MYANMAR

Top 10 Myanmar Travel Destinations

Explore the TOP 10 best tourist destinations, tourist spots, attractions in Myanmar (Burma) for your holiday! Myanmar is one of the mysterious country in South East Asia and because of its cultural and geographical diversity has retained much of its historic and unique character. Discover the great attractions in Myanmar and the country's wonderful uniqueness.
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YANGON

    Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, was the capital of Myanmar, is known for its colonial architecture, which although decaying, remains an almost unique example of a 19th-century British colonial capital. Friendly street vendors, traditionally dressed local people, attracting old Chevrolet buses and trishaws, all make a feel like a museum of Yangon downtown life.
    Shwedagon, the heart of Yangon, is the most profoundly honoured pagoda in the country and interesting history behind. According to the legend, the Shwedagon Pagoda was constructed during the time of the Buddha which is more than 2,500 years ago and where the holy hair relics of the Buddha were enshrined. Towering to a height of 326 feet (100 meters) above the city, Shwedagon Pagoda is the famous landmark noticeable from miles around. It is one of the wonders of the world and the most revered pagoda in Southeast Asia. 

    The weather of Yangon is monsoonal, with three different seasons: a rainy season from June to October, a cooler and drier "winter" from November to February is obviously less humid and cooler than the remaining months, and a hot dry season from March to May.
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BAGAN

    Bagan, in the past which was known as Pagan, is the place where the heart of the country ancient architecture lies. It is located in the upper part of Myanmar and is the capital of Myanmar’s first dynasty.  More than 2,000 temples and stupas are located in the area and can be found along the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwady river spreading in 42 square kilometers of a dessert like plain geographical location.  Pagodas can be found mostly covered in reddish color and religious monuments which were built more than 1,500 years ago and it can be said that Bagan, is the most memorable place for visitors coming to Myanmar.

    There are different methods of transportations are available such as: by car, horse cart or by cycling for those who would like to do sightseeing around Bagan.  What is more, visitors can also enjoy an idyllic sunset boat trip along the Ayeyarwaddy river to enjoy the beautiful sunset while enjoying a cold drink. 

    The most interesting fact about Bagan is where visitors can observe and learn about the changes of traditions and cultures in different dynasties where those had been recorded as picture gallery around almost every Pagodas’ walls with the form of ancient paintings.   This is not the end of what Bagan has to offer to visitors, yet for those who would love to enjoy one of the most beautiful moment in a day; they can also enjoy in a different way by watching dim sunset over the ancient temples, which make everyone to believe that they are sitting back in 1,500 years ago.

    Moreover, for those who love the fine arts of the local architecture, they can bring back along to home in different forms such as lacquer-ware, bamboo arts and local tradition clothing.  Local people have been maintaining the unique architecture for centuries and those mementos will always reminds the visitors of how beautiful Bagan is and its unique architecture regardless of where they are.

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MANDALAY

     Mandalay is located between one of the most historical Ayeyarwaddy river and the Shan state. In other words, the location itself is the central of Myanmar geographically which leads the city to become the economic hub of Upper Burma and considered the center of Myanmar culture.  The unique culture of Mandalay city is the transportation method of how people travel.  In other words, among the local people, Mandalay is known is the cycling city where majority of the Mandalay citizens prefer to travel on bikes rather than relying on other transports.

     As it can be said that, Mandalay is nearer to Bagan and also the central of the country itself, as a result, various traditions and cultures can be found in the city itself which is why, every visitors should always go to Mandalay when they are in Myanmar not just only for sightseeing purpose but visitors can also see and observe different cultures and traditions of Myanmar in one place. 

    Mandalay was acted as the capital of the country for several decades in the long standing history as approximately 150 years old palace can be found in the city central area.  Even though the palace itself is 150 years old, due to the good maintenance, it is still in a good shape without losing every single bit of the ancient architecture.  As the majority of Myanmar people are Buddhism Mahamuni Buddha image which is also one of many sacred places with an interesting long standing history.  Everyday pilgrims and monks can contribute in helping clean the Buddha image itself at 4:00 in the morning which is known as “Face washing ceremony”.

    Last but not least, as a country with a long standing history, there are a few other ancient palace existed in the country and those can be reached easily via Mandalay with various type of transportations such as by boat or by car within an hour.  As a result, going to Mandalay will not only have a chance to see one palace but will have plenty of chances to explore other palaces as well. Another tourist attractions city with pleasant weather and environment known as “Pyin Oo Lwin” is just the uphill of Mandalay and can be reached within a 2-hour drive.  Mandalay is just one city but it is the only place where almost half of the country cultures and traditions can be found as well as other good resorts and sightseeing activities.

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INLE LAKE

     Inle, located in the Shan Hills in Myanmar is a freshwater lake with numerous villages against the foggy mountain ranges.  The weather of Inle Lake differs from other places in the country as the air is a bit cooler and drier.  The unique culture which visitors can find in Inle Lake is, fishermen have tendency to row boats using their legs and it is also a part of the Inle tradition itself. 

