Mandalay Myanmar 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Mandalay Itinerary:

Where to Stay:

  • Budget: Mandalay Backpackers Hostel (friendly atmosphere, clean & social), Green View Hotel (comfortable rooms, rooftop views)
  • Mid-Range: Hotel Mandalay Palace (elegant rooms with traditional decor), The Strand Hotel Mandalay (luxurious colonial-era hotel)
  • Luxury: Rupar Mandalar Hill Resort (stunning views of the city and surrounding temples), Belmond Governor’s Residence (beautiful colonial architecture & charm)

Day 1: Exploring Ancient Capitals & Culture

  • Morning: Arrive in Mandalay. After settling into your chosen accommodation, start the day with a visit to the Royal Palace, the last royal capital of Myanmar’s independent kingdoms. Explore the traditional buildings, intricate mosaics and admire the golden architecture.
  • Afternoon: Discover the ancient city of Amarapura with its majestic ancient monasteries like the Maha Gandhayon Monastery. Explore the serene grounds and witness the daily rituals of the monks, including the evening chanting ceremony (6pm - 7:30pm)

Things to Know:

  • Mandalay is known as the “cultural capital” of Myanmar due to its rich history and numerous temples.

  • The city’s name comes from the ancient city of Mandalay, which was the last royal capital of the Burmese Empire.

  • Things to Consider:

    • Respect for Pagodas: Remember to dress modestly when visiting pagodas (covered shoulders and knees), and always remove your shoes before entering.
    • Photography at Religious Sites: It’s generally prohibited to take pictures of monks, Buddha statues, or sacred objects.

Day 2: Mandalay Hill & Spiritual Exploration

  • Morning: Hike up the majestic Mandalay Hill, a sacred hill with stunning views and numerous ancient temples.

    • Things to Consider:
      • Wear comfortable shoes for the climb.
      • Bring water and snacks, as the climb can be strenuous and there are few options on the hill.
      • Be respectful of the monks who live at the monasteries near the top.

  • Afternoon:

    • Visit a local monastery: Mandalay is home to many beautiful and ancient pagodas, each with its own unique history and architecture.
    • Things to Consider:
      • Ask permission before taking pictures of monks.
      • Dress modestly and respectfully when visiting the monasteries.
    • Explore the Mandalay Palace: This impressive structure offers a glimpse into the opulent past of the city’s royal heritage.

Day 3: Culture, Crafts & Cuisine

  • Mandalay Royal Palace visit: Enjoy a final tour of the historic Mandalay Royal Palace, taking in its intricate architecture and learning about the history of this once-great kingdom.
  • Shop for traditional crafts at the following:

    • Mandalay Hill: Purchase handicrafts like handcrafted silk, lacquerware, and wood carvings from local vendors.

    • Explore the Mandalay Handicraft Market: Browse a wide selection of traditional handicrafts made by local artisans.

  • Visit U Bein Bridge: This iconic wooden bridge is a must-see for its beauty and historical significance.
    • Things to Consider:
      • U Bein Bridge is a popular tourist spot, so it can get crowded, especially at sunset.

Culture & Activities:

  • Experience the Mandalay Cultural Tour: Visit the ancient temples of Mahamuni Pagoda (known for its massive Buddha statue) and Kyauktawgyi Pagoda, where you can see the craftsmanship of the 180-year-old marble Buddha statue.
    • Enjoy a Traditional Monk’s Blessing: Witness a unique ceremony at a local monastery, experiencing the cultural richness of the city.

Food & Dining:

  • Sample Local Dishes: Enjoy the flavors of traditional Burmese cuisine at restaurants like “Mandalay Tea House” or “The Golden Palace Restaurant” for a taste of history and deliciousness.
  • Explore the Food Scene: Visit local markets like Zegyo Market or Mandalay Hill’s food stalls for authentic street food experiences.

Tips:

  • Respect the Rules: Remember to remove your shoes before entering temples and pagodas, and dress respectfully in loose-fitting clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
  • Dress Code: Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
  • Bargaining: Bargaining is expected at markets but not at restaurants.
  • Currency: Use the Myanmar Kyat for transactions.

Where to stay:

  • Budget: Consider “Mandalay Backpackers” or a guesthouse like “Mandalay Hill Inn**. These offer affordable and comfortable stays.

  • Mid-Range: Hotels like the “Mingalar Mandalay” or “Royal Palace Hotel” are great options for those looking for a balance of price and luxury.

  • Luxury: For a truly luxurious experience, stay at “The Strand”. It’s a beautiful, historic hotel that will offer you a taste of colonial-era elegance.

Food & Dining (cont.):

  • Enjoy local delicacies:

    • Mandalay: Try the traditional Burmese breakfast of “mohinga”, a fish noodle soup, or indulge in “mohinga sayar” (a vegetarian version) for a unique culinary adventure.
    • Explore the street food scene: Immerse yourself in the local culture by trying delicious and affordable snacks from street vendors.

Things to Consider:

  • Culture & Cuisine:

    • Mandalay Hill Market: This market offers a variety of goods, including traditional handicrafts like silk weaving, wood carvings, and gold leaf crafts.
    • Traditional Burmese Food:

  • “The Strand” Experience:

    • Local Markets:

  • Food & Safety:

Accommodation Recommendations:

  • Mandalay Backpackers (MHM): A budget-friendly option with a focus on local experiences.

