Ultimate 3-Day Mandalay Itinerary: Best Things to Do & See
Mandalay, the cultural heart of Myanmar, enchants visitors with its shimmering pagodas, royal heritage, and vibrant street life along the Irrawaddy River.
Day 1: Royal Mandalay & Ancient Monasteries
Morning
Start your Mandalay adventure at the Mandalay Palace. Explore the reconstructed royal residence and climb the watchtower for panoramic city views.
Mandalay Palace
Continue to the nearby Shwenandaw Monastery, famed for its intricate teak carvings and tranquil spiritual ambiance.
Shwenandaw Monastery
Afternoon
Marvel at the world's largest book at Kuthodaw Pagoda, surrounded by 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist scriptures.
Kuthodaw Pagoda
Evening
Take in a magical sunset from Mandalay Hill, where panoramic vistas and golden pagodas await at the summit.
Mandalay Hill
Enjoy authentic Shan cuisine at Shan Ma Ma Restaurant, a beloved local favorite for its vibrant flavors and friendly atmosphere.
Shan Ma Ma Restaurant
Day 2: Ancient Capitals & River Life
Morning
Venture to U Bein Bridge in nearby Amarapura, the world's longest teak footbridge, and witness monks crossing at sunrise.
U Bein Bridge
Afternoon
Take a boat trip to Inwa (Ava), an ancient imperial capital dotted with crumbling pagodas, horse carts, and the famous Bagaya Monastery.
Inwa (Ava)
On your return, stop at Sagaing Hill, a serene spiritual site with dozens of gleaming white and gold pagodas overlooking the Irrawaddy River.
Sagaing Hill
Evening
Sample local barbecue and Mandalay beer at Shwe Kher Barbecue, a lively spot popular with locals and travelers alike.
Shwe Kher Barbecue
Day 3: Artisan Quarters & Local Markets
Morning
Visit the fascinating Mahamuni Pagoda, home to the revered Mahamuni Buddha image, and witness locals applying gold leaf to the statue.
Mahamuni Pagoda
Stroll through the Zegyo Market, Mandalay's bustling central bazaar, for a taste of local life and a chance to shop for unique handicrafts and snacks.
Zegyo Market
Afternoon
Explore the traditional Gold Leaf Workshop, where you can watch artisans hammering gold into ultra-thin sheets, a Mandalay specialty.
Gold Leaf Workshop
Head to the Marble Carving Street in the Kyauk Sit Tan quarter, where artisans chisel Buddha images from blocks of marble in open-air workshops.
Marble Carving Street
Evening
End your trip with a feast of Burmese curries and salads at Min Min Restaurant, renowned for its warm hospitality and authentic local flavors.
Min Min Restaurant
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