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A busy street scene in Mandalay, Myanmar, with the clock tower built to commemorate Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee.

Mandalay (Burmese: မန္တလေး) is the second largest city (after Yangon), and a former capital of Myanmar. The city is the economic and religious hub of upper Myanmar. The city is centred around the royal palace, and has wide avenues filled with bicycles and motorcycles.

Mandalay is known for its millionaires, its monks (half of the country's monks reside in Mandalay and surrounding areas), and its cultural diversity.

Understand

History

The very name Mandalay evokes the splendours of old Burma. But most people will be surprised to learn that Mandalay is not an old city, not even a medieval one, but rather a new city created by King Mingdon Min in 1857 as the new capital of the kingdom of Ava. Only two Burmese kings ruled from there, King Mingdon and King Thibaw, before the British conquest of Upper Burma in 1885. It was a city of splendour between 1858 and 1885, but most of the magnificence has vanished, gone in the fires that consume wooden structures and by intensive Allied bombing during the Second World War. The city, neatly planned with its lettered roads and numbered streets, is a British creation. The once magnificent royal palace and the great Atumashi ("incomparable") pagoda, King Mingdon Min's finest creations, are modern reconstructions supervised by the ruling junta with the help of forced labour. Today, Mandalay lies at the end of the Lashio Rd and it is, by Burmese standards, relatively prosperous as a centre for trade with China and India. Despite the capital having been moved to Naypyidaw, Mandalay remains by far the main commercial centre of Upper Myanmar.

People

Mandalay is ethnically diverse, with the Bamar (Burmans) forming a slight majority. In recent years, there has been a major influx of Chinese from mainland China, and the local Chinese (both recent migrants and descendants of colonial-era immigrants) form 30-40% of the population. Their influence is seen in the Chinese-style glass buildings throughout the city. Other ethnic groups include the Shan, who are ethnically and linguistically related to the Thais and Laotians, and the Karen (Kayin). There is also a sizable ethnic Indian population, including Nepalis and Sikhs.

Climate

Mandalay has a semi-tropical climate. Winter (which is dry and cold) lasts from Nov-Feb, and summer lasts from Mar-May. Because Mandalay is in the central dry zone, it receives far less rain than the more tropical south.

Get in

By plane

Mandalay International Airport (MDL), a gleaming modern facility, serves the area with flights to places in Myanmar and some international flights. There are also 3 flights weekly to and from Kunming on flight MU2029 for about CNY2,000 one way.

The airport is 35 km south of the city centre in Tada-U. Expect to pay USD8 to central Mandalay, USD6 from central Mandalay, and USD30 to/from Pyin U Lwin.

By train

From Yangon There are several trains daily from Yangon. While the tracks are old and, in some cases, the carriages may be old, the fifteen hour journey is quite pleasant. In 2006 all trains were rescheduled to travel during the day (so that trains do not cross Pyinmana in the dark), but at least one train (the privately-managed Dagon Mann Express) now runs overnight. Fares range from about USD15 (ordinary class/hard seat) to USD50 (air conditioned sleeper on the Dagon Mann Express).

From Lashio, Hsipaw, and Pwin U Lwin There are two trains daily from Pyin U Lwin (USD4/2) and one from Lashio via Hsipaw and Pwin U Lwin (USD9/3 from Hsipaw). These trains are slow, crowded, but fascinating. The Pyin U Lwin - Hsipaw section includes the famous Gokteik Viaduct, a feat of Raj ingenuity (and American construction!).

From Myitkyina This twenty-four hour journey is on old rolling stock and even older tracks so expect it to be bumpy!

By bus

From Yangon There is a night bus with air-con (there are 5 options, 17:00, 18:00, 19:00, 21:00, and 21:30 departures, standard MYK10,500, VIP MYK15,000, 8.5-9 hr) running into Mandalay. Almost certainly the cheapest option for getting between the two main cities in Myanmar. From Inle Lake, MYK10,000.

From Inle Lake, Kalaw or Mid-Eastern Towns There are buses available along this route, either a day minibus (05:00 departure, 9,000 kyat, 9 hr) or a night bus with air-con (18:00 departure). The minibus in the day takes a slightly shorter route than the larger (and some say more comfortable) full-sized night bus. Expect windy and bumpy roads, stops for picking up and putting down passengers, and, if you are lucky, a search of the bus by just-bribed police officers in plainclothes.

