Top 6 Destinations in Myanmar You Must See

If you’re planning a visit to Myanmar, there are many incredible tourist attractions. Besides the beautiful pagodas and ancient monasteries of Bagan, there are also a number of scenic destinations.

A trip to Bagan is a must, as this UNESCO World Heritage city offers an overwhelming experience of ancient temples. Watching sunrise and sunset over the countless gilded spires is an absolute treat.

1. Bagan

Bagan is a spectacular archaeological and spiritual site where thousands of temples, monasteries and pagodas were built in the 11th and 13th centuries. Many are still standing, and visiting them is one of the top things to do in Myanmar. It is recommended to plan at least three days in this area to fully experience the highlights.

Among the best sights in Bagan is Shwezigon Pagoda, which enshrines a bone and tooth of Buddha, and Ananda Temple, an architectural masterpiece that is considered to be the Westminster Abbey of Burma. To get an authentic feel, it is best to visit the temples in the morning or evening to avoid the heat of the day and the crowds.

The surrounding countryside is great for exploring on foot or bike. Take a ride on the famous U Bein Bridge, which spans across Taungthaman Lake, or explore local markets where you can find anything from high-quality lacquer products to traditional snacks and teas. Alternatively, head to Mrauk U to see villages and rice paddies with the ancient pagodas scattered throughout the landscape.

Another popular destination is Mount Kyaiktiyo, where an enormous golden rock teeters precariously on the edge of a cliff and is said to be held up by the hairs of Buddha. The gilded rock is the focal point of the stunning Mount Kyaiktiyo complex, which also includes a gushing river and a number of other shrines and pagodas.

2. Mount Kyaiktiyo

Rumored to be balancing on a strand of Buddha’s hair, the shimmering Golden Rock (Kyaiktiyo Pagoda) is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Myanmar. It’s an unforgettable experience to visit the gravity-defying site. The hike up to the top requires 777 steps and, in Myanmar tradition, you have to leave your shoes at the bottom and climb barefoot.

The rocky, volcanic site is surrounded by a series of caves, where you can explore shrines dedicated to each day of the astrological week. There are also a number of temples built into the rocks themselves.

Bago is another must-see destination for its impressive ruins and abundant ancient pagodas. The city is less touristy than other parts of the country and offers a true glimpse into everyday Burmese life. Check out Inside Burma’s blog post on A Day on Bago for more information.

Inle Lake is a beautiful freshwater lake that’s home to floating villages supported by stilts and the famous Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival. It’s also a great place to see the Intha people and their unique style of boating.

Pyin U Lwin is a scenic hill town that was the summer retreat for British royalty. It has a cozy and chill vibe and you can explore its many temples, monasteries, and palaces as well as spend time in the gardens. It’s also a good place to get a feel for the local hill culture and traditional farming practices.

3. Pyin Oo Lwin

As its name suggests, Pyin Oo Lwin (Pyithu Hluttaw) is renowned for its botanical gardens and old country houses. The town also boasts a variety of strawberry, coffee bean, plum, and damson orchards. You can even buy fresh vegetables and flowers in the streets. The town is also a popular destination for movie and TV shoots. You’ll see many horse-drawn wagons and beautiful colonial mansions. You can also visit the National Landmarks Garden, a park that features models of some of Myanmar’s most famous landmarks.

A UNESCO-listed city, Bagan is a must-see for any traveler to Myanmar. It was once the capital of a powerful kingdom with over 10,000 temples and pagodas. Sadly, natural disasters have destroyed most of these temples but what remains is still a sight to behold.

Another top travel destination is the beautiful Inle Lake where you can take a boat ride around a floating market or visit a monastery. You can even watch the local Intha people who paddle their boats with one leg.

A must-see in Mandalay is the U Bein Bridge which spans over Taungthaman Lake. It is the world’s longest and oldest teak bridge and is the perfect place to watch a sunset or sunrise. You can also explore the Amarapura, the former capital of the Burmese kingdom and home to a lot of monasteries and temples. It is also known as the “City of Immortality.” You can also visit the Mahamuni Temple, a gilded Buddha image that’s considered to be the most sacred in all of Myanmar.

4. Mrauk U

Located in the Rakhine State, Mrauk U was once the capital of a mighty Arakan kingdom that was visited by Portugese and Dutch traders – its grand temple architecture is testament to its former glories. But after the First Anglo-Burmese War, trade declined and it was abandoned to crumble. This isolation is what makes it so fascinating today; fewer than 5,000 visitors make their way here each year, so you’ll have the temples to yourself.

While some of the temples are in disrepair, many are still a feast for the eyes. The Kothaung Temple is a prime example. In a display of filial one-upmanship, Man Pa’s son commissioned this immense temple to house 90,000 Buddha statues – a record that even the mighty Bagan couldn’t surpass.

Despite the temples, there’s more to Mrauk U than its pagodas. There are plenty of other things to do in Mrauk U including visiting the town’s many markets, getting up close and personal with the tattooed women of a local tribe or exploring the natural limestone Kaw Goon Caves filled with ancient clay Buddha statues. Another interesting attraction is the town’s enigmatic clock tower. With a large bell and four chimes, this clock is the only working one in all of Rakhine State. You can hear it chiming from far away. It’s a must-see for any visitor to Mrauk U.

5. Mandalay

The regal city of Mandalay was the last royal capital of Myanmar and is a must-visit for anyone visiting this exotic nation. It is a place where you can see endless golden pagodas and ancient temples. There are also some great museums, art galleries, and markets to explore.

During your trip, visit Shwedagon Pagoda, a towering golden steeple that is one of the country’s top attractions. This massive structure is covered in around 60 tons of gold leaf and is a must-see for any visitor. If you are able, try to go here at sunset to experience the awe-inspiring view.

Another must-visit is the Mahagandayon Monastery where you can observe local Buddhist monks. It is best to go here in the afternoon after the tour buses have left so you won’t be a part of a “human zoo”.

Other than that, you can visit Mandalay Palace which was built by King Mindon on the basis of a dream. The complex is massive with the entire palace surrounded by a moat that stretches 2 kilometres on each side.

You can also visit the Shwenandaw Monastery which displays a typical display of Burmese traditional architecture. The monastery was originally the palace apartment of King Mindon Min before he died inside it and it was dismantled and rebuilt 5 years later as a monastery. A visit to this unique monastery is a must for any history buff.

6. Yangon

Myanmar is a fascinating country that has been overshadowed by more high-profile Asian destinations. But its capital, Yangon, offers fabulous treasures like golden pagodas and a bustling, low-rise fabric that is all its own. A stroll along its streets reveals a rich cultural heritage, with traditional shop houses and moldering jazz-age mansions stitched together by tree-lined avenues crowded with buses and cars.

Among the city’s most memorable sights is Shwedagon Pagoda, a giant gilded stupa that towers 99 metres above the capital. Its exterior is covered with around 60 tonnes of gold and a visit to this iconic landmark is one of the top things to do in Myanmar.

You can see this gleaming symbol of the city at night, when its lights turn it into a dazzling beacon. Other must-sees include the Karaweik Palace on Kandawgyi Lake, a large gold barge that doubles as a function centre and restaurant and the mystical natural limestone Kaw Goon Caves near Hpa An, with ancient clay Buddha statues dotting its walls.

A walk through the Bogyoke Aung San Market (still called Scott Market by locals) is a great way to get your hands on some authentic handicrafts, from jade jewelry and rubies to teak and rosewood pencil boxes and silk cushion covers. And don’t miss a stop at 19th street in Chinatown, where locals gather to sip a beer or two while chatting in the shade of a sidewalk umbrella.