Mandalay is a city and former royal capital in northern Myanmar, located along the Irrawaddy River. In the center, you’ll find the restored Mandalay Palace from the Konbaung Dynasty, surrounded by a moat. Mandalay Hill offers panoramic views of the city, which can be reached by a covered stairway. At the base of the hill, the Kuthodaw Pagoda holds hundreds of marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist scriptures. The Shwenandaw Monastery, also at the foot of Mandalay Hill, is famous for its teak carvings. To the southwest, the Mahamuni Temple is home to a revered gold-leaf Buddha statue. On the southern edge of Mandalay, the township of Amarapura is known for the 1850 U Bein Bridge, made of teakwood, stretching across Taungthaman Lake. The nearby town of Inwa, also to the south, is surrounded by ruins and stupas. Across the Irrawaddy River, the Sagaing Hills are dotted with pagodas and offer scenic views of the valley.
places to visit in Mandalay
Mandalay Hill
Mandalay Hill is a 240-meter-high hill located northeast of Mandalay’s city center. The city is named after this hill. It is famous for its numerous pagodas and monasteries and has been a significant pilgrimage site for Burmese Buddhists for almost two centuries.
Mandalay Palace
Mandalay Palace is the former royal residence of the last Burmese monarchy, built between 1857 and 1859. It was constructed as part of King Mindon’s plan to establish Mandalay as the new capital of Burma. The palace is a symbol of the monarchy’s power and architectural style.
Kuthodaw Pagoda
Kuthodaw Pagoda, located at the foot of Mandalay Hill, is known for housing the world’s largest book. The pagoda was built during the reign of King Mindon and features many marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist scriptures.
Bagaya Monastery
Bagaya Monastery is an ancient Buddhist monastery made entirely from teak wood. Located in Mandalay, it is known for its detailed carvings and reliefs, showcasing traditional Burmese craftsmanship.
Sandamuni Pagoda
Sandamuni Pagoda is a large Buddhist structure, featuring a grand gilded pagoda and a massive Buddha statue. It is surrounded by smaller pagodas, each containing images of the Buddha, making it a significant religious site.
Best time to visit Mandalay
Mandalay is in a dry area, so it can be visited both in the summer and winter. When planning a trip to Mandalay, it’s helpful to decide which season you’d prefer. Since it’s a dry zone, it doesn’t get much rain, and the weather can become quite hot.
