The 2 Most Famous Hills in Mandalay

Before you go: Since the 2021 military coup, parts of Myanmar have seen armed conflict, and the March 2025 earthquake centred near Mandalay and Sagaing damaged many temples and historic sites. Conditions change quickly, so check your government’s latest travel advisory and confirm with a local guide that the places you plan to visit are open and safe to reach before you go.

Two Hills that are a Must Visit in Mandalay

Mandalay is the second-largest city in Myanmar and lies on the east bank of the Irrawaddy River. It is known as the cultural capital of Myanmar, as the last royal capital of the Konbaung Dynasty and home of its royal palace. Around Mandalay you can enjoy hills, the Irrawaddy River, green trees, fresh air, clear blue skies and many ancient pagodas. The most famous hills are Mandalay Hill and Sagaing Hill (just outside Mandalay).

See also: Myanmar Travel: 5 Hidden Gems Cannot Be Ignored

1. Mandalay Hill

You Might be Interested in: 3 Must Visit Places at Minkun, Myanmar

Mandalay Hill rises about 240 meters on the north side of Mandalay. For a very long time, Myanmar kings and ordinary people have believed that climbing Mandalay Hill brings a longer life: walking up on foot is good for your health, and paying homage at the pagodas along the way is said to bring longevity.

Mandalay Hill is known for its abundance of pagodas and monasteries. Mandalay Hill provides views of the Mandalay city from its summit. When you get to the top of Mandalay Hill, you get a wonderful view over the city, especially at sunset.

2. Sagaing Hill

Sagaing Hill is in Sagaing, the capital of the Sagaing Region, on the Irrawaddy River about 20 km south-west of Mandalay. With numerous Buddhist monasteries, Sagaing is an important religious and monastic center known for its beauty and peacefulness. Sagaing was very close to the epicentre of the March 2025 earthquake, and many of its pagodas and monasteries were damaged, so ask a local guide which sites are currently open before you go.

You Might Also Find Interesting: Hidden Gems in Mandalay

Sagaing Hill has many pagodas, monasteries and meditation centers, known as peaceful places for Buddhist study. U Min Thonze and Soon U Ponya Shin Pagodas are the best known on Sagaing Hill. From the top of Sagaing Hill, you can see the Irrawaddy River and the white and gold stupas dotted across the green hills.

See Also: Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling to Myanmar

Want a local to show you around Mandalay? Find a guide on MyProGuide.

Cover photo: Clay Gilliland, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons