last edited Dec 11, 2019
What to See in Myanmar
Contributionsversion #1created Dec 11, 2019Report this pageLatest contributions in this guideContributors to this guide
Location Map of Myanmar
Myanmar
Open the interactive map
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Myanmar has two sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list:
Ancient Pyu Cities (2014)
Alongside Hanlin, Beikthano, and Sri Ksetra, these are three cities of the ancient Pyu civilization where remnants can still be seen. The site is UNESCO-listed.
Alongside Hanlin, Beikthano, and Sri Ksetra, these are three cities of the ancient Pyu civilization where remnants can still be seen. The site is UNESCO-listed.
Bagan (2019)
This stunning archaeological site on the banks of the Irrawaddy is home to the world's largest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas, and other structures—over two thousand of them, all UNESCO-listed!
This stunning archaeological site on the banks of the Irrawaddy is home to the world's largest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas, and other structures—over two thousand of them, all UNESCO-listed!
Cities and Cultural Heritage
Amarapura
This former capital in the Mandalay region, on the banks of the Irrawaddy, is home to several temples and stupas, as well as the "famous" U Bein Bridge, built in the mid-19th century, which is the longest teak bridge in the world.
This former capital in the Mandalay region, on the banks of the Irrawaddy, is home to several temples and stupas, as well as the "famous" U Bein Bridge, built in the mid-19th century, which is the longest teak bridge in the world.
Ancient Pyu Cities
Alongside Hanlin, Beikthano, and Sri Ksetra, these are three cities of the ancient Pyu civilization where remnants can still be seen. The site is UNESCO-listed.
Alongside Hanlin, Beikthano, and Sri Ksetra, these are three cities of the ancient Pyu civilization where remnants can still be seen. The site is UNESCO-listed.
Bagan
This stunning archaeological site on the banks of the Irrawaddy is home to the world's largest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas, and other structures—over two thousand of them, all UNESCO-listed!
This stunning archaeological site on the banks of the Irrawaddy is home to the world's largest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas, and other structures—over two thousand of them, all UNESCO-listed!
Bago
Formerly Pegu, this city northeast of Yangon boasts numerous temples, palaces, and other primarily Buddhist monuments.
Formerly Pegu, this city northeast of Yangon boasts numerous temples, palaces, and other primarily Buddhist monuments.
Shan State
This eastern region, bordering China and Laos, is home to the Shan people, who have preserved their traditions. You can trek here starting from towns like Kengtung, though be mindful of the current security situation, particularly in the northeast.
This eastern region, bordering China and Laos, is home to the Shan people, who have preserved their traditions. You can trek here starting from towns like Kengtung, though be mindful of the current security situation, particularly in the northeast.
Pindaya Caves
This pilgrimage site, located in the township of the same name in Shan State, consists of three vast caves filled with Buddhas (9,000 representations!).
This pilgrimage site, located in the township of the same name in Shan State, consists of three vast caves filled with Buddhas (9,000 representations!).
Kalaw
Located west of Lake Inle, this former British hill station is now popular with tourists for its trekking opportunities, particularly towards Inle.
Located west of Lake Inle, this former British hill station is now popular with tourists for its trekking opportunities, particularly towards Inle.
Kawthaung
This small seaside town on the Thai border is typically used by travellers looking to extend their Thai visa...
This small seaside town on the Thai border is typically used by travellers looking to extend their Thai visa...
Mandalay
The former Burmese capital boasts a beautiful palace and numerous religious buildings. It’s also the city where most of the country’s monks are based.
The former Burmese capital boasts a beautiful palace and numerous religious buildings. It’s also the city where most of the country’s monks are based.
Mawlamyine
The former Moulmein, Myanmar's fourth-largest city, is primarily a bustling port and transport hub rather than a tourist destination, though its setting, pagoda hill, and small islands hold appeal.
The former Moulmein, Myanmar's fourth-largest city, is primarily a bustling port and transport hub rather than a tourist destination, though its setting, pagoda hill, and small islands hold appeal.
Mrauk U
A tourist town in western Myanmar. In its immediate surroundings, you can discover temples, pagodas, and palaces dating back to the 15th century.
A tourist town in western Myanmar. In its immediate surroundings, you can discover temples, pagodas, and palaces dating back to the 15th century.
Naypyidaw
This "new city" has been the country's capital since 2005, with its colossal and completely deserted facilities. The place is largely a total failure, though its ghost-town aspect might just about be worth a visit...
This "new city" has been the country's capital since 2005, with its colossal and completely deserted facilities. The place is largely a total failure, though its ghost-town aspect might just about be worth a visit...
Ngwesaung
A series of beautiful, tranquil beaches west of Yangon. Others like it include Chaungtha and, especially, Ngapali in the surrounding area.
A series of beautiful, tranquil beaches west of Yangon. Others like it include Chaungtha and, especially, Ngapali in the surrounding area.
Pyin U Lwin
This former British hill station still has a number of colonial-era houses and buildings. Its surroundings are home to several caves and waterfalls.
This former British hill station still has a number of colonial-era houses and buildings. Its surroundings are home to several caves and waterfalls.
Golden Rock
Or more "officially" Kyaiktiyo Pagoda. Perched at 1,200 m, this massive 6 m diameter boulder balanced precariously is one of the country's main Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Women are not allowed to touch it or approach it.
Or more "officially" Kyaiktiyo Pagoda. Perched at 1,200 m, this massive 6 m diameter boulder balanced precariously is one of the country's main Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Women are not allowed to touch it or approach it.
Taukkyan
Located on the outskirts of Yangon, this memorial is dedicated to Commonwealth soldiers who died in Burma during World War II.
