Myanmar (Burma) is one of the countries in South Asia where affordable but memorable tourism is possible. There are numerous places to visit in Myanmar, enchanting thousands of visitors.
Its size makes it such a big destination for adventure travel. The magnificent beaches, golden pagodas, amazing Buddha temples, and adventurous trekking routes compel you to first think of what to see in Myanmar. In reality, there’s so much to explore in this fascinating, culture-rich country.
In Myanmar, you can see an incredible mix of modern and old, even grace balancing rocks and the center of cities. The country also boasts stunning natural landscapes and a plethora of tourist attractions. So, if you are planning to experience a wonderful tradition, I am furnishing some top places to go in Myanmar.
01. Yangon
Best Time to Visit: November to February.
Located in the middle of Myanmar’s commercial heart, Yangon is the country’s largest and most important city. It is also known as the ‘Garden City of the East.’ This city blends touches of Asian and English cultures beautifully. So, a trip to Yangon is a trip that is perfect for any food-lover, culture and history fan, or even someone who appreciates the beauty of nature.
Important Places to Visit in Yangon
Shwedagon Pagoda
Shwedagon Pagoda is indeed a marvel of architecture. The stupa is decorated with hundreds of gold plates and more than 4,500 diamonds. Myanmar considers this pagoda as one of its most sacred sites, over 2,000 years old. Hence, Myanmar sightseeing wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the gilded Shwedagon Pagoda.
Sule Pagoda
Besides being an ancient Buddhist site, the Sule Pagoda has beautiful architecture and a holy aura that make it one of the best spots to visit in Myanmar.
Burmese stupas, like the Sule Pagoda in Yangon, were built during the time of Buddha, about 2,600 years ago. So, the temple is surrounded by various historical, business, and cultural structures and is visited by devotees across the globe.
Kandawgyi Lake
Yangon’s Kandawgyi Lake is an artificial lake located in the city center. The lake is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists. The lake offers a tranquil atmosphere and a beautiful view of the sunset across the famous Shwedagon Pagoda.
In Kandawgyi, you will find many cafes and restaurants. Early in the morning is the best time to see the sunrise, or later in the evening is a great time to watch the sunset.
Moreover, temperatures become increasingly hot and humid during the daytime. A beautiful park, two walkways that run along the water, and a replica of a royal barge are part of this park.
Inya Lake
There are several famous vacation spots in Myanmar in this region due to its natural beauty. As one of the most captivating tourist destinations in Myanmar, Inya Lake is a must-see. Its fishermen are most famous for rowing on one leg and using unique fishing techniques.
The beauty of nature is utmost in this sensation of floating houses. Some of its traditional handicrafts are a silk weaver, and a silversmith can be found next to the lake.
Botataung Pagoda
A visit to the Botataung Pagoda is worthwhile due to its excellent location overlooking the Yangon’s river and its tall golden stupa. So, at Bogyoke Aung San Market, you will find Buddha hairs, a fresh local market, and souvenirs. On the river banks in Myanmar’s Yangon city is the Botataung Pagoda, an ancient Buddhist temple.
Bogyoke Aung San Market
Tourists visit Yangon shops for antiques, souvenirs, rare artifacts, and precious stones at this popular tourist attraction. The Bogyoke Aung San Market, or Bogyoke Aung San Bazaar, is in the Pabedan area, Yangon, Myanmar’s city center. Therefore, it is one of Myanmar’s oldest markets, with more than 2000 shops.
National Museum Yangon
The National Museum is located in the Dagon region in the city of Yangon in Myanmar. There are two significant museums in Myanmar, each assigned to preserving Burmese art and memoir.
Gems Museum
If you are a gem lover, the museum is a must-visit for you, where you will certainly find something fascinating for yourself or a loved one.
Besides the Yangon gem museum, the building also houses the Gems Mart, where visitors can buy high-quality raw and finished gemstones, such as rubies, pearls, jade, sapphires, and others. So, this is one of the unique tourist attractions in Myanmar, where you can see an extensive collection of precious Burmese gemstones.
02. Chauk-Htat-Gyi (Buddha Temple)
Most Buddhists flock to Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple in Bahan Township, Yangon, Myanmar. It houses a 65-meter-high reclining Buddha.
One of the best places to see in Myanmar is this temple, especially if you are on a temple tour of the country. Despite seeing reclining Buddha so many times, this one is exceptionally calming because of its relaxed pose and serene expression.
03. Mergui
The Mergui Archipelago, sometimes called the Pashu islands, is home to over 800 islands in southern Myanmar. The island is known for its diverse and abundant marine life, including corals, fish, sharks, whales, and plankton.
In addition to marine parks full of marine life, the archipelago has beautiful white-sand beaches that make it a popular beach destination.
This island chain offers tourists kayaking, snorkelling, boating, sailing, swimming, and diving. This breath-taking beach is further enhanced by glistening sand, which glistens when the direct sun rays are hit.
It’s not just a relaxing place to spend a day, and there are some amazing sailing expeditions here too. If travelers prefer a peaceful beach vacation, some resorts have private beaches onsite. The number of people vacationing on this land is increasing, and they rely on yachts to enjoy their time.
