Destinations of Myanmar

Culture Tour Sites

Yangon

Yangon, the capital city and gateway to the Union of Myanmar, is one of the most attractive cities in the East. Its fringes are beautiful with pagodas, spacious parks gardens and its atmosphere cooled by the Kandawgyi Lake and Inya Lake. Most of the major Myanmar and foreign companies are located in Yangon. The city is the point of entry for visitors from abroad to Myanmar by air and sea.

About 2,500 years ago, there was probably a coastal fishing village or a trading colony called “Okkala”. After the construction of Shwedagon Pagoda, the settlement grew in fame as Dagon. King Alaungpaya of Konbaung Dynasty founded Yangon when he took the village of Dagon in 1755. He called the settlement as Yangon or “End of Strife”. It becomes a port city and a centre of commercial functions since pre-colonial and colonial days. The Yangon River or Hlaing River gives it color and peninsular look (from aerial view) touching the city in the east and south flanks and the Pazundaung Creek in the west."

Bago

Bago(Pegu) is just 80 km(50 miles) north of Yangon. It is just about an hour drive from Yangon. Bago is accessible easily from Yangon, Mandalay, Pyay and other cities. Bago is one of the richest archaeological sites in Myanmar. Apparently Mons were the first to settle at this site. Two Mon brothers Thamala and Wimala from Thaton, first founded the city about 825 A.D. In 13th century A.D. the site, which was then on the Gulf of Martaban, had already been earmarked as the location of a great city by Gautama, the historic Buddha. Bago was made the capital of the Mon Kingdom and it came to be known as Hansavati (Hanthawaddy). It was also the seaport of ancient Mon kings. Then it became the Second Myanmar Empire founded by King Bayinnaung."

Kyaikhtiyo (Golden Rock)

Kyaikhtiyo pagoda is also known as the Golden Rock Pagoda. It is situated in Kyaikhto Township in Mon State, four-hour drive from Yangon. There is a well-beaten path leading to the Pagoda on the peak of the mountain. It automatically makes a good trekking. It is a really miraculous Pagoda, because it does not fall down the steep slope of the mountain, although it should, but still remains as it is throughout a great length of time. Myanmar Buddhists believe it is due to the power and glory of the Buddha's hair enshrined in the Pagoda. Tourists can make a side trip there from Yangon and get back the same day if set out very early. Crowds of pilgrims from all parts of Myanmar both along the climbing paths and on the Pagoda Platform are themselves attractive.

Thanlyin

It had been the base of notorious Portuguese Philip De Brito between 15th AD. He ran his own kingdom in Thanlyin siding with the Mon in their struggle against the Burmese. King Alaunpaya destroyed Thanlyin in 1756. Today, nothing of this ancient city is to be seen. There are two tombs of Minister Padetha Raza and the great solider –poet Natshin Naung. A short bus ride would take you to the Golden Kyaik Khauk Pagoda and Yele Paya - is perched on a tiny island in the middle of the river."

Twente

It is very enjoyable tidal cruise from Yangon to Twente – a small town, not far from the Twente Canal. Twente is famed for pottery and the production of various vegetables and fruits in large quantity. Of particular interest is the fact that all ships from deltaic area of the Ayeyarwaddy Division call at Twente, hence a busy jetty."

Bagan

"He who has not visited Bagan has not visited Myanmar yet.""

Bagan was the first imperial capital of ancient Myanmar. The end of the 13th century witnessed the fall of Bagan dynasty in the reign of King Narathihapate or King Tayotpaye. Bagan had been ruled over by 55 kings 12th century. The ruins of Bagan cover a tract of country, measuring about 16 square miles along the east bank of mighty Ayeyarwady. The monuments which are now in all stages of decay were erected mostly from the 11th - 13th centuries AD, during which Bagan was in its heydays. Nowadays, Bagan is the ideal site for historical, cultural and archaeological studies.