     Other significant scenery that one can expect to see in the Inle Lake such as: floating tomatoes fields around the lake, gardens of flowers properly anchored to the lake bed with bamboo poles.  The friendliness of the local people and their unique daily life activities spice things up a little bit better for visitors that they can enjoy a pleasant trip alongside the lake yet enjoy the sincere of the local community. 

    The best time of the year to visit is during September and October. The ceremonial Hpaung Daw U Festival, which lasts for almost three weeks, is closely followed by the Thadingyut festival of lights. Moreover, the market day of the villages located near Inle Lake offers extremely colorful with freshly grow hill foods and other local products which is another major attractions for all visitors to have a look at.

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KYAING TONG (Keng Tung)

     Kyaing Tong, is a town in eastern Shan State, Myanmar and it is also the principle town of Kengtung Township.  The weather in this area is particular cooler than compare to the tropical area of Myanmar which is a suitable place for those visitors who would like to enjoy plenty memorable sceneries in the chilling weather.  Kyaing Tong is geographically located in an easily accessible location to the golden triangle area.

     There are plenty of shifting fields and most local community maintains their unique culture where visitors can see traditionally built huts on the mountain slopes.  As it is interconnected to the golden triangle, and where diverse ethnics group inhabitant, therefore; visitors can expect to see other cultures and traditions but not just only the traditions of Kyaing Tong itself are the main attraction of Kyaing Tong has to offer.

     Kyaing Tong has plenty of hiking, mountain climbing trips in a trekking pilgrimage to nearby mountains to visit the villages of different Shan ethnic tribes, enjoy the breath-taking sceneries along the way while admiring the pagodas along the way.

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GOLDEN ROCK (Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda)

     Golden Rock, in Myanmar language known as KyiteHteeYoe Pagoda is one of the breath-taking and also a sacred place for Myanmar people.  It is located in Mon State and perched on the highest mountain of Paunglaung mountain range.  To travel to KyiteHteeYoe pagoda, it will take a 4-hour drive from Yangon, where it will proceed in an open truck uphill to hermit hill.  The rock and the pagoda are at the top of Mt. Kyaiktiyo. It is the third most important Buddhist pilgrimage site in Burma after the Shwedagon Pagoda and the Mahamuni Pagoda. A glimpse of the "gravity defying" Golden Rock is believed to be enough of an inspiration for any person to turn to Buddhism.

     It is the best place for those who would like to have a legendary pilgrimage because the Golden Rock itself is placed on top of the mountain and visitors can choose whether to take a bus to go to the top of the mountain or trekking up to the mountain which will take around 5 hours while being able to enjoy various legendary milestones along the way making to the top of the mountain.

     At the peak of the pilgrimage season, normally November to March, a lot of local people visit to KyiteHteeYoe pagoda to offer flowers the pagoda and appreciate in the Buddhism.  As the golden rock gleams in different shades from dawn to dusk (the sight at dawn and at sunset are unique), pilgrims’ chants reverberate in the precincts of the shrine.  Due to the culture and belief in the Buddhism, most Buddhists offers lighting candles and some meditate and the offerings to the Buddha continues throughout the night.  Men cross over a bridge across an abyss to affix golden leaves (square in shape) on the face of the Golden Rock, in deep veneration. However, women are not allowed to touch the rock.  The Full Moon day of Tabaung in March, is a special occasion for pilgrims who visit the shrine. On this day, the platform of the pagoda is lighted with ninety thousand candles as reverential offering to the Lord Buddha. The devotees visiting the pagoda also offer fruits, food and incense to the Buddha.

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PUTAO

     Putao is located in Kachin State, Myanmar which is also the northernmost town of Kachin State.  It was once the site of World War II British Fort Hertz.  Transportation to get to Putao has a bit of constraint as getting to       Putao by road is only available during summer, however; it is accessible year round by air if there are enough visitors/tourists group to justify a plane. 

     Putao is popular for having rare orchids which grow naturally in the area.   Obviously, it is the place for those who love orchid to visit and a rare orchid specie name called “Black Orchid” grow in the mountains western and eastern of Putao.  The weather in Putao can be said cooler than the rest of the entire Myanmar and iceberg and mountain covered in snow can be seen almost throughout the year in certain part of Putao.  

     Moreover, local people inhabitant around the uphill and mountains area are friendly and helpful so that most tourists can arrange their own hiking and mountain climbing trips with local community.  Therefore, Putao is the best place for those who would like to go for a bit of adventurous trip with friendly local people to explore the deep nature of the mountain cilvilization. 

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MONYWA

     Monywa, is located in Sagaing Division, in Myanmar, and geographically 136km northwest of Mandalay along the eastern bank of River Chindwin.   It will take 3 hours drive from Mandalay via Sagaing in order to get to Monywa.

