Mandalay is the second-largest city in Myanmar and an important economic and cultural hub. It’s often considered to be the center of Burmese culture, which is why it’s a popular destination for travelers who want to experience other cultures.
This is a city with a rich and intoxicating culture and history that can be incredibly rewarding for travelers. So, that means that you need to find the best areas to stay in Mandalay so that you can get started planning your trip!
It’s also a famously busy city, so don’t let that dissuade you. Mandalay can seem intimidating at first, but once you arrive, you’ll find incredible religious and cultural sites, friendly people, and an interesting mix of foods.
And you’ll leave the city with photos that few of your traveling friends can ever match!
Mandalay isn’t on everyone’s travel bucket list. In fact, many tourists don’t even think about visiting this city. As a result, you may struggle when it comes to finding Mandalay’s best neighborhoods for your visit.
That’s where our easy Mandalay neighborhood guide can help you make the right choice so that your trip is amazing.
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Mandalay.
Best Season Apartment | Best Airbnb in Mandalay
Whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in Mandalay for one night or for a longer visit, this is a good choice. It’s located in the heart of the city, close to the railway and other amenities.
It’s also surrounded by shops and restaurants, so you’ll definitely never be hungry or bored when you stay in this apartment. The apartment itself is suitable for 2 people and it’s clean, modern, and brightly decorated.
Ned Kelly Hotel and Irish Pub | Best Hostel in Mandalay
This is hands down one of the coolest places to stay in Mandalay, and not just because it’s a pub as well as a place to sleep! This hotel has shared rooms and private rooms with bathrooms, so no matter how you like to travel, you’ll find an option that suits you.
It’s located right in the city center, close to everything as well. The bar is one of the trendiest in town, so you’ll never be short of new friends. It’s one of the best hostels in Mandalay for sure.
Grand Central Hotel Mandalay | Best Hotel in Mandalay
This hotel is a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Mandalay for your first time. It’s a few minutes’ walk from the train station, which makes for easy transport around the city, and close to restaurants.
The rooms are well-appointed with modern furnishings and the hotel offers free Wi-Fi and an in-house restaurant.
Chanayethazan Township
The Chanayethazan Township is the city’s business center and it’s where you’ll find most of the Mandalay accommodation options. Whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in Mandalay on a budget or have a little more cash to spend, this is the first area you should look at.
Chanmyathazi Township
The Chanmyathazi Township is a good choice if you’re deciding where to stay in Mandalay on a budget. This are is located slightly south of central Mandalay, but still close enough that it’s considered part of the city center.
Mandalay is a busy, crowded city and it can be difficult to know where one neighborhood begins and the other ends. If you decide to visit this city, you will probably find yourself staying in the most central area.
This part of the city is convenient to everything and very safe. It’s also hot and busy, so make sure you drink plenty of water and take rests as you explore it!
The Chanayethazan Township is the most popular area for tourists. It’s also the best area in Mandalay to stay in if you want to be close to all the best attractions and restaurants.
Mandalay transport can be a little difficult, so it’s usually best to be central if you want to explore.
Another popular district in the center of the city is the Chanmyathazi Township. This is a little south of the main area, but still within walking distance of everything.
It’s one of the best areas to stay in Mandalay if you want to be close to the center but in a more residential area.
The Aungmyethazan Township is the final part of Mandalay’s central area. This is to the north and contains attractions like the Mandalay Palace and Mandalay Hill.
When you stay in this neighborhood, you’ll have access to the entire city center and all its charms.
However, if you want to be away from the city center then look for accommodation in Amarapura. This is away from the city center, so you may find it difficult to get transport back into the city.
However, it’s a popular place to visit for its local crafts and well worth seeing.
4 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Mandalay
If you’re ready to visit this maddening, amazing, mesmerizing location, then here are the best places to look for your Mandalay accommodation options.
1. Chanayethazan Township – Where to Stay in Mandalay for First Time and Best Neighborhood in Mandalay for Families
The Chanayethazan Township is the city’s business center and it’s where you’ll find most of the Mandalay accommodation options. Whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in Mandalay on a budget or have a little more cash to spend, this is the first area you should look at.
