Solo Activities Mandalay Region

Travel advisory: The US government advises against all travel to Myanmar, and 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 many sites were damaged in the March 2025 earthquake. Check the US State Department and UK FCDO before making any plans.

Solo Travel in Mandalay Region

Under current official advice Mandalay Region is not a place to plan solo travel. A solo traveller has no one to share risk with at checkpoints, during curfews or when internet and banking are cut. No attraction can be confirmed open, and the condition and access of each place below are unconfirmed since the March 2025 earthquake.

Places the region is known for

• Mandalay city is the former royal capital, known for Mandalay Palace, Shwenandaw Monastery and Kuthodaw Pagoda. The palace was damaged and Kuthodaw suffered serious structural damage.
• Amarapura is known for U Bein Bridge and Mahagandayon Monastery.
• Mingun lies in Sagaing Region, where the UK advises against all travel. It is known for its large bell and the unfinished Pahtodawgyi, and Hsinbyume Pagoda was largely destroyed.
• Sagaing Hill is known for its monasteries and nunneries and also lies in a region where the UK advises against all travel.
• Pyin Oo Lwin is a former British hill station that has been hit by rocket attacks.

Practical notes

• Dress modestly and remove shoes at temples and monasteries.
• Carry a passport, since checkpoints are common.