Myanmar Attraction Places
The art of Myanmar culture and traditions, calm and peaceful recreational places, variety of shopping delights, sumptuous food and cuisines, all will make your visit of life time… an impressive and memorable one indeed! Myanmar is unique and fascinating for all travelers namely leisure, business, social and ecological tours etc…
Myanmar is 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.
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: Heart of Yangon
- Maha Bandoola Garden: Relax & Unwind Here
- Shwedagon Pagoda: The Most Sacred Pagoda
- Chauk-Htat-Gyi Buddha Temple: Biggest Reclining Buddha
- Taukkyan War Cemetery: Salute To The Brave Soldiers
- Hpa-An: For Mesmerizing Views
- Kyauk Ka Lat Pagoda: Admire The Lush Greenery
- Saddar Cave: Haven For Buddhist Followers
- Bagan: For Breathtaking Views
- SHWEZIGON PAGODA
- ANANDA TEMPLE
- Thatbyinnyu Temple: Pay A Visit With Family
- Htilominlo Temple: Admire The Intricate Work
- Bagan Archaeological Museum: Check Out The Murals
- Mount Popa: Paradise For Hikers
- Mandalay: A Popular Pilgrimage Site
- Mandalay Palace: For The Most Beautiful Views
- Mahamuni Buddha Temple: Take A Dip In The Culture
- Mingun Temple: Explore The Ruins
- Kandawgyi Park: Spend Recreational Time
- Purcell Tower: In The Heart Of Myanmar
- Gokteik Viaduct: Opt For A Train Ride
- Hsipaw: Hiker’s Dream Location
- Kalaw: Ideal For Adventure Fanatics
- Inle Lake: Go For Boating
- Pindaya: Trek & Explore Places
- Kakku Pagodas: Gape At The Symmetry
Yangon
Sule Pagoda: Heart of Yangon
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
Maha Bandoola Garden: Relax & Unwind Here
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
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!
Ideal for: History and culture
Chauk-Htat-Gyi Buddha Temple: Biggest Reclining Buddha
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
Taukkyan War Cemetery: Salute To The Brave Soldiers
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
Mawlamyine
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.
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Ideal for: History and leisure
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
Hpa-An
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
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.
Saddar Cave: Haven For Buddhist Followers
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
Bagan
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
SHWEZIGON PAGODA
One of the most beautiful pagodas in the country. Construction began during the reign of King Anawrahtaen 1059 and was completed in the reign of Kyanzittha in 1090. The bell-shaped stupa, which was the model for the construction of other Burmese stupas, based on three superimposed terraces. Schwezigon is a Buddhist landmarks of Myanmar; it was built to house Buddha’s teeth. This pagoda, covered in gold leaf, is unique compared to other pagodas in Bagan built of brick.
Ideal for: Praying and exploring the intricate designs
ANANDA TEMPLE
One of the most beautiful temples of Bagan with its architecture and large statues of Buddha covered in gold leaf. Built in 1105 by King Kyanzittha, it symbolizes the wisdom of Buddha. The temple has the shape of a Greek cross; the roof is composed of six successive terraces dominated by an Indian type of sanctuary turn. A very slender stupa, covered with gold and an umbrella ( hti ), rises to 55m in height. Several hundred wall niches containing Buddha are carved into the rock.
Ideal for: Praying and exploring the intricate designs
Thatbyinnyu Temple: Pay A Visit With Family
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
Htilominlo Temple: Admire The Intricate Work
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
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.
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
Monywa
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.
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.
Mandalay
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
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.
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
Mingun Temple: Explore The Ruins
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
Pyin Oo Lwin
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.
Purcell Tower: In The Heart Of Myanmar
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
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.
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
Shan State
Kalaw: Ideal For Adventure Fanatics
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
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
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
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.
Ideal for: History and leisure
Mrauk U
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.
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.
Beautiful Beaches in Myanmar
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.
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
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
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.
Naypyidaw
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
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