Mandalay Attractions

What to See in Myanmar

Shwe Nandaw Kyaung Temple Grounds

Within the grounds is the sole remaining building of the once sumptuous moated palace. King Mindun's former apartment, built mainly of teak, is decorated with beautifully carved panels and a photograph of the Atumashi Kyaung Monastery, destroyed by fire in 1890.

Mahamuni Pagoda

The 'Great Pagoda' houses the revered Mahumuni image. The image was brought from Rakhine in 1784, and is thickly covered in gold leaf from years of worship by devout Buddhists.

Eindawya Pagoda

Built in 1847 and covered in gold leaf.

Shwekyimyint Pagoda

Contains the original Buddha image consecrated by Prince Minshinzaw during the Bagan period.

Mandalay Hill

Stairways lead up to temples and a panoramic view. Shweyattaw Buddha - Close to the hill. The statue's outstretched finger points towards the city. Mandalay's abandoned cities
There are several abandoned former capitals around Mandalay.

Amarapura

Some 11km south of Mandalay. It became the capital of the Konbaung Dynasty in 1783 during the reign of King Bodawpaya. Places of interest are Pahtodawgyi Pagoda, U Bein Bridge across the Taungthaman Lake, Kyauktawgyi Pagoda, Nagayon Pagoda, Mahagandayone Monastery and cotton and silkweaving cottage industries.

Inwa (Ava)

Known as the Kingdom of Inwa during the Second Myanmar Empire, today it is a small town south of Amarapura. The sights to see in In-wa include Nanmyint Watch Tower, Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery, Bagaya Monastery, the lacquerware factory and Inwa Bridge spanning the Ayeyarwad River.

Sagaing

Once an ancient capital, Sagaing lies 21km south west of the Ayeyarwad River. The Sagaing Hills are dotted with pagodas and there are over 500 monasteries, a retreat for some 6000 monks and nuns. Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda, Kaung Hmudaw Pagoda (a copy of the Mahaceti Pagoda in Sri Lanka), and Ywahtaung village (home of the silversmiths' guild) are places worth visiting.

Mingun Bell

A delightful river trip from Mandalay is required to get to this marvelous unfinished temple. Famous for the 90-ton Mingun Bell, supposedly the largest hung bell in the world, it was cast in 1790 on the orders of King Bodawpaya, who wished for it to be installed at the top of his planned giant 150 metre-high pagoda. Due to the king's death in 1819, however, the pagoda was never completed.

Pyin Oo Lwin

The former British hill station of Maymyo, 67 km east of Mandalay, stands about 1,000 meters above sea level. Though the town was damaged during World War II, several of the old English houses were spared. This is also the centre for Myanmar's small but burgeoning new coffee industry.

Mandalay Tours - Mandalay 4 days Classic Tour

Visit Mandalay Fort, Museum and Library, Kyauktawgyi Pagoda, Sandamani Paya, Mahamuni Paya, Kuthodaw Paya, Shwenandaw Kyaung, Shwekyimyint Payaetc, plus Excursion to Inwa (Ava), Sagaing and Amarapura.

See Full List of Myanmar Tours & Packages

Hotel Quick Finder