     There are many places to visit around in the area and one of many attractions is the Poewindaung mountain caves where visitors can observe the incredible stone curving and mural paintings all over the cave.  Thanboday pagoda is also another major attraction of Monywa, according to the myth the solid section of the monument is engraved 7350 relics and other holy items.  Boddhi-tataung (1000 Buddhas), a group of banyan trees with a Buddha image at each of the tree feet is another place where most visitors would obviously should not miss on their trip to Monywa.  Being able to enjoy a one-thousand banyan trees with Buddha images together in one place within one’s eyesight is a moment will never forget those who has been to Monywa.

     As the majority of people living in Myanmar are Buddhism, for those who are interested in the Buddhism can observe the history of the biggest standing Buddha image all over the world is located in a village known as Khatakan Taung village in Monywa.

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MRAUK U

     Mrauk U, is an ancient city and situated in Rakhine State, Myanmar and it is also one of the most important site for archaeologists to observe different artifacts in the area.  Mrauk U lies Eastern Kaladan River and is surrounded by hills in both northern and southern part. 

     King Narameikhla (1404 – 1434 A.D) founded Maruk Oo  and remained the same as the capital for the next 400 years. To reach to Mrauk Oo, visitors need to take boat about 5 hours from Sittwe following along the bend of the Kalatan river.  It can be said that Mrauk U is another ancient city with lots of pagodas spreading over the land just as it is in Bagan but with entirely different architecture which were built in different times back in ancient Myanmar history.  

     One significant pagoda which was built by King Minbin (1535 – 1533 A.D) was the Shwedaung pagoda where the pagoda itself is surrounded by other eighty thousand pagodas.  Those are not the end of what Mrauk U has to offer to the visitors but also for the pilgrimage and Buddhism, Pukkanthein, Lemyethna temples and the Andaw pagodas were built and enshrined with a tooth of Buddha from Sri Lanka.  Therefore, the ancient city Mrauk U will undoubtedly give all the visitors of the feeling of how people had inhabitant in the history of Myanmar and various sort of ancient architecture.
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NGWE SAUNG Beach

     Ngwe Saung beach is situated near Yangon city and it can be reached within a 5-hour drive from Yangon.  The beach itself is approximately 9 miles long and one of the longest beach in South East Asia and newly opened beach in Ayeyarwaddy delta region interconnected with the Andaman Sea.  Moreover, Ngwe Saung is located a bit south of Ngapali which is also another popular beach resorts in Myanmar. 

    Though, the beach itself was recently opened, due to the incredible quality of the beach, water and sand, it is getting more and more attention from tourists and becoming more popular.  It is not just that the beach is good in quality but it also has incredible vistas and breathtaking view of the Bay of Bengal especially during the evening when the sun goes set.

     That is not the end of it, as a few villages located around the area of the beach; visitors can expect to see the traditions of the people living around the village. People living in those villages mainly make a living as fishermen and it is obviously that fresh seafood are available in almost every outlet and restaurants located along the beach.
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NGAPALI Beach

     Ngapali is located in Rakhine State and stretches along the Bay of Bengal and it lies in Rakhine State of Myanmar. Ngapali is said to be one of the best beaches in Myanmar where most natural are untouched where visitors can enjoy the true nature of the beach itself. It is famous for its natural and unspotted beauty up to this day. The beach stretches about 3 km with soft white sand fringed by coconut palms. It is the best place for those leading a modern life in urban areas and looking for a place to enjoy the nature beauty of the beach itself. The beach is unlike like other beaches around the world where it is very crowded along the beach and hawkers persuading visitors to buy their products.
     There are other organized recreational activities where visitors can participate such as: beach strolling, cycling and many more. It has also the perfect sunbathing ground. The sea cobalt blue, without any dangerous marine animals and clean as well. There are a few fishermen villages nearby and it can be arranged to visit to those villages on bicycle tour. Most local people believe that the best time to visit the beach is in during October and May of every year. 

     Thandwe which is situated near to Ngapali beach is one of the most suitable place for those who would like to enjoy a modern yet but not too modern town near the beach for many other relaxation activities. Ngapali Beach is one of the loveliest places in Myanmar; it is also one of the most unspoiled beaches in the world, with miles of pure white sands skirting the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Actually, Ngapali is not one single beach but it is a series of beaches interconnected with small fishing villages stretching from Mazin where the airport is located, to Lontha on Mayo Bay where coastal steamers dock in a sheltered anchorage.
     After resting on the beach under the clear blue skies, those who expect for some more activities has the option of exploring the range of hills behind the Strand Beach Hotel. Once you are on the small hills you will find a peaceful lake, which is actually a reservoir with blue waters visitors can fish but not swim. Moreover, fishing boat can be hired for trips to go around some of the island off the coast or to fish along the beaches. There is no doubt the Ngapali is the perfect place for those who would like to enjoy the beauty of mother earth in one place where all the natural and marine animals like to inhabitant.
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