Sightseeing Mandalay

Travel advisory: Washington advises Americans not to travel to Myanmar for any reason, while the UK government advises against all but essential travel to Mandalay and against all travel to Sagaing Region and the townships north of the city. Armed conflict, drone strikes, curfews and communications blackouts are ongoing, and the March 2025 earthquake damaged many historic sites. Check the US State Department and UK FCDO before making any plans.

Sightseeing in Mandalay

Mandalay sits on the east bank of the Irrawaddy River and was the last royal capital of Burma. No attraction can currently be confirmed open, and each place below carries that caveat.

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.

Mandalay Hill

• A pilgrimage hill of about 230 metres with temples and stupas along its covered stairways.
• No damage report was found, but its access is unconfirmed since the earthquake.

Shwenandaw Monastery

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

Practical notes

• Cover shoulders and knees at pagodas and monasteries.
• Remove shoes when entering and avoid pointing the feet at people or images.
• Cash in kyat (MMK) is the main means of payment, and many ATMs reject foreign cards.