Historic Attractions

If you’re visiting Nyaungshwe or Inle Lake, you’ll be within reach of the mystical site of Kakku. With nearly 2,500 spires assembled into a tightly compacted hillside, the area is visually stunning. You can walk among the narrow passages between the pagodas and get a good look at their sometimes ancient engravings.

An impressive structure over the Taungthaman Lake, U Bein Bridge has become an iconic destination for visitors to Mandalay region. Just a short drive from the city in the Amarapura area, the bridge was built in 1850 and is about three-quarters of a mile long. It is believed to be the oldest and longest bridge of its kind in the world.

Shwenandaw is an exquisite example of the wood-art craftsmanship of the original Burmese style. It’s made completely out of teak, a type of wood that’s native to Myanmar and is known for its durability. Travelers also find this temple easy to fit into a trip to Mandalay, since it’s just a short distance from here to Mandalay Hill.

The best part about this palace is the lookout tower. From the four-story high perch, you can see a clear view of the palace, as well as the neighboring Mandalay Hill.

Near the congestion of Chinatown sits Maha Bandula Park, one of the few open green spaces in the downtown area. With its lush lawn, magnificent trees, and several water fountains, it offers a pleasant, pastoral spot to admire British colonial architecture, most of which dates back to the mid-19th century. Take a break from modern, busy Yangon with a cup of tea or a cooling lime soda.

To the northeast of the virtually flat Mandalay, there is the 800-foot (243-m) high Mandalay Hill. Atop the hill sits Sutaungpyei Pagoda, which provides a panoramic view of Mandalay, the Ayeyarwady River, and Sagaing Hill – the flat landscape makes it possible to see a wide expanse of landscape. It takes 45 minutes to walk to the top of the hill.

Southeast from Mandalay in the Amarapura area is one of the Burmese Empire's former longstanding capitals, Inwa (Ava) Island. It served as the capital from the 13th century until the early 19th century, when it was abandoned due to a catastrophic earthquake. Left behind are countless architectural relics of the Burmese Empire.