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.

Day Trips in Mandalay Region

Day trips around Mandalay have historically combined the old royal capitals with monasteries and hill temples. The current state of every place named below is unconfirmed.

Places that were visited

• Mandalay city: the palace grounds and Shwenandaw Monastery. The palace walls were damaged in the March 2025 earthquake, and the palace is a modern reconstruction of the Konbaung royal residence.
• Mahagandayon Monastery: a large monastery near Amarapura where monks historically queued for their morning meal. Visitor access is unconfirmed.
• Sagaing Hill and Mingun: both in Sagaing Region, where the UK advises against all travel. Hsinbyume Pagoda at Mingun is largely destroyed.
• Inwa (Ava): an old capital reached by river crossing and horse cart. Most structures were damaged, and Maha Aungmye Bonzan is nearly destroyed.
• Mandalay Hill: a covered stairway pilgrimage. Access is unconfirmed.

Visitors have been expected to cover shoulders and knees at religious sites and to avoid the hottest hours of the day.