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• 37 Places To Visit In Myanmar In 2024 For Your Fix Of History And Adventure

Myanmar is country rich in history, culture and tradition. It’s midway between undergoing urbanization so that when you visit, you see an incredible mix of modern and old. Pagodas seem scattered across the landscape and nowhere is this more apparent than in Bagan. They even grace balancing rocks and the center of cities. But, while pagodas are some of the biggest attractions here, the country also boasts stunning natural landscapes and tourist-friendly beaches. Along with this, it is a popular place among the Buddha followers as it is home to several Buddhist temples. Check out our list of places to visit in Myanmar for a look at what this land in Southeast Asia has to offer.

37 Best Places To Visit In Myanmar In 2023

Check out the perfect list of places to visit in Myanmar while you are on your trip. Keep scrolling down and read along. Choose what all places are you going to cover. From pagodas to lakes, there is no dearth of places to explore in Myanmar.

• Sule Pagoda : Place For Meditation
• Mount Popa : Paradise For Hikers
• Chauk-Htat-Gyi Buddha Temple : Pay A Visit
• Shwedagon Pagoda : The Most Sacred Pagoda
• Bagan : For Breathtaking Views
• Inle Lake : Go For Boating
• Ngwe Saung : Laze Around On The Beach
• Kyaiktiyo Pagoda : Witness The Balanced Rock
• Kakku Pagodas : Gape At The Symmetry
• Mahamuni Buddha Temple : Take A Dip In The Culture
• Kalaw : Ideal For Adventure Fanatics
• Mandalay : A Popular Pilgrimage Site
• Ngapali : Opt For Watersports
• Pindaya : Trek & Explore Places
• Hsipaw : Hiker’s Dream Location
• Hpa-An : For Mesmerizing Views
• Mawlamyine : Perfect Rustic Countryside
• Mergui : Sail Around The Place
• Naypyidaw : For A Vivid Experience
• Mrauk U : Most-Visited Site
• Shan State : Offbeat Destination
• Gokteik Viaduct : Opt For A Train Ride
• Macleod Island : Witness The Bucolic Nature
• Kyauk Ka Lat Pagoda : Admire The Lush Greenery
• Thanboddhay Paya : Colorful Interior & Exterior
• Kandawgyi Park : Spend Recreational Time
• Mandalay Palace : For The Most Beautiful Views
• Bagan Archaeological Museum : Check Out The Murals
• Dukkanthein : See The Spiral Structure
• Bodhi Tataung : For Buddha Statues
• Taukkyan War Cemetery : Salute To The Brave Soldiers
• Maha Bandoola Garden : Relax & Unwind Here
• Mingun Temple : Explore The Ruins
• Thatbyinnyu Temple : Pay A Visit With Family
• Htilominlo Temple : Admire The Intricate Work
• Saddar Cave : Haven For Buddhist Followers
• Purcell Tower : In The Heart Of Myanmar

1. Sule Pagoda: Place For Meditation

Downtown Yangon is the home of the Sule Pagoda, a place of peace and meditation in the middle of the busy city. It’s believed to be more than 2,000 years old. It figures high on the list of Myanmar destinations especially among devotees because it houses a hair relic of Buddha. The Sule Pagoda is often overlooked by tourists but it should figure in your Myanmar travels because it’s one of the only points of interest in this part of Yangon.

Ideal for: History

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2. Mount Popa: Paradise For Hikers

If you’re in Mandalay, make it a point to visit Mount Popa. It’s one of the best Myanmar points of interest especially if you love to hike. The extinct volcano is not just magnificent to look at in itself but it’s topped by the Popa Taungkalat Monastery that’s perched on an outcrop. 777 steps will take you all the way to the top and reward you with panoramic views of the plains.

Ideal for: Hiking

3. Chauk-Htat-Gyi Buddha Temple: Pay A Visit

Myanmar is known for its Buddhist temples and the Chauk-htat-gyi Buddha Temple is one of them. It houses a huge 65-meter reclining Buddha. This is one of the best places to visit in Myanmar especially if you’re on a tour of the country’s temples. Even if you’ve seen many reclining Buddhas, the relaxed pose and peaceful expression of this image are extremely calming.

Ideal for: History and culture

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4. Shwedagon Pagoda: The Most Sacred Pagoda

No Myanmar sightseeing is complete without a visit to the fabulous gilded Shwedagon Pagoda. It’s considered to be one of the most sacred pagodas in Myanmar. Over 2,000 years old, with hundreds of gold plates and more than 4,500 diamonds encrusting the top of the stupa, it’s an architectural wonder that will take your breath away. If there’s only one pagoda you can visit during your travel and tour in Myanmar, this is it!

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5. Bagan: For Breathtaking Views

The ancient city of Bagan is perhaps one of the most interesting places in Myanmar. Over 2,000 Buddhist monuments dot the Bagan Archeological Zone that’s spread across 26 square miles. The best way to take in the entirety of this breathtaking city is to hop into a hot air balloon and fly over it. The rides take place in the wee hours of the morning. Carry a good camera so you can take photos of the monuments from above.

Ideal for: History and hot air ballooning

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6. Inle Lake: Go For Boating

Next on our list of what to see in Myanmar is Inle Lake, which is the second largest in the country and occupies one of the highest elevations. It’s located in Shan and is home to numerous endemic species of snails and fish. Unfortunately, their numbers have dwindled but that should not be a deterrent. Stilt houses pepper the waterway and the only way to see them is by boat. As you head towards the village of In Dein, you’ll be greeted by two groups of old pagodas, the Shwe Indein pagodas and Nyaung Ohak pagodas. Some are in ruins while others have been restored.

Ideal for: History and boating

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7. Ngwe Saung: Laze Around On The Beach

Myanmar beaches aren’t exactly the first places you think of going to when visiting the country. But these little known gems are incredibly picturesque and have all the hallmarks of great beaches. Palm trees, blue seas and pale sands offer the perfect place to spend lazy days soaking in the sun. Ngwe Saug or Silver Beach is one of the most popular. There are scuba diving and snorkeling facilities too if you want to explore the water. Cafes and restaurants nearby serve up dish after dish of lip-smacking seafood and snacks. Beaches in Myanmar are best visited during December-April when spring lends itself to deliciously warm weather. You can also catch the Water Festival (Thingyan) in April where everyone comes out to celebrate.

Ideal for: Leisure

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8. Kyaiktiyo Pagoda: Witness The Balanced Rock

It may be small but Kyaiktiyo Pagoda or Golden Rock in Mon State is one of the most striking pagodas because of its location. It’s perched on a boulder that’s covered with gold leaves. The boulder itself seems to defy gravity as it perfectly balances itself on another rock atop Mt. Kyaiktiyo. It’s believed that the boulder remains in its unusual position by virtue of the hair relic enshrined in the pagoda. And, legend has it that the boulder is supported by a strand of hair from Buddha. Whatever the reason, the unusual and dramatic attraction makes it one of the most sought-after Myanmar places to visit. You can get to the pagoda by bus but if you want to get up close with nature, you can hike the 16-kilometer trail. As tiring as it can be, you won’t be alone as pilgrims often choose to walk to the top.

Ideal for: History and leisure

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9. Kakku Pagodas: Gape At The Symmetry

A visit to Kakku Pagodas, believed to date back over 2,000 years, makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another world, one that’s filled with stupas and little else. Almost 2,500 of them dot the hills near Inle Lake. Some of them have fallen into ruin but many are well-preserved. You can also see a few restored stupas. For all those looking for a touristy vacation, this is the perfect place to make it happen.

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10. Mahamuni Buddha Temple: Take A Dip In The Culture

Our list of where to go in Myanmar ends with the Mahamuni Buddhist Temple, an important pilgrimage site that houses one of the most revered Buddha images, a 13-foot tall sculpture. It’s covered in gold leaves so much so that parts of the sculpture appear distorted. The temple complex is also home to the Mahamuni Museum that educates visitors on Buddha’s life. There are also shops selling offerings in case you come without.

Ideal for: Culture

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11. Kalaw: Ideal For Adventure Fanatics

Image Source

If visiting Myanmar is solely to calm your adventurer inside, Kalaw is the place you need to be in. This place was one of the least explored places around in Myanmar but has gradually crept its way through the tourist scene because of its amazing trekking trails and beautiful picturesque destinations. The eastern mountains of the country are what is currently taking up on the overall seam of every trekker’s dream around in Myanmar. It is located atop the beautiful and majestic stature of the Shan Hills which was initially considered a mountain town under the British rule back in the initial days. Owing to the altitude it was located in, it was considered as an amazing spot to beat the scorching Myanmar heat. It is packed with resorts and hotels alongside an amazing food market and the best part is that you can hike all the way through without any kind of permit whatsoever.

