhas amidst just as many trees at the foot of the mountain.

That’s pretty impressive, but the Thanbodday Pagoda is the craziest shit ever. It already looks completely different from any other pagoda in Myanmar from the outside. It’s very colorful and reminded us a bit of a Hindu temple. But the inside of the pagoda is where things really go off the rails. We’ve never seen so many Buddhist statues.

There are a total of almost 600,000 Buddha statues, large and small, adorning this temple. Yes, you read that right. A six with five zeros. Six hundred thousand! This temple is definitely the most impressive in all of Myanmar!

Monywa is too far to go by scooter. So you’ll have to catch the bus or hire a driver. We went to Monywa with Zaw Zaw, whom we introduced earlier on. We paid 90 dollars for the day trip, including the car. Driving to Monywa takes about 2.5-3 hours.

Alternatively, you can also go by bus, which is considerably cheaper, but it takes 3-4 hours. That’s cutting it a bit close for a day trip because you’ll also need some time to explore when you get there.

Of course, you could also stay the night in Monywa. That’s what we were going to do originally, but then we changed our mind at the last minute. If you’re looking for a place to stay in Monywa, we hear the Jade Royal Hotel Monywa is pretty good.

Our final thoughts on the tour: Monywa is an absolute highlight in Myanmar that many travelers haven’t even heard of for some reason. We really recommend taking this day trip from Mandalay or even staying the night in Monywa. You won’t regret it.

Day trip from Mandalay to Pyin Oo Lwin

Pyin Oo Lwin is located to the east of Mandalay at an altitude of 1,100 meters and once served the British colonial rulers as a resort during the hot months. Today, it’s once again become a place for recreation seekers. But not for the British this time around, but rather for richer inhabitants of Mandalay.

Pyin Oo Lwin looks quite different from most places in Myanmar. It’s very green and isolated colonial buildings evoke the era of British occupation.

The highlight of Pyin Oo Lwin are the vast Botanical Gardens with well-kept green areas and no garbage to be seen. That’s a very unique sight in Myanmar. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle and heat of Myanmar, then Pyin Oo Lwin is the perfect destination for you.

Our tips for the tour:

This best way to get to Pyin Oo Lwin is by shared taxi, i.e. a taxi you share with up to four people. This costs about 8,000 kyat per person and the journey takes almost two hours. Ask at your hotel in Mandalay if they can arrange this kind of trip for you.

If you want to spend some more time in Pyin Oo Lwin, there are several hotels to choose from. We recommend the Royal Green Hotel .

Our final thoughts on the tour: In Pyin Oo Lwin, you’ll encounter a completely different side of Myanmar. But it isn’t a real must-see for a first trip to Myanmar, especially if time is at a premium.

Our final thoughts

Mandalay has so much to offer and we were really positively surprised. You can easily spend five days here and discover something new every day. The city itself has enough to keep you occupied for 1-2 days, but the surrounding area is a real treat.

Mandalay is a perfect starting point for excursions and sadly it was also the last stop on our trip. We finally flew from Mandalay to Chiang Mai with Bangkok Airways and had to say “Good bye, Myanmar” after 31 wonderful days.

Have you ever been to Mandalay? Have we forgotten an important tip? Please let us know in the comments below.

17 Awesome Places To Visit In Mandalay, Myanmar (+ Bonus Tips)

There are so many places to visit in Mandalay, but I was surprised to know how travelers often overlook this lovely city. For many, it is a stopover to move to Bagan , Inle Lake or further up to Lashio, or maybe the starting or the ending city in their Myanmar trip. It is a shame because I guess this city is so underrated. Beautiful pagodas , the Irrawaddy river, ancient buildings with enriching architecture and history are some of the things to do in Mandalay.  

Mandalay deserves at least a day or two in your Myanmar itinerary. If you don’t believe me, read further to find out everything in this Mandalay travel guide.

Places To Visit In Mandalay

1. mandalay palace.

Among the top Mandalay attractions are the Royal Mandalay Palace or Mya Nan San Kyaw Palace, which was the centre of the seat of the power for many decades. It is located in the city centre and hard to miss. The palace is huge, surrounded by a moat and walls on all sides.

Most of the Palace area was destroyed in World War II bombing, and have been rebuilt in the 1990s. There are a lot of things to see and know in Mandalay Palace, including many rooms that now house the collection of the Burmese Royalty.

The combo ticket allows you free entry, and you can reach the premises by walk if you are staying in the downtown area.

2. The Wooden Monastery of Shwenandaw Kyaung

Close to Mandalay Palace is Shwenandaw Kyaung monastery made of teak wood. It is called Golden Palace Monastery as it was a part of the Palace during the 19th century.

It was an important monastery for the royal family and hence is grandly built. Don’t forget to check the intricate carvings on the wooden walls.

Editor’s note: How to reach Inle Lake from Mandalay – Bus or boat?

3. Kuthodaw Pagoda – World’s Largest Book

Do you want to see the world’s largest book? Then head to Kuthodaw Pagoda in Mandalay. It is not an actual book and it is the world’s largest because of the time needed to finish this book!

The book is 729 stone pages or stupas, which contain the Buddhist scriptures. It is estimated that it takes more than a year to read the inscriptions. The series of stupas arranged to form pages of a book, which look splendid, towering at over two meters in height.  Kuthodaw is surely one of the best places to visit in Mandalay.

No need for an entry fee with Mandalay archaeological zone ticket.

4. Maha Myat Muni Pagoda – Watch The Bathing Ceremony

One of the awesome places to visit in Mandalay is Maha Myat Muni Pagoda. It is not yet another temple in Mandalay. It is the most sacred site for the locals in the city. Head to  Maha Myat Muni Pagoda  to see Buddha wrapped in golden leaves, which is worshipped every day by people offering gold leaves. This huge Buddha statue is decorated with at least six inches of gold. 

Sadly, women can not(but why?) but men can offer gold leaf to Buddha. Visit this temple to admire the beautiful statue.

Every morning, monks bathe Buddha an apply Thanaka to his face, a ritual which is witnessed by hundreds. You can join in to see the unique tradition.

Editor’s note: How To Get From Bagan To Mandalay? – Should You Take The Boat?

5. Mingun Pahtodawgyi – The Unfinished Pagoda

Mingun is located about 11km from the city centre of Mandalay on the banks of the Irrawaddy and is home to some attractions. The most popular of them is Mingun Pahtodawgyi. It is a huge temple, which has an unfinished tower at the top, which would make it the largest at about 500 feet.

The construction of the temple began in 1790 by King Bodawpaya. It is said that the King stopped the construction of the temple half-way when an astrologer in his court proclaimed that completing the pagoda would bring King’s death.

So it was never finished, and today, the walls bear the cracks that occurred during an earthquake. It is one of those few structures that still sizzles in ruins.

6. Hsinbyume Pagoda – For Instagram Worthy Shots

Close to Mingun Pahtodawgyi is the White Temple, or Hsinbyume Pagoda , which is a must attraction in Mandalay for all Instagram lovers. It is also called Sat Taw Yar Pagoda or Mya Theindan Pagoda.

It is known for the waves like carved walls around the temple, which makes it look splendid. The stairs leading to the temple will give you some great angles for pictures. You can walk to all the levels through these stairs.

Until a few years ago, it was not that popular among travelers, but thanks to Insta shots, it is one of the must-visit places in Mandalay these days.

Editor’s note: A guide to spending 3 days in Yangon, the Quirky Capital

7. Places to visit in Mandalay – Mingun Bell – Largest Ringing Bell

As you can see, Mandalay city has a handful of attractions with world records. One of them which makes to the list of places to Visit in Mandalay is The Mingun Bell, which was built to go with the unfinished pagoda or Mingun Pahtodawgyi.

This 13-feet tall bell weighs more than 90 tons and is the world’s second-largest ringing bell, which makes it worth a visit.

8. Sandamuni Pagoda – For World’s Largest Iron Buddha

Close to Mandalay hill is the Sandamuni Pagoda, which makes it ideal to stop before heading to the hill for sunset.

Sandamuni Pagoda houses the largest Iron Buddha statue, which is built from over 40,000 pounds of Iron. There is a huge stupa, which is surrounded by hundreds of smaller ones, making it a great place to visit in Mandalay for photography lovers. 

Getting to Mingun from Mandalay

You can take a ferry from Mandalay to Mingun, which starts in the morning from Myan Gyan Jetty around 8:30 AM. The problem is if you miss this, there are no boats, and also, if you want to come back by ferry, you would have to stick to the return ferry timing, which is in the afternoon and plan your day around it. You will have half a day and is perfect if that’s your ideal time to explore Mingun

So if you don’t want to feel anxious and have time, I would suggest reaching Mingun by renting a motorbike or a tuk-tuk. If you are in a group, you can also get by car, which is economical. Check with your hostel/hotel for transport options as their prices are slightly better sometimes.

Mandalay Archaeological Zone Ticket

The most economical way to explore all the places to visit in Mandalay is to go for this. One of the unique things in Mandalay, there is a combo ticket available for attractions that fall in Mandalay Archaeological Zone. It is valid for one week, and at just 10,000 Kyat, it’s a steal deal. 

What is covered?

You can visit Shwenandaw and Atu Mashi monasteries, The Royal Palace, The Mandalay Cultural Museum and all the sites in Inwa that include Nan Myint Watch Tower, Yandina Sine Pagoda, Mai Nu Monastery and Bagaya Monastery.

What is not covered?

The entry to these places is not covered in the Mandalay archaeological zone ticket.

Mandalay Hill – 1000 Kyat

Mingun and Saigang Hill combo ticket – 5000 Kyat, which covers all attractions.

More Places To Visit In Mandalay

1. hike to mandalay hill for gorgeous views.

One of the top places to visit in Mandalay is Mandalay Hill. This small hill is famous for its stunning panoramic views of the city, especially during the sunset when hundreds of tourists gather at the top. 

If you want to hike up, it takes about 45 minutes to one hour. You can also go by a tuk-tuk or a cab. There are elevators once you reach the entry point. 

It is best recommended to start before the sunset. It is close to the city centre and is not hard to reach. There is no entry fee, but if you want to use your camera, it costs 1000 Kyat.

2. Take a stroll on the world’s longest wooden bridge

All those wondering what to do in Mandalay should check out the iconic U-Bein Bridge across the Taungthaman Lake in Amarapura. For starters, at over 2km, it is the oldest and longest teak footbridge in the world, which was built in the 1850s. It is still in use connecting people on two sides of the lake. Witnessing a sunrise or a sunset from this bridge is one of the top things to do in Mandalay.

Many people say sunrise is better here as there are very few people. I, not a morning person at all, went during the sunset and enjoyed the stunning views.

You can also opt for guided sunrise and sunset tours, both private and groups. You can also take up bike tours to enjoy a bike ride along the lake. I’d recommend these tours if you are traveling in groups for the best value of money and experience.

3. Hike to Sagaing Hill

Sagaing Hill is located on the banks of Irrawaddy close to Mandalay. It is one of those beautiful places to get away from the city to enjoy these stunning views and serenity overlooking the river. 