From the Highway Bus Station you can either take a taxi or pick-up into town. Taxis are overly expensive (quoting prices as high as 2,000 kyat per person; don't pay more than 5,000 kyat for the car), and often bargain in a mob fashion (except they all offer the same price and try and gang-up on you). A far cheaper option is to simply walk out of the bus station yards to the west, and find one of the pick-ups that just ran a load of people to the station from town (500 kyat per person). They are normally more than happy to help and there are no commission issues to worry about.

Some bus companies, e.g. OK Bus (btw. Mandalay and Bagan, MMK 9000), offer free pick-up from your hostel and will drop you at your next hostel at your destination.

Get around

  • The best and cheapest way to see the city is by bicycle, as traffic isn't as heavy as in other Asian cities.
  • Motorbike taxis try to charge you overly expensive prices. Don't pay more than 1,000 kyat for a ride in the centre (including to Mandalay Hill). You can get full-day (09:00-sunset) tours for 10,000 kyat. The driver will take you to the ancient cities, Saingang, and to Amarapura for sunset.
  • Renting a motorcycle can be a dangerous exercise in Mandalay as driving can be chaotic, but it is a great way to see the city if you are an experienced rider. Some hotels on 25th St rent bikes and there is an American expat in the centre who rents dirt bikes and motorbikes that can be delivered to your hotel. Email: mandalaymotorbike@gmail.com. Mobile:+95 9 2014265.
  • Taxis are relatively inexpensive and are excellent for travelling around Mandalay. Many sights are centred around Mandalay Hill, which makes walking feasible in that area.
  • Trishaws (cycle rickshaws) are a convenient way of getting around in Mandalay if you're able to find one. If you find a driver who speaks good English you can have a tour guide and transport together for a reasonable price with a little bargaining. They only hold one or two persons (back to back) however.

See

Mandalay has a "Mandalay Zone Fee" of K10000 that covers most of the central attractions and lasts for about a week. Buy it from the first attraction you visit. The tickets are not always checked at all attractions and you might be able to get individual cheaper tickets for some attractions. If you want to take a chance on avoiding the fee, don't go to the palace, where the ticket is always checked. Mingung and Sagaing are about K3000 extra each (not always enforced).

Religious sites

  • 1 Kuthodaw Paya (Pronounced, ku-tho-dau pei-ya) (At the foot of Mandalay Hill). The site of the world's largest book. Built by King Mingdon in the 1800s, 729 white stupas within the complex contain the complete text of the Tripitaka, Theravada Buddhism's most sacred text.
  • 2 Maha Myat Muni Paya (Pronounced, ma-ha myah mu-ni pei-ya). Myanmar's second holiest pilgrimage site. It is a 4 m high Buddha statue, made of gold and decorated with precious jewels. The statue was brought from Rakhine State, southeast of Mandalay. Visit at around 04:30-05:00 for the amazing ceremony of washing the Buddha's face, which occurs every day and is attended by hundreds of people.
  • 3 Sandamuni Paya (Pronounced, san-da-mu-ni pei-ya) (At the foot of Mandalay Hill). Similar to Kuthodaw Paya, an adjacent site. Sandamuni contains the world's largest iron Buddha image.
  • 4 Shwe Kyi Myin Paya (Pronounced, shui ji myin pei-ya). Built in the 1st century, by Prince Min Shin Saw.
  • 5 Shwenandaw Monastery. A monastery made entirely of teak, with beautiful intricate carvings. It was originally part of the royal palace built by King Mindon and moved to its current site by his son, King Thibaw in the late 19th century. It is the only major building from the original wooden royal palace to have survived the bombing of World War II, and thus is the only authentic part of the royal palace which can still be seen today.