Ideal For: Trekking and relaxing

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12. Mandalay: A Popular Pilgrimage Site

Mandalay is one of those towns in Myanmar that is known around the world for its rich culture and heritage owing to the contributions made by some of the dynasties that existed back then. The place highlights the doings of the mighty Shwenandaw Monastery and all in all is considered around for its plethora of not just prose but poetry pieces too. This temple has been considered to be one of the most important influencing factors when it comes to the rich history and literature of the place around. This is the second largest town in Myanmar and is best for pilgrimage and people who love visiting temples and amazing picturesque destinations around. Maha Myat Muni, otherwise known as the Royal Palace is also one of the most visited sites of pilgrimage around.

Ideal For: Pilgrimage

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13. Ngapali: Opt For Watersports

Yet another of the must visits around in Myanmar is Ngapali. This is possibly the most popular sand stretch around in Myanmar and does make up for one of the most popular relaxing spots in the entirety of Myanmar. The combination of the yellow-white sand is what makes it one of the most beautiful spots that you can sit and tan yourself and let loose of the thoughts that do intrigue you. It is located around the Bay of Bengal, the vibrant hues of the blue of the waves adding to the beauty of the place even further. The salt washed boats often come ashore, in and out of the bay, making it one of the most amazing spots to enjoy the freshly caught seafood in. Apart from the relaxing experience, you can also sign up with a tour organizer around the place and get into some of the most popular water sports like scuba diving, jet skiing, sea kayaking and the whole lot.

Ideal For: Relaxing on the seaside, Watersports

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14. Pindaya: Trek & Explore Places

Myanmar is known vividly around for their religious beliefs and Pindaya is one of the off the beaten track sites that you will possibly come across. Even this is located in the rise of the majestic Shan Hills, predominantly in the eastern Myelat region and does make up for one of the sites infiltrated by the tourists. It is predominantly known around to provide a glimpse into the Buddhist histories in the nation. The entire landmark has completely formed from a series of deep caves and alone is home to over 8000 images of Lord Buddha. The statues and images are adorned in beautiful hues of gold and brass with the glimmering effect under the shadowy caverns. Apart from the spots around celebrating the religion, you will also find an amazing influx of tourists visiting the lake beside Pindaya. You can also trek through the region and cross mountains from Kalaw to Boot.

Ideal For: Trekking, Pilgrimage

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15. Hsipaw: Hiker’s Dream Location

As hard to spell as the name is, Hsipaw is an enthralling location which is loved and adorned by the tourists the entire year around. This is every adventurer and trekker’s dream destination in Myanmar owing to the amazing range of trekking trails they sport. It was the royal capital of the kingdom of Shan back in the days which then slowly became a trekking spot for the tourists over the course of years. It is even fighting off to take the place of Kalaw as one of the most loved trekking spots around in Myanmar. The mystique views of the sun-scorched forest along with the rich cultural traditions can often keep you locked with its beauty longer than you could have possibly imagined. Check out the town’s Central Market around for an amazing experience and to get along some gifts.

Ideal For: Trekking

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16. Hpa-An: For Mesmerizing Views

Hpa-An is a very popular traveler town around in Myanmar which is not necessarily a lot visited around by the tourist but does make up for providing you with an amazing experience altogether. The rugged and rustic vibes from this specific town are what makes it unique and loved by the majority of the tourists who visit it. It is nestled across the tranquil and reflective waters of the Thanlwin River. One of the most important and popular spots to visit around in Hpa-An is the Zaydan Road which is littered around with coffee joints and amazing spots to just sit down and have a relaxing day. The lakeside of Kan Thar Yar is yet another of the amazing spots to be around in and make sure to enjoy the reflective transparency of the water when you walk along it. The other important site to visit around is the Mount Zwegabin and the monastery that is located there.

Ideal For: A relaxing day, Lakes, Mountains, and Monastery

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17. Mawlamyine: Perfect Rustic Countryside

If you are done with the rustic countryside and small towns, Mawlamyine can be quite a good change in those terms. It provides you with a break from the same and does contribute to your city demands. It is situated in the deep territory of Mon, very close to the borders of Thailand and is known and appreciated around for its amazing cultural forefront. Apart from the hustling of the city, you can also visit the pagodas like that of the Mahamuni Paya which is famous for its architectural creativities. Apart from that, you can also visit the Uzina Paya stupa which is one of the most popular sites for the pilgrims. If possible, charter a boat and visit the mysterious Shampoo Island t get to know the place even better and witness the Buddhist shrines with your own eyes.

Ideal For: Pagodas, Shampoo Island

18. Mergui: Sail Around The Place

The Mergui Archipelago is known around the globe with its pool of the destinations it showcases. Some of its scattered parts around in the Andaman Islands are often regarded as the Myeik Archipelago and the Pashu Islands. Each one of these places has a unique character of its own which is what sets it apart from the others. The beautiful sand that glistens under the direct rays of the sun further adds to the beauty of the place. Not just a relaxing day in there but even a good chunk of the activities around in here include that of the amazing sailing expeditions. More and more people are relegating to the yachts to have an even better time on this piece of land.

Ideal For: Sailing, Relaxing day

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19. Naypyidaw: For A Vivid Experience

Next on the list of the amazing places to visit around in Myanmar includes the authority and delegates it as the capital of the place owing to the mesmerizing beauty of the place around. It is not a destination like every other one that you will come across. The place was announced as the capital of Myanmar back then by the Burmese military leader Than Shwe back in 2005. The decision was made rightfully so because of the littered presence of a wide range of government buildings and nationalist monuments that are found around the place. While there, make sure that you visit the parliament complexes along with the infamous Uppatasanti Pagoda to add to the already vivid experience you will have there.

Ideal For: Visiting the Government Buildings and Landmarks

20. Mrauk U: Most-Visited Site

Yet another one of the picturesque and popular sites of attraction around in Myanmar is the off the beaten track destination of Mrauk U. It is often considered as one of the best alternatives to visiting Bagan because of the kind of similarities both of these places inflict on the geography of Myanmar. It is located between the majestic hills of the Rakhine State, in the far western reaches of the country. The place is rich of a wide range of stupas and temples which is what makes up for the primary source of attraction in that specific tourist site. You must also visit the age-old Arakanese religious building which is situated there. It grew to become a popular site of being a powerful merchant center during the late Middle Ages, trading between India, Portugal and several other places.

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21. Shan State: Offbeat Destination

While you might often come across destinations to visit in and around the Shan State, you won’t necessarily come across someone suggesting you explore the Shan State itself. Once you are done exploring around the popular sites of attraction in and around Shan, make sure to keep a day or two to simply and casually stroll around the Shan State and get engrossed in its beauty altogether. The place is known around for its picturesque landscape, immaculate sceneries and the best part about this place is the wide range of delectable cuisine you get to try around in here. The tiny villages around in the Shan State add to its beauty and authenticity even further. One of the most popular sites to visit while there is the Keng Tawng Falls that often go unnoticed by the majority of the tourists because of the fact that it is often a lot less unexplored.

Ideal For: A wholesome tour around the place with amazing tourists and sightseeing spots

22. Gokteik Viaduct: Opt For A Train Ride

If the history of Myanmar and just history, in general, is something that intrigues you, you definitely want to visit Gokteik Viaduct. The best way to reach this bridge ride is by taking the train ride across the longest railway bridge in Myanmar. The entire bridge was completed building around in 1901 which further adds to the overall excitement and the history of the place around. The entire bridge is around 2300 feet in length and is situated around 30 miles away from Pyin Oo Lwin. You will encounter this bridge on the way to Mandalay and the overall experience riding through is something you would be a complete fool to miss out on. The stunning gorge and the mystique beauty of the greenery around while traveling on the train is something you would be a fool to miss out on.

Ideal For: A long train ride.

23. Macleod Island: Witness The Bucolic Nature

While you must need a recluse from constantly visiting the places of pilgrimage around in Myanmar, Macleod Island is actually a good enough place to visit. It is situated in the far southern end of Myanmar and is one of the 800 untouched islands in the Andaman Sea. Not only do you get to witness an amazing view all around, but the island is also rich in a vivid variety of flora and fauna which further makes up for the overall experience of visiting this place. If tropical weather is something you wanted to experience while in Myanmar, visiting Macleod Island is an ideal option for you to venture into.

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24. Kyauk Ka Lat Pagoda: Admire The Lush Greenery

Last but not the least on the list of sightseeing spots is the Kyauk Ka Lat Pagoda which is located nearby Hpa An. The limestone tower of the Kyauk Ka Lat Pagoda is what leaves every single one of the tourists speechless and in awe. Apart from the Pagoda itself, you also get to experience the beauty of the lush greenery surrounding the place which further adds to the beauty even further.

25. Thanboddhay Paya: Colorful Interior & Exterior

You will be left amazed after knowing that this temple boasts 5,823,631 pictures of Buddha in its premises. Now you know it is not famous just like that. Also, the colorful interior and exterior of this temple will impress you. So, make sure you add this to your itinerary while holidaying in Myanmar with your family. This is one of the interesting places to visit in Myanmar.

