Artisans of Mandalay - Stone sculptors and craftsmen create lovely marble figurines in an often overlooked area of this city in Myanmar

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Mandalay, Myanmar

Mandalay is located in Central Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) on the Eastern Banks of the Irrawaddy River. It’s a very interesting and active city with much to see and do. The People of Myanmar are most friendly and welcoming (See the video The People of Myanmar) and Mandalay is one of the Top Four Tourist Destinations In Myanmar. Popular visitor stops include the city’s many temples, monasteries and markets including the jade market. The river bank is awash with activity, serving as a port for the city with large boats and smaller, colorful local watercraft coming and going, bringing people, tourists, and goods to the city.

Previously a capital of Burma, Mandalay is home to the Mandalay Palace occupying an expansive area in the center of the city which is encircled by a moat and surrounded by impressive fortress walls. Other popular visitor sites and activities include a climb to the top of Mandalay Hill to visit the Pagoda which offers wonderful views of the city, or a stroll across U-Bein Bridge, the world’s longest teak bridge, at sunset.

Mandalay is 625 km (388 miles) north of Yangon (formerly Rangoon). It is possible to drive this route but, due to Myanmar’s still developing infrastructure, the drive from Yangon to Mandalay will take roughly 7 1/2 hours. Fortunately Mandalay has a fine airport with reasonably good air service. There are frequent flights from Yangon which take only about 1 hour. The city also has direct air service from other countries such as Thailand. This was the option I chose on my most recent visit, flying in from Chiang Mai, Thailand on Bangkok Air.

***Bangkok Air Passengers Arriving In Mandalay***

If you enjoy trains as I do, be aware that train service between Mandalay and Yangon is available. So this is an option that you might consider. But it is an adventure. The country is still working on major upgrades to the train route. When completed, perhaps sometime in 2023, the trip will be reduced from 17+ hours to roughly 8 hours one way. If you are on a tight budget you’ll be happy to learn that rail travel is very inexpensive with service between Mandalay and Yangon ranging between 12,750 Kyat (@$7.00) fare for an “Upper Class Sleeper” ticket to 4,600 Kyat ($2.50) for an “Ordinary Seat” ticket. Train service in Myanmar remains a bit “rustic” and unpredictable. If you are considering riding the rails in Myanmar (or anywhere else in the world for that matter) I strongly suggest you consult with the website “The Man In Seat 61” for important details and information.

… VISITOR ALERT / ADVISORY …

The political situation in Myanmar has not been stable with “civil unrest”and potential for “armed conflict” and altercations in various parts of the country recently. If you are considering a trip to Myanmar you are advised to contact your home country’s advisory services such as the U.S. State Department (Clickable Link Below) to get up to date travel related information. Please travel carefully and safely.

U.S. State Department Myanmar Travel Status

Stone Sculpture Artists of Mandalay

Stone Sculpture Artists of Mandalay – There is a rather small, and often overlooked area of Mandalay where a large number of sculpture artisans ply their trade. Some call this the “Alabaster Area.” Others refer to the main street of the area as “Marble Street.” It’s not clearly marked on any maps but with luck, some locals might direct you to the area. The maps below will give you more information regarding the area’s location . The main road through the area is 84th street but be aware, street names and numbers can be confusing in Mandalay with the same street number or name being used in various parts of the city. Perhaps the best description is “84th Street, West of Muhamuni Buddha Temple.” But the most sure bet would be to show your transport driver the location on a map.

Area Location in Central Mandalay

Indicated by Red Circle At End of Arrows

84th Street Stone Sculpture Area – Indicated By Red Line

***Stone Sculpture Street (In Red) – Mandalay***

Visiting “Marble Street” – The Video

Tuk Tuk Market Bag – Order Yours Today! Click HERE!

Design also available on many other items – mugs, t-shirts,pillows, etc

***TUK TUK At The Market – Original Water Color Art***

Exploring The Stone Artisan Area

The sculpture artisan area of Mandalay is alive with activity. Streets are lined with numerous individual shops which produce sculptures and figurines of all shapes and sizes. Many, if not most, are related to Buddha and Buddhism. In fact, this small area of Mandalay produces most of the Buddhist related figurines found throughout Southeast Asia.

Exploring the area is fascinating – made more so because much of the actual work is carried out on the street directly in front of the shops. You will see craftsmen, most seeming very young, busy on the streets in front of small, individual shops – cutting stone blocks, carving rough figure outlines, refining sculpture shapes and curves, polishing finished figurines to a high gloss and painting various figures.

***Figurine Workshop – Mandalay Myanmar***

***Buddha Statues – in process inventory***

A visit to the stone work area is definitely not a dressy or formal event. You certainly don’t want to wear your good clothing during your explorations of “Marble Street.” Considering the nature of the work going on here, it’s not surprising that you will encounter a considerable amount of stone dust. In fact, white stone dust is everywhere! Stone dust on the road (and hence your shoes). Clouds of stone dust in the air near the stonecutters and polishers. It’s amazing that none of these workers use protective gear such as masks. They are literally covered with white stone dust – covering their faces – in their hair – and yet – no masks! I would suggest that as you visit the area that you wear your old clothes and consider bringing – and using a mask.

Stone Dust Everywhere