Mandalay was the capital of Konboung Dynasty or the third Myanmar Empire. Located 668 km north of Yangon, it is a bustling commercial center and a repository of ancient Myanmar culture. The old Royal Palace boasts of finely built walls and beautiful moats surrounding the fortress-like structure. There is unique gold embroidery, hand weaving of silk and cotton, stone carving, woodcarving, tapestries, silverware, bronze casting and other traditional arts and crafts.

Mandalay is also the principal center for Buddhist literature studies as its monasteries and pagodas are of religious significance in Myanmar. Nearby, there are several ancient capitals such as Amarapura, Sagaing, Ava, Mingun where the Kongboung Dynasty kings established their capitals.

Where to go in Mandalay?

Within Mandalay City

The Myanansankyaw Golden Palace, built in 1857 and destroyed by a fire during World War II, is a replica of the old palace and definitely not to be missed. Revered as the holiest shrine in Mandalay, the Mahamuni Buddha image is said to have been cast in the lifetime of Buddha. We advise visits in the morning so as to witness the crowd of devotees in their rituals of washing the face of the Buddha’s image and sometimes even cleaning his teeth! The Mandalay Hill is 230 meters in elevation and visitors can climb the 1729 steps to enjoy the magnificent view of the city and surrounding environs from the summit. Lying at the foot of Mandalay Hill is Kuthodaw Pagoda, also known as the world’s biggest book for its 729 stone slabs inscribed with Buddhist scriptures. Not far from Kuthodaw Pagoda, the Ah-Tu-Ma-Shi Monastery houses the Great Marble Image, an image of Buddha sculpted from a single black of Sagyin marble. Reminiscent of the old Mandalay Palace, the Shwenadaw Monastery is famous for its exquisite woodcarvings and glided teak pavilions. ‘Zaycho’ means ‘reasonable price’ in Burmese, and at Zaycho Market, one can definitely find attractively priced shopping hunts and observe the lifestyles and cultures of the locals. 

Outside Mandalay City

Situated 11km south of Mandalay, Amarapura features the world’s longest wooden bridge - U Bein. Built in 1782, the U Bein Bridge spans 1208 meters with over 1700 huge teak pillars. Other places of interests in Amarapura include silk weaving industry, Mahagandayon Monastery, Kyauktawgyi Pagoda and Pahtodawgyi Pagoda.

20km southwest of Mandalay, Innwa (Ava) used to be the capital for ancient Shan and Myanmar Kings in the 12th century. Crossing the river and riding in a pony-cart, visitors can see Nanmyint Watch Tower, Maha Aung Myay Bonzan Okkyaung and Htilaingshin Pagoda.

Mingun is located across Irrawaddy River and lies approximately 12 kilometers north of Mandalay. It is famous for the world’s second largest ringing bell of 90 tons in weight and Mingun Payagyi. It is accessible by ferry boat rides which usually take 1 hour to sail up-river or 45 minutes to cruise downstream.

Sagaing is located 21 km southwest of Mandalay on the west bank of Irrawaddy River. Dotted with over 400 pagodas, monasteries and nunneries, the Sagaing Hill is noted as a religious retreat. About 10 km from Sagaing stands Kaungmudaw, an enormous dome-shaped pagoda built by King Thalun in 1636. Nearby is Ywahtaung village, famous of its silver craftsmanship.

Pyin Oo Lwin is located 69 km east of Mandalay at over 1100 meters above sea level. Nicknamed “the city of flowers”, Pyin Oo Lwin is a popular summer retreat with its pleasant cool climate and scenic spots. The National Kandawgyi Garden is well-known in Myanmar for its rich biodiversity. Other places of interest include the Chinese Temple, Pwekauk Waterfalls and Peik Chin Myaung Cave.

Located 136 km west of Mandalay, Monywa can be reached via a 3 ½ hours drive. It is a picturesque town on the Chindwin River. On the way to Monywa, you can visit Mohnyin Thanboddhay spread across 37 acres of land. Monywa is also famous for Po Win Taung (Mt. Po Win), where caves, niches, staircases and Buddha Images are carved into the entire mountain of Mt. Shwe Ba.

Where to stay in Mandalay?

The 16-rooms Rupar Mandalar Resort is a top choice if you desire to stay in a boutique hotel with a romantic and exotic atmosphere. Nestled in landscaped gardens right in the city’s heart, the Sedona Hotel Mandalay faces the majestic Royal Palace and Mandalay, lovely sights that greatly complement the hotel stay. At the foot of Mandalay Hill, the Mandalay Hill Resort opens into panoramic views of the surrounding lands.

Where to dine in Mandalay?

A Little Bit of Mandalay restaurant serves more than local dishes in Mandalay; it also whips up a delightful range of Myanmar specialties. The Green Elephant features Burmese and Asian cuisine in the peaceful surroundings of a 1920s colonial house. For regional cuisine, we recommend Golden Duck for its mouth-watering Chinese food and Ko’s Kitchen that specializes in Thai food.

Off the beaten track in Mandalay

Take a day to explore the villages in the Mandalay and observe local fishermen using traditional methods to catch fish. Watch out for the Irrawaddy Dolphin, and endangered freshwater mammal, in the waterways. Opt for a river cruise along the Irrawaddy River to experience the picturesque sceneries, local lifestyles and handicrafts. For the more adventurous, embark on a cycling tour of Mandalay and peddle past rustic vistas in Mandalay outskirts, Sagaing, Mingun and Irrawaddy River. If you prefer exploring caves, then head to the Padalin Caves, a cluster of large caves that contains ancient mural paintings in a primitive forest.