Miscellaneous

  • 6 Royal Palace (Pronounced, man-da-lei nan-dau). A walled city within Mandalay. It was built in 1861 by King Mindon, to fulfill a prophecy. The palace, although destroyed in WWII, was rebuilt, and was renovated recently. It was renovated using forced labour, and locals may advise you not to visit the place. In addition, while the design of the reconstruction was fairly faithful to the original, the materials used were not (metal was use instead of the original teak). The palace contains several pavilions and chambers. Tourists are required to enter from the East Gate. An almost kilometre walk connects the entry gate to the palace proper. Replicas of throne rooms and chairs and Madame Tussaud-style images of Kings Mindon and Thibaw with their chief consorts are on display. At the west end is the Palace Museum where all palace memorabilia is on display including religious paraphernalia, court ritual implements, court dresses and uniforms, furniture, palanquins, and litters, as well as weaponry, all in typically intricate Myanmar design and execution. There are also photo exhibits. The surrounding area of the island is a military base, which creates a strange atmosphere.
  • 7 U Bein Bridge. Historic wooden bridge in the south of Mandalay. It's not particularly attractive but is a great slice of local life, with locals walking back and forth, stopping for food and shopping, or standing in the water fishing.

Do

  • 1 Mandalay Hill. From the base of Mandalay Hill you can either climb the stairs or take a pick-up to Sutaungpyei Pagoda at the top. The climb takes about 30-45 min and requires moderate fitness, but is not overly demanding and is in the shade. Plenty of shops and other interesting stops (Buddhas, pagodas, viewpoints) line the path. At sunset, Sutaungpyei Pagoda crowds with tourists, and many monks and other locals climb the stairs with the hope of talking to foreigners and practicing their English. Footwear is prohibited at the pagoda, which offers nice views of Mandalay and the surrounding plains. Shared pick-up trucks to the base of Mandalay Hill run along 83rd St, one block from the Clock Tower, and leave every 20 minutes (500-1,000 kyat). Private pick-ups are also available (5,000 kyat). Motorbike taxis from the city center to and from the base of Mandalay Hill run between 1,000-2,000 kyat.
  • Jade Market Tour and Lunch at a Monastery, 09402538362, . One of the most fascinating attractions in Mandalay that is less visited by tourists is the Maha Aung Myay Jade Market. Each day, thousands gather to buy, sell, grind and polish jade in the chaotic market, the largest in Southeast Asia. A local guide named Soe Paing, who has in the past worked as an apprentice at the market, offers private tours of the jade market and an insider's look at its merchants. Afterwards, join Soe for a private tour and lunch at Moe Hti Aung Si Monastery, a meditation monastery that is off the tourist trail. Soe, who teaches English to the monastery's students, has an exclusive deal with the head monk that allows his clients to interact with students, monks, and nuns, and join them for lunch. Soe also offers full day tours of Mandalay that include other major attractions, but only serves individuals and small groups (maximum five people). 40,000 kyat.
  • Do-It-Yourself Bicycle Tour of Mandalay. A whole day tour to Maha Muni, Innwa and U Beign Bridge. Sagain Hill can be included as well. You can visit U Bein Bridge twice: Once during the day and once at sunset. Start early at the Clock Tower in Mandalay (26th Street, 84th Street) and cycle south 84th Street till two streets after the 42th street. The road will then split into 2, go left. After the next bend you will see the entrance to Maha Muni Image. Lock your bicycle and take your time to explore the temple and the gardens behind.
Go back to where the 84th Street splits into two and this time go right. Continue further south. Parallel to your street runs another, getting really close to yours after about 3km, only to then turn right when yours goes gradually left (there is a gas station, 100m to your left is a white pagoda). From there continue on the main road. After 400m the road bends right, then continues straight for about 1km and then bends left. You can stop there to visit the Burkayar Monastery. Afterwards, continue straight and leave the main road. After 500m the railway tracks cross the street. Continue straight through the neighborhoods for 500m more until you reach the Taungthaman Lake. Follow the road counter-clockwise along the lake and after 2km you will reach the parking area of U Bein Bridge. You might have to pay a small parking fee (MMK 100-200). Cross the Bridge and settle in a teahouse on the other side.
Get back on the bicycle and go west until you hit the main road (Saging-Mandalay Expy) and the tracks. From there you can explore the neighbourhoods and stop by any building where you hear the dominant rattling noise of the looms. There are factory-like businesses and private homes with only one or two machines. There are plenty. And you will be warmly welcomed to any of them to have a look.
