The Majestic Moat and Fortress Walls of Mandalay
Discover the grandeur of Mandalay's Moat and Fortress Walls, a historical landmark that reflects Myanmar's royal heritage and architectural brilliance.
The Moat and Fortress Walls of Mandalay stand as a testament to the city's rich historical tapestry and royal legacy. Constructed in the 19th century, these formidable walls were built to protect the last royal capital of Myanmar, making them one of the most significant historical landmarks in the country. Visitors can marvel at the sheer scale of the fortress, which encompasses a vast area and is surrounded by a picturesque moat, creating a striking visual contrast against the backdrop of the Mandalay skyline. As you wander along the ramparts, you'll be captivated by the stunning views of the city and its surrounding landscapes. The walls, made from red brick, are adorned with impressive watchtowers and gates that speak volumes of the craftsmanship of the era. Each corner of the fortress has its own story, and the informative plaques scattered throughout the site provide insights into the history and significance of this remarkable structure. The atmosphere is serene, making it a perfect spot for leisurely strolls and photography. Visiting the Moat and Fortress Walls is not just a journey into the past; it’s also an opportunity to engage with local culture. Often, you can see residents enjoying picnics along the moat's edge or exercising along the pathways, providing a unique glimpse into daily life in Mandalay. The site is particularly enchanting during sunset, when the warm glow of the setting sun casts a golden hue over the ancient brickwork, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking to capture the essence of Mandalay's history and beauty.
Local tips
- Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and stunning light for photography.
- Bring water and snacks, as there are limited facilities within the fortress area.
- Take your time to explore the surrounding areas, including local markets and traditional crafts.
- Consider hiring a local guide to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the fortress.
A brief summary to Moat and Fortress Walls
- 232W+VHW, Momauk - Waingmaw Hwy, Mandalay, Aungmyaythazan, MM
Getting There
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Car
If you are driving from Mandalay city center, head east on 26th Street toward 80th Street. Take the first left onto 80th Street and continue for about 1.5 kilometers. Turn right onto Momauk - Waingmaw Highway (also known as National Road 3) and drive for approximately 5 kilometers. You will see the Moat and Fortress Walls on your left side. There is parking available nearby.
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Public Transportation (Bus)
To reach the Moat and Fortress Walls via public transport, you can catch a local bus from Mandalay city center. Look for buses heading towards Waingmaw or similar directions. Board the bus at the central bus station or at any bus stop along 26th Street. Once on the bus, ask the conductor to notify you when you reach the Moat and Fortress Walls. The fare is approximately 500-1000 Kyats, depending on the distance. The journey may take around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic.
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Taxi or Ride-hailing Service
For a more comfortable and direct route, consider taking a taxi or using a ride-hailing app like Grab. Simply input 'Moat and Fortress Walls' as your destination. The ride from Mandalay city center should cost around 5,000-10,000 Kyats and take approximately 15-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Ensure the driver knows the location by mentioning 'Momauk - Waingmaw Highway' as a reference.
Attractions Nearby to Moat and Fortress Walls
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Yadanarbon Zoo
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Royal mausoleums
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Mandalay Palace
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Kusinayone Pagoda
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MYA NAN SAN KYAW
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Kyauktawgyi Pagoda
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Nanmyint Watchtower
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Nanmyo Sutaungpyae Pagoda
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Shweyattaw Buddha Image
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Sandamuni Pagoda
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မဟာဘုံကျော်သစ်ဆိမ့်ကျောင်းတိုက် Mahar Bon Kyaw Thit Seint Monastery
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Shwe Innwa Beikman
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Atumashi Kyaung Taik Shwe Kyaung
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Maha Atulawaiyan (Atumashi) Kyaungdawgyi
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Mandalay
Landmarks nearby to Moat and Fortress Walls
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Mercure Mandalay Hill Resort
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Salin Monastery
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ခြင်္သေ့ကြီး နှစ်ကောင်
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Clock Tower, or Bahozin (ဗဟိုရ်စင်)
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Swedawzin (စွယ်တော်စင်) or the Tooth-Relic Tower
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Myanmar Marionettes
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အရှေ့ဘက်နန်းမြို့ရိုး
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Kyone
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Hotel by the Red Canal
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Myanmar City Star Travel & Tours Co. Ltd
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Shwe Kyin Monastery
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BBB European Restaurant
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Myanmar Upper Land | culture & travel
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Koffee Korner
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Unique Mandalay Tea Room