Most of the city’s best attractions can be found in this township, from the biggest markets to the shopping center. It’s also a good walking city, which is a bonus because transport can be expensive.
So, just put on your walking shoes and some sunscreen and head out to see what you can find!
Silver Swan 601 Affordable Standard Room | Best Airbnb in Chanayethazan Township
If you’re deciding where to stay in Mandalay for one night or for longer, then have a look at this choice. It’s located right in the heart of the city and is suitable for 2 guests. You get your own private bathroom here as well as free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a minibar, and a buffet breakfast. There’s also a rooftop restaurant and private garden you can use to recover from your busy day in the city.
Hotel A1 | Best Hostel in Chanayethazan Township
This is one of the coolest places to stay in Mandalay. It’s right in the heart of the city, close to railway stations and the best attractions.
The rooms are bright, modern, and cheerful and come in a variety of sizes to suit every travel group. Basically, this is a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Mandalay for families, with friends, or when you’re traveling on your own.
Hotel my World | Best Hotel in Chanayethazan Township
This hotel in Mandalay is clean, comfortable, modern, and convenient. It offers free Wi-Fi, coffee making facilities, and a restaurant and bar.
The rooms are comfortable, with modern décor, air conditioning, and a minibar. And best of all, the hotel is within walking distance of the railway station for convenience.
Things to See and Do in Chanayethazan Township:
- Check out what’s on at the multi-purpose Bahtoo Stadium and be part of the action.
- Explore the Htilin Monastery, a Buddhist monastery dating back to the 1800s.
- Get back to nature at the Myodaw Garden.
- Go shopping for souvenirs or just take in local life at the Yadanabon Market.
- Wander the streets and duck into any store or café that looks interesting.
- Check out the local handicrafts at Zegyo Market.
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View on Osprey View on REI2. Chanmyathazi Township – Where to Stay in Mandalay on a Budget
The Chanmyathazi Township is a good choice if you’re deciding where to stay in Mandalay on a budget. This are is located slightly south of central Mandalay, but still close enough that it’s considered part of the city center.
This means that you get all the convenience of staying in the middle of the city at slightly better prices.
You can easily walk from The Chanmyathazi Township into the heart of the city, but don’t do that before you check out the attractions in this district! It’s home to many of Mandalay’s top tourist sites and cultural attractions.
And you’ll also find some cheap and interesting places to stay in this part of the city.
Nan Bwe | Best Hostel in Chanmyathazi Township
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Mandalay for your first time, this is a great choice. It’s located in a residential area close to the Chanmyathazi Township, so you can enjoy a bit of peace and quiet during your stay.
The hostel has a swimming pool and its own bar and the helpful staff will assist you with anything you need to make your stay absolutely awesome!
Safe, Private Apartment | Best Airbnb in Chanmyathazi Township
This private apartment is one of the best places in Mandalay to stay if you want a private, secure space while you’re in the city. It has 24-hour security as well as all the modern amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
The apartment is located close enough to the center that you can walk where you want to go and is suitable for 2 guests.
Paragon Hotel Mandalay | Best Hotel in Chanmyathazi Township
This hotel in Mandalay offers a Jacuzzi, free Wi-Fi, and outdoor pool, and convenient, comfortable surroundings. There’s a bar and restaurant on-site in case you don’t feel like going out at night to find somewhere to eat and the rooms are clean, modern, and bright.
Things to See and Do in Chanmyathazi Township:
- Get back to nature at the Kandawgyi Gardens.
- Take photos of the stunning, golden Mahamuni Buddha.
- Wander around the Mahar Sandar Muni Pagoda.
- Take a day to explore the monasteries and pagodas crowding the sides of Sagaing Hill.
3. Aungmyethazan Township – Best Area to Stay in Mandalay for Nightlife
If you want to be close to the center, then try the Aungmyethazan Township. This is a convenient district that’s close to everything.
That’s why it’s a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Mandalay for nightlife as well as for shopping and experiencing the local culture.