You can see over 500 monasteries peeking between greenery, with their golden towers beautifying the view. Sagaing Hill was love at first sight for me. 

You can easily spend half a day or more on this hill visiting these monuments. If you are short on time, you can combine it with Mingun or Inwa (Ava).

If time is not your constraint, the best way to plan your trip is to make this a day trip from Mandalay. Keep at least 6 to 7 hours including the evening for sunset.

Start from the 30 Caves Pagoda or U Min Thoze Caves, which is a lovely crescent-shaped temple. There are about 45 images of Buddha seated in cave-like structures. The view from the pagoda is equally good.

Later check out Ywahtaung village, where you will see the art of smithing practised by the local community.

Next head to Kaunghmudaw Pagoda, which is inspired by a white temple in Sri Lanka. This egg-shaped temple was once white as well but is now painted gold. Worth stopping for a while.

When it is the time for sunset, head to Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda, which is the most popular of all. A short climb later, you’ll be rewarded with majestic panoramic views and simple architecture of the pagoda. 

Watch the myriad of colours as the sun sets across the river and head back to Mandalay or continue your journey further after a fulfilling day at Sagaing Hill.

Entry Fee: You can buy the entry at 5,000 Kyat, which gives access to attractions in both Sagaing and Mingun.

4. Enjoy a Swim at Dee Doke Waterfalls

Dee Doke is a cascade of waterfalls, with beautiful turquoise pools, and is a perfect option from Mandalay to get away for a relaxed day. It takes about 1 hour to get to Dee Doke from the city centre of Mandalay, covering a distance of about 50 km. 

The tiered waterfalls have pools in between, which are lovely and best for swimming, making it one of the recommended places to visit in Mandalay. Take care of the slippery path and the rocks in between as they are dangerous. Avoid diving or jumping in and going out of marked trails. 

Carry modest swimsuits as Myanmar is still conservative. Also, take some snacks and drinks with you for a picnic.

You can get there by hiring a tuk-tuk or a cab. You can also drive if you don’t mind the adventurous roads and distance. 

5. Visit the Gold Leaf Makers of Mandalay

In Mandalay, it is a tradition to offer gold leaves in pagodas. It is a unique tradition practised by people here as Mandalay is the centre of gold leaf industry .   The gold leaves are carefully carved by hands by hundreds of locals in many factories in the city. 

You can take a tour for free by attending one of these workshops, where you will see the end-to-end process of making a gold leaf, which is quite interesting. Head to 36th and 78th streets ask for these shops, and you will find many. The locals are more than welcome to show you around. If you like, you can also purchase these as they are perfect for souvenirs. 

6. Hike to the base of Dat Taw Gyaint Waterfall

At 120-meter in height, the sight of Dat Taw Gyaint is one of those to behold. If you want a hike amidst mountains, then this waterfall will be good for a day trip from Mandalay. 

You have to get to the entry point which is about 50km from Mandalay. Take a cab or a tuk-tuk or if you love driving, rent a motorbike, load your map and drive for about an hour. Start your hike wearing good hiking shoes, a pair of clothes if you want to swim(the possibility of this depends on the season and water levels).

Start your day early because you also have to come back and the trail is not good and would be difficult if it gets dark. Also, there are some small shops selling snacks and drinks. Pack some food and water, sunscreen, and a spare set of clothes. 

7. Check out local life at  Zegyo Market  

If you are like me who like visiting local markets, you are in luck when in Mandalay because the city boasts of quite a few markets – one each for vegetables, seafood, fish and everything else. 

If you don’t have the time to visit all of these, at least don’t miss checking out the largest market in Mandalay – Zay Cho or Zegyo Market. You will be astonished to find how wide the range of products is, from seafood to meat to electronics to kitchenware. It is one of those cool places to watch local life go by.

8. Watch the Sunset on the Irrawaddy

Watching a sunset on the Irrawaddy is one of the must-have experiences when in Mandalay. You can watch the magical sunset from climbing one of the hills as mentioned above, but even better if you can take up a sunset boat tour.

With a beer in hand, quietly watching the sun go down across the river is one of the amazing things to do in Mandalay. Just walk to any of the piers and book a short tour on the spot, it’s that easy.

There are many restaurants along the riverfront offering splendid views. You can plan for an early dinner by going to one of these restaurants where you can enjoy sunset plus roof-top dining.

Where to stay in Mandalay?

Hotels in Mandalay come in all budget ranges. It is also not difficult to find accommodation in Mandalay. The most popular areas are around the city centre. But unlike other cities, the attractions are far off and hence it which part of the city you choose doesn’t really matter. Because you will have to use some kind of transport for getting around Mandalay.

Tip: Note that unlike other towns in Myanmar, free early check-in is not a norm in Mandalay. If you are taking a night bus, you will still have to pay almost a day’s price if you want to check-in during the odd hours of the morning. You certainly will need a place as you would be dropped off around 3 to 4 AM!

So be ready to pay once you arrive or better, check with your hotel before you reach on whether early check-in is available(at an extra price or complimentary).

Below are some of the best budget hostels that I would recommend. These have rooms as well, in case you want to opt other than dorms.

These are some of the best hotels in Mandalay in the mid-range budget.

If you fancy a luxurious stay, I would recommend these. The reviews are great, and be sure to get pampered.

How to Get to Mandalay?

You can reach Mandalay from all major towns by buses, flight, car, train or boat. Book your bus tickets here .

If you are traveling from Yangon, check this post to find out what are the possible options – Yangon to Mandalay

If you are arriving from Bagan, read how to reach Mandalay here – Bagan to Mandalay

If you want to head from Inle Lake, these are the various way to reach Mandalay – Inle Lake to Mandalay

Getting Around Mandalay

Unlike other cities in Myanmar, a majority of attractions in Mandalay are located far from the city centre. 

You can hire a cab on day-basis if you are traveling in groups or can find passengers to do a trip. You can negotiate the attractions you want to see and the number of days, and make a deal to get around in Mandalay. It is the best way if you are traveling with kids as well. 

The daily prices vary between 30 to 50 USD, but you can get better prices sometimes if you book through your hotel or guest house. Check with a few of them before finalizing to compare prices. 

If you are a solo traveler, taking a moto-taxi is the best option IMO. You don’t have to drive and the rates are very cheap, starting at 2000 Kyat per ride.

If you want to drive and feel confident about it, you can rent a motorbike, which is slightly economical at 5 to 6 USD per day. 

That’s it about all the places to visit in Mandalay. Hope you find this Mandalay travel guide useful. Do check out the other posts to plan your Myanmar trip.

OTHER POSTS FROM MYANMAR THAT YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT

7 Best Day Trips From Bagan

17 Best Bagan Pagodas That You Should Visit (Among the 800+temples)

How to get from Yangon to Mandalay –  Bus or Train?

Watching Sunrise & Sunset in Bagan – Here is how to do it in 2019

Ways To Reach Bagan From Yangon in Myanmar

Offbeat Myanmar – 21 Awesome Things to Do in Hpa An

How to get from Mandalay to Inle Lake?

Crossing Thailand-Myanmar By Land – Here is a complete guide to do it

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Things to do in Mandalay – a Complete Mandalay Travel Guide

Last Updated on: Jun 29, 2020  

Mandalay , the formal royal capital of Myanmar is a city with beautiful pagodas, bustling alleyways and some unique architecture. Given a first look, the city looks like any other Southeast Asian city with upcoming big buildings, busy streets and smiling people. However, there are many interesting and unique things to do at Mandalay. In our recent Myanmar backpacking trip , we had kept 2 nights at Mandalay and the city surprised us with its rustic charm and individual attractions. Here, we have put together a Mandalay Travel Guide for you so that it helps you to find out what to do and places to visit in Mandalay.

Mandalay – Revisiting Burma’s ancient capitals

Mandalay captures our imagination as Myanmar’s last royal capital before British colonized the country. There is a subtle romanticism about the past that we love to feel and visiting Mandalay was like indulging into it. But what we did not know that when we visited Myanmar that Mandalay was definitely not the oldest and only capital of Burma or even the longest serving capital. Just located around the city absorbed into the suburbs of this famous city are three other ancient royal seats of Burma – Sagaing, Ava (Inwa) and Amarapura. All the three combined had been the seat of power for more than 500 years compared to Mandalay’s 26.

Unique things to do in Mandalay and Places to visit in Mandalay

Marvel at largest iron Buddha at Sandamuni Pagoda

The Sandamuni Pagoda located near the Mandalay Hill and is famous for the largest iron Buddha (also known as Sandamani). The Buddha statue is made up of almost 41000 pounds of iron and is covered by a layer of gold and more gold leaves are added by the believers each day. There are eighty other statues of saint disciples, which are found in mini stupas around the pagoda. There are also 1774 marble slabs inscribed with the teachings of Lord Buddha.

See the World’s largest book at Kuthodaw Pagoda

It is called the World’s largest book! But do not go looking for a large sized book in the temple complex. What catches the eye when you first enter the complex is the striking temple building with a gilded exterior giving it the look of a golden temple. But the spectacle lies somewhere else. There are stark white stupas surrounding the main pagoda in long rows. Beneath the pinnacles and inside the stupas lie 730 marble tablets. 729 tablets contain the body of the Tripitaka . The 730th tablet describes the creation of the entire spectacle.  Kuthodaw Pagoda lies just east of Mandalay Palace and very near to the Sandamuni Pagoda.

It is said that if you read 8 hours a day, it would take a year to complete reading all that is written in the tablets. Little wonder it is called World’s largest book!

Watch the sunrise at U-Bein Bridge

The iconic bridge stretches across Taungthaman Lake in the Amarapura region and is said to be the longest teak wood footbridge. Almost covering 1.2 km across the shallow lake, the slightly curved bridge is supported over 1086 wooden pillars hammered to the bottom of the lake. This long bridge without any rails is one of Myanmar’s most photographed sites.

U-Bein Bridge looks surreally beautiful during the sunrise and after the sunset when the sky plays with colours of golden yellow and orange. The most striking time is perhaps just after the sunset, but that is also the time when you will find maximum visitors there including the locals and the vendors selling trinkets. The affection that U-Bein had received also took a toll on it. Now a few of the thousand pillars have been replaced by concrete pillars and many of the original planks have either been replaced or in dire need of replacement.

Did you know, the planks of the teak making up the bridge had been brought from the old royal palace at Inwa, the former Burmese capital?

Traveller Tip: Try to visit U-Bein Bridge during the sunrise. It is comparatively less crowded.

Amarapura literally means ‘the city of immortality’. Situated only 11 km from Mandalay town, Amarapura is now known for silk weaving and you can visit the workshops to see how these products are made. It had served the capital of Myanmar twice from 1783-1821 and from 1842-1857.

See the sunset from the Mandalay Hill

Head towards the Mandalay Hill to get a panoramic view of the entire city. The 240 metre hill can be seen from many places in Mandalay. We would suggest you to visit during the sunset to get an epic view of the entire city, Mingun and the many pagodas that are sprinkled throughout the area.  There are stairs to climb up to the hilltop. You can also take a taxi to the top and then there is an escalator to the Sutaungpyei P agoda .

