If you only have one day in Mandalay but don’t know where to go and what to do, Go Travel will help you to find out some funniest activities in Mandalay.
With only 20 minutes of driving from Mandalay, you can come to Amarapura which was though the capital of Myanmar. Now, Amarapura becomes a township of Mandalay. However, it is still an attractive location boasting many famous sights, pagodas, bridges, etc. Let’s start your one day in Mandalay right now!
Mahagandayon Monastery
The first stop of one day in Mandalay is Mahagandayon Monastery which is the school for young monks. Mahagandayon Monastery is one of the most famous places in Myanmar. It was built in 1910 and is known for its monastic college complex by tourists.
Tourists are allowed to visit the monk’s living areas, their schools, small temples, library, lecture hall, computer room, guest rooms, and the main dining halls. When coming here, you can have a chance to know more about the monk’s lifestyle.
The locals and also tourists are the main “investors” of Mahagandayon Monastery. In the monastery, the monks and novices often line up for lunch in the late morning. This is also the most crowded time when tourists tend to gather around to see this process. When traveling, you can support the monastery by giving them food, vegetables, or some fund for their operation.
You can also visit the dining room and the kitchen. Besides, helping the locals, and monks to prepare or cook lunch will be one of the memorable things. People living here are very friendly and like to communicate with foreigners to practice their foreign language and communication skills. So don’t be surprised if they come to talk to you directly.
U Bein Bridge
After visiting the first stop, the next place you should visit on one day in Mandalay is U Bein Bridge. The bridge is made from wood and connects the two banks of the Taungthamna River. It is 1.2 km long and has been built for nearly 200 years. U Bein Bridge is also considered the oldest and longest teak bridge in the world. If you like “antiques”, this bridge will be the best destination for you.
Early morning and late afternoon are the most crowded time with visitors and local commuters. With the red sky and the antique bridge under the sunset, it is sure that tourists will fall in love with this scenery. This is also a suitable time for photographers to take a shot when traveling one day in Mandalay.
When the bridge is under the sunset, it becomes charming and glittering. But when it welcomes the sunrise, it becomes energetic and garish. Because of this, many tourists tend to choose hotels where near the U Bein Bridge to admire this beautiful scene. U Bein Bridge is now one of the most important tourist attractions and an important part of the daily life of the local people here in this area.
Mahamuni Buddha Temple
After visiting Amarapura, it’s time for you to head back to one day in Mandalay to visit temples and pagodas, especially Mahamuni Pagoda and Mandalay Palace. Lastly, end one day in Mandalay tour with the sunset at Mandalay Hill before heading back to the hotel. It will be ideal for your afternoon excursion if you visit Mahamuni Pagoda. This pagoda is well-known as one of Myanmar’s most prominent Buddhist pilgrimage sites. In the main hall, there is a 3.8m tall gold Buddha statue that weighs 6.5 tons and is encrusted with valuable stones that only males can approach and throw gold on.
Pilgrims and devout Buddhists continue to cover the Mahamuni statue with layers of overlapping gold leaves. This is one of the age-old procedures in Myanmar and it makes your one day in Mandalay becoming interesting. Mahamuni Buddha temple still hells 6 bronze statues from the Khmer kingdom, including two male warriors, a three-headed Erawan elephant, and the mighty lions. In this temple, it is rumored that if the pilgrim touches a corresponding area on the bronze statue, all illnesses will be cured.
Generally, there is a famous festival held at the Mahamuni Buddha Temple in January. It is organized to celebrate the history of the temple’s formation and development. During the festival, the monks will chant sutras for days. There are also different cultural, entertainment, and other social events celebrating. This will be a great occasion for your one day in Mandalay to visit this Budhil pagoda and witness the culture, and local and spiritual activities. Besides, keeping your own memories through vivid photos. One of the most convenient ways to get to Mahamuni in one day in Mandalay is by taxi or local rickshaw.
- Open hours: 6 a.m – 8 p.m
- Entrance fee: 6,000 kyats ~ 4 USD per person
Mandalay Royal Palace
Another stop in one day in Mandalay will be one of the very famous places – Mandalay Royal Palace. It attracts a lot of tourists by its unique and magnificent beauty – this palace used to be the primary residence of King Mindon and King Thibaw who are the last kings of the country.
The original name of the palace is Mya Nan San Kyaw. It is covered by four 2km-long walls with 48 turrets and 12 gates which symbol for 12 months per year. There are also 4 bridges representing 4/5 weeks per month, and by a moat which has 64m wide and 4.5m deep. Each of the 12 gates represents each sign of the zodiac. However, in World War II, many of the palace was destroyed by fire and has been built again in 1990 – 1995.
With its exquisite and unique structure, Mandalay Palace has been preserved for many years to retain the essence of the architecture. This is also the reason why tourists fall in love with this destination. When visiting this heritage, tourists will have a chance to experience the Royal culture in the most enjoyable way. Mandalay Royal Palace is also a spectacular & suitable spot to enjoy the sunset for your one day in Mandalay.
- Open hours: 7:30 a.m – 4:30 p.m
- Entrance fee: 5 USD per person.
- Location: between 12th Street and 26th Street
Mandalay Hill
The last place which is also an ideal place to end up one day in Mandalay is Mandalay Hill. The hill is in the Northeast of Mandalay center with a high of 236.5 meters above sea level. Mandalay Hill is shown as a natural watchtower of the region by the locals.
Near the top of the hill, on the Eastern side, there is a statue of Ogress Sandha Mukkhi (San Dha Mukhi) offering her sliced-off breast. Next to this are 2 steeper stairs at the North and the West of the hill. This Mandalay Hill is famous for its pagodas and monasteries and has been a primary pilgrimage site for Burmese Buddhists for nearly two centuries.
At the top of the hill is the Sutaungpyei Pagoda, from this high view, you will have a panoramic view of Mandalay. The best time to join the charming view here is at Sunlong when the sun starts to color everything in orange and covers the surrounding beautiful landscape. The ideal time to visit this hill is when the weather is dry (especially from November to the following February).
Have you set your plan for one day in Mandalay? Let’s pack your things and contact Go Travel via the website: https://gotravel.vn/ right now!
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