Discover the Biggest Tourist Attraction in Mandalay

Localbiz Cover

Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is a Southeast Asian country known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. From ancient temples and pagodas to breathtaking beaches and mountain ranges, Myanmar offers a diverse range of attractions that draw tourists from around the world. Here are the five largest tourist attractions in Myanmar:

  1. Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon:

    • One of the most sacred Buddhist stupas in the world.
    • Covered in gold leaf and adorned with thousands of precious stones.
    • A pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the world.
    • Offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding area.
  2. Bagan Archaeological Zone, Bagan:

    • Home to over 2,000 ancient temples and pagodas.
    • Built between the 11th and 13th centuries.
    • UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • A popular destination for sunrise and sunset hot air balloon rides.
  3. Inle Lake, Shan State:

    • A picturesque lake surrounded by mountains.
    • Home to floating villages, gardens, and monasteries.
    • Known for its unique leg-rowing fishermen.
    • Offers opportunities for boat tours and trekking.
  4. Mandalay Palace, Mandalay:

    • The last royal palace of the Burmese monarchy.
    • Built in the late 19th century.
    • Destroyed by fire in 1945 and rebuilt in the 1990s.
    • Houses a museum and offers insights into Burmese history and culture.
  5. Ngapali Beach, Rakhine State:

    • A pristine beach with white sand and turquoise waters.
    • Located on the Bay of Bengal.
    • Popular for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
    • Offers a variety of beach resorts and restaurants.
vijja nanda in Mandalay
vijja nanda in Mandalay

The 7 Biggest Tourist Attraction near Mandalay

Kuthodaw Pagoda

  • Address: 2437+V5W, Mandalay, Myanmar (Burma)
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.6 (1943)
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Reviews:
    Kongkiat S✭✭✭✭✭
    2 months ago
    Good for making merit and photo. More than 700 marble slabs in little white stupas surrounding attracts lots of tourist.
    Wai Lin Phyo✭✭✭✭
    4 months ago
    Kuthodaw Pagoda is an awe-inspiring site in Mandalay, Myanmar. The “World’s Largest Book” stands tall with its 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist scriptures. Walking through this serene complex, one is immersed in history and spirituality. The intricate architecture and the peaceful atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Mandalay.
    Fickle Travellers SG✭✭✭✭✭
    11 months ago
    Amazing historical landmark ?

    Its name translated literally means Royal Merit. It contains 729 tone-inscription caves, each containing a marble slab inscribed on both sides with a page of text from the entire book in Buddhist text.

    You will find a magnificent tree with the compounds. Truly amazing!

    Just remember that it’s a space of prayer so you are required to dress modestly and remove your shoes.

    Ladies, no shorts or mini skirts! ⚠️

    Joseph✭✭✭✭✭
    a year ago
    Beautiful pagoda with an interesting history. The Buddhist scriptures in each of its many stupas were once etched with gold and gemstones, but the British looted this all when they came through. It is still a beautiful place. Some rows of stupas are better maintained than others. The marble floor tiles help keep one’s feet cool while the sun blazes, as do some leafy trees.

    Women who enter can borrow a longyi for free at the entrance. There is no entrance fee for tourists.

    Ko Nyunt✭✭✭✭✭
    a year ago
    Kuthotaw Pagoda is an amazing place. King Mindon had built the pagoda as part of the traditional foundations of the new royal city, Mandalay in 1857. He convened and lead the Fifth Buddhist Synod in 1871. The king wanted to leave a great work of merit by having the Tipitaka set in stone for posterity. The construction began in 1860 and the inscriptions were opened to the public on 4th May 1868. They were arranged in neat rows within three enclosures, 42 in the first, 168 in the middle and 519 in the third. One more stands at the southeast corner of the first enclosure making it 730, and this stone records how it all came into being. Thirty four brick rest houses (Zayats) stood all around except on the east side of the pagoda.

Su Taung Pyae Pagoda

  • Address: 2475+W2R, On Mandalay Hill, Mandalay, Myanmar (Burma)
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.5 (982)
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
    Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
    Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
    Thursday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
    Friday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
    Saturday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
    Sunday: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Reviews:
    W. L✭✭✭✭
    in the last week
    Highest place in the city. Good place for sunset (but honestly not spectacular). Very quiet these days as not much tourist come visit.
    Vincent Oliver✭✭✭
    4 years ago
    A compact hilltop pagoda with glittering mirrored columns. Fortunately, restoration and maintenance in progress! Lovely views of the city and surrounds from the top level. Several curio and snack shops around. There’s an elevator but we didn’t use it.
    Pushan Singhamahapatra✭✭✭✭
    5 years ago
    Beautiful monastery located on the top of Mandalay hill. The inside of the monastery is covered in colored glass and mirrors which give it an unique sparkly look. It can be reached by climbing 700 odd steps or by bike / car and then an elevator. It is a good place to interact with local monks and university students who come to practice their english with foreigners.
    Georges Younes✭✭✭✭✭
    4 years ago
    This is a beautiful Pagoda that is situated in a strategic spot on top of Mandalay Hill. If you want to take advantage of the views on the city and the surrounding areas, choose to go early in the morning to avoid the haze that comes after the weather warms up during the day. The building features intricate designs that use mirrors of many colors.
    V.Ruettimann✭✭✭✭✭
    6 years ago
    We went up to the peek to see the sunset. Since we arrived already at 3pm we were able to enjoy the view by ourselves before the place got crowded. Its nice to walk up there, which takes about half an hour. If you can’t walk that many stairs, you can go by car or take a taxi.

