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Myanmar, a country known for its culture, tradition and history offers a perfect mix of old charms and modern flavours. With hundreds of pagodas in the country, some of you may think that those are the only attractions to see. However, there are plenty of exciting places to visit in Myanmar. This includes ancient temples and architectural marvels that will likely leave you awe-struck. There are also beautiful beaches and natural landscapes that make Myanmar a popular tourist destination.
10 Best Places To Visit In Myanmar
With plenty of cities charming the visitors coming to its land, here are the best places to visit in Myanmar:
1. Bagan
Given the title of the “Land of a Thousand Temples”, Bagan is an ancient city claimed by UNESCO World Heritage. It once served as the capital of the Pangan kingdom, presently the city houses over 2,000 pagodas and stupas. The city has breathtaking sunrise and sunset views to be enjoyed from a hot air balloon, the highlight of the city. You can visit iconic temples like Ananda, Dhammayangyi, and Shwezigon, making for the famous tourist attractions in Myanmar. Visit the Archaeological Museum to understand the city’s deep-rooted connection with Buddhism. Don’t miss trying Burmese cuisine like Burmese curry, fish soup with rice noodles, and tea leaf salad.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Top Attractions: Ananda Temple, Dhammayangyi Temple, Shwezigon Pagoda and Archaeological Museum
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
2. Yangon
Photo: Stefan Fussan / Wikimedia Commons
Earlier known as Rangoon, Yangon is the centrepiece of the cultural and economic hub of Myanmar. This largest city in Myanmar houses the very famous gold-covered stupa Shwedagon Pagoda. It dominates the city’s skyline and is about 2,500 years old, representing the symbol of Buddhism. Another important cultural spot to visit is Sule Pagoda. Alongside, the city has Kandawgyi Lake, also known as the Inya Lake, which makes it into the list of tourist attractions in Myanmar. Another very iconic place to visit is Downtown Yangon, showcasing the colonial architecture still in the thriving stage. You must also visit the bustling markets like Bogyoke Aung San Market for some of the locally crafted artefacts.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Top Attractions: Shwedagon Pagoda, Kandawgyi Lake, Sule Pagoda, Bogyoke Aung San Market, and Downtown Yangon
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
3. Mrauk U
Photo: Arezarni / Wikimedia Commons
Another former capital boasting the architecture of Myanmar at best is Mrauk U. Known as the “Second Bagan,” Mrauk U has historical shrines boasting the rich culture of the country. The main highlight of the city is Shittaung Pagoda, known as the “Temple of 80,000 Buddhas”. The largest temple in the city is Koethaung Temple, known as the “Temple of 90,000 Buddha Images,” with the exceptional artistry. Other spiritual spots to visit are Htokekanthein Temple, famous for its fortress structure, Ratanabon Pagoda and Andhwa Thein Temple. The Kaladan River, and Lemro River passing through the city and misty hills add to Mrauk U’s beauty.
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Top Attractions: Shittaung Pagoda, Koethaung Temple, Htokekanthein Temple and Ratanabon Pagoda
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
4. Mandalay
Photo: Chris H Munro / Wikimedia Commons
Mandalay, the last royal capital of Myanmar, boasts the country’s best-kept culture and history. It houses the historical landmarks, and traditional arts and displays the deep-rooted Buddhist heritage. Start your exploration of the city with a visit to the Mandalay Palace to witness the grandeur left behind by the Konbaung Dynasty. Mandalay Hill is a place to get a panoramic view of the city’s skyline. It is considered sacred by locals and is ideal to catch sunrise and sunset views. The Shwenandaw Monastery is famous for its peculiar teakwood structure followed by Kuthodaw Pagoda. While you enjoy the mix of history and art, you can also explore U Bein Bridge, the world’s longest teak bridge, for breathtaking sunset views.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Top Attractions: Mandalay Palace, U Bein Bridge, Kuthodaw Pagoda, Shwenandaw Monastery and Mandalay Hills
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
5. Pyin Oo Lwin
Photo: Heinz_Htetz / Wikimedia Commons
Pyin Oo Lwin of Myanmar often looks like a dreamy land also called “City of Flowers.” Situated in the Mandalay Region, Pyin Oo Lwin offers a soothing ambience to its visitors almost the entire year. Start your exploration of the town with one very charming British architecture, All Saints Church and inhale the historical beauty it still possesses. Pwe Kauk Waterfall and Anisakan Waterfalls are perfect nature retreats. The former British hill station has the National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens, home to diverse plant species and a lake. The hill station has every possible thing you are looking for a perfect holiday destination.
