The Top Things to do in Mandalay, Myanmar: Explore the Country's Cultural Epicentre
Freelance writer Robert Hartwood pops by travelingmitch to talk about what he feels are the top things to do in Mandalay, Myanmar. We hope this article serves you well on your future travels in Myanmar!
Mandalay is the second-largest city in Myanmar after Yangon. Mandalay is often visited by tourists when they’re visiting Myanmar on a trip. That is to say, it’s on the tourist map for Myanmar, but that also doesn’t mean it’s touristy.
Overall, Mandalay is a big city with a lot of beautiful sights. Like in the rest of Myanmar, you don't see a huge number of tourists walking around in the city (especially if you compare it with other major cities in Asia). The people here are very friendly (at least they were to me), but you should note that English proficiency is not widespread. The fact that the city is not yet overrun by tourists does not mean that Mandalay is dilapidated or lagging, by any means. The city is full of paved highways, has ample shopping centers and a lot of restaurants and bars.
As far as timing is concerned, you can visit most of the city's highlights in about two days.
About Mandalay, Myanmar
The city is located on east bank of the Irrawaddy River, and has a population of roughly a million and a quarter people. It was Burma’s final royal capital before their annexation by the British Empire in the late 1800s.
It was founded in 1857 as the “new royal capital” for the Konbaung Dynasty (replacing Amarapura). Today, it’s the economic heart of Upper Myanmare, and many would consider it the centre of Burmese culture.
Myanmar, for those who don’t know, is bordered by China in the north, Laos and Thailand (check out Bangkok if you’re visiting) in the easy and southeast, and on the west by Bangladesh and India.
Sightseeing in Mandalay - What to Do and See in Mandalay
Mandalay is full of all kinds of special sights, from temples to Mandalay Hill and all way to the U-Bein bridge. Taxis are not expensive in Myanmar, so they can be a good way to get around the city, but you can also choose to rent a bicycle (which are even cheaper and a lot more adventurous.)
Generally speaking, as with other prominent cities in Asia, you should be careful of the busy traffic in the city.
U-Bein Bridge
The U-Bein Bridge just outside Mandalay is especially busy during sunrise and sunset. Besides Mandalay Hill, it’s safe to say this is the most beautiful place in the city to view.
The bridge is made of teak wood and is about 1 km long in total. It runs over a large lake and from the bridge, you have a beautiful view over the water and the boats that float on it. It’s an ideal spot for any travel photographer’s who are checking this article out. For the sunset or sunrise, you can find a spot on the bridge or rent a boat to view it from the lake. A beautiful experience, but unfortunately you are not the only one who will have this idea, and around sunset, the lake is full of boats.
Because the U-Bein bridge is quite a drive from the centre of Mandalay, it is wise to allow an hour to get there and find a spot. After all, it would be a shame if you just missed that sunset.
Mandalay Palace
Mandalay Palace, also called the Royal City of Mandalay, used to be a palace and city, all in one.
The site is huge and surrounded by walls befitting a royal city. Unfortunately, not everything is accessible for tourists.
The palace has a watchtower where you can see how big the whole area is, so it serves as a great vantage point. The palace itself is a composite of several buildings with different (predominately Chinese) influences. The woodwork is very nicely carved.
A combination ticket is available for both Mandalay Hill, Mandalay Palace, and various temples. This is available at the locations themselves.
Mandalay Hill
The Mandalay Hill is not to be missed and, with the generally flat landscape of Mandalay, you cannot miss it.
It is quite a long walk to get to the top and that walk takes about 45 minutes. The entrance is between two giant lions statues, after which you take off your shoes and start the climb. To get to the top you have to climb a large number of stairs, so be aware that it is quite a strenuous activity.
In between, you will come across different platforms where you can enjoy the view and where you can admire different Buddhist statues. In between, you will also find all kinds of shops where you can stop for something to eat or drink. Those spots come in handy on a hot day.
Don't think halfway on the large platform that you are already there, it may seem like an endpoint but you can go up much further. When you arrive at the top and have caught your breath, you can enjoy the beautiful view. Of course, this is most beautiful at sunrise or sunset. The top itself is also worth climbing. At the top, you will find several temples and everything is laid out in a stunning mosaic.
At sunset, the student monks also gather at the top of Mandalay Hill. They do not come especially for the temple but mainly for the tourists so that they can practice their newly learned English.
Of course, just watch when talking about politics, this is a sensitive point in Myanmar, understandably.
Mandalay Temples and Monasteries of Note
There are several temples and monasteries in Mandalay. You will find them in all shapes and sizes and in streets where you least expect them. A fun way to explore Mandalay is to rent a bicycle and go exploring. Get a map of Mandalay and cycle through streets where you see the daily life of the Burmese people.
However, if you want to see them intentionally to make sure you get a full feel for Mandalay’s temples, pagodas, and monasteries, here are some to consider.
Mahamuni Pagoda*
Shwenandaw Monastery*
Kuthodaw Pagoda (and the World’s Largest Book)*
Mandalay Palace
Maha Myat Muni Pagoda (Mahamuni Buddha Temple)*
Bagaya Monastery*
Sanda Muni Paya
Jade Pagoda Mandalay
Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda
Maha Aung Mye Bon Zan Monastery
Other Mandalay Sights to Consider Visiting:
While Mandalay has a strong reputation as a religious city of temples, pagodas and other religious sites, that doesn’t mean the city only consists of those sites. Here are a few other things to do in Mandalay when you’re visiting the city.
Mandalay Marionettes Theatre
The Jade Market
Zegyo Market
Skinny Buddha
Mandalay Fort
Exploring the Area Around Mandalay
There’s a fair bit to do in Mandalay itself, but it’s also a good city to base yourself in to explore the surrounding area. Here are some spots to check out if you’ve made headway on the main tourist sites in Mandalay, and now want to see what else it out there!
Dee Dote Waterfalls
If you've had your fill of palaces and temples in city centre that’s known to be a little hot and dusty, you can cool off at the Dee Dote waterfalls.
An hour from the city you will find these incredible azure blue waterfalls and you can enjoy a refreshing dip.
During weekdays, apart from a few locals, you will soon be one of the only ones here.
You do have to climb and clamber until you reach the first pool, but once you arrive you can rest or continue heading on up to the next waterfalls, which we definitely recommend.
Here and there you will also find a small tent with something to eat and/or drink.
Gokteik Viaduct
In my opinion, it’s an absolute must is to take the train from Mandalay to Lashio.
This old train stops in villages such as Pyin Oo Lwin and Hsipaw, which are loved by backpackers.
The train ride takes you along the famous hundred meters high Gokteik Viaduct. During the crossing, you look into a deep ravine with forests, rivers, and small waterfalls.
Choose an upper-class ticket at the station to ensure that you can settle into a comfortable seat. You have to get up early for the ride because the train leaves Mandalay at 4:00 AM.
And That’s a Wrap on the Top Things to do in Mandalay
Mandalay isn’t a city that’s necessarily on the top of my tourists’s itineraries. It’s not like Tokyo, or Kyoto, or Seoul, but it’s still magical in its own right. Because of it’s deep religious roots, it’s a place unlike any other, and a window into culture that is truly beautiful if you take the time to look through it.
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