Mandalay was the last seat of monarchy in Burma and was founded in northern part of Myanmar in 1857 by King Mingdon as the capital of Konbaug dynasty. Burma remained an independent kingdom until it was conquered by the British colonial forces in 1886. It is the cultural centre of Myanmar and is the home of several beautiful Buddhist pagodas and monasteries. While at Yangon, you can see the remnants of the colonial past, Mandalay will get you a glimpse of the imperial past of Myanmar.

Foreign tourists have to pay the ‘Mandalay Zone Fee’ that costs 10,000 Kyats and gives access to several sites including Mandalay Palace.

Visit the past at Shwenandaw Kyaung Temple or the Teak Pagoda

The Shwenandaw Temple is perhaps the best example of Burmese teak architecture and is also the most significant of Mandalay’s historic buildings. The temple is the sole remaining structure of the former wooden Royal Palace built by King Mindon in mid-nineteenth century. It was originally a part of the Royal Palace at Amarapura, but was later shifted to the new Palace Complex at Mandalay. King Mindon breathed his last inside these chambers. His son, King Thibaw convinced that the place was haunted by his father’s spirits, dismantled it once more in 1878 and reconstructed the teak architecture at the current grounds.

See the last royal residence of Mandalay kings at the Mandalay Palace

Located just in the heart of Mandalay in the middle of a moat, Mandalay Palace tells the story of the last Burmese King who lived here. In 1885 when the British forces marched into Mandalay with very little opposition, they demanded unconditional surrender from the King Thibaw Min and his palace. That is what they got. Later, the king and queen were exiled into India, just as the last Mughal emperor of India, Bahadur Shah Zafar was exiled in Burma. During the Second World War, parts of the palace were destroyed and in 1990 a replica of the palace was built.

Visit the Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda at Sagaing Hilltop

This is one of the oldest and perhaps the richest of the hundreds of pagodas at Sagaing. Located on the top of Nga-pha Hill, one of the hilltops at Sagaing. The main prayer hall has a giant statue of Buddha. From the patio, you will get some breathtaking views of the Irrawaddy River and the surroundings. There is a staircase leading downhill. You can go down the stairs to several other pagodas or even visit the villages. Just outside the entrance of the pagodas, there are a lot of locals selling handicrafts, longyi, clothes and fruits. If you want to buy anything from there, do bargain a bit.

Sagaing is located across the Irrawaddy (Ayeyarwady) River about 21 km from Mandalay. Covered with almost 600 pagodas and monasteries, the Sagaing Hill is still regarded as the centre of Buddhism in Myanmar. Sagaing was the oldest of the ancient capitals. It existed long before Burma did serving as the capital of Sagaing Kingdom from 1315 until 1364.

Marvel at the beauty of Umin Thonse Pagoda – 30 caves Pagoda

Situated on the Sagaing Hills, Umin Thonse Pagoda literally translates into 30 Caves Pagoda. It is said that there are 30 entrances to this pagoda. Inside the pagoda, there are 45 statues of Buddha arranged in a crescent shaped peristyle. From the Sagaing Hills, you will get an amazing view of Mandalay and Irrawaddy River.

Walk amidst the cloud at Hsinbyume Pagoda

This place is one of our personal favourites. Infact, of all the places to visit in Mandalay, we found Mingun very close to heart. This beautiful white structure just looked like clouds against the backdrop of the blue sky. Located near the banks of Irrawaddy just to the north of Mingun Pahtodawgyi. You can climb on top of the white pagoda using the staircase and get a beautiful view of the river and Mingun Pagoda.

The architecture of the Hsinbyume Pagoda is unique, designed to represent Mt. Meru (the centre of universe in Buddhist cosmology).

Mingun Pahtodawgyi (Mingun pagoda) & Mingun Bell

The Mingun Pagoda is one of its kinds. On the first look, it might look like a pile of bricks. In fact, it holds the record for being the biggest pile of bricks in the world. The pagoda was intended to be built to 490 feet high housing Buddhist relics, but it remains as an unfinished structure. Construction of the pagoda was started in 1790 by King Bodawpaya. During the construction, it was prophesied that the completion of the Stupa would cause his death, The King being a superstition man, slowed down the progress of the pagoda, after his death, the construction was completely abandoned.

Even though it is incomplete, the Mingun pagoda strike for an imposing structure at 450 feet dwarfing the surrounding areas. If completed, it would have rivaled the size of the Pyramid of Giza. N earthquake in 1839 had left huge cracks in the entire structure. The cracks actually add to the decrepit look of the Mingun Pagoda. Don’t they say, imperfection is beautiful?

The Mingun Pagoda was not completed, however the construction of the accompanying Mingun bell was completed. The bell weighs almost 90 tonnes and is 12 feet high. Until 2000, Mingun Bell was the largest bell in the world. This day, it has been surpassed by another one in China.

How to reach Mingun?

Mingun can be easily reached from Mandalay by ferry, car or even bike. Ferries are available from Myan Gyan Jetty of Mandalay (at the western end of 26th Street) at 9 AM. The journey takes one hour. The return ferry leaves from Mingun at 1 PM. All the attractions at Mingun are within walking distance so you can simply walk around the place and enjoy. If you are planning for a half-day trip, then availing the ferry is the best way to visit Mingun.

Zone Fees: Mingun-Sagaing Archaeological Fees for foreign visitors that cost 5000 Kyats.

Explore the grand imperial capital now in ruins – Inwa or Ava Heritage Village

For around 360 years and spread across 14th to 19th century, Inwa was the capital of Burma, but not at a stretch, but on five different occasions! Locally also known as Ava or Awa, the city was originally founded in 1365. In classical Pali language, Inwa was known as Ratnapura or the city of gems .  Inwa was built to be the capital of a newly found kingdom that came to be known as the Kingdom of Ava. It not only remained the seat of power, but was also as a centre of a thriving Burmese literature.

Inwa is located at the confluence of the Irrawaddy and Myitynge Rivers on an artificial island formed by a canal connecting the two rivers upstream from their natural point of meeting.

In 1839, the entire region was affected by a devastating earthquake and the capital was badly hit. Although Inwa had been sacked, destroyed and rebuilt for many a times, but this time it could not be done and the capital was shifted to Amarapura in 1842.

The former imperial capital is now a pleasant countryside with farmers raise their crops and livestock graze in the green fields. And in the midst of these modest surroundings, you get a glimpse of the glorious past in the form of ruined pagodas, palace towers, monasteries and huge city walls. The walls reminded us of the Baisgazi Walls of Gour. Infact, Gour was also the erstwhile seat of power in Bengal now lying in ruins. Just see how time changes the dynamics of places.

How to reach Inwa (Ava)?

Inwa can be reached from Mandalay by taking a ferry. Once you reach the island, there are horse carts that will take you across the island. Ferry to Inwa will take 1500 Kyats and a horse cart takes 5000 Kyats per head.

Zone Fees Required: The Ava Heritage Fees cost 10000 Kyats for foreign tourists

Bagaya Monastery is one interesting place in Ava. It is made completely of teak with a 7 tiered spire. Bagaya Monastery seems to have withstood the ravages of earthquake better than its stone neighbours. As you enter inside the dark interior of the monastery, you might get a feel of entering the deck of a ship!

Just a few metres away are the remnants of the Ava Royal Palace . Actually nothing remains of the palace but an 89 feet watchtower, which is leaning precariously. Well, we actually had a plan to climb the tower, but seeing the condition, we decided otherwise.

Another beautiful monastery at Inwa is the Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery . It is a very ornate structure particularly well preserved. The monastery is built by brick which was not the norm of those days. Palaces and monasteries were usually made of wood during those times. Though it was made of bricks, it followed the traditional architecture.

One of our favourite places at Inwa was no doubt the Yadana Hsimi Pagodas . The place is completely in ruins. There are small stupas in a courtyard and a large Buddha statue in ruins and really sorry state.

See how the Gold Leaf is made

The Burmese give gold leafs as an offering to Lord Buddha. They apply these thin gold leaves on the statues of Buddha. So the gold glittering statue you will see at the pagodas probably comes from these gold offerings. There are many workshops around Mandalay where you can see how these gold leafs are made. If you want, you can buy a gold leaf too.

If you have more time, you can visit the Snake Temple and Werawsana Jade Pagoda also.

Getting to and From Mandalay

During our Myanmar Trip, Mandalay was our first and last stop. We entered Myanmar by road crossing the Indo-Burmese border at Tamu and then travelled all the way to Mandalay by car. From Mandalay, we went to Bagan. We had wanted to take a cruise on Irrawaddy to Bagan, but unfortunately cruise was not available on the dates we were travelling. So we took a bus to Bagan.

You can reach Mandalay from any Burmese city by bus, train or private car. Buses are the best option. Mandalay also has an international airport.

Getting around in Mandalay

To get around Mandalay, you will have to hire a taxi. You can also rent a motorcycle to drive yourself around. Motorcycles usually take 10000-12000 Kyats per day.

You can rent a car to take you around the different places. For the first day, we visited the Amarapura region and Inwa in a car and on the second day we explored Mandalay, Sagaing and Mingun.

Here are a few more pictures of Mandalay that might inspire you to visit.

Pin it for a later read!

Agni Amrita

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22 comments.

Hi Guys! This is very interesting and amazing article for all readers, It is very helpful for all beginners especially for those who are in the field of traveling. I really enjoy the lovely reading of this article. Thanks for sharing this article for us

Thank you Kate for your lovely comment!

I really appreciate this wonderful post that you have provided for us. A blog is brilliantly written and provides all the necessary information.

I’m planning to visit Mandalay in June and I’m so glad I came across this article! It answered a lot of the questions I had about the city and it gave me so many good ideas of activities to indulge in. Your post made me even more excited about the trip. Thank you for sharing this lovely article.

Thank you, Daniel. Have a great time in Mandalay. It is beautiful city.

The Hsinbyume Pagoda looks gorgeous! It really does resemble clouds in the sky. I’d love to visit 🙂

Truly said. Thanks Francesca!

This is timely since we’re visiting Mandalay late this year. Thank you for sharing this very detailed travel guide. It is very helpful. I am so excited to see the beautiful temples and pagodas.

That is great! Mandalay is a great place. You can have a look at our other posts on Myanmar also. Thanks for the comment.

What a comprehensive guide to everything to see in Mandalay. I’m not familiar with Myanmar or its history but you’ve shown me amazing places. I especially liked tidbits about visiting U-Bein Bridge at sunrise or that it would take over a year to read the great book. Did you get to make some gold leaf? It’s amazing that they use it as an offering.

Thank you Annick. No, we did not get to make some gold leaf! But we saw how they make one.

Simply love your images and Mandalay is indeed beautiful. I still remember, talking about your trip with Debs when I was back in the UK, and how we were like, we too need to do this someday ? Kuch bhi bolo, mazza toh road trip mein hi hai ?

Bilkul sahi! We should all plan a road trip soon! I so want to travel with all you guys! 🙂

That’s an impeccable, impressive list of things to do in Mandalay. Hsinbyume Pagoda is definitely my fav too. The architecture is just impeccable. That said, I think Away heritage village would be my top priority.

Hsinbyume Pagoda is surely a breathtaking sight! Thank you for appreciating.

