2025 Mandalay Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

#springitinerary "Where ancient palaces, golden pagodas, and artisan traditions come alive" ✈️ GETTING THERE From Bangkok: 1.5hr flight to Mandalay (5,000฿ roundtrip) From Yangon: Overnight bus (15,000 kyat) or 1hr flight Best Transport: E-bike rental (8,000 kyat/day) or taxis 🌅 DAY 1: Royal Wonders & Sunset Magic ☀️ MORNING 5:30 AM Mandalay Hill Sunrise Climb 1,729 steps (or drive) for panoramic views Pro Tip: Stop at halfway point for Hsaing Waing musicians 8:30 AM Breakfast at Rainforest Try Shan Noodles with peanut sauce 👑 MIDDAY 10:00 AM Mandalay Palace Last royal palace of Burmese kings (10,000 kyat entry) 1:00 PM Lunch at Mintha Kitchen Authentic Burmese Curry Set with 10 side dishes 🌇 EVENING 4:00 PM U Bein Bridge Sunset Walk the world's longest teak bridge (1.2km) 7:00 PM Night Market at 78th Street Try Mont Lin Ma Yar (Burmese pancakes) 🛕 DAY 2: Ancient Cities & Crafts 🌄 MORNING 7:00 AM Mingun Day Trip Boat to see the massive unfinished pagoda (5,000 kyat) Don’t Miss: Mingun Bell (world’s second largest) 10:30 AM Gold Leaf Workshop Watch artisans hammer gold into temple offerings 🎨 AFTERNOON 12:30 PM Lunch at Aye Myit Tar Riverside Mohinga (fish noodle soup) 2:30 PM Amarapura Silk Weaving See traditional looms create longyi fabrics 🌙 EVENING 6:00 PM Mandalay Marionettes Show Traditional puppet theater at Moustache Brothers 💰 BUDGET (2D1N) Accommodation: 15,000-50,000 kyat (hostels to heritage hotels) Food: 10,000 kyat/day (delicious local eats) Activities: 25,000 kyat (entry fees + tours) 📸 MUST-CAPTURE: U Bein Bridge silhouettes at sunset Golden mosaics at Kuthodaw Pagoda Mingun’s cracked pagoda 🍽️ ROYAL FLAVORS: Htamin Jin (fermented rice with fish) Shan Tofu Salad Sanwin Makin (semolina cake) ⚠️ TRAVEL TIPS: Dress modestly - shoulders/knees covered at temples Best season: Nov-Feb (cool mornings) Carry small kyat notes - USD not accepted everywhere "Mandalay is Burma’s cultural soul - where you’ll touch living history in gold leaf workshops and walk in the footsteps of kings!"

Kuthodaw Pagoda, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Mandalay, houses 792 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist scriptures. Each slab represents a page, totaling 729 pages, making it the world's largest book. It was commissioned by King Mindon to preserve and pass on Buddhist teachings, ensuring they wouldn't be forgotten under British colonial rule. Located at the foot of Mandalay Hill, the pagoda's teakwood southern entrance is adorned with intricate carvings of flowers, scriptures, and celestial beings. The southwest side features an ancient tree believed to be 750 years old and fragrant white star flowers. The most spectacular sight is the array of 729 white marble slabs. Even if you can't read Burmese, walking among them, you can still feel the sacred and solemn atmosphere. It's highly recommended to visit, and if you're lucky, you might catch a beautiful sunset.

Mahamuni Temple, a Buddhist temple visited when traveling from Bagan to Mandalay, is located in the southwest of Mandalay city. It is a typical Burmese-style pagoda temple with a square layout. The corridors form a cross shape and converge at the center's seven-layered gilded pagoda. The corridors are supported by 252 gilded pillars, and the courtyard is shaded by green trees, giving it a geometric aesthetic. Mahamuni Temple is famous due to a legend. It is said that during the Buddha's lifetime, there were five statues made in his likeness. Two true statues are in India, two in the heavenly realm, and the remaining one is the bronze statue in Mahamuni Temple, making it a sacred site in Burmese Buddhism. However, the statue is now fully covered in gold leaf. The temple has a unique custom. Every day around 4 a.m., devotees help brush the statue's teeth and wash its face, and this ritual must be presided over by a high monk. The ceremony is elaborate and solemn, not just a casual wash, making it quite special.

