What to do in Mandalay: Top 8 activities

Mandalay is the second largest city in Myanmar, after Yangon. Mandalay is the last royal capital of the country and is considered to be the Burmese cultural center. One of the things that differentiate Mandalay from other regions in Myanmar is a continuing influx of immigrants from Yunnan, China. With a bad reputation similar to that of Yangon, Mandalay is also a gem in the rough. It is true that as many cities in Asia, it can feel busy, noisy, polluted and full of ugly concrete buildings and tacky bazaars, but stay with me and I’ll prove you that this is not so in Mandalay.

As the center of the Burmese Kingdom it still preserves many of the historical buildings commissioned by King Mindon in the 19th century, such as the Mandalay Palace or Kuthodaw Pagoda. It also has a rustic feel to it that differs a bit from Yangon, which is more cosmopolitan. Additionally, there are a few sites just outside of the city that are definitely highlights of my trip to Burma, but they deserve a full post of their own.

Not everything is big busy city in Mandalay

Top 8 attractions in Mandalay

1. Mandalay Hill

Mandalay Hill is a 240 m (790 ft) hill located northeast of the city center of Mandalay. Actually, the hill is what gives the name to the city. The Mandalay Hill is famous for its abundance of pagodas and monasteries, becoming a pilgrimage site for nearly 2 centuries.

The covered stairscase to the top of Mandalay Hill

At the top of the hill is the Su Taung Pyae Pagoda, which is said to fulfill wishes after you climb the 1729 steps to get to the top. If the merit reward is not enough for you, you’ll still have the amazing view of the city!

View from Mandalay Hill

Travel tip: the climb up has to be done barefoot, since it is a temple area, and it takes approximately 40 minutes each way. If you don’t think you are ready for this, you can consider a taxi ride to the top.

2. Mandalay Palace

The last Burmese royal monarchy, represented by King Mindon, decided to build this palace in 1857 as a founding of the new royal capital city of Mandalay. More than just a palace, it is a walled small city surrounded by a moat and containing several buildings besides the royal residence, such as the Royal Mint, the Watch tower, the Royal mausoleums or the Supreme Court, as well as some military buildings. Climb the Watch Tower for fantastic views of the palace complex.

The Mandalay Palace complex

Travel tip: with the Mandalay Archeological Zone Ticket (10,000 kyat) you will get access to the Mandalay Palace, Mahamuni Paya, Kuthodaw Pagoda and Shwenandaw Kyaung, among others. Additionally, you can also use it for the nearby cities of Amarapura and Inwa (check my post on Day trips from Mandalay).

3. Kuthodaw Pagoda

Kuthodaw Pagoda is a stupa located northeast of Mandalay, just next to the Royal Palace walled city. The central stupa, built in resemblance of Shwezigon Pagoda in Nyaung-U, is 57 m (188 ft) high.

However, the most impressive part of the pagoda is the 729 kyauksa gu or stone-incription caves, each containing a marble slab inscribed on both sides with a page of the Tripitaka (Theravada Buddhism scriptures). These slabs are considered to be the largest book in the world.

The kyauksa gu of Kuthodaw Pagoda

Each of them contains a marble page of the Tripitaka

4. Shwenandaw Kyaung

Shwenandaw Kyaung is a historic Buddhist monastery located near Mandalay Hill. It was built in 1878 by King Thibaw Min, who dismantled and relocated the apartment formerly occupied by his father, King Mindon, and relocated it to be used as a meditation room. The building was originally part of the royal palace at Amarapura before it was moved to Mandalay, and it is known for its teak carvings of Buddhist myths. Shwenandaw Monastery is the single remaining major original structure of the original Royal Palace today.

The teak monastery of Shwenandaw

5. Mahar Aung Myay Jade Market

Jade can be found in two forms: jadeite and nephrite, the former being the purest and rarest. Myanmar is one of 12 only jadeite quarries in the world and one of 2 principal ones. Although the quarry is located in the far north, Mandalay, being an important city, has established itslef as the main trade hub in the country. Mahar Aung Myay Market (or just the Jade Market) is a tintillating sight full of vendores displaying chunks of jade (and other precious stones and gems).

Jade vendors in the Jade Market

Travel tip: there is an entrance fee of 2500 kyat (2.5 $). This is not always checked and if you don’t have intention to buy, you can also just sit outside and look at the jade trade.

