Things to do & places to visit in Mandalay Region, Myanmar

Mandalay Region #1 destination in Myanmar 2023. The average rating score is 4.33 based on 34.8k traveler reviews, of 133 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Rangoon, current date and time: Sunday, May 12, 2024, 13:32.

Top things to do (21)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Bagan Temples (6.493 reviews)
- A trip back in time with inspiring architecture and thousands of temples
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins

An area of 42 sq km houses thousands of richly decorated pagodas & temples. See more..
5.0 Innwa Health & Spa (157 reviews)
- AMAZING
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Spas

At INNWA, we focus on nurturing guests from the inside out. We offer various spa and salon services, ranging from soothing massages to stimulating body treatments and luxurious manicures, pedicures, hairstyling, makeup, etc. Whatever your route to relaxation, our highly trained specialists care for your individual well-being and promise you return home refreshed and rejuvenated. See more..
5.0 Mandalay Private Taxi (154 reviews)
- Trip of MANDALAY & PYINOOLWIN with Mr.Zin (Mr.Zin Mandalay Private Taxi & Tour)
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Taxis & Shuttles

My name is Ko Zin. I am a native of Mandalay, Myanmar and know the city and surrounding country intimately. I'm a trust-worthy and friendly English speaking driver from the beautiful city of Mandalay. If you are planning visit to Myanmar and require private taxi service, feel free to contact me. I'll be glad to drive and show you the beauty of my country. See more..
4.5 Ananda Temple (1.973 reviews)
- Intricate and Facsinating
Spent < 1 hour Religious Sites

This is a really beautiful temple. As you can see it's whitewashed inside and out and full of the most beautiful carvings, frescoes (ancient ones) and Buddha images of gargantuan and golden proportions. This temple complex is huge and very popular so try to stagger your visit for a non busy time when you can study the details because there are lots of really beautiful and delicate bas relief carvings round the outside. And inside see if you can find the huge glden Buddha whose expression changes, depending on the angle from which you view him! See more..
4.5 Shwenandaw Monastery (1.878 reviews)
- Emotional & sensational: don't miss it!!
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

Absolut Gems in the city! The only one really old and perfectly preserved! Teak wood carving work and architectural elements makes you feel humble and admirative; the special atmosphere of the place brings you back in time... Take enought time to admire all detailed and get immerged into the grandeur of this civilization. Not to be missed in Mandalay !! See more..
4.5 Kuthodaw Pagoda & the World's Largest Book (1.690 reviews)
- Simply stunning!
Sunday: 6:00 AM - 10:45 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

The Kuthodaw Paya houses "the world's largest book", 729 marble slabs of Buddhist scriptures. See more..
4.5 Mahamuni Pagoda (1.513 reviews)
- Lucky timing
Sunday: 4:00 AM - 5:00 PM Religious Sites • Monuments & Statues

A large colourful site with several building. Its also more than a pagoda with a huge room with paintings 200 years old telling the story of the movements of the golden Buddha. Also a museum room of offerings donated by other countries paying their respects the Buddha and of course an important place of worship still with people queuing to place more gold leaf on the Buddha. A bonus for us was the colourful parade of children preparing to be novice monks for a week, two, or even months. It is a big family occasion and the wonderful clothes shows this. We politely asked to take photographs and as usual with Myanmar people they were friendly and welcoming. See more..
4.5 Shwezigon Paya (1.063 reviews)
- Great temple of the world
Religious Sites

global significance art-historically and spiritually; if you only go here, your trip to Bagan, nay Myanmar, was worth it. For me one of the most powerful places in the country, and that is a country with the Shwedagon and Mahamuni pagodas. I would personally recommend, next to the awesome stupa itself ofc, the 16th century pagoda bell, which one can touch (!) and which is not much visited, although it's a UNESCO cultural legacy object as it is inscribed in three languages. Take your time and spend half a day here, it's a great place. See more..
4.5 Shwesandaw Pagoda (981 reviews)
- Impressive Structure Pagoda
Historic Sites

The sun already started setting, we rushed to one of the taller pagodas in the area – Shwesandaw Pagoda – an imposing structure visible from far away rising from the plains of Bagan, and is very popular among tourists for sunset. Our tickets for the archaeological zone were checked here. Be careful while climbing the steep stairs to the top of the Shwesandaw temple to witness one of the popular sunsets of Bagan. See more..
4.5 National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens (632 reviews)
- Pyin Oo Lwin
National Parks • Gardens

This copy of London's Kew Gardens was built in 1917. See more..
4.5 Dhammayangyi Temple (606 reviews)
- Dhammayan Delights
Religious Sites