True! Myanmar people used to say regarding Bagan of which they are much proud. Bagan is the cradle of Myanmar history and Buddhist culture. King Thamudrit built Bagan at the very place of the settlement called Paukkan. The mighty King Anawrahta (1044-77) welded into one kingdom a group of formerly independent states and became king of the Ayeyarwady River in the 11th century. He extended his sovereignty down to the south. He was the first unifier of Myanmar and the introducer of the Theravada Buddhism in Myanmar. The air of Bagan is filled not only with the fragrance of vachellia, but also with war-cries of spear-slinging heroes on horsebacks. The study of the history and culture of Began means the study of the history and culture of Myanmar. Thanks to the good irrigation system of Bagan kings, the wealth of Bagan increased rapidly and the people of Bagan erected about 10,000 pagodas and temples in Bagan area. But today they are ruined except some famous pagodas and temples. However, Bagan succumbed to the onslaught of the Mongols in 1287, and Myanmar split up into small principalities.
Bagan period was the period of affluence, creativity and glory---- the period the rained gold and sliver, as Myanmar people usually put it. It was a period like that of the renaissance period in Italy."

Mt Popa

Mt. Popa, some 50 km south east of Bagan, is 1500 meters high. It is said to be the core of an extinct volcano. It is highly for being the home of Nats or Spirits, considered the most important Nats worship center. The area has also been designated as a National Park, a perfect for eco-tourism.

Salay

Salay is an ancient town rich in Myanmar culture. Salay has ancient pagodas which date from the Bagan Period. Visitors to the ancient capital Bagan often make a 20 miles (15 kilometers) trip south to see Salay, an ancient town rich in Myanmar culture. Salay is also on the great Ayeyawady River, like Bagan, another pleasurable way to get there is to go by one of the small motor boats available for hire and which usually leave Bagan from the Bu-Hpaya jetty. Sitting in comfortable cushioned chairs you can watch the river crafts on the big waterway, once the only real life-line of Myanmar, with all the old towns lining its banks."

Mandalay

Mandalay was the capital of the last Myanmar Empire and is the second largest city after Yangon. It is about 620 km north of Yangon and is reachable by land, waterway and flight. It is also the gateway to upper Myanmar. It is the seat of Myanmar handicrafts and culture. King Mindon built the present Palace City in 1858. Before that time, it was known as Yadanabon, or the City of Gems. The three most impressive are handicraft–makings, the gold-leaf making and the bronze casting in Myanmar way and Myanmar style. To know Mandalay is to know Myanmar. Most-visited tourists spots and its environs are Mingun, Inwa (Ava), Amarapura, and U Bein bridge."

Sagaing

It is an ancient capital of royal Myanmar. In the rolling hills are countless hermitages for hermits and monasteries for monks, rest houses for nuns and laymen. It is an ideal place or peace of mind, away from the fast pace of city life. It is sublime to wander in these hills beneath a canopy of green and lush trees, amidst the murmur of religious recitations by monks. White-washed pagodas of different sizes dot the hills-hence Saganing ridge like the white feather of paddy bird."

Inwa (Ava)

Inwa means the city at the entrance of a lake. It is an ancient capital of Inwa Period. It is just about 30 minute drives from Mandalay. Though no more royal palace, the pagodas still remain. Of particular interest is the 1.2km long U Bein Bridge of teak wood, adjoining Amerapura and Inwa, across the Taung Tha Man Lake. One of the most memorable visits is to Inwa, thrice royal capital of the Myanmar Kingdom. Inwa reigned from 1364 for almost 200 years. Today, there is little to show of this once-grand city. While crumbling ramparts continue to mark out the city's former boundaries, almost all the buildings have long been gone, dissolved in the rice fields. Only an atmosphere of former glory remains"

Amarapura

Amarapura means the city which dies. It further means an immortal city. It is some minute drive form Mandalay. There are 2 places which are worth to visit. Maha Gandayon Monastery - of particular is the combine eating of food by about more than one thousand monks at a large refectory at the same time in totally silence, and for over two hundred years, the creaking and rickety teak-wood bridge called U Bein Bridge has been transporting monks, farmers and enthralled visitors over the Taungthaman Lake. U Bein was the then Mayor, and the bridge was named him. It is a very enjoyable feast for eyes. "

Mingun

Mingun is a short boat-ride upriver obliquely from Mandalay. It is noted for the enormous, and unfinished pagoda and the un cracked brass ringing the bell, which is the largest one in the world as well as for the most reserved Rev. Mingun. Tourists never fail to visit there."

Monywa

The second largest city in Sagaing Division after Sagaing. It is near the confluence of the Ayeyarwaddy River and the Chindwin Tributary. It has very good communications with other places by land and river. It is a city very prosperous in trade. The Thanbode (a half million of Buddha images), Bode Tahtaung (a thousand Bo trees), a 300 foot long reclining Buddha image, Shwe Ba Hill and Po Win Taung Hill with over 400,000 numbers of 14th to 16th century ancient Buddha images and mural painting are major places for the visitors."

