Mandalay Travel Guide, Tours, Myanmar, Vietnam and Indochina Tour

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Mandalay

Tropical beach with coconut palms, Ngapali, Madalay

Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in Mandalay Bay

Mandalay is the second largest city in Burma (after Yangon), and a former capital of Myanmar.

Mandalay city is the economic and religious hub of upper Myanmar and is centred around the Royal Palace.

Shopping in Madalay

A bastion at Mandalay Palace.

Mandalay, the very name evokes the splendours of the Burma of old.

Mandalay overview

Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city (after Yangon), is located on the Irrawaddy River in the center of mainland Myanmar and serves as regional communications, trade, and transportation center. Mandalay is Myanmar’s final capital, having been captured by British troops in November 1885. During World War II, the Japanese occupied and nearly destroyed the city.

Best time to visit Mandalay

The best time to visit Mandalay is between October and February when the average temperature is 30°C during the day and can drop to 16°C at night, and boat cruises on the Irrawaddy River are very popular. The hottest months are March to May, with average temperatures ranging from 35°C to 38°C. The monsoon season lasts from July to September, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 35°C.

How to travel to Mandalay?

By plane: Mandalay international airport (MDL) is not only served by an increasing number of direct international flights but also there are also some short direct flights in the Southeast Asia region such as a 1hr 15min flight to Bangkok, Thailand, a 1hr 15min flight to Kunming Airport (KMG)…

Domestic flights from Mandalay are also easy to connect with Yangon (2hrs 37min flight), Bagan (30 minutes flight), Heho (1hr flight, includes Inle Lake, Kalaw, and TaungGyi), Kalaymyo, Kyaing Tong, Myitkyina, Tachileik, Putao, Monywa, Lashio, Homalin, Bhamo.

By train: From Mandalay to Bagan takes about 7hrs, to Yangon about 17hrs 30min, to Heho about 13hrs

By bus: From Mandalay to Bagan takes about 5hrs (about 2hrs 45min by taxi or private drive), to Yangon about 9hrs (about 6hrs 30min by taxi or private drive), to Heho about 8hrs 30min (about 3hrs 30min by taxi or private drive)

Things to do in Mandalay

1. Explore the Maha Myat Muni Pagoda.
2. Mandalay Hill should be explored (the best of sunrise and sunset, nearby the center of Mandalay)
3. Travel to Mandalay Palace (the ancient architecture since 1861 and a cool area)
4. Mahar Aung Myay Market is a great place to shop (the famous jades and souvenirs)
5. Hsinbyume Pagoda will transport you to the clouds.
6. A stroll through Zay Cho Market, which sells everything from fresh fruits and spices to kitchen tools.
7. The Mingun Pagoda transports you back in time.
8. A short trip to Kuthodaw Paya Pagoda (built at the end of 1800 with over 729 towers and the World’s largest book) is recommended.
9. Visit U Bein Bridge, the world’s longest wooden bridge
10. Shwenandaw Monastery (the beautiful wooden details, located nearby Mandalay Palace)
11. Enjoy dinner at Mingalarbar with a Mandalay-style food experience