Best Things To Do in Mandalay, Myanmar

Are you looking for what to do in Mandalay?

Mandalay is a splendid city when it comes to seeing attractions of historic nature. However, equally worth admiring are its modern attraction that set an extra zing to the city when you visit it. You will find a lot of Buddhist pagodas here. One of the most pivotal attraction after which infact the city has been named is the Mandalay Hill that stands tall and inviting in face of the city. Other important attractions include Shwenandaw Monastery, Mandalay Palace, Pont U-Bein – Amarapura, MahaGandaryon Monastery, Sandamuni Pagoda, Kyauktawgyi Temple, Shwe In Bin Monastery, and AtumashiKyaung. When you visit Mandalay, do make it a point to visit Amarapura township. Over two centuries old, the world’s longest teak bridge spans Taungthaman Lake in Mandalay’s Amarapura township. The Maha muni pagoda is infact one of the most revered religious sites in Mandalay. It is known for its enormous, gold Buddha statue. Walking down the lanes of this city, do not forget to make a visit to Mahar Aung Myay jade and gem market for some antique shopping. Last but not the least, make a visit to MinthaTheater to experience the spectacular display of Myanmar’s traditional music, dance, and costume through stage performance. 

Below we have a list of things to do in Mandalay and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Mandalay getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Mandalay with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Mandalay

Here is the list of things to do in Mandalay and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Mandalay Hill

    4.3 (486 Votes)
    Mandalay Hill

    View Point, Hill

    Being the source of the city’s name, the Mandalay Hill is where the famous Sutaungpyei Pagoda is located. The pagoda is known to fulfill any wishes of visitors. The beauty of the hill is in the beautiful attractions located around the hill while a walk to the summit itself is perfect for a small hike. Treat yourself to the gorgeous sunset view from here. Other highlights include: Sandamu...Read more
  2. Shwenandaw Monastery

    Architecture , Monastery

    The Shwenandaw Monastery is loved for its intricate art work, traditional architecture and exuberant décor that covers ever inch of the structure. The Monastery was built in the late 19th century under the order of King Thibaw Min who removed the old building, believing it to be haunted by the spirit of his father. Today, the rich teak wood work that is seen all around the building, sets...Read more
  3. Kuthodaw Pagoda & The World's Largest Book

    Historical Site, Architecture

    The Kuthodaw Pagoda accommodates the largest book in the world. There are more than 700 stone inscriptions kept in individual caves located here that have excerpts from Tipitaka and the entire Pali Canon of Theravada Buddhism carved onto them. The pagoda dates back to the 1860’s and is loved for its beautiful architecture and spiritual ambience. Other highlightsinclude: The bell at Kutho...Read more
  4. Mahamuni Pagoda

    Religious Site, Temple

    Legend says that when Buddha came to Dhanyawadi city in 554 BC, an image of him was made to worship after the King of Arakan was moved by his teachings. The life-like image was made from gold donated by the King and was blessed by the Buddha himself who stated that the image would last for 5000 years. The statue itself is 3.83m and the sheer size of it, grabs your attention straight away. See t...Read more
  5. Mandalay Palace

    Historical Site, Palace

    Dating back to the mid 19th century, Mandalay Palace is the last palace built by Burmese Royals. The place was looted in late 19th century and was converted to form a fort for the British army, hence giving it its second name of ‘Mandalay Fort’. Inside the palace you can see the original artifacts and a number of reproductions of royal thrones. Other highlights include: A Watch Tow...Read more
  6. Pa Hto Taw Gyi

    Temple, Architecture

    The Mingun Temple is an incomplete pagoda but was meant to be the largest pagoda in Myanmar. The temple dates back to the 18th century and even though the earthquake in 1839 left the structure with major cracks, the place is still a functional temple and has a statue of Buddha kept here. The temple was built by using thousands of prisoners. The construction was stopped when a Prophecy was made ...Read more
  7. Bagaya Kyaung

    4.4 (81 Votes)
    Bagaya Kyaung

    Monastery

    The Bargaya Monastery is dedicated to Shin Dhammabhinanda and is one of the most popular attractions not just in Mandalay but in the whole country.  The monastery dates back to the late 16th century and is completely made in Teak wood (believed to use 267 gigantic teak wood posts!). The monastery accommodates a seven-tiered spire that has the Dhanu hall and the Bhawga hall. The beautiful B...Read more
  8. Maha Aungmye Bonzan

    Monastery

    The Maha Aung Mye Bon Zan Monastery dates back to the Konbaung dynasty and is popular for its traditional Burmese architecture.  The stucco pieces that adorn the building, gorgeous wood carvings and classic Burmese décor pieces including mythological lions and Chinthe that welcome you and the beautiful old world ochre color of the monastery- all add to the charm of the place. Do tak...Read more
  9. Sandamuni Pagoda

    4.5 (240 Votes)
    Sandamuni Pagoda

    Temple, Architecture

    To see architecture and spirituality merge seamlessly visit the Sandamuni Pagoda- a gorgeous place filled with innumerable white stupas (1774 shrines to be exact) with golden tops. The many small stupas accommodate marble slabs while the highlight of the place – the large golden zedi, is where you can see the largest iron Buddha image in Burma. The image was cast in the early 19th century...Read more
  10. Mandalay Marionette

    4.6 (275 Votes)
    Mandalay Marionette

    Performance, Theatre

    Mandalay Marionettes Theater Embraces the culture of Myanmar and celebrates it by keeping the art of Puppetry alive and breathing even today. Puppetry has been a part of Myanmar since the 11th century and to see a live performance here with beautiful hand–made wooden puppets, is simply, a one of a kind experience. The music is performed by a live orchestra consisting of traditional Burmes...Read more
  11. Nan Myint Tower

    Watch Tower

    One of the most understated attractions in Mandalay, the Leaning Tower of Inwa or the ‘Nan Myint’ is easily ignorable. But what truly takes the crown is the fantastic view from the watchtower. Like most of other buildings around Mandalay, the tower was damaged during the earthquake but was restored successfully. The tower is the only remaining structure of King Bagyidaw’s pala...Read more
  12. Jade Market

    Market

    Myanmar is one of the top places to buy authentic Jade and the Jade Market is where you can buy freshly cut pieces. From beautiful jade bangles to Buddha statues, cabochon rocks and beautiful uncut varieties, the sheer shades of jade available here, will take your breath away. Don’t forget to stop by at one of the local cafes in the market for a small bite to start your jade shopping spre...Read more
  13. King Galon Gold Leaf Workshop

    Statue

    Nothing says more about Myanmar than the beautiful Buddha statues covered in gold and if you are looking for beautiful gold leafs to leave on the Buddha statues around the city or simply to carry a few as gifts for friends back home, a visit to the King Galon Gold Leaf Workshop is just what you need. If you are on a tight budget, visit the place to see the gold pounding processes with a guided ...Read more
  14. Atumashi Monastery

    Religious Site, Monastery

    Reconstructed after the fire in 1890, the Atumashi monastery replaces the original elaborate monastery made completely from Teak. Today, the stunning white building with gold embellishments oozes its charm even from afar. The original building was even more elaborate with a huge statue of Buddha that accommodated a large diamond. Today, even though more minimal, the place still remains to be a ...Read more
  15. Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda

    4.4 (157 Votes)
    Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda

    Statue

    Popular for the huge 37 feet tall Buddha statue made from a single piece of white Marble, the Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda’s rich gold architecture is sure to leave you spellbound. The sheer ethereal design of the place that dips in Burmese culture and art, is mesmerizing to experience. Don’t forget to see the details of the place including the characters of Hindu and Buddhist Mythology and...Read more