There are several things to do in Mandalay, the capital city of Myanmar. These include the Shwenandaw Monastery, the Mahamuni Pagoda, the Mandalay Marionettes Theater, and the Bagaya Monastery. The city is fairly flat, so getting around is easy. Traffic in Mandalay isn’t nearly as crazy as in other Southeast Asian cities.
Shwenandaw Monastery
Located near the Mandalay Hill, the Shwenandaw Monasterty is an historic Buddhist monastery. It is the ideal place to take a break and meditate. It has become a popular tourist attraction in the Mandalay Region of Myanmar.
Once a part of the royal palace in Amarapura, the Shwenandaw Monasterty was moved to Mandalay in 1857. The monastery is covered in gold and glass mosaics, but has retained its traditional Burmese architecture.
The Shwenandaw Monasterty is open eight hours a day, and is a must-see in Mandalay. The golden statue located in the middle is a great place to take photographs. In addition to the temple, you can visit other sites in the surrounding area, including the Mandalay Archeological Zone. You will need to buy a ticket for the entire Archeological Zone, which will allow you to see the Shwenandaw Monasterastery and other sites around Mandalay.
The Shwenandaw Monasteriy is a stunning example of Burmese teak architecture. It features a four-tiered roof, intricate wood carvings, and a stunning main Buddha image. The interior of the monastery is also beautifully decorated with glass mosaics and other items of the Buddhist religion.
Mahamuni Pagoda
The Mahamuni Buddha Temple is a major pilgrimage site. It is located southwest of Mandalay, Myanmar. It contains the Mahamuni Image, which originally came from the Arakan region. The temple is a favorite among Buddhists, and it is a must-see when visiting the area.
It is the second-most-important pagoda in Myanmar. The statue of Buddha, which stands four meters high, is believed to be the abode of Buddha. For centuries, male devotees have covered the statue in gold leaves. As a result, the statue has changed its original shape and is much larger than it was a century ago.
In addition to the Buddha’s image, the museum at the temple is home to information about the Buddha’s life, enlightenment, and passage into Nirvana. Access to the temple is easy, and it is open daily from 6 am to 8 pm.
Mandalay Marionettes Theater
If you have a love of puppetry, Mandalay is the place for you. This ancient art has been around since the 15th century and was a popular entertainment form during the 19th century. Today, you can see a puppet show at the Mandalay Marionettes Theater. The performances last an hour and are accompanied by traditional instruments.
You can also see the ancient city of Mandalay from the sky. The city has many interesting historical sights to see. The most famous is the Mingun Pahtodawgyi, which was built by King Bodawpaya in 1790. The complex is home to rare collections that date back to the 14th century.
Mandalay Hill is 760 feet high. It takes about 30 minutes to climb the hill, but the views are spectacular. During sunset, you can see a magnificent sunset over Mandalay.
Bagaya Monastery
The Bagaya Monastery is located in Inwa, Mandalay Region, Burma. The monastery is a Buddhist temple and is located southwest of the Inwa Palace. It is also known as the Maha Waiyan Bontha Bagaya Monastery.
The monastery was constructed around 1834 and was not damaged during the 1839 earthquake. This is mainly due to the fact that the main columns are placed on stone pedestals, which allow them to move independently during tremors. The temple is also home to the worshipful Buddha statue. It is a popular tourist spot, and can be a romantic destination for couples.
Bagaya Monastery is a peaceful and beautiful place, and best visited during the afternoon. The building is crafted out of wood and stone elements that contrast well with the delicate wood carvings. Although some parts of the building have been gilded, many have lost their gold color and give the building an aged look. If you have time, take a tour of the monastery and explore the different areas it has to offer.
Mandalay Hill
The city of Mandalay is 120 meters high, and the city is a pilgrimage site for Burmese Buddhists. The city is known for its pagodas, which are covered in gold leaf. The most sacred of all these pagodas is the Maha Myat Muni Pagoda. This statue of Buddha is believed to have been cast during the Buddha’s lifetime, and is considered sacred by many people. Thousands of pilgrims come each year to apply gold leaf to the statue. You can even touch the statue.
Mandalay is also home to a vibrant market called the Jade Market. The gemstone Jadeite, which is found only in northern Myanmar, is very valuable. It is sold in other Asian countries and is used in many pieces of jewellery. While you are visiting Mandalay, make sure you pay a small fee of 1000 kyat to enter the Jade Market and observe the local craftsmen at work.
If you have time, you can also take a boat tour to U Bein Bridge. The bridge is very beautiful, and you can see the sunset from it. It is recommended that you reach U Bein Bridge at least two hours before sunset, as this is a popular tourist attraction.
Mandalay Fort
There is a wealth of handicrafts and art to experience in Mandalay. Many workshops are open for visitors to see the process of making finely carved teak wall panels or sculpting marble into Buddhas. You can also see the process of gold leaf being hammered into fine sheets by hand. It is also free to experience this ancient art.
If you are visiting Mandalay for the first time, a visit to the temples is a must. The famous Shwenandaw Monastery is an intriguing experience. The architecture and teak construction make it a beautiful and interesting place to visit.
If you’re visiting Mandalay during the evening, don’t miss the sunset view from the U Bein Bridge. Originally built in 1850, the U-Bein Bridge is a magnificent wooden structure that has been refurbished numerous times over the years.
Jade Market
A jade market is a market where you can buy jewelry made from locally mined jade stones. Hundreds of traders sell local jade stones and other jewelry. You can also buy souvenirs like jade pendants and other jade artifacts. It is a must-see when visiting Mandalay.
The Jade Market is located near the centre of Mandalay. It’s one of the oldest centers in Myanmar for jade trading. Here, you can buy a wide range of jade items from Buddha statues and cabochon rocks to rare murals. The market is open every day from 8 am until 4 pm.
Mandalay Palace
The Mandalay Palace in Mandalay – Myanmar is a former royal palace in Burma. It was destroyed by fire during the Second World War. Only two of the original buildings survived the war, but they have been rebuilt to their original design, but with modern materials. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction.
Built in 1857, Mandalay Palace was once the royal capital of Myanmar. King Mindon ruled from Mandalay until 1885 when the British entered the city with little opposition. They planned to capture the royal palace and demand the unconditional surrender of King Thibaw Min.
The Palace features a seven-tiered roof structure. The pyat-that tower was used for viewing the city. The King and Queen would climb the tower to see the illumination of Mandalay during the annual Thadingyut festival. They also used the tower to see the British troops entering Mandalay in 1885.
