Awesome Things to Do in Mandalay, Myanmar

Mandalay, Myanmar's last royal capital and its second largest city is truly a center of Burmese culture.

The place flaunts an awe-inspiring touch of royalty and serenity with its stunning pagodas, dazzling waterfalls and tranquil views. And not to forget, the lovely locals and their delectable delicacies, just add to the charm.

Here's a checklist of things to do in Mandalay....

Visiting the Temples And Monasteries

Mahamuni temple is the most important religious site in Mandalay and is a highly venerated place of worship for people of Myanmmar. Do not forget to pay special attention to the statue of Lord Buddha, which is the primary attraction of this divine place.

Kuthodaw pagoda comprises of a gold pagoda as the centerpiece and its 730 sorrounding white pagodas. Read the world's largest book here in the form of 730 marble tablets which are present inside each white pagoda.

You can see a similar setting of central gold pagoda and 1774 surrounding white pagodas in nearby Sandamuni pagoda. Because of this reason, some have even called it as   " Volume 2 of World's Largest Book".

Snake pagoda is a modest temple which as the name suggests, houses snakes. These snakes are highly revered and respected and are considered as the sacred protectors of Buddha.

Teak monasteries offer a very distinct feel, as they are made entirely out of teak. Shwenandaw is one such well known monastery. When you are visiting it, do pay attention to the intricately carved wood patterns of the place.

Mingun area has its fair share of some beautiful pagodas. Mingun pagoda with its incomplete construction is a very interesting place to visit. The ruins are part of a massive project that never got finished. Interestingly, the pagoda holds the record for being the biggest pile of bricks in the world and houses the world's largest ringing bell.

Walk Across the U Bein Bridge

The 1.2 km long U Bein bridge stretches across the Taung Tha Man lake and is considered the oldest and largest teak wood bridge in the world. Watching the sunrise or sunset from here would be great deal.

Climb Mandalay Hill

 The panoramic 360 degree view from the Mandalay hill is not to be missed. The walk up, through stairways along the many temples is a treat in itself. Visit during sunrise or sunset for the best experience.

Visit the Mandalay Royal Palace
  
 Feel the royal tinge of history in the Mandalay Royal palace, home to the last royal family of Myanmar. Although much has been rebuilt, the many historical echoes of the place and its work of teak wood are worth visiting.

Relax in the Pristine Waterfalls

 There are multitude of waterfalls in and around Mandalay. You can choose according to your convenience and preference. If you are looking for a not so crowded place, then Dee Dote waterfall would be an amazing option.

Fly in a Hot Air Balloon

 Fly over the Mandalay city and have a spectacular view of the sprawling city. As the hot air balloon tours are not operated throughout the year, do plan your visit accordingly.

Sample the Myanmar Tea
  
  Tea shops in Myanmar have their own cultural significance. When you are in Mandalay, sipping the hot sweet Myanmar milk tea from a local tea shop can be the best way to get a taste of its rich culture.

Taste the Local Delicacies

 Give your taste buds a treat with delicious sweet and savoury dishes of Myanmar. If you are a vegetarian then the search for a wholesome vegetarian meal could be a lot trickier but would nonetheless be rewarding.

Chat with Locals

 Most of the locals, especially young ones enjoy chatting with the foreigners. Share your experiences and get to know about the city through them.