9 Best Things to do in Mandalay, Myanmar

Mandalay, the former royal capital of Myanmar. The city is big, bustling, and somehow has charm. Mandalay is perfect for his 2 day stopover in Myanmar itinerary. Admire unique architecture and pagodas, and visit the world-famous Eubein Bridge. Read more about things to do in Mandalay. About Mandalay
It gets pretty cold at night, so don’t forget your jacket. In Mandalay you can distinguish between the poor and the righteous. The suburbs of Mandalay are very poor and live in garbage. That doesn’t take away from the fact that they are some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.

1. Mandalay Hill Trip
   Mandalay Hill is a must-see. This 240-meter-high hill offers spectacular views of the entire region. Elevators and escalators are under construction at the foot of the temple. Don’t forget to cover yourself and remove your shoes. The price to enter Mandalay Hill is K1000. ($0.75)

Don’t be surprised if Myanmar people ask you to take a picture with them. They just want to show it to their relatives.

2. Travel back in time at Mingon Pagoda
   One of the places he wished he had more time to visit is Mingan Pagoda. This is on the other side of the Irrawaddy River about a 90 minute drive outside of town.

The nearly square tower is unique. The entrance is crowded, but if you walk around, you will be the only one.

While you’re here, enjoy lunch at the laid-back riverside The Garden Cafe.

3. In the clouds at Sinpyume Pagoda
   Near the Mingun Pagoda, there is a white and beautiful Simpyume He Pagoda. You can climb the stairs and explore each level of the tower. The pagoda is not big and should not be missed when visiting Mandalay. This is one of the reasons why he must go to Myanmar.
4. Ubein Bridge
   U-Bain Bridge is out of the Mandalay’s main attractions. At 1200 meters, the wooden walkway is considered the longest in the world. There was very little water under the bridge when we visited in February, so a boat tour is definitely not recommended.

It takes only 20 minutes drive from Mandalay to U Bein Bridge. Arrive two hours before sunset to see how the locals unwind here.
Tips:
All year round, there are sunflower fields beside the bridge, and locals take pictures.

5. Kuthodaw Pagoda’s Biggest Book in the World
   The sheer size of this area is impressive. Home to the world’s largest book, the Kuthodaw Pagoda is surrounded by numerous small white pagodas.
   Allow at least an hour to tour the area. Kuthodaw Pagoda is also included in Myanmar temple tour.
6. Morning walk at Zay Cho Market
   This huge partially covered market is open from 6am to 5pm and offers everything from fresh fruit, fresh spices to kitchen essentials. Get here early in the morning, walk around and see how these locals spend their mornings.
7. Dinner at Mingalar Bar
   End your trip with a Mandalay-style dining experience. Dinner at Mingalarbar is highly recommended to sample the best dishes.
8. Mandalay Palace
   Mandalay Palace is a large castle placed close to the hill. It’s a cool area to wander around for a while, but there really isn’t much to do or see.

The entrance fee is 10,000 kyat ($7.5). This is a combo ticket that allows you to visit Shwenandaw Monastery, Kudodaw Pagoda, and more.

Tips:
Rent a bike if you want to explore the temples in Mandalay city. The distance is fairly long and cycling is viable. 🙂

9. Shwenandaw Monastery
   The monastery’s beautiful wooden details are worth seeing. It’s small so it doesn’t take long and it’s a short stopover from Mandalay Royal Palace.