scenic viewpoint
Mandalay Hill
A 240-meter hill offering panoramic views of Mandalay, the royal palace, and surrounding countryside, covered in temples and monasteries.
5 km · about 10 min drive
AsiaMyanmarMandalay Region
Mandalay
Mandalay Region, Myanmar · Asia
About Mandalay
Mandalay is worth a stop: 15 minutes from Amarapura, 5km from Mandalay Hill.
Mandalay is in Mandalay Region, Myanmar, with about 1.2 million people. The nearest town is Amarapura, about 8 km away.
Mandalay is the second-largest city in Myanmar, after Yangon. It is located on the east bank of the Irrawaddy River, 631 km (392 mi) north of Yangon. In 2014, the city had a population of 1,225,553.
Mandalay was founded in 1857 by King Mindon, replacing Amarapura as the new royal capital of the Konbaung dynasty. ItRead more
was Burma's final royal capital before the kingdom's annexation by the British Empire in 1885. Under British rule, Mandalay remained commercially and culturally important despite the rise of Yangon, the new capital of British Burma. The city suffered extensive destruction during the Japanese conquest of Burma in the Second World War. In 1948, Mandalay became part of the newly independent Union of Burma.
Today, Mandalay is the economic centre of Upper Myanmar and considered the centre of Burmese culture. A continuing influx of irregular Chinese immigrants, mostly from Yunnan, since the late 20th century, has reshaped the city's ethnic makeup and increased commerce with China. Despite Naypyidaw's recent rise, Mandalay remains Upper Myanmar's main commercial, educational and health center.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Mandalay?
Within an hour or so of Mandalay: Mandalay Hill (5 km), U Bein Bridge (10 km).
Where is Mandalay?
Mandalay is in Mandalay Region, Myanmar, about 8 km from Amarapura.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 1,208,099
- Continent
- Asia
- Country
- Myanmar
- Region
- Mandalay Region
- Timezone
- Asia/Yangon
- Coordinates
- 21.9747, 96.0836
Tags
Worth the detour from Mandalay
2 notable places within an hour's drive.
landmark
U Bein Bridge
The world's longest teak footbridge stretching 1.2 kilometers across Taungthaman Lake, offering magical sunset silhouettes.
10 km · about 20 min drive
Driving roads near Mandalay
- Right hereMandalay HillA 240-meter hill offering panoramic views of Mandalay, the royal palace, and surrounding countryside, covered in temples and monasteries.
When to drive here
Year-round
Tropical latitude: plan around the wet season rather than temperature.
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