Hotels in Mandalay

Mandalay: Myanmar's Royal Capital on the Irrawaddy

Mandalay, founded in 1857 by King Mindon as the last royal capital of Burma, sits on the eastern bank of the Irrawaddy River in central Myanmar. The 26-metre-high Mandalay Hill overlooks the walled Royal Palace, a 2 km² fortified compound surrounded by a moat. Artisan quarters along 37th and 38th Streets concentrate gold-leaf beaters, jade carvers, and silk weavers — crafts sustained here for over a century. The ancient cities of Inwa, Sagaing, and Amarapura lie within 20 km, including the 1.2 km U Bein Bridge, a teak pedestrian bridge built around 1850.

Where to Stay in Mandalay

Hotels cluster around Mandalay Hill in the north, along 26th Street near the palace moat, and in the commercial core between 84th and 78th Streets. The area near Zegyo Market suits budget travellers; mid-range and full-service hotels concentrate north of the palace. River-view properties along the Irrawaddy waterfront offer direct access to boat departures for Bagan, roughly 180 km upstream.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Mandalay International Airport (MDL) receives domestic flights from Yangon (1 hr) and regional connections.
• Getting around: Hired motorcycles and taxis cover the outer ancient cities; trishaw rides navigate the city centre grid.
• Climate: October through February brings dry, cooler weather; April peaks above 40 °C.
• Currency: Kyat is the standard currency; USD cash is accepted at some hotels.