Pyin Oo Lwin

Over 1000 meters above sea-level, Pyin Oo Lwin is a popular hill station about 69km away from Mandalay. It is well known for its colonial style houses with large compound and pine trees, eucalyptus and silver-oak abound in town. Delightfully cool and pleasant the whole year round. The main attractions are Botanical Garden, Pwe Kauk Water fall and Peik Chin Myaung Cave. The Botanical Garden was first founded in the year 1915-16 by one British botanist named Mr. Roger who began collecting local plants and trees and cultivating them on 30 acres of land at the present site. Pwe Kauk Fall is about 8km from town. It is also called Hampshire Falls in British times. It's a very pleasant picnic spot."

Inle Lake

Inle Lake is on the plateau of Shan State. It is in Nyaung Shwe Township, not far from Taunggyi. It is 22 km long and 11km wide. It can be reached by car or flight via Heho from Yangon. The people are virtually Inthas who are pious Buddhists. Inle Lake is really indolent, surrounded by blue mountains. It is noted for floating market at Ywama village, floating gardens, leg-rowers, traditional method of fishing, the Nga Phe Chaung Monastery with wonderful jumping cats, and the Phaungdaw U Pagoda. A visit to Myanmar would be meaningless without visiting Inle Lake."

Pindaya

Pindaya is famous for limestone caves, over looking a lake the caves House Thousands of Buddha images. It is an interesting experience to visit Pindaya and Pindaya caves. Pindaya is beautiful with small Bottalote Lake in the centre of the town. "

Kalaw

Kalaw is the favorite of the old British hill stations, a picturesque small town surrounded by pine forests. The road from Kalaw to Pindaya is really pleasant with panoramic mountain views, reminiscent of the ALPA in Europe. You will feel like you are arriving in Switzerland! "

Taunggyi

Taunggyi is the capital city of Shan State and the largest state in Myanmar, where different hill tribes reside. Taunggyi is the best and biggest hill station, reachable by flight and land. It is famous for cool climate, Inle Lake, weekly market, the Balloon Festival in November, the Taunggyi Museum, etc. Taunggyi Market is busy. Palaung women wear up to 22kg of heavy brass rings stacked around their necks. Most Palaung people live in Kayah State. "

Kakku

Kakku a hidden treasure an unusual, magnificent collection of Buddhist Stupas unheard of by historians and unlisted in guide books lies in the deepest Pa-oh territory, 26 miles south of Taunggyi the capital of Shan State. There lies more than 2000 stupas in a site closely packed together in ranks covering an area of approximately a square kilometer apparently unknown to outside world. Kakku area is covered and scattered by Pa-oh villages especially stretching along on both sides of the main road from north to south."

Mrauk U

Mrauk U, an ancient capital city dates back in the 15th century. A five hour trip up-river from Sittwe to Mrauk U starts at dawn. You can enjoy beautiful landscapes along the river. Mrauk U was a thriving city in the 12th and 16 centuries with a complex network of canals. The people are very warm and amicable. Sebastian Martinique was a Portuguese missionary of the Augustinian Order, who went to Rakhine in 1630 and stayed there for about five years. Rakhine it that time was virtually an independent Kingdom with King Thirithudammaraza on the throne. Manique described the then Mrauk U as follows: This great city is built in a beautiful valley about fifteen Leagues in circuit and entirely surrounded by high rough mountains, walls of nature's make and dispending with artificial ones. On the inside these mountains have been leveled in necessary parts with rammers and where they have been cut through from top to bottom, gates have been erected for going in and out whilst above them are some bulwarks provided with artillery, so that the city would naturally be impregnable as if it belonged to another warlike nation."

Kyaing Tong

Kyaing Tong is known for its scenic beauty and many colorful ethnic tribes. Places of interest around Kyaing Tong are, the Spa, Naung Tong Lake, Sunn Taung Monastery, Central market and Traditional Lacquer ware works and weaving factory.There are many villages of various ethnic tribes resided around Kyaing Tong. The tribes known as Gon, Lwe, Li, Wa, Lah Hu, Thai Nay, Shan, Li Shaw, Li Su, Palaung, Akha, and we can only differentiate the tribes by colourful dresses which is different to one another. Can observe their tribal dances and their way of living on these mountainous regions around Kyaing Tong. Situated in the eastern Shan State and 452 km from Taunggyi and 176km from Tachileik."

Leisure Tour Sites

Ngapali Beach

Ngapali Beach is situated about 7 km away from Thandwe (Sandoway), one of the ancient Rakhine (formerly Arakan) towns. It is said to have been named after the Naple of Italy by a homesick Italian. It is famous for its natural and unspotted beauty up to this day. The beach stretches about 3 km with soft white sand fringed by coconut palms. It serves as the best ground for sunbathing and recreation such as beach strolling, cycling and so on. Undoubtedly one of the best places for a relaxing holiday is Ngapali Beach near Thandwe (Sandoway) in Rakkhine (Arakan) State,on the Bay of Bengal. Ngapali Beach is one of the loveliest places in Myanmar; it is also one of the most unspoilt beaches in the world."

Ngwe Saung Beach

Ngwesaung Beach is a newly opened beach about 48 km from Pathein. This unspoilt beach stretches 15 km of white and and blue sea. There are about 4 international standard resort hotels and bungalow type accommodations on its beach front - fringed with Palm trees, all hotels face the beach. Good taste of Seafood dishes are available at the international standard resorts. One can enjoy variety of beach sport activities such as sun bathing, beauty & spa, bullock cart riding, bycling, fishing, beach volley-ball, scuba-diving, kayaking and wind surfing."

Chaungtha Beach

Chaungtha Beach is located about 40 km to the west of Pathein (Bassein) in Ayeyawady Division. Its white sand and the blue water attract the tourists to take a beach leisure. It is a very convenient drive from Yangon via Pahtein taking about 5 hours. The hotels are usually full with local domestic tourists from September to April. A wide choice of standard dining places offers the fresh and reasonable priced seafood dishes. One can also visit the nearby fishing villages, mangrove river and a sand island. Sun bathing, bullock cart riding, cycling, horse back riding, walking along the shoreline, fishing, beach volley-ball and visiting to Sand Island and nearby Chaungtha fishing village.

Mergui Archipelago

The Mergui Archipelago covers an area of about 36,000 square kilometers in the southern most part of Myanmar. There are about 800 islands in this area making this place an attractive tourist destination. Most of the islands are isolated and beautiful. The surrounding sea, flora and fauna, underwater scenes and the marine life are most incredible features of theses islands. The sea water are aqua blue and so clear that you will be able to see the small creatures in the water moving around. Scuba diving and snorkeling are a must-to-do while visiting theses islands. Only the Moken (or) the Salons (or) the Sea gypsies are the inhabitants of theses islands."

Nature Tour Sites

Kalaw

Kalaw sits high on the western edge of the Shan Plateau and was a popular hill station in the British times. Many of the Tudor-style houses and English gardens of colonial days remain. It is still a peaceful and quiet place with an atmosphere remnant of colonial era. Kalaw is situated 70 km west of Taunggyi. Kalaw is 1320 m above sea level with a pleasantly cool weather and is a good place for hiking amid gnarled pines, bamboo groves and rugged mountains scenery. There are good accommodations in Kalaw and trekking into the surrounding mountains to take a look at the lifestyle of native hill tribes as Pa-O, Pa Laung and others. It is an ideal starting point for trekking to Palaung villages. The road from Kalaw to Pindaya is really pleasant with panoramic mountain views, reminiscent of the ALPA in Europe. You will feel like you are arriving in Switzerland!

Kyaing Tong

Situated in the eastern Shan State and 452 km from Taunggyi and 176km from Tachileik. Kyaing Tong is known for its scenic beauty and many colorful ethnic tribes. Places of interest around Kyaingtong are, the Spa, Naung Tong Lake, Sunn Taung Monastery, Central market and Traditional Lacquer ware works and weaving factory. There are many villages of various ethnic tribes resided around Kyaing Tong. The tribes known as Gon, Lwe, Li, Wa, Lah Hu, Thai Nay, Shan, Li Shaw, Li Su, Palaung, Akha, and we can only differentiate the tribes by colourful dresses which is different to one another. You can observe their tribal dances and their way of living on these mountainous regions around Kyaing Tong.

