This is the first and the largest city that you will discover upon arrival in Burma. Yangon is home to 6.7 million inhabitants but has preserved its traditions and a colonial atmosphere. This is where you can see the Shwedagon Pagoda, the most beautiful pagoda in the world.
In the 16th century, Bago was the capital of Myanmar. This city is just a 1 ½ hour drive from Yangon. In Bago, you can visit the local market, the Shwemadaw Pagoda, the Shwethalaung Pagoda, and a reproduction of the royal palace as it was in the 16th century.
The Golden Rock is one of the most wonderful places to visit in Myanmar Burma. Its pagoda is built on a rock, tottering on the edge of a cliff. This is a very sacred pilgrimage site for Buddhists, worth visiting just for its atmosphere. It takes about four hours to drive to Golden Rock from Yangon, so an overnight stay will be required.
Bagan was the former capital of the Burmese kingdom for over two hundred years, from the 11th to the 13th century. It is one of the finest and most impressive archaeological sites in Asia with more than 2,000 pagodas spread along the banks of the Irrawaddy River. The journey to Myanmar is incomplete without a visit to Bagan, one of the most important places to visit in Myanmar Burma.
This extinct volcano, located 50 km from Bagan, is the home of the 37 Nats (protective spirits). Popa is known as the oasis of central Myanmar, famous for its green forest. On the way back, you will learn about the rural lifestyle when you visit a farm that produces sugar and palm tree alcohol.
This city was expanding when Bagan was the capital of Myanmar. It is an hour’s drive from Bagan. The principal attraction of Sale is the Yoke Sone Monastery which is decorated with beautiful wooden statues. On the way to Sale, there are opportunities to see oil wells and the bustling market at Chauk.
The last capital of the kingdom of Burma is also known as the cultural capital of the country. You will see many artisans following ancient traditions as they work in wood, bronze or marble. A visit to Mandalay continues on the hill and around the royal palace. From Mandalay, you can visit nearby towns such as Mingun, Sagaing, Ava, and Amarapura.
Amarapura was an ancient Burmese capital of the kingdom during the 18th century, before the construction of Mandalay. Today, the city is known for its traditional silk and cotton weaving. Sunset on U Bein Bridge, the longest teak bridge in the world, is an unforgettable experience.
Ava was the capital of Myanmar several times between the 14th and 19th century. It is located just 20 km south of Mandalay. Visit Ava by horse-drawn cart to experience a very authentic tour through the beautiful landscape of Myanmar.
The city of Sagaing lies 21 km south of Mandalay, on the opposite bank of the Irrawaddy River. Sagaing Hill is covered with thousands of pagodas and monasteries that give the impression that they have grown in the wild. The view from Sagaing Hill on the Irrawaddy River is magnificent.
Mingun village is located 20 km upstream from Mandalay on the Irrawaddy river. The boat trip on the Irrawaddy River is very relaxing. The unfinished pagoda and world’s largest ringing bell are the main attractions of this charming village.
This city, located 140 km northwest of Mandalay, is one of the most picturesque towns and one of the most interesting places to visit in Myanmar Burma. This is the starting point for visiting the caves carved into the sandstone mountains. The caves contain carved Buddha statues and paintings from the 17th century.
This city was a popular summer resort for the British during colonial times. Located at an altitude of 1200 meters, it offers a pleasant retreat to escape the intense heat of the plains. Visit a huge botanical garden (175 hectares) and observe natural waterfalls – just a quick hop from Mandalay.
The second largest natural lake in Myanmar is located 800 meters above sea level and is surrounded by mountains. Its inhabitants are famous for the way they row boats with their legs. Inle’s charming villages, floating gardens, fascinating indigenous people, and breathtaking landscapes combine to create a truly unique destination.
Sagar is a small village located on the shores of Inle Lake, three hours by boat from the entrance of the lake. It is a traditional city of the Shan ethnic group. The ancient pagodas and monasteries dating to the 17th century can still be seen there. During the lake crossing, you will pass many picturesque villages while you admire the fabulous view.
Kakku is located near the capital of Shan State, about a two-hour drive by road from Inle Lake. This impressive site consists of approximately 2,000 Shan-style stupas dating from the 12th to the 19th century. The surrounding landscape of beautiful plantations and quaint Pa O villages is also an attraction.
A very nice and peaceful city located 1300 meters above sea level and surrounded by pine forests, Kalaw was a popular summer resort in colonial times due to its pleasant climate and landscape. The mountains are inhabited by the Pao, Danu and Palaung ethnic groups, who farm oranges and tea. The Kalaw Region also offers some interesting treks for travelers who enjoy hiking in unspoiled natural areas.
The city of the Danu minority group is famous for its natural limestone caves filled with thousands of golden Buddhas. The hilly road that leads to Pindaya offers one of the finest views overlooking the colorful plantations of the Pa O ethnic minority.
The capital of the “Golden Triangle” is the starting point for some of the most most interesting and authentic treks in the country. The mountains of the Kyaing Tong region are inhabited by about twenty ethnic groups still living in a very traditional manner and wearing the traditional costumes of former times. In addition, the climate is always pleasant and the countryside is beautiful. Don’t miss this lovliest of places to visit in Myanmar Burma.
This small town inhabited by the ethnic Shan is situated on the way to China. Thibaw is much appreciated by locals and travelers for its pleasant climate. The small streams that flow into the villages and plantations appeal to travelers trekking to see this fascinating ethnic group.
The former capital of the ethnic Arakan is known as a second Bagan, as it is filled with stone pagodas dating from the 15th to the 18th century. Mrauk U is less-visited than other tour sites due to its distance from the classic sites. To get there, you first have to fly to Sittwe (about one hour) and then take an approximately six-hour boat cruise on the river Kaladan. But this exceptional site is well worth visiting. It is also the starting point to visit the villages of the tribe of tattooed women.
The capital of the Kachin ethnic groups is the north terminal of the railway. This is where the Irrawaddy River originates, at the confluence of two rivers. This place is now home to gold miners. Trade routes between India and China pass through Myitkyina.
The capital of the ethnic Mon, located 345 km southeast of Yangon, was the capital during the colonial period (from 1827 to 1852). This charming town is bounded by the Sanlwan river to the west and bordered on the east by mountain ranges crowned with pagodas and monasteries.
Hpa An, the capital of Karen state, is a seven-hour drive south from Yangon. The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains and the natural caves that shelter many statues of the Buddha. The visit to Hpa An combines with Moulamyine and Rocher D’or, which can be visited by boat during a magnificent cruise. Currently little-frequented by tourists, these three beautiful sites can be visited during an organized tour of at least four days starting from Yangon.
Loikaw is the capital of Kayah State (one of the seven majority ethnicities). It is surrounded by mountains, a river, and a lake. Kayah State is the smallest state in Myanmar and one of the least visited because it is very far from other major cities. The state of Kayah was closed to tourists for years for political reasons. Today, however, there are regular flights from Yangon and it is possible to travel from Inle Lake by boat or by road. Moreover, the landscapes that can be viewed during the boat trip from Loikaw to Inle Lake are very beautiful.
Ngapli is the most beautiful beach in Burma. This heavenly place is far removed from crowds of tourists and offers silver sand beaches, coconut palms, and turquoise water.
This beautiful beach is not far from Yangon. It is a magical place reachable in just six hours.
