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Amarapura Historical City

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Amarapura Historical City (Myanmar (Burma))

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Amarapura, known as the City of Immortality, was founded in 1783 by King Bodawpaya as the new capital of the Burmese Empire. Located on the eastern bank of the Irrawaddy River, the city replaced Ava and served as the administrative and cultural hub of the Konbaung Dynasty until 1857. The urban layout followed a strict square grid, with city walls once enclosing an area of approximately four square kilometers. Following a major earthquake in 1839, many palace buildings were severely damaged, which eventually led King Mindon to relocate the capital to Mandalay. Today, Amarapura is primarily recognized for its traditional silk weaving industry and surviving religious structures like the Pahtodawgyi Pagoda. The city remains a significant historical site that showcases the transition of Burmese architecture and royal governance during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C212428313130303030292623
Rain mm11271532443338303397

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The historical city of Amarapura is an open area that you can freely explore on foot or by bicycle. The U Bein Bridge is the absolute highlight.
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Typical hours
The area is accessible around the clock, but the best time to visit is late afternoon for sunset at the bridge. Silk weaving workshops are open during the day.
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Photography
Photography is allowed everywhere, the bridge especially has fantastic subjects. Be mindful of monks near monasteries and ask politely before taking their picture.
⏱️
Time needed
Allow at least two to three hours to visit the bridge and surrounding monasteries. If you also want to see silk weaving, plan for half a day.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with Mandalay and Inwa Bridge. The Mahamuni Temple in Mandalay is also worth a visit.
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Getting there
Amarapura is about 10 km south of Mandalay and reachable by taxi, tuk-tuk or public bus. Bicycles can be rented on site.
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Insider tip
Visit the U Bein Bridge before sunrise or at sunset for the best light. Try local fried pastries at the stalls near the bridgehead.

Geography

Population
237,618 (2025)
Coordinates
21.89060, 96.06170

Facts

  • Amarapura was officially designated as the capital on May 10, 1783.
  • The city walls formed a square with each side measuring approximately 1.6 kilometers.
  • King Bodawpaya moved the seat from Ava to Amarapura to signal a new dynastic era.
  • In 1839, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake destroyed most of the royal buildings.
  • The city has been the center of Burmese silk weaving for over two centuries.
  • In 1857, King Mindon ordered the palace dismantled to reuse materials for Mandalay.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Mahamuni Buddha TempleMahamuni Buddha Temple2 km · NWExplore →
Mandalay Palace Moat ParkMandalay Palace Moat Park4 km · NExplore →
Hsinbyume PagodaHsinbyume Pagoda6 km · SExplore →
Kuthodaw PagodaKuthodaw Pagoda6 km · NExplore →
Ayeyarwady Dolphin Protected AreaAyeyarwady Dolphin Protected Area9 km · SWExplore →
SagaingSagaing9 km · SExplore →
Irrawaddy RiverIrrawaddy River16 km · SEExplore →
Tagaung Taung Nickel MineTagaung Taung Nickel Mine20 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Amarapura Historical City (5)

Steel cable (mdy)📍 landmark

An impressive steel cable structure forming part of the river infrastructure on the Ayeyarwady near Amarapura.

ေမြဘုရား⛪ religious

This Buddhist temple is famous for the three large pythons that rest on the Buddha statues and are washed daily by monks.

pagoda📍 landmark

This Buddhist pagoda stands out with its traditional Konbaung-era architecture and finely crafted stucco decorations.

Tooth Relic Pagoda📍 landmark

This modern pagoda houses a sacred replica of the Buddha's tooth relic from China and features a design inspired by the Ananda Temple in Bagan.

Myintnge Market🎭 culture

An animated local market in the railway town of Myintnge, known for its fresh produce and proximity to historic train workshops.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Amarapura?
A former royal capital near Mandalay, famous for its silk weaving workshops.
What is the most famous attraction there?
The U Bein Bridge, considered the longest teak bridge in the world.
When should I visit the place?
In the late afternoon to experience the sunset at the U Bein Bridge.
How to get there from Mandalay?
Amarapura is just a short drive away by taxi or hired driver.
Can I buy souvenirs there?
Yes, there are many small workshops selling handmade silk fabrics.
Amarapura Historical City: where is it located?
Amarapura Historical City is located in Myanmar (Burma).
Amarapura Historical City: what is there to see?
Highlights include Steel cable (mdy), ေမြဘုရား, pagoda.
Amarapura Historical City: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Amarapura Historical City: why is it worth visiting?
Amarapura, known as the City of Immortality, was founded in 1783 by King Bodawpaya as the new capital of the Burmese Empire.
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Nearby cities

Pakokku — Amarapura Historical City (Myanmar (Burma))
Pakokku
A bustling city on the Irrawaddy River, known for its trade in tobacco and cotton.
Magway — Amarapura Historical City (Myanmar (Burma))
Magway
The capital of the Magway Region, known for the production of edible oil and sesame.

History & landmarks

Kyauk Ka Lat Pagoda — Amarapura Historical City (Myanmar (Burma))
Kyauk Ka Lat Pagoda
A tiny golden pagoda spectacularly built on top of a narrow, steep limestone spire.

More places

Mahamuni Buddha Temple — Amarapura Historical City (Myanmar (Burma))
Mahamuni Buddha Temple
One of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Myanmar, housing a highly venerated Buddha statue.
Mandalay Palace Moat Park — Amarapura Historical City (Myanmar (Burma))
Mandalay Palace Moat Park
An expansive recreational area surrounding the wide, water-filled moat of the historic Mandalay Royal Palace.
Mandalay Palace — Amarapura Historical City (Myanmar (Burma))
Mandalay Palace
The last royal palace of the Burmese monarchy, built as a walled fortress with a wide moat in the center of Mandalay.
Yadanabon Zoological Gardens — Amarapura Historical City (Myanmar (Burma))
Yadanabon Zoological Gardens
A well-known zoo at the foot of Mandalay Hill, playing an important role in the breeding of endemic Burmese animal species.
Kuthodaw Pagoda — Amarapura Historical City (Myanmar (Burma))
Kuthodaw Pagoda
A Buddhist stupa in Mandalay that contains the "world's largest book", consisting of hundreds of marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist texts.
Shwenandaw Monastery — Amarapura Historical City (Myanmar (Burma))
Shwenandaw Monastery
A historic Buddhist monastery in Mandalay, famous for its exquisite teak wood carvings and traditional architecture.
Ayeyarwady Dolphin Protected Area — Amarapura Historical City (Myanmar (Burma))
Ayeyarwady Dolphin Protected Area
A stretch of river north of Mandalay dedicated to the protection of the rare Irrawaddy dolphins, known for their cooperation with local f…
Inwa Ruins — Amarapura Historical City (Myanmar (Burma))
Inwa Ruins
The remnants of the ancient imperial capital that was the center of successive Burmese kingdoms from the 14th to the 19th centuries.