As we spent the morning morning in Mingun city we traveled by boat. Click here to read the previous post on the half day tour to Mingun City by Boat. 

After returning to Mandalay it was 2.30pm and we negotiated with a tuk tuk driver from the Jetty to take us around to visit the major sights in Mandalay. 

Top attractions to visit in Mandalay

• Sandamuni & Kuthodaw Pagoda 
• Golden Palace Monastery 
• Shwe Nandaw Monastery 
• Mandalay Palace

Be aware that the locals may call these sites by different names. The best bet is to show a picture so you can be sure that you are taken to the correct location. 

A little thing that is good to know about…

The first stop was Mandalay Palace. Tuk Tuks can only drop you at the main entrance where the wall is, then you have to walk 1.5km to the main sight. At the ticking office, you have to either leave your passport or cash deposit amount of 100,000 MMK with the security officer. You will get it back as when you’re leaving the site. 

You may need one hour to explore this palace, most of the buildings are maintained in good condition.  There is no information about what you are seeing so if you have a companion guide book with you this will help you to understand and appreciate the historical importance.

Sandamuni & Kuthodaw Pagoda are two pagodas sitting back to back. Golden Palace Monastery is just a few minutes walking distance. Most tuk tuk drivers will try hard to convince you that the three sites are very far apart from each other where they can potentially charge you a higher rate. 

Mandalay city is very spread out and most roads are uneven and can be a bit chaotic. I suggest that you wear a face mask or you can buy some from the most local pharmacies if you have a sensitive respiratory system as roads in the city are very dusty. 

Best place to have a nice cup of coffee in Mandalay. 

One thing I missed so far after being 3 days in Mandalay was to have a proper coffee. It was really hard to find anywhere which sells freshly ground coffee in Mandalay. Here I recommend Nova Coffee, although the menu is a little expensive in comparison to other cafes and restaurants. The relaxing environment and product quality was spotless. 

Continue reading: One day cruise trip departs from Mandalay to Bagan on Irrawaddy River