Mandalay Palace Mya Nan San Kyaw
Explore the reconstructed Mya Nan San Kyaw, the last royal palace of the Konbaung dynasty, with its striking architecture and vast moat.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Mandalay Palace Mya Nan San Kyaw
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the reconstructed Mya Nan San Kyaw, the last royal palace of the Konbaung dynasty, with its striking architecture and vast moat.
"Beautiful but empty. Foreigners need passport to get in. Not much English signs."
🛂 Passport for Entry
Your passport is required for entry and will be held until you leave. Keep it handy!
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking within the vast palace grounds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mandalay Royal Palace Architecture
Main Palace Complex
Admire the striking architecture, with some buildings retaining gold leaf and others painted a deep red. A sense of history pervades the grounds.
Palace Moat Walk
Around the Palace Walls
Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the expansive moat surrounding the palace, offering picturesque views of the fortified walls.
Historical Museum
Within the Palace Complex
Gain insights into the palace's history and the life of the king through exhibits in the small, on-site museum.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Passport & Entry Essentials
Navigating the Grounds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🛂 Passport for Entry
Your passport is required for entry and will be held until you leave. Keep it handy! +1
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking within the vast palace grounds.
💰 Myanmar Currency Only
The entrance fee is payable only in Myanmar Kyat.
🗺️ Check Open Gates
Inquire about which gates are open for visitors to avoid delays.
Tips
from all over the internet
🛂 Passport for Entry
Your passport is required for entry and will be held until you leave. Keep it handy! +1
👟 Comfortable Footwear
You'll be doing a lot of walking within the vast palace grounds.
💰 Myanmar Currency Only
The entrance fee is payable only in Myanmar Kyat.
🗺️ Check Open Gates
Inquire about which gates are open for visitors to avoid delays.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The palace offers great photo ops, especially the architecture and moat.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mandalay Palace offers a glimpse into royal history with its striking architecture and vast grounds, though many visitors find it feels abandoned and lacks extensive exhibits. While the moat and buildings are photogenic, the experience is often quiet with limited English signage. +1
"I visited Mandalay Palace on January 11, 2025. At the entrance, soldiers are stationed, and after paying the entry fee, you need to leave your passport in exchange for a visitor card, which you return to get your passport back when leaving. The palace must have been magnificent in its time, with impressive buildings and large green spaces. However, it now feels quite abandoned. I was practically the only visitor, aside from meeting the museum attendant in the small museum. The neglect is visible in the condition of the buildings, and apart from the structures, there isn’t much else to see. The museum does provide an interesting overview of the king and the palace’s history. If you’re in the area, it’s worth visiting, but I wouldn’t go to Mandalay just for the palace."
Tibor
"Beautiful but empty. Foreigners need passport to get in. Not much English signs. Nice place to visit if you want a sense of history and quiet. Entrance is via Eastern gate. They only accept Myanmar currency, 15,000 kip when I went. Be aware that you still need to walk a good 10 minutes from the entrance to get to actual palace front."
Jules D
"I went this place last week. You should enter from the east gate - I see this is only gate opened for visitors. Ticket is 10,000kyats for foreigner and guard shall keep your passport untill you come back.
However, you should get information before visiting because it may be closed (not scheduled). In addition, at this time, it maybe difficult to get permission to visit due to the tight control of military force (however, they are so friendly - in my opinion).
There are many ancient buildings of Mandalay Royal Palace, they are maintained carefully but most of the buildings are empty, with no furniture inside. There is lack of English signs so foreigners may not understand their history."
Kim Anh Bùi Thị
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mandalay Palace is centrally located within the city. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available to take you to the palace. You can also inquire about local buses, though specific routes might require local knowledge. +1
For getting around Mandalay, including to the palace, taxis and ride-sharing apps are common. Some travelers also mention renting bikes for exploring the city.
Yes, Mandalay Palace is a prominent landmark in the city, often recognizable by its surrounding moat and walls. It's generally easy to find with GPS or by asking locals.
While specific bike taxi apps might vary, ride-sharing services are available in Mandalay for convenient transport.
For travel between Mandalay and Bagan, bus services like Zone Express are recommended. You can contact them via Viber for bookings. Trains are also an option, though they can be slower.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for foreigners is typically around 10,000 to 15,000 Myanmar Kyat. It's advisable to confirm the current price upon arrival. +1
Yes, foreign visitors are required to present their passport for entry. Your passport will be held by the guards and returned to you when you exit the palace grounds. +1
Opening hours can vary, and it's recommended to get information before visiting as the palace may sometimes be closed unexpectedly.
The East Gate is often the only gate open for visitors. It's best to inquire locally to ensure you use the correct and open entrance. +1
No, the entrance fee for Mandalay Palace is payable only in Myanmar Kyat.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Mandalay Palace features numerous ancient buildings, some with original gold leaf ornamentation and others painted red. While many buildings are empty, the architecture itself is a highlight. There's also a small museum. +1
While the structures are maintained, some visitors note that the palace can feel abandoned and lacks extensive exhibits or furniture inside. +1
Yes, the palace complex is quite large, and it can take about 10 minutes to walk from the entrance to the main palace buildings. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
Signage at Mandalay Palace may be limited in English, which could make it challenging for foreign visitors to understand the history and significance of different areas.
The palace offers excellent photographic opportunities, particularly its striking architecture, the moat, and the surrounding grounds.
📸 📸 Photography
The moat surrounding the palace offers beautiful reflections and views of the walls. The architectural details of the buildings, including the gold leaf and red paint, are also very photogenic.
Information regarding drone usage is not readily available. It's best to check local regulations or inquire with palace authorities before attempting to fly a drone.
Absolutely! Many visitors capture stunning photos with their smartphones, focusing on the architectural details and scenic views. +1
Late afternoon can offer beautiful golden hour light for photography, while mornings can provide softer light and fewer crowds.
While general photography is usually permitted, it's always wise to be respectful and check for any specific signage or ask guards if you're unsure about photographing inside certain areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the visual aspects – the grand architecture, the moat, and the sheer scale of the complex. The small museum might offer some interesting artifacts, but keep expectations realistic. Bringing snacks and water is a good idea, as amenities within the palace grounds might be limited.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for the golden hour in the late afternoon for dramatic lighting, or the softer light of the morning to avoid harsh shadows. While the palace can feel empty, this also means fewer people in your shots, allowing you to focus on the architectural details and the sense of historical grandeur.
🏛️ History Buffs
Focus on the architectural style, the layout of the complex, and the historical context provided by the on-site museum. Understanding that it's a reconstruction allows for a more informed appreciation of its historical significance and the efforts made to preserve this heritage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into the Past: Mandalay Palace History
Tragically, much of the original palace was destroyed during World War II. The current structures are largely reconstructions, meticulously rebuilt to resemble the original design. Despite being a reconstruction, it offers a significant glimpse into the grandeur and layout of a Burmese royal residence. The palace complex also houses a museum that provides historical context and artifacts related to the monarchy.
Visiting Mandalay Palace today allows you to walk through the grounds where royalty once resided. While some visitors find it a bit empty or lacking in original artifacts, the sheer scale and the architectural style still evoke a sense of history and the former glory of the Burmese kingdom.
Navigating the Palace Grounds and Visitor Experience
While the architecture is impressive, some visitors note a lack of English signage, which can make it challenging to fully understand the historical significance of each area.
It's advisable to check which entrance gates are open for tourists, as not all may be accessible. The East Gate is frequently mentioned as the primary entry point for visitors.
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