To go to Innwa follow the main road (Saging-Mandalay Expy) further south for 4.5km, always straight until you reach a roundabout. Go straight for Innwa (or turn right and cross the bridge to Sagaing). After another kilometre you will reach a crossing. The main road bends right a little and crosses the river to Sagaing, a smaller road bends sharply left to somewhere else. And straight continues a small street of rather poor condition. Take this small street and follow it for another kilometre until you reach the river. You can only cross it by ferry (1min). It's MMK 1,000 per person and 200 extra for the bicycle return ticket. Welcome to Innwa!
Once you leave the ferry you will want to continue as soon as possible as the horse cart tour guys try to win you for a ride. Follow the horse tracks.
Mahar Aung Mye Bonzan Monastery: From the jetty follow the road, go left, then right at the T-crossing. When the road turns left follow the small trail straight instead (no horse cart can pass), cross the tiny bridge. And after 50m you reach the monastery (zone ticket). Right hand side from the main entrance there is a stupa, walled with two doors each having stairs. Check if the doors are open and sneak in for free. The stupa is connected to the monastery.
Take 2-3h to explore Inwa fully. Then go back the same way to see the sunset at U Bein Bridge. There are street lamps all the way to Mandalay. There are no hills, just flat land.
Mandalay Clock Tower - Maha Mudi Image: 4km, 20min
Maha Mudi Image - U Bein Bridge: 8km, 40min
U Bein Bridge - Inwa: 8km, 40min
In case you got lost just ask people for the way. As there is next to nobody cycling in that area (not even locals) they are very curious and will gladly help you. Have your destinations written in Myanma as it's easier for people to understand. Try to get a bicycle with lights. Alternatively you can rent a motorcycle for MMK 10,000. But only one can fit at a time on the ferry. 1,500 kyat for bicycle, 1,200 ferry.
  • 2 Mandalay Marionettes Theatre, 66th St (Between 26th & 27th St), +95 2 34446. daily at 8.30pm. This is a hard-to-find show, even in Yangon. The show lasts 1h and has a traditional orchestra. Everything will be explained in English. Book in advance during high season. MMK 10,000.
  • Moustache Brothers. 8:30 PM. Formerly a comedy trio who have served a total of 12 years in prison for their political (anti-government) performances and jokes. Now only one of the three performs. About half is comedy and the other half is traditional dancing performed by his family. They are only allowed to perform from their home, for tourists. They perform every night. The admission fee goes towards helping political prisoners. The show lasts for about 1.5 hours and mostly features Burmese dance and some political jokes. Rickshaw drivers will try for a return fee. 10,000 kyat.
  • Waterfall Hill (Yaedagon Taung) (On the east side of Mandalay). Outdoor sports, especially caving and rock climbing are popular endeavours here. It is not spoiled, not crowded, and not far from the city.
  • A Glimpse of Mandalay Cooking class and day tour, between 35th & 36th St, between 57th & 58th St, Yoe Yoe Lay Guesthouse (free pick up and drop off is included.), +95 944 404 1944, . 09:00-18:00. A combination of cooking class and day tour and the first of its kind in Myanmar. The cooking class is located in a local village about 20 min drive from Mandalay. You can get hands on teaching while enjoying the green paddy fields. After the cooking class, they will take you a bike tour to see the daily life of the village and end the tour by seeing sunset in a historic place. All ages welcome. USD30.
  • Amaravati Thai Massage, Corner of 62th and 37th (In the east of Mandalay). Get body massage, foot massage and aroma massage. They are very professional and the ambience is nice and relaxing. MMK 8,000 for 1h body massage.
  • City Park, Myo Patt Rd. A leisure park with swimming pool! Women are requested to wear a t-shirt and shorts. MMK 500.

Buy

  • 1 Zegyo Market (Pronounced zei-gyo). A street bazaar near city centre.

Eat

Mandalay, both due to its history as a former capital of Myanmar, and its position as a major trading centre between Myanmar and its neighbours in China, India and Bangladesh has a notable array of specialties both from various regions within Myanmar as well as from other countries. Cuisine from the Shan State (usually including fermented pastes, vegetables and meats) is popular in Mandalay which has a sizable Shan minority. Muslim Chinese noodles, pronounced pan-THEI-kao-sweh (flat thin noodles mixed with an array of spices, chili, and chicken), are also famous in Mandalay and the surrounding hills. Regardless of where you eat, try to leave space for htou moun(to-moh), a traditional Burmese dessert sold only in Mandalay. Beware, it contains a lot of oil and is extremely sweet.

