Activities Mandalay

Travel advisory: Official advice is firm: the US government says not to travel to Myanmar, and the UK says not to travel to Sagaing or north of Mandalay city and to avoid all but essential travel to Mandalay itself. Violence, drone attacks, curfews and internet shutdowns are continuing, and the March 2025 earthquake damaged many sites around the city. Check the US State Department and UK FCDO before making any plans.

Mandalay Activities

Mandalay sits on the east bank of the Irrawaddy River and was the last royal capital of Burma. Visitors historically came for its pagodas, monasteries and markets. No attraction in the city can currently be confirmed open, and each place below carries that caveat.

U Bein Bridge

The teak bridge at Amarapura crosses Taungthaman Lake and is known as one of the longest teak bridges in the world. Its current condition and access are unconfirmed since the 2025 earthquake.

Mandalay Palace

The palace was the last royal residence of Burma. Earthquake damage to its walls and gates has been reported, and access is unconfirmed.

Kuthodaw Pagoda

Kuthodaw is known for the 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist scripture. Surveyors reported serious structural damage after the 2025 earthquake, and access is unconfirmed.

Mahamuni Pagoda

Mahamuni houses one of Myanmar’s most revered Buddha images. A building in the compound collapsed in the earthquake, and its current opening status is unconfirmed.

Mingun

Mingun is a village north of Mandalay known for its unfinished pagoda and large bronze bell. It lies in Sagaing Region, where the UK advises against all travel, and conditions there are unconfirmed since the 2025 earthquake.

Markets

Zegyo Market and the night markets were known for laphet (tea leaf salad), handicrafts and gemstones. Their current trading status is unconfirmed.

Practical notes

  • Dress modestly and remove shoes and socks at pagodas and monasteries.
  • Cash is the main means of payment, and internet access can be cut without notice.
  • Checkpoints are common, so carry a passport.