Top things to do in Mandalay for culture

Mandalay is packed with 4 big sites which used to be the capital of Burma kingdom in the old days. The city itself is also house to the last royal palace which makes it a great choice for cultural exploration. 
These are some of the best Mandalay attractions you should not miss

Shwe in Bin Kyaung Monastery

It comes to no surprise that Mandalay has many monasteries since it is the biggest Buddhist center in the country. Shwe In Bin Kyaung stands remarkable because it is built by teakwood. 
The architecture was built in 1895 and possesses a large amount of dedicated Burmese carving work. 

Mandalay Palace

When you travel in Mandalay, the Palace can be viewed almost from everywhere. Although it is not the original version and reconstructed, it is still worth a visit. Nowadays, there is a load of relics exhibited in the Palace. 
The watch tower in the palace offers a very good view of the city too. The Mandalay palace is best visited on a guided Myanmar tour.

 

Mahamuni Paya

Mahamuni is famous for its 13 feet tall Buddha statue. It has a rich history of as long as 2000 years. For local people, it is one of the holy sites in Mandalay where they come to practice Buddhism as well doing the pilgrimage. 
There are 2 things that we should see in Mahamuni: the statue polishing at 4 o`clock and learning about the golf leaves that people stick on the statue. 
Recommended article: Mandalay Tours

Mingun 

Located by the other side of the Irrawaddy river, Mingun is a very fascinating attraction that offers a great look back to the past of Mandalay. 
Things to see in Mingun include the incomplete Pahtodawgyi pagoda, Mingun Bell, and Hsinbyume Pagoda - a well-known site for Myanmar Photography Tour.
Related information:  day cruise from Mandalay to Bagan 

Mandalay Hill

If you seek for a place to enjoy the panoramic view of Mandalay then Mandalay Hill is simply one of the best choices. You can walk to the hill top for about 30 minutes. We recommend you to go for the sunset. 
There are also temples on the way to visit. 

Kuthodaw Pagoda

It seems all Mandalay itineraries include Kuthodaw Pagoda. It is very understandable since the pagoda is very photogenic but importantly, it is the world`s biggest book. Kuthodaw has more than 700 litle pagodas, each of them containing 1 marble slab or known as a piece of the Buddha book. 

Shwenandaw pagoda

Not far from Kuthodaw pagoda is Shawnandaw pagoda. The pagoda is made of wood entirely. 
It preserves some of the most intricate wood carvings in Mandalay. 
You can use a tourist card to enter this attraction. 

​Ta Moke Shwe Gu Gyi 

The temple complex of ​Ta Moke Shwe Gu Gyi is big and plays an important role in the map of Myanmar archaeology. It may not be able to compare with Bagan or Mrauk u but it boasts a very own value through its ornate stucco figures. 
To access this Mandalay attraction which is 24 miles from the city, it is advisable to travel by private car. 

Pinya Stupa Ruins

During its heyday in the 1300s, Pinya was the capital of Burma under the reign of King Thihthu. The ruins now may not reflect the major part of it but the ornate brick stupas and its relics are still very attractive. 

Kyauktawgyi Paya 

Another Mandalay attraction shows how Buddhism has developed in Mandalay. Kyauktawgyi Paya Kyauktawgyi Paya has gained its fame for being the home of 900 ton Buddha statue. The statue is clothed in a royal custom which makes this paya very special. 

Best things to do in Mandalay for Adventure

Many people said that there is no better place to adventure than Mandalay. It has no shortage of options from biking to motorbiking or even waterfall hopping. 

Rent a bike to explore the charm of Mandalay

For those who love to travel and explore at their own pace, motorcycling around the city is the best way to explore and experience it. All you need to do is rent a bike that is available everywhere and very affordable. There are plenty of attractions and interesting things within the city that are easily accessible by bicycle.

Dee Doke Waterfall

Just 1 hour from Mandalay, Dee Doke Waterfall is a good destination to have a good picture for your Instagram. It is free to swim too. 
It is located between Mandalay and Pyin Oo Lwin, so you can combine this attraction with a day trip to Pyin Oo Lwin.