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Top Attractions: All Saints Church, National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens, Pwe Kauk and Anisakan Waterfalls
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 days
6. Hpa-An
Photo: Christophe95 / Wikimedia Commons
Hpa-An, the capital of Kayin State, is an alluring town known for its spectacular landscape, limestone mountains and caves. Start your exploration with some adventure and trek Mount Zwegabin, a limestone mountain. It offers the most stunning views of the surrounding areas. While you descend, stop by Lumbini Garden, which has hundreds of Buddha statues. Another exploration site includes Saddan cave where the highlight is the huge caverns, a hidden lake, and statues of Buddhas. Other caves that are worth your exploration are Kawgun Cave and Yathaypyan Cave. Take a boat ride along the Thanlwin River, and visit Kyauk Ka Lat Pagoda located at a hilltop. .
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Top Attractions: Saddan Cave, Mount Zwegabin, Kyauk Ka Lat Pagoda, Kawgun Cave, and Yathaypyan Cave
TopIdeal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
7. Bago
Another historic city on the map of Myanmar is Bago. In every corner, the ancient temples showcase the long-running cultural heritage of the country. The Shwemawdaw Pagoda, also known as the “Golden God Temple,” is the highlight of the town. It has the 50-meter-long Buddha Statue, the largest in Myanmar. You can soak in some peace by visiting the Reclining Buddha at Shwethalyaung Pagoda, the largest in Myanmar. The next very important landmark is the Kyaik Pun Pagoda, known for its giant sitting Buddha statues. Visit the Bago Golden Palace to witness the ancient royal palace. The exemplary beauty of Bago Hills is the best site for trekking, wildlife seeing, and enjoying the view of the city.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Top Attractions: Shwemawdaw Pagoda, Shwethalyaung Buddha, Kyaikpun Pagoda, Bago Hills and Baho Golden Palace
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
8. Mawlamyine
Photo: DJI Hein / Wikimedia Commons
The capital of Mon State, Mawlamyine is the fourth largest city and amongst famous tourist places in Myanmar. Start with Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery and Pa Auk Taw Ya Monastery, which are the key sites that portray the spiritual side of the city and the real lives of Buddhists. The Kyaikthanlan Pagoda gives a bird’s eye view of the mountain and the Thanlwin River flowing through it. U Zina Pagoda and the Seindon Myaing Monastery are spiritual centers and the latter features a large connection of statues. Despite being a famous city in Myanmar, Mawlamyein maintains a quiet place of sanity and peace.
Best Time To Visit: October to January
Top Attractions: Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery, Pa Auk Taw Ya Monastery, Kyaikthanlan Pagoda, U Zina Pagoda and Seindon Myaing Monastery
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
9. Sagaing
Photo: Mrsoethuaung / Wikimedia Commons
Sagaing stands among the famous cities of Myanmar because of its history and spirituality as it is known as the monastic community. This city, located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, was once known as Zayapura, which means “The City of Victory.” The geographical advantages have made Sagaing a booming fishing industry. The spiritual centres of the city include Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda, Kaunghmudaw Pagoda, U Min Thonze Pagoda, and Yaza Mani Sula Kaunghmudaw. You can get deeper knowledge about the silversmithing work in Ywa Htaung quarters and pottery in the Nwe Nyein village.
Best Time To Visit: November to December
Top Attractions: The Kaunghmudaw Pagoda, U Min Thonze Pagoda and Yaza Mani Sula Kaunghmudaw
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
10. Inwa
Photo: Go-Myanmar / Wikimedia Commons
The ancient ruins and charming landscapes of Inwa are enough to hypnotise you. Inwa, known as Ava, is located in the Mandalay region of Myanmar and is constantly hit by floods. The beautiful name Inwa denotes the “City of Nine Lakes.” Alongside the several warrens, you can explore the remains of the Ava Palace, its impressive brick walls and towering gates. You cannot miss these places for a Myanmar trip, the famous Bagaya Monastery and Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery, known for their unique architecture.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Top Attractions: Bagaya Monastery, Ava Palace and Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Places to visit in Myanmar are awe-inspiring from its core. There are temples, local markets, authentic cuisine and handicrafts that make it charming. From exploring bustling cities to diving deep into their countryside villages, you can do it all. A trip to this country can be your chance to discover yourself and wander around the beauty. Reach out to TripXL to plan a perfect itinerary.
Cover Photo: Flo Dahm / Pexels
