Day Trips Mandalay

Travel advisory: Washington advises Americans not to travel to Myanmar for any reason, while the UK government advises against all but essential travel to Mandalay and against all travel to Sagaing Region and the townships north of the city. Armed conflict, drone strikes, curfews and communications blackouts are ongoing, and the March 2025 earthquake damaged many historic sites. Check the US State Department and UK FCDO before making any plans.

Day Trips from Mandalay

Several towns near Mandalay were historically visited on day trips. Under current official advice these are not places to plan trips to, and the condition and access of every site below are unconfirmed since the March 2025 earthquake.

1. Amarapura and Sagaing

• Amarapura is known for U Bein Bridge, a long teak footbridge, and Mahagandayon Monastery, home to hundreds of monks.
• Sagaing lies in Sagaing Region, where the UK advises against all travel. Sagaing Hill is known for its many monasteries and pagodas, and the Soon U Ponnya Shin pagoda was damaged in the earthquake.

2. Mingun

• Mingun also lies in Sagaing Region and was historically reached by boat from Mandalay.
• The Mingun Pahtodawgyi is an unfinished pagoda once intended to be among the largest in the world. It is damaged and closed to climbing, and Hsinbyume Pagoda was largely destroyed.

3. Inwa (Ava)

• About three quarters of Inwa’s historic structures were damaged, and the Maha Aungmye Bonzan (Me Nu) is nearly destroyed.
• Bagaya Monastery is known for its teak architecture, and its condition is unconfirmed.

4. Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo)

• A hill station known for the National Kandawgyi Gardens and colonial-era architecture. It lies in an area where the UK advises against all travel, and rocket attacks have hit the town.

Dress modestly and respect local customs at religious sites.