Ein Daw Yar Pagoda

  • Address: X3JC+JX6, Mandalay, Myanmar (Burma)
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.4 (340)

Sandamuni Pagoda

  • Address: 2435+CW7, Mandalay Hill St, Mandalay, Myanmar (Burma)
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.5 (405)

Mahamuni Pagoda

  • Address: Near the Pagoda, Mandalay, Myanmar (Burma)
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.6 (3375)

Mahar Thakya Thiha Pagoda

  • Address: X3GF+MXW, 30th St, Mandalay, Myanmar (Burma)
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.2 (131)

Nanmyint Watchtower

  • Address: Mandalay Palace, Township 05011, Myanmar (Burma)
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.1 (225)
vijja nanda in Mandalay
vijja nanda in Mandalay

Explore prominent consulting firms in neighboring countries, such as those referenced in Yangon, Naypyidaw and Malacca City, to gain insights into the dynamic business landscape of ASEAN. These firms contribute to the region’s enterprise vibrancy, positioning Mandalay, Myanmar as a hub for strategic insights and innovative solutions.

Top Tourist Attraction Alternatives in Mandalay

Tourism in Myanmar (also known as Burma) is a developing sector. As at 2023, new tourist visa applications resume. Although Myanmar possesses tourist potential, much of the industry remains to be developed. The number of visitors to Burma is small compared to its neighbouring countries. This is primarily due to its political situation. However, after the junta transferred power to the civilian government, the tourism sector saw an increase in tourism arrivals, and in 2012, tourist arrivals surpassed the one million mark for the first time. In 2013, the Tourism Master Plan was created, targeting 7.5 million arrivals by 2020.Tourism has been developed mainly by Myanmar's government, which has encouraged tourism since 1992. Private enterprises also exist, catering to a wide range of tourists.
In 2010, 791,505 foreign tourists visited Myanmar, with 295,174 foreign tourists entering the country via Yangon International Airport. By 2012, more than 1 million foreign tourists visited Myanmar. In 2013, the number of foreign arrivals reached more than 2.04 million, counting both air and overland arrivals.Tourism has been promoted by advocacy groups as a method of providing economic benefit to Burmese civilians, and to avoid isolating the country from the rest of the world. Voices for Burma, a pro-democracy advocate group, states, "We believe that small-scale, responsible tourism can create more benefits than harm. So long as tourists are fully aware of the situation and take steps to maximise their positive impact and minimise the negatives, we feel their visit can be beneficial overall. Responsible tourists can help Burma primarily by bringing money to local communities and small businesses, and by raising awareness of the situation worldwide."A former Burmese tourism minister estimated that 12% of the government revenues are derived from tourism, with the tourism industry contributing US$182 million (2007) to the government's annual budget.Since March 2020, Myanmar has closed its borders to international tourists as a measure to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, following the tumultuous political events in February 2021, the country has become increasingly isolated. Large-scale protests and escalating acts of violence have inflicted significant damage upon Myanmar's economy, including the tourism sector, which has been pushed into a state of decline.The country reopened to international flights on April 17, 2022, given the decrease in infection cases and the reopening of neighboring countries. In a statement issued by the committee, the decision to reopen aims to boost the tourism sector and provide favorable conditions for visitors to come and explore Myanmar.

The Biggest Tourist Attraction in Myanmar (Burma)

Mandalay is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Myanmar, offering a rich cultural and historical experience. Here are three top tourist attractions in Mandalay:

1. Mandalay Hill:

  • Mandalay Hill is a must-visit attraction for its stunning panoramic views of the city.
  • It is located in the northeast of central Mandalay and stands at a height of 760 feet.
  • The hill is home to several pagodas and monasteries, including the famous Sutaungpyei Pagoda (Wish-Fulfilling Pagoda).
  • The climb to the top of Mandalay Hill can be done either by foot or by taking a taxi.
  • Visitors can also enjoy a picturesque sunset from the hilltop.

2. Kuthodaw Pagoda and the World’s Largest Book:

  • Kuthodaw Pagoda is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for housing the world’s largest book.
  • Within the pagoda complex, there are 729 white stupas, each containing a stone tablet engraved with Buddhist scripture.
  • The stone inscriptions make up the entire text of the Tripitaka (Buddhist canon).
  • Exploring the Kuthodaw Pagoda and reading the inscriptions is a unique and enlightening experience.
  • The pagoda is located at the foot of Mandalay Hill and can be easily reached by taxi or on foot.

3. U Bein Bridge:

  • U Bein Bridge is one of Myanmar’s most iconic landmarks and is the world’s longest teakwood bridge.
  • It stretches over 1.2 kilometers across the Taungthaman Lake.
  • The bridge offers a picturesque sight, especially during sunrise or sunset.
  • Visitors can take a leisurely walk across the bridge and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
  • Photography enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to capture the beauty of the bridge and its surroundings.

These three attractions offer unique experiences and a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Mandalay. Whether it’s enjoying breathtaking views from Mandalay Hill, exploring the world’s largest book at Kuthodaw Pagoda, or experiencing the serenity of U Bein Bridge, visitors to Mandalay are sure to be captivated by its beauty and history.

Thank you for taking the time to read our article. For more in-depth reviews and comprehensive ratings on the Tourist Attraction spots, please explore the recommended articles listed below.

Related articles:

Leave Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *