11 Best Places to Visit in Myanmar
If you’re wondering where to go in Myanmar, you’re in the right place. In this article you’ll discover the best places to visit in Myanmar so you can make the most of your trip!
Get ready to discover the beauty and wonder of Myanmar’s top destinations. From the golden spires of Yangon’s Shwedagon Pagoda to the ancient temples of Bagan, this off-the-beaten-path country beckons with cultural treasures and breathtaking landscapes.
Previously known as Burma, Myanmar is an amazing country with less visitors and a bit less infrastructure to support tourists. For some, this might be off-putting, but for me, I found it to be a big draw, as you get to enjoy lesser known sights without the huge crowds.
Join us as we dive into the best places in Myanmar and take a closer look at why each is worth a visit.
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1. Yangon
Yangon is the gateway to Myanmar and home to the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda. This 2,600-year-old Pagoda stands 99 meters tall and is adorned with thousands of diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. In fact, it’s so covered in jewels that it is one of the most precious religious sites in the world.
This iconic monument is a perfect example of the country’s rich Buddhist heritage. For the best experience, try to visit during sunrise or sunset. For the most history however, you’ll want to visit Shwedagon Pagoda as part of a private walking tour of Yangon.
Besides Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon’s streets are a sensory delight. You can walk through the street markets and enjoy the vendors who are selling Burmese cuisine. Jump on the Circular Train for another dose of local charm. Although, sadly it has become more touristy in recent years.
2. Bagan
Bagan is one of the most amazing cities in Asia… in my humble opinion. This ancient city features over 2,200 well-preserved temples and pagodas and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arguably, it should be on a list of the Wonders of the World, but it hasn’t made it there yet!
The primary reason to visit Bagan is to explore its sprawling archaeological site which showcases stupas, pagodas, and temples in a diverse range of architectural styles. The more of them you explore, the better you can appreciate this extraordinary destination.
Two of the best ways to see Bagan are to rent a bicycle or motorbike and to take a hot air balloon ride during sunrise or sunset. This is by far the most famous experience in Bagan and will make your trip unforgettable.
If neither of these are up your alley, you can also join a tour, where a guide will take you around to the temples – no bike or motorbike necessary!
Check out this incredible hot air balloon ride over Bagan’s thousands of temples.
3. Mandalay
Mandalay is Myanmar’s cultural heart and a can’t miss city in Myanmar. You’ll want to spend at least half a day touring the city, but a full day or two would be easier.
Unfortunately, the sights in Mandalay are not easy to walk to, so you’ll need to strike a deal for a tour or mode of transportation. I personally worked out a motorbike tour upon arrival, but you can also book tours of Mandalay in advance.
One of the highlights of Mandalay is the Mandalay Palace. This Palace is a symbol of the nation’s history and is a must-visit sight in Myanmar. Another place you need to visit is the Kuthodaw Pagoda’s “World’s Largest Book”. It consists of 729 marble slabs. Each page is inscribed with a page of Buddhist scriptures. When you look at all of the pages collectively, its incredibly impressive.
Lastly, don’t miss the opportunity to cross the iconic U Bein Bridge. It’s crafted from teakwood and is best seen at the golden hours of dawn and dusk. Truly, the setting is incredibly beautiful.
If you’re spending more time in Mandalay, you can also enjoy its other cultural experiences, such as traditional puppet shows and visits to artisan workshops where you can see the craftsmanship of gold leaf makers and silk weavers.
Doing a trip around Myanmar?
Consider taking a one-way boat ride from Bagan to Mandalay!
4. Inle Lake
Inle Lake is one of my personal favorite places in Myanmar. It is unique with whole villages located on stilts over a lake. Here you’re able to immerse yourself into the traditional life of the Intha people.
A couple of the coolest aspects of Inle Lake are seeing the Intha people doing their unique leg-rowing technique for their fishing boats and boating through their floating gardens. The gardens are constructed using layers of water hyacinth, silt, and other organic materials.
The best way to see Inle Lake is by taking a boat tour. It allows you to navigate through these floating gardens, where crops flourish on the lake’s surface, and observe the famous leg-rowing fishermen displaying their unique technique.
The atmosphere of Inle Lake is also enhanced by the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda. Here you can witness local traditions and ceremonies.
Read more: Travel Guide for Inle Lake: Best Things to Do in Inle Lake & More!
5. Hpa-An
Hpa-An, a hidden gem in the southeast, is known for its dramatic karst limestone landscapes. The intricate limestone carvings inside the Kawgun Cave date back over a thousand years and are an example of the region’s heritage.
