Mandalay is the second-largest city in Myanmar and is the last royal capital of the country. It is known for its rich culture, ancient Buddhist temples, and breathtaking landscapes. Mandalay is a city of many wonders, and it is home to some of the most stunning attractions in the country. From the iconic U Bein Bridge to the ancient temples of Sagaing Hill, there is something for everyone in Mandalay. Here are some of the top places to see in Mandalay, Myanmar.
1. U Bein Bridge: The U Bein Bridge is the world’s longest teak bridge and is one of the most iconic attractions in Mandalay. The bridge spans over 1.2 kilometers across Taungthaman Lake and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It is especially beautiful during sunset when the sky is painted orange and the lake reflects the colors of the sky.
2. Mandalay Hill: Mandalay Hill is a sacred Buddhist site and is one of the most popular attractions in the city. The hill is covered in stupas and temples and offers stunning views of the city and its surroundings. There are several staircases leading up to the top of the hill, and it takes around 30 minutes to reach the summit.
3. Kuthodaw Pagoda: The Kuthodaw Pagoda is home to the world’s largest book, which is made up of 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist scriptures. The pagoda is located at the foot of Mandalay Hill and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
4. Mahamuni Pagoda: The Mahamuni Pagoda is one of the most important religious sites in Myanmar. The pagoda houses a revered image of Buddha, which is believed to be over 2,000 years old. The pagoda is also home to several other shrines and is a popular spot for pilgrims.
5. Shwenandaw Monastery: The Shwenandaw Monastery is a 19th-century wooden monastery that was once part of the Royal Palace of Mandalay. It is one of the few remaining structures of the palace and is known for its intricately carved teak wood.
6. Mandalay Palace: The Mandalay Palace is a stunning example of traditional Burmese architecture and is one of the most popular attractions in the city. The palace is surrounded by a moat and is home to several temples, shrines, and monuments.
7. Sandamuni Pagoda: The Sandamuni Pagoda is one of the most important religious sites in Mandalay. The pagoda is home to several ancient Buddha images and is a popular spot for pilgrims.
8. Mingun Pahtodawgyi: The Mingun Pahtodawgyi is an unfinished pagoda that was built by King Bodawpaya in the late 18th century. The pagoda is located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River and is a popular spot for tourists.
9. Sagaing Hill: Sagaing Hill is a sacred Buddhist site and is one of the most popular attractions in Mandalay. The hill is covered in stupas, temples, and monasteries and offers stunning views of the city and its surroundings.
10. Shwe In Bin Monastery: The Shwe In Bin Monastery is a 19th-century monastery that is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate wood carvings. The monastery is located in the heart of Mandalay and is a popular spot for tourists.
11. Maha Myat Muni Pagoda: The Maha Myat Muni Pagoda is one of the most important religious sites in Mandalay. The pagoda houses a revered image of Buddha, which is believed to be over 2,000 years old.
12. Kyauktawgyi Pagoda: The Kyauktawgyi Pagoda is a large marble pagoda located near the Mandalay Palace. The pagoda is home to a large Buddha image and is a popular spot for tourists.
13. Shwe Kyi Myin Paya: The Shwe Kyi Myin Paya is a stunning temple complex located in the heart of Mandalay. The complex is home to several temples and shrines and is a popular spot for tourists.
14. Amarapura: Amarapura is a former royal capital of Myanmar and is home to several ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries. The city is also known for its iconic U Bein Bridge, which is the world’s longest teak bridge.
15. Mahagandayon Monastery: The Mahagandayon Monastery is a famous Buddhist monastery located in Amarapura. The monastery is home to over 1,000 monks and is a popular spot for tourists.
16. Innwa (Ava): Innwa is a former royal capital of Myanmar and is home to several ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries. The city is also known for its iconic U Bein Bridge, which is the world’s longest teak bridge.
17. Kaungmudaw Pagoda: The Kaungmudaw Pagoda is a large stupa located in Innwa. The pagoda is home to several ancient Buddha images and is a popular spot for pilgrims.
18. Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery: The Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery is a 19th-century monastery located in Innwa. The monastery is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate wood carvings.
19. Mingun Bell: The Mingun Bell is the world’s largest ringing bell and is located in Mingun. The bell is over 3 meters tall and weighs 90 tons.
20. Yadanarbon Palace: The Yadanarbon Palace is a stunning example of traditional Burmese architecture and is one of the most popular attractions in Mandalay. The palace is surrounded by a moat and is home to several temples, shrines, and monuments.
Mandalay is a city of many wonders, and it is home to some of the most stunning attractions in the country. From the iconic U Bein Bridge to the ancient temples of Sagaing Hill, there is something for everyone in Mandalay. These are just some of the top places to see in Mandalay, Myanmar.