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.
Mandalay Region Activities
Mandalay Region holds the former royal capital and several ancient towns. No attraction in the region can currently be confirmed open, and the condition and access of each place below are unconfirmed since the March 2025 earthquake.
Historic sites
- Mandalay Hill is a pilgrimage hill with pagodas and monasteries along its slopes, including Sutaungpyei Pagoda at the summit.
- Kuthodaw Pagoda is known for 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist scriptures. Surveyors reported serious structural damage.
- Shwenandaw Monastery is known for its teak carvings and was once part of the royal palace.
- Mingun lies in Sagaing Region, where the UK advises against all travel. The Pahtodawgyi is damaged and closed to climbing, and Hsinbyume Pagoda was largely destroyed.
Beyond the city
- Amarapura is known for U Bein Bridge, a long teak footbridge, and Mahagandayon Monastery.
- Sagaing lies in Sagaing Region, where the UK advises against all travel, and is known for its hills dotted with pagodas and monasteries.
Culture
- Marionette shows, craft workshops (lacquerware, wood carving, silk weaving) and markets such as Zegyo Market were long part of the city’s life. Their current status is unconfirmed.
Practical notes
- Cover shoulders and knees at religious sites.
- Cash is the main means of payment, and many ATMs reject foreign cards.