Most notably, the hike to Kyauk Kalap offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Exploring the caves in the area, such as the Kawgun Cave, which is adorned with thousands of Buddha images, provides an insightful glimpse into local beliefs and artistic expressions.
6. Ngapali Beach
Believe it or not, you can go to the beach in Myanmar! Ngapali Beach is a tranquil escape along the Bay of Bengal’s shoreline, stretching for approximately 7 kilometers. This pristine white-sand beach offers crystal clear waters that invite you to relax and rejuvenate.
Here you can relax on the beach and savor the freshest seafood at local beachside restaurants. Ngapali Beach’s unspoiled natural beauty, combined with these offerings, makes it a perfect blend of nature and culture. It’s one of the best places in Myanmar to relax and truly “vacation” versus travel.
7. Kalaw
Kalaw, a hill town situated at an elevation of 1,320 meters (4,330 feet), serves as a starting point for trekking adventures into the Shan Hills. The town’s elevation provides a cooler and more temperate climate, creating a great environment for outdoor adventures. In fact, while I was there, it was downright cold at times!
Treks from Kalaw lead you through tea plantations, pine forests, and interactions with indigenous hill tribes, like the Palaung, Danu, and Taung Yo. The multi-day treks offer a unique opportunity to witness rural lifestyles and landscapes of the region.
I personally did a 3 day Kalaw to Inle Lake trek, and it was amazing. We hiked through the countryside and small towns, staying with locals and at a monastery. It was truly one of the most culturally rich experiences in Myanmar, if you’re up for the challenge! As a positive, the terrain is not super steep or challenging, so most hikers can complete this 3 day hike.
Learn about my 3 Day Hike from Kalaw to Inle Lake
8. Kyaiktiyo Pagoda (Golden Rock)
Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, often referred to as the Golden Rock, is another must-visit sight in Myanmar. It’s both a marvel of devotion and balance. Perched on the edge of a massive granite boulder covered in gold leaf, the pagoda is an essential pilgrimage site in Myanmar.
The journey to reach the site is generally an act of spiritual dedication where visitors set out to hike to the Golden Rock. Should you choose to take part in this, you may be surrounded by devout pilgrims. The remarkable sight of the boulder is said to be balanced due to a single hair of the Buddha enshrined within the pagoda. It is one of the more mysterious things to see in Myanmar.
Not sure how to get there?
Take a tour from Yangon to Kyaiktiyo Pagoda.
9. Bago
Another one of the best cities in Myanmar is Bago. Bago is historically significant and steeped in Buddhism due to it being home to the Shwemawdaw Pagoda. This impressive Pagoda stands at 114 meters (374 feet), making it one of the tallest pagodas in the world. In fact, it even rivals the more famous Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon.
Something else to see in the Bago area is the nearby Kyaikpun Pagoda. It features four colossal Buddha images, each facing different directions. These two Pagodas make Bago an intriguing cultural destination and worth a look when trying to figure out where to go in Myanmar.
10. National Parks in Myanmar
Like many countries, Myanmar has a number of national parks that are great destinations for locals and travelers alike. As Myanmar is home to over 1,100 bird species, including the rare white-winged wood duck, and a variety of wildlife such as tigers, elephants, and leopards, Myanmar’s National Parks are worth considering.
Hlawga National Park, situated near Yangon, offers awesome birdwatching opportunities and the possibility of other wildlife encounters. You’re likely to see deer, crocodiles, and numerous bird species during a visit to Hlawga.
Meanwhile, Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Here bird enthusiasts can spot all kinds of avian species.
Tanintharyi National Park in the south is better known for its pristine rainforests, diverse flora and fauna. It does also offer trekking and wildlife spotting opportunities.
No matter which National Park you choose, they can be a great addition to your Myanmar itinerary if you’re into nature.
11. Mergui Archipelago
The Mergui Archipelago is comprised of over 800 islands, covering an expansive area of around 36,000 square kilometers. This makes it one of the largest island groups in Southeast Asia. This archipelago is situated in the southern part of Myanmar and offers untouched beauty, with crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and rich marine life.
If you’re looking to go diving or snorkeling in Myanmar, these waters have amazing coral ecosystems and an abundance of marine life. While you’re here, you can also explore remote islands and have interactions with the Moken, a distinctive sea-faring tribe.
These types of experiences are not available elsewhere in Myanmar, making it a unique cultural experience that adds to the allure of the archipelago.
And there you have it… the best places to visit in Myanmar. From the known to the off-the-beaten path destinations. Myanmar has it all!
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