Attraction Tours Mandalay

Travel advisory: The US advises against all travel to Myanmar. The UK advises against all but essential travel to Mandalay, and against all travel to Sagaing and the area north of Mandalay city. Conflict, drone attacks, curfews and internet cut-offs persist, and the March 2025 earthquake left many of the area’s sites damaged. Check the US State Department and UK FCDO before making any plans.

Attractions in Mandalay

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

Mandalay Hill

  • A pilgrimage hill climbed by covered stairways, with views over the city and the river.
  • No damage report was found, but access is unconfirmed since the 2025 earthquake.

Kuthodaw Pagoda

  • Known for 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist scripture, sometimes called the world’s largest book.
  • Surveyors reported serious structural damage after the 2025 earthquake, and access is unconfirmed.

Shwenandaw Monastery

  • Known for its teak carvings, and once part of the royal palace of the Konbaung dynasty.
  • Its current condition and access are unconfirmed since the 2025 earthquake.

U Bein Bridge

  • A long teak footbridge across Taungthaman Lake at Amarapura, long a place to watch local fishermen and villagers at dusk.
  • Its current condition and access are unconfirmed since the 2025 earthquake.

Practical notes

  • Dress modestly at temples and pagodas.
  • Bring sun protection.
  • Checkpoints are common, so carry a passport.