  • Shop for htou moun, 78th and 31th Street (left of the train station). They will normally let you try the different types. You can have mixed boxes as well. Eat them within 4-7 days (depends on type) box from MMK 1,800.
  • Indian Street Restaurant, 82nd & 27th. Cheap and delicious Indian food, including chapati (2 curries, 2 Indian rotis, for 300 kyat), birmani, mutton curries, etc.
  • Mann Restaurant, 83rd St (Between 25th & 26th St). A Chinese restaurant, frequented by locals, but not so much by foreigners. Has a number of basic Chinese meals, at around 2,000 kyat (meat), 1,500 kyat (vegetarian) a plate. Nothing special. Easily recognised from the street by the abundant yellow and black advertising for a local whisky brand. Sells beer and alcohol, Myanmar Beer at 1,500 kyat a bottle compared to 2,000 kyat in Yangon.
  • Street Pancakes (Indian roti), 81st & 26th (In the SW block of 81st & 26th St. Enter the unmarked alley going west, next to Myawaddy Bank). Afternoons you'll find a pleasant Indian lady making savoury and sweet street pancakes in a cast iron frying pan in front of her house. Cheap, delicious, and pleasant company.
  • 1 Too Too Myanmar Cuisine, 28th St (Between 74th & 75th St). OK, touristified Burmese curries. Still a reliable option due to the apparent lack of cheap local curry houses.
  • 2 Super 81, 39th Street, between 81st and 82nd, Mandalay. Sun–Sat 09:00–23:00. Double-storey restaurant with great barbecued seafood. If it's too warm outside, you can get a table on the air-conditioned second floor. The extensive menu includes Thai, Chinese, Indian and western dishes. Many locals seem to like this place. K5,000–7,500.
  • Grand Royal, 69th Street, btw 34th and 35th. Nice busy restaurant with two floors. English menu available, but no English spoken. Try Tauk Tauk Kyaw (chicken+veggies+spicy mint, MMK 2,500), Pinsein (chicken pie with veggies, MMK 2,000) and don't forget to order rice. They have hand-mixed-pineapple lassi which means yoghurt and pineapple pieces with ice cubes that you eat (and mix) with your spoon. from MMK 1,500.
  • Nameless Street Stall at corner of 30th and 84th Street. dinnertime. Busy place right at the crossing with more than 10 different curries to choose from. The staff just knows enough English to point out what meat (or fish) is in the curry. Choose by the look. The curry traditionally comes with rice, soup and veggy plate. Set meal with one curry MMK 800.
  • Night market, along corner of 76th and 34th Street. best time 6-7pm. Choose a shop where there are many people in order to point at the dish you want as there are no English menus. Stalls sell hot pots, dumplings (soup, steamed, salad), Thai noodles, seafood with flat rice noodles, pork feet with noodles, sticky rice and other sweets. A yoghurt dessert with honey or sugar is very popular among the locals.

Drink

  • Golden Coffee Shop, No. 80/4, 35th St (Between 88th and 89th St). Free Wi-Fi. Decently priced fruit shakes and coffees and a good array of snacks. Friendly staff try their best with English, but best take a phrasebook if you want to do more than point at pictures on menus. 500-2,000 kyat for drinks. Similar for food/snacks.
  • Shwe Gokai, 35th St (N side of 35th St a few shops W of 68th St). This is a Chinese BBQ restaurant famous for its BBQ beef tongue and rice noodle soup (ba ba si). There is no English sign, but it is easy enough to find as it is the only BBQ restaurant on the north side of 35th St. It is next to a pottery store with many clay pots in front.
  • V Cafe, No 408, Corner of 80th & 25th St (Near Royal Guesthouse), +95 9 6804928. A cool cafe at Mandalay with good food, friendly and attentive service at fair price. A nice escape from the teeming streets for those weary after a tiring day. USD5-10.
  • 1 Nylon Ice Cream Bar, Corner of 83rd and 25th Streets. A bit of a novelty, ice cream, milkshakes, juices and beers that you can drink on the side of the bustling street. Flavours are geared towards Asian tastes, there's no food unless street sellers are operating, and there's usually a gaggle of beggars (who seem to be in league with the owners) harassing drinkers.