Staying in this part of the city will put you close to several important and interesting attractions as well. This is a bonus, because getting transport around the city is difficult and you’ll find it easier to walk when you explore.
But you should expect this part of the city to be busy and noisy as well, most of Mandalay is!
Double Private Room | Best Airbnb in Aungmyethazan Township
If you want to be in the best neighborhood to stay in Mandalay, then have a look at this apartment. It’s bright and cheerful with all the modern furnishings and you can enjoy your own bed and private bathroom.
The room and bathroom are western-style and include air conditioning, a shower, and free Wi-Fi.
Mansion Hostel Mandalay | Best Hostel in Aungmyethazan Township
This hostel in Mandalay is located close to the Palace and all the attractions in this neighborhood. It offers amazing comfort at a budget price as well as convenience when you want to explore the city.
The dorm rooms come with all the modern comforts and there’s a private bar on the roof so you can relax after a long day touring the city.
Hotel Amazing Mandalay | Best Hotel in Aungmyethazan Township
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Mandalay for nightlife, this hotel is a great choice. It’s close to the railway station, which means you’ll have easy access to the rest of the city and has a restaurant on site where you can have a meal.
The hotel is newly renovated to modern standards and offers free Wi-Fi and rooms with private bathrooms and seating areas.
Things to See and Do in Aungmyethazan Township:
- Get out of the rush of the city and into nature in Nandawun Park or Man Thida Park.
- Spend some time at the Atumashi Monastery and learn more about the city’s religious past and present.
- Take a day to hike up Mandalay hill, exploring pagodas and the beautiful Kyauktawgyi Buddha Temple along the way.
- Marvel at the beautiful Kuthodaw Pagoda.
- See the Mandalay Palace, the last royal palace of the Burmese royalty.
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Grab an eSIM!4. Amarapura – Coolest Place to Stay in Mandalay
Amarapura is the best neighborhood in Mandalay to stay in if you’d prefer to be away from the city center. This area is also a popular attraction for tourists.
It was once a city in its own right and the capital of Myanmar. But over time, the city was enveloped by Mandalay and became one of its districts.
Now it’s a busy district and a popular place for day trips from the main part of the city.
This is one of the best places to stay in Mandalay if you’re interested in local crafts. Amarapura has become known for its traditional silk and cotton weaving as well as its bronze casting.
So, if you want to take home some unique souvenirs, this is where to look for them.
Treasure Hotel Mandalay | Best Hotel in Amarapura
This hotel is in the best neighborhood to stay in Mandalay if you want to explore the local crafts. It has really friendly staff, an outdoor pool, a sauna, coffee bar, and beauty center.
It’s also a good choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Mandalay with kids as there are babysitting services on site. The hotel has 268 rooms fitted with all the modern essentials to make your stay comfortable.
Things to See and Do in Amarapura:
- Check out Pahtodawgyi, a stupa built in 1816.
- Clamber over the Amarapura Palace ruins where you’ll find the tombs of kings as well as an old moat.
- Explore the U Bein Bridge, the longest teak bridge in the world and built using columns from the old palace.
- Experience the city’s religious and cultural life at the Maha Gandhayon Monastery.
- See the Kyauktawgyi Pagoda at the end of the U Bein’s bridge.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Mandalay
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Mandalay and where to stay.
What To Pack For Mandalay
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
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Sea To Summit Micro Towel
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
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Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Mandalay
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Mandalay
When you travel, the things that make your trip worthwhile are highly individual. Some travelers love to see temples, others like to shop, and still others like to eat.
These differences are what make your trip unique and make it yours. But accommodation is different. No matter what you like to do and see when you’re on a trip, you need to find accommodation that’s comfortable, safe, and convenient to everything you want to see.
Because if you can’t find somewhere good to sleep, it will ruin the rest of your trip. And the easiest way to do that when you’re exploring the cities of Myanmar is by using this Mandalay neighborhood guide.
While Myanmar can be very safe, it’s super important to make sure you get travel insurance!
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Myanmar.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Mandalay.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Southeast Asia backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
