Location
To the north of downtown Mandalay is the well-known Mandalay Hill with a height of 230 m above the sea level. It is dotted with pagodas and Buddhist temples and Mandalay city is popular with the harmonizing beauty of Mandalay Hill. The fabulous panoramic view of Mandalay city and the experience of sunrise or sunset are the greatest attractions for visitors to stop their one-day sightseeing tour and climb up to the top of the Mandalay Hill.
History and Background

Why?
Before you start to climb to the top, two giant leogryphs (lions) are standing side by side as a welcoming sign at the foot of the Mandalay Hill. There is also a free service to keep your slippers and shoes at their shoebox because it is a pilgrimage site and not allowed to bring your shoes to the top of the hill. It is worth the effort of the barefooted climb on the covered stairway on the hill’s southern slope.
There are four covered stairways (we called it “Saungtan”) getting to the top of the hill from the west, north, south, and southeast. Along all the stairways, you can take a break at the seats of masonry work. You can also drive from one-way motorbike road but then you would miss the colorful processions of prayer and the opportunity to take the views at your own space.
The climb takes about 30 minutes with 1,729 steps, usually depends upon your stepping skills.
At the top of the hill, Sutaungpyi Pagoda (wish-fulfilling Pagoda) and the most stunning, magical sunset are waiting for you all! Maybe, it’s a long way to reach the top. But, really worth it! Just overlook the whole city’s sunset view over the Ayeyarwaddy river from the large courtyard area. And you can share and engage your experiences with the local young Buddhist monks each other to practice their English skills. Get relaxed and take beautiful moments to share and show your lovely ones as one of your amazing trips to Myanmar. How to get there?
- Pass through the Mandalay plain streets, the royal palace, and moat, the Thudama Zayat (a place to rest for everyone) built by King Mindon, Kuthodaw Pagoda (a place possessing the world’s largest book of Buddha’s Pali Canon with its 729 stupas inside). A hill stands at the front of your eye and you will know this is our last sunset paradise.