Travel advisory: The US government advises against all travel to Myanmar, and the UK advises against all travel to Sagaing and the area north of Mandalay and against all but essential travel to the city itself. Conflict, drone strikes, curfews and internet shutdowns are part of daily life in the region, and the March 2025 earthquake damaged many sights. See the US State Department and UK FCDO for current advice before you plan.

Group Activities in Mandalay

Group travel has historically centred on shared visits to Mandalay’s monasteries, craft quarters and nearby ancient capitals. Governments advise against such travel now, and group bookings raise the same insurance, evacuation and communications concerns as individual trips.

What groups once visited

• The palace grounds and Mandalay Hill: the former royal compound and a stairway pilgrimage. The palace was damaged in the 2025 earthquake, and access is unconfirmed.
• Amarapura and Sagaing: old capitals with U Bein Bridge and hill monasteries. Sagaing is in a region under the strictest warnings.
• Craft workshops: gold leaf beating, marble carving and woodworking, traditionally clustered around the Mahamuni Pagoda area. Operation is unconfirmed, and Mahamuni itself was damaged in the earthquake.

Inle Lake is in Shan State and has never been a Mandalay day trip, so it should not appear on a group itinerary for the city. Pottery and parasol workshops are not verified.