When my boyfriend and I came to Kuthodaw Paya in Mandalay, Myanmar, what impressed us most was not the magnificence of the pagoda, but the little girl wearing brightly printed clothes. She followed me quietly, with a head full of flowers, as if she was part of this historical monument. When I looked back at her, she stared at me shyly without saying a word. There was a little shyness in her eyes This little girl shuttled around the pagoda with our other tourists, always seeming to be working silently to earn a living. Seeing her taking on such a heavy responsibility at such a young age, I couldn't help but feel a little distressed. We took a few photos of her and showed them to her. Seeing her smile shyly, I felt an inexplicable warmth and touch. This experience gave me a deep sense of the simple life and hard work of the local people. 📍 Address: Kuthodaw Paya, Mandalay #MANDALAY #Kududtao Pagoda #Myanmar Travel #Local Culture #Little Girl Story #Travel Memories #ChristmasGreatPlaces2024

Shwenandaw Buddhist Temple, also known as Shwenandaw Monastery in Mandalay, is a temple made entirely of ancient teak wood. It is incredibly beautiful and valuable. This temple was once part of the Mandalay Palace before being moved to its current location, which has preserved its exquisite and delicate Burmese-style wood carvings. ⏰: Open daily from 07:30 to 17:00 📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/45ax4ukf1bvdocg29?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy

Among the major cities in Myanmar, Bagan left the deepest impression. In February, the daytime temperature was over 40°C, so be sure to apply sunscreen. It's very convenient to buy a SIM card from Taobao before you go. Few people, beautiful scenery, highly recommended. On the 25 square kilometer plain of Bagan, there are more than 2000 pagodas. The large pagodas are well-known, while the small ones are only numbered. You can choose to ride a horse cart, an electric bike, or walk among the pagodas. The scale of pagoda construction during the Bagan Dynasty is considered the pinnacle in Myanmar's history of pagoda building. They are everywhere you look, in clusters and groups. Riding an electric bike every day on the dirt roads to explore various pagodas is endlessly fun and unforgettable. In the early morning, hot air balloons slowly rise from the misty trees, and the centuries-old pagodas stand solemn and serene. The hot air balloon sunrise here has a much stronger sense of history. Even more beautiful are the sunrises and sunsets on the plain. Sneaking up a thousand-year-old pagoda at dawn to watch the sunrise and hot air balloons rise simultaneously is a unique experience. Transportation: Fly from domestic cities to Yangon or Mandalay in Myanmar, then take a bus to Bagan. Sightseeing: The Bagan plain is divided into three areas: New Bagan, Old Bagan, and Nyaung-U. If you have a short travel time, it is recommended to mainly visit Old Bagan, where most of the major pagodas are located. If you have more time, you can also visit Nyaung-U and New Bagan. Travel Route: The main travel cities in Myanmar include Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, and Inle Lake. If you visit all four, it's best to reserve about 10 days. Travel Season: The best time to travel in Myanmar is during the cool season from October to February each year. The sky is clear, and the sunlight is abundant. This season is also the best time for photography in Bagan and U Bein Bridge.

#timetotravel MANDALAY palace Moat and Wall The whole palace complex was destroyed by fire during the Second World War. The palace walls, the four gates and the moat still stand today as evidence of the majestic palace city. The walkway around the moat has been significantly improved in recent years (work on the northern stretch was still ongoing during our visit). It's now a popular place for a nighttime stroll, especially for families, young couples and people – men mostly – working out on the exercise equipment.

Getting There - 10mins drive from Mandalay city center Attractions - Pagoda, park, museum Entry fee - 5000 Myanmar kyats or 3usd per person Mahamyatmuni pagoda is one of the most famous pagoda not only in Mandalay but also in Myanmar. Painting, photo museums are located within the compound of pagoda. Many present stalls are alining each side of paths toward pagoda. #mandalay #mahamunitemple #myanmar

Mandalay palace, the last kingdom of Myanmar. The palace is surrounded by a moat. The king, queen, princess and their servants’s rooms can be visited within the compound. #mandalaypalace #myanmar #mandalay

Touring to Buddish university which is located in Sagaing State. It’s a quiet place and noise cannot be allowed. You can also learning the Buddish strategies of walking, eating, meditation at that temple. #myanmar #sagaing #temple

Bawditathaung pagoda is located in Monywar, capital city of Sagaing State, Myanmar. We can climb inside the pagoda on foot or with a lift. Inside the body of Buddha status, there are many paintings showing the history of Buddha. it’s worth for visiting. #myanmar #monywar

must on go list if you’re traveling to middle part of Myanmar. Can be reach out about 4 hours drive from Mandalay. This is located in Monwya city, nearest devision Sagaing next to Mandalay. #myanmar #pagoda #monwya

This is a Kuthodaw Pagoda which located in Mandalay city, Mandalay. it’s famous for it’s the world’s largest book inside of each temple. #kuthodawpagoda #myanmar #mandalay

Here is a Mahamyatmuni Pagoda, located at city center of Mandalay. It’s beauty has been fabulous not only in daylight, but also in night time. #mahamunitemple #mandalay #myanmar

One of a popular sightseeing sport in Mandalay. A sunset view is worth to spend a time. climbing on foot is better than climbing by a car to the top. You can enjoy every stage of view while you’re climbing up on foot. #mandalyhill #myanmar

Ava is easily accessible from Mandalay, but the Mying River is between Mandalay and Ava, and the bridge to cross is far, making the road to Ava a long detour. Therefore, tourists usually park their vehicles at the pier on the opposite side of Ava and then take a boat across to Ava.