Located on the outskirts of Yangon, this memorial is dedicated to Commonwealth soldiers who died in Burma during World War II.
Taunggyi
This city typically serves as a base (along with Kalaw) for visiting nearby Inle Lake and the Pindaya Caves.
This city typically serves as a base (along with Kalaw) for visiting nearby Inle Lake and the Pindaya Caves.
Thandwe
On the coast, northwest of Yangon, Thandwe is known for its Ngapali Beach, which hosts the country’s main seaside resort. You can go diving there.
On the coast, northwest of Yangon, Thandwe is known for its Ngapali Beach, which hosts the country’s main seaside resort. You can go diving there.
Yangon
The former capital is the country's economic hub. The city is known for its colonial architecture and pagodas, foremost among them the Shwedagon Pagoda, considered the most beautiful in the country.
The former capital is the country's economic hub. The city is known for its colonial architecture and pagodas, foremost among them the Shwedagon Pagoda, considered the most beautiful in the country.
Natural Heritage
Irrawaddy
This is the country’s main river, flowing from the north (Himalayas) to the south (Andaman Sea). Locally, you can take boat trips along it.
This is the country’s main river, flowing from the north (Himalayas) to the south (Andaman Sea). Locally, you can take boat trips along it.
Inle Lake
In the heart of Myanmar, this vast lake is home to floating villages where traditions endure. It also offers beautiful boat trips and hikes around its shores.
In the heart of Myanmar, this vast lake is home to floating villages where traditions endure. It also offers beautiful boat trips and hikes around its shores.
Mount Popa
Southeast of Bagan, this ancient volcano and its monastery are a pilgrimage site. The summit is easily accessible.
Southeast of Bagan, this ancient volcano and its monastery are a pilgrimage site. The summit is easily accessible.
Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park
Popular with locals, this park boasts abundant wildlife (including many elephants) and is also a pilgrimage site.
Popular with locals, this park boasts abundant wildlife (including many elephants) and is also a pilgrimage site.
Hlawga National Park
In the south of the country, near Yangon, this park is developed for tourism and is home to a variety of birds and monkeys.
In the south of the country, near Yangon, this park is developed for tourism and is home to a variety of birds and monkeys.
Must-see & highly recommended
Bagan
★★★★ This stunning archaeological site on the banks of the Irrawaddy is home to the world's largest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas…
Inle Lake
★★★★ In the heart of Myanmar, this vast lake is home to floating villages where traditions endure. It also offers beautiful boat trips and hikes…
Recommended
Mandalay
★★★ The former Burmese capital boasts a beautiful palace and numerous religious buildings. It’s also the city where most of the…
Mrauk U
★★★ A tourist town in western Myanmar. In its immediate surroundings, you can discover temples, pagodas, and palaces dating back to the 15th…
Worth a look / Other
Amarapura
★★ This former capital in the Mandalay region, on the banks of the Irrawaddy, is home to several temples and stupas, as well as the "famous" U…
Ancient Pyu Cities
★★ Alongside Hanlin, Beikthano, and Sri Ksetra, these are three cities of the ancient Pyu civilization where remnants can still be seen. The…
Bago
★★ Formerly Pegu, this city northeast of Yangon boasts numerous temples, palaces, and other primarily Buddhist monuments.
Shan State
★★ This eastern region, bordering China and Laos, is home to the Shan people, who have preserved their traditions. You can trek here starting…
Pindaya Caves
★★ This pilgrimage site, located in the township of the same name in Shan State, consists of three vast caves filled with Buddhas (9,000…
Ngwesaung
★★ A series of beautiful, tranquil beaches west of Yangon. Others like it include Chaungtha and, especially, Ngapali in the surrounding area.
Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park
★★ Popular with locals, this park boasts abundant wildlife (including many elephants) and is also a pilgrimage site.
Phowintaung
★★ The site houses several hundred caves decorated with Buddha effigies.
Golden Rock
★★ Or more "officially" Kyaiktiyo Pagoda. Perched at 1,200 m, this massive 6 m diameter boulder balanced precariously is one of the country's…
Thandwe
★★ On the coast, northwest of Yangon, Thandwe is known for its Ngapali Beach, which hosts the country’s main seaside resort. You can go…
Yangon
★★ The former capital is the country's economic hub. The city is known for its colonial architecture and pagodas, foremost among them the…
Irrawaddy
★ This is the country’s main river, flowing from the north (Himalayas) to the south (Andaman Sea). Locally, you can take boat trips…
Kalaw
★ Located west of Lake Inle, this former British hill station is now popular with tourists for its trekking opportunities, particularly…
Kawthaung
★ This small seaside town on the Thai border is typically used by travellers looking to extend their Thai visa...
Mawlamyine
★ The former Moulmein, Myanmar's fourth-largest city, is primarily a bustling port and transport hub rather than a tourist destination…
Mount Popa
★ Southeast of Bagan, this ancient volcano and its monastery are a pilgrimage site. The summit is easily accessible.
Naypyidaw
★ This "new city" has been the country's capital since 2005, with its colossal and completely deserted facilities. The place is largely a…
Hlawga National Park
★ In the south of the country, near Yangon, this park is developed for tourism and is home to a variety of birds and monkeys.
Pyay
★ The former Prome is a city in central Myanmar with several pagodas and stupas.
Pyin U Lwin
★ This former British hill station still has a number of colonial-era houses and buildings. Its surroundings are home to several caves and…
Taukkyan
★ Located on the outskirts of Yangon, this memorial is dedicated to Commonwealth soldiers who died in Burma during World War II.
Taunggyi
★ This city typically serves as a base (along with Kalaw) for visiting nearby Inle Lake and the Pindaya Caves.