The Tourists Attractions

There are a lot of interesting Myanmar tourist's destinations in Myanmar such as Bagan, Inle, Mrauk U, Mandalay and Yangon. Myanmar, a land of wonderful beauty and unsurpassed charm, remains as one of the most mysterious and undiscovered destinations in the world. Wherever you go in Myanmar, whether it'll be cruising down the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River in style, traveling over the ancient city of Bagan by hot air balloon, or searching for that elusive tiger on the back of an elephant, there is always a feeling of adventure.

Yangon was founded by King Alaungpaya on the site of a small arrangement called Dagon when he occupied Lower Myanmar in 1755. The name Yangon means "End of fighting" which was anglicized as Yangon by the British. The present day Yangon covers 400 sq km and has a population of over 4 million. Capital and main gateway to Myanmar, An Asian tropical city still true to its former colonial origins. Ever green and cool with plentiful tropical trees, sunny parks and beautiful lakes, Yangon has named "The Garden City of the East". With a combination of new and old, Myanmar's capital possesses a peaceful atmosphere with colonial boulevards and tranquil lakes. With a population of over 4 million, this charming town is transformed into a thriving city by night, with bustling streets filled with stalls overflowing with everything from food to crafts to cigars. The main attraction of Yangon is the world-famous Shwedagon Pagoda. The Shwedagon pagoda has been built more than 2500 years ago, is a much-revered shrine whose cultural splendour never fails to enchant. Towering 100 metres above the green cityscape of Yangon, the Shwedagon is a landmark visible from afar. Famous for the unique and glittering Shwedagon Pagoda, temples, markets and impressive colonial-era buildings. Other tourist attraction include: the 70-metre long reclining Buddha of Chauk-Htat-gyi Pagoda, Kaba Aye (World Peace) Pagoda and Maha Pasana Cave ; giant Images of Buddha's Earlier Lives at Mai-la-mu Pagoda; Mahawizaya Pagoda; National Museum; Bogyoke Aung San Park and Kandawgyi Lake; Peoples' Square and Peoples' Park; and Zoological Garden.

Towering almost 100 metres above the green cityscape of Yangon, the Shwedagon Pagoda is the landmark visible from miles around. One of the wonders of the world it was believed to have built over 2500 years ago where the Buddha's relics were enshrined. Successive Myanmar kings had embellished the Shwedagon Pagoda for the period of the 15th Century and Myanmar Queen Shin Saw Pu raised it to its present height.

Bago, earliest capital of the Mon Kings of the 14th to 16th century and of second Myanmar Empire fashioned by king Bayinnaung, is situated only 80 km from Yangon. Sightseeing here includes impressive temples, open-air markets, cheroot making and woodcarving center. The Shwemawdaw Pagoda, Kalyani Thein (Ordination Hall), the 55-metre long Shwethalyaung Reclining Buddha, the four giant Buddha images of Kyaikpun Pagoda and the reconstructed Kamboza-thadi Place of Bayinnaung are some of Myanmar tourist attractions.

Only 30 minutes' take to drive from Yangon across the Bago River, Thanlyin was a main port from the 14th to the century, until it was displaced by Yangon in 1755, and was temporarily controlled by the Portuguese adventure de Brito at the beginning of the 17th century can still be seen in Thanlyin. Kyaikhauk Pagoda, Thanlyin and Yele Pagoda at Kyaukyan are some of the places of interest.

The Cemetery is positioned at Htaukkyant, 32 km from Yangon on the road to Bago. Its wonderfully kept grounds have 27,000 graves of Allied soldier who died in Myanmar during World War II.

Mandalay is the last Kingdom of Myanmar Dynasty before British took over. For this reason, it still has great importance as Myanmar's cultural heart-canter Second largest city and former Royal capital of Myanmar. Many historical buildings and temples and pagodas. A center for silk and cotton weaving, marble carving, bronze and silver crafts and Kalaga tapestries. Out of Mandalay the monasteries and pagodas covering the hills of Sagaing, former ancient capitals of Amarapura and Ava. Mingun with its vast unfinished pagoda and the world's largest intact bronze bell in Myanmar, and Mandalay is relatively young dating back only a century. Today Mandalay neighbors the mountain regions of the Shan and the Kachin people, acting as the gateway to the north, and ultimately to China. It is the main market city for "Upper Myanmar" and a place for the hill tribes to gather and trade. Mandalay still has considerable cultural and religious significance and its Buddhist monasteries are among the most important in the country. About 60% of the monks in Myanmar reside in the Mandalay area.

King Bodawpaya built Mahamuni pagoda in 1784. In 1884, the unique shrine was destroyed by fire and the current one is absolutely recent. This Pagoda is also known as Payagyi (Big paya) or the Rakhaing Paya as a Myanmar tourist destination. According to legend the big statue is one of a handful cast when Buddha was still alive. It was later plucked from the neighbouring Arakanese and carted across mountains by victorious Burmese armies centuries ago. Only men are allowed to approach the legendary image, and they are constantly patting on layers of gold leaf. The fantastic figure is now 6 inches thick with gold and has adopted a swollen, bloated appearance. Outside are Khmer bronze figures from Angkor that have been on quite a tour after being looted by army after army. Not surprisingly, they look a bit battered. Centuries of rubbing for luck have worn them further. The centerpiece of the shrine is the highly venerated Mahamuni image that was transported to Myanmar from Mrauk U in Rakhaing (Arakan) in 1784.