A lake doesn’t far from a Mandalay City. It would take about 2hrs drive from a city center. March to June is a season if you would like to enjoy blooming of lotus completely full of the lake. #mandalay #lotuslake #boattour

Full of culture in Myanmar. Many charming attractions around city. Very easy transportation by Grab. Nice food good price.

U Bein Bridge has become one of Myanmar’s iconic landmarks, the bridge was constructed in the 1850s by a mayor, built out of 1, 086 posts, total length 1,200 meters acrosses the Lake Taunghthaman in Amarapura, and is believed to be the oldest & longest teakwood bridge in the world, the surface planks are from the old royal palace of Inwa. I went there on January, because the weather is more cooler. The best time to see the most beauty of U Bein Bridge is in the sunset time, the slanting rays of the setting sun gave a warm orange tinge to the sky, gorgeous & peaceful, certainly becomes the most hunted photographed site for tourists and even locals.😉😎 #tripblazers#MyTripVlog#passionpassport#nationalpark

Beautiful emotional view in Mandalay, Myanmar ❤️❤️❤️Mandalay Palace in Myanmar is really amazing ❤️❤️❤️ Lovely to explore around the palace and culture ❤️❤️❤️ Many ancient statue and places are all over the town. ❤️❤️❤️ It was the wonderful moment ❤️❤️❤️

Beautiful emotional view in Mandalay, Myanmar ❤️❤️❤️Mandalay Palace in Myanmar is really amazing ❤️❤️❤️ Lovely to explore around the palace and culture ❤️❤️❤️ Many ancient statue and places are all over the town. ❤️❤️❤️ It was the wonderful moment ❤️❤️❤️

Sagaing region is a must visit place specially if you are in Mandalay, it is totally recommended to spend a day at least visiting its spectacular pagodas, temples and some hidden gems! . . . #passionpassport #mandalay #sagaing #myanmar #tripaway #tripmoments #summervacation

📍Mingun Pahtodawgyi or Mingun Pagoda The Pahtodawgyi Pagoda is located in Mingun, a tiny town not far away from Mandalay. This massive Pagoda is incredible but unfortunately it’s unfinished. It was meant to be the biggest Pagoda in Myanmar. Despite of this, it’s totally recommended to visit the ruins. . . . #passionpassport #myanmar #mandalay #culturalattractions #pagoda #historicculture #historicallandmarks #exploring #tripaway

U Bein Bridge is a must see attraction in Mandalay. It is one of the best places to contemplate the sunrise and sunset. Apart from being a tourist attraction, this bridge is also a road for locals. . . . #passionpassport #mandalay #myanmar #bridge #culturalattractions #historicculture #historicallandmarks #exploresgtogether #tripaway

Mandalay Hill is a must see in the city specially during the sunrise or sunset. The spot gives you an amazing panoramic view of Mandalay city. The hill has Buddhist temples and pagodas with beautiful golden details. . . . #passionpassport #myanmar #mandalay #temple #sunset #culturalattractions #historicculture #couplestrip

📍Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery This place is a huge ancient Monastery located close to Mandalay, specifically in Inwa. It is a must visit spot to explore if you are around the area. It is worth visiting! . . . #passionpassport #myanmar #summervacation #couplestrip #tripaway #trip #exploresgtogether

The Hsinbyume Pagoda was one of the most beautiful pagodas of our trip to Mandalay. It is difficult to have a favorite pagoda in the Burmese country since it has infinite of them and they all have got something special...🇲🇲 #passionpassport #pagoda #tripaway #myanmar #couplestrip #summervacation

Getting There - with car approximately 15 minutes from town Attractions - Mandalay hill side resort Hotels - they also rent villa but still under construction. people already living there. Food & Restaurants - not much. but u can easily get to nearby food shops in Pathein Gyi Shopping -

#Sunset Spot The best place to see the sunset in Mandalay, Myanmar's second largest city, is Mandalay Hill! Mandalay Hill is a temple built on top of a mountain, and when you look from the temple, you can see the entire city of Mandalay at a glance, making it a famous sunset spot favored by locals and tourists alike! You can take a taxi to Mandalay Hill, and if you rent a motorbike, try going up on a motorbike :) #Mandalay Hill #Myanmar #Myanmar Travel #Mandalay