Mandalay — the main economic centre of Upper Myanmar and former royal capital of the last Burmese monarchy built around the Mandalay Royal Palace in the middle of XIX century.
Mandalay Attractions
Royal Palace Mandalay
Royal Palace Mandalay is the last Burmese royal palace located in Mandalay. The palace was built by the order of King Mindon who founded the new royal capital of Mandalay. Royal Palace Mandalay is a large complex of buildings surrounded by walls and a 60 meter wide moat.
Mandalay Hill
Mandalay Hill is a 240 meters high hill near the city center of Mandalay. The hill gave its name to the city. The highlights of Mandalay Hill are its Buddhist pagodas and monasteries and a wonderful panoramic view of Mandalay that can be enjoyed from the top of Mandalay Hill.
Kuthodaw Pagoda
Kuthodaw Pagoda is a Buddhist stupa in Mandalay, located at the foot of Mandalay Hill. Kuthodaw Pagoda is famous for being home to the world's largest book - 729 marble slabs inscribed with a page of text from canon of Buddhism on both sides of them. The main golden stupa of the temple complex is modeled after Shwezigon Pagoda near Bagan.
Kyauktawgyi Pagoda
Kyauktawgyi Pagoda is a famous Buddhist temple in Mandalay. The temple is also known as the temple of the Great Marble Image as it houses the Kyauktawgyi Buddha - a huge image of the Buddha sculpted from a single block of pale green marble.
Sandamuni Pagoda
Sandamuni Pagoda is a Buddhist temple in Mandalay. Sandamuni Pagoda is known for its large golden stupa, 1774 shrines housing marble slabs inscribed with texts of Buddha teaching and the largest iron Buddha image in Myanmar.
Ein Daw Yar Pagoda
Ein Daw Yar Pagoda is a 35 meters high golden pagoda in Mandalay. The pagoda was built in the middle of 19th century on the site of former royal summer house. Ein Daw Yar Pagoda is much quieter than other famous temples of Mandalay as less tourists visit it.
Atumashi Monastery
Atumashi Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located in Mandalay. The monastery was built by King Mindon after the capital was moved to Mandalay. Atumashi Monastery originally was built using teak but after being destroyed by the fire it was reconstructed using different materials.
Shwenandaw Kyaung
Shwenandaw Kyaung also known as Golden Palace Monastery is a historic Buddhist monastery in Mandalay. The monastery is built in the traditional Burmese architectural style exclusively from teak wood and is well known for its teak carvings. Shwenandaw Kyaung is the only original building remaining from Mandalay’s Royal Palace.
U Bein Bridge
U Bein Bridge is a 1.2 kilometer long traditional style bridge crossing the Taungthaman Lake near Mandalay. U Bein Bridge is the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world and one of Myanmar’s most iconic sights, especially picturesque at the sunset.
Zay Cho Market
Zay Cho Market is the main market place in Mandalay. At Zay Cho Market you can find various goods being sold, clothing, silverware, lacquer-ware, jewelry, gems, etc.
Mandalay Transportation
Flights to Mandalay
Mandalay International Airport (MDL) receives direct flights from the capital of Thailand. Direct flights from Bangkok to Mandalay are offered by Bangkok Airways and low cost carrier AirAsia. Flight deals for this route can be found here:
Flights from Bangkok to Mandalay
Domestic Travel
The most popular bus routes for traveling to/from Mandalay are:
Bus from Mandalay to Inle Lake
For more transportation options for a trip to/from Mandalay, use this search form.