Mandalay is one of the largest cities in Myanmar, and was once the capital of the country. As the former seat of Myanmar’s royal past, the city is steeped in history and culture, making it a great place to visit and experience not only the local culture but a great deal of this country’s past.
The city is served by
Mandalay International Airport, a busy travel hub with flights serving most of Myanmar, as well as some international flights to surrounding countries.
Mandalay Palace, also known as the Royal Palace, was built in 1861 but unfortunately destroyed during the Second World War. The palace was since rebuilt using different materials from the original, but it’s a very large and impressive complex that should be explored if only for the glimpse of history it offers. There are several hotels near the royal palace, making it even easier to access this site without having to travel too far to reach it. There are strict rules for entry points and certain expectations of dress and behavior, as some of the exhibits are religious in nature.
Shwenandaw Monasteryis a beautiful building with stunningly intricate wooden carvings and golden details. This monastery was a part of the former palace complex, and has been beautifully maintained. This teak wood structure is a huge draw for many who visit Myanmar, and understandably one of the most visited places not only by devotees of the Buddhist faith, but tourists as well. There are many hotels near Shwenandaw Monastery in northern Mandalay, most of which are conveniently located within a short distance of the attraction and range in different types of accommodation.
Find out where the hotels, attractions, and must-see destinations of Mandalay are located by exploring the interactive map on this page.