A very visual (meso American) pyramid like structural masterpiece. There are serious similarities with structures found in Central America. That said, this isa functioning temple and not a pyramid. A very large building that is easily visible from far and wide. Not to be missed on a trip to the British site. The structure has many frescoes internally too. See more..
4.5 Sulamani Guphaya Temple (544 reviews)
- Solomon
Religious Sites

Solomon, Sulamani, Soleimini, Suleimani appears to be popular all over the world and within different cultures. In Bagan, however, the Sulamani Phaya is hugely impressive both inside and out. The huge structure can be seen from some distance due to the flat elevation of the surrounding countryside. This temple is a draw for local people and tourists alike. The walls are adorned with frescoes internally. Large and small Buddhas sit in various positions in the temple. A great piece of ancient history and architecture. A must when in Bagan. See more..
4.5 Htilominlo Pahto (395 reviews)
- "Htilominlo Temple"
Historic Sites

Htilominlo Pahto was built by King Nataungmyar, the son of King Narapatisithu. the meaning of "Hti" is "Umbrella", "Min" is "King" and "Lo" is "need". This temple has finest 13th century architecture style. Some parts are renovation.This is also one of the largest temple in Bagan. See more..
4.5 Bagaya Monastery (349 reviews)
- "Bagaya Monastery"
Spent < 1 hour Religious Sites

Bagaya Monastery was built by King Bagyidaw in 1834. It was donated to Vermae venerable monk by King Bagyidaw. They dig about 9 feet in the ground and put sand as first layer and stone slab as second layer and then erected the teak pillars. So, it can stand the earthquake. It is one of the finest architecture style in Ava. See more..
4.5 Sanda Muni Paya (296 reviews)
- Spectacular Buddhist stupa
Religious Sites

Built in or about 1874 under King Mindon Min as a memorial honouring his younger brother, Kanaung Mintha, who was assassinated in 1866. One large golden pagoda, and a field of smaller white-washed pagodas. Well maintained grounds and gardens. See more..
4.5 Bulethi (263 reviews)
- Best Sunrise Viewing Place
Points of Interest & Landmarks

We chose to witness sunrise from the small yet beautiful Bulethi temple. It was still dark even though we reached - you may need to get your archaeological zone ticket checked at the entry. The view of the sun rising was superb. See more..
4.5 Maha Myat Muni Pagoda- Mahamuni Buddha Temple (234 reviews)
- Most auspicious temple in Mandaly
Religious Sites

The Maha Myat Muni Pagoda - Mahamuni Buddha temple is very impressive. It is coated with gold leaf. The Idol of Buddha is also gold coated. Women are not allowed into the last cauldron before the idol. See more..
4.5 Mandalay Marionettes Theater (205 reviews)
- Absolutely delightful - Marionettes are a big part of the culture here
Theaters

This passionate group of artists put on a terrific show! It was cool to watch it with a curtain, and then have the curtain pulled back so that you could see the handwork by the artists. And, at the end, the founder of the troupe along with several of the puppeteers come out and demonstrate the techniques for the audience. It's one hour and that's an ideal length of time to thoroughly enjoy the performance! See more..
4.5 Dhammayazika Pagoda (200 reviews)
- Quiet, relaxing, impressive, unique!
Religious Sites

Dhammayazika is a very nice, isolated temple. It is especially impressive from the balloon and from the distance because of the golden pagoda surrounded by an intense red colour. The pagoda rests on three hexagonal terraces. This is a very unique temple's characteristic. It has five shrines dedicated to Buddha. Our first interactions with temple were from the balloon and at sunset. We saw the sunset from a small, adjacent library that you could still climb. From the library, the pagoda is on the left and looks stunning. We visited Dhammayazika in the morning. There were very few backpackers. At sunset is also very quiet. The pagoda has been extensively restored by the local authorities. Restoration is interesting and subsequently, the pagoda looks beautiful; however, the restoration is not correct. See more..
4.5 Gubyaukgyi Temple (198 reviews)
- Take a torch: No lighting: Totally dark inside
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites

Fabulous murals inside with a rich & interesting history, but no lighting at all. Take your own torch. Mural paintings of Jataka scenes - now protected by UNESCO. There are lockers outside, with keys, where you have to leave your camera & mobiles, or any photographic equipment. Quaint selection of stalls outside as well. WITH lighting, I would recommend it! See more..
4.5 Anisakan Falls (182 reviews)
- A fantastic view of multi-layered falls.
Waterfalls

If you view the falls from the top you will pay 1000 kyat to park your vehicle. You can view the falls from several overlooks, each separated by 25 to 50 steps. To view the falls from the bottom you take a different road and hike down the mountain for about 45 minutes. There is a temple, in several water pools, at the bottom of the falls. It is exciting for the children as the mist flows over them. Well worth the hike if your children are energetic See more..
4.5 Shwe-gyu-gyi (139 reviews)
- Easy Access - Uncrowded Viewing
Beach & Pool Clubs

