Travel advisory: Both the US and UK governments warn against travel here: the US advises against all travel to Myanmar, while the UK advises against all but essential travel to Mandalay and against all travel to Sagaing and the area north of the city. Fighting, drone attacks, curfews and internet shutdowns persist, and the March 2025 earthquake damaged many sites. Check the US State Department and UK FCDO before any planning.

Mandalay Region: What Visitors Historically Came For

The Mandalay Region holds several old royal capitals, a river corridor along the Irrawaddy and a cooler hill town at Pyin Oo Lwin. Official advice covers the whole region, and the status of every site named here is unconfirmed.

Places the region is known for

• Mandalay city: the former royal capital, with its palace grounds, Shwenandaw Monastery and Mandalay Hill. The palace walls and watchtowers were damaged in the March 2025 earthquake.
• Kuthodaw Pagoda: the site of 729 marble inscription slabs, which suffered serious structural damage in the quake.
• Inwa (Ava): an old capital reached by a river crossing and horse cart. Most of its historic structures were damaged, and Maha Aungmye Bonzan (Me Nu) is nearly destroyed.
• Mingun and Sagaing Hill: both lie in Sagaing Region, where official advice is strictest. Hsinbyume Pagoda is largely destroyed.
• Craft workshops: gold leaf, wood and marble carving and weaving have long been associated with the area. Whether workshops are operating is unconfirmed.

Beach holidays and lake excursions are not part of this region.