Published on April 24, 2023

The Top 10 Famous Places In Myanmar

This article will take you through the top 15 things to do in Manila so that you don’t miss out on the essential places when you plan your trip itinerary.

Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Myanmar

Myanmar, also called Burma or Burma, is a must-visit place in Southeast Asia for people who like Buddha and beaches, though not necessarily in that order. Buddhist temples can be found all over the country. Take this opportunity to travel off the beaten path, as tourism is still at its lowest in this country.

1. Shwemawdaw Paya

Shwemawdaw Paya is surrounded by sparkling gold, giving it the nickname “Big Golden God” because it can be seen for miles in all directions. The diamond-encrusted top also contributes to some of the glitter. The daily hours of operation are from 7 a.m. to p.m. It is the tallest pagoda in Myanmar, standing about 114 meters (375 feet) tall, and is one of the country’s tourist attractions. It is important to Buddhism since it houses various Buddha relics.

2. Irrawaddy River Cruise

The longest river in Myanmar, the Ayeyarwady (also referred to as the Irrawaddy), originates in the Himalayas and divides the nation in half before flowing into the Andaman Sea. Large ships and boats can navigate it at lower altitudes, and it is quickly growing in popularity as a river cruise destination. Mandalay and Bagan, which both have numerous temples, pagodas, and Buddha statues, are connected by ships. Cruisers will pass through jungles and deep canyons as they travel between the two ports.

3. Shwenandaw Monastery

Shwenandaw Monastery, a renowned Buddhist monastery, is located in Mandalay. This significant building is situated in central Burma and is referred to as the “Golden Palace” at times. Originally a part of the Mandalay Palace complex, the king’s royal apartment was moved after his death by the king’s son who believed the king’s ghost haunted it. Later, it turned into a monastery. It is accessible every day from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. The majority of the gold that once covered the structure is now inside. The outside is decorated with intricate teak carvings that tell Buddhist tales.

4. Ngapali

In this nation in Southeast Asia, Ngapali merges two worlds. The azure waters of the Bay of Bengal surround high-end hotels and white-sand beaches, making it Myanmar’s best place to go on vacation. It’s an excellent location for relaxation. On the other hand, the neighborhood has a fishing village feel, with local restaurants serving the day’s catch and ox-drawn carriages that act as taxis. Locals claim that the name of the town is derived from Naples, Italy. The majority of tourists arrive in Ngapali between November and March; the rest of the year, it is a sleepy beach town. Visitors can check in and use the beach whenever they want.

5. Mrauk U

Mrauk U is a fascinating town with an archaeological past. The massive walls initially gave it the appearance of a fortress, but they were actually constructed to ward off strong winds, not to repel attackers. There are many stone temples in the area. The medieval community was once an important trading center and the capital of the Arakan people. Boat travel up a Kaladan River tributary takes between four and seven hours to reach this remote location. Visitors may want to bring rain gear because the region gets about 1.2 meters (4 feet) of rain per year

6. Inle Lake

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Myanmar is the vast and tranquil Inle Lake. Along with the lake’s outstanding natural beauty, the Intha stilt huts, constructed by the offspring of the Mon people from the far southeast, are what draw tourists there. The lake’s northernmost areas are only accessible on a typical day trip, which is taken in a big, noisy boat with an outboard motor. These excursions also include visits to a market, a number of pagodas, and a few obscure stilt-town workshops. Visitors to Intha Lake frequently see locals tending fruits and vegetables in floating gardens and fishermen rowing boats. Although the lake is open all the time, it’s best to visit in the mornings and afternoons with a tour guide.

7. Taung Kalat

The Buddhist monastery of Taung Kalat, which was built atop an extinct volcano crater, is one of Burma’s most breathtaking sights. Visitors must climb the 777 stairs to the summit in order to reach the monastery. Along the path, there are numerous macaque monkeys searching for food. The summit of Taung Kalat offers a broad vista. The ancient city of Bagan and Mount Popa, the volcano that erupted and produced the volcanic crater, can both be seen.

8. Shwedagon Pagoda

The Shwedagon, also known as the Grand Dragon Pagoda, is Myanmar’s most revered Buddhist shrine due to the presence of a strand of Buddha’s hair and other priceless artifacts. The 2,500-year-old Pagoda is located atop Singuttara Hill in Yangon, the country’s largest city. The pagoda is believed to have been constructed by the Mon between the sixth and tenth centuries AD, during the Bagan era. 4,531 diamonds make up the stupa, which is covered in gold leaf. It is required that visitors to the pagoda wear jeans and modest tops and remove their shoes before entering the temple. Starting at 4 AM until 10 PM, the Pagoda is open for free public viewing.

9. Golden Rock

One of Myanmar’s top tourist destinations is The Golden Rock, also known as Kyaiktiyo Zedi in the local language. A pagoda perched atop a large boulder that appears to be about to fall off a cliff is an amazing sight. Both are covered in gold leaf decorations. Locals believe a Buddhist miracle is what keeps the boulder from falling; the pagoda is said to contain a strand of Buddha’s hair. The boulder is 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) above sea level. Coming here is a pilgrimage for Buddhists from Myanmar. Golden Rock is far away and requires a five-hour journey from Yangon. A staircase leads to the pagoda complex, which has a lot of viewing platforms and Buddha temples.

10. Bagan

Bagan has more Buddhist temples, pagodas, and stupas than any other place, so tourists interested in these structures will have a field day there. The First Burmese Empire had Bagan as its capital from the ninth to the thirteenth centuries, making it the most visited tourist destination in Myanmar. Around 13,000 Buddhist temples were located at the site that Marco Polo once referred to as the “gilded metropolis” at its height in the 11th century. Many temples, stupas, and pagodas still exist, including the well-known Ananda temple with its golden spires.

Common questions tourist attractions in Myanmar

What are the must-visit places in Myanmar?

Popular destinations include Yangon (with the stunning Shwedagon Pagoda), the ancient city of Bagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake, and the Golden Rock (Kyaiktiyo Pagoda).

Is Myanmar a suitable destination for solo travelers?

Many solo travelers have had positive experiences in Myanmar. As with any destination, it’s essential to stay aware of your surroundings and follow safety precautions.

Can I use credit cards at Myanmars tourist attractions?

Most places take only cash, so be prepared to pay with local the currency or dollars.

Start Planning Your Myanmar Trip Now!

Book Your Flight:

Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flights. A travellers favorite way to book flights, as it searches websites and airlines around the world with one click.

Book Your Bus or Transportation Within Myanmar:

There are two ways to book your transporation, ask your hotel or hostel, go to the local bus terminal, or book online, for a less stressful trip using Easybook or 12go.asia

Book Your Accomodation:

Find the best hotels or hostels at HostelWorld, Booking.com, Agoda.com. Perks include with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out and Free cancellations.

Dont Forget Your Travel Insurance:

Two popular choices are SafetyWing and WorldsNomads. A traveler should buy traveler’s insurance to protect themselves against unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost or stolen baggage. It provides peace of mind and financial protection in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Useful Apps?

Grab – Local Transportation

Food Panda – Food Delivery

Want More Information On Myanmar?

Be sure to check out my nomad travel guide on the Myanmar for even more tips

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