2025 Mandalay Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in January)

When my boyfriend and I came to Kuthodaw Paya in Mandalay, Myanmar, what impressed us most was not the magnificence of the pagoda, but the little girl wearing brightly printed clothes. She followed me quietly, with a head full of flowers, as if she was part of this historical monument. When I looked back at her, she stared at me shyly without saying a word. There was a little shyness in her eyes This little girl shuttled around the pagoda with our other tourists, always seeming to be working silently to earn a living. Seeing her taking on such a heavy responsibility at such a young age, I couldn't help but feel a little distressed. We took a few photos of her and showed them to her. Seeing her smile shyly, I felt an inexplicable warmth and touch. This experience gave me a deep sense of the simple life and hard work of the local people. 📍 Address: Kuthodaw Paya, Mandalay #MANDALAY #Kududtao Pagoda #Myanmar Travel #Local Culture #Little Girl Story #Travel Memories #ChristmasGreatPlaces2024

Among the major cities in Myanmar, Bagan left the deepest impression. In February, the daytime temperature was over 40°C, so be sure to apply sunscreen. It's very convenient to buy a SIM card from Taobao before you go. Few people, beautiful scenery, highly recommended. On the 25 square kilometer plain of Bagan, there are more than 2000 pagodas. The large pagodas are well-known, while the small ones are only numbered. You can choose to ride a horse cart, an electric bike, or walk among the pagodas. The scale of pagoda construction during the Bagan Dynasty is considered the pinnacle in Myanmar's history of pagoda building. They are everywhere you look, in clusters and groups. Riding an electric bike every day on the dirt roads to explore various pagodas is endlessly fun and unforgettable. In the early morning, hot air balloons slowly rise from the misty trees, and the centuries-old pagodas stand solemn and serene. The hot air balloon sunrise here has a much stronger sense of history. Even more beautiful are the sunrises and sunsets on the plain. Sneaking up a thousand-year-old pagoda at dawn to watch the sunrise and hot air balloons rise simultaneously is a unique experience. Transportation: Fly from domestic cities to Yangon or Mandalay in Myanmar, then take a bus to Bagan. Sightseeing: The Bagan plain is divided into three areas: New Bagan, Old Bagan, and Nyaung-U. If you have a short travel time, it is recommended to mainly visit Old Bagan, where most of the major pagodas are located. If you have more time, you can also visit Nyaung-U and New Bagan. Travel Route: The main travel cities in Myanmar include Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, and Inle Lake. If you visit all four, it's best to reserve about 10 days. Travel Season: The best time to travel in Myanmar is during the cool season from October to February each year. The sky is clear, and the sunlight is abundant. This season is also the best time for photography in Bagan and U Bein Bridge.

#timetotravel MANDALAY palace Moat and Wall The whole palace complex was destroyed by fire during the Second World War. The palace walls, the four gates and the moat still stand today as evidence of the majestic palace city. The walkway around the moat has been significantly improved in recent years (work on the northern stretch was still ongoing during our visit). It's now a popular place for a nighttime stroll, especially for families, young couples and people – men mostly – working out on the exercise equipment.

Getting There - 10mins drive from Mandalay city center Attractions - Pagoda, park, museum Entry fee - 5000 Myanmar kyats or 3usd per person Mahamyatmuni pagoda is one of the most famous pagoda not only in Mandalay but also in Myanmar. Painting, photo museums are located within the compound of pagoda. Many present stalls are alining each side of paths toward pagoda. #mandalay #mahamunitemple #myanmar

Mandalay palace, the last kingdom of Myanmar. The palace is surrounded by a moat. The king, queen, princess and their servants’s rooms can be visited within the compound. #mandalaypalace #myanmar #mandalay

Touring to Buddish university which is located in Sagaing State. It’s a quiet place and noise cannot be allowed. You can also learning the Buddish strategies of walking, eating, meditation at that temple. #myanmar #sagaing #temple

Bawditathaung pagoda is located in Monywar, capital city of Sagaing State, Myanmar. We can climb inside the pagoda on foot or with a lift. Inside the body of Buddha status, there are many paintings showing the history of Buddha. it’s worth for visiting. #myanmar #monywar

must on go list if you’re traveling to middle part of Myanmar. Can be reach out about 4 hours drive from Mandalay. This is located in Monwya city, nearest devision Sagaing next to Mandalay. #myanmar #pagoda #monwya

