Mandalay International Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended…

Mandalay airport is about 35 km from downtown, nearly an hour by taxi for 8-15 dollars (or 15,000 kyat, less if the car is shared): the distance is among the longest in Southeast Asia and there are no hotels in the terminal area, so the choice is always downtown, close to the Royal Palace and the Irrawaddy river. It's worth budgeting extra margin for the transfer, especially for the very first flights of the morning.

City centre

Neighbourhood · About 35 km and 50 minutes by taxi from the airport, 8-15 dollars or 15,000 kyat for a private ride (less if shared with other passengers).

Best for: The only sensible base for Mandalay: there are no hotels near the terminal, so downtown wins, close to the Royal Palace and the railway station.

Pros

The Royal Palace, the Mandalay Marionettes Theatre and downtown markets within walking distance or a short ride
The only part of the city with a real concentration of restaurants and evening life

Cons

Almost an hour's transfer from the airport in both directions, to be factored in for morning flights
No alternative near the terminal for those with just a short layover

Recommended hotels in this area

The Hotel by the Red Canal: 25 suites themed around the Chin, Kachin, Rakhine and Shan ethnic groups, 5 minutes by car from downtown and close to the Royal Palace and the marionette theatre; pool and spa included.
Hotel Apex: In the eastern part of the city, about 1.9 km from the Mandalay Marionettes Theatre and 3.4 km from the Royal Palace; a sky bar with city views is among the strong points mentioned in reviews.
Royal Pearl Hotel: A 5-minute walk from Mandalay railway station, in the Chan Aye Thar Zan district: handy for those arriving or leaving by train as well as by plane.

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