Myanmar is an enchanting country, full of breathtaking sights that captured our hearts from the moment we stepped off the plane. There’s so much to explore in Myanmar; from Inle Lake and chaotic Yangon city center to stunning Bagan temple plain. No wonder why it remains one of South East Asia’s most stunning countries! These are our top 10 places to visit while there.
Enjoy the sunrise over Bagan temple plain.
Bagan sunrises can be truly enchanting. Watching the sun rise over Bagan temple plain is a moment to cherish; temples extending as far as the eye can see. A morning mist rises above this landscape and a rainbow-colored sky emerges from beneath darkness. Hot air balloons drift past as you take in this spectacular sight.
Climb the 777 steps of Mount Popa
Mount Popa is a must-see in Myanmar: an extinct volcano perched atop a sacred monastery with gold stupas and an iconic church. As you ascend towards its summit, where you’ll find headquarters of Myanmar’s most powerful Nats, there are 777 steps to climb and plenty of monkeys eager to entertain tourists searching for food. Mount Popa can easily be visited in half a day from Bagan by car.
Discover awe-inspiring array of Stupas at Kakku, Inle Lake.
Kakku, one of Myanmar’s most impressive pagodas, is an undiscovered Shan State jewel that offers some truly incredible activities at Inle Lake. Comprised of 2,478 stupas that were commissioned two thousand years ago, it serves as a religious center for Pa’O people from Myanmar and can be reached with just half a day trip by car; however a local guide is necessary due to local laws.
Take a sunset boat ride on Inle Lake for an unforgettable experience.
Inle Lake is one of the world’s most stunning lakes. The stilt houses and Buddhist temples that rise from its marshy water reeds add to its captivating charm. A ride on one of Inle Lake’s long-tail wooden boats is an excellent way to see this stunning body of water, or you can just enjoy its tranquility while watching local villages go by. Inle Lake also makes for stunning sunsets as sunlight reflects off its glass surface in breathtaking colours from Myanmar’s sunsets.
Experience awe-inspiring sight of hundreds of ancient stupas at Indein, Inle Lake.
In Indein, hundreds upon hundreds of brown, white and red stupas line the hilltop. This village sits just off Inle Lake at the mouth of a narrow creek. Traveling there was an enjoyable experience as we passed farmers with water buffalo alongside families enjoying their leisure time on its banks.
Experience the serenity of Shwedagon Pagoda at night.
Shwedagon pagoda in Yangon can be enjoyed all day, but its golden splendor truly shines after dark. It is considered to be the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar and houses four Buddha relics. At night it fills with worshippers as its golden glow illuminates Yangon’s Pagoda for an awe-inspiring sight that should not be missed when visiting Yangon.
Experience a journey along the Irrawaddy River from Bagan to Mandalay.
The Irrawaddy River is Myanmar’s longest river. Cruising along its banks and waters offers a unique perspective into everyday life in Myanmar – passing rural villages and observing daily life along its shores. It can be an enchanting experience to pass by these rural settlements and witness daily life along its banks.
Experience a time warp at Shwenandaw Kyaung Monastery, Mandalay.
The Golden Palace Monastery, situated near Mandalay Hill and once part of Roayl Palace, is decorated with stunning teak carvings depicting Buddhist myths. It is an iconic religious site in Myanmar and one of Mandalay’s main attractions.
Experience the sunset over U Bein Bridge, Mandalay.
The iconic U Bein Bridge, stretching over 1km across Taungthaman Lake in Myanmar, is one of the country’s most photographed landmarks and also the longest. As the sun sets on another Myanmar Day, monks cross this iconic bridge to return home or to their monastery.
Experience the sunset over U Bein Bridge in Mandalay!
The iconic U Bein Bridge, stretching over 1km across Taungthaman Lake in Myanmar, is one of the country’s most photographed landmarks and also the longest. As the sun sets on another Myanmar Day, monks cross this bridge to return home or continue on their mission.