Things to see and do around Mandalay Myanmar

Where do I start? 

Mandalay is big city, so it hard to know what to do and where to start. The main area for backpackers is the area around 25th/83rd street. Things to see and do around Mandalay Myanmar

In this area you will find plenty of accommodation>> The area is ideal for several reasons: Things to see and do around Mandalay Myanmar

• 15 minute walk from the railway station
• 5 minutes walk to the palace walls.
• Pick up buses run from this area to U Bein (U Pain) bridge, city palace, Mandalay Hill and Pyin U Lwin
• 10 minute walk from the night market
• Cheap bicycle rental opposite Royal Hotel
• Motorbike rental- unfortunately this is quite expensive compared to other places in Myanmar. Be prepared to barter.

How do I get around? Things to see and do around Mandalay Myanmar

The roads are numbered, which makes navigation and communication easier. Most local bus and taxi drivers know the numbers in English. One of the best ways to get around is on the pick up buses. If you take a taxi agree on a price for the journey at the start. You can also rent bicycles and motorbikes. 

Things to see and do around Mandalay

How long should I spend in Mandalay?

This depends on how long you have in total, your preferred pace and what you want to do in Mandalay. A typical backpacker will spend 2-4 days in Mandalay (remember you will probably only have a 30 day visa). Personally I prefer smaller towns- and if you are like me you may want to spend less time in Mandalay and head to Pyin Oo Lwin>> and Hsipaw>>

Things to see and do around Mandalay Myanmar

1. Explore the city palace

Although it is called a palace, it is actually a walled city that could take several hours to explore depending on your stamina and curiosity. This historical city within Mandalay is surrounded by a moat and city walls. A 5 day permit for the Mandalay Archaeological zone costs 10,000 kyat you are only allowed to pay this in the local currency Kyat (10,000Kyat is equivalent to around £6 or $10). You can purchase tickets at the East entrance of the city palace. This is also close to Mandalay hill. 

2. Climb Mandalay Hill 

Mandalay is a flat city which means you can get great views from the hill. Climbing Mandalay Hill is a popular thing to do in Mandalay, and many choose to do it in time to see sunset. You can trek up a road, take a taxi or walk up the steps. Remember to bring plenty of water and a torch if you plan to descend after sunset. Entry to the Mandalay Hill is on the same ticket for the city palace. Things to see and do around Mandalay Myanmar

3. See “The world’s largest book”

The world’s largest book in Mandalay is not a book of paper pages. It is a book that has been  engraved on 730 large tablets of stone. The stone book was completed in 1868 and is a copy of the Tripitaka, earliest collection of Buddhist teachings. At present (2016) Dubai officially lays claim to the largest paper book in the world which weighs an incredible 1,500kg, similar to the weight of a car! “The world’s largest book” in Mandalay is located at the Kuthodaw Pagoda at the bottom of Mandalay Hill. Things to see and do around Mandalay Myanmar

4. Stroll along U Bein (U Pain) bridge

This beautiful, quirky wooden bridge crosses the Taung Tha Man lake, around 6km south of the City Palace. The bridge is being restored in places and is a very popular spot for Myanmese tourists. If you are staying in the 25th/83rd street area you will need to leave a few hours for your trip to U Bein bridge. 

Click here for more information on U Bein bridge>>

5. Enjoy Indian street food

Myanmar shares a border with India. The Indian influence is very apparent in many places and Mandalay is now exception. If you explore the 25th/83rd street area you will see street food cafes making indian tea and Roti (Indian breads). Things to see and do around Mandalay Myanmar.

Things to see and do around Mandalay Myanmar.

6. Cool off with a refreshing ice cream at the Nylon Ice Cream place

Although it seems like a western concept, this ice cream cafe is suitable bizarre and quirky to count as a local experience. They sell a delightful range of drinks and icecreams for a very reasonable price. Definitely worth a stop if you’re in the area. The Nylon Ice Cream place is near the Nylon Hotel on the intersection 25th/83rd street. Things to see and do around Mandalay Myanmar.

Things to see and do around Mandalay Myanmar

7. Peruse the Zay Cho night market 

Zay Cho (pronounced “Say-Joo”) night market in Mandalay is very much a local market for local people. If you are expecting anything like the night markets of Thailand and Cambodia you may be disappointed, but if you want to experience some local culture, try some local food and buy a Longji (traditional Myanmese skirt) then this is well worth a visit. The market is open in the evenings along 84th street. When we visited the market stalls started around the 27th and 28th street intersections. Note: There is also a Zay Cho market close by which is open during the day. 

8. Visit the intense blue Dee Doke waterfalls

The surreal blue pools of Dee Doke are great for photography and also taking a refreshing dip.

This is an incredible place to visit to and you are very unlikely to see any other foreign tourists. Dee Doke is a popular spot for locals to come and relax and at present there is no entrance ticket for the area. Things to see and do around Mandalay.

It may be better to visit Dee Doke from Pyin Oo Lwin if it is on your itinerary. If you travel to Dee Doke from Pyin Oo Lwin, you don’t have to navigate through a big city, and you can also visit the amazing Anisakan waterfall en route. Click here for more information about Dee Doke and how to get there from Pyin Oo Lwin>> 

Things to see and do around Mandalay Myanmar

Looking for a place to stay?

Bagan>>     Inle Lake>>    Kalaw>>     Mandalay>>     Hpa An>>    Hsipaw>>      Pyin U Lwin>>     Myawaddy>>

Things to see and do around Mandalay Myanmar