Mandalay

Captured by the British from the last of Burma's kings, Mandalay conjures images of Southeast Asia at its most elegant and genteel. Though today it is Myanmar's second largest city, home to 1 million people, it is still possible to glimpse the enchanting land that beckoned Rudyard Kipling: "For the temple-bells are callin', an' it's there that I would be - by the old Moulmein Pagoda, looking lazy at the sea." One of the cultural and spiritual centers of the nation, Mandalay can also be enjoyed as the start or end point of a cruise on board The Road to Mandalay.

Perhaps the best sights of Mandalay are the Shwei-in-bin Monastery, a regal teak structure that is a rare example of traditional Burmese design; the iconic Mandalay Palace, a reconstructed, restored complex that was once home to a line of Burmese kings; and the surreally elaborate Kuthodaw Pagoda, a white marble structure dating from the 1800s.

Experiences

A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.

Contemporary Art Tour

Along with Yangon, Mandalay is one of Myanmar’s burgeoning centers of contemporary art, with new galleries opening and buzz beginning to build here. Get a firsthand look at awakening artistic and political expression in a country where it has long been discouraged.

Cruise on The Road to Mandalay

Take a cruse on The Road To Mandalay, a luxury cruise ship named after the Rudyard Kipling poem. Board the ship in Mandalay and sail down the Irrawaddy to Bagan (or vice versa), stopping along the way to experience the sights and sounds of sleepy, rural Myanmar. Your time on the ship will be spent enjoying talks by experts, cultural dance and song, even acrobatics, all with the luxuries and amenities of a luxury hotel.

Kuthodaw Pagoda

Built by King Mindon in the 19th-century, Kuthodaw pagoda is home to the world’s largest book – a series of 729 white marble tablets on which the Buddhist scriptures are carved. The tablets are arranged in groups as four sides of a square, with each square crowned by a white stupa, making for a remarkable sight en masse.

Mahamuni Paya

Visit the Mahamuni Paya and see the famed Buddha, covered in gold leaf daily by pilgrims. Join in and add a small amount of gold leaf to the Buddha.

Mandalay Hill

Do as Burmese Buddhist pilgrims have done for hundreds of years and hike to the top of Mandalay Hill (790 feet in altitude), a merit-making endeavor in the mind of the faithful. There are four pathways up to the top of the hill, the most commonly used of which is marked by two famous "chinthes," or giant lion statues (rendered with artistic flair) guarding the path entrance.

Mandalay Palace

Home to the last kings of Burma, Mandalay Palace fell to British forces in 1885; subsequently, the Palace became a symbol of Burmese identity and independence. While the palace was destroyed in World War II, it was rebuilt in the 1990s. Today, the reconstructed palace features traditional Burmese architecture, with a wide moat, defensive walls, carefully manicured gardens, and low structures under elaborate, tiled roofs.

Po Win Daung Caves

Embark on a full-day trip to the seldom visited Po Win Daung caves. Although little known to the outside world, the hundreds of caves here, carved out of sandstone rock, are considered by academics to contain one of the richest repositories of Buddhist statues and fresco paintings in all of Southeast Asia.

Shwei-in-bin Monastery

Visit the Shwei-in-bin Monastery, a fine example of traditional Burmese wooden architecture, and one of the few which survived the test of time. Built from teak, a hard wood native to southeast Asia, Shwei-in-bin Monastery is full of elaborate woodcarvings and detailed Buddhist artwork.

Shwenandaw Kyaung Monastery

Visit the beautiful Shwenandaw Kyaung teak monastery, which was once part of Mandalay Palace before being disassembled and relocated to its present location in 1880. Built entirely out of teak wood and abounding in intricately carved depictions of the life of the Buddha, Shwenandaw was one of few buildings spared during World War II bombing.

U Bein Bridge

Stroll across U Bein bridge, the world’s longest teak bridge, which is three-quarters of a mile long and one of Mandalay’s landmarks.

Myanmar Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.

Mandalay Itineraries

Classic Myanmar

Take a 10-day journey to one of Southeast Asia’s most mysterious countries: Myanmar. You’ll discover the charming nation’s most adored destinations, flying in a hot-air balloon over Bagan’s temple-studded plains, observe expert leg-rowers at Inle Lake, circumambulate gilded temples, and get to know the people and their livelihoods.

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
From $7,400
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Ancient Bagan to Hedonistic Ngapali

Experience mysterious Myanmar from top to bottom on this thrilling 14-day journey through its hotspots. You’ll take in the temples of ancient Bagan, interact with locals at a local silk weaving factory, and cruise down the calm waters of Inle Lake, all the while spending your nights in some of Myanmar’s best hotels.