Hsi Baw

Hsipaw is an ancient Shan town, the local capital of a Shan principality of the same name which according to its legendary history goes back to year 58 B.C. It is said to have been founded by Sao Hkun Hkam Saw, the fourth son of the Sawbwa (Saohpa) of Mong Mao named Sao Hkun Lai.The Myanmar (Burma) people pronounce the name as Thibaw and the last king of Myanmar, King Thibaw (1875-85 AD) got his name from this town. The old wooden traditional Haw, Palace of the Sawbwa was destroyed by bombing during the last World War, but we were able to visit the interesting modern Sawbwa s residence built during colonial times by Sawbwa Sao Ohn Kya who ruled Hsipaw from 1928 to 1938.

It is the fascinating journey with twisting and turning hilly trek by train from Mandalay through Pyin Oo Lwin. On the way you have to cross over the famous Gote Hteik viaduct and enjoy the most spectaculars scenic views of the Shan plateau traveling one way by winding road with elbow crossing hilly drive. You will find the local peoples and landscape beyond your imagination. And you can do trekking to the hill tribe, Palaung and on the way you can see tea plantation, orange plantation and ways of life.

Myitkyina

Myitkyina is the capital city of Kachin State, and Bamaw (Bhamo) the second largest city. Myitkyina and Bamaw (Bhamo) are reachable by flight or car. The Kachin people are one of the eight major ethnic groups, who are hill tribes. There are many other tribes in Kachin State. They speak their own dialects and wear their own dress. The people are mostly Christians.
Kachin State shares common border with China. The climate is cool. It is famous for the confluence of the Maekha and Malikha ravines, where the epic Ayeyarwady River. The confluence is about 21 miles by car from Myitkyina and is a famous tourist spot with idyllic landscapes, Pharkamt Jade Mines and Pidaung Game Sanctuary near Myitkyina and the Manao Festival which is very spectacular. There had been brutal fighting between the Allied forces and Japanese forces during the World War II, especially at the area along Ledo Road, which etches out a way through the rocky mountain region. There are about 20 War-time aerodromes in Myitkyina area. Please read the Last Plane from Myitkyina, written by a foreigner who had experienced the invasion by the Japanese forces in Myitkyina. Below Myitkyina, there is the first defile (gorge) of the Ayeyarwady. Mt. Hkakabo Razi (5889 m) is in the northern-most region of Kachin State. The snow-capped peak was first conquered by a Japanese expedition team in the year 1996. Hence Kachin State is a place worth visiting, without which your visit to Myanmar would be incomplete.

Putao

Putao is due North of Myitkyina in Kachin State and nearest town to the base camp for climbing the Mt. Hkakabo Razi (5889 metres), the highest mountain in Myanmar. Hill tribe people who come to sell goods at the market can be found. It is located 420 meters above the sea level and surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Rawan, Lisu, Jingphaw and Kachin people are represented in the region. A wide variety of species of orchid and other exotic flora and fauna are native to Putao. Flowing streams and rivulets, straw-roofed houses and fences of pebbles and creek stones provide a pleasant, pastoral contrast to the scenes and sights of modern cities. The suspension bridges are the typical river crossing in this region. This area is famous for its Nature of originated Flora, especially there are many various kinds of orchids and even the world rarest Black orchids can be found in this area. And for fauna, one of the rarest animal species, Takin (Budorcas Taxicolor), Red Panda (Ailurus Fulgens), Black Bears, Black Deer, are all endemic to this region.

Adventure Tour Sites

Natmataung (Mt.Victoria)

Namataung is the highest mountain in Chin State which is 10018 feet high and not far from the Glorious Bagan. There have many various mammals such as bear, wild boar, leopard, guar, serow, gibbon, butterfly, reptiles and more than 159 bird species. It has also been designated as a National Park, a perfect place for eco-tourism.

Mt. Hkaborazi

Mt. Hkakabozi, located in the northern Myanmar near the Chinese border, is 5885.3 meters high. It is the highest mountain in South East Asia, where the peak is enclosed within National Park to get to the bottom from Putao, it approximately takes 30 daystrekking. In 1997, it was for the first time conquered by a team of Myanmar and Japanese climbers.

Mt. Phonekanrazi

Phonekarazi mountain, in the north most part of Myanmar, is situated in Putao township. The snow capped mountains which separate Kachin state in Myanmar from India are the most accessible to Putao. One could trek to Mt Phonekanrazi from the frontier village of Upper Sanggong. From here one could observe along hunting trails through pristine old growth forest and isolated settlements to the Mountain Base. Tribal villages, climax forest and snow capped mountain peaks are a perfect mix of this place.