6. Shwe In Bin Kyaung

In a similar way to Shwenandaw, this teak monastery is built in traditional Burmese teak architecture. This one, however, was built by a Chinese merchant who was married to a Burmese woman of royal extraction in 1859.

7. Mahamuni Paya

Also called Mahamuni Pagoda, this Buddhist temple contains one of five likenesses of the Buddha made during his lifetime. This one in particular originally came from Arakan, in the western coast, and it is cast in gold. This temple is highly venerated in Burma and is central to many people’s life.

Gold leafs are applied (only by male devotees, unfortunately) to the image and after centuries of this practice, the figure has a 6 inch layer of pure gold.

Mahamuni Buddha after centuries of gold leafs

8. Zegyo Market

Zegyo Market was the principal food, jewellery and handicraft distribution center of Mandalay during the reign of King Mindon. A fire destroyed it in 1897 and the new building was designed by an Italian architect. In the 1990s, the colonial structure was demolished and it was rebuilt as a Chinese-style shopping center.

This market is old as the city itself and, despite having been renovated, do not expect a sofisticated modern mall. It is more similar to a bulk market for locals that is filled with colours, smells and activity. The ground floor is mostly focused on spices, beans and tobacco, while the first floor has textiles, and in the third floor clothing, handicraft and gems. The outer part is a more traditional market.

The outskirts of Zegyo Market. Photo credit: Ant‫‬hony on Visual Hunt / CC BY-ND

Where to eat in Mandalay

Mandalay, due to its location, has an interesting influence of gastronomy. Particularly Chinese and Indian influence are to be noticed, and they have their own representation in the city’s restaurants. The most important, however, is Shan food. Due to its proximity to the Shan State, this gastronomy has sit as the king in Mandalay.

Shan Ma Ma: traditional Shan food in a semi-open air space.

Aye Myit Tar: Burmese food with a miriad of free side dishes.

Pan Cherry Indian Restaurant: Indian-influenced dishes that never come alone. Try the mutton curry.

Mingalabar Myanmar Restaurant: regional specialties from all over the country.

Super 81: Chinese-influenced dishes.

Street Food: as any Southeast Asian country, streetfood is ruling the city. While it’s hard to give recommendations in this area since many of the stalls have no name (that I can recognize). However, I’ll try to give you some directions.

• the Myee Shay (a noodle dish). 16th between 81st and 82nd Streets.
• Tea Leaf Salad, a personal favourite. 26th between 65th and 64th streets.
• Of course, national breakfast Mohinga (fish noodle soup). Saya Gyi, 26th between 70th and 71st Streets.

Where to stay in Mandalay

I am not gonna pretend to know about where to stay in Mandalay, but I will tell you where we stayed (because I liked it) and where other people have recommended me to stay.

• Hotel 8: this was our hotel and we found it very correct. The rooms where clean and spacious, with private bathroom and air conditioned. The location is pretty central and close to many restaurants and beer spots. The staff was absolutely delightful and friendly. We only paid 21 € per night for both of us and breakfast buffet was included!

Other recommendations:

• Backpacker: if your budget is tight go for Rich Queen Guesthouse or Royal Huest House (no link available). Both with a nice rooftop. In both cases you can get a room for under 20€.
• Flashpacker: as mentioned before, Hotel 8 will do the trick. The rooftop breakfast is included and the service is amazing. Rooms for around 20-25€.
• Mid-range: if you are a bit more flexible with your budget, you can stay at the Ayarwaddy River View Hotel. It infront of the river and the Sky Bar has unobstructed views of it. Sip on some cocktails while watching the sunset. Rooms for around 40 €.
• High-end: if money is not a problem, stay at the Hotel by the Red Canal. This boutique hotel is an oasis in the center of a busy city. The building has an old monastery feel, but is topped with a garden with swimmingpool and sculptures. Around 120 € per night.

Closing statement

As you can see there is plenty of things to do in Mandalay and this city has a special style that you won’t find anywhere else. Even if it is just a pit-stop in your trip make sure you embrace it and explore it as it deserves. Also, make sure you check out out post about Yangon, which has a similar bad reputation but is also a hidden gem. If you want to know what other places you can visit in this wonderful country, read our post on what to do in Myanmar.

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