Myanmar is truly the land that time forgot. After three decades of self-imposed isolation, the unspoiled beauty and tranquility of Myanmar is to be treasured.
The larger cities are bustling centers. In the countryside, however, time seems to have stood still.
Here hundreds of pagodas dot the landscape, farmers dressed to their traditional garb tend to their emerald green rice paddies the way their ancestors have for centuries before and the pace of life seems perfectly in tune with the slow changing of the seasons.
Yangon (Rangoon)
Yangon is the main gateway to Myanmar and perhaps the last sample of a tropical Asian city still featuring its former colonial origins. The major attraction of Yangon is the Shwedagon Paya, the most sacred Buddhist temple in Myanmar.
Bagan (Pagan).
A tranquil and majestic site, Bagan is one of the richest archaeological sites in Asia.
It contains thousands of temples, pagodas and stupas, all set in a vast dusty plain beside the Ayeyarwaddy River.
Mount Popa
Rising 737 meters from the Myingyan Plain, Mount Popa is an isolated and inactive volcano. A shrine dedicated to the legendary "Nat" spirits lies at the top of a steep-sided volcanic plug, which can be reached by ascending 777 steps.
Pyay (Prome)
Located on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River, Pyay is the starting point for visits to the ancient Pyu capital, Thayekhittaya (Sri Ksetra). Thayekhittaya is one of Myanmar's most interesting archaeological sites.
Mandalay
Mandalay is the second largest city and former royal capital of Myanmar. Historical buildings, temples, and pagodas are among some of the attractions of Mandalay. Points of interest include silk and cotton weaving, marble carving, bronze and silver crafts, as well as Kalaga tapestries. Excursions out of Mandalay include the scenic trip upriver to Mingun with its vast unfinished pagoda and world's largest bronze bell.
Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo)
Pyin Oo Lwin, over 1,000 meters above sea level, was founded during colonial times. Only 64 kilometers from Mandalay, visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery, cool climate and nostalgic atmosphere from the old buildings and botanical gardens.
Monywa
Located on the bank of the Chindwin River, Monywa is a major trading point for agricultural produce from the region. This town is a gateway for cross-river visits to the ancient carved cave temple of Po Win Daung and the spectacular Thanboddhay Paya Stupa complex.
Inle Lake
One of the highlights of the Myanmar experience, Inle Lake provides lovely scenery with its hazy mountains in the distance. The vast lake is studded with floating gardens and is renowned for its unique leg-rowers and local markets.
Kengtung (Kyaing Tong)
Kengtung is the center of the Golden Triangle and one of the most picturesque towns in Shan State. It is also the point of departure for one-day treks to the ethnic villages of Akha, Lahu, Wa and Shans. Traveling on a good road (165 kilometers) through some of the most remote, but inhabited mountain areas, visitors can reach Tachilek at the border of Thailand. Modest accommodation is available.
Kyaiktiyo
Located Southeast of Yangon, Kyaiktiyo or "Golden Rock" Pagoda is a huge gold-plated boulder poised on the edge of a steep cliff. Here lies one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Myanmar. One can reach Kyaiktiyo by either hiking 10 kilometers up a hill or by riding in open minitrucks up steep roads with the final stage (500 meters) on foot.
Mawlamyine (Moulmein)
Mawlamyine is the fourth largest city in Myanmar and 270 kilometers southeast of Yangon. As the former capital of British Burma, it was an important teak-port. One can still feel the colonial atmosphere throughout this charming town. Several fine monasteries and shrines cover the hills of Mawlamyine from which visitors can enjoy magnificent views of the city and harbor.
Bago (Pegu)
This former ancient capital is located 80 kilometers from Yangon, en route to Kyaiktiyo. Sightseeing in Bago includes impressive temples, open-air markets, cheroot making, and woodcarving centers.
Pathein (Bassein)
This small port-town, some 190 kilometers west of Yangon, can be reached in four hours by road or by an overnight ferry through the complex Ayeyarwaddy river delta region. A scenic waterfront, Pathein displays Chinese and Burmese temples and buildings. Local umbrella workshops provide an interesting stop as well. Pathein is also the gateway to the little-known beach resorts Chaungtha and Ngwe Saung.
Sittwe and Mrauk Oo
Rakhine is Myanmar's most westerly state and the capital city Sittwe can be reached by plane from Yangon (one-hour flight). Sittwe itself is of limited interest except for its huge fish market and general market. The major attraction is the excursion upriver through beautiful scenery. It takes visitors to the ancient former capital of Mrauk Oo, which offers a number of important archaeological sites as well as several temples of unique design.
Thandwe (Sandoway) & Ngapali
After a 45-minute flight from Yangon, one will arrive in Thandwe. It is located about ten kilometers northeast of Ngapali. With its sandy beaches, Ngapali is on the verge of becoming the finest resort in the country.
Myitkyina
Myitkyina is the capital of Kachin State and is an area that just recently became accessible to tourists. With its nearby rivers of Mekha and Malika, the jade mining center of Pakkhan and the huge Indawgyi Lake, this region offers adventurous travelers many possibilities for exploring. Only basic accommodation is available.
Northern and Eastern Destinations
To the North and East of Myanmar are several small towns not yet easily accessible to tourists. Hotels and other facilities are extremely limited. For the adventurous, however, the following destinations are likely to become accessible in the coming years: Hakha, capital of Chin State, built on mountain terraces and surrounded by magnificent pine forests; Tongzan, cultural center of Chin tribes; the 2,740 meter-high Mt. Kennedy near Teedeim. In Bhamo visitors can see remains of an ancient Shan capital and a lively market frequented by colorful hill tribe people. The mountainous region around Lashio, an important trading center, can be reached by train or car from Mandalay. Attractions here include beautiful scenery, hot springs and the town's lively market. |
