Top 25 Essential Attractions in Mandalay, Myanmar

Mandalay offers a rich tapestry of history and culture, recognized as the ancient royal capital of Myanmar. Formerly inhabited by Burmese monarchs, this city exudes a regal atmosphere distinct from regions like Yangon. Mandalay’s vibrant community, influenced by Chinese and Indian immigrants alongside local ethnicities, showcases an array of culinary experiences, inviting visitors to savor its diverse gastronomy.

Guests often find that their time in Mandalay can be delightfully spent savoring local delicacies while also appreciating the city’s grand historical landmarks and some of the most iconic structures in Myanmar.

Here are the 25 best activities to experience in Mandalay:

1. Visit Shwe In Bin Kyaung

Shwe In Bin Kyaung stands out among Mandalay’s monasteries due to its unique construction. Unlike other elaborately adorned monasteries, it is crafted from intricately carved teak, making it one of the most aesthetically pleasing structures in the city. Established in 1895 by renowned Chinese jade merchants, this monastery’s main building rests on large tree trunk pillars. Visitors are encouraged to admire its captivating interior balustrades and the roof cornices adorned with detailed engravings.

2. Explore Mandalay Palace

Mandalay Palace is a reconstructed edifice built in the 1990s, comprising a series of 40 wooden structures designed to emulate the original royal palace from the 1850s, which unfortunately succumbed to fire. A notable highlight of the palace is the wooden watchtower, which provides magnificent panoramic views of Mandalay. Additionally, visitors can explore the ornate throne room that features a gilt pyramid, along with other historical artifacts such as the king’s four-poster bed.

3. Climb up Yankin Hill

Yankin Hill offers breathtaking views over the city, topped with a picturesque temple. The hike to the summit, which takes approximately 10 minutes, rewards visitors with sweeping vistas of Mandalay’s famed rice fields stretching towards the Shan province foothills. Along the way, one might encounter resident deer, as feeding them is believed to bring good karma. The area contains several walkways between the temple pagodas, showcasing remarkable fish statues adorned with gold leaf.

4. Watch a Show at the Mandalay Marionettes

For an authentic cultural experience in Mandalay, a visit to the Mandalay Marionettes offers an intimate theater setting featuring colorful marionette performances that narrate traditional Burmese legends. Renowned puppeteers, with years of dedication, guide visitors through the backstage processes of puppet manipulation. Additionally, quirky puppet replicas are available for purchase as unique mementos.

5. Visit Mahamuni Paya

Mahamuni Paya is famed for its impressive seated Buddha statue, towering at 13 feet. This revered pilgrimage site boasts a history of approximately 2,000 years. Male devotees honor the statue by applying layers of gold leaf, resulting in accumulations that can reach up to 6 inches thick in certain areas. To witness the ceremonial polishing of the Buddha’s face, visitors are encouraged to arrive early, specifically at 4 AM.

6. Watch a Show at Mintha Theater

To experience local performance art, Mintha Theater provides an excellent opportunity to witness traditional dancers in intricate costumes. Showcasing up to ten regional dances, the performances encapsulate the essence of folk tales and historical legends, serving as an engaging medium to learn more about Myanmar’s rich cultural heritage.

7. Visit Ta Moke Shwe Gu Gyi

Ta Moke Shwe Gu Gyi is a significant temple complex recognized as one of Myanmar’s key archaeological sites, accompanied by Bagan and Mrauk-U. Although the site is not well-marked and requires about 24 miles of travel south of Mandalay, it rewards visitors with a two-story temple adorned with bricks and intricate stucco figures depicting scenes from the Buddha’s life and traditional folklore. Of particular note is the ‘encased’ Buddha, comprising three statues, each nestled within the other.

8. Shop at the Jade Market

The Jade Market in Mandalay offers an authentic shopping experience amidst an atmosphere rich with the scent of cheroot smoke. Known for its jade offerings, visitors may occasionally encounter a nominal entry fee, which is well worth it for the opportunity to observe artisans crafting, polishing, and enhancing jade pieces.

9. Explore Pinya Stupa Ruins

Pinya, once an ancient capital of Myanmar, flourished in the 1300s under King Thihthu. Visitors can discover ornate brick stupas that date back to that royal era, amidst overgrown surroundings that evoke a mystical ambiance reminiscent of Cambodia’s Angkor. Each structure houses a Buddha image, making this site a worthwhile destination for those interested in a more rustic historical excursion.

10. Visit Shwekyimyint Paya

Founded in 1167 by Prince Minshinzaw, Shwekyimyint Paya is more ancient than the town of Mandalay itself. Visitors are captivated by the central statue of a seated Buddha, beautifully embellished in gold and jewels. The pagoda also showcases a variety of images significant to Myanmar’s past rulers, allowing for exploration of delicate alcoves featuring captivating murals and additional Buddha representations.

11. Check out Kyauktawgyi Paya

Dating back to the 19th century, Kyauktawgyi Paya is renowned for its 900-ton Buddha statue, measuring 26 feet tall. Uniquely dressed in royal attire, the statue is hewn from a singular marble block. Legend states that it took a workforce of 10,000 individuals 13 days to transport the marble from a nearby canal, with the temple being inaugurated in 1865. Visitors should not overlook the outer walls embellished with mirrored tiles and small shrines in adjacent courtyards featuring alms bowls and portraits of King Mindon from 1865.

