Myanmar

Bagan is the number one attraction in Myanmar and for good reason. Home to over 2,000 enchanting stupas spread across the endless countryside, it’s a spectacular view. The best part about Bagan is that, unlike other similar archaeological sites, it’s still fairly untouched by tourists.

The best way to experience the utter magic of Bagan is by taking a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. There are so many stupas you simply cannot appreciate them all from ground level. Explore one of Baga’s local markets – such as the Mani Sithu Market, cycle past the temples on a bike or e-bike.

Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is the largest city in Myanmar. There’s a lot of hisotry to discover in this colourful metropolis, with Buddhist monuments, scenic parks and lakes. Stroll past colonial buildings, museums, art galleries, and markets.

Shwedagon Pagoda, a towering golden steeple , is best viewed at sunset. Discover Buddha hairs at Botataung Pagoda, visit a fresh local market and shop for souvenirs at Bogyoke Aung San Market. There is plenty of street food to taste.

Mandalay is a city and former royal capital in northern Myanmar on the Irrawaddy River. In its center is the restored Mandalay Palace from the Konbaung Dynasty, surrounded by a moat. Mandalay Hill provides views of the city from its summit, which is reached by covered stairway. At its foot, the Kuthodaw Pagoda houses hundreds of Buddhist-scripture-inscribed marble slabs.

Climb up Yankin Hill, to see the world’s largest book at Kuthodaw Pagoda, and watch a show of the Mandalay Marionettes

See also Shwe In Bin Kyaung monastery, Mahamuni Paya, and Ta Moke Shwe Gu Gyi.

Inle Lake is in the Shan Hills of Myanmar. At its southwestern edge, Phaung Daw Oo Paya is a tiered pagoda with gilded Buddha statues. In the hills, near the market town of Indein, the stupas of Shwe Inn Dein Pagoda resemble a field of gold spires. The ruined stupas at nearby Nyaung Ohak have been reclaimed by forest. Maing Thauk village is split between land and water, with a wooden bridge connecting the two halves.

The region is famous for its unusual floating villages, pretty gardens, and glorious temples, which can be visited by wooden boat. There are over 200 monestries around the lake including Jumping Cat Monastery.

Also worth visiting is the floating market at Ywama village and the floating gardens of Nampan village.

Ngapali is Myanmar’s premier beach destination. Located on the Bay of Bengal coast in Rakhine State, its main feature is an idyllic stretch of white sand and palm tree-lined coast, with a number of resorts spread out next to traditional fishing villages.

There are options for kayaking, snorkeling, or scuba diving to see the exotic fish in the bay. You can climb or drive up to Tilawkasayambhu Buddha at the top of the hill which offers the most exceptional views over the bay!

Mrauk U is an archaeologically important town in northern Rakhine State.

While its temples are similar to Bagan’s, they’re smaller and a lot more modern and made from stone instead of brick. Only a few tourists make it as far as this isolated spot.

Bago, was once the capital of the Mon Kingdom. There is an authentic feel to the surrounding region, which has yet to be overrun by tourists. Visit Shwethalyaung Pagoda, the ‘Golden God Temple.’ and two reclining Buddhas: the Mya Tha Lyaung Reclinging Buddha and the giant 55 metre long Shwethalyaung Reclining Buddha.

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is a well-known Buddhist pilgrimage site in Mon State, Burma. It is a small pagoda built on the top of a granite boulder covered with gold leaves pasted on by its male devotees. According to legend, the Golden Rock itself is precariously perched on a strand of the Buddha's hair.

You can reach Kyaiktiyo by taking an open-top truck and cable car or go by foot, it's a four-hour hike to the top.

Ngwesaung is a an up market beach resort located 48 km west of Pathein, Ayeyarwady Region. The beach is 5 hours drive, with no traffic, away from the principal city of Yangon. Buses leave at 6am & 9:30pm from in front of the Yangon Central Railway Station. Take a leisurely stroll across the sandbar to Lover’s Island at low tide, admire the beachfront pagodas, go snorkeling at Bird Island.

Pyin Oo Lwin or Pyin U Lwin, formerly and colloquially referred to as Maymyo, is a scenic hill town in Mandalay Region, some 67 kilometers east of Mandalay, and at an elevation of 1,070 meters. Dating back to the 19th century, it was once the summer retreat of the British Raj, and the military base of the Indian Army. Due to its location close to the border of China, it also has a distinct Chinese influence.

Surrounded by botanical gardens, strawberry fields, and coffee bean plantations, you can trek to nearby waterfalls. At the National Landmarks Garden you can see models of Myanmar’s famous landmarks.