Obtaining its name from the infamous Mandalay Hill, the former royal capital of Myanmar, Mandalay, is as picturesque in beauty as it is large in size, existing as the second biggest city in the country. Mandalay is centered around its royal palace and is oftentimes considered the economic and religious hub of the upper part of Myanmar. The city is known for its cultural diversity, with immigrants from China and India, as well as indigenous people, residing within Mandalay.
Mandalay is also home to a mass amount of stunning royal architecture. With the multitude of breathtaking palaces and buildings previously made use of by ex-Burmese Kings, the city of Mandalay truly has an authentic ‘royal’ feel to it. This royal feel is famously what separates Mandalay from other cities in Myanmar and makes it such a unique place to visit. There is so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming! But never fear, this author has whittled it down for you, so you don’t have to. So here it is…the top eleven things to do in the wonderful city of Mandalay! Get ready to hear about a whole lot of temples!
Mandalay Hill
Located northeast of the city of Mandalay, Mandalay Hill reigns two-hundred and forty metres high and, as abovementioned, is the tourist attraction upon which the city is named. At its foot lie seven hundred and thirty pagodas, temples, and monasteries, making it an excellent location to explore some beautiful Burmese architecture. Further, Mandalay Hill also exists as a prime location for pilgrimage for Burmese Buddhists and has been done for nearly two centuries.
Mandalay Hill is an awe-inspiring, spiritual location that needs to be experienced during your visit to Mandalay! Why not stop and have a chat with one of the many monks roaming the area? They just love to practice their English with visiting tourists! If you’re wanting a truly immersive experience, make sure to have a look at the available Mandalay Hill tours, wherein you can tour through the beautiful buildings and further learn about the history of the location?
Location: Mandalay Hill, Mandalay, Myanmar (Burma)
The Mahamuni Pagoda
The Mahamuni Pagoda is one of the most notable and important temples in Mandalay. Mahamuni Pagoda is a Buddhist temple and major pilgrimage site! In fact, the temple is oftentimes described as the most important pilgrimage site in the city, making this a very popular and symbolic location. The temple itself is truly breathtaking and an incredible example of Burmese architecture.
There are little words that this author can use to truly communicate how beautiful this location is! You simply must see it for yourself! Many Mandalay Hill tours will visit this location, but it is definitely worth making a separate trip so you can spend as much time as you feel necessary to admire this incredible piece of architecture!
Location: Pedestrian Path, Mandalay, Myanmar (Burma)
The Shwenandaw Monastery
Formerly known as the Golden Palace Monastery, the Schwendaw Monastery is Mandalay’s most significant historical building! This is due to the fact that a large amount of the building consists of the former wooden royal palace, built by King Mindon in the mid-nineteenth century.
The architecture is described as ‘skillfully crafted’ and is a fantastic example of complex wood carving art. The building is truly unique and interesting to behold! As with the abovementioned Mahamuni Pagoda, the Schwendaw Monastery will be incorporated in many Mandalay tours but is definitely worth its own individual visit.
Location: 2427+7F4, Mandalay, Myanmar (Burma)
The Mandalay Palace
Constructed between 1857 and 1859, the Mandalay Palace is the last royal palace of the final Burmese monarchy. The Palace is oftentimes described as a ‘magnificent, multilayered pyramid’, renowned for its wooden architecture and mesmerizing structure. Unfortunately, much of the original Palace was destroyed during the second world war and further rebuilt in the 1990s.
There is a multitude of museum rooms in the back wherein you can learn all about the history of the building in which you stand. Why not climb up the Palace watchtower for access to some wonderful views of the city of Mandalay? The Mandalay Palace is one of the most authentic attractions in the city and is well worth a stop.
Location: Mandalay Palace, Mandalay, Myanmar (Burma)
The Kuthodaw Pagoda or ‘The World’s Largest Book’
Complete with seven-hundred and twenty-nine inscribed marble slabs, the Kuthodaw Pagoda has been nicknamed ‘The World’s Largest Book’ throughout the world. Each of the slabs represents a page of this large book. The marble slabs detail Buddhist teachings and stories, making for a very unique and interactive piece of architecture. The building itself was established by King Mindon Min around the same time that the abovementioned Mandalay Palace was built.
It took a total of eight years to complete, and in itself boasts much architectural beauty, complete with decorated arches and ornamental spires. Visting the Kuhtodaw Pagoda is an incredibly fun experience, as you tour through the story slabs and immerse yourself in the Buddhist scriptures and teachings.