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
From $10,200
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Cultural Highlights and Himalayan Foothills

Explore Myanmar’s great outdoors on this exhilarating 14-day adventure. You’ll make friends with local villagers, check out Bagan’s 2,000 temples, cruise down the legendary Inle Lake, raft the exciting Malikha river, and stay in some of Myanmar’s most luxurious hotels, like the iconic Governor’s Residence.

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
From $14,700
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Gems & Dolphins in Central Myanmar

Discover the history, industry, and beautiful nature of Central Myanmar (Burma) on this exciting six-day adventure. You’ll visit a colonial outpost in Pyin Oo Lwin, a local gem mining area, and spend a few days cruising down the Ayeyarwady river to enjoy encounters with its eponymous dolphins.

Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Price Per Person
From $4,200
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Mandalay to Hsipaw: Unveiling Myanmar's Ethnic Tribes by Rail

Trace Myanmar’s ancient trade route, making your way from Mandalay to Hsipaw, on this 4-day luxury journey. You’ll tour a charming town by antique horsedrawn cart, take a train over the colossal Gokteik Viaduct, shop in the early morning at a unique market, and watch the sunset from Nine Buddha Hill. 

Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Price Per Person
From $2,300
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Expedition through Nagaland

Discover Myanmar’s beautiful and friendly Northwest region, meeting members of the mysterious Naga tribes in the Lashi villages, marveling at ancient artwork and temples in Mandalay, trek through the rugged, pristine forests and hills, and see if you can spot unique wildlife on this 12-day luxury tour.

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $5,400
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Heights of Hsipaw: A Trekking Adventure through the Shan State Hills

The Shan State is yours to discover: from a historic rail ride to Hsipaw to the traditional Palaung villages, this seven-day adventure will allow you to experience life in the rural hills of the Shan State, where traditional villages are full of life, culture and colour. Get your trekking shoes ready!  

Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Price Per Person
From $3,500
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Mandalay Hill Resort

Mandalay Hill Resort

Mandalay, Myanmar

With 206 guest rooms and suites featuring beautiful views of the Irrawaddy River and the Royal Palace, the Mandalay Hill Resort Hotel is a comfortable retreat located at the foot of Mandalay Hill. Amenities include a fitness center, two tennis courts, a swimming pool, massage services as well as a number of dining options to choose from. Enjoy an international barbecue buffet and culture show at Kinsana Garden Theater or traditional Chinese cuisine at Ming’s Chinese Restaurant. Kipling’s Lounge offers a tapas menu and performances by a live band while Yadanabon Cafe provides guests with local Myanmar cuisine. The Mandalay Hill Resort Hotel is approximately 15 minutes from the Mandalay airport.
Red Canal

Red Canal

Mandalay, Myanmar


Being a boutique property this hotel prides itself on its high standards of Myanmar grace and hospitality. The hotel is a celebration of all things Myanmar, featuring teak furniture, fixtures and fittings made from rattan, mother-of-pearl and Myanmar marble. Each room bears the name of a Myanmar ethnic group, the design and decoration of each room reflects their respective cultural heritage. Chin and Shan suites feature a terrace overlooking the pool and gardens. The Rakhine suites are spacious and ideal for the business traveler. An outdoor shower with a slate wall of cascading water is the highlight of the honeymooner Kachin suites. Onsite dining includes the Spice Garden an elegant restaurant serving Myanmar, Northern and Southern Indian cuisines. Step into the stylish spa for beauty and health treatments. The spa’s interior is inspired by traditional construction methods of rural villages in Myanmar. The building remains at a comfortable temperature, even in summer with walls plastered with natural mud mixed with rice husks and straw. Running water features, rattan fixtures and terracotta tiles combine to give this retreat a rustic and earthy feel.


Rupar Mandalar

Rupar Mandalar

Mandalay, Myanmar

The Rupar Mandalar is a recently opened boutique resort just outside of Mandalay, with 10 rooms and six suites. Set amidst tropical grounds, the resort fuses the traditional and the contemporary, with teak wood construction and Burmese fabrics. There is a business center for Internet access and a state-of-the-art fitness center equipped with weight lifting machines as well as cardiovascular machines. The hotel is equipped with saunas, a Jacuzzi, pool, tennis courts and a spa. The hotel is approximately a 30-minute drive from Mandalay Airport (MDL).
Sedona Hotel Mandalay

Sedona Hotel Mandalay

Mandalay, Myanmar

With impressive views of the Royal Palace and Mandalay Hill, this hotel is a fusion of stylishly ethnic and contemporary décor. The 247 guest rooms are tastefully designed and guests are treated with the warm hospitality for which Burma is famous. Choose from one of the five restaurants in the hotel for dining, including Café Mandala and Uno, which serves Mediterranean cuisine. The hotel has the essential facilities with a business center with Internet and email access, fitness center, swimming pool and a beauty and massage facility. The hotel is 50 minutes from Mandalay Airport (MDL) and short drives from attractions such as Mahamuni Pagoda and Palace City.

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