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Shwemawdaw Paya

The Top 10 Tourist Attractions In Myanmar

This article will take you through the top 10 famous places in Myanmar. See all the top tourist attractions in Burma. Sule Pagoda Shwedagon Pagoda, Kalaw and More.

Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Myanmar

Wondering what to see 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. The best tourist places in myanmar include Buddhist temples that 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

A golden temple in Myanmar

Undoubtedly the most famous place in Myanmar 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.

Location: 8FPW+QMF, Shwemawdaw, Pagoda Street, Bago, Myanmar 

2. Irrawaddy River Cruise

Large cruise ship on a long river in Myanmar

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

An impressive view of 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.

Location:  2427+7G2, Mandalay, Myanmar (Burma)

4. Ngapali

Glamorous view of the white sand beach in Myanmar
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

Two children standing by the massive walls
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

Two fishermen casting their net into the ocean
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

A golden Buddhist monastery perched on a hilltop
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

People watching the fascinating view of Grand Dragon 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. Don’t miss this top myanmar tourist attraction. 

9. Golden Rock

A large golden rock at the summit of the mountain

One of the top tourist destinations and an interesting place in myanmar 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 the pagoda and the boulder are covered in gold leaf decorations. Locals believe a Buddhist miracle keeps the boulder from falling, as the pagoda is said to contain a strand of Buddha’s hair. The boulder is 1,100 meters (3,600 feet) above sea level. Visiting this site is a pilgrimage for many Buddhists. It requires a five-hour journey from Yangon, and a staircase leads to the pagoda complex, which features numerous viewing platforms and temples.

Location:  F3JX+J7C, Ka Dai Dutt, Myanmar (Burma)

10. Bagan

Several temples situated in the middle of the forest

My personal favorite famous place, Bagan, has more Buddhist temples, pagodas, and stupas than any other location, 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 the country. At its height in the 11th century, around 13,000 Buddhist temples were located at the site that Marco Polo once referred to as the “gilded metropolis.” Many of these, including the well-known Ananda Temple with its golden spires, still stand today.

You can easily spend multiple days exploring due to the sheer number of tourist spots. This is the most interesting of places; rent an e-bike and try to find the many thousand temples.

CONCLUSION

Myanmar offers a rich tapestry of experiences that promise to captivate any traveler. Its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty makes it the best place to visit in myanmar and a unique and unforgettable destination. As you explore this remarkable country, you’ll uncover a world of wonder and charm. Let the diverse experiences of Myanmar inspire your journey and create lasting memories. Embrace the adventure and enjoy all that Myanmar has to offer!

Where to Stay in Myanmar

COMMON QUESTION ABOUT TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN MYANMAR

Tourist Places in Myanmar

Sule Pagoda, Mount Popa, Chaukhtatgyi Paya, Shwedagon Pagoda, Inle Floating Gardens, Ngapali Beach, Kakku Pagodas, Kalaw, Macleod Island and many more.

The most popular available tourist destinations in Myanmar include big cities such as Yangon and Mandalay; religious sites in Mon State, Pindaya, Bago and Hpa-An; nature trails in Inle Lake, Kalaw, Kengtung, Putao, Pyin Oo Lwin, also known as Maymyo; ancient cities such as Bagan and Mrauk-U; as well as beaches in …

Shwedagon Pagoda
 
Towering to a height of 326 feet above the city, Shwedagon Pagoda is the famous landmark noticeable from miles around. The pagoda is a majestic site and impossible not to notice when visiting the former capital of Myanmar. It is one of the wonders of the world and the most revered pagoda in Southeast Asia.

First-time visitors usually stick to the ‘big four’ destinations: Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan and Inle Lake.

Myanmar is called the land of temples and pagodas. There are mainly Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas, and ruins. The national sport of Myanmar is chinlone.

Yangon is definitely the best city in Myanmar. It has diverse population, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Jews, you named it. Yangon also has the best education system in the entire country.

On average, a round-trip ticket to Myanmar from major cities around the world can range from $500 to $1500. When it comes to accommodation, budget hotels in Myanmar can be quite affordable. You can find options ranging from $20 to $50 per night. So for 2 nights, you can expect to spend around $40 to $100.

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

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase.

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Justin Gonzalez

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