Mandalay Myanmar 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Ancient Wonders and Cultural Delights

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at 34th Street Morning Market & Restaurant (#34, 80th Street Between 29th and 30th Streets) where you can sample local Myanmar dishes.
  • Head to the famous Mandalay Hill (entry fee: $5 USD). Climb up either by foot or car/taxi to reach the top for a panoramic view of Mandalay city. Don’t forget to visit the Shwe Nan Daw Kyaung Monastery at the summit.

Afternoon:

  • After descending from Mandalay Hill, have lunch at Mingalabar Mandalay Restaurant (No. 379, 80th Street Between 29th and 30th Streets). They offer a variety of traditional Burmese and Asian dishes.
  • Visit the historical sites such as the Royal Palace (entry fee: $10 USD) and the Kuthodaw Pagoda, also known as the “World’s Biggest Book” for its 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist scriptures.

Evening:

  • Witness the sunset at the tranquil U Bein Bridge (entry fee: $2 USD). This is one of the longest teak bridges in the world, spanning over Taungthaman Lake.
  • For dinner, try Golden Bagan Restaurant (No. 142, 80th Street Between 37th and 38th Streets) offering a variety of dishes with a beautiful view of Mandalay Hill.

Day 2: Temples, Crafts, and River Cruise

Morning:

  • Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel or explore local cafes nearby.
  • Visit the Mahamuni Buddha Temple to witness the gold leaf application ceremony (7 am - 10 am).
  • Head to the Shwenandaw Monastery Kyaung, also known as Golden Palace Monastery, a beautiful teakwood structure with intricate wood carvings.

Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at Mandalay Café (No. 172, 80th Street Between 30th and 31st Streets) before embarking on a visit to the Khan Thar Village, where you can observe traditional crafts such as gold leaf making, marble carving, and tapestry weaving.
  • Take a taxi or hire a private car (around $25 USD for half-day) to the Mandalay Pottery Making Village to witness traditional pottery techniques.

Evening:

  • Enjoy dinner at Yadanabon Night Market (No. 79, 80th Street Between 31st and 32nd Streets). This bustling night market offers a wide variety of street food, local snacks, and souvenirs.
  • Take a leisurely river cruise along the Ayeyarwady River on a traditional “Hayamin Gyi” boat to witness the stunning sunset over Mandalay (around $10 USD per person).

Things to Know:

  • Myanmar’s official currency is Kyat (MMK). US dollars are widely accepted, but it’s best to have small denominations for daily expenses.
  • Mandalay can be hot and humid, so wear light, comfortable clothing and don’t forget your sunscreen!
  • Taxis are readily available around the city, but bargaining is expected. Use a taxi app like Oway or Grab for a more reliable service.
  • Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting temples and religious sites.

Where to Stay: Recommended hotels in Mandalay include S22 Hotel (No. 172, 22nd Street Between 80th and 81st Streets), Pacific Hotel Mandalay (No. 59, 80th Street Between 30th and 31st Streets), and Mandalay Hill Resort (No. 36, Yadanabon Road, Ward 2). All offer comfortable accommodation, good service, and are centrally located for easy access to the city’s attractions.