Maha Muni Pagoda

One of King Bodawpaya's sons conveyed this Buddha statue across the Rakhine Yoma from Mrauk-U to Mandalay . Firstly, the pagoda was located at the old capital Amarapura, but it had been moved to Mandalay after fire broke out in 1884. The original image was made out of alloy but fine foils of gold were gilded on and it now weighs over a ton. The golden crown of the image is decorated with diamonds, jade, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds.

Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda

King Mindon gained merit by having this huge Buddha Image carved out of a single boulder of white marble from Sagyin hills. The King built this pagoda as a replica of the Ananda Pagoda.

Pa Hto Daw Gyi ( Mingun )

Prior to conquering the throne, King Bodawpaya took refuge at Mingun, where he made a vow that he would implement four religious projects once he became a king. These projects were to build a pagoda, a bell, a lake and two statues of lions to safeguard the pagoda. This pagoda was never completed and was severely damaged by an earthquake in 1838. The cracks and splits of the walls are of interest to historians and tourists.

Mandalay Palace

To fulfill an old prophecy, King Mindon the second last king of Myanmar shifted his capital from Amarapura to Mandalay in 1861, and the site was chosen by prediction and astrological calculations.

It became known as the Golden Palace although it was built of teak wood on brick platform, albeit gilded with gold and vermillion. All buildings including the court house, fortified high walls with parapets, the moat, water systems, roads, gardens with shady tamarind trees, recreational parks, swimming pools, the mint, security posts with infantry, cavalry and devotional halls were exquisitely planned and built to minute more +. Construction lasted for five years, from 1857 to 1861. The artistic workmanship and handicrafts portrayed the glory of the golden age of the days bone by is still awesome and exciting.

In the centre of the palace grounds is a meticulously true square, and the surrounding city was also laid out in squares. The moat was filled by water from a muddy canal but surprisingly the reddish water turned crystal clear. This moat water was potable and is free from lime content. It also served a double purpose as a good protection from enemy assault.

The reflection of Mandalay in the eastern moat was a beautiful scene. The beautiful palace and many other buildings were destroyed by fire, but have been reconstructed in brick masonry from photographic records, plans and drawings.

Thabyedan Fort

This is located near Inwa Bridge on the Mandalay side on the bank of Ayeyawady River. It was s last fort built to defend the Mandalay capital at the third Anglo-Myanmar war.

Mya Nan San Kyaw Golden Palace

The palace occupied the central spot in the walled city. It was removed from Amarapura and reconstructed at Mandalay. It consisted of numerous wooden buildings, many of them highly carved and gilt-covered, on a high platform enclosed by a brick wall. King Thibaw added a few masonry structures. The construction took five years (1857-61) to complete. The palace was destroyed by fire during the last days of the Second World War. The palace was reconstructed by the present government from 1989 to 1995. Of the 114 original chambers of the old palace, 66 have been reconstructed.

Bargaya Monastery

This monastery was built by King Bagyidaw in 1196 AD when Amarapura was the capital. It was built of brick and stucco but it was destroyed by fire twice, in 1821 and 1866. It is famous for its impressive ornate wood carvings, 267 teak pillars and a superb collection of Buddha images, and the monastery, 180 feet in length and 103 feet wide, is a showcase of Innwa era heritage.

In 1951 the Myatheindan Sayadaw (chief abbot) constructed a two-storey brick building to house 500 Buddha images and 5,000 sets of pe-sa, or palm-leaf manuscripts. The government carried out reconstruction work on the monastery between 1993 and 1996. The Bagayar monastery is now mainly a museum housing interesting collections of Buddha images and palm-leaf manuscripts.

Atumashi Kyaung

The Atumashi Kyaung means Incomparable Monastery, and it is contemporary with the Kuthodaw. All that remains of this great monument, which drew ecstatic accounts from western travelers who saw it before it was destroyed by fire, are whole brick-work platforms and a hint of the wooden building and five rectangular terraces. This monastery was known for the many ecclesiastical conventions held within its walls. It was also famous for the Buddha image made of the King's silken garments. This had a lacquer exterior and a big diamond on the forehead which was stolen during the confusion following the annexation of Upper Myanmar in 1885. This monastery was burnt down in 1890.

Shwe In Bin Kyaung

This large and graceful wooden monastery was built by a pair of wealthy Chinese merchants in 1895. The wood carvings along the balustrades and roof cornices are of exquisite quality. It is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Mandalay.

Maha Aung Myae Bonzan Monastery( Oke Kyaung )

King Bagyidaw's chief queen built this monastery in 1818 for the royal abbot, Nyaung Gan Sayadaw. Most monasteries were built of wood during this period and were prone to fire. This monastery was built imitating the traditional wooden style, but its masonry construction ensured its survival from fire.

Unfortunately it was not earthquake proof and was badly damaged in the quake of 1838. It was restored in 1873.

Mandalay Palace Cultural Museum

The Mandalay Palace Cultural Museum was opened at the west Zaytawom Hall, in the Myanansankyaw Shwe Nandaw, in 1996. This Museum mainly displays articles and artifacts of royalty and of the Konbaung Dynasty. Royal costumes and furniture are also displayed as well as models of ministers from the King Mindon.

Myanmar Traditional Folk Arts Museum

Displays include religious items, travel items, toys, and domestic products. Household goods and rooms showing the interiors of traditional Myanmar houses are also featured at the museum.

Mandalay Hill

The hill is a natural focus for the city, and only place with a panoramic view over the city and surrounding plain. Most people start their visit Mandalay with the hill. The hermit monk, U Khanti, is credited with inspiring the construction of many of the complexes on and around the hill. From the south two covered stairways rise up the hill and meet about halfway up. Another path climbs more steeply from the west. It is an enjoyable climb, with plenty of places to stop for a rest. Shoes are not allowed to be worn on the walkways.