ashenIf you are planning a trip to Asia make no mistake to include Burma in your checklist as this marvelous country has an immense lot of value to offer for any traveler. Burma, also known as Myanmar is the second largest country in Southeast Asia. And it is packed with a historically rich culture, religious sites of incredible value and breathtaking fauna. Although there are access denied parts in Burma for tourists, there is a vast amount of beauty to be discovered. Let’s begin our guide with the Top places to visit in Burma. Keep reading and stay on track!
1. Bagan view- First and most glorious attraction to visit in Burma
There is a reason for Bagan earning its name as the first visit that any tourist should pay after entering Myanmar. Bagan secures number 1 on the list of places to visit in Burma. There are so many pagodas stretching across the vast plain and the view from an air balloon is so iconic and magnificent that tearing your eyes away will prove difficult.
You cannot obtain a fulfilling view from the ground, hence a ride in the hot air balloon is the best satisfaction. These rides are in the morning, hence allowing you to witness the glorious sunrise over these temples. This archaeological zone undoubtedly is one of the most visited places in Myanmar. You definitely don’t want to miss out on this one!
2. Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon- Roam the city during the day and experience the beauty of Shwedagon at night
Rangoon is the former name of Yangon. The colonial buildings, parks, beautiful lakes, museums and art galleries truly contribute to a city tour filled with anticipation, curiosity and loads of fun packed with knowledge. You can learn a lot about Burmese history in these museums, art galleries and Buddhist monuments. And one final thing to complete the city tour is to try out the street food. Our advice is to cover the city during the day and experience the best Yangon has to offer at night. The calm, beautiful Shwedagon Pagoda.
To state a bit about this pagoda, it is also known as the Great Dagon Pagoda. And it is the heart of every Buddhist in the country as it is the most sacred Buddhist Stupa in Myanmar. The reason being that it contains relics of four previous Buddhas. The Pagoda is at its best when visited during dawn, dusk or night. The glow and moonlight reflection from the Stupa at these hours are truly fascinating.
3. Visit the many stupas at Inle Lake
Inle Lake consists of floating villages, stupas, gardens and the only mode of travel available is by boat. Inle lake is regarded as one of the most magnificent lakes in the world that holds a glorious view of the sunset. You should spend a day or two at Inle to enjoy the full experience of the local lifestyle, the thousands of temples and shrines and floating gardens.
You have to visit Indein, the village that hosts many stupas. Ywama village, Nampan village floating gardens are some other attractions at Inle lake that you definitely don’t want to miss.
4. Mandalay- The second largest city in Burma
Located at the east bank of the famous Irrawaddy river and well known for the Mandalay Palace situated at the heart of the city on top of a hill. You can get a magnificent view of the city on the peak of the hill. There are hundreds of Buddhist scripture inscribed slabs inside the Kuthodaw Pagoda which is at the foot of the mountain.
You can visit the Mingun pagoda across the Irrawaddy river, the white Hsinbyume Pagoda near the Mingun pagoda. Also crossing the world’s longest wooden footbridge, U-Bein Bridge, Taking a peek at Zay Cho market are some other things to cover in Mandalay.
5. Mrauk U- The hidden city
This is a spot missed out by most tourists unlike Bagan. But this archaeologically important city has a lot to offer to the tourists eye. It is located in the northern Rakhine State. Similar to Bagan there are hundreds of pagodas made out of stone in Mrak U. It is surrounded by countryside and cultivation and doesn’t get as many tourists as Bagan. Nonetheless, for the travelers who are interested in learning about the country’s history, this is a spot worth venturing.
6. Shan State
Shan state borders China, Laos and Thailand. Awaiting in this city to be feasted by a travelers eye are a lot of attractions. Kakku is a collection of thousands of stupas and is none less than spectacular. It is located to the south of the state. Definitely the place to kick off your travels in Shan State. Next check out Keng Tawng Falls. Its location is quite remote but you won’t regret it when you get there.
Some other attractions include Pindaya Caves which is an important Buddhist heritage site, Goke Hteik Viaduct reached by a gorgeous train ride across Myanmar’s longest railway bridge. The train ride to Goke Hteik Viaduct is very popular among tourists because of the view it offers as you cross the lengthy bridge.
