Mandalay is the second largest city of Myanmar. It is also the former capital of the country. The city is known for its culture and religious significance. This is also the city where King Thi Paw, the last king of Burma, was taken by the British Government to India back in 1885. Apart from its history and renowned customs, Mandalay is a must-visit city due to its beautiful sight-seeing spots.

Here are the top sights of Mandalay you shouldn’t miss when visiting the city:

Mandalay Hill – A 790-foot hill is located at the northeast of Mandalay City. The hill overlooks the rest of the city with different religious buildings and payas. Visitors love to take a hike to the top of the hill to see the wonderful view of Mandalay from above. Most tourists prefer going to the hill late in the afternoon to witness the magnificent sunset from the top. Aside from that, there are also historical statues, pagodas and temples to see in the place. You may also enjoy shopping for souvenirs from the different stands within the area.

Mandalay Fort – This fort was built in 1860 by the then king of Myanmar. The wooden palace has enormous walls of 8 meters high. You will see a watchtower at each corner of the fort which makes the place more attractive. The ruins of the palace have been rebuilt and it is now made open to the public, which serves as a national museum.

Marionette Theatre – This is located at the Mandalay Hill Hotel. It is a place for entertainment and theatre plays. The Marionette Theatre is more of an educational spot as it is a place which displays the country’s culture, history, religion and tradition. The theatre was founded in 1986 to focus on Myanmar tourism. Since then, many visitors have enjoyed attending the theatre’s plays and shows.

Migun Paya – Another must see sight of Mandalay is Migun Paya. This is a popular unfinished pagoda that was split due to a massive earthquake back in 1839. It is still used as a place of worship for the local residents and a small shrine is built in the place. The Migun Paya has a wonderful structure, even if it is unfinished and damaged by a natural catastrophe. It is still visited by many tourists each year.

U Bein Bridge – For those looking for a quiet and peaceful walk outside the city, you can visit the U Bein Bridge located in Taungthaman Lake, a 10-kilometer ride from Mandalay. It was built in the 19th century by an engineer named U Bein. The place is quiet and inhabited by the local residents, mostly farmers of the village. The bridge was originally made from concrete, but later on replaced in a few areas with teakwood. It still remains intact and is serving the locals as well as the visitors of the place. It is considered a tranquil getaway from the noisy city.

In case you are visiting Mandalay, don’t forget to see these wonderful sights and have a glimpse of the real Myanmar. The city will show you the traditional and historical side of the country with its magnificent beauty and renowned culture.