We went here in the morning and had the place to ourselves. Not as high as other viewpoints, but well placed amid the temples for unobstructed views. It was quiet and relaxing. We would encourage a visit. See more..
4.5 Pahtodawgyi Paya (117 reviews)
- Great Trip around Mandalay with Mr Moe
Spent < 1 hour Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

We booked a day tour with Mr Moe to visit most of the important Pagodas and temples and were amazed of the beauty! Moe is a great tour guide who explains a lot about Myanmar, shows you secret places to try local food and keeps you in a good mood with his sense of humor. We tried different drivers and Moe really made a difference. If you want to get in touch with him: +959777764668 See more..
4.5 Upali Thein (97 reviews)
- Lovely, delicate ordination hall!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Upali Thein is a small ordination hall that was part of a large monastery that was made of wood. Most of the monastery is not existent anymore. Upali Thein is the only standing structure. Upali Thein is one of the hidden gems of Bagan. It is not very much visited. This is wonderful as the lack of visitors has likely allowed the ordination hall to have some of the oldest and best preserved murals in Myanmar. The ordination hall has very good light and it is very easy to explore. It is also very cool. The murals tdescribe Buddha's life and monks ordination. The ordination hall has a recently restored Buddha. Outside the ordination hall is important to see the stucco work with geometric figures and floral motifs. Upali Thein is one of the most beautiful sites of Bagan. Upali Thein is not usually open. You have to ask the guard who lives close by to open it for you. The guard is very kind. You may tip the guard. See more..
4.0 Mandalay Hill (2.853 reviews)
- Leisurely stroll up to see the setting sun
Lookouts

We wanted to see the sunset from the top so started our barefoot climb at the bottom at about 4 and returned by 6.30. It was a good 40 mins walking upstairs slowly with plenty of breaks at the pagodas en route. The top few levels are all fascinating, decorated in different styles, gold, mirrored and stone but each had a unique feel. There are no sundowner drinks to be had at the top but we enjoyed an ice cream from a stall. Views are great all around and there is a lovely relaxed atmosphere too. There is a 1000 MMK fee for foreigners to get to the top level so have cash. A bonus are the monks who improve their English by chatting casually to passing tourists. A perfect end to a two week stay in Myanmar See more..
4.0 U Bein Bridge (1.519 reviews)
- Sunset View Is Excellent
Bridges

It is 1.2 km long and 200-year old yet sturdy bridge. It is crossed by hundreds of locals and monks everyday, making their way home or to monasteries on both sides. Sunset hour is the best time to visit this place.You can enjoy boat ride on the Tuangthaman lake that would stop near the U Bein bridge to offer you excellent sunset views. See more..
4.0 Pahtodawgyi (929 reviews)
- Scale is impressive
Spent 1-2 hours Religious Sites

There is a strange majesty to this unfinished, earthquake damaged folly. Supposedly abandoned when only a third finished its impossible to imagine how this building could ever have survived the frequent earthquakes. Nice colours in the brickwork and a calming aura. Visited by Tuk Tuk with Starskey and Hutch Mandalay Taxi Service. See more..
4.0 Mahagandayon Monastery (471 reviews)
- Monastery for training young monks
Historic Sites • Religious Sites

This is a school for young monks where they live, eat and get their training. There is a lunch procession in the morning when the monks with jars march the streets of their compound in calm, silence and without emotion. Visitors in large numbers line the streets and provide money and alms to the monks as they pass by, a beautiful sight to behold. Most of these are very young boys, perhaps orphans or come from poor family. We were happy to witness this event. See more..
4.0 Thatbyinnyu Temple (389 reviews)
- Highest Monuments of Bagan Pagoda
Religious Sites

This nice pagoda is Within 2 km of Ananda Temple on the other side of the Tharabar Gate, is the majestic Thatbyinnyu Pagoda – towering above other nearby pagodas, which is visible from much of the Bagan plains. The square base of the temple is a Brick structure set on a low platform with three receding terraces on top of both the first and second storeys, and each terrace has a small stupa on each of its four corners. There were beautiful paintings made by the temple sellers. The stone painting drew most of our attention – the man crushes stone and makes painting using the stone powder. See more..
4.0 Innwa (326 reviews)
- "First Brick Monastery of 18th century"
Neighborhoods

Queen Menui built this monastery. It is a fine example of Myanmar monastery architecture during 18th century. During those century, it was very difficult to see the brick buildings. Most were built by wooden monasteries and Palaces. In 1838, the front part of the monastery and half of the building wall were destroyed by the earthquake. And it was renovated by daughter of Queen Menu in 1872. Entrance fee is 10$ include Mandalay. See more..