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Imagine Asia  >  Destinations  >  Burma (Myanmar)  >  Mandalay
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Mandalay

The last royal capital of the Burmese Kingdom, Mandalay remains the country’s cultural and religious heart, where some of Burma’s greatest historic landmarks and most beautiful pagodas rub shoulders with a diverse ethnic population and dusty market streets.

When to go

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Located on the eastern bank of the Irrawaddy River with wide traffic-filled avenues and a fast paced way of life, modern Mandalay represents 'new Burma', despite the very name often evoking images of a Burma of years gone by.

Created by King Mindon Min in 1857, Mandalay may not hold the obvious charm of Yangon, but its diverse ethnic mix, historic relics, religious sites and addictive energy make for an exciting and interesting visit. Burma’s second largest city and widely considered to be its cultural capital, you will find as much nightlife in Mandalay as Burma offers, with plenty of streets lined with lively bars and restaurants.

Particular highlights in and around the city include the finely carved Shwenandaw Monastery, the Kuthodaw Pagoda, Burma’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site home to the world’s largest book, and U Bein Bridge, believed to be the longest and oldest teak bridge in the world and one of Burma’s most iconic sights. Famous for its arts and crafts, Mandalay is also a great place to pick up all manner of souvenirs, from traditional wooden puppets to an extensive array of precious stones.

Mandalay is surrounded by the remnants of three former royal capitals - Ava, Sagaing and Amarapura. Including Burma’s spiritual centre, ancient teak monasteries and a village best explored by horse cart, all are worth exploring in their own right and can be easily combined on a full day excursion.

The traditional ‘road to Mandalay’ as described in the Rudyard Kipling poem, Mandalay is a major starting and finishing point for cruises down the Irrawaddy River, whilst the airport has daily domestic and international flights, making Mandalay really easy to combine into almost any trip.

A full day visit to the ancient cities of Amarapura and Ava, the former capitals of the Burmese Kingdom, is definitely a must!


Cherylle Sargent
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Mandalay, Burma

Lying at the foot of Mandalay Hill overlooking the Royal Palace, the Mandalay Hill Resort boasts friendly service, comfort and a great location for exploring Mandalay.

Mandalay Hill Resort

Mandalay, Burma

Surrounded by flowering trees on the outskirts of Mandalay, the Rupar Mandalar is a stylish boutique hotel, offering contemporary comforts and traditional Burmese hospitality and an alluringly peaceful retreat from the dusty city.

Rupar Mandalar

Mandalay, Burma

A small boutique property in a quiet quarter of Mandalay, the Hotel by the Red Canal is minutes from the famous Mandalay Palace and offers wonderful Burmese hospitality and comfortable facilities within a tranquil garden setting.

The Hotel by the Red Canal

Mandalay, Burma

Located in a quiet part of Mandalay close to the Royal Palace, Yadanarpon Dynasty Hotel offers offering rather simple, but clean and comfortable accommodation in a great location for exploring Mandalay.

Yadanarpon Dynasty Hotel

Mandalay, Burma

With an elegant and quirky interior, welcoming staff and a central location, Bagan King is a great boutique accommodation option for exploring Burma's last royal capital of Mandalay.

Bagan King

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Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Kalaw, Inle Lake, Ngapali Beach

This 15 night itinerary offers a well-paced introduction to one of South East Asia’s most beguiling destinations, combining culture rich cities, picturesque towns, a cruise down the Irrawaddy River and a relaxing beach break on Burma’s idyllic west coast.

15 nights from $4214 per person Family, Culture & history, Highlights

Classic Burma

Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake

From the awe-inspiring temples of Bagan to the floating gardens of Inle Lake, this varied and good value itinerary takes in some of Burma’s most iconic sights, ideal for those wishing to explore this enchanting country but are short on time.

9 nights from $2768 per person Culture & history, Highlights, Imagine Favourites

Essential Burma

Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Pyin Oo Lwin, Loikaw, Inle Lake, Kalaw, Ngapali Beach

This in-depth itinerary is perfect for those looking to really get under the skin of this enigmatic destination. Enjoy culture-rich cities, former British hill stations, balloons over Bagan, an Irrawaddy River cruise and the beautiful beaches of Ngapali.