This is a Kuthodaw Pagoda which located in Mandalay city, Mandalay. it’s famous for it’s the world’s largest book inside of each temple. #kuthodawpagoda #myanmar #mandalay

Here is a Mahamyatmuni Pagoda, located at city center of Mandalay. It’s beauty has been fabulous not only in daylight, but also in night time. #mahamunitemple #mandalay #myanmar

One of a popular sightseeing sport in Mandalay. A sunset view is worth to spend a time. climbing on foot is better than climbing by a car to the top. You can enjoy every stage of view while you’re climbing up on foot. #mandalyhill #myanmar

A lake doesn’t far from a Mandalay City. It would take about 2hrs drive from a city center. March to June is a season if you would like to enjoy blooming of lotus completely full of the lake. #mandalay #lotuslake #boattour

Full of culture in Myanmar. Many charming attractions around city. Very easy transportation by Grab. Nice food good price.

U Bein Bridge has become one of Myanmar’s iconic landmarks, the bridge was constructed in the 1850s by a mayor, built out of 1, 086 posts, total length 1,200 meters acrosses the Lake Taunghthaman in Amarapura, and is believed to be the oldest & longest teakwood bridge in the world, the surface planks are from the old royal palace of Inwa. I went there on January, because the weather is more cooler. The best time to see the most beauty of U Bein Bridge is in the sunset time, the slanting rays of the setting sun gave a warm orange tinge to the sky, gorgeous & peaceful, certainly becomes the most hunted photographed site for tourists and even locals.😉😎 #tripblazers#MyTripVlog#passionpassport#nationalpark

Beautiful emotional view in Mandalay, Myanmar ❤️❤️❤️Mandalay Palace in Myanmar is really amazing ❤️❤️❤️ Lovely to explore around the palace and culture ❤️❤️❤️ Many ancient statue and places are all over the town. ❤️❤️❤️ It was the wonderful moment ❤️❤️❤️

Beautiful emotional view in Mandalay, Myanmar ❤️❤️❤️Mandalay Palace in Myanmar is really amazing ❤️❤️❤️ Lovely to explore around the palace and culture ❤️❤️❤️ Many ancient statue and places are all over the town. ❤️❤️❤️ It was the wonderful moment ❤️❤️❤️

Sagaing region is a must visit place specially if you are in Mandalay, it is totally recommended to spend a day at least visiting its spectacular pagodas, temples and some hidden gems! . . . #passionpassport #mandalay #sagaing #myanmar #tripaway #tripmoments #summervacation

📍Mingun Pahtodawgyi or Mingun Pagoda The Pahtodawgyi Pagoda is located in Mingun, a tiny town not far away from Mandalay. This massive Pagoda is incredible but unfortunately it’s unfinished. It was meant to be the biggest Pagoda in Myanmar. Despite of this, it’s totally recommended to visit the ruins. . . . #passionpassport #myanmar #mandalay #culturalattractions #pagoda #historicculture #historicallandmarks #exploring #tripaway

U Bein Bridge is a must see attraction in Mandalay. It is one of the best places to contemplate the sunrise and sunset. Apart from being a tourist attraction, this bridge is also a road for locals. . . . #passionpassport #mandalay #myanmar #bridge #culturalattractions #historicculture #historicallandmarks #exploresgtogether #tripaway

Mandalay Hill is a must see in the city specially during the sunrise or sunset. The spot gives you an amazing panoramic view of Mandalay city. The hill has Buddhist temples and pagodas with beautiful golden details. . . . #passionpassport #myanmar #mandalay #temple #sunset #culturalattractions #historicculture #couplestrip

Kuthodaw Pagoda contains the world’s largest book. This amazing place is located in Mandalay, Myanmar (Burma). It is a must visit in your trip! Remember to wear long clothes when visiting the pagoda. -Admission fee: 5$ . . . #passionpassport #myanmar #mandalay #pagoda #couplestrip #tripaway #travel Inspiration