Sleep

Budget

Most budget guesthouses are around 25th St, between 81st and 84th Streets. There are many more than those listed here.

  • AD1 Hotel, Eindawya Sintada St, Chan Aye Thar San Township (E of Eindawya Pagoda), +95 2 34505, +95 9 6502430. Central location in the heart of Zeygo Market. The rooftop is something special. Rooms are tacky and baths dated, but the price is right. USD15-30.
  • ET Hotel, 83rd and 23rd/24th St. Nice and clean. Free Wi-Fi, tours, and transport booking, friendly staff. USD20.
  • Nylon Hotel (Corner of 83rd & 25th St), +95 2 33460, +95 2 66550, +95 2 60757. Check-in: early, if room available, check-out: 12:00. Room, bathroom quality is standard for Burma at this price. Basic breakfast and working Wi-Fi in room included. Extremely friendly staff, except for the owner (unfriendly, doesn't care about his guests at all). Attention: they may try to scam you with the laundry, so clarify the price per unit and count for yourself. USD10-20.
  • Mahar Hotel (24 St, between 83 & 84th St), +95 2 22854, . Check-out: 12:00. One block from Nylon Hotel, rooms are very clean and relatively good value for the price (for Mandalay), though single rooms are small. Hot shower, free Wi-Fi in rooms, standard breakfast included, friendly staff. USD18-25.
  • 1 Peacock Lodge, 60th St, +95 9 2042059, . Terrific home stay B&B, with very friendly family staff. A bit out of the centre. Has bike rentals. Free Wi-Fi in the rooms, includes breakfast outside in the garden. Hot shower. Can organise airport transfers, bus tickets, etc. Standard double US$35, Deluxe double US$55 (Sept 2014) USD35-55.
  • Rich Queen, 87th St (Between 26th & 27th St), +95 2 260172, +95 9 91028348. Place is new and has a flash backpacker feel to it. Has modern facilities including the baths. All rooms have air-con. USD25.
  • Royal Guesthouse, No 41 25th St (Between 82nd & 83rd St, S side.), +95 2 65697. Check-out: 12:00. This place fills up pretty quickly, so if you want to be sure, make a reservation before arriving in Mandalay. Cheaper rooms have fan and shared bath, more expensive have air-con. The air-con is on the government grid and so will go down during (common) blackouts. Friendly staff, and close to the royal palace. Bike rental (1,500 kyat per day, negotiable) available across the road. USD7+.
  • Sabai Phyu Hotel, 81st and 25/26th St. Despite the semi-squalid, cell-like rooms, due to the overpricing in Mandalay, this is probably the best bet in the area. Free drinking water. Breakfast for USD1. Some of the best water pressure in Burma. USD10-20.
  • [www.facebook.com/yoeyoelayhomestay Yoe Yoe Lay Guesthouse], Between 35th and 36th St & 57th and 58th St, Shwe Gal Pwar (About 10 min E of downtown. You can also take local pickup Bus 11 from 35th street, RMB300), +95 944 404 1944, . Check-in: 12:30, check-out: 12:00. Great breakfast included with fruits, western and local food, free Wi-Fi & drinking water. Clean bathrooms with warm water. The owner "Mama" and the staff are very kind and helpful. Kind of a homestay feeling. Bicycles for rent (USD2 per day). They organize bus tickets and sightseeing tours. Booking through their Facebook page or email. Air-con en suite dbl: USD30, shared bathroom: USD25, 4 and 6 bed dorm rooms: USD10 per person (July 2015). They are linked to a other hostel in town where they can take you if you need to rent a motorbike (11,000 kyats a day). USD10-30.
  • Dreamland Guesthouse, corner of 69th and 37th street, (+95) 2-32850 (land-line); (+95) 9-402544997; (+95) 9-43068299, . Best thing about this hostel is the included breakfast! They cooperate with the small restaurant nextdoor and have a huge number of choices: e.g. pancake (sugar, beans, banana), bread, Mohinga (try it!), Shan Noodles, eggs. All listed on a special menu for dreamland guests. There are coffee and 3 types of tea on the menu (but they have 8 different types of tea, so ask in the hostel). The hostel doubles as an art studio. So during the day kids will have violin or piano lessons and there is a small exhibition of paintings. The staff is super friendly and helpful (especially their selfmade maps with tons of restaurants on it.) The dorm has air con and the bunk beds have curtains, lamps and sockets. And you will reach the upper bunk by stairs not by an ordinary ladder!! Feels like your own castle. Plenty of bathrooms in the house with hot water. And all the toilets not only have toilet paper but also a water spray and a funny cartoon that explains the use of it. Everywhere wifi, clean, bicycle and motorcycle renting, free drinking water, free towel. dorm USD 10.