26. Kandawgyi Park: Spend Recreational Time

If you are a person who is looking for peace and tranquility on a holiday then, this is the perfect place for you. The park was built during the colonial period and was very important to the british rulers. Now it is the best place to relax your mind and soul. It offers picturesque views too. So, make sure that you include it in your list of tourist places in Myanmar .

27. Mandalay Palace: For The Most Beautiful Views

This is one of the best places to visit in Myanmar. The palace consists of a watchtower which you can climb and soak in the beautiful views of the city it offers. The most compelling thing about this palace is a pyramid which is made of gilt filigree built above the main throne of the palace. This is one of the important places to visit in Myanmar.

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28. Bagan Archaeological Museum: Check Out The Murals

This museum is run by government and offers an insight into a huge collection of the pieces of the ruins of Bagan. From inscribed images to murals, it has a vast collection which you should look into. It also has proofs that show how people of Bagan lived in old times. This is the reason why it forms a part of the famous places in Myanmar .

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29. Dukkanthein: See The Spiral Structure

This is one of the unique temples in Myanmar. Its spiral structure in the interiors will take your breath away. It has three different sides which are lead by wide stones steps. Each side showcases different things. There are various Buddha images in the temple that are just beautiful. So, this is one of the best places to go in Myanmar.

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30. Bodhi Tataung: For Buddha Statues

You haven’t been to Myanmar if you have not visited this place. Translating to ‘1000 Buddhas’, this temple features the world’s second largest Buddha statue which is the most incredible in itself. The statue comprises of 31 storeys which you can climb and witness the paintings. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Myanmar.

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31. Taukkyan War Cemetery: Salute To The Brave Soldiers

Image Source If you are looking for historical Myanmar tourist places then you must visit the famous Taukkyan War Cemetery which was built for the soldiers who gave their life in the battle of Burma during World War II. The cemetery is located in the Taukkyan village at a distance of 25 kilometers from Yangon. The place receives a heavy tourist footfall every year and is still maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Ideal for: Historical places and exploring

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32. Maha Bandoola Garden: Relax & Unwind Here

Image Source Searching for recreational places to visit in Myanmar ? Then, you must head to Maha Bandoola Garden which is a public place in Yangon. After sightseeing, you can relax here with your friends or family and unwind for a while. Earlier the place was called Fytche Square and it was dedicated to Albert Fytche, the then Chief Commissioner of British Burma. The place was remodelled over the years and the park that we see has been existing since 2012.

Ideal for: Relaxing

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33. Mingun Temple: Explore The Ruins

Image Source Another one of the list of famous places in Myanmar is Mingun Temple which is an unfinished project. The construction for started by the King Bodawpaya in the year 1790 which was left unfinished. People like nature lovers and history buffs head to this place to explore the ruins and know more about the history of the place. The story of this place fascinated several tourists so you must explore this place too on your vacation to Sri Lanka.

Ideal for: For exploring ruins

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34. Thatbyinnyu Temple: Pay A Visit With Family

Image Source This history of Thatbyinnyu Temple can be dated back to the 12th century during the reign of King Alaungsithu. It is located in Bagan and is one of the top places to see in Myanmar . A vacation to this place with family definitely calls for a visit to Thatbyinnyu Temple. The temple is shaped in an asymmetrical cross and has two storeys, one of which bears the image of Buddha.

Ideal for: Sightseeing and praying

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35. Htilominlo Temple: Admire The Intricate Work

Image Source There is no dearth of Buddhist temples in Myanmar so the other one is Htilominlo Temple which is situated in Bagan. It is believed that this is one of the oldest temples in Myanmar and the construction of this one can be dated back to the reign of King Htilominlo which was during 1211-1231. With a height of 46 meters in total, the temple is three storeys tall and is built mainly with red brick. The best part to explore here are the intricate plastic moldings so make sure that you include it in your list of places to visit in Myanmar .

Ideal for: Praying and exploring the intricate designs

36. Saddar Cave: Haven For Buddhist Followers

Image Source Saddar Cave is one-of-its-kind in Myanmar as it is adorned with hundreds of Buddhist idols over the years. Once you reach and enter the cave, you will see several miniatures of Buddha adding to the beauty of the place. Apart from this, you will also get to witness brilliant rock formations that get illuminated with a flash inside the cave. There should be no doubt in the fact that it is one of the top Myanmar tourist places to explore.

Ideal for: For Buddhist miniatures

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37. Purcell Tower: In The Heart Of Myanmar

Image Source Wondering where to go in Myanmar ? Well, there is just the right place for you and it goes by the name Purcell Tower. You will find this off-white and red tower in the heart of Myanmar with a clock studded on the top. It is definitely a must-visit place otherwise your Myanmar vacation will remain incomplete. So, scribble it down to include it in your itinerary.

Ideal for: Sightseeing

Further Read: Places To Visit In Asia In December For An Extravagant Vacation

Now, you know about the best places to visit in Myanmar. Clearly, Myanmar is a complete package when it comes to a fun filled and interesting holiday, you see. So, what do you think? Do you have anymore places to add? Do let us know in the comments section below. Plan a trip to Myanmar to visit these 10 places now.

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Myanmar

What is Myanmar famous for?

Myanmar is famous for sand paintings, gems, pearls and much more.

How many days do I need in Myanmar?

Nine days are needed to explore the best of Myanmar.

What is the most popular food in Myanmar?

Shan-style noodles, tea leaf salad, mohinga are some of the popular food in Myanmar.

What can I buy in Myanmar?

Gemstone paintings, sand paintings, arts and crafts, lotus silk shawls and scarves and more.

What is the most beautiful place in Myanmar?

Famed for its stunning Pagodas and rich culture, Mynamar has a plethora of places that are a definition of beauty like Scenic Shan State, floating gardens of Inle Lake and the historical buildings. If you are wondering which is the most beautiful place in Myanmar, then Shwedagon Pagoda will top the list as it looks mesmerizingly beautiful at night.

Is Myanmar safe to travel?

There are a lot of ethnic issues going on in Myanmar but this Southeast Asian country is absolutely safe for tourists. There are some areas like the northern parts of Shan State, Southern Chin and Rakhine state where tourists are not allowed but all the other popular places to visit in Myanmar and the impeccable hotels are completely safe.

Can you drink the water in Myanmar?

No, you shouldn’t drink tap water in Myanmar but you can have bottled water. It is advised that you should not even brush your teeth with tap water but you can use bottled water instead of it.

What is the best month to visit Myanmar?

The best time to visit Myanmar is between November and February as the weather is pleasant and you can easily roam around the country. You can enjoy your vacation to the fullest in these months as the weather is not hot but cool breezes blow throughout the country.

What vaccinations do I need for Myanmar?

Some of the vaccinations that you must take before heading to Myanmar are cholera, rabies, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, yellow fever, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, and polio.

How expensive is Myanmar?

If the total numbers of people traveling to Myanmar are two then the total cost for traveling and staying for a week will come out to be MMK 1,298,448 which is INR 70,500 appx. So, the destination is not that expensive. If you are on a budget crunch, then you can plan your vacation for lesser number of days.

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10 Top Tourist Attractions in Myanmar

By Carl Austin · Last updated on December 17, 2022

Myanmar, the official name for the Southeast Asian nation more commonly known as Burma, is a must-see for travelers who like Buddha and beaches, though not necessarily in that order. The country contains thousands of Buddhist temples. It also has pristine white beaches along the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea. The country is slowly opening to foreign tourism, so travelers who want to experience a more traditional Burma may want to visit now. An overview of the top tourist attractions in Myanmar :

10. Shwemawdaw Paya [SEE MAP]

Shwemawdaw Paya got its name, the Great Golden God, because the glittering gold that covers it can be seen for miles around. The diamond-studded top also is responsible for some of the glitter. At almost 114 meters (375 feet) high, it is the tallest pagoda in Myanmar. It is especially important to Buddhism because it contains several relics belonging to Buddha. Located in Bago, the 1,000-year-old complex is highly ornate with smaller pagodas that also are gold-covered, statues and pavilions.

9. Ayeyarwady River Cruise [SEE MAP]

Myanmar’s longest river, the Ayeyarwady, also known as the Irawaddy, begins high in the Himalayas, carving Myanmar in half on its way to the Andaman Sea. It is navigable by large ships and boats in the lower elevations, and is fast becoming a popular river cruise destination. Cruises run between Mandalay and Bagan; both cities offer plenty of temples, pagodas and statues of Buddha. Between the two terminals, cruisers will see river villages and beakless dolphins, and travel through jungles and deep gorges.

