etraveladmin MYANMAR
Mandalay, Myanmar’s former royal capital. The city is large, busy, and charming in its own way. Mandalay is an excellent two-day stop on your Myanmar itinerary. Visit the world-famous U-Bein Bridge or admire its unique architecture and pagodas. Find out what there is to do in Mandalay.
Manadalay’s Background
It can get quite cold at night, so bring a sweater. You can tell the difference between poor and right in Mandalay. Mandalay’s outskirts are impoverished and surrounded by garbage. That doesn’t change the fact that they are the friendliest people you will ever meet.
1. Go to Mandalay Hill.
Mandalay Hill is a must-see; this 240-meter-high hill offers a panoramic view of the entire area. Getting up there is easier than you might think; they built an elevator and an escalator at the temple’s base. Remember to cover up and remove your shoes. Mandalay Hill has an entrance fee of K1000. ($0.75)
Don’t be surprised if Myanmese people approach you and ask to take a photo with you. They simply want to show this to their family members.
2 Hsinbyume Pagoda in the clouds
The beautiful white Hsinbyume Pagoda is close to the Mingun Pagoda. You can explore every level of the pagoda by walking up the stairs. The Pagoda, while not large, should not be overlooked when visiting Mandalay. This is one of the reasons you should go to Myanmar.
3. Kuthodaw Pagoda houses the world’s largest book.
This area is enormous in size. The world’s largest book is housed in the Kuthodaw Pagoda, which is surrounded by an insane number of small white pagodas.
Take at least an hour to explore this area. A Myanmar Temples tour also includes the Kuthodaw Pagoda.
4. The Mingun Pagoda transports you back in time.
Mingun Pagoda is one place we wish we had more time to visit. This is located across the Irrawaddy River, approximately 90 minutes outside of town.
The almost square-shaped pagoda is unique. The entrance may be a little crowded, but if you walk around it, you will be the only one there. Make a reservation for a Myanmar Temples tour.
Have lunch at the relaxed, riverside ‘The Garden Cafe’ while you’re here.
5. The Mandalay Palace
Mandalay Palace is a massive fortress near the Hill. It’s a nice place to walk around for a while, but there’s not much to do or see.
The admission fee is 10000 Kyat ($7.5). This is a combo ticket that also includes admission to the Shwenandaw Monastery, Kuthodaw Pagoda, and a few other attractions.
6. Monastery of Shwenandaw
The monastery’s beautiful wooden details are worth seeing. It’s small, so you won’t need much time, and it’s close to Mandalay Palace.
