- Amarapura served as the capital of the Konbaung Dynasty twice, first from 1783 to 1821 and again from 1842 to 1859.
- The city was intentionally established by King Bodawpaya to replace Inwa as the royal seat due to its more favorable topography.
- Much of the former royal palace material was dismantled and relocated to Mandalay when King Mindon moved the capital in the mid-19th century.
- Amarapura is a major national hub for silk weaving, with many households operating traditional handlooms to produce high-quality longyis.
- The city's name is derived from the Pali language, meaning 'City of Immortality'.
About Amarapura
Amarapura, known historically as the City of Immortality, serves as a significant center for Buddhist studies and traditional Burmese textile weaving. It is famously anchored by the expansive U-Bein Bridge, a long teak structure crossing Taungthaman Lake that remains a vital local thoroughfare. The city landscape is defined by its collection of monastic institutions, including the prominent Mahagandayon Monastery and the ornate Kyauktawgyi Pagoda. Travellers visit to observe the daily disciplined life of monks at institutions like the Shin Sivali Forest Monastery. It remains a key destination for those exploring the legacy of the Konbaung Dynasty.
Highlights of Amarapura
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
Walk across the world's longest teak bridge, which serves as a spectacular viewpoint for sunsets over Taungthaman Lake.
Temples
Observe the silent morning procession of hundreds of monks as they collect their daily alms.
Temples
Admire the intricate architectural details and the massive Buddha image carved from a single block of Sagyin marble.
Historical places
Explore the historical significance and preserved wooden architecture of this traditional monastic site.
Temples
Visit this serene forest monastery to experience a quieter side of the city's monastic culture.
Top things to do in Amarapura
The 29 highest-rated places in Amarapura, ranked by travellers.
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U-Bein Bridge is the world's longest teak footbridge, stretching 1.2 kilometers across Taungthaman Lake in Amarapura. Co...
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Amarapura on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Amarapura
November to February, as the cooler, dry weather provides the most comfortable conditions for walking across outdoor sites like U-Bein Bridge.
1-2 days, as the primary historic landmarks can be covered in a relaxed timeframe while still allowing for a morning trip from nearby Mandalay.
The most common ways to get around are by private taxi, hired motorbike, or tuk-tuk, as most sites are spread across the rural-urban transition zone.
Most visitors prefer to stay in central Mandalay and visit Amarapura as a day trip, though a few guesthouses exist near the Taungthaman Lake area.
Budget-friendly; most local attractions involve small entry fees or voluntary donations, and dining options are typically low-cost local establishments.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 29 curated attractions in and around Amarapura, ranked by traveller ratings.
U-Bein Bridge is the highest-rated place to visit in Amarapura right now.
The largest category is temples, with 22 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Yangon, Mandalay, Monywa.
Explore more of Myanmar
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.