8. Shwenandaw Monastery [SEE MAP]

Shwenandaw Monastery is an historic Buddhist monastery in the city of Mandalay. Known as the Golden Palace, this important building is located in central Myanmar. It was originally part of the Mandalay Palace complex as the royal apartment of a king, but his son moved it outside the palace after his death believing it was haunted by the king’s spirit. It later became a monastery. At one time, the building was covered in gold but the gold is mostly inside now. The exterior is covered with ornate teak carvings representing Buddhist myths. Ornate carvings made from other materials such as stone can be found throughout the structure.

7. Ngapali [SEE MAP]

Ngapali combines two worlds in this Southeast Asian country. It is Myanmar’s premier resort town, with white sand beaches lining the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal and luxury hotels. It is a great spot to chill out and just relax. Contrast this with its fishing village atmosphere with local restaurants serving the day’s catch and ox-carts doubling as taxis. Locals believe the town is named after Napoli (Naples) in Italy. Most people visit Ngapali November to March; the rest of the year it is a sleepy little beach town.

6. Mrauk U [SEE MAP]

Mrauk U is an important archeological town. It was originally thought to be a fortress because of the thick walls, but the walls were made to protect temples from the fierce winds, not invaders. Stone temples can be found throughout the area. The medieval town was once an important Arakan capital and was an important trading city. Getting to this remote location involves a four- to seven-hour boat ride up a tributary of the Kaladan River. Travelers may want to bring rain gear at the region gets almost 1.2 meter (4 feet) of rain annually.

5. Inle Lake [SEE MAP]

Vast and serene Inle Lake is one of the top tourist attractions in Myanmar. Besides its considerable natural beauty the lake also attracts tourists for the stilt houses of the Intha, the descendants of Mon people from the far southeast. A typical day-trip on the lake, taken in a long, narrow boat with a noisy outboard motor, will stick to the northern reaches of Inle Lake. These trips also include visits to small workshops in stilt villages, several pagodas and probably a market. Travelers are also likely to see fishermen propelling their boats using a distinctive leg-rowing technique, and other Intha residents of the lake tending to fruit and vegetables on floating gardens.

4. Taung Kalat [SEE MAP]

Built atop an extinct volcano plug, the Buddhist monastery of Taung Kalat is one of the most breathtaking sites in Burma. To reach the monastery, visitors must climb the 777 steps to the summit. Along the way are a multitude of Macaque monkeys expecting treats. From the top of Taung Kalat, one can enjoy a panoramic view. One can see the ancient city of Bagan and the massive solitary conical peak of Mount Popa, the volcano that actually caused the creation of the volcanic plug.

3. Shwedagon Pagoda [SEE MAP]

The Shwedagon or Greater Dragon Pagoda is considered the most sacred site in Buddhism in Myanmar because it contains a strand of Buddha’s hair and other religious relics. The 2,500-year-old pagoda is located on Singuttara Hill in Yangon, the largest city in Myanmar. Over the centuries, the pagoda has grown from 8 meters to 99 meters (26 feet to 366 feet). The origins of Shwedagon are lost in antiquity but it is estimated that the Pagoda was first built by the Mon during the Bagan period, sometime between the 6th and 10th century AD. It is covered in gold leaf; the stupa is covered in 4,531 diamonds. Numerous temples, statues and stupas can be found at this unforgettable site. Pagoda visitors are expected to follow a dress code (trousers preferred, T-shirts with elbow-length sleeves) and enter the temple barefooted.

2. Golden Rock [SEE MAP]

Golden Rock, or Kyaiktiyo Zedi as it is known locally, is a totally awesome sight: a pagoda (zedi) sitting atop a huge boulder that appears as if it’s about to fall off the edge of a cliff. Both are covered in golf leaf. The locals believe the boulder, which sits 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) above sea level, is held in place through a miracle of Buddha; the pagoda is said to contain a strand of his hair. Visiting here is a pilgrimage for Myanmar Buddhists. Golden Rock is about a five-hour drive from Yangon, and also involves a long walk. A staircase leads to the pagoda complex that houses several viewing platforms and Buddha shrines.

1. Bagan [SEE MAP]

Travelers with a passion for Buddhist temples, pagodas and stupas should have a field day in Bagan, since it contains more of these than any other place in the world. The most popular destination in Myanmar, Bagan was the capital of the First Burmese Empire from the 9th to the 13th centuries. The site that Marco Polo once described as the “gilded city” was home to around Buddhist 13,000 temples in its 11th-century heyday. Thousands of temples, stupas and pagodas remain, including the famous Ananda temple with its sparkling gold spires.

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November 16, 2014 at 11:43 pm

As an avid traveller, I will soon go to Myanmar and check out these places.

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The 10 best places to visit in Myanmar

This post may contain compensated links. Find more info in our disclosure policy

Myanmar is a spectacular country and, full to the brim of iconic sights, it stole a piece of our hearts the moment we stepped off the plane and landed into the crazy, wonderful and inspirational country. Myanmar boasts an incredible array of things to do: from stepping back in time at Inle Lake to the chaotic royal capital of Yangon to the breathtaking Bagan temple plain, Myanmar remains as one of South East Asia’s hidden gems. Here’s our 10 best places to visit in Myanmar!

1 | Watch the sunrise over the Bagan temple plain

Bagan sunrises are truly breathtaking and, watching the sun light up the Bagan temple plain, is an iconic Myanmar moment. The temples stretch as far as the eye can see, a morning mist rises over the plain, a rainbow coloured sky emerges through the darkness and hot air balloons drift over the horizon.

Where to stay in Bagan

Hotels in Bagan are located across Old and New Bagan and Nyaung-U. Nyaung-U, a mix of boutique hotels and local residents about 3km from the temples, is our favourite. 

• ZFreeti Hotel, Nguang-U:  we stayed in the Zfreeti, a small hotel with lots of great restaurant options in the surrounding streets and an inviting swimming pool – click here for prices!
• Other good options in Nguang-U include the Sky View Hotel and Hotel Zein
• Aureum Palace Hotel and Resort, Old Bagan: located within the Bagan Archaeological Preservation Zone among the ancient temples this hotel has best views of the Bagan plains – click here for prices!
• Bagan Lodge, New Bagan: If you prefer New Bagan this might be your best option – click here for prices!

Click here for the best Bagan hotel Prices

2 | Climb the 777 steps of Mount Popa

Mount Popa is a Myanmar postcard sight: a sacred monastery, with stupas glistening gold, perched atop an extinct volcano. 777 steps lead the way to the top of Mount Popa, the headquarters of Myanmar’s most powerful Nats, and the route is lined with monkeys keen to get up to mischief with the tourists in their search for food! Mount Popa is a popular half day trip from Bagan.

Click here to book the Mount Popa Resort now!

3 | Get lost among the thousands of Stupas at Kakku, Inle Lake

One of Myanmar’s most spectacular pagodas, Kakku is a Shan State hidden gem ane of the most incredible things to do at Inle Lake . It is a collection of 2,478 stupas commissioned 2,000 years ago and it is a religious centre for the Pa’O people, a Buddhist tribe from Myanmar. It’s accessible by a half day trip from Inle Lake and, due to local laws, it is required to take the trip with a local guide – check tour prices here!

Click here to book a Kakku tour!

Where to stay in Inle Lake

A visit to Inle Lake centres around the lake itself and we found staying on the lake itself an unforgettable experience. We highly recommend staying at one of the resorts on the lake, which all offer direct access to the lake from the hotels.

• Inle Princess Hotel: We stayed in the beautiful Inle Princess Resort which is situated on the shores of Inle Lake. The villas are stunning, the food excellent and the views unbeatable – check prices now!
• Myanmar Treasure Resort : A collection of stilted luxury rooms overlooking the lake – check prices now!
• Royal Nyaung Shwe Hotel: an excellent budget friendly option in Nyaung Shwe – check prices now!

Click here for the best Inle Lake Hotel Prices

4 | Take a sunset boat ride on Inle Lake

Inle Lake is one of the most stunning lakes in the world and the stilt houses and Buddhist temples rising from the marshy reeds only add to its appeal. The best way to experience Inle Lake is to take a ride on one of the slender long tail wooden boats and experiencing the silence and emptiness of the lake is an absolute privilege as is watching local village life while floating by. Inle Lake can certainly hold its own on the sunset front: the beautiful colours of the Myanmar sunset reflect from the glass like lake making for a picture perfect setting.

5 | Be amazed at the sight of hundreds of ancient stupas at Indein, Inle Lake

Hundreds of red, white and brown stupas stand in varying states of disrepair on a hill in Indein, a Myanmar village located at the end of a narrow creek directly off Inle Lake. The journey to Indein is a joy: the twists and turns of the creek took us past farmers, accompanied by water buffalo, tilling the rice paddies and families bathing along the banks.

6 | Experience the calmness of Shwedagon Pagoda at night

Shwedagon Pagoda is a real treat at any time of the day but there’s something special about the quiet calm of visiting after dark. The pagoda is the most sacred Buddhist Pagoda in Myanmar as it is believed to contain the relics of four previous Buddhas and, at night it’s filled mostly with worshipers. The golden beauty of the Pagoda is breathtaking after darkness falls and it one of the unmissable things to do in Yangon .

