Shwedagon Pagoda is one of Yangon’s highlights. It towers almost 98 meters above the city and is one of the wonders of the religious world.
The pagoda is more than 2500 years old and a symbol of Burmese faith. Hundreds of gold plates cover the structure. The top of the stupa is encrusted with 4531 diamonds, the largest of which has 76 carats.
Take time to explore downtown and discover more of the city’s landmarks. Wander around Bogyoke Aung San market (still widely known by its old British name, Scott Market). This place is brimming with stalls selling traditional lacquerware, antiques, woodcarvings and fabrics. Take the circular train for a real local experience and to connect with the local people going about their daily lives.
Most people visit Bagan to see the temples. But whenever you feel in danger of becoming ‘templed out’, take time to discover more of what this enchanting place has to offer.
Experience rural village life, and explore the craft markets and artisan workshops. Bagan is famous for its traditional crafts and lacquerware. Visit the workshops to see the intricate process involved in making these unique handmade goods. Enjoy the relaxed pace of life here and explore the city by bicycle or horse-drawn cart.
However you choose to make your way around Bagan, it’s easy to interact with the locals and to gain a real sense of life here. Allow yourself time to absorb its culture and you’ll leave with the most amazing memories.
There’s no better way to see Bagan’s famous sunrise, or spellbinding landscape, than from a hot air balloon. This is an exceptional experience that you’ll never forget.
Take a cruise on the Ayeyarwaddy River for another unforgettable experience. Soak up the panoramic views of Bagan. Watch the farmers stand on the backs of their wooden ox-pulled ploughs. Wave back at the children standing on the banks to greet you as your boat drifts by.
Around 50km from Bagan is the stunning Mount Popa, the spiritual home of the pre-Buddhist spirits known as the 37 Great Nats. Mount Popa is an extinct volcano within Popa Mountain Park, considered one of the most sacred places of worship in all of Myanmar.
The temple sits on Popa Taung Kalat, accessible via 777 steps on a covered walkway. You’ll need to be quite fit to make your way up there, but the steps are tiled and not overly steep, so it’s well worth the effort. Once you get to the top, you’ll find amazing views and the chance to explore the fascinating monasteries, stupas and shrines.
Every morning, monks and their novice monks line up at the Mahagadayon Monastery, in the township of Amarapura, to receive their daily alms and food from the devout Buddhists.
Visit Kuthodaw Pagoda to read a few pages from the world’s largest book, the Royal Palace and Mahamuni Pagoda. Look on as the endless stream of devotees add gold leaf to the Mahamuni Buddha.
Take time to see the famous U Bein Bridge. As the longest teak footbridge in the world, it stretches right across Taungthaman Lake. When evening comes, the bridge becomes a focal point for monks and locals.
Mandalay is a young, vibrant city, famous for its culture, education and arts. Inside the many workshops, you discover craftspeople making gold leaf and marionettes (puppets). Look around and you see others carving curios from marble and wood.
The treasures on sale include lacquerware, handwoven Burmese skirts (longyi), and tapestries. These crafts are unique to Myanmar, which makes them perfect souvenirs of your time here
Visit the local five-day market that circles between towns in the region. Many of the area’s ethnic minorities come here to buy and sell their goods, making the market a great place to observe local life.
With over 2,000 km of coastline, it’s little wonder that Myanmar is fast becoming one of the must-see elite beach hotspots in Asia. And when it comes to sun-soaked perfection, it doesn’t get better than the white sands of Ngapali.