Top Things to Do in the Mandalay | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

Plan Your Travel To Mandalay

Places To Visit In Mandalay

Atumashi Kyaung

Atumashi Kyaung is a Buddhist monastery located in Mandalay in Myanmar. It is one of the most important monasteries in the country for monks who come here for learning. The monastery is worth checking out for tourists for its architecture and history. Also called Mahā Atulaveyan Kyaung Dawgyi, the original structure was constructed in 1857 by King Mindon. It was an elaborate teak building richly ornamented by precious gems and detailed murals. It was burnt down partly, and later got destroyed during earthquakes. The present version was built in 1996. Read More

The Cultural Museum in Mandalay is located close to the city centre in Myanmar. It contains exhibits that showcase the history of the city, during the times of Kings Mindon and Thibaw of the Pagan dynasty. Tourists interested in history should visit this museum for witnessing rare collections from the 14th century. The most notable artefact is the large, glass-pillared bed of King Thibaw. There are also a few other furniture, wall paintings by Saya Chone, the royal artist, sculptures and some weapons belonging to the royal family. Read More

Dee Doke Waterfalls are located on the outskirts of Mandalay city in Myanmar. It is known for the gorgeous location amidst hills and mineral-rich turquoise blue waters. Dee Doke is a popular picnic spot for the locals and among the top attractions in Mandalay for tourists. The blue lagoon close to the waterfalls is a must-stop for tourists wanting to take a swim.

Irrawaddy is a prominent river around which the city of Mandalay is located in Myanmar. It runs for over 1300 miles, and the town offers the best ways to experience river life. Irrawaddy river cruise is among the top attractions for tourists where they can spend between a few days to a month on the river. The cruises come in all budgets, and you will experience Mandalay's rich culture, food and heritage as you visit lovely pagodas, palaces, markets and other attractions. There are sunset and sunrise cruises which run for a few hours as well. You will get to witness gorgeous sunrises and sunsets over the river, watching the fishermen at work, and also spot dolphins if you are taking up a cruise between October to January. Read More

Jade Market

Jade Market, locally called Mahar Aung Myay Market, is located close to the city centre of Mandalay in Myanmar. It is the oldest centre for Jade trading in the country, where rare hand-made jewellery and other precious stones are sold. Tourists can take a tour of the market and get to know everything from procuring Jade and making jewellery using traditional methods. The best time to visit the market is early in the morning when it is the busiest. It is also a great place to pick up some souvenirs, especially statues of Budhha, earthenware and rare murals. Read More

Kandawgyi is an artificial Lake located at the city centre of Yangon in Myanmar. It is a popular attraction for locals as well as tourists who come to enjoy a quiet stroll along the walkways and beautiful sunset views across the famous Shwedagon Pagoda, which is located next to the lake. Kandawgyi was built during the British rule to provide drinking water to the neighbourhoods. It consists of a lovely park, two walkways that run along the lake, and Karaweik Palace, which is a replica of the royal barge. There are also many restaurants and cafes in Kandawgyi. The best time to visit the lake is early in the morning around sunrise or in the evening for the sunset. It gets hot and humid during the rest of the day. Read More

Kuthodaw Pagoda is a Buddhist temple located in the city of Mandalay in Myanmar. Situated at the foot of Mandalay Hill, it is home to the most massive book in the world. The pagoda has 57-meters high Golden stupa and is inspired by temples in Bagan. It is one of the must-visit attractions for tourists to witness the book. The book consists of 729 stone pillars, which includes verses from Tripitaka or the scriptures of Theravada Buddhism inscribed on both sides. Earlier known as Mahalawka Marazein, King Mindon Min built the pagoda in 1868 to inscribe the scriptures. Tourists are required to cover their knees and shoulders and visit the temple barefoot. Read More

Kyauktawgyi Paya is a small Buddhist temple located at the foot of Mandalay hill in Myanmar. This 18th-century pagoda is one of the most popular tourist attractions for people visiting Mandalay and is known for the vast white marble image of the seated Buddha Maha Thetkya Mayazein.

Mahamuni Paya is an ancient Buddhist temple located in the city of Mandalay in Myanmar. Home to the 13-feet-high statue of seated Buddha, it is a major pilgrimage site for the Burmese, known for over 8 tons of gold leaves surrounding the image for about 6 inches. It is among the famous attractions for people visiting the city who come to witness the sacred morning bathing ritual at 4:30 AM every day. The temple was built in 1756, but the image of the Buddha is believed to be over 2500 years old and is believed to be one of the five remaining sacred Buddha statues, which was constructed when he was alive. It is a national icon and a holy site, where many festivals happen throughout the year. Mahamuni Paya Pwe, held every February, is the biggest of all, where processions and fairs take place for over a week. Read More

Mandalay marionettes theatre is the royal puppet theatre in Myanmar. It is one of the must-visit for tourists interested in knowing the Burmese culture. The theatre was a big entertainment during the 18th century when the royalty enjoyed the shows involving puppets depicting traditional stories. Tourists can watch wooden dolls that are decorated with colourful attires during the show, which has various genres of performances.