Mandalay Things to Do Tips by Hewer

Mandalay Palace Palace Complex / Fort Review

The city of Mandalay is dominated by Mandalay castle.

It takes about 45 minutes to drive around it and just about any journey between two points in the city will involve driving alongside the castle at some point.

It costs USD10 to get into the castle to have a look. It is being used as some kind of military compound at the moment. You can take some pictures inside but there are quite a few restrictions. Not worth going in I would say. You don't have unrestricted access to the site, and considering most of the facility was destroyed in 1945, the palace ruins are reconstructions.

Directions: You can't miss it, it is the dominant feature of the city.

Sandamuni Pagoda Sandamani (Sanda Muni) Paya Review

There are hundreds of white stupas on the grounds of this pagoda. It makes a nice contrast with Mandalay Hill in the background, and this is a good place to visit a couple of hours before sunset.

Sandamuni Pagoda was first built in 1874 as a memorial to Crown Prince Kanaung, who was assassinated in an attempted coup eight years earlier.

Directions: On 11th Street in the north-east of the city, close to Mandalay Hill.

Walk up Mandalay Hill Mandalay Hill Review

Definitely a worthwhile thing to do. There are great views from the top and many points of interest along the way.

Bear in mind the number of stairs - there are a total of 1729 of them. It'll take you about 30-40 minutes to reach the top, or perhaps as little as 20 minutes if you are trying to outrun a persistent taxi driver or tout ;-)

There is also an elevator - but even if you take it you still have about 30 stairs ahead of you.

Directions: It's in the north-east of the city. It's not far from the Novotel.

Mandalay Hill Sunset Mandalay Hill Review

There is a large circular viewing area on the top of Mandalay Hill and this is a good spot to take in the sunset. You can see for quite a long way and it's possible to pick out landmarks around town. if you want to do this, you should probably head up at least an hour before sunset because it takes around thirty minutes to walk to the top.

Directions: It's in the north-east of the city. It's not far from the Novotel.