19 nights from $5032 per person Culture & history, Highlights, Spectacular scenery

Ultimate Burma

Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Kalaw, Inle Lake

This active itinerary is a great option for those looking to explore Burma’s culture rich cities alongside its rural treasures. Roam Bagan’s temple strewn plains by mountain bike, trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake, and cycle the streets of Yangon and Mandalay.

11 nights from $3145 per person Highlights, Spectacular scenery, Walking & Trekking

Active Burma

Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Kalaw, Inle Lake, Ngapali Beach

With biking in Bagan, kayaking in Inle Lake and elephants in Kalaw, this adventurous two week itinerary is a fantastic option for families looking to explore some of Burma’s most celebrated destinations accompanied by energetic teens.

14 nights from $3397 per person Family, Highlights, Walking & Trekking

Burma for Teenagers

Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake, Ngapali Beach

Experience the best of Burma on this 12 night itinerary, combining must-see highlights with some of the country’s most spoiling hotels. Soar above the temples of Bagan, sip wine overlooking Inle lake and relax on one of South East Asia’s best beaches.

12 nights from $4718 per person Culture & history, Highlights, Luxury

Burma in Style

Yangon, Mandalay, Irrawaddy River, Bagan

Cruise the Irrawaddy River in comfort and style aboard The Strand Cruise, combining onshore excursions, must-see sights and the height of onboard luxury as you sail from culture-rich Mandalay to the archaeological wonder of Bagan.

7 nights from $5913 per person Food & Drink, Luxury, Spectacular scenery

Cruising the Irrawaddy in Style

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Mandalay, Burma

Explore the city of Mandalay with a local guide on this half day tour, taking you to highlights including Mandalay Hill, the 'world's largest book' and the Golden Palace Monastery.

Half Day Mandalay City Tour

Mandalay, Burma

Enjoy a bright and early start exploring Mahamuni Pagoda and witnessing monks washing the Buddha statue before a visit to a local market and breakfast at a traditional tea shop.

Early Morning in Mandalay

Mandalay, Burma

Spend with day with a local guide exploring the city of Mandalay, visiting sights including the gilded Mahamuni Pagoda, some traditional workshops and Burma’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site before ascending Mandalay Hill in time for sunset.

Full Day Mandalay City Tour

Mandalay, Burma

Explore the remnants of Sagaing, Ava, Amarapura, three former royal capitals just outside the city of Mandalay. Travel by ferry, foot and horse cart as you explore small villages, ancient monasteries and the iconic U Bein Bridge.

Mandalay's Royal Capitals: Sagaing, Ava and Amarapura

Mandalay, Burma

Discover the best of Mandalay and Mingun on this full day excursion, taking in historic sites, awe-inspiring buildings and some beautiful scenery.

Discover Mandalay and Mingun

Mandalay, Burma

Learn of the mining trade in Mandalay, exploring an expansive gem market and watching buyers haggle prices over the precious stones before a traditional lunch at a local tea shop.

Trading Jade in Mandalay

Pyin Oo Lwin, Burma

Tour the former British hill station of Pyin Oo Lwin, including colonial architecture and the town's renowned National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens.

Tour of Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo)

Mandalay, Burma

Pedal around the outskirts of the city, taking in rural Mandalay passing incredible temples and monasteries before visiting a charming village and learning of the local culture.

Cycle Mandalay - Half Day

Mandalay, Burma

Journey to Mahamuni Pagoda and marvel at the statue of Buddha decorated in gold leaf before a tour of Mandalay’s workshops and learning about the local trades.

Mahamuni Pagoda and Crafts Tour

Mandalay, Burma

Visit the Royal Mandalay Palace, an exquisite building in the heart of the city.

Royal Mandalay Palace

Mandalay, Burma

Connect with Burma’s spiritual side one this one-of-a-kind excursion, taking you a tranquil forest meditation sanctuary in Sagaing to learn and practice traditional meditation techniques under guidance of a local master.

Meditation at Sagaing Hill

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Inspiration

Cruising in Burma

Temples in Burma

Highlights of Burma

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