Welcome to my Barrio, My Mundo, and welcome to Mandalay, Myanmar or Burma. I will be your guide on this compilation of the best things to do and see in Mandalay.

Top Things to Do & See in Mandalay
Mandalay Hill
Visiting the top of Mandalay Hill is an absolute must for sunset and is one of the top things to do in Mandalay. The 240 meters high hill offers stunning panoramic views of central Mandalay. At the top of the hill you will find many pagodas and beautiful architecture. Plan to spend at least 2 hours here and arrive early if you want a good spot to watch the sunset.

Mandalay Palace
Built in the 1850’s Mandalay Palace is the last Burmese palace of its kind. The architecture is beautiful and its a nice area to walk around for a bit. It’s located close to many of the other sights and is worth a visit since it is included in the combo entrance ticket.

Shwenandaw Monastery & Atumashi Monastery
Located just a short drive from the Mandalay Palace is the unique Shwenandaw Monastery and the Atumashi Monastery.

The wooden details of the Shwenandaw Monastery in Mandalay, Myanmar
The wooden details of the small Shwenandaw Monastery are so unique and intricate that you will be amazed that they are all hand carved. Walk around the perimeter and then go upstairs and inside to get a closer look at the carvings and details.

The Atumashi Monastery, previously known as Maha Atulawaiyan Kyaungdawgyi, is located just a 2 minute walk from the Shwenandaw Monastery. Built in 1857, this Buddhist Monastery is a beautiful place to visit. Leave your shoes at the entrance and head up the stairs to the top where you can walk through the grand hall.

Kuthodaw Pagoda
The Kuthodaw Pagoda is known as the world’s largest book. Within the grounds you will find 729 white stupas, each containing an inscribed marble slab. On both sides of the slab is the text from the Tipitaka which is the Buddhist teachings and scriptures hence why it is called the largest book!

Hsinbyume Pagoda (Mya Thein Tan Pagoda)
The Hsinbyume Pagoda, Mingun Pagoda and Mingun Bell are all located in a small nearby town called Mingun. You can reach Mingun by driving about 1.5 hours by motorbike or car. You can also reach that side of the Irrawaddy River by taking a boat journey for approximately the same amount of time from the Mandalay Jetty. However, if you want to visit before the crowds then I would recommend hiring a car or renting a motorbike since the boat leaves at a scheduled time.

Mingun Pahtodawgyi (Pagoda)
Built in 1790 by King Bodawpaya in Mingun, this massive pagoda is actually only 1/3 of its intended size. As the story goes, it is said that the King was a strong believer in superstition and the people of the town were burdened by the hard labor that came with the construction of the pagoda.

The Mingun Pagoda is a popular sight in Mingun near Mandalay in Myanmar. The pagoda is actually only 1/3 of its intended height and has a large crack from an earthquake.Therefore they created a prophecy about what would happen after the completion of the pagoda. There are two stories, one states that the King would die and the other says that the country would be gone. Either way it worked and the project was left intentionally unfinished.

Mingun Bell
Located in between the Mingun Pagoda and the Hsinbyume Pagoda is the Mingun Bell. The bell was supposed to be used at the Mingun Pagoda but never was since the Pagoda wasn’t ever completed.

The Mingun Bell in the small town of Mingun near Mandalay, MyanmarViewing the bell is a quick stop and you’ll see the small crowd taking pictures in the front. The bell is included in the archaeological zone ticket price. Therefore, you might as well stop for a minute and take a quick peek!

Shwe Kyat Yat Pagoda
We actually spotted this beautiful Pagoda while we were driving from Mandalay over to the small town of Mingun across the Irrawaddy River. Perched on top of a hill, the Shwe Kyat Yat Pagoda offers stunning views of the river and the many pagodas nestled along the hillside.

Sanda Muni Pagoda
Located very close to the Kuthodaw Pagoda, this 1874 Buddhist temple is known for its large golden stupa surrounded by many smaller white stupas.

The Sanda Muni Pagoda is a beautiful Golden stupa surrounded by small white pagodas in Mandalay, MyanmarUnfortunately, the golden stupa was under renovation during our visit and was hidden by a network of bamboo scaffolding. However, we still felt that it was worth stopping and there was no fee to enter.

Kyauktawgyi Pagoda
This Pagoda is located near the south entrance to the Mandalay Palace making it an easy stop during your sightseeing tour of Mandalay.


U-Bein Bridge
Located about 30 minutes outside of Mandalay on the Taungthaman Lake is the famous U-Bein bridge. Built around 1850 the teakwood bridge stretches across a span of 1.2 kilometers (0.75 miles) and is considered to be the oldest and longest in the world.

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