Mandalay Hill, one Myanmar tourist destinations that Buddha allegedly prophesied a city on the plains below. The hilltop Myanmar temple is rather predictable but the view from this handsome mound is quite enchanting. One thousand seven hundred steps uphill will give you a bird's eye view of the city. It will give you a spectacular sight with the outlaying areas of the Ayeyarwady plains and the misty Shan hills. You can also take mini-taxi to the top of the Mandalay hill and then walk down. Mandalay, a grubby city close up, is quite scenic from the holy hill, and the patchwork of paddy fields, river and countless monasteries makes for a serene sunset, particularly with the murmur of the praying monks drifting from the monasteries. Along the stairways are fascinating and interesting sights along the way together with the souvenir stalls, the Peshawar Relics Shrine where the bones of Buddha is enshrined and the gold-plated Shweyattaw Buddha image of immense size.

This pagoda was built by Myanmar King Mindon in 1857 at the same time as the royal palace. Kuthodaw pagoda is also popularly known as "The World's Largest Book" for its 729 upright stone slabs on which are inscribed the Buddhist Scriptures (Tripitaka). The stone slabs are housed in its own individual small stupa.

Mandalay Palace is known by many as the golden city within a city. This palace was the centre of glory for Myanmar King Mindon and was a truly magnificent palace complex. However it was tragically destroyed by bombing during the World War Two. An exact replica of the old palace is now being built inside the walls. A finely built palace walls, surrounded by a moat is surely a delight for artists, architects, painters and photographers.

The masterpiece of Myanmar woodcarving techniques can be seen in Shwe Nandaw Kyaung. At one time, the building was part of the palace complex and was used as an apartment by King Mindon. After Myanmar king Mindon's death, King Thibaw Min rebuilt it in 1880 as a monastery. It is said that Myanmar king Thibaw used the building for meditation, and the couch on which he sat can still be seen.

The area around Mandalay has a number of attractions well worth visiting. Namely, Myanmar ancient cities of Amarapura, Sagaing and Inwa, Mingun and the hill station Pyin U Lwin (Maymyo).

Amarapura was an ancient capital of Myanmar Monarchy, 11 km south of Mandalay in Myanmar. It was a capital until 1857 when King Mindon decided to move the capital to Mandalay. Although there are little remains of the old palace area, the other Myanmar tourist attractions include, Patodawgyi Pagoda, U Bein's Bridge and the silk weaving industry.

Sagaing lies in the western bank of Irrawady River with plenty of stupas scatted over the Sagaing hill. It is 21 km south west of Mandalay and is a spiritual recluse for Buddhist studies and meditation. The Kaungmudaw a giant dome shaped pagoda and the Ywahtaung Village home of silver craftsman are some points of interest in Myanmar.

Amarapura, a Myanmar ancient capital, is situated about 11km south of Mandalay. Pohtodawgyi Pagoda, 1208 metre long U Bein Bridge which was built with teak planks and silk weaving industry are places of interest to visit. U Beins Bridge is much better than its boring postcard images and is a very enjoyable stroll. The appealing and simple 200 year-old bridge is the longest teak structure in the world, and stretches across the calm lake.

After the fall of Bagan, Inwa was the capital of Myanmar Kingdom for 400 years from 1364 until the shift was made to Amarapura in 1841. Places of interest are Nanmyin where 27m high masonry is, Maha Aungmye Bonzan and bagaya Kyaung where one can witness the art and architecture of Myanmar.

The 11-km boat trip up the famous Ayeyarwady lies Myanmar ancient city of Mingun. Not only interesting things are there to be seen, the trip to Mingun itself is fun and adventurous. The trip will give you a pleasant feel for the river and a glimpse of river life.

At the end of this trip, you will find the world's biggest ringing bell; the Mingun Bell weighing 90 tons and Mingun Paya; unfinished work of King Bodawpaya. If it had been completed, it would be the world's largest pagoda in the world. But instead it is there as the world largest unfinished brick pile of a pagoda.

Pyin Oo Lwin is where a timeless colonial serenity greets you as you enter. It is 67 km east of Mandalay and 1010 m above sea level. On reaching the town, there is immediate change in climate. The air is cooler and the palm trees have given way to pine and fir trees. There are also nurseries, field of flowers and fruit trees. Pyin Oo Lwin's botanical garden is 49 acres wide and there you will find natural forest with walking trails, a rose garden, an orchid house and a number of ponds. It is quite famous for its British lodges and country homes that still remain in good condition like Purcell Tower; the clock tower in which the clock was made in 1934 and Church of the Immaculate that is 100 year old.

