Myanmar Sightseeing

Buddhist pagodas and the ruins of lost kingdoms top the list of hot attractions in Myanmar. However, this quiet and unassuming nation offers other unique highlights such as the one-legged rowers of Inle Lake and the unbelievable balancing boulder known as the Golden Rock. Towns such as Bagan, Mandalay and Moulmein are attractions in their own right. For a dose of classic colonial charm, look no farther than the capital, Yangon.

Bagan
This historical marvel is both a town and one of the most surreal images on the planet. Bagan, also known as ‘Pagoda City’, is a religious and cultural centre boasting 13,000 pagodas spread across a plain. Today only around 3,000 remain, but the sight of hundreds of spires poking through the haze from an elevated viewing point is simply amazing. Head to the hilltop Thatbyinnyu Temple at sunrise or sunset for one of the best views in town.

Inle Lake
One of Myanmar’s major highlights is this huge lake with its fascinating and unique culture. This is the home of the one-legged boat rowers, who power their crafts between floating villages and markets. Visitors will be wowed by the traditional agricultural gardens which float entirely on the lake’s surface. A stop at the famous Phaung-Daw-Oo Pagoda, which appears to float on the lake, is another must. Ingle Lake is located on the Shan Plateau in northern Myanmar.

Kyaiktiyo (Golden Rock)
One of the world’s most amazing sights is the physics-defying rock called Kyaiktiyo. Completely covered in gold leaf and balancing delicately on a cliff’s edge, this is one place you won’t want to miss. The Golden Rock is also one of Myanmar’s most sacred Buddhist sites, so there’s always a great scene up on the cliff. The rock is located on the top of Mount Kyaikto.

Maha Muni Pagoda
Buddhist splendor at its most opulent is epitomised at this important Mandalay temple with its stunning statue of the Buddha. So much gold foil has been gilded on the Buddha over the centuries that it weighs a ton and resonates a golden aura. Topping things off is a golden crown studded with diamonds, jade, emeralds, sapphires and rubies that is one of the wonders of the jewelled world.

Mandalay
The cultural capital of Myanmar is the ancient Burman city of Mandalay. The country’s second-largest city is a great place to shop for handicrafts, relax along the Irrawaddy River and make forays to neighbouring historic sites. There are four deserted cities just outside Mandalay: Amarapura, Ava, Mingun and Sagaing. All of them are well worth some quiet exploration, but Mingun stands out as the most appealing. Don’t miss a walk up timeless Mandalay Hill or a visit to Mahamuni Paya.

Shwedagon Pagoda
If there’s one Buddhist temple you should not miss, it’s this marvel of religious devotion located on a hilltop in the heart of Yangon. This pagoda is one of the most important and beautiful in all of Asia, and both the temple itself and the views from its lofty site are well worth the visit. Built nearly 2,500 years ago, Shwedagon is guaranteed to blow you away.

Yangon
Sitting among the fertile delta of the Irrawaddy River, Myanmar’s capital city is a wonderfully shady and pleasant city to explore. There is little of the chaos and congestion found in other Asian capitals, and with plenty of crumbling colonial architecture still in place there’s an undeniable charm to the city. A number of extremely important Buddhist sites are here as well, particularly the mind-boggling golden Shwedagon Pagoda.

Climb to the top of Mandalay Hill for magnificent views over the city. Mandalay Hill sits right in the midst of the city, and offers the only panoramic views around. Steep stairways provide access to the summit, an enjoyable and easy climb. Although it’s a popular excursion for locals and tourists alike, it’s well worth dealing with the crowds for the great views and photo opportunities.

Cool off from the tropical heat in the refreshing climate of a hill station. Harking back to Burma’s colonial days of British occupation, the various hill stations of Myanmar make great places to hide out and cool off. From Kalaw’s pine forests to the waterfalls of Maymyo, there are several destinations visitors can choose from, most of which have accommodation and lovely scenery.

Discover the once lost city of Pegu, a fantastic destination for those with a passion for ruins and adventure. This charming ancient city was founded in 1573 and is known throughout the region for its golden Shwemawdaw Pagoda and bustling market. To the north of the town lies the Shwethalyaung Buddha, one of the most life-like and hypnotic reclining Buddha images anywhere in the world. For years, the site was lost among the overgrown jungle until the British built a railway line in the area and rediscovered it in the 1700s. If you like old places with an air of antiquity, Pegu delivers the goods.

Experience the wild side of life in Kakaborazi National Park. This is a park of superlatives, being the biggest, highest and most northern ecotourism destination in Southeast Asia. With peaks towering over 19,000 feet and plenty of regional wildlife running around such as takin, blue sheep and black barking deer, visitors can expect a bounty of natural splendor. The headwaters of the Irrawaddy River are here, as well as lots of indigenous peoples that still live traditional lives.

Find your inner Zen during a Buddhist meditation retreat. Experience deep meditation at one of the country’s centres for the practice and study of Theravada Buddhism. Myanmar’s most famous temple retreat is the Mahasi Meditation Centre in the capital Yangon, but there are several others scattered around the main towns. Visitors will need a special visa, so this particular excursion takes a bit of preparation, but the rewards are incomparable.

Journey to Moulmein and step back in time to Burma’s colonial days. This remarkable little town was once a major port for exporting teak wood. In an age-old routine, elephants still haul massive logs from the river bank, which is backed by dozens of classic pagodas and beautiful countryside. Moulmein is a quintessential colonial gem in a perfect state of decay. You won’t find anything else quite like it in Southeast Asia.

Tramp through the only snowcapped mountains in Southeast Asia. Rising over 11,000 feet, Mount Phonganrazi is the most accessible and developed mountain trekking area of all of Myanmar’s higher ranges. For nearly eight months each year, ice and snow cover its peak, offering a dramatic backdrop to the surrounding tropics. Visitors can check out the many Lisu and Rawan hill tribes which live along the slopes of the mountain and make guided treks to the summit.

Wander the lost cities of Myanmar. Mandalay is the best town to base yourself for explorations of this country’s ancient abandoned cities, with four excellent sites within easy access. Most of these cities were once capitals, such as Sagaing, the capital of the Shan Kingdom. Amarapura was a major centre for silk and cotton weaving, while Ava rose to prominence during the 15^th century. Mingun is one of the most interesting to visit, accessible only by a wonderful river journey, and home to the world’s largest uncracked bell.