Mandalay is the last royal capital in Myanmar, located in the center of this country. It is also the second entry to get into the country through Mandalay International Airport. Indeed, if you spend 1 day in Mandalay, you can not enjoy all that this city offers. Still, do not worry, let us give you the best advice for your Myanmar tour.
How to spend 1 day in Mandalay?
- Admire sunset on Mandalay Hill
- Take a spiritual tour to visit pagodas and monasteries
- Discover traditional Burmese culture
- Attend a puppet show
- Enjoy a satirical show at the famous Mustache Brothers
- Explore the Burmese classical dance “Anyeint”
Balloons landing in Mandalay
Best Time to Visit Mandalay
Located in the center of Myanmar, Mandalay has a steppe climate which means that the average annual temperature is 27°C. The best time to go there is between August and March, when the weather is nice with little rainfall and cool temperatures. This period has undoubtedly become the peak tourist season in Mandalay and is the perfect time for your family trip to Myanmar.
One tip for you: avoid October if you want to stay dry.
Top Destinations to Visit for 1 Day in Mandalay
1. Mandalay Royal Palace
Occupying nearly half of this city’s surface, the Royal Palace is a must-see monument on 1 day in Mandalay. It’s been more than a century since the last Burmese King lived here. Now, it’s been restored for visitors and one of Mandalay’s major tourist attractions.
The plan of Mandalay Palace largely follows the traditional Burmese palace design, inside a walled fort surrounded by a moat. The palace itself is at the centre of the citadel and faces east. All buildings of the palace are of one storey in height.
2. Mahamuni Pagoda
Mahamuni Buddha, Mandalay
This is one of the most important places of Buddhism in Myanmar. Its main statue here (also known as the Mahamuni Buddha) is cleaned every day. You should keep in mind that women will not be able to touch or approach this gold leaf Buddha closely. It is open daily with a visit fee of about 4 USD.
3. Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda
Also known as the Large Image of Marble, Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda is famous for its huge carved Buddha image. It exemplifies a type of architecture, which though borrowed from the Indian designs at Pagan, was constructed entirely by Burmese architects. The pagoda is crowned with a five-tiered pyatthat roof.
4. Shwesandaw Pagoda
The Shwesandaw pagoda is one of the taller pagodas in Bagan, an imposing structure visible from far away rising from the plains of Bagan with its height of 328 feet. The stupa is topped with a golden multi tiered hti, an ornamental spire in the shape of a ceremonial umbrella found on many Burmese temples.
5. Shwenandaw Monastery
Coming to this site, you will admire such a beautiful wooden monastery and the spiritual capital of the country. It comes from the royal wooden palace of Amarapura, moved in 1857 by King Mindon in his new capital. This monastery is famous for its detailed teak carvings that will certainly impress you on your 1 day in Mandalay.
6. Mandalay Hill
Majestic view from Mandalay Hill
It is a hill 224 meters above sea level and located northeast of the center of Mandalay (which gave the name to this city). Mandalay Hill is covered with stupas and monasteries, and has been an important pilgrimage site for Burmese Buddhists for almost two centuries. After climbing Mandalay Hill, you will be rewarded with an incredible view of the sunset at the top.
Where to Stay for 1 Day in Mandalay?
Staying in a good hotel is one of the first steps of a successful vacation. Indeed, a good accommodation can make your vacation even more exceptional.
Mandalay is full of places to stay, at every budget, from small bed and breakfast with incomparable charm to the large luxury hotels located in the city center, near the main sites to visit, or not far from the airport. However, to avoid unpleasant surprises, it is always better to make the reservation early.
Here are some of the best places to stay in Mandalay:
- Hotel Kandawgyi Hill Resort: Here you will enjoy the bourgeois atmosphere in a large park with many flower gardens and tall trees.
- Hotel Mandalay Hill Resort: It is a must when choosing accommodation of high benefits and lust.
- Triumph Hotel in Mandalay: This modern hotel with many services and amenities is located east of the Royal Palace, a ten-minute drive from the city center or Mandalay Hill.
- Hotel Yadanarbon: This is a good quality three-star hotel located to the south of the Royal Palace.
- Mega Stars Hotel: This brick-built hotel stands out for its special design and decoration, while remaining pleasant and comfortable.
Discover Traditional Burmese Culture on 1 Day in Mandalay
Your 1 day in Mandalay is a good chance for you to discover the diverse traditional Burmese culture. For culture lovers, do not hesitate to participate in one of the following activities:
1. Attend a puppet show
Inside of Mandalay Puppet Theater
These shows take place daily at the Mandalay Puppet Theater. This theater opened its doors in 1986. These shows are a real attraction for the tourists who come there to learn a little more about the history of these puppets Burmese, but also to know the epics of Ramayana. These shows start between 8:30 and 9:30 pm.
2. Enjoy a satirical show at the Mustache Brothers
The Mustache Brothers is a Burmese theater troupe from Mandalay, made up by U Par Par Lay, Lu Maw brothers and their cousin U Lu Zaw. The show here, which starts at around 8:30 pm and takes place on a small stage in the garage of one of the three brothers, is presented in English so that tourists can fully appreciate it.
3. Explore the Burmese classical dance “Anyeint”
This dance was first appeared in the Innwa period (1300 AD) and has kept an incredible news thanks to the popular shows Zat-pwe. It expresses chaining plays, interludes buffoons, verbal jousting, dances and songs. For a glimpse of Burmese classical dance Anyeint, Mintha Theater is a good address for you to come because it offers performances every night at 8:30 pm.
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