7. Ngapali- The most famous beach in Myanmar
Regarded as one of the best and most beautiful beaches in Asia, Ngapali is an attraction no tourist wants to miss. It is located on the Bay of Bengal and you can smell relaxation once you arrive at Ngapali. There is a bunch of stuff to do here just like in any other beach, especially for tourists. Scuba diving, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Fishing are some of those activities for you to experience. The best way to experience Ngapali is by a bike ride and you should start off as early as possible.
You can go on boat tours early in the morning, enjoy a delicious and fresh fish meal and finally feast your eyes with the sunset at the beach. Oh and don’t forget to get a photo with the famous hanging palm tree. You should allocate at least three days for Ngapali if you want to cover all of these activities without a rush.
8. Mount Kyaiktiyo
Mount Kyaiktiyo is one of the three most sacred religious sites in Burma. Hence a must include destination in the list of places to visit in Burma. It’s well known for its huge golden pear shaped rock at the summit. The rock is 7.6 meters tall and the pagoda on top is 7.3 meters. And it contains the holy hair relics of the Lord Buddha which is why this site is of utmost religious importance and prestige. Many people find lodging at ‘base camp’ village of Kinpun.
You have to take an open-top truck, which is generally crowded to reach Mount Kyaiktiyo. There is a stopping point after a mile and from here you can either choose to walk, take the bus or the cable car.You can also choose to hike from Kinpun itself which presents you the chance of capturing great views of stupas along the way. Men are allowed to pay to place a golden leaf on the rock.
9. Mahamuni Pagoda
One of the most essential places to visit in Burma. Along with Shwedagon and Kyaiktiyo Mahamuni completes the list of the most sacred religious sites in Myanmar. Located to the south west of Mandalay, the Mahamuni Buddha image is the most sacredly worshipped Buddha statue in Myanmar. Here too only men are allowed to enter the inner chamber, while women can only watch.
10. Hpa-An– The lake amidst fields
Hpa-An is the capital of Kayin State. There are many caves for tourists to visit but the most prominent is the Saddan Cave which is located to the southeast of Hpa-An. Filled with Buddha statues and pagodas it truly is a wonderful experience. But the truly enchanting sight is the lake at the exit of the cave. Then you can take a boat ride to cross the lake and another cave to end up in a small canal amidst paddy fields.
There are two other caves after Saddan which you can choose to visit. And they are Kawgun and Yathaypyan cave, they too contain Buddha statues and pagodas. Also there are Bat caves that you can visit in the evening to witness the mass departures of thousands of bats.
11. Pyin oo Lwin
Formerly referred to as Maymyo, Pyin oo Lwin too is a scenic spot located 67 kilometers east of Mandalay. This actually was a mountain retreat for the British back in the day, also a military base for the Indian army. Also it is located closer to the border of China. You might get a feeling of suddenly being in the middle of England, surrounded by the colonial architecture of wood, brick and timber. And to further enhance the feeling of being in medieval England, you can enjoy a horse carriage ride to complete your city tour.
Don’t forget to visit the Kandawgyi Gardens established by the late British commanding officers back in the day. The Anisakan Waterfall is another masterpiece of nature found in Pyin oo Lwin that you don’t wanna miss. These are a few of the most enjoyable things to visit in Pyin oo Lwin.
12. Putao- Myanmmar Himalayan Regions
Final destination on places to visit in Burma. You won’t regret adding this delightful northern town into your itinerary. Surrounded by snow covered peaks, hilly streams and never ending greenery the flora and fauna is at its best here. If you are a solo traveler or even a couple looking to spend a few days in isolation, this is the best choice. Fun fact: Myanmar’s highest peak, Hkakaborazi is located near Putao.
If you are lucky you might even get a glimpse of a black bear or a red panda for these grounds are home to such animals apart from the trees and flowers. Kawn Moo Lon Golden Sambur King Pagoda is another spot to visit in this town. You can reach Putao only by flight and although it’s cold throughout the year the best time to visit is between October and April. Trekking, boat trips and wildlife are the major attractions here.
