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Mandalay Palace Moat Park
The Mandalay Palace Moat Park surrounds the massive complex of the last royal capital of Myanmar, forming a great square with each side measuring two kilometers. The moat was constructed starting in 1857 under King Mindon, coinciding with the foundation of Mandalay as the new royal seat. It measures 64 meters (210 feet) in width and has an average depth of 4.5 meters (15 feet), originally designed as a formidable defense against invaders. Today, the paved paths along the moat serve as a popular recreational area for the citizens of Mandalay, especially for morning and evening exercise. The still waters provide a mirror-like reflection of the reconstructed palace walls and the distant Mandalay Hill, making it a prime location for photography. The fortification features massive walls with 48 bastions and 12 gates, each topped with traditional Burmese pyatthat pavilions. As a symbol of the Konbaung Dynasty's grandeur, the moat remains one of the most significant historical landmarks in the country. It integrates the city's royal past with its modern urban lifestyle, offering a spacious green and blue lung in the heart of the bustling city.
- Location: Myanmar (Burma)
- Top sights: Mandalay Palace · Nanmyo Sutaungpyae Pagoda · The East Gate (Gate for Foreigners)
- Nearby: Meiktila (29 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 21 | 24 | 28 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 26 | 23 |
| Rain mm | 11 | 2 | 7 | 15 | 32 | 44 | 33 | 38 | 30 | 33 | 9 | 7 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The moat was built in 1857 as part of the new capital's defenses.
- It forms a perfect square with each side being 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) long.
- The moat is 64 meters (210 feet) wide and 4.5 meters (15 feet) deep.
- The surrounding walls include 48 bastions and 12 guarded gates.
- King Mindon established this site as the capital of the Konbaung Dynasty.
- The moat's perimeter is a major hub for public fitness and social gatherings.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Mandalay Palace Moat Park (10)
Mandalay Royal Palace (Foreigner gate)
Entry gate for foreign tourists to the royal palace compound in Mandalay.
Yadanarpon Zoo
Zoo in Mandalay, housing native and exotic animal species.
Yadanarpon Zoo Garden
Garden with Buddhist features, adjacent to Yadanarpon Zoo.
Hindu Temple
Hindu temple in Mandalay, used by the local Hindu community.
Su Taung Pyae Pagoda
Buddhist pagoda in Mandalay, another place of worship.
Thu Da Mar Public Resthouse
Public resthouse in Mandalay, an archaeological site with historical significance.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What does the Mandalay-Palastgraben-Park offer?
Can one go around the moat?
Is the park safe at night?
Are there photo opportunities there?
Are there park benches?
Mandalay Palace Moat Park: where is it located?
Mandalay Palace Moat Park: what is there to see?
Mandalay Palace Moat Park: when is the best time to visit?
Mandalay Palace Moat Park: why is it worth visiting?












