To get around Mandalay and most of its attractions, you will have to get a motorbike taxi/ taxi taking you from one place to the next. You also have an option to rent a motorcycle which you can use to drive around. Motorcycles range from 10,000-12,000 kyat/day ($8) and is by far the best way to see this place.


Visit Mandalay Hill

Mandalay Hill is a must-do, this 240-meter high hill gives you an incredible view of the whole area. Getting up there is easier than you would expect, they build an elevator and escalator on the foot of the highest of the temple. Note to cover yourself and take off your shoes. The entrance fee to Mandalay Hill is K1000. ($0.75)

Don’t be surprised when Burmese people ask you to take a photo with you. They just want to show this to their relatives.

Mandalay Hill


Sandamuni Pagoda

While you’re in Mandalay Hill, the Sandamuni Pagoda is located nearby. Here, you can see the largest iron Buddha, made up of over 41,000 pounds of iron. Best known for its large golden zedi along with hundreds of shrines containing inscribed marble slabs. The entire area has 1774 shrines, each housing a single marble slab which are inscribed with the teachings of the Buddha.


Visit Mahamuni Paya

Mahamuni Paya is known for its seated Buddha statue which measures 13 feet tall.
As you would expect, this is also a famous place of pilgrimage in Mandalay and the Buddha is said to date back some 2,000 years.

When male devotees come here they are supped to apply gold leaf to the statue, and you can see the layers which are gently peeling off, and this also means that there is now a layer of gold leaf that is said to be 6 inches thick in places.

If you make it here at 4 o’clock in the morning then you can watch the face of the Buddha statue being polished.


Mingun Pagoda

One place we wished we would have had more time to see is Mingun Pagoda. This is located across the Irrawaddy river, which is about a 90-minute drive out of town.

The almost square-shaped pagoda is one of a kind. It can be a bit crowded at the entrance but if you walk around it you will be the only one there. Book a Myanmar Temples tour

When you’re here, have lunch at the relaxed, river located ‘The Garden Cafe’.


Hsinbyume Pagoda

Near to the Mingun Pagoda is the beautiful white Hsinbyume Pagoda. You can walk up the stairs and explore every level of the pagoda. The Pagoda is not big shouldn’t be missed while visiting Mandalay. This is one of the reasons why you must visit Myanmar.



U-Bein Bridge

One of the main attractions of Mandalay is the U-Bein Bridge. The 1200 meter long wooden footbridge is known as the longest in the world. When visiting in February there was almost no water under the bridge so doing a boat tour is definitely not recommended.

From Mandalay, it is a small 20-min drive to U-Bein Bridge. Arrive two hours before sunset, see how the locals are relaxing here.



Show at Mintha Theater

If you want to see a show in Mandalay then a great choice is the Mintha Theater.
Here you will find dancers wearing elaborate traditional costumes who perform up to 10 different regional dances for spectators.

These usually tell the story of traditional folk tales and legends and this is one of the best ways to learn more about the local culture in Myanmar.


Shop at the Jade Market

The best place to come in Mandalay if you want an authentic shopping experience is the Jade Market.

Here you will find the air thick with smoke from cheroots and, as the name suggest, this is one of the best places in Mandalay to pick up some jade pieces.


Note that sometimes you will be asked to pay $1 for entry but it is more than worth it as, even if you don’t want to buy anything, you can watch the artisans at work as they grind, clean and polish the intricate pieces of elegant jade.