Bagan was founded in 849 AD and became the capital of first unified Kingdom and the first multinational Union of Myanmar in 1044 AD. It is located in the east bank of the famous Ayeyarwady River with the span of 42 square kilometers where there are over 5,000 mysterious and magnificent stupas and hollow pagodas that are making Bagan the wonders of the world. One of the richest archaeological sites in Asia. Memorable for its tranquility, as well as for its majesty. The temples in Bagan are infinitely fascinating, each with its own story and legend.

The gilded Shwezigon pagoda is one of the Myanmar oldest and the most important pagoda in Bagan. Myanmar King Anawrahta who was the founder of the first Bagan dynasty built the pagoda in 1057 AD as a centre of prayer and reflection. This Shwezigon is the proto type for all later Myanmar stupas.

Ananda Temple is one of the finest, largest and best preserved of the Bagan Myanmar temples. It was built by Myanmar King Kyanzittha in 1105 AD and contains statues of Buddha and stone sculptures of exquisite workmanship representing various scenes in Buddha's life. It is one of few hollow pagodas and is perfectly proportioned temple that holds the stylistic end of the Early Bagan period and the beginning of the Middle period. The Ananda Temple built after the Shwezigon in 1090 is the masterpiece of the early temple architecture. There are four huge Buddha images in the standing position and eighth reliefs depicting the life of the Buddha from his Birth to his Enlightenment.

The Thatbyinnyu Temple, a white stucoo building, is the Bagan's highest pagoda. It was built by King Alaungsithu in mid-12th century. The view form its terraces is spectacular both at dawn and dusk.

This 13th century temple is like Thatbyinnyu, about 60 metres high with a fine view of the Bagan plains.

Mount Popa is an extinct volcano last active 250,000 years ago. It is 1500-metre high and about 60-km south east of Bagan which is also known as the oasis of the dry zone in Myanmar. Set amid lovely hill and forest scenery, Mount Popa is a steep-sided volcanic peak dedicated to the legendary "Nat" spirits of Myanmar. A shrine lies at the top of over 700 steps. Mount Popa is considered as abode of Myanmar's most powerful nats (supernatural beings) and is the most important nat worship centre.

About (an hour drive) 30 km to the south of Taunggyi is Inle Lake which is the Second Largest Lake in Myanmar. The lake itself is about 900meters above sea-level and studded with floating islands. Lovely lake scenery, hazy distant mountains and the interesting local society. Floating is renowned for its unique leg-rowers and characterful local markets. Other attractions are Phaungdaw Oo Pagoda Festival, silk weaving industries and Inle spa.

Nyaungshwe is a small town at the north end of Inle Lake. It is here that one can take a walk to nearby villages and countrysides and find the ruins of the old monasteries. This is also the starting point of the trip onto the Inle Lake.

Kaung Daing is the native village on the northwestern shore of the lake. It is known for its production of soybean cakes and noodles. There are some interesting Shan temples just outside the village. A little north of Khaung Daing is a hot spring where you can take a bath.

Taunggyi, over 1430 metres above sea-level, is the capital of Shan State. It is a hill station, cool and pleasant all the year round. The market on each fifth day is crowded with ethnic minorities in their traditional dresses. The journey from Taunggyi down to Inle Lake area takes about an hour.

Located southeast of Yangon, Kyaiktiyo, or "Golden Rock" Pagoda is a huge gold-plateed boulder poised on the edge of a steep cliff. On top of the rock is a delicate pagoda Kyaikhttyo Pagoda. This mystical pagoda stands on a golden gilded boulder, precariously perched on the edge of the hill over 1100km above sea-level. Kyaikhto, the town at the foot of the hill, is about 160km from Yangon. It is a 11kilometer uphill climb for the hikers from Kinpun base camp. There is also a steep winding road for 4-wheel drive cars from the base to the nearest point of the pagodas. There are many legends about the Pagoda and the 'nats' or 'spirits'. Kyaikhto Hotel and Golden Rock Hotel have modern facilities for tourists.

Shwedagon PagodaThis 15th century ancient city of Rakhine Kingdom is know for its old temples with wall paintings of Indian cultural influence. A regular passenger boat takes hours from Sittwe (Akyab) to Mrauk U. Special speed boat with 20 seats takes only 2.5 hours. It is also accessible by road from Sittwe via Ponnakyun and Kyauktaw. The Mahamuni Shrine, one of the famous Pagodas in Myanmar, is situated 30 km from Mrauk U. Regular flights from Yangon to Sittwe takes about one hour and 30 minutes. Shitthaung Pagoda, Dukkanthein Pagoda, Andawthein Shrine are some of the sites to see in Mrauk U.

Ngapali Beach positioned on the Rakhine Coast near Thandwe (Sandoway), Ngapali is one of the beautiful beaches in Myanmar. This unspoilt beach is 35 minute flight from Yangon. By overland, 14 hour drive along the narrow winding road over the Rakhine Yoma (mountain range) after crossing the Ayeyarwady River at Pyay (Prome). There is an 18-hole Golf Course, located 15 minute drive from the beach. A wide choice of hotels from first-class Bay View and Sandoway Beach Resort to standard Ngapali Beach, and Silver Beach.