Where to stay in Yangon

• Chatrium Hotel Royal Lake Yangon: Where we chose to stay during our time in Yangon and we couldn’t recommend it more highly. With a great location close to the lake and the Shwedagon Pagoda this is our favourite hotel in Yangon – check prices now!
• The  Novotel Yangon Max and the Loft Hotel are both excellent mid range options in great locations.
• Luxury options include the Belmond Governor’s Residence  and the colonial favourite, The Strand , where we enjoyed afternoon cocktails.

Click here for the best Yangon Hotel Prices

7 | Cruise the Irrawaddy River from Bagan to Mandalay

Cruising along the Irrawaddy River, Myanmar’s longest river, brings the promise of a glimpse into life both on its waters and along its banks. Passing rural villages and local fishermen while watching Myanmar daily life unfold along the banks of the river is an authentic and peaceful experience – check boat prices here!

Click here for the boat tickets

8 | Step back in time at the Shwenandaw Kyaung Monastery, Mandalay

Once part of the Roayl Palace, the Golden Palace Monastery near Mandalay Hill is adorned with spectacular teak carvings of Buddhist myths. It’s completely different from any of the other religious sights in Myanmar and an absolute highlight of Mandalay.

Where to stay in Mandalay

We stayed in central Mandalay which was a great base for exploring the city. The main sights are dotted around Mandalay so staying in a central hotel makes exploring the city much easier.

• Smart Hotel:  where we stayed is basic (upgrade to one of the better rooms if you can) but was perfect for exploring the city.   It’s a good budget hotel and has a low key rooftop bar/restaurant with traditional puppet shows in the evening – click here for prices!
• The Link 78 Mandalay Boutique Hotel:  a boutique hotel in central Mandalay and a perfect base for exploring the city. Enjoy the sunset from the rooftop restaurant – click here for prices!
• Hotel by the Red Canal Mandalay the perfect location for exploring the Golden Palace and Mandalay Hill, with a beautiful pool and spa – click here for prices!

Click here for the best Mandalay hotel Prices

9 | Mahamuni Pagoda, Mandalay

The Mahamuni Pagoda is one of the most significant Buddhist pilgrim sites in Myanmar and houses the Mahamuni Buddha image which is the most highly revered Buddha image in the country. Only men are permitted to enter the inner chamber and place a gold leaf on the Buddha while women watch on.

10 | Watch the sunset over the U Bein Bridge, Mandalay

Stretching over 1 km across the Taungthaman Lake, sunset at the traditional teak U Bein Bridge is one of the most photographed sights in Myanmar and is more than worthy of the accolade. As the sun sets on another Myanmar day the local monks make their way across the bridge returning to their monastery and it makes for an iconic Myanmar scene.

For more Myanmar travel inspiration check out

• Our Myanmar itinerary – click here
• The best sights in Yangon – click here
• Things to do in Inle Lake – click here
• Cruising the Irrawaddy River – read here
• The best pics from our Myanmar travels – check them out here

6 thoughts on “The 10 best places to visit in Myanmar”

Beautiful Myanmar ♥

How did you get to each city?

Hi Samantha

We used buses to travel around, we have a Myanmar itinerary here which has all the details.

Hi I’ve made your site my go-to for my trip to Myanmar and Vietnam. I was going to follow your entire trip but from Mandalay to Yangon. I hate small planes and was going to go the bus route but my husband isn’t entirely keen as he has read some horror stories…what are your comments on the following: Inle-Yangon night bus Mandalay -Bagan trip Bagan-Inle

I’m not too sure about the Poppa trip..is it in between Bagan and Inle?

Thank you so much

I loved the buses but Dave wasn’t as much of fan and would have preferred to fly – I sleep great on buses though while he doesn’t at all! I’m not sure about horror experiences, especially if you use one of the reputable VIP companies – their buses are really comfortable. We took the boat from Bagan to Mandalay (it’s very pleasant if you are there when water levels allow an easy journey). The other two routes were perfectly fine. Do be aware that the night buses get in very early so you might have to wait for your room while exhausted!

I’m wanting to go to Myanmar for my 60th birthday next year,We have traveled extensively in Asia in the past doing a mix of private tours and totally independent travel. We like to go to a place, spend a few days and spend the time at the sites/things we are interested in and just observe local life, not follow a flag and a clock.

So how easy is it to sort the travel between towns from the UK or did you do that when you got there? You refer to private drivers did you engage these via a tour company or just flag down a taxi?

We will have some time constraint so can’t just wing it the whole trip.

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The Most Beautiful Places In Myanmar – Best Burma Tourist Places

Table of Contents:

Best Places To Visit In Myanmar

The main reason why it’s worth to travel to Myanmar is that it’s probably one of the less-visited places in South East Asia. Most tourists that are traveling to this region, choose other countries like Thailand , Vietnam , the Philippines , and Malaysia . It’s so refreshing to explore the rural areas where you can see the everyday life of local people. They are friendly, smiling, and willing to talk to you (even if they can’t speak English sometimes). With the help of our blogging friends, I’ve created this list of the most beautiful places in Myanmar.

Is It Worth To Spend Holidays In Myanmar?

Before showing you all of these amazing tourist attractions in Myanmar, let’s go back in time. I want to show you how it is to actually be in this country. After traveling around South East Asia for a long time, we didn’t really have many places yet to discover. We wanted to go somewhere new so after a quick discussion, Burma won with Laos and we booked our tickets. When we get into the taxi in Yangon, our jaws literally dropped.

The old car took us through the rainy streets of a big city. You could tell that it’s neither in Europe nor the US because of the architecture that is specific only to Asia. The random people walking on the streets were SO different to all that we’ve ever seen. They were beautiful. Both men and women were wearing long skirts , some of them were splitting with red mucus that looked like blood. It sounds disgusting but the truth is, we couldn’t stop looking at them. We could tell that Burmese embrace their culture and that they didn’t really care about adjusting to the Western world. It was so refreshing. When we got to our hotel we were really hungry, so we went to the local restaurant. And that’s where we hopelessly fell in love with Burma. My mouth literally waters right now, only by thinking of Burmese food. We’ve always thought that Thai food is the best in the world. It turned out Myanmar is a runner-up. Or maybe even a winner.

Anyway, let me take you to Burma, one of the best countries in the world. I really hope the beautiful places in Myanmar that you can see below will inspire you to visit Burma!

Yangon 

Heading to Yangon? Check out the best tours in the city!

Shwedagon Pagoda

Sule Pagoda 

It is believed that Sule Pagoda is one of the oldest temples in the world. Burmese people claim that it was built more than 3,000 years ago! It is situated in Yangon , just like the Shwedagon Pagoda.

Check out the best Inle Lake tours here .

Long Neck Tribe

Myanmar is comprised of many different ethnic groups and tribes, each with their own unique traditions. One common one is to safeguard their women from neighboring tribesmen who may try to steal them away. The answer? Ugly-fy them to make them less appealing. For example, in the Northern Chin states, women used to have their faces tattooed, but this practice was banned in the 1960s.

Also, the long-necked women of the Kayan tribe in East Myanmar, wear brass neck coils around their necks from a young age. Over the years, the weight of the brass pushes the women’s collar bone down, compressing their rib cage. Some of the women of the Kayan tribe gather at the very tourist Inle Lake where you can meet them in person.

Kalaw is a beautiful mountain town in the Shan State of Myanmar and the starting point for many popular multi-day treks that regularly leave for Inle Lake.

Even if you’re not doing a trek, this spot is worth a visit.

For one, besides the local trekking tourists that come through, Kalaw shows a more local side to Myanmar that you won’t find in Bagan, Mandalay, or Yangon.

There’s a bustling market where you can find clothes and local handicrafts. At 4,330 feet in elevation, it gets colder in Kalaw than other parts of the country, so this is where you can find warmer clothes that you might not have packed and interact with locals.

One of the best experiences in Kalaw is hiking up to the Thein Taung Monastery to explore the Buddhist architecture and take in the expansive views over Kalaw and its enveloping nature below. 

Trekking from Kalaw to Inle Lake 

While most of the world’s great hikes end with a high-altitude summit, a trek from Kalaw has an endpoint of an entirely different kind.

After 61 kilometers of trekking through remote villages, becoming immersed in local life, and sleeping on monastery floors, you’ll wind up at the spectacular Inle Lake. You won’t miss the scenic overlook at all! The lake is one of the Myanmar landmarks so it’s hard to be missed when you are traveling to this country.

Red Mountain Winery

The pagodas and temples of Myanmar are absolutely breathtaking but we found ourselves in need of a down day in between busy sightseeing days. Enter Red Mountain Winery in Inle Lake!