📍Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery This place is a huge ancient Monastery located close to Mandalay, specifically in Inwa. It is a must visit spot to explore if you are around the area. It is worth visiting! . . . #passionpassport #myanmar #summervacation #couplestrip #tripaway #trip #exploresgtogether

The Hsinbyume Pagoda was one of the most beautiful pagodas of our trip to Mandalay. It is difficult to have a favorite pagoda in the Burmese country since it has infinite of them and they all have got something special...🇲🇲 #passionpassport #pagoda #tripaway #myanmar #couplestrip #summervacation

Getting There - with car approximately 15 minutes from town Attractions - Mandalay hill side resort Hotels - they also rent villa but still under construction. people already living there. Food & Restaurants - not much. but u can easily get to nearby food shops in Pathein Gyi Shopping -

This looks AMAZINGGGG. Photos cannot give justice how beautiful this place is. This is my favorite pagoda in Myanmar. Look vibrant and wear a colorful dress that will match the background. Very entrance fee and there’s a lot of locals who can take your photo. just give them a tip or buy flowers or anything. they are very hospitable.

A day in Mandalay to cap off my trip in Burma. 🇲🇲 📍 U-Bein Bridge is a crossing that spans the Taungthaman Lake near Amarapura in Myanmar. The 1.2-kilometre bridge was built around 1850 and is believed to be the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world. This spot remains one of the most beautiful sunsets I gazed on! 🌅 The Taungthaman Lake is near the ancient capital of Amarapura, and the bridge spans it. It was once the royal capital, but it has now been merged into Mandalay. The bridge was built around 1850 and is named for U Bein, the mayor who commissioned it. (U is a Burmese honorific that is essentially equivalent to Mister, except that it is earned rather than given, and it denotes someone who is esteemed in the community.) Although parts of the original pillars have been rebuilt with concrete, the structure was originally made of salvaged teak from a nearby palace. However, a surprising number of the wooden pillars survive, giving the bridge its shaky appearance. The bridge is still widely used by local pedestrians, but it is also a popular tourist attraction, particularly after sunset. Tourist-chartered small wooden boats glide under and around the bridge, lining up on the western side just as the sun sets behind the bridge's shadow. The western bank is congested with souvenir dealers, tour bus drivers killing time, and restaurants. #travelguide#historicculture#nationalpark#beautifulsunsets#bestislandtraveltowns#roadtrip#summervacation#urbanexplorer

Madalay was once the old royal capital and the second largest city of Myanmar. I arrive by airplane from Bangkok , a direct flight to Mandalay airport. City is easy to visit by tuktuk and the price is negotiable. most of people are super friendly. Love the sunset everyday here. Enjoy the local beer Mandalay(super cheap) and live the moment! #mandalay #urbanexplorer #myanmar #ancientarchitecture#beautifulsunsets#roadtrip#summervacation#hikingtrails#urbanexplorer

📍 U-bein Bridge, Mandalay, Myanmar 📸 February 2019 🌅 U-bein Bridge, Mandalay, Myanmar is famous for its sunset view. U-bein Bridge is a 1.2km wooden bridge and is the longest wooden bridge in the world. During the dry season (January and February), the water level of the lake is lower, making the bridge feel higher. It takes about 40 minutes from downtown Mandalay to U-bein Bridge, and it costs 6,000 Kyat (5,000 KRW) by tuk-tuk. I was traveling alone, so I went with two friends from the hostel to save on transportation costs. First, I walked on the wooden bridge, and at sunset, I sat down at a street cafe and drank coconuts that cost 1,500 Kyat each. The weather was hot, so a glass of coconut water quenched my thirst. The sunset behind U-bein Bridge is so beautiful that it makes me cry. The atmosphere is really good 👍 #Myanmar travel #Sunset viewing #Overseas travel destination recommendation #Mandalay #U Bein Bridge #U Bein Bridge #Myanmar Mile Mall #Myanmar sunset #Myanmar

Shwenandaw Monastery was built in 1878 by King Thibaw Min. The monastery is known for its teak carvings of Buddhist myths, which adorn its walls and roofs. The monastery is built in the traditional Burmese architectural style. Shwenandaw Monastery is the single remaining major original structure of the original Royal Palace today.[2]