Travel advisory: Official advice is to stay away: the US advises against all travel to Myanmar, and 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 continue, and many places were damaged in the March 2025 earthquake. Check the US State Department and UK FCDO before making plans.

Mandalay Region: Adventure Sports

The Mandalay Region has no established adventure sports industry that can be recommended. White water rafting, paragliding, kayaking and rock climbing are not offered here, and places sometimes associated with them lie in other regions or states.

Places sometimes confused with the region

• Inle Lake is in Shan State, many hours from Mandalay by road, and is not a Mandalay outing.
• Mount Popa is an extinct volcano closer to Bagan and is not a local excursion from Mandalay.
• The Irrawaddy carries heavy commercial traffic and has no recreational rafting or paddling operators.
• Hot air balloons have been associated with Bagan, a separate area with its own advisories.

Hiking and cycling in the countryside are further complicated by landmines and unexploded ordnance in parts of Myanmar, by fighting and by curfews. Anyone considering outdoor travel should read the official sources above first.