Trek in Kaw Kan Waterfall

If you seek an active day out of Mandalay City, exploring the authentic nature of Myanmar then Kaw Kan is the destination you should go to. 
The fall itself is magnificent with different water layers while the trek also offers great mountain views. So far, there is no group tour to Kaw Kan so if you want to enjoy, contact our travel expert for a private guided tour. 
Update 2024: Kaw Kan Waterfall is closed for any visit. 

Best Mandalay Traditional Workshops

To feed your curiosity of Burmese traditional work, these stops should be included in your Myanmar Travel itinerary

The stone carvers’ of Mandalay

Mandalay is full of local arts and crafts. One of the highlights of your trip is the stone carvers along Sagaing-Mandalay Road. Watch skilled craftsmen chipping and polishing away marble to carve beautiful statues of Buddha. The amazing part is that they use no sketches of any kind to make their creations.

King Galon Gold Leaf Workshop

Have you ever noticed that Burmese people use a gold leaf to stick on the Buddha statue in many places? Yes, it is made of real gold. 
All these leaves are made in King Galon where man uses hammers to tap on a piece of gold, turning its shape into leaves. 

Aung Nan Handicraft Workshop

There is no better chance to observe how a carved painting is made than visiting Aung Nan's Handicraft shop.
You can certainly buy a very good quality product to bring back home. 

Best things to do in Mandalay: Dining

When it comes to the foods, Mandalay is rich in terms of cuisine diversity. Here are some best things to try in Mandalay:

Chinese BBQ

Since 1/3 of Mandalay's population is Chinese, it is not difficult to treat yourself a good meal in the city. The easy option is probably Chinese BBQ which can be found in many streets. 
They are really tasty and not expensive.

Try Golden Duck Mandalay

Another Chinese restaurant that is recommended is Golden Duck. A full list of ducks and accompanies will not disappoint you. 
Apart from their specialties, you can order many other Chinese foods which are very delicious too. 

Drink with a view

Mandalay has a wide range of rooftop bars that are worth a try. Here are some names: Wave Rooftop Bar, Nova, and Apex Sky.
Imagine a good Burma beer while watching the city turn the lights!
 

Things to do in Mandalay: Shopping

Open markets are the best places to purchase something in Mandalay whether it is a souvenir or a valuable item. 

Jade Market

You do not need to be rich to shop in this market. It is worth experiencing how jade is traded in this country. If you have an expert to accompany you, it is the best otherwise a tour guide could be a good alternative. The entrance fee of this market is $1. 
Note: do not expect to buy expensive jade to bring home as you need to have a special permit to bring it home. 

Zegyo Market

It could be named the number 1 shopping destination in Mandalay. Zegyo has hundreds of stalls and many vendors with full types of wares from handicrafts to electronic items. 
This is a perfect place to buy some Myanmar souvenirs and yes, you should prepare to bargain. 

Travel to Mandalay 2024 Tips

With the changes during three years of pandemic and political issues, here are some practices you should take care of:

Can we make Evisa at Mandalay International Airport?

In 2024, Evisa is only applied for Yangon and Nay Pyi Daw International Airport. Therefore, you need to have a valid visa before you arrive at Mandalay airport.

How many days should I spend in Mandalay?

3 days is good to visit Mandalay. However, if you want to see further than just the ordinary Mandalay Travel sites then add 1 more day to enjoy a Mandalay Day Tour.
For adventure-minded travelers, 4 days is an ideal time to do trekking, cycling, or motorbiking as well. 
Read more: Mandalay 3 days itinerary

What are the famous day trip destinations in Mandalay?

Pyin Oo Lwin is the most famous one. The surrounding area of Mandalay has Inwa, Amarapura, Mingun, and Sagaing to make your Mandalay trip occupied for at least 2 days. 

Can we do river cruises from Mandalay in 2024?

Many cruise liners have eased their operation in Myanmar because there are fewer tourists. We strongly recommend you contact us for up-to-date information about the river cruise. There are many changes day by day for this service. 

Is there any tailor-made tour to Mandalay?

Our travel experts have been working for decades to provide tailor-made tours not only in Mandalay but throughout the country of Myanmar. We are happy to assist you in creating a Mandalay itinerary, adding your expected activities into the inclusion of the service, and much more. 
Recommended: Mandalay Photography Tour