Thank you Bhushavali. Glad that you liked the post.

I love this! I’m planning a trip to Southeast Asia for my next birthday and Myanmar is on my list. I definitely need to add Mandalay as a stopping point. There’s so much to see and do! I would love to scale Mandalay Hill and watch the sunset. I love how the numerous pagodas seem to just dazzle like stars in the sky!

Thank you Rachelle! Hope you have a lovely travel filled birthday. Enjoy Myanmar. It is a lovely place.

The pagodas are such a distinct style, but each one has unique features. I can’t decide if I like the all white or all gold pagodas more. The white pagoda with gold leaf accents are such a beautiful blend of the extremes. And even a leaning pagoda, those are impressive.

That is the beauty of Mandalay. All are so beautiful. Thanks Jen!

I have always longed to visit myanmar ever since I saw my sisters photos of her trip there. I always imagine drehte wouldn’t be much else apart from Bagan. But your post nicely highlights what she missed out in Mandalay. Will bookmark this Thanks for the heads up

Thank you Sreekar. Myanmar is simply beautiful and worth exploring.

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Plan a Trip to Mandalay - Three Days Itineraries

Mandalay is about 600 kilometers north of Yangon on the Irrawaddy River. It is the second largest city and was the capital of the last independent kingdom of Myanmar, home to several Buddhist monasteries and exquisite examples of Myanmar masonry.

Today, Mandalay is considered to be the cultural center of Myanmar and has the strongest Buddhist atmosphere in the country.

Start Planning

The best time-frame for a first trip to Mandalay is 3 days. First explore Mandalay and the ancient city's authentic Buddhist culture, before going on the third day to Mingun. Alternatively on day 3 you could relax on a boat from Mandalay to Bagan, taking 10 to 14 hours depending on the water levels.

Day 1 City tour

For visitors to Mandalay, some of the famous Buddha temples will be a priority. We recommend seeing the Mahamuni Pagoda and Shwenandaw Monastery to taste the flavor of the country's Buddhist culture; and later enjoying a gorgeous sunset view from Mandalay Hill.

09:00–10:00 Mahamuni Buddha Image

The Mahamuni Buddha image is deified in the Mahamuni Buddha temple. It originally came from Arakan and is highly venerated by the people of Myanmar because they consider it a reflection of the Buddha's life.

The image is cast in bronze and weighs 6.5 tons. It stands on a 1.84-meter high pedestal and reaches a height of 3.82 meters. Among all the stories about the pagoda, there is one which maintains that it was miraculously preserved from a huge fire in 1970s, while Mandalay city was otherwise mostly destroyed.

Today, pilgrims continue to place more and more gold on the statue, which has already added a 6-inch layer of gold over the last century or so.

Tip: Female visitors are not allowed to get close to the Buddha.

10:30-11:00 Shwenandaw Monastery

Shwenandaw Monastery is a historic Buddhist monastery situated near Mandalay Hill. It is a monument with a long history; built by Emperor Mindon in the 1800s.

Shwenandaw is well-known for its teak carvings of Buddhist myths, and its decorated roofs and walls. It is regarded as a masterpiece of wood carving. When Mandalay became the new capital, the building was dismantled and transported to Mandalay. After that, the monastery served as the home of Emperor Mindon.

The Shwenandaw Monastery is the last wooden Royal Palace surviving to the present day.

1. The monastery opens daily at 10 am and closes at 6 pm.

2. Visitors can take a rickshaw or taxi to get to the monastery from downtown Mandalay.

11:30-12:30 Kuthodaw Pagoda and the World's Largest Book

Kuthodaw Pagoda is a Buddhist stupa in Mandalay, containing the world's largest book. In 1857, King Mindon ordered the pagoda to be built as part of the foundation of the new royal city of Mandalay.

For fear the teachings of Gautama Buddha would be lost to posterity with the invasion of the British into the region, King Mindon conceived the idea of preserving the teachings by inscribing texts of the Tipitaka, the entire Pali Canon of Theravada Buddhism, on marble slabs.

The slabs are each 1 meter long, 1.5 meters wide and 13 centimeters thick. The pagoda is named after the 730 marble slabs and called "the world's largest book".

If you like taking photos, this is a must-visit destination, with great opportunities for pictures of rows of white stupas.

Tip: The pagoda opens daily from 8 am to 8 pm.

12:30-14:00 Lunchtime

15:00-16:00 Mandalay Palace

Mandalay Palace was the last royal palace of the last Myanmar monarchy. It was built by King Mindon, who moved his capital from Amarapura to Mandalay. Unfortunately, the whole palace complex was destroyed by fire during World War II, but it was rebuilt in 1990s.

Frankly, the palace today is like an empty shell compared with its past glory. But if you have time, you can still go and catch a glimpse there of the local history and culture.

17:30-18:30 Sunset over Mandalay Hill

Mandalay Hill is northeast of the city center. It's famous for its abundance of pagodas and monasteries, and has been a popular pilgrimage site among Myanmar Buddhists for about 200 years.

The Sutaungpyei Pagoda is at the top of the hill. Travelers climb up the steps to get to the summit of the hill for a panoramic scene of Mandalay. If you don't want to climb, there is a one-way road for visitors to drive up, saving time and leading to an escalator and a lift to the top of pagoda.

The best time to visit is at sunset. You will be surprised at the beauty of the temple on top of Mandalay Hill – with glass mosaics of many colors.

Not to be missed

In the early mornings, monks and nuns go around collecting alms-food on the city streets. Some walk in a group while others just walk alone. The food they collect from door to door is their main food for the day or even for a longer period of time. Visitors are advised to witness such solemn moments.

Besides, there is a street downtown which is famous for making stone statues of Buddha, where you can witness how the profile of Buddha is carved. If you go in the morning, you may encounter monks collecting their aims.

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Day 2 Plan an ancient city tour

A tour of the ancient city is a good way for visitors to experience the culture, tradition, and way of life in rural areas. Visitors are recommended to take a ferry or carriage to visit the ancient city and a boat tour to watch the sunset from the U-Bein Bridge. Such experiences will leave you with impressive memories.

09:00-10:30 Maha Ganayon Kyaung

Maha Ganayon Kyaung is about 20 kilometers north of downtown. It is the largest monastery (Buddhist College) in Myanmar, having roughly 2,000 students. Around 10 am, more than 1,000 young monks line up silently for lunch, their last meal of the day.

14:00-16:00 Enjoy a ferry or carriage ride

Amarapura, Ava and Sagaing are three famous ancient cities in Mandalay. Both Ava and Sagaing lie near the Ayarwaddy River. Visitors can either take a ferry or a carriage to see the ancient teak houses and the beautiful countryside. Your experience of the culture and traditions will make your visit more interesting.

17:00-18:00 U-Bein Bridge sunset (with boat trip)

The U-Bein Bridge was built by a king in the mid-1800's to enable people to cross the lake more easily. It is more than one kilometer long.

Sunset from the bridge provides an iconic romantic view, extremely charming and attractive. You can try to capture it on camera.

Day 3 Boat Excursion to Mingun

Mingun is a town in Sagaing Division. It is 11 km up the Ayeyarwaddy River from Mandalay. With a boat excursion to Mingun you can enjoy the fascinating landscapes of the river as well as witness the daily lives of the people living along the Ayeyarwaddy.

The Pahtodawgyi (unfinished pagoda) and the Myatheindan Pagoda are two well-known sites in Mingun.

The Pahtodawgyi is an amazing, gigantic steep-sided red-brick pyramid, highly fractured as part of it collapsed during earthquakes. Visitors can no longer climb all the way to the top, as it is fragile and dangerous, but it is still impressive and worth a visit.

The Myatheindan Pagoda was built in 1816 in distinctive style. It's also called Hsinbyume Pagoda, because Bagyidaw ascended the throne in commemoration of the death of his main queen Hsinbyume. It is a huge white temple, which looks like a giant meringue pavlova base.

By the way, you'd better wear sunglasses to enter, for it is so white. Try to climb to the top and you will see fantastic views all around.

The Mingun Bell is another relic well worth a visit. Located in the village of Mingun, on the west side of the Ayeyarwaddy River, the bell is said to be the largest working bell in the world. It weighs 90 metric tons and is 3.7 meters high.

Standing under the bell and ringing it is a fun thing to do.

Other suggestions for Day 3

1. Enjoy a pleasant meal in the Sky Bar, on top of the Ayarwaddy River View Hotel. Or take a lift to the 10th floor of the Shwe Ingyinn Hotel to see the stunning view across the river to Mingun; also over the city towards Mandalay Hill.

2. Take a bicycle ride to the Ayarwaddy River View Hotel from western Mandalay, and see the church, pagodas, folk houses and U-Bein Bridge during the ride.

3. Visit Mahamuni Buddha Temple around 4 am to attend the face-washing ceremony. During the ceremony, locals respectfully pray out loud. If you visit Mandalay, this is a must-do activity. Male visitors are required to wear trousers and no bags can be taken inside.

4. Take a ferry trip from Mandalay to Bagan. This takes between 10 to 14 hours.

Price: fast ferry $30-40; slow ferry $10

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We provide tailor-made tours to Myanmar. Tours typically start or end in Yangon or Mandalay and last approximately 9 days; visiting Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Inle Lake.

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25 Best Things to Do in Mandalay (Myanmar)

Picturesque Mandalay is famous for being the old royal capital of Myanmar. In the past, Burmese kings would have lived in the city and you can still see some of their palaces in evidence, and the city still have a royal feel to it which is very different from other spots like Yangon.

Mandalay is also known for its Chinese and Indian immigrants as well as a mix of indigenous groups, and one of the best things to do here is spend time enjoying the varied cuisines on offer.

Many visitors report that you can happily spend your time eating your way around the city on a trip here, as well as take in the majestic sites and some of the mot iconic buildings and monuments in all of Myanmar.

Here are the 25 best things to do in Mandalay …

1. Visit Shwe In Bin Kyaung

Shwe In Bin Kyaung is a monastery in Mandalay but it is quite different from many of the other monasteries in the area which are usually very ornately decorated.

In contrast, Shwe In Bin Kyaung is built from teak which has been carved in intricate patterns which makes it one of the prettiest buildings of its kind in the city.

The monastery was built in 1895 and was commissioned by famous Chinese jade trades and the main building is set on large poles made from tree trunks.

On a visit here, make sure that you also check out the delightful interior balustrades as well as the roof cornices which are covered in detailed engravings.

2. Explore Mandalay Palace

Mandalay Palace is actually not the original building but a reconstruction that was built in the 1990s.

It is also not one building, but actually a series of 40 different houses that were built from wood to closely resemble the originals which would have been built in the 1850s and were sadly razed to the ground by a fire.

One of the highlights of a trip here is the wooden watchtower which is a great place to come if you want to take in the scenic views all over Mandalay.

Also make sure to check out the ornate throne room which features a gilt pyramid and you can see other historical sights like a four poster bed that would have belonged to the king.

3. Climb up Yankin Hill

Looking out over Mandalay is Yankin Hill which is topped by a pretty temple.

The main reason to climb the hill is for the chance to enjoy the sweeping vistas over the rice fields for which Mandalay is famous which also stretch to the foothills of Shan province.

It takes around 10 minutes to climb to the top of the hill using a steep set of stairs and don’t be surprised if you come across the resident deer here as Buddhists believe that they will get good karma if they feed them.

There are a number of walkways between the temple pagodas here and you can also check out the amazing fish statues which are covered in gold leaf.

4. Watch a show at the Mandalay Marionettes

If you want to check out the local culture in Mandalay then there is no better way to do it than with a trip to the Mandalay Marionettes.

Here you will find a small stage and a colorful marionette show which usually tells the story of traditional Burmese legends.

The puppeteers have been working here for years and they will also give you a tour backstage to see how the puppets work.

You can also purchase puppets here if you are looking for a quirky souvenir to take home.

5. Visit Mahamuni Paya

Mahamuni Paya is known for its seated Buddha statue which measures 13 feet tall.

As you would expect, this is also a famous place of pilgrimage in Mandalay and the Buddha is said to date back some 2,000 years.

When male devotees come here they are supped to apply gold leaf to the statue, and you can see the layers which are gently peeling off, and this also means that there is now a layer of gold leaf that is said to be 6 inches thick in places.

If you make it here at 4 o’clock in the morning then you can watch the face of the Buddha statue being polished.

6. Watch a show at Mintha Theater

If you want to see a show in Mandalay then a great choice is the Mintha Theater.

Here you will find dancers wearing elaborate traditional costumes who perform up to 10 different regional dances for spectators.

These usually tell the story of traditional folk tales and legends and this is one of the best ways to learn more about the local culture in Myanmar.

7. Visit Ta Moke Shwe Gu Gyi

Ta Moke Shwe Gu Gyi is a massive temple complex that is also known for being one of the most important archaeological sites in Myanmar aside from Bagan and Mrauk-U. It can take a bit of time to get to the site which is not clearly marked, but once here you will find a two storey temple which is made of bricks and ornate stucco figures.

Some of the figures depict scenes from the life of the Buddha as well as traditional folk tales of animals, plants and deities.

To get to Ta Moke Shwe Gu Gyi you will need to travel around 24 miles to the south of the center of Mandalay but it is more than worth it.

Some other highlights to look out for include what is called the ‘encased’ Buddha which is made up of three Buddha statues which were built one inside the other.

8. Shop at the Jade Market

The best place to come in Mandalay if you want an authentic shopping experience is the Jade Market.

Here you will find the air thick with smoke from cheroots and, as the name suggest, this is one of the best places in Mandalay to pick up some jade pieces.

Note that sometimes you will be asked to pay $1 for entry but it is more than worth it as, even if you don’t want to buy anything, you can watch the artisans at work as they grind, clean and polish the intricate pieces of elegant jade.

9. Explore Pinya Stupa Ruins

Pinya used to be an ancient capital of Myanmar and would have had its heyday in the 1300s.

It was the seat of power of King Thihthu and you can come here and check out the ornate brick stupas that would have been built when this was still part of a royal kingdom.

Much of the complex is now overgrown which lends it a kind of ramshackle charm which in places is similar to the temples of Angkor in Cambodia.

Each building contains a Buddha image inside and this is definitely worth a visit if you want to see a more rustic attraction in Mandalay.

10. Visit Shwekyimyint Paya

Shwekyimyint Paya was founded in 1167 by Prince Minshinzaw and it is said that this temple is actually older than the town of Mandalay itself.

The site is known for the central image of the sitting Buddha that is meant to be built to scale and is covered in gold and sparkling jewels.

The central pagoda also has a number of images which would have been part of the collection of Myanmar kings of old and you can spend an afternoon here exploring dainty alcoves which have hidden murals and more images of Buddha.

11. Check out Kyauktawgyi Paya

Kyauktawgyi Paya dates from the 19th century and its biggest claim to fame is the 900 ton statue of the Buddha that is housed inside and is 26 feet tall.

The Buddha is also unusual as it is clothed in a royal costume and it was also carved from a single block of smooth marble.

According to legend, it took 10,000 workers some 13 days to hoist the marble from a neighboring canal and the site was dedicated in 1865. Make sure not to miss the outer walls which are covered in mirrored tiles and the little shrines in the other courtyards which have alms bowls and pictures of King Mindon who visited in 1865.

12. Walk through the Goldpounders’ District

One of the most important Buddhist practices in Myanmar involves placing sheets of gold leaf on scared statues of the Buddha and with this in mind you can see where these sheets come from at a number of workshops in the city.

These sheets are still pounded by hand and you can walk around the Goldpounders’ District which spans some two blocks in Mandalay.

13. Walk around the Moat and Fortress Walls

The Moat and Fortress Walls in Mandalay would have originally encircled the Mandalay fortress or citadel.

You can only view the walls from the outside but they stretch for some 4 miles and soar to a height of 26 feet.

There is also a 230 foot wide moat here and the site is actually a reconstruction that mimics the original style which would have been built in 1857. Make sure you check out the gate towers that top the walls at regular intervals and which feature intricately carved wooden pyramids.

14. Discover Shwenandaw Kyaung

Shwenandaw Kyaung is a monastery which is known for its pretty carved panels that show Jataka scenes which are basically stories about the past life of the Buddha.

This would once have been part of the Mandalay Palace complex and would also have been the royal residence of King Mindon who is said to have died here in 1878. When King Thibaw came to the throne he was fearful of the ghost of King Mindon and had the building ripped down and rebuilt outside the palace walls where it was then converted into a monastery.

15. Admire the Skinny Buddha

The Skinny Buddha was built in 2011 and stands at a height of 75 feet.

The image is said to show the Buddha in meditation and some people say that it looks more like an anime image than a traditional depiction.

The main reason to come and check out the Buddha is that this image is designed in a modern style which is also very different from many other statues in the region which makes it worth the visit alone.

16. Sample the food

One of the reasons that visitors usually rave about Mandalay is down to the terrific street food on offer here.

This is due to the sheer variety of bites on offer such as the Indian bread stalls that serve roti with dipping sauce.

You will also find a number of Chinese restaurants all over town that sell classic dishes like chicken with cashews and the city is also covered in local tea shops that sell drinks and local iconic plates such as tea leaf salad.

17. Visit Mya Kyauk Kyaung

Close to Yankin Paya is a newly built monastery in Mandalay which is known for its iconic stupa which is made of brass.

Mya Kyauk is known for being the spot of alkaline mineral water which means that it is also a place of worship due to the mineral properties found here.

Apparently the waters around Mya Kyauk can cure ailments such as diabetes and gout and you can sample a glass when you visit this unusual and quirky monastery building.

18. Admire the Peshawar Relics

The Peshawar Relics is basically the name for three small shards of bone which are important items in Buddhism.

They were discovered by the British in 1908 and what would have been found in a grand stupa in Peshawar which is now in modern day Pakistan.

Now you can check out these relics in the U-Khanti Monastery and this is also an important site of pilgrimage for those of the Buddhist faith.

19. Walk around Eindawya Paya

Eindawya Paya consists of a large stupa covered in gold leaf which was built in 1847 in the time of King Pagan Min on the spot of what would have been his palace.

The complex here is known for its serene atmosphere and you can wander around and soak in all the history of this famous spot.

Just make sure to take off your shoes as this became a source of contention in 1919 during the British colonial period and several monks were given prison sentences as a result.

20. Shop at Zegyo

For a more modern side of Mandalay, head to Zegyo which is a 25 storey tower which punctuates the skyline.

Here you will find a huge number of shops which sell everything you could ever want to buy in Myanmar.

Many of the shops sell traditional textiles and there is also an older market just outside that sells towers of local fruit and vegetables as well as snacks like dried fish.

If you want to pick up a souvenir in Mandalay then this is a great place to do it.

21. Check out the San Dha Mukhi Statue

The San Dha Mukhi Statue is a dainty statue that is fashioned in the image of the iconic ogress San Dha Mukhi who is in the middle of offering her severed breast to the Buddha.

This is part of a Buddhist legend which says that he was so pleased by this act of self-mutilation that he made sure that she was reincarnated some 2,4000 years later in the form of King Mindon.

This makes it worth the visit alone as this is one of the more unusual sights in Mandalay.

22. Visit the Sacred Heart Cathedral

If you have had enough of looking at temples and stupas then consider a visit to the main Catholic church in Mandalay.

The church was founded in the 19th century and was built in the colonial style which makes it stand out in the rest of the city.

Make sure that you tour the interior and soak in the serene atmosphere and the high vaulted ceilings.

23. Admire Golden Rose Workshop

Mandalay is known for its gold leaf beaters who make sheets of gold leaf which are then used by devotees and pasted to Buddha images.

If you want to know more about this then the best place to come is the Golden Rose Workshop where you can watch the artisans at work and also listen to a free talk in English that will explain the cultural and religious significance of the gold leaf beating process.

24. Climb up Mandalay Hill

If you are looking for a workout in Mandalay then head for Mandalay Hill where you can get out of the city and take in the views.

The hill is 760 feet tall and there is a stairway that will take you up the southern slope to the top.

As you walk along the route you will need to pass several temples and pagodas and it takes around 30 minutes to get to the summit of the hill.

It is more than worth the trek however for the uninterrupted vistas over this pretty city.

If possible try to time your visit to coincide with the sunset for obvious reasons.

25. Walk across U Bein Bridge

U Bein Bridge is probably the most iconic site in all of Myanmar and it stretches from Mandalay to Amarapura.

The bridge is made of wood and is famous for being the longest teak bridge in the world and is reinforced in places so that it doesn’t collapse.

Even with this in mind, it is still rather rickety and a trip across is not for the faint of heart.

If you don’t fancy walking across, then you can also rent a fishing boat here and drive underneath the bridge to see it from a completely different angle.

25 Best Things to Do in Mandalay (Myanmar):

• Visit Shwe In Bin Kyaung
• Explore Mandalay Palace
• Climb up Yankin Hill
• Watch a show at the Mandalay Marionettes
• Visit Mahamuni Paya
• Watch a show at Mintha Theater
• Visit Ta Moke Shwe Gu Gyi
• Shop at the Jade Market
• Explore Pinya Stupa Ruins
• Visit Shwekyimyint Paya
• Check out Kyauktawgyi Paya
• Walk through the Goldpounders’ District
• Walk around the Moat and Fortress Walls
• Discover Shwenandaw Kyaung
• Admire the Skinny Buddha
• Sample the food
• Visit Mya Kyauk Kyaung
• Admire the Peshawar Relics
• Walk around Eindawya Paya
• Shop at Zegyo
• Check out the San Dha Mukhi Statue
• Visit the Sacred Heart Cathedral
• Admire Golden Rose Workshop
• Climb up Mandalay Hill
• Walk across U Bein Bridge

9 Things to do in Mandalay, Myanmar

Mandala is the former royal capital of Myanmar. The city is big and busy but somehow has its charm, making it a great 2-day stop on your Myanmar route . Admire its unique architecture and pagodas, or visit the world-famous U-Bein Bridge. Discover all the best things to do in Mandalay.