12. Walk through the Goldpounders’ District

The artisanal practice of gold leaf application, considered significant in Myanmar’s Buddhist traditions, can be observed in the Goldpounders’ District. Spanning two city blocks, this area is home to workshops where craftsmen still use traditional techniques to create sheets of gold leaf employed in sacred applications.

13. Walk around the Moat and Fortress Walls

The Moat and Fortress Walls originally encircled the Mandalay fortress or citadel, spanning approximately 4 miles and rising to a height of 26 feet. Visitors can admire the walls from the outside, accentuated by a 230-foot-wide moat. This reconstructed site reflects the architectural style of the original structure, completed in 1857. Visitors are encouraged to investigate the gate towers that rise above the walls, adorned with intricately carved wooden pyramids.

14. Discover Shwenandaw Kyaung

Shwenandaw Kyaung is a visually striking monastery recognized for its intricately carved panels that depict Jataka tales, narrating past lives of the Buddha. Originally part of the Mandalay Palace complex, this structure was repurposed into a monastery after King Thibaw’s ascension to the throne and his subsequent anxiety regarding the ghost of King Mindon, who is said to have died there. The monastery’s historical significance and stunning craftsmanship make it a must-visit site.

15. Admire the Skinny Buddha

Constructed in 2011, the Skinny Buddha stands at an impressive 75 feet, illustrating the Buddha in meditation. This contemporary depiction diverges from traditional representations, evoking an aesthetic some may liken to anime. Its modern design distinguishes it as a noteworthy attraction worth visiting.

16. Sample the Food

Mandalay is particularly renowned for its exceptional street food, which reflects a diverse range of flavors. Visitors can delight in dishes from Indian bread stalls serving roti with dipping sauce, alongside numerous Chinese restaurants offering classic dishes such as chicken with cashew nuts. The city is also dotted with local tea shops that provide traditional beverages and popular plates including tea leaf salad.

17. Visit Mya Kyauk Kyaung

Mya Kyauk Kyaung, located near Yankin Paya, is a newly constructed monastery famed for its brass stupa. Known as a site of mineral-rich alkaline water, the monastery has gained a following for the healing properties attributed to its waters, believed to alleviate conditions such as diabetes and gout. Visitors can even sample a glass of this unique mineral water during their visit.

18. Admire the Peshawar Relics

The Peshawar Relics consist of three small bone shards recognized as significant Buddhist artifacts. Discovered by the British in 1908, these relics were unearthed from a grand stupa in Peshawar, now part of modern-day Pakistan. Currently displayed in the U-Khanti Monastery, they serve as an important pilgrimage site for devout Buddhists.

19. Walk around Eindawya Paya

Eindawya Paya features a grand stupa adorned with gold leaf, built in 1847 during King Pagan Min’s reign at the location of what was his palace. The serene ambiance of the grounds invites visitors to explore while absorbing the rich history associated with this site. It is essential to remove footwear before entering, as this practice stirred controversy in 1919 during British colonial rule, leading to prison sentences for several monks.

20. Shop at Zegyo

Zegyo represents the modern aspect of Mandalay, notable for its 25-story tower, which adds to the skyline. Visitors can explore a vast array of shops offering everything from traditional textiles to fresh local produce, making it an ideal location for souvenir hunting.

21. Check out the San Dha Mukhi Statue

The San Dha Mukhi Statue is a striking representation of a legendary ogress widely recognized in Buddhist tradition, showcasing her offering to the Buddha. This captivating story of self-sacrifice reveals her reincarnation as King Mindon, thereby attracting visitors intrigued by this unusual narrative.

22. Visit the Sacred Heart Cathedral

For those seeking a break from the myriad temples, the Sacred Heart Cathedral stands as the primary Catholic church in Mandalay, built in the 19th century in colonial architectural style. The tranquil interior is adorned with high vaulted ceilings that offer visitors a chance to reflect amidst its serene atmosphere.

23. Admire Golden Rose Workshop

Renowned for producing gold leaf utilized in Buddhist practices, Mandalay’s artisans can be witnessed at work in the Golden Rose Workshop. Visitors can observe the intricate process of gold leaf beating while learning about the cultural and religious significance behind it through engaging talks available in English.

24. Climb up Mandalay Hill

Mandalay Hill, towering at 760 feet, is the perfect destination for those seeking physical activity coupled with breathtaking views. The hike to the summit entails navigating several temples and pagodas and takes about 30 minutes. The rewarding vistas encompassing the city make the effort worthwhile, especially if timed for a mesmerizing sunset.

25. Walk across U Bein Bridge

U Bein Bridge is arguably the most recognizable landmark in Myanmar, connecting Mandalay to Amarapura. Constructed from wood, it holds the title of the longest teak bridge globally, although some areas have been reinforced for safety. For those preferring not to walk across, fishing boats are available for rent, allowing for a unique vantage point beneath this historic bridge.