As a result of its pariah status, Myanmar has been protected from an inundation of tourists. While the regulations are becoming more lax, it still remains unspoiled and the many historic attractions can be enjoyed without throngs of visitors. The pace of the city is relaxed, especially in the rural areas. The people of Myanmar are conservative and laid-back, providing a nice reprieve from vacationing in other chaotic Southeast Asian countries.
Shwedagon Pagoda
The icon of Yangon is no doubt the beautiful Shwedagon Pagoda towering above the city atop a hill. The 2,600-year old pagoda is considered the oldest in the world and is completely gilded in over 30 tons of gold that sparkles in the sunlight. For the people of Myanmar, Shwedagon is one of the most holy religious sites and during Buddhist festivals, is packed with visitors. There are shops that line street all the way up to the pagoda, which are fun to browse. Be sure to dress appropriately and be respectful.
Address: No.1 Shwedagon Pagoda Road, Dagon Township, Yangon
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Golden Rock
Locally known at the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, the Golden Rock is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. Located 130 miles southeast of Yangon, the Golden Rock literally hovers on the edge of a cliff looking like it could tip over at any second! The 600 ton rock has a small golden pagoda sitting on top of it and there are many legends surrounding it. One states that if a person hikes from the base of the hill to the rock three times in one year, the person will be blessed with wealth.
Address: Kyaiktiyo
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Bagan
Bagan is an incredible architectural and archaeological site located roughly 430 miles north of Yangon and 180 miles from Mandalay in Myanmar. An absolute must-see, the town used to hold over 10,000 temples, stupas, monasteries, and pagodas dotted around the plains of Bagan back in the 13th century, today over 2,000 of which can still be seen. Some of the sites are mere ruins, whereas others in perfect condition. It is simply awesome to walk or cycle around the plains and see the Ananda Temple, Dhammayangyi Temple, Lawkananda Pagoda, and Payathaonzu Temple at dawn or dusk.
Address: Bagan
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Mandalay
Another must see is the ancient royal capital. Located roughly 420 miles north of Yangon, Mandalay used to be the former capital of Myanmar and was founded in 1857. There are many things to explore on foot, by bike or trishaw. The Mandalay Palace, a replica of the original which was destroyed in a fire, gives visitors a feel for how royalty lived in their hay day. An impressive sight is the Kuthodaw Pagoda, which is also known as the "world’s biggest book." The pagoda is surrounded by 729 stone slabs, each encased in a white stupa, which have Buddhist scriptures inscribed on them. The Shwenandaw Monastery is small, but it showcases the impressive craftsmanship of the local woodcarvers. Mandalay Hill, 790 feet in height, is considered to be a holy hill and is one of the places the Buddha is said to have visited.
Address: Mandalay
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Inle Lake
Inle Lake, a freshwater source, is one of the natural wonders of Myanmar. Located 440 miles from Yangon and 200 miles from Mandalay, it is known for its floating islands and towns where the local Intha people literally live off the water. The Intha are known for their unusual rowing technique which is showcased each year during the Phaung Daw Oo Festival when boat races take place. Inle Lake is also home to many endemic species of fish and with the increase in tourism and development, there are environmental concerns of keeping the lake pollution-free so see it now before hoards of people get there.
Address: Shan State
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Chauk Htat Gyi Buddha
Located just south of Shwedagon Pagoda is the beautiful reclining Buddha. Completed in 1907 and re-built in 1966, this Buddha is 195 feet in length and 100 feet tall. The serene facial expression is a popular attraction for locals and visitors alike.
Address: Shwe Gon Taing Road, Tamwe Township, Yangon
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Myanmar Gem Museum
Myanmar is famous for its rubies, jade and sapphire, and this museum showcases the gem culture, including rare pigeon blood rubies. The museum is located on the third floor of the building which houses the Gems Mart, 82 shops that sell sparklers and finished jewelry. It is also the home to the semi-annual Myanmar Gems Emporium fair, which attracts stone buyers from all over the world.
Address: 68 Kaba Aya Pagoda Road, Yangon
Phone: +95-1-665-169
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Kandawgyi Nature Park
Formerly known as the Royal Lake, Kandawgyi Lake is one of two big lakes in Yangon. Created during British colonial times, it is fed from Inya Lake and is surrounded by a beautiful park which is also home to the Yangon Zoological Garden. The Park is best known for its concrete replica of the royal barge, Karaweik, which was built in Myanmar in 1972. Today, it houses a restaurant.
Address: Yangon
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