The winery is set on a beautiful hillside with sweeping views of Inle Lake and the nearby town of Nyaung Shwe. Plus, you can ride a bicycle right up to the winery, passing through the vineyards on the way. We chose to do a tasting and found a white we loved! So we ordered a bottle and relaxed on the terrace overlooking the vineyards. A great way to spend a relaxing day during your vacation in Myanmar!

Not many people have heard about Pindaya , Myanmar. When I mention the most famous attraction in the area, the Pindaya Caves, a series of caves where you can find a collection of more than 8,000 Buddha sculptures, it rings a bell, followed by “Is that the only thing to do in Pindaya?”.

Well, definitely not, Pindaya is one of the most beautiful places in Myanmar, a place that is off the beaten path with a different vibe than the other areas in Myanmar.

You will be mesmerized by the unique sights and gorgeous agricultural landscape of Pindaya. Patches of various greens, browns, and yellows are woven together into a marvelous natural quilt. Boys riding their buffalos on the way to the field, motorbikes passing with huge piles for straw, rags and other miscellaneous.

Other than the Pindaya Caves and the beautiful sights in the area, be sure to visit the local artisans and family-owned workshops around Pindaya. They are much more authentic than the ones you’ll find at Inle Lake.

From drying the leaves with which the famous cheroots cigars are made to watching the different phases of making rice-paper umbrellas, we had a taste of the more authentic side of Myanmar. So if you are looking to see one of the most beautiful areas in Myanmar, where you’ll get a taste of the real rural Myanmar without the crowds, put Pindaya on your bucket list!

Golden Rock

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda (also known as Golden Rock) is a giant rock covered in gold which balances at the edge of a cliff. It is a popular pilgrim site, thousands of Buddhists come to this place from all across Myanmar. According to the legend it is defying gravity thanks to Buddha’s hair. Pagoda is located at the top of Mount Kyaiktiyo, 1,100 meters above the sea level. 

The Golden Rock is the holiest place of the whole complex, where you can find several temples, smaller pagodas, and other institutions. Ladies are unfortunately not allowed to enter the inner sanctuary directly by the Golden Rock but don’t worry, you’ll get close enough to take great photos of the pagoda. 

As a foreigner, you are required to pay an entry fee. As the Golden Rock complex is a place of worship, prepare to walk the last 450 m to pagoda barefoot.

How to get to Golden Rock?

You need to get to Kinpun village, where is Golden Rock base station located. You can get there from Yangon by direct bus or by train to Kyaikto and then take a shared pick-up to Kinpun. 

There are local trucks going from Kinpun to the Golden Rock. Ride up takes about 30 minutes and it might feel a little bit like a roller coaster. It’s 1 more kilometer by walk from the upper truck station.

Have you heard of the ancient city of Sukhothai in Thailand or Angkor Wat in Cambodia? Burma has a UNESCO World Heritage Site like this as well. The ancient city of Bagan is one of the best places to visit in Myanmar.

Watching the sunrise over Bagan is one of the bucket-list experiences in Burma. 

Secret Temple

UPDATE: The temple Is Not Accessible Anymore

The Many Thousand Temple in Bagan 

With more than 1,500 Pagodas in Bagan, I’m privileged to climb the 10th century-old Pagoda that is surrounding the beauty of this town. This experience will forever be locked into my memory bank. That feeling while waiting for the sun to set around a very peaceful afternoon with the musty smell of the sand, and solemnly hears the blow of the wind.

It was an opportunity, not all have experience and I’m lucky to have traveled that far and be in that moment.  For I’ve heard after that time, climbing the many century-old Pagoda in Bagan has been prohibited until at present. Never miss visiting Bagan when you are in the country. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Myanmar.

Nyaung U Market Bagan 

The Nyaung U Market in the Old City of Bagan was one of the highlights of my trip to Myanmar.

I loved how everything was so cheap, and the people were friendly (even if you didn’t buy anything). You can find everything from clothes, to food, and even household appliances at this market. Most of the tourists don’t think of shopping while visiting one of the top Myanmar attractions, still, it’s a good place to buy some souvenirs.

A white beach, a sandbar, and delicious seafood – Ngew Saung has it all! To make things better, there’s a spot on the beach with two little pagodas to make your sunset viewing epic! The name Ngwe Saung means silver beach in Burmese and is an apt description.

The main beach of Ngwe Saung appears to be “endless” because it stretches for many kilometers. When the tide is low, a little sandbar emerges that leads to Lovers’ Island. Ngwe Saung is easy to reach from Yangon by an overnight bus and is a destination that should not be missed. It really is one of the top Myanmar beautiful places.

U Bein Bridge

Not to be missed when you are in Mandalay is the world’s longest teakwood bridge, one of the best tourist attractions in Myanmar. Made up of 1.2 kilometers of teak planks salvaged from an old Amarapura palace, U Bein Bridge is still very much used by the locals today.

It is also not uncommon to see saffron-robed monks walking with tourists and locals alike. The best time to go would definitely be sunset and you can opt to hire a boat to capture the bridge with the sunset.

While Bagan is famous for the sunrise, U Bein Bridge is one of the best places to visit in Burma to watch the sunset.

Take a tour , hop on the back of a motorcycle taxi in Mandalay and spend a half-day in magnificent Mingun, one of Myanmar must-see spots.

Mingun is about 40 minutes drive from Mandalay , or you can get a boat down the Irrawaddy River which takes approximately an hour and costs only a few dollars. I recommend getting the boat, as its a nice cruise down the river. We were unable to do it due to time constraints.

Mingun is best known for the Mingun Pahtodawgyi, an immense, unfinished pagoda commenced in 1790, had it had been finished it would be the biggest pagoda ever built. Standing at 50m high its mind boggling to think this is only one third of its intended height. The pagoda suffered significant damage from an earthquake in 1839 causing large cracks in the surface of the structure. The pagoda is still used as a place of worship today.

The Hsinbyume Pagoda is another famous pagoda in Mingun, the Hsinbyume Pagoda was built by the Bagydaw prince as a way to show his love for his first wife, Queen Hsinbyume, who unfortunately lost her life during childbirth. Its beautiful architecture and terraces which appear like white waves, you’re free to explore and take photos while posing in the waves. Our tour guide took his drone and we had fun creating videos, the stark white structure against the bright blue sky was spectacular.

Make sure you visit King Bodawpaya’s gigantic bell. The Mingun Bell, weighs in at 90 tons, and remains the second largest ringing bell in the world today.

Take a trip to Mrauk U if you are looking for stories from a glorious past and willing to discover them on your own. Yes, that’s right. A good part of Mrauk U still lies in ruins. Many pagodas are covered by thick layers of vegetation. Some of them are mounds of stone waiting to be put together. Try discovering some of these ruined pagodas while hiking up a hill in Mrauk U. You will not come back disappointed.

Apart from these discovery hikes, there are plenty of other  things to do in Mrauk U . Many of the temples that have been restored look forward to welcoming tourists. The most remarkable among them are the Shittaung, the Dukkathein, and the Andaw Thein pagodas. And the best part is there are no tourists here. Mrauk U gets less than 5000 travelers every year while Bagan, its more famous counterpart, gets more than 250,000.

Therefore, if you are looking to do something really offbeat in Myanmar, head to Mrauk U. You can get here by car from Sittwe, the nearest city with an airport. The journey takes about 3 hours. And once here, do not forget to try the delicious Rakhine shrimp curry at a local eatery after your discovery hike. 

If you like nature, getting off the beaten path on a motorbike, and giant Buddhas, Mawalamyine needs to be on your radar when you are looking for Myanmar places to visit. Located 300km Southeast from Yangon, this gorgeous coastal city has a fascinating history with so much to explore. One of the highlights of our time there was riding a motorbike to the Win Sein Reclining Buddha.

At 180 meters long and 30 meters high, it is the largest reclining Buddha in the world. Inside the Buddha is a museum featuring life-sized models depicting the life of the Buddha as well as graphic scenes of hell, death, and destruction. It’s a bit freaky at times, so bring a flashlight and a friend! Besides exploring the Buddha, you can ride your motorbike along the surrounding roads leading to many other impressively large statues.

The higher up the hills you climb, the vaster the views become of green trees, mountains, and the ocean in the distance. Up on the hills, there are killer views for the sunset! We were fortunate to meet and be blessed by U Myint Oo, the then 94-year-old monk who spearheaded the building of the Buddha back in the 1990s. We also met a large group of pilgrims who were making their annual visit to work on the construction and maintenance of the Buddha. They invited us to join them for dinner in the temple where they were all sleeping for the night.

That’s what we love about this country; wherever you go there are incredible sights and kind strangers waiting to become friends. Plus, there are so many Myanmar interesting places that it’s hard not to love Burma.

Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery

A popular day trip when in Bangkok , Thailand is a visit to the Bridge On The River Kwai and Kanchanaburi. It’s one of the famous places in Myanmar that are located close to the Thai border.