A final slab at the end of the tour of marble slabs details the creation of ‘The World’s Largest Book’ and informs visitors of how the building came about. The Kuthodaw Pagoda is one of the most unique experiences in Mandalay and is very popular amongst tourists.
Location: 2437+V5W, Mandalay, Myanmar (Burma)
The Mandalay Marionettes Theatre
The Mandalay Marionettes Theatre is known for keeping the culture of Myanmar alive through its continued use of puppetry. The venue keeps the art alive! Complete with music performed by a live orchestra, consisting of almost all traditional Burmese instruments. Puppetry has been a main character in Myanmar’s story since the eleventh century, and the country is proud of this tradition. A visit to the Mandalay Marionettes Theatre will see you experience the beauty of the handmade, ornate puppets, used to communicate powerful stories and entertain the masses.
Puppetry is not a stereotypical form of entertainment nowadays and is oftentimes described as a lost art. A trip to the Mandalay Marionettes Theatre is a unique experience that will not find elsewhere, so make sure to take the opportunity during your trip to Mandalay!
Location: 10th St, Between 66th & 67th St, North Gate of Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda. At the foot of, Mandalay Hill St, Mandalay, Myanmar (Burma)
The Bagaya Monastery
Established in 1834 by King Bagyidaw, the Bagaya Monastery is a beautiful, ancient religious building standing proudly in the city of Mandalay. The monastery possesses a very unique history, along with an array of fascinating wooden fixtures. A visit to the Bagaya Monastery truly feels like stepping back in time and monetarily living in the past, back to the days when this monastery would have been actively used and in pristine condition.
Though a little rough around the edges, the incredible beauty of this structure cannot be underestimated and is one you simply must see for yourself! To get the full experience and learn about the interesting history of the Bagaya Monastery, make sure to check out the available tours before your visit.
Location: W395+JFG, Amarapura, Myanmar (Burma)
The Maha Myat Muni Pagoda-Mahamuni Buddha Temple
One of the main events! This attraction is oftentimes considered one of the most prominent reasons for visiting the city of Mandalay as a whole. Impressively coated in gold, this temple is one of the most beautiful available to visit. As well as a stunning exterior, the inside of the temple is truly wonderful.
Tour through the mass amount of gold relics, admire the Buddhist sculptures, or even simply adventure through the many gift shops to remember you’re exciting experience. However, make sure to note, this temple is perhaps the most popular in all of Mandalay to visit. So, arrive early or book on to a temple tour to secure your chance to visit!
Location: V3C7+J5W, Mahamuni, Myanmar (Burma)
Jade Market
One of the most unique and insightful experiences offered by Mandalay! See raw materials as well as finished goods at the Jade Market. Tour through stall upon stall, finding out how people create, buy, and sell products with Jade. Locals roam the market streets, carrying Jade bracelets and rock samples for you to admire. The market itself is bustling, vibrant, and exciting.
Even if you aren’t interested in Jade selling, or if you don’t really want to purchase any keepsakes, the market atmosphere is wonderful and lovely to leisurely walk around. But, if you are interested in the selling and trading of Jade, then why not pay a small fee to gain access to the inner market and interact with full-time Jade traders!
Location: 87th St, Mandalay, Myanmar (Burma)
The Sanda Muni Paya
Another beautiful temple! The Sanda Muni Paya pagoda is colored entirely gold and is hundreds of wonderful shrines. The surrounding pagodas are bright white, making this temple stand out amongst the rest. This temple is very often overlooked, meaning the crowds are not usually too heavy. This makes this temple a great one to leisurely stroll around. The Sanda Muni Paya is a true, underestimated beauty and should definitely form a part of your Mandalay itinerary!
Location: Mandalay Hill St, Mandalay, Myanmar (Burma)
The Jade Pagoda Mandalay
Covered in over ten thousand long tons of Jade and towering over seventy-five feet, the Jade Pagoda of Mandalay is truly a sight to behold! Unlike many of the ancient pagodas described above, this pagoda was constructed between 2012 and 2015 using over eleven thousand tons of stone and is considered a very modern construction.
The pagoda is beautiful and you could spend hours admiring it! However, it is important to note that this pagoda is a little outside of the main city area and therefore it is best to visit either on your way to or way back from Mandalay airport. Also remember, this is a functioning religious place! So, dress modestly and be respectful whilst exploring this stunning landmark!
Location: V24C+W4V, Myitnge, Myanmar (Burma)
