The 7 Largest Cultural Site in Mandalay

Myanmar, a land of rich cultural heritage, boasts numerous cultural sites that showcase its diverse traditions, history, and artistic achievements. Here are five of the largest cultural sites in Myanmar:

• Bagan Archaeological Zone:

Located in the central region of Myanmar, Bagan was once the capital of the Pagan Kingdom, which flourished from the 9th to the 13th centuries. The Bagan Archaeological Zone is home to over 2,000 Buddhist temples, stupas, and other religious monuments, spread across an area of over 40 square kilometers. The site is renowned for its intricate architecture, beautiful murals, and numerous Buddha images.

• Shwedagon Pagoda:

Situated in Yangon, the Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Myanmar. The pagoda is said to have been built over 2,500 years ago and is believed to enshrine relics of Buddha. The pagoda is covered in gold leaf, and its towering spire reaches a height of over 100 meters. The Shwedagon Pagoda complex also includes numerous smaller shrines, temples, and stupas, making it a significant cultural and religious site.

• Mandalay Palace:

Located in the city of Mandalay, the Mandalay Palace was the last royal palace of the Burmese monarchy. The palace was built in the late 19th century and served as the seat of government until the British occupation of Myanmar in 1885. The palace complex includes numerous buildings, including the main palace, the royal court, the queen’s palace, and various pavilions. The palace is known for its intricate architecture and beautiful gardens.

• Kyaiktiyo Pagoda (Golden Rock):

Situated in Mon State, the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, also known as the Golden Rock, is a famous Buddhist pilgrimage site. The pagoda is perched on a large boulder that is said to have been placed there by Buddha himself. The boulder is covered in gold leaf, and the pagoda is believed to have miraculous powers. The Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is located on top of a mountain, and visitors must climb a long staircase to reach it.

• Mrauk U Archaeological Zone:

Located in Rakhine State, the Mrauk U Archaeological Zone is home to the ruins of the ancient city of Mrauk U, which served as the capital of the Arakan Kingdom from the 15th to the 18th centuries. The site includes numerous temples, pagodas, palaces, and other historical monuments. The Mrauk U Archaeological Zone is known for its unique architectural style, which combines elements of Burmese, Indian, and Arakanese architecture.

The 7 Biggest Cultural Site near Mandalay

Mandalay Palace

• Address: X3VW+4FR, Mandalay, Myanmar (Burma)
• Map: Click here
• Rating: 4.3 (237)
• Opening hours:
  
  Monday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

  Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

  Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

  Thursday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

  Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

  Saturday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

  Sunday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
• Reviews:
  
  Jules Dacanay✭✭✭✭

  2 months ago

  Beautiful but empty. Foreigners need passport to get in. Not much English signs. Nice place to visit if you want a sense of history and quiet. Entrance is via Eastern gate. They only accept Myanmar currency, 15,000 kip when I went. Be aware that you still need to walk a good 10 minutes from the entrance to get to actual palace front.

  Wai Lin Phyo✭✭✭✭

  4 months ago

  Mandalay Palace is a majestic historical site that beautifully encapsulates Myanmar’s rich heritage. The intricate architecture, serene moat, and meticulously landscaped gardens transport you to a bygone era. While some parts are under renovation, the palace remains a must-visit for history enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into royal life. Don’t miss the scenic sunset view from the watchtower.

  Kim Anh Bùi Thị✭✭✭✭✭

  a year ago

  I went this place last week. You should enter from the east gate – I see this is only gate opened for visitors. Ticket is 10,000kyats for foreigner and guard shall keep your passport untill you come back. However, you should get information before visiting because it may be closed (not scheduled). In addition, at this time, it maybe difficult to get permission to visit due to the tight control of military force (however, they are so friendly – in my opinion). There are many ancient buildings of Mandalay Royal Palace, they are maintained carefully but most of the buildings are empty, with no furniture inside. There is lack of English signs so foreigners may not understand their history.

  Georges Younes✭✭✭✭

  4 years ago

  The Madalay Royal Palace is a wonderful collection of buildings situated in a huge complex that is surrounded with a wall and a moat. If you are visiting the palace grounds by yourself, make sure to inquire about entrances that are open to tourists. This will avoid unnecessary delays. Remember also to bring your passport. Palace guards will keep it until you exit. The architecture of the palace is striking. Some of the buildings have kept their gold leaf ornamentation, while those that no longer have it are painted in a deep red color. The palace has a couple of exhibition rooms, but the exhibits need significant improvement.

  Mark Sherid✭✭

  3 years ago

  It is overall not a great place to visit. Here are things to know: (1) You may only enter from the east gate. (2) They take foreigners passports. (That was unsettling and unwelcoming.) (3) The palace is poorly maintained and in a sad state of disrepair. It desperately needs a pressure wash and paint as well as wood repair. (4) There is almost nothing inside. No furniture, very few instructional panels, no maps or brochures — just empty buildings where your visit disturbs flocks of pooping pigeons. (5) A small museum in back has several nice artifacts tastefully displayed. (6) There is a great view from the tower. In general there is a lack of care and attention to the palace. It is made all the more stark by how nice Thailand and Cambodia’s palaces are. I hope Myanmar will improve this palace in the future and not allow it’s history to rot. It is a sad place squandering it’s potential as it sits now (Mar. 2020).