About Manadalay

When you travel to Mandalay, you’ll quickly notice the different regions of the area. The outskirts are very poor, with people living in squalor. However, don’t let that discourage you from visiting. People in Myanmar, no matter their living conditions, are some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. Keep in mind that it can get quite cold at night, so pack a sweater.

Book the popular biking tour around Mandalay

1. Visit Mandalay Hill

Mandalay Hill is a must-do! This 240-meter-high hill gives you an incredible view of the whole surrounding area. Getting up to the top is easier than you would expect, with an elevator and escalator at the foot of the temple. Remember to cover yourself and take off your shoes before entering. The entrance fee to Mandalay Hill is K1000 (0.75 USD).

Don’t be surprised when Myanmese people ask to take a photo with you. They just want to show this to their relatives.

Order your Visa for Myanmar here

2. Back in time at the Mingun Pagoda

One place we wished we would have had more time to see is Mingun Pagoda. This is located across the Irrawaddy River, which is about a 90-minute drive out of town.

The almost square-shaped pagoda is one of a kind. It can be a bit crowded at the entrance, but if you walk around it, you will be the only one there.

When you’re here, have lunch at the relaxed, river-located ‘The Garden Cafe’.

aBook  Myanmar Temples tour

3. In the clouds at Hsinbyume Pagoda

Near the Mingun Pagoda stands the beautiful white Hsinbyume Pagoda. You can walk up the stairs and explore every level of this pagoda. The Pagoda is not big and is a must-see when you visit Mandalay. This is one of the reasons why you must visit Myanmar .

Also see: Best temples in Bagan

4. U-Bein Bridge

One of the main attractions of Mandalay is the U-Bein Bridge. This 1200-meter-long wooden footbridge is known as the longest in the world. When visiting in February, there was almost no water under the bridge, making it a great spot to join a boat tour.

From Mandalay, it is a short 20-minute drive to U-Bein Bridge. Arrive two hours before sunset and see how the locals relax here.

Here are all your hotel options in Mandalay.

Tip: Most of the year, there’s a big sunflower field next to the bridge where locals go take photos.

5. World’s largest book at Kuthodaw Pagoda

The size of this area is impressive. The Kuthodaw Pagoda holds the world’s largest book and is surrounded by an incredible amount of small white pagodas. Take at least 1 hour to look around in this area. The Kuthodaw Pagoda is also included in a Myanmar Temples tour .

6. A morning stroll through Zay Cho Market

This huge, partly covered market is open from 6 AM until 5 PM and offers anything from fresh fruits and fresh spices to kitchen tools. Go here in the early morning, wander around, and see how the locals spend their morning.

7. Mandalay Palace

Mandalay Palace is a huge fortress located near the Hill. It’s a cool area to walk around for some time, but there isn’t really much to do or see.

The entrance costs 10.000 Kyat (7.50 USD). This is a combo ticket that also gives you entry to the Shwenandaw Monastery, Kuthodaw Pagoda, and a few more attractions.

Tip: Rent a bike if you are planning to explore the temples in Mandalay city. Distances are quite long and riding a bicycle makes it more doable. :)

8. Shwenandaw Monastery

The beautiful wooden details in this monastery make it worth a visit. It’s a small building and a quick stop from Mandalay Palace, so you don’t need a lot of time.

Find:  Bus/flight tickets

9. Dinner @ Mingalarbar

Close your trip off by having a Mandalay-style food experience. A dinner at Mingalarbar is highly recommended – they have some of the best dishes.

Where to Stay in Mandalay

Mandalay offers accommodations for every kind of budget, from comfortable hotels in the center of the region to great hostels perfect for meeting other travelers.

Hotels in Mandalay 😴

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Things To Do at Inle Lake, Myanmar (3-day guide)

Myanmar itinerary: a travel guide from temples to beaches, the ultimate travel guide to bagan, myanmar.

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

Thats an untrue statement, im currently in myanmar with a drone and have flown all over. In the airports, they ask about the drone and where im going, thats it, then they let me go to my flight and move on to the next stop.

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• Southeast Asia
• Myanmar - Places

MANDALAY: CULTURE, HISTORY, COMEDY AND ANTI-MUSLIM MONKS

MANDALAY (640 kilometers miles north of Yangon) is the cultural capital of Myanmar, its second largest city and home of its last kings. Founded in 1857 by King Mindon, one of Myanmar's greatest rulers, it is considered the spiritual center of Myanmar, and has so many religious shrines it has been described as a "forest of temples" (only Pagan has more). For more than two centuries, until World War II, when city was devastated by Allied bombing, Mandalay and the area around it were the home of Myanmar's kings.

Named after Mandalay Hill, the site of an important religious shrine, and modeled after the nearby city of Amarapura, which was the home of the Burmese royal family before 1857, Mandalay has many beautiful spots and stunning religious architecture even though it was ravaged by fires in 1945, 1981 and 1984, when many of it's beautiful wooden buildings were destroyed. The city was founded when it was to fulfill a prophecy that it would be founded on the 2,400th anniversary of Buddha’s birth.

Mandalay lies on flat, dusty and treeless plain on the east side of the Irrawaddy River in an area dotted with other old Burmese capitals. Home to 1.2 million people, it has its share of busy spots, with streets choked with cars, bicycles, scooters and trishaws. Mandalay lies on the Irrawaddy River near the geographic center of Myanmar, and not far from China, giving it a pivotal position in terms of commerce and administration. It is hotter and drier than Yangon. Over the past two decades it has experienced a modest amount of construction fueled by trade with China and government efforts to attract tourists, many of whom arrive in Mandalay bound for somewhere else and don’t spend more than a day looking around.

Mandalay is only about a fifth of the size of Yangon but arguably has much more to see and do. Even though the city was first brought to the attention of Westerners by Rudyard Kipling's poem “The Road to Mandalay”, Kipling never visited the city although George Orwell did. A new $150 million airport in Mandalay opened in 2000 and is an example of the Myanmar regime’s ridiculous infrastructure projects. The airport has a relatively small number of flights. Still, life is relatively low key in Mandalay. Horse carts and wind-up trucks still show up on the streets.

Steven Martin wrote in Time magazine, “Despite its Kipling-haunted name, Mandalay is no dusty bell jar of British colonial memory. If anything, the bustling town evokes New China, Burma's most enthusiastic trading partner, whose border is barely 320 kilometers away. If New York is the city that never sleeps, Mandalay is a town that can sleep through anything. The sound of unmuffled engines hurls past with roaring Doppler effects, and motorbikes tear through the town like chainsaws run amuck. To amplify matters, the Burmese drive by the horn, and the sound of their honking — more a stutter of warning than a bellow of outrage — fills the air. At busy intersections, a screeching whistle accompanies the Hitleresque waves and salutes of white-jacketed traffic cops. [Source: Steven Martin, Time magazine, 2002]

“In the evenings, just as the sound of traffic begins to die down, Mandalay settles in for its traditional entertainment. Bamboo poles lashed together and draped with painted canvas backdrops form impromptu stages that seem to appear out of nowhere, temporarily blocking off side streets. The stages are venues for anyeint pwe, a vaudevillian variety show of singing, dancing and comedy skits. Orwell described one such performance in Burmese Days:

See Separate Article SIGHTS IN MANDALAY: IT PALACE, HILL, PAGODAS AND GOLD BEATERS factsanddetails.com ; NEAR MANDALAY: MINGUN, KING BODAWPAYA'S PAGODA, INWA, MAYMYO HILL STATION AND THE MOGOK RUBY MINES factsanddetails.com

History of Mandalay

Mandalay was founded as a new royal capital (replacing Amarapura) in 1860, and the palace walls and side moat near the heart of the city date to this period. The city was known as Ya-da-na-bon (Cluster of Gems) Nay-pyay-daw (Capital City) in olden days. Also called the golden capital, it officially came into existence on May 3, 1859. Around that the same time, the cities walls, royal moat, Mahalawka Marazain Pagoda, Tripitaka (Sacred Buddhist Teachings) Royal library, ThuDhamma Zayat (Religious resting place for pilgrims or travelers), Maha Athu Lawayan monastery and the Dhamma Myitzu Pathan Zayat or Ordination Hall were also built.

Mandalay was the last seat of the Myanmar King. The King who built this city from empty land was Mindon. who reigned from 1853 to 1878. In 1856 he was residing in the capital of Amarapura which he deemed no longer fortuitous. The full official name of this old capital was Amarapura Mandalar, and the King decided to take the last word and named the new capital Mandalay. Starting from scratch, the King was able to design the city to his liking, with wide streets set in a grid pattern. His palace was enclosed within walls which stretched one mile long on each of its four sides, surrounded by a moat. Inside these walls, the center area was enclosed again for the king's own palaces. Due to air strikes during 1945 in World War II, the golden palace built by King Mindon has burnt to the grounds. Mya Nan San Kyaw golden palace has now been rebuilt in original form according to the record of the history.

Mandalay did not last long as a royal capital as it was taken over by the British when they annexed all of Upper Myanmar in 1886 but it remains a major center of cultural and religious life in Myanmar. Shelling during World War II destroyed the royal palace and several pagodas. Monks in Mandalay played an important role during the Saffron Revolution protests in 2007 and are heavily involved in anti-Muslim and anti-Rohingya nationalism. SAFFRON REVOLUTION: SEPTEMBER 2007 PROTESTS IN MYANMAR factsanddetails.com ; SEPTEMBER 2007 PROTESTS TURN VIOLENT factsanddetails.com ;

See Separate Articles: KONBAUNG DYNASTY (1752-1885) factsanddetails.com ; KONBAUNG KINGS factsanddetails.com

Mandalay in the 1970s

Paul Theroux wrote in “The Great Railway Bazaar”: “We were standing at the foot of Mandalay Hill, before two towering stone lions and a sign FOOT WEARING IS FORBIDDEN. I took off my shoes—"Stockings too," said the Burman apologetically—and socks, and began climbing the holy stairs. He kicked off his rubber sandals and followed me, muttering, "Omega, Omega." [Source: Paul Theroux, The Atlantic, November 1, 1971]

“And spitting. "Foot wearing" is forbidden, but bicycles are not—provided they are pushed and not ridden—and neither is spitting. Dodging great gouts of betel juice, I climbed, and soon others joined us. A troop of boys quickly took up the Omega chant. On every landing there is a temple, a soft-drink stall ("Dagon Pure Orange—Bottled in Yangon With Distilled Water"), and a sugar-water machine which squeezes split canes in a contraption that resembles an old laundry wringer. Halfway up the hill I stopped, had a Super Soda, and examined some statuary in wire cages, life-sized plaster figures, brightly painted and horrific as a Tiger Balm ointment tableau: a supine figure sticking his tongue out at a crow perched on his chest and tearing bright blue intestinal coils, yards of shiny hose, from a gaping hole in the man's belly; another satisfied man with a cutlass, squatting next to a disemboweled deer. I slipped a coin into a cast-iron machine, and three figures in a window were set into motion: a clockwork man swept a path with a wire broom, a clockwork saffron-robed monk shuffled on the path, and a clockwork devotee raised and lowered his clasped hands to the monk.

