Myanmar Luxury Private Tour
Discover Buddhist monks, bright golden pagodas and plains scattered with magnificent temples on our Highlights of Myanmar tour. This classic...
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Cultural holidays
Mandalay is the second largest city, and the last royal capital of Myanmar. Underneath its bustling facade you will find many historical sights that evoke images of a bygone era. Mandalay remains as the proud cultural capital of Myanmar and its many artisan workshops and tea houses are an inspiring testament to its history.
Rudyard Kipling may never have actually visited, but his renowned poem Road to Mandalay still conjures up richly exotic impressions. Located on the banks of the mighty Ayeyarwady River, Myanmar lies within easy striking distance of former colonial hill stations, ruined cities and other cultural attractions.
Road to Mandalay: the last royal capital
At the heart of the city is the huge complex of Mandalay Palace, surrounded by its regal gardens and a walled moat, which dates back to the Konbaung Dynasty and was the residence for the last kings of Burma. Admire the incredible religious artwork of Mandalay's pagodas and see local artisans at work on tapestries and using delicate gold leaf. Climb the covered stairway to Mandalay Hill to watch an unforgettable sunset over the floodplain of Ayeyarwady River, with as the golden light reflects in the mirror mosaics of the monastery.
If you’re not continuing your Myanmar holiday by taking the slow boat from Mandalay to Bagan, be sure to enjoy a river cruise to Sagaing Hill and Ava, and enjoy a stop at sunset to walk along the picturesque U Bein Bridge at Amarapura. At over a kilometre long, this old teak bridge with its constant and colourful traffic of local people provides a great photographic opportunity to capture the spirit of Myanmar.
As well as Bagan, you can combine your time in Mandalay with a few days in the vibrant city of Yangon or embrace a relaxing end to your Myanmar holiday at the pristinely beautiful Ngapali Beach.
Great sample itineraries
Get inspired by our selection of popular itineraries that featuring Myanmar, including your Mandalay holiday. Call our Destination Specialists and let us help you plan an amazing tailor made holiday.
Tour Mandalay Yangon
Available as either a small group or private tour, this journey gives you the ideal introduction to this fascinating country....
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Couples Holidays
Classic Myanmar
Peaceful pagodas with shiny pointed stupas, temples in beautiful teak and awe-inspiring sunsets – discover these delights and more on...
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Couples Holidays
Explore Mandalay
“For a delightful river trip from Mandalay, less than a mile from the city you can visit the enormous Mingun Bell and even more enormous unfinished Mingun Pahtodawgyi Pagoda. Climb up the stupa for views over the river, then walk further down the lane to see the beautiful white Hsinbyume Pagoda.”
“Experience the cultural capital of Mandalay with a visit to the tiny puppet theatre, where handcrafted marionettes represent centuries of tradition with local myths and legends.”
Events & Festivals
Mandalay boasts a couple of events and traditional festivals that are held throughout the year and can be enjoyed by everyone.
Mahamuni Pagoda Festival
Mahamuni Pagoda Festival attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over Myanmar on the full moon day of Thabodwe, during early February. This energy-filled festival takes place over two days and involves recitations from scripture, burning incense sticks before images of the Buddha, dancing and music performances.
Local Cuisine
Mandalay has a wonderful tea house culture and these range from road side stalls to more elaborate affairs. Sample Burmese tea sweetened with condensed milk with a range of delicious snacks, or lunch on the famous fermented tea leaf salad.
Tea
Mandalay has a wonderful tea house culture and these range from road side stalls to more elaborate affairs. Sample Burmese tea sweetened with condensed milk with a range of delicious snacks, or lunch on the famous fermented tea leaf salad.
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