Top 7 Things to Do in Mandalay

Mandalay was the last capital of the Burmese dynasty and witnessed the glory of the last king of Myanmar. It was the ancient capital of Myanmar. Mandalay is not as lively as a big city, but it retains a more simple culture and pastoral scenery. There are countless Buddhist monuments and historical relics that are worth visiting. What to do in Mandalay? You can take a stroll at U-Bein bridge, watch the sunset at Mandalay Hill, watch puppet show of Mandalay, buy crafts in Mandalay, eat rice noodles, wear Thanaka and longji, visit Mandalay Ancient Cities, etc. are all things that you can experience in Mandalay.

No.1 What to do in Mandalay – Take a stroll at U-Bein bridge

Sunset of U-Bein bridge is a signature view of Mandalay and even Myanmar. U-Bein bridge has a history of 100 years and is the longest teakwood structural bridge in the world. U-Bein bridge is called "Love Bridge" by locals in Myanmar. There are 6 pavilions built at the bridge for pedestrians to shelter from the rain. The most beautiful time of U-Bein bridge is that when there is sunset. When there is sunset, the golden sunset falling to the calm Taungthaman Lake and the red man on the bridge form a beautiful picture of U-Bein bridge. Take a stroll at U-Bein bridge is a good experience in Mandalay.

No.2 What to do in Mandalay – Watch the sunset at Mandalay Hill

In addition to U-Bein bridge, there is also a mountain where it is good for watching the sunset - Mandalay Hill. There are many temples in Mandalay Hill. There are many famous temples on Mandalay Hill. Whether it is a golden temple with pure teak structure, or a pagoda with 800 tons of marble Buddha statues, or Kuthodaw Pagoda, which is known as the "world's largest book". Whether you believe in Buddhism or not, the crystallization of these historical religious cultures is worthy of learning. From the foot of the mountain to the top of the mountain, you can feel the sacredness and piety of the Burmese Buddha. Mandalay Hill is the highest point in Mandalay. The sunset here mixes a Buddhist atmosphere.

No.3 What to do in Mandalay – Watch puppet show of Mandalay

The Burmese puppet show is known as a national treasure in Myanmar. From Yangon to Mandalay to Bagan, there are puppet shows. Mandalay is a city where puppet masters are produced. The puppet show is performed by a puppet show actor who connects the puppet to the key parts of the puppet's head, back, arms, hands and feet, and controls the movement of puppet through the wire, so that the puppet can make a lively movement and form. Puppet shows rely mainly on the image and movement of puppets. They don't need too much language. No barriers to communication are more easily accepted by audiences around the world. It is an unforgettable cultural trip by watching puppet show in Mandalay.

No.4 What to do in Mandalay – Buy crafts in Mandalay

Mandalay is an important tourist city of Myanmar. There are many crafts here and the prices are reasonable. Many craft shops selling jade carvings, silks and tapestries are located in the eastern part of Mandalay. Mandalay is main marble producing and processing area in Myanmar. You can not only exquisite marble Buddha statues but also see the process of production. Puppets, which are Myanmar national treasures, are worth buying and collecting. In addition to Burmese jewelry, puppet is also a good choice as tourist gift or tourist souvenir.

No.5 What to do in Mandalay – Eat Burmese rice noodles

It is popular to eat rice noodles in Myanmar. Rice noodles can be seen everywhere in street shops and stalls. In the northern part of Myanmar, it is especially popular to eat rice noodles with the taste of Shan State. This rice noodle is in soup. Taste is sour and spicy. The seasoning is sliced meat and shallot. In central and southern parts of Myanmar, the popular rice noodles are shredded rice noodles that are topped with soy sauce and eaten with a spoon. Many people eat it as breakfast. In addition to these 2 famous rice noodles, there are cold-flavored rice noodles with coconut milk and salty and spicy rice noodles with bean sprouts. These are 2 famous snacks in hot weather of Mandaly.

No.6 What to do in Mandalay – Wear thanaka and longji

Everyone in Myanmar paints a white powder on their faces. Most of them are painted creatively with various patterns on their foreheads and their cheeks. From a distance, their faces look like a face of cat. This powder is the famous Thanaka. In Myanmar, you can see that almost everyone wear longji. Longji is a Burmese traditional dress that you should wear in Myanamar. Wear thanaka and longji just like a Burmese!

No.7 What to do in Mandalay – Visit Mandalay Ancient Cities

Mandalay is the second largest city in Myanmar. Many people feel that it is a slow and old city. There are many ancient cities surrounding Mandalay. These ancient cities built with precious teak and scattered like pearls have hardly changed for hundreds of years. There are four main ancient cities around Mandalay: Amarapura, Inwa, Sagaing and Mingu. Hiking, cycling or riding horse-drawn carriages in these 4 ancient cities are good things to do in Mandalay.