“We set off again, stopping once for a boy to piss on the sacred hill (according to legend, Buddha climbed the hill and pointed down at what was to become the Center of the Universe, later Fort Dufferin, and now Burmese Army Headquarters for the Northwest Command). In the temple at the top of the hill, where there is a massive gold Buddha pointing toward the army barracks, I collapsed onto a bench in the 106-degree heat. I was surrounded by Burmese quoting ridiculously high prices for my watch. Very clearly I said, "My mother gave me this watch," and in a moment they were gone. “

Tourism in Mandalay

Mandalay Tourism Office: Myanmar Tourism Services Mandalay Office: Ka-411, Myin Sai Street, Yankintharyar Quarter, Paheingyi Township, Mandalay, Myanmar., Tel: (+952) 572 65, 576 50, Fax: (+952) 576 50

Orientation: Mandalay consists of five main townships: 1) Aung Myay Thar Zan, 2) Chan Aye Thar Zan, 3) Mahar Aung Myay, 4) Chan Mya Tharzi and 5) Pyigyi Tagun. Mandalay Hill is a popular destination. A beautiful view of the whole city can be had from the top of the hill. At the top of it and around it are many of Mandalay’s most famous pagodas and monasteries. Central Mandalay is reasonably compact but some of the main tourist destination are located in different parts of the city. The Royal Palace and Mandalay Hill areas have enough to keep one busy for a couple hours. Otherwise take a taxi or rent a motorbike or bicycle to visit more out of the way places.

Accommodation and Restaurants: Luxury hotels, moderate hotels and economy hotels are available in Mandalay. Restaurants offering, Myanmar, Chinese, Indian, and European food are available. Coffee shops and snacks bar are mostly in Mandalay. Beer pubs and bars are also available.

Getting to Mandalay from Yangon: Mandalay is reached by a 55 minute flight from Yangon. Air schedule reliability varies. Travel by car from Yangon Mandalay takes 12-14 hours over poor roads. It is a 14-hour trip by overnight train.

Boat Trip Between Mandalay and Bagan is, for many tourists, the highlight of their trip to Myanmar. Memorable scenes along the way include naked children swimming in the river, women pounding their laundry on the rocks, ox carts transporting goods, paddle boats plying the river and quiet villages. The 16-hour trip from Mandalay to Bagan on a regular ferry costs US$15.

Entertainment and Shopping in Mandalay

Mandalay is the main city of cultural heritage. Marionette shows and traditional theatre are performed. Zegyo Bazaar is a good place to buy silk and enjoy Mandalay's nightlife. For who like oriental kiche the Lonely Planet guides describe several pagodas that contain amusing clockwork coin-in-the-slot displays. Many tour operators can arrange customized show programs with tourists. Handicrafts, lacquerware and other souvenirs shops are widely available. Art Galleries and Gems shops also offer reasonable prices for different items.

Mandalay Pwe: Anyeint pwe is a vaudevillian variety show of singing, dancing and comedy skits. George Orwell described one such performance in Burmese Days: “The music struck up and the pwe-girl began dancing again. Her face was powdered so thickly that it gleamed in the lamplight like a chalk mask with live eyes behind it ... The music changed its tempo, and the girl began to sing in a brassy voice ... [she] turned round and danced with her buttocks protruding towards the audience. Her silk longyi [sarong] gleamed like metal. With hands and elbows still rotating she wagged her posterior from side to side. Then — astonishing feat, quite visible through the longyi — she began to wriggle her buttocks independently in time with the music.” [B. D. Chapter 8, par. 32]

Steven Martin wrote in Time magazine, “The pwe lasts all night, with the final curtain descending at dawn, but in Orwell's day there was no mountain of speakers on either side of the stage blasting music and voices over a wide radius of neighborhood. From my hotel in Mandalay, I could hear the cacophony of no less than three of these shows reverberating through the walls. At first I found the amplified strains and alien tongues pleasing to my sense of the exotic, but after two nights of fitful sleep, I began to loathe Mandalay's taste in entertainment. Actually, a third category of noise can be added to this list, though it falls far behind the other two in terms of pervasiveness: noise associated with religion. Steeples and minarets compete with stupas for the skyline of Mandalay, the result of Indian immigration and Christian missionizing, and from these houses of worship pour the noises of faith: gongs, hymns, bells and the call of the muezzin. [Source: Steven Martin, Time magazine, 2002]

Moustache Brothers

The Mustache Brothers are arguably Myanmar’s most famous practioners of a-nyeint pwe, Myanmar’s traditional vaudeville, featuring puppets, music and slapstick comedy tinged, often colored by direct but dangerous political satire. Par Par Lay is the 60-year-old leader (2007) of the Mustache Brothers. He is a third-generation practitioner of a-nyeint pwe. He learned comedy from his father, who picked it up from his own father. Par Par Lay started out professionally in the mid-1960s and soon headed a traveling road show of three comedians, 10 female dancers, eight musicians and five roadies.

Choe Sang-Hun wrote in the New York Times: “The Mustache Brothers are a family troupe of 13 comedians, dancers and musicians. Mr. Par Par Lay and his brother U Lu Maw, 58, favor handlebar mustaches, the source of their group’s name. They used to travel from village to village, performing at weddings, funerals and festivals. In former days, Burmese kings would watch a-nyeint pwe (pronounced ah-NYAY pway) to gauge public sentiment couched in the comedy. [Source: Choe Sang-Hun, New York Times, October 29, 2007]

Nick Meo wrote in the Times: “Brothers Par Par Lay and Lu Maw and their rubber-faced cousin Lu Zaw are officially banned and blacklisted. They cannot perform at the weddings and village festivals where they once made a living. Two of them have already done nearly five years' hard labour, breaking rocks on the Chinese border. Their crime? Holding the regime up to ridicule at a performance before democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The years of punishment took their toll but failed to silence Burma's only dissident comedians...Their show is a bizarre but entertaining mix of slapstick comedy, graceful dance, and traditional music. The three started off in the tradition of bawdy peasant humour and temple dancing.[Source: Nick Meo, the Times, August 27, 2005]

Felipe Villamor of AFP wrote: “With nothing more than their sharp wit, the sexagenarian members of one of the long-isolated country's most famous comedy troupes are perhaps among the bravest dissidents to have stood up to the generals. Officially banned and blacklisted, the act counts pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi among its fans. The trio used to lead one of Myanmar's most popular traditional comedy acts.[Source: Felipe Villamor, AFP, February 29, 2012] In August 2013, Par Par Lay died from kidney disease, allegedly caused by the lead paint on the walls of a water tank that he drank from in prison. Lu Maw and Lu Zaw continue to perform as the Moustache Brothers as a duo. Their first public performance without Par Par Lay was held four days after his funeral. [Source: Wikipedia]

Moustache Brothers Comedy Show on Mandalay's 39th Street

Felipe Villamor of AFP wrote: “These days they perform in English to growing numbers of foreign tourists at their nightly show in their home city Mandalay. Lu Maw, a wiry 62-year-old whose broken English is peppered with mismatched idioms, elicited nervous laughter by admonishing the crowd at a recent show to be quiet because government agents were nearby. "We are blacklisted, jail birds, and illegals you know, so you are also here illegally," he told a young American woman in the front row before breaking into a grin. "But don't worry, the government loves tourists because they want your dollars." [Source: Felipe Villamor, AFP, February 29, 2012 ^]

“At another point in the show Par Par Lay asked the crowd if they wanted to see an authentic Burmese act. Within seconds, he was wearing a balaclava helmet over his moustachioed face and sporting a hand gun as he gingerly mimicked a thief breaking into a home. "That's how they are, like Jesse James, Ali Baba, like bandits," Lu Maw said on the microphone, alluding to the military to scattered laughter from the crowd. The regime is not the only butt of their humour — their jokes also target the West, and in particular the United States. ^

“Feigning seriousness, Lu Maw wondered aloud why US-led coalition forces had not sent unmanned drones to Myanmar, whose military he said had been involved in some of the world's most atrocious rights abuses. "Burma is the same as Libya, Egypt, Somalia or Syria. But they all have oil," Lu Maw said with a naughty wink. "Ah, but they (the West) don't know what we have — we have opium and heroin too." After the one-hour show, the brothers personally thanked every visitor and sold them souvenirs. They said the money would go to helping those political prisoners still languishing in jail. ^

At another show four years earlier, Paul Watson wrote in the Los Angeles Times, “Lu Maw is the middle brother, and since his fractured English is the closest to fluent, he warms up the small groups of tourists who fill the plastic lawn chairs in the brothers' living room each night. He cracks jokes rapid-fire, like a comic machine gun, under the harsh white light of six bare fluorescent tubes. Often he riffs on expressions he's picked up from the folks who buy tickets or while listening to foreign broadcasts on shortwave radio, like "Bite the dust," "New bottle, same wine," and "My brothers and I, we're skating on thin ice!" [Source: Paul Watson. Los Angeles Times, March 4, 2008 **]

“The living room theater is on Mandalay's 39th Street, the Broadway of a-nyient. The stage, covered in red all-weather carpet, is half a step up from a brick floor. The wall behind it is strung with marionettes, and two rattling fans hang from the low ceiling. Audience members come by rickshaw, cab or tour bus, and pay by donation. On a recent night, about a dozen people, mostly young backpackers and a few journalists who had posed as tourists to get into the country, helped out when Lu Maw's English failed him. A few gladly got into the act when the comedians needed more hands to hold up painted wooden signs naming the world's biggest spy agencies, and declaring, "Moustache Brothers are under surveillance." **

“After warming up with safe jokes about wives and backdoor men, Par Par Lay changed out of his fan dance costume, white robe and glittering gold pillbox hat, and leaped on stage in a black robber's mask, wielding a toy pistol, while his brother declared that civil servants behaved like Jesse James. "So much corruption," Lu Maw explained through an old-fashioned microphone to the audience. "That's why this guy has been three times in the clink, up the river — in the big house!" **

Masoeyein Monastery: the Home of Myanmar’s Anti-Muslim Movement

Masoeyein Monastery is a center of extremist anti-Muslim and anti-Rohinya nationalism. The Economist reported: Inside five teenagers are looking at a poster, bemused. A graphic collage of photos depicts children’s corpses, monks covered in blood and enraged jihadists brandishing weapons. A monk in a maroon robe approaches. “This is a reminder of what Muslims are like,” he says. [Source: The Economist, August 10, 2017]

“Ashin Wirathu, the most famous resident of the Masoeyein monastery, expands on the theme during a break between meditation sessions. Buddhism, he explains, is in danger. Centuries ago, he points out, Indonesia was principally a Hindu and Buddhist country, but it has since “fallen” to Islam. The Philippines, meanwhile, is struggling with “hordes” of jihadists. Myanmar, he warns, is next. As the leader of the most extreme fringe of the Organisation for the Protection of Race and Religion, a Buddhist charity best known by its Burmese acronym, Ma Ba Tha, he is mounting a fierce campaign to rouse Burmese Buddhists to confront this danger.”

