Day Trips Mandalay

Travel advisory: Both the US and UK governments warn against visiting. 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 the city. Fighting, drone attacks, curfews and internet shutdowns continue, and the March 2025 earthquake damaged many sites. Check the US State Department and UK FCDO before making any plans.

Day Trips from Mandalay

Several historic towns around Mandalay were once visited on day trips from the city. Under current official advice these are not places to plan trips to, and the condition and access of every site below are unconfirmed since the March 2025 earthquake.

Amarapura

• About 11 km from Mandalay, a former royal capital known for U Bein Bridge and Mahagandhayon Monastery, which is home to a large community of monks.
• U Bein Bridge was included in post-earthquake surveys, and its current condition and access are unconfirmed.

Sagaing Hill

• About 21 km from Mandalay, known for its pagodas and monasteries, including Tupayon Pagoda.
• Sagaing lies in Sagaing Region, where the UK advises against all travel. The Soon U Ponnya Shin pagoda was damaged in the earthquake.

Mingun

• About 11 km from Mandalay on the west bank of the Irrawaddy, historically reached by boat.
• Mingun also lies in Sagaing Region, where the UK advises against all travel. Hsinbyume Pagoda was largely destroyed in the earthquake, and the unfinished Mingun Pahtodawgyi is damaged and closed to climbing.

Practical notes

• Dress modestly, remove shoes when entering temples and ask before photographing monks.
• Food and water options can be limited outside the city.