Mid-range

  • Bagan King, Blk-732, No (44), Corner of 73rd And 28th Roads ChanAyeTharZan Tsp, Mandalay, Myanmar., +95 2 67124. Nice new hotel. Friendly staff, restaurant, bar, free Wi-Fi. 70+ $.
  • Smart Hotel, No 167 28th St (Between 76th & 77th St, Chan Aye Tharzan Township), +95 2 32682. A nice, new (2013) downtown hotel. Several types of rooms, ranging from fairly basic up to quite nice (even by Bangkok or Singapore standards). Staff very friendly and capable of assisting with tourist plans, onward travel tickets, etc. Onsite restaurant and bar. Free Wi-Fi. USD60-90.
  • 2 Mandalay City Hotel, 26th Street (Between 82nd and 83rd Streets). Decent hotel downtown, hidden from the noise and traffic inside a courtyard. Has OK rooms, good staff and a tranquil pool. $80.

Splurge

  • 3 Mandalay Hill Resort, No 9, Kwin (416B), 10th St. An 8-storey hotel at the foot of Mandalay Hill. USD170+.
  • Sedona Mandalay, No 1, Junction of 26th & 66th St. A Singaporean-owned hotel built blending traditional Burmese and modern architecture that faces the Royal Palace and Mandalay Hill. USD121+.
  • Zegyo Hotel, 84th St (Between 27th and 28th St, next to Zegyo Market). Great location, clean rooms.

Stay safe

Mandalay is a haven for drug kingpins and is a main trading centre of illicit drugs. In 2005, an explosion occurred at Zegyo Market. That being said, Mandalay is generally a very safe city.

Go next

  • Amarapura (Pyi) - famous for its ancient sights, and for U Bein bridge, the world's longest teak bridge.
  • Hsipaw - Bus leaves at 06:00 and 14:30 (5,000 kyat), 5 hr.
  • Mawlamyine - Overnight bus Shwe Mandalar at 18:00 (15,000 kyat), leaves from the Highway Bus Station. Quite luxurious (Swedish) bus, includes a towel, pillow, blanket toothbrushes and water. Arrives at Mawlamyine at 05:00.
  • Maymyo (Pyin U Lwin) - former British hill station in a lush alpine forest. The small town contains a variety of colonial relics, and is most famous for its botanical gardens (modelled on England's Kew Gardens). Also known for the Defence Services Academy, the top-ranked military academy in Myanmar. Shared taxis come pick you up (6,500 kyat, back seat, 7,000 front, 1.5 hr). Pickups leave from the corner of 27th and 82nd (1,500 kyat, 2 hr). Train is highly scenic, and is a must-do train journey if you like trains, but unfortunately leaves Mandalay at 04:00 (USD 3 for upper class)
  • Mingun - best known for the Mingun Bell (one of the largest bells in the world), is a boat ride away. Boats leave from the Mingun jetty (all drivers know it) at 09:00 and return at 13:00. 5,000 kyat return.
  • Pyin U Lwin - Hill station established by the British. Pick-up trucks run east along 35th street and take about 2 hours and cost 1500 kyats.
  • Sagaing (to the east) - has many Buddhist temples and monasteries, especially on Sagaing Hill.
  • Yangon - Overnight buses at 07:00 and 09:00 (10,500 kyat). Luxury bus for 16,000 kyat. Leaves from the Highway Bus Station.
  • Bagan by bus (OK-Bus with pick up and drop off at your hotels) 8,000 kyat. By slow boat (13h) on Sundays and Wednesdays at 5.30am for USD15 or express boat (8h) daily at 7am but only Nov.-Feb., USD45. Ticket office for both in 35th Street & Sein Pann Road (no kyat exepted!!! in 2015)



This city travel guide to Mandalay is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.