Hannah Beech wrote in Time magazine: “Sitting cross-legged on a raised platform at the New Masoeyein monastery in Mandalay, next to a wall covered by life-size portraits of himself, the Burmese bin Laden expounds on his worldview. U.S. President Barack Obama has “been tainted by black Muslim blood.” Arabs have hijacked the U.N., he believes, although he sees no irony in linking his name to that of an Arab terrorist. About 90 percent of Muslims in Burma are “radical, bad people,” says Wirathu, who was jailed for seven years for his role in inciting anti-Muslim pogroms in 2003. He now leads a movement called 969–the figure represents various attributes of the Buddha–which calls on Buddhists to fraternize only among themselves and shun people of other faiths. “Taking care of our own religion and race is more important than democracy,” says Wirathu. [Source: Hannah Beech, Time magazine, July 1, 2013 =*=]

“It would be easy to dismiss Wirathu as an outlier with little doctrinal basis for his bigotry. But he is charismatic and powerful, and his message resonates. Among the country’s majority Bamar ethnic group, as well as across Buddhist parts of Asia, there’s a vague sense that their religion is under siege–that Islam, having centuries ago conquered the Buddhist lands of Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan and Afghanistan, now seeks new territory. Even without proof, Buddhist nationalists stoke fears that local Muslim populations are increasing faster than their own, and they worry about Middle Eastern money pouring in to build new mosques. =*=

“I ask Wirathu how he reconciles the peaceful sutras of his faith with the anti-Muslim violence spreading across his Bamar-majority homeland. “In Buddhism, we are not allowed to go on the offensive,” he tells me, as if he is lecturing a child. “But we have every right to protect and defend our community.” Later, as he preaches to an evening crowd, I listen to him compel smiling housewives, students, teachers, grandmothers and others to repeat after him, “I will sacrifice myself for the Bamar race.” It’s hard to imagine that the Buddha would have approved.” =*=

See Separate Article RADICAL BUDDHIST MONKS AND ANTI-MUSLIM ACTIVITIES IN MYANMAR factsanddetails.com

Image Sources:

Text Sources: Myanmar Travel Information, New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Times of London, Lonely Planet Guides, The Irrawaddy, Compton’s Encyclopedia, The Guardian, National Geographic, Smithsonian magazine, The New Yorker, Time, Newsweek, Reuters, AP, AFP, burmalibrary.org, burmanet.org, Wikipedia, BBC, CNN, and various books and other publications.

Last updated August 2020

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History of Mandalay

Mandalay (မန္တလေး), as the center of Myanmar culture, was outstanding in the past, and it will continue to be a place of pride of Myanmar in the future.

It is situated about 600 kilometers north of Yangon on the Ayeyarwaddy river, with a population about half a million, making it Myanmar's second largest city.

Mandalay is the historical old capital, a capital of Myanmar culture, Buddhist Sasana and Myanmar traditional arts and crafts, with the life span of one hundred and forty two years, a city which abounds in historical sites, cultural memorials and Buddhist edifices. Accordingly, it is the richest historical landmark next to Bagan.

Despite the wonderful sound of its name, inviting associations to an archaic fairy tale kingdom, Mandalay is neither very old nor particularly beautiful. But Mandalay was the capital of the last, independent Burmese kingdom, which in 1886 was finally conquered by British colonial forces.

The town had been founded only 29 years earlier in 1857 by King Mindon, making it the capital of an independent kingdom for less than 30 years. In 1857 Mandalay was set up in an empty area, because, according to an ancient prophecy, in that exact place a town would come into existence on occasion of the 2,400th jubilee of Buddhism.

The city was named after the Mandalay Hill, which is situated at the northeast corner of the present city. The hill has for long been a holy mount and it is believed that Lord Buddha prophesied that a great city, metropolis of Buddhism, would be founded at its foot. It was King Mindon who fulfilled the prophecy.

King Mindon decided to fulfill the prophecy and during his reign in the Kingdom of Amarapura he issued a royal order on 13 January, A.D 1857 to establish a new kingdom. The Ceremony of Ascending the Throne was celebrated in July, 1858. The royal city and the kingdom was demarcated. The whole royal city was called Lay Kyun Aung Mye ("Victorious Land over the Four Islands") and the royal palace, the Mya Nan San Kyaw ("The Royal Emerald Palace"). The kingdom was called the Kingdom of Yadanabon, along with other name Ratanapura, mean " The Bejeweled Site ". Later it was called Mandalay after the Mandalay Hill, 2.5km far to the north east of the royal palace, and today the name still exists. The name " Mandalay " is a derivative of the Pali word " Mandala ", which means " a plainsland " and also that of the Pali word " Mandare ", which means " an auspicious land ".

At that time a transfer of the capital not only meant leaving an old town and erecting a new town in a different place. As all secular buildings of that time, including the royal palaces, were built from wood, a transfer of the capital meant the complete dismantling of the houses of the old settlement, which then were loaded on carts and the backs of elephants to be reconstructed at the place chosen for the new town.

But in 1782 the town was packed up and moved about 8 kilometers to the Northeast, to the aforementioned Amaraputra. In 1823 the entire capital was dismantled again and rebuilt 8 kilometers Southwest in Ava. But in 1838 Ava was damaged by an earthquake, and was therefore in 1841 packed up again and once more transferred to Amarapura. But this was not of duration either, as only 16 years later the entire town was moved again this time 12 kilometers to the Northeast to the present Mandalay.

The rhyming couplet easy to memorize the year of building the royal city is " Okkyit-Kyaw Aye / Mandalay " or " Aung Kyaw Chan Aye / Mandalay " ( i.e, M.E 1221 ). The city's layout of the construction is the same at that of the earlier Kingdom of Amarapura, and from the bird's eye-view, it has the structure of geographical squares and rectangular shapes, with streets and roads crossing one another at right angles. There are four parts dividing the city, namely, Ashe-pyin ( East Part ), Anok-pyin (west Part), Taung-pyin (southern part) and Myauk-pyin (Northern Part), with 54 plots.

With the Ground-breaking ceremony, King Mindon laid the foundation of Mandalay on the 6th waning day of Kason, M.E 1221, (A.D 1857). The King simultaneously laid the foundations of seven edifices: the royal city with the battlemented walls, the moat surrounding it, the Maha Lawka Marazein Stupa, the higher ordination hall named the Pahtan-haw Shwe Thein, the Atumashi ( the Incomparable ) monastery, the Thudhama Zayats or public houses for preaching the Doctrine, and the library for the Buddhist scriptures.

At the time of building, the royal moat was 68.58m wide and 3.35m deep, and was fed with water from the Yadana Nadi, now called the Ye Ni Canal. In 1995 the moat was dug anew and the banks were laid neatly and firmly with rocks. There existed 20 gardens, a huge earthen wall and 57 doors palace. There existed 5 bridges spanning over the moat and 12 bridges. At present, there are four spanning bridges, namely the U-hteik Bridge to the east the Kyaw Moe Bridge to the south, the Kye Mon Bridge to the west and the Lay Thein Bridge to the north.

When King Mindon passed away, his son King Thibaw ascended the throne, and in M.E 1247, Myanmar fell under the British colony. It was the old capital ruled by two successive kings the one where the last of Myanmar's monarchs reigned.

After the British had conquered Mandalay in 1886 they turned the royal palaces of Mandalay into their military headquarters and christened the complex Fort Dufferin.

During World War II the Japanese installed a military camp in the same place, which then was bombed by the allies, until nothing was left of the ancient palace buildings.

Mandalay today is a striking phenomenon composed of modern and classic images with the ancient cultural beauty of the royal palace and the moat surrounding it, and the natural impressionistic beauty of the Mandalay Hill, harmoniously added with new architectural phonography of modern houses and brick buildings.

The former palace ground is known by the name of Fort Mandalay. Of the ancient palaces a few concrete replica have been built and further reconstructions are being conducted.

Mandalay is full of variety to do shopping. The new Mandalay Zaycho is the main market place in Mandalay. You can get almost anything from there. Things to shop are Acheik (Mandalay Silk Longyi), Cotton clothing, Hto Moat (greasy cakes), Laphet (Pickled tea leaves), Kadipar slippers (Velvet Slippers), Silverware, Lacquerware, Jewelry, gems and more.

There are daily flights from Yangon to Mandalay via Air KBZ, Air Mandalay, Yangon Airways, and Myanmar Air. Mandalay now has an International Airport, so there are also flights from other countries directly landing to Mandalay.

Bus and Express

There are daily local express from Yangon to Mandalay and many other parts of the country.

Taxi Pickups and vans are available to travel around Mandalay, Amarapura, Inwa, and Sagaing.

Train Mandalay has a new Yadanarbon Central Railway Station in downtown area. It is a seven-storey complex, including two floors devoted to a hotel. The old station is on the further south of the new one. There are daily schedules from Yangon to Mandalay.

Motorbike Motorbikes can be seen everywhere in Mandalay. Travelling by motorbike can be very convenient in local places. So, motorbikes can be rented mostly everywhere in Mandalay.

Boat The Inland Water Transport office is located at the Gawwein Jetty at the western end of 35th Street.

Bicycle There are several places downtown where you can rent bicycles.

Entertainment

Mandalay is a busy city which is the central trade centre of Myanmar. There are cinema halls, beauty salons, spas and karaoke lounge in the most populated part of the city. There are also many well-known astrologers and palmist in this city.

Mandalay is a city with great historical heritage. Many traditional food can be tasted in this city.

Founded at 1857

Founded by King Mindon

Fell under British Colony at 1885

Mandalay being the second largest capital of the State, in accordance with the times of building a peaceful, modernized and well developed new future State, emphasis has been given to enhance the role of information media.

Media The city dwellers can enjoy listening to the radio progammes broadcast by M.B.S and watching the TV channels of MRTV and the Myawaddy. The newspapers the Light of Myanmar and Kye Mon are published and distributed by the presses of Mandalay for Upper Myanmar.

City Development Mandalay City Development Committee has organized Public Relations and Information Department, and has been increasing the momentum for the progress of the information media. Mandalay Daily is published as the Mandalay-centred, Upper Myanmar supporting media and representative media of the State. The Mandalay Daily Press is situated on 29th road between 73rd road and 74th road. Through this press media, the State Policies, and feature articles, as well as the objectives, performances, activities, information and feature articles about M.C.D.C, are presented to the public unfailingly and in time.

The Mandalay City Development Committee has published the pamphlets, namely, Mandalay City Profile, Mandalay City Map and Welcome to the Golden Palace City, which will inform the foreign visitors about interesting facts and functions of Mandalay. It is a press media which will send good news through foreign visitors to the World. Moreover, Mandalay Directory is published in both Myanmar and English Versions annually, which contain information about Mandalay City Map, offices, departments, organizations, factories and industries, companies, stores, markets and hospitals and clinics, businesses, location and phone numbers.

ICT Development

Mandalay ICT Development Corporation Ltd is located at Third Floor, Yadanarbon Zay in Mandalay. Mandalay ICT Development Corporation, a consortium of (50) local companies with the full support from the Government of the Union of Myanmar, initiated the Mandalay ICT Park project with the aim of creating an ICT hub for upper Myanmar.

It is part of the ICT master plan of Myanmar to stimulate the development of Myanmar ICT industry by attracting local and international partners to form a cluster of ICT - Related Business, supported by world-class infrastructure and technologies.

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