Mandalay, as Myanmar's cultural heart, offers a profound journey into its royal past and religious heritage, featuring numerous ancient pagodas, monasteries, and the majestic U Bein Bridge. It provides panoramic city and countryside views from Mandalay Hill, making it a compelling destination for those seeking historical and cultural immersion. While some historical sites, including parts of Mandalay Palace, sustained damage from a recent earthquake, preservation and restoration efforts are underway.
The Chanayethazan Township serves as a central hub with various attractions and local dining options. While a prominent nightlife scene for socializing with other tourists is not a primary focus, visitors may find opportunities for organic interactions with locals, for instance, at sites like Mandalay Hill.
Top 8 Things to do in Mandalay
Activities in Mandalay primarily involve exploring ancient royal sites, significant Buddhist pagodas and monasteries, and enjoying scenic viewpoints, often venturing to historical capitals nearby.
1. Mandalay Palace
Stepping into Mandalay Palace offers a glimpse into Myanmar's last royal monarchy. While much of the original teakwood palace was destroyed during World War II and subsequently reconstructed in the 1990s, its sprawling grounds, moated walls, and various replicated wooden buildings convey a sense of its past grandeur. Visitors can explore the main palace buildings, including the throne room, and climb the Watchtower for panoramic views of the complex and city. Consider visiting in the morning to avoid the midday heat.
Cost: Approximately 10,000 Kyat (around US$7), which is part of the Mandalay Archaeological Zone ticket valid for a week and includes several other sites like Shwenandaw Monastery, and attractions in Amarapura, Inwa, and Sagaing.
Transport: Located in the city center, Mandalay Palace is easily accessible by taxi or bicycle. Many hotels offer city tours that include the palace.
2. Mandalay Hill
Ascending Mandalay Hill provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city, the Irrawaddy River, and the surrounding plains. The 760-foot (230-meter) hill is significant as a religious site, with a covered stairway of approximately 1,700 steps leading to the summit. Along the climb, visitors encounter various temples and shrines, culminating in the Sutaungpyei Pagoda at the top. It is particularly popular for both sunrise and sunset views.
Cost: There is no direct entrance fee for Mandalay Hill itself.
Transport: Mandalay Hill is located in the north of the city. While one can climb the stairs, a taxi or scooter can take you almost to the summit.
3. Mahamuni Buddha Temple
The Mahamuni Buddha Temple houses one of Myanmar's most revered Buddha images, a 13-foot tall sculpture almost entirely covered in thick layers of gold leaf applied by devout pilgrims over centuries. This significant pilgrimage site offers a unique cultural and spiritual experience, including the daily ritual washing of the Buddha's face in the early morning, which draws many devotees. A museum on the temple grounds also provides insights into Buddha's life.
Cost: Approximately 10,000 Kyat (around US$5) per person.
Transport: Located in the southwest of Mandalay, the temple is best reached by taxi or rickshaw from the city center.
4. Kuthodaw Pagoda
Often referred to as the 'World's Largest Book,' Kuthodaw Pagoda is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a central golden stupa surrounded by 729 small white stupas. Each of these smaller stupas houses a marble slab intricately inscribed with Buddhist scriptures, collectively forming the entire text of the Tripitaka. The serene grounds provide a peaceful atmosphere for reflection and exploration, with detailed carvings on the teakwood entrances.
Cost: Free admission.
Transport: Situated at the foot of Mandalay Hill, Kuthodaw Pagoda is easily accessible by taxi or a short walk from Mandalay Hill. It can be combined with a visit to Mandalay Hill and Shwenandaw Monastery.
5. Shwenandaw Monastery
Originally part of the Royal Palace, the Shwenandaw Monastery is a exquisite example of traditional Burmese teakwood architecture, renowned for its intricate carvings. King Thibaw Min had the structure dismantled and moved from the palace grounds. Its detailed wooden adornments make it a significant historical and artistic site.
Cost: Included as part of the Mandalay Archaeological Zone ticket (approximately 10,000 Kyat / US$7).
Transport: Located near Mandalay Palace and Kuthodaw Pagoda, it is a quick stop, easily reached by taxi or as part of a combined sightseeing tour.
6. U Bein Bridge (Amarapura)
U Bein Bridge, the world's longest and oldest teakwood bridge, gracefully spans 1.2 kilometers across Taungthaman Lake in Amarapura. It offers a unique cultural experience, especially captivating at sunset when silhouettes of locals and monks crossing the bridge create stunning photographic opportunities. One can also hire a rowboat to view the bridge from the water.
Cost: Access to the bridge is free. A private rowboat ride for sunset typically costs around 10,000-12,000 Kyat (approximately US$6-7).
Transport: U Bein Bridge is about 10 kilometers south of Mandalay, located in Amarapura. A taxi from Mandalay takes approximately 9-11 minutes and costs around US$9-11.
7. Mingun Day Trip
A boat trip along the Irrawaddy River to Mingun offers a visit to significant historical sites. Highlights include the massive, unfinished Mingun Pahtodawgyi pagoda, intended to be the world's largest stupa, and the Mingun Bell, one of the largest functioning bells globally. The architecturally distinct Hsinbyume Pagoda, with its pristine white, wave-like terraces, is also a key attraction.
Cost: A boat trip from Mandalay to Mingun costs around 5,000 Kyat.
Transport: Mingun is located upstream and across the Ayeyarwady River from Mandalay. The only way to access it is by boat, usually departing from Mandalay's Gawwein Jetty.
8. Sagaing Hill and Inwa (Ava)
These two ancient cities, located near Mandalay, offer a deep dive into Myanmar's historical landscape. Sagaing Hill is a prominent religious center covered with numerous pagodas and meditation centers, providing expansive views of the Irrawaddy River. Inwa, a former royal capital, is now a collection of ruins scattered across fields, best explored by a traditional horse-drawn carriage. Visiting these sites allows for a full day of historical and cultural immersion.
Cost: Included as part of the Mandalay Archaeological Zone ticket (approximately 10,000 Kyat / US$7). A horse-drawn carriage in Inwa costs around 8,000 Kyat per tour.
Transport: Sagaing Hill is approximately 20 kilometers southwest of Mandalay, across the Irrawaddy River. Inwa is also nearby. These sites are typically visited together as a day trip by hiring a taxi, which can cost US$16-19 for the round trip to Sagaing, or arranging a tour.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