This is where the Thailand- Burma railway line that was constructed by Allied prisoners of war during WWII begins. What is considerably less visited is the other end, 415km away in Thanbyuzayat, Myanmar. Around 12,000 Australian, British, Dutch and American POW died during the construction of this railway. Many of them were never repatriated so cemeteries in Thailand and Myanmar were created as a final resting place. Having been to Kanchanaburi and visiting the cemetery there I felt it was my duty as an Australian to pay a visit to the Thanbyuzayat cemetery when I was in Myanmar.

Located approximately 90 minutes south of Mawlamyine the drive takes you through small Burmese villages. As is the case with all Commonwealth cemeteries around the world the Thanbyuzayat cemetery is immaculately kept and well maintained. It looks completely out of place along a dusty road with livestock and street vendors surrounding it. Grave plaques provide names of soldiers, their ages, where they’re from and perhaps a short quote from a loved one. There are rows upon rows and it’s quite overwhelming to know that most of these men didn’t make the age of 30. Thanbyuzayat is a really moving place, and when reading the guest book of visitors who have come and found the graves of their relatives it’s enough to bring tears to your eyes.

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Which of these places would you like to visit the most? Do you know any other Myanmar beautiful places? Remember, sharing is caring. Share your thoughts in comments!

32 Responses

Awesome post! So pleased to be a part of it. And what an incredible country eh? :)

Right! Myanmar is awesome :)

Such an amazing country and I was in heaven when I stumbled across Red Mountain Estate! :) Thanks for including me.

We love Myanmar too. Thanks for your contribution! :)

Ahhh I just want to go back. One of my absolute favourite countries for sure!

It’s one of our favorite countries too!

We’d love to revisit as there is so much more to see in this beautiful country (Kya Hnyat, for example)!

Yes, there are still so many undiscovered places in Burma :)

Me and Cez visited Myanmar this year and we absolutely loved the country. Locals are simply amazing and wish I could return there!! Bagan was definitely my favourite one!

Too bad we didn’t make it to Bagan. We will definitely go there next time we’ll be visiting Myanmar :)

This is really awesome. How I wish I traveled more days in Myanmar to see all of these. Just really stunning. Thanks for sharing too :)

That’s exactly what we were thinking when we were putting together this collab!

Hey, there, I was searching information about best tourist places in Myanmar. Thanks dear for all amazing information. I have made a bucket list 1. Yangon 2. Bagan 3. Mandalay

Love your bucket list!

Wow, who could’ve imagined Myanmar is a paradise. I thought Myanmar is not a safe because I read a lot of negative things about the country. But now, your blog inspired me and put it on my backpacking bucket list. Awesome! Happy Travels Karolina.

Kind Regards, Daisy from Mosafer Qatar

Thanks Daisy! Myanmar is an awesome tourist destination :)

Honestly, deep inside I am envious Karol because you were able to explore Myanmar. My friend and I together with his girlfriend are planning to backpack first whole Europe then, Asia. Now, he is in Thailand with his GF. He falls in love with Thailand. ^_^ By the way, how many days did you spend on exploring these 15 beautiful places and how much? Take care and have a great day.

Thailand is so beautiful, no wonder he felt in love with this country :). We’ve been in Myanmar for less than a week- most submissions in the post are written by our friends and fellow travel bloggers.

Thanks a bunch Karol for the info. Take care. :)

Interesting blog article! You know There are so many bloggers who don’t put any personality into their posts.

You should add Beaches, like Ngapali beach in Rakhine State, Ngwe Saung beach in Ayetarwaddy region of Myanmar.

Myanmar is one of the best famous travel places. There have many interesting and beautiful places in there. I am shok on some reason on this country culture. The throat ring is unique. This people throat is so long. The white architecture is really good.

I would like to use two of your images in our website which will be established in Jan 2019. Could you please let me know your approval if possible?

Please email me on [email protected] to discuss details.

Very good thank you

Myanmar is the most beautiful and the only unspoiled country in South East Asia. I was impressed by all the places you could visit in this country. Enjoyed reading this blog. Very informative. Thanks for posting such an amazing article.

I think it is a great post which has drawn my attention to a new country in world. I knew my kid loves new places but I was not sure about the myanmar and the surprises this country has. This post has given me new ideas and I will arrange a few expensive trips to this beautiful country.

Hii I just reached to your blog while reading some travel tips, I like your blog very much and i would and after reading your blog I am little bit excited to see those places.

Since now, Myanmar is my destination :d

very nice article i want to visit Malaysia

Very good thank you.

What a beautiful place. I loved every word of this blog. Thanks for sharing information about this Amazing place.

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We are Karolina, Patryk, and Mia, the lazy traveling family. After spending 5 years as digital nomads, and living in many countries in the world, we decided to make Poland our base.

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• 21 Incredible Experiences You Can...

21 Incredible Experiences You Can Only Have in Myanmar

Myanmar is known for pickling its tea and fermenting its porridge, for constructing the longest of bridges and largest of Buddha statues. It’s a destination full of distinct traditions, incomparable cultural diversity and perhaps the world’s emptiest capital city. Here are some of the most unforgettable adventures you can have while traveling in Myanmar .

Wash down some fried field mouse with boozy coconut water..

Toddy is a fermented drink made from the sugary sap of palm trees. “Toddy huts” serving this extremely sweet, potent beverage are more commonly found in rural areas of Myanmar. Toddy is often drunk from the shell of a coconut and alongside unusual eats such as fried field mouse. There are several toddy huts on the outskirts of Yangon , or try finding a few joints to pop in for a swig while biking around Bagan.

Fill up on fermented porridge at Myitkyina’s night market.

Discover the details of bagan from within its ancient temples..

Step inside Bagan’s astonishing temples to discover new details and views of one of Myanmar’s most traversed sites. Many have narrow passages to navigate, steep hidden stairwells to climb up and windowsills to peek through. Not all of the temples in Bagan are open to the public; those that are often come with a groundskeeper who may or may not show all a pagoda has to offer.

Watch lotus plants become beautiful garments at Inle Lake.

Inle Lake in Shan State is one of the only places left in the world where travelers can experience the art of making gorgeous attire from the spun thread of cut lotus stems. This ancient practice has become a major tourist attraction for the area. There are several shops to observe lotus weavers in action, such as Khit Sunn Yin Lotus, Silk and Cotton Hand Weaving Center , while boating from village to stilted village.

Ride over one of the world’s oldest, slowest railway bridges.

Opened for transit at the turn of the nineteenth century, the Goteik Viaduct between Pyin Oo Lwin and Lashio in western Shan State, is a ride to remember. Trains slowly inch along the trestle that bridges a deep gorge for approximately half a mile. Catch the train from Mandalay to Lashio for under US$5 to experience this extraordinary engineering masterpiece.

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Meet generations of wooden loom weavers near Kalay.

Traditional weaving is more than a job in villages near the city of Kalay in Myanmar’s Sagaing Region. It’s a livelihood passed on from generation to generation. Fly to Kalay from Yangon or Mandalay for a refreshing stay in one of Myanmar’s fastest developing cities and hitch a ride to more rural communities surrounding the city to see these wooden looms in action. The entire area was devastated by major flooding in 2015, and much of that destruction is still very visible today.

Crunch on the inside of banana stems for breakfast.

The inside of the flower stalk of a banana plant is a healthful and popular component of cuisine in tropical regions around the world. In Myanmar, it adds a slight crisp to mohinga — one of the country’s most popular breakfast dishes. And not only are banana stems tasty, they’re spectacularly designed as well. The real breakfast of champions!

Hang out inside abandoned trains just outside of Yangon.

Looking for an adventurous trek down memory tracks? There’s a train yard with plenty of abandoned cars to explore near the Insein stop along Yangon’s circular rail route. It’s perfect for travelers hoping to hop off the beaten rail for a bit. Several buildings at the site house train cars and engines under repair. Ask a railroad worker for permission to safely snoop about.

Insein Railway Station, Yangon, Myanmar

Count the number of boards while crossing the world’s longest teak bridge.

Stumble upon fossils that are nearly 100 million years old.

Imagine shopping for gems at a local market and stumbling upon a 99 million-year-old fossil within a piece of polished amber. This actually happened in Mytkinya, Myanmar. Although amber unearthed in various parts of the world has been found with entombed treasures, Myanmar’s amber mines and markets have recently made international headlines for being a potential trove of clues from prehistoric times.

Learn how pottery is traditionally made in Myanmar.

Drink from community clay pots around myanmar..

Ready to see those handmade clay pots in action? It might come as a hygienic shock, but many people share the same cup and clay pot filled with water to drink from in public places around Myanmar. This tradition flows from Myanmar’s communal past. And while it may not be the cleanest source of water available, it does serve as quite the sight to sip in at least.

Create fun facial designs with paste made from tree bark.