  • Restaurants:

    • Mandalay Hill’s “Mandalay Restaurant”: Enjoy the traditional Burmese cuisine while experiencing the breathtaking views of the ancient city.
    • Enjoy the sunset: Mandalay’s “Golden Sunset Pagoda” offers a spectacular view over the city as the sun sets.

Where to stay and what to do:

  • The Strand Hotel: A beautiful colonial-style hotel with a stunning view of the sunset, located near the Ayeyarwaddy River.

  • Mandalay Restaurant (MHM): Enjoy a traditional Burmese meal for a low price.

  • “Mandalay Tea House”: This is a popular spot for locals and tourists to enjoy local snacks and delicacies.

Food & Dining (cont.):

  • “Mandalay Tea House” : Enjoying the deliciousness of “mohinga” and other traditional dishes, you can find many local restaurants around the city.
  • Local Markets: Explore the bustling markets of Mandalay for a true taste of Burmese life.

Where to stay & Other Considerations:

  • For budget-conscious travelers: Consider staying at a guesthouse near Mandalay Hill, where you can experience the local culture and enjoy affordable accommodations.

  • Local Food Experiences:

    • Tea House Treats: “Mandalay” offers a unique opportunity to sample the delicious street food from the local markets.
    • Mandalay Tea House is known for its authentic Burmese dishes and traditional tea, but it’s also important to remember that this is just a starting point for exploring the vibrant local food scene.

  • Enjoy the Atmosphere: “Mandalay” itself has a rich history and culture of delicious food and snacks, so be sure to sample their unique flavors.

    • Look for the “Mohinga” stalls: This is a great way to experience the local cuisine and try this traditional Burmese dish.

  • Local Experiences:

For the adventurous traveler:

  • Explore Mandalay Hill by scooter: You can rent scooters in Mandalay and drive up the hill to enjoy the breathtaking views of the city.
  • Visit a local monastery for a “Mingalar Par Htoo” (blessing) : Many tourists enjoy receiving a blessing from a monk at the top of Mandalay Hill.

For the adventurous traveler:

  • For a delicious and affordable meal: Try the traditional tea shops or “Mandalay Restaurant” where they serve local delicacies like “mohinga”.
  • For those looking for a more authentic experience:
    • Explore local markets around Mandalay: Try the “Mandalay Tea House” (a budget-friendly option) and enjoy the variety of food options.

Enjoy the Sunset:

  • The best time to visit Mandalay Hill:

  • For a memorable evening:

    • Climb the stairs for breathtaking views: Enjoy a traditional Burmese dinner at the “Mandalay Restaurant” while taking in the panoramic views from the top.

  • Things to Consider:

For the budget-conscious:

  • The Mandalay Food Market:

  • Enjoy the sunset:

    • Visit a local tea shop for a taste of Burmese culture.
    • Enjoy the sunset and experience the beauty of the city’s history.

  • Remember to pack:

  • Light, breathable clothing : Mandalay can be hot, so wear clothes that will keep you cool.

  • Comfortable walking shoes:

  • You’ll want a good pair of shoes for walking up and down the stairs.

  • Respectful attire:

  • Remember to dress modestly.

Let’s explore:

  • Mandalay Restaurant is a popular spot near Mandalay Hill, known for its delicious “mohinga” (a fish noodle soup) and friendly atmosphere.

  • The Golden Palace, located on top of the hill, offers stunning views of the sunset.

  • For the Best Views: Visit during the cooler months (November to February) for a more enjoyable experience.

Important Notes:

  • Dress respectfully: Remember that “the” is a sacred place, and you should be mindful of local customs.
  • For the Best Experience:

Enjoy the sunset from the top of Mandalay Hill with its beautiful views and peaceful atmosphere.

  • Respect for Monks:
    • Remember to dress modestly when visiting the “Mandalay” (the monastery on the hill).

Local Culture:

  • Remove your shoes before entering a pagoda. This is a sign of respect for the sacredness of the space and the Buddha statues.

  • Consider:

    • Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees,

  • The “Mandalay Food”:

    • For a more authentic experience, try the local food stalls or “the” near Mandalay Hill.

Remember to:

  • Haggle:

Prices are often negotiable at these local markets.

  • Consider the “Mingalar Par Htoo”:

  • Enjoy a delicious meal at a local restaurant.

    • Bring cash:

  • Most vendors won’t accept credit cards, so make sure to have enough local currency on hand.

Enjoy the Views:

  • Take a break from the bustling city and enjoy the tranquility of “The Mandalay”.

    • Remember to be respectful of the sacred space and observe the customs.

Mandalay Hill:

This ancient hill is a must-see, with its breathtaking views and stunning pagodas.

Enjoy the Experience:

  • Visit the local markets and enjoy the street food scene.
  • Be prepared to climb the stairs for a view.

For a unique cultural experience:

Try the “Mandalay” tea shop, which is a great place to meet locals.

Enjoy the Sunset:

  • Enjoy the sunset views from the Mandalay Hill Pagoda.
    • Visit a local market near “The” hill for a truly authentic experience.

For a delicious and affordable meal, enjoy the cool breeze and local atmosphere while taking in the breathtaking sunset views.