Pro beauty tip from Myanmar: Don’t leave home without wearing thanaka . The thick, yellowish paste is mostly worn by women and children as a natural sunblock. It’s also known to have healing properties. Nowadays, this over 2,000-year-old Burmese art form is caked on faces in fancy swirls and silly patterns. Be on the lookout for thanaka to show up in the global skincare scene soon.

Mail a postcard from a functioning colonial post office in Yangon.

The main, central post office in Yangon was constructed during Myanmar’s colonial era. The ornate building has gone through some restructuring and neglect over the years but still maintains much of its original, magnificent facade. Plan to drop off some postcards while on a walking tour of downtown Yangon.

Yangon Central Post Office, 39-41 Bo Aung Kyaw Road, Myanmar , +95 1 380 342

Go round and round on a human-powered Ferris Wheel.

In fewer and fewer areas of the world where electricity is too unreliable or scarce, human-powered Ferris wheels can still be found. These pop up during major events in Myanmar such as the Tazaungdaing Festival . Burmese men use their weight and strength to provide riders with a roundabout thrill. Manual Ferris wheels may be a more environmentally friendly mode of excitement, but they’re definitely not the safest job or for fainthearted fair goers.

Go nuts for betel nut too.

Betel nut mixed with traces of flavored tobacco could almost be considered a local delicacy in Myanmar. It’s the chew of choice for many, and just one stimulating bite might get tasters hooked. To keep up with nationwide demand, makeshift shops with workers sorting through what’s also referred to as areca nut are often nestled between residences in neighborhoods. Stop by, squat a while and ask to try some.

Dive into a nationwide water fight.

Myanmar isn’t the only country to splash in the Buddhist New Year with consecutive days of drenching and getting drenched by all those encountered along the way. However, celebrating the Thingyan Water Festival , or Burmese New Year, comes alongside waves of traditions unique to Myanmar. Huge water stages and sticky rice balls filled with a lump of jaggery or a spicy pepper are a few. The wetness happens in April of every year; staying dry isn’t really an option.

Drink your tea and eat it too.

Tea plays a very important role in Burmese society and cuisine . Tea is served at all times of the day, in restaurants, in homes — and not only to drink. Pickled tea leaves ( lahpet ) are usually eaten in the form of a salad, and to travel to Myanmar and not dine on lahpet thoke (tea leaf salad) would be like going anywhere in Asia and not consuming rice. It’s a staple.

Visit Myanmar's seemingly deserted capital city of Nay Pyi Taw.

Go inside a massive reclining buddha in mon state..

Approximately 15 miles south of Mawlamyine in Mon State, Myanmar, rests one of world’s largest reclining statues of Buddha (if not the largest). Win Sein Taw Ya lounges almost 600 feet across forested hills surrounded by a complex of pagodas and shrines including hundreds of statues of monks leading up to its entrance. Venture inside to experience its somewhat bizarre dioramas of Buddhist teachings.

Observe intimate aspects of Myanmar Buddhist culture everywhere.

Buddhism is by far the most practiced religion in Myanmar, and nearly all aspects of Burmese culture have been shaped by Buddhist beliefs. It isn’t unusual to witness a long line of monks or nuns going from door to door asking for donations or to be invited to a traditional head shaving ceremony when a citizen enters the monastic way of life. It’s customary for all Myanmar Buddhists to be a temporary monk or a nun at least once in their lifetime.

About the author

Life lover. World traveler. Teacher. Learner. Biker. Blogger. Capturing stories of people and the nuances of culture through various forms of media is my passion. Opportunities have landed me throughout Australia, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, Guyana, Mexico, Myanmar, Southeast Asia, South Korea and the United States. Check out chasechisholm.com to see my professional portfolio, or follow my personal blog joinchase.org and Instagram feed @joinchase to stay connected!

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Temples Of Bagan, Myanmar

The numerous temples spread across the ancient city of Bagan in the Mandalay Region of Myanmar are impressive and fascinating testament to the Burmese’s religious devotion over the years. The plain of Bagan is one of Asia’s richest archaeological sites designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site to preserve Myanmar’s religious edifies and architecture. The ancient city was once home to over 13,000 temples constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries. However, some temples have been vandalized and destroyed, with only about 2,300 temples spread over 104 square kilometers remaining in the Bagan Archaeological Zone. This area also comprises four settlements and is open to the public at a fee, with some entry tickets valid for up to three days.

Brief History

Damage and restoration efforts, notable temples and stupas.

The over 2,000 relatively intact temples and pagodas are located in the plains of the ancient city of Bagan. Bagan is in Mandalay Region (near the border with Magway Region), located in central plain Myanmar. The city is situated on the Irrawaddy River’s eastern bank, about 180 southwest of the Mandalay Region.

According to the royal chronicles of Myanmar, Bagan was founded around the 2nd century AD and fortified by King Pyinbya around 849 AD. However, some scholars believe that the Bamar founded the ancient city in the 9th century. Nonetheless, Bagan was Pagan Empire’s capital, cultural, and economic nerve center from the 9th to the 13th century. The Pagan Kingdom was the first to unify the region that constitutes the present-day country of Myanmar. The kingdom also established the Burmese ethnicity and culture, including Theravada Buddhism. As a result, the city grew in stature and influence over the period.

During the over 250 years of the Pagan Kingdom's reign, the Bagan rulers and locals constructed over 13,000 religious monuments. The religious monuments included over 10,000 temples and 3,000 monasteries and stupas in an area of about 104 square kilometers. At its peak, Bagan was a cosmopolitan center for secular and religious studies, with most students specializing in a variety of languages, medicine, astrology, and legal studies.

The Bagan rulers and their subjects practiced Buddhism, particularly Theravada Buddhism, although other traditions, such as Tantric and Mahayana Buddhism, were also practiced. In the last quarter of the 13th century, the Mongols invaded Burma several times, leading to the collapse of the Pagan Empire in 1287. Bagan, which hosted up to 200,000 people, was reduced to a small settlement, never to rise to its former glory. It ceased to be Burma’s capital in December 1297, when a new kingdom, Myinsaing Kingdom, was established over the central plains. However, the city did not suffer much damage and continued to host Buddhist pilgrims.

Over the years, the temples, pagodas, and monasteries have either been vandalized or destroyed by natural calamities, especially earthquakes. Located on the earthquake zone, Bagan suffered over 400 earthquakes in the 20th century, with a major earthquake occurring on July 8, 1975, which damaged several temples, of which some are irreparable. Today, roughly 2,300 temples and pagodas remain over the 104 square kilometers in the old city of Bagan. 

In the 1990s, most temples and pagodas underwent restoration, but the restoration efforts were met with resistance and condemnation from preservationists and art historians. The critics argued the restorations did not consider the original architecture nor used the ancient material. Thus, the city’s designation by UNESCO World Heritage Site was delayed until 2019, 24 years after its first nomination by the military government. In August 2016, another major earthquake destroyed about 400 temples, including Myauk Guni and Sulamani. The government, with the help of the UNESCO experts, has started reconstructing some of these temples.    

Dhammayangyi Temple

Dhammayangyi Temple is the largest of all the Bagan temples, constructed during King Narathu’s reign (1167-1170). Narathu, who ascended to the throne after killing his father and brother, built this temple probably out of guilt and atone for his sin. 

Ananda Temple

The Ananda Temple was built in 1091 AD during the reign of King Kyanzittha and modeled after the Himalayas’ Nandamula cave. The temple is 51 meters tall with an hti atop a small pagoda. Inside the temple are four standing Buddhas; Kakusandha facing north, Kassapa (south), Konagamana (east), and Guatama (west).

Gawdawpalin Temple

Gawdawpalin Temple was constructed in the early 12th century during the reign of Narapati Sithu and Htilominlo. It is Bagan’s second tallest temple, after Thatbyinnyu Temple, with the two temples having similar layouts. Although heavily damaged in 1975, the temple has been reconstructed.

Thatbyinnyu Temple

Thatbyinnyu Temple, constructed during Narapati Sithu’s reign, is the tallest of the Bagan temples, with a pinnacle height of 66 meters. This five-story temple reflects Bagan’s innovative architecture and artistic style and expressed the spirit of nationhood of the Burmese people. The temple was extensively destroyed by the 1975 and 2016 earthquakes and is currently undergoing reconstruction.

Shwesandaw Pagoda

Shwesandaw, built during the reign of King Anawrahta in the 11th century, is Bagan’s tallest pagoda with a height of 100 meters. It comprises five terraces and contains the sacred hairs of a Buddha called Gautama.

Shwezigon Pagoda

Shwezigon Pagoda, also built during King Anawrahta’s reign and completed by King Kyansittha, was one of the most important shrines in Bagan. This pagoda is believed to contain a tooth and bone of Gautama and four standing statues of Buddha. Shwezigon has been damaged and renovated several times over the centuries, with the current structure covered by copper plates.

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