04. Golden Rock
Locals believe the Golden rock (Kyaiktiyo Zedi) was miraculously preserved here by Buddha. It is located at the height of 1100 meters above sea level. In its place sits a pagoda perched atop a giant rock that looks like it will fall off the cliff.
From Yangon, Golden Rock is about five hours’ drive away, and you’ll also have to walk a long distance to get there. It has multiple viewing platforms and Buddha shrines, which can access via a staircase. Thus, it could be the best Myanmar tourist attraction for adventurous people.
05. Saddar Cave (Hpa An)
A series of caves, called Saddar Cave, has been adorned with hundreds of Buddhist idols over the years. Around the small town of Hpa’an in Karen State, Myanmar, there are lush open fields and a single, bulbous mountain.
There are numerous miniatures of Buddha inside the cave that add to the beauty of the place. In addition, hundreds of golden miniatures not much larger than playing cards fill the cave’s right side. Aside from this, you will also see luminous rock formations inside the cave, which glow in the dark. Thus, it is without a doubt one of the top places to visit in Myanmar.
06. Tafook Island
You may be bored at famous sites due to hordes of tourists, so consider going to Tafook Island. There is an amazing white sandy beach there, which is very remote but very peaceful.
However, the island hosts a few tour groups each day that keep it super clean & suitable for a nap to the sound of the waves. Above all, the journey to Tafook Island from Ranong province takes almost an hour by boat.
07. Taung Kalat
The Buddhist monastery of Taung Kalat is located on top of an extinct volcano plug, making it one of Myanmar’s most breath-taking sites. It has a distance of about 50 km from the city of Bagan in Myanmar.
You can enjoy the panoramic views of the area from Taung Kalat. Bagan’s ancient city can be seen along with Mount Popa’s massive solitary cone. To gain access to the monastery, visitors must climb 777 steps. Funny, but the route is indeed dotted with monkeys begging for treats.
08. Snake Pagoda (Hmwe Paya)
In Kyaukse (Mandalay, Myanmar), a snake pagoda houses several large pythons that curl around the statue of Buddha enshrined in the temple. A Buddhist monk started caring for snakes in 1974 after seeing them as holy souls of monks.
No snakes have harmed anyone yet, and devotees visiting here claim the snakes fulfill their wishes. Hmwe Paya, or Snake Pagoda, is one of the most appealing tourist destinations in Myanmar.
09. Macleod Island
The island of Macleod is worth visiting, as it is located at the southernmost point of Myanmar. Its tropical weather is a huge draw for foreign tourists.
One of the best places to visit in Myanmar is this island, one of the islands in the Andaman Sea, with more than 800 uninhabited islands. Besides rich flora and fauna, Macleod Island also offers a tremendous variety of wildlife, adding to the overall beauty of this place.
10. Irrawaddy River
The Irrawaddy River is primarily known for offering world-class cruise tours in Myanmar. It flows from north to south throughout Myanmar, making it the largest river in the country.
The Irrawaddy River cruises offer visitors a unique glimpse into the Burmese culture. Consequently, cruise plans let you endure the real emotion of the locals and diverse sceneries of such a beautiful country. It takes you to plantations of teak in the region and the desert south of Pagan.
In addition, tourists can tour tiny settlements and villages, monasteries and temples, and see regional farming and manufacturing beautiful stuff. Furthermore, you can explore Myanmar’s undiscovered sides and get off the beaten track.
11. Ngapali Beach
You can observe the sunset at Ngapali beach while sipping a drink or enjoying a delicious feast at several restaurants alongside the beach sand. It is a hidden gem of Myanmar, located on the western shore but isolated by a mountain range from the rest of the country.
A crystal clear, aquamarine Bay of Bengal leads in this region. So, you can enjoy water sports, sea kayaking, snorkelling, or diving among the bright schools of fish. Moreover, you can tour the area by boat, stopping off to swim at an isolated beach.
There are a lot of red crabs about, and it’s funny to see them scuttle off into holes as you approach. Sandy, white, neat, padded with palm trees, so this beach is great for running and walking.
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How many International Airports are in Myanmar?
Three international airports are operating in Myanmar (Burma) that welcome 28 international airlines around the globe. Hence, the three international airports in Myanmar are:
- Yangon International Airport YIA (RGN),
- Naypyidaw International Airport, also
- Mandalay International Airport.
Myanmar airline and international flights to Myanmar?
Known as MNA, Myanmar Government National Airlines is the nation’s national carrier. They operate both domestically and internationally. The Myanmar Airways International (MAI) airline, however, also conducts international flights.
Flights are almost 6-hour from the YIA (Yangon International Airport) to Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, and Dubai, UAE. Therefore, most tourists from the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe travel to Myanmar via Dubai. Unlike visitors from Australia and New Zealand, choose Singapore to reach Yangon Myanmar.
How can you travel around Myanmar?
You can travel around Myanmar by bus, boat, or rail, which are the most efficient transportation methods. There are 30 domestic airports and nine domestic airlines in Myanmar.
Since there are so many flights available, foreigners usually fly between cities. Even though cruises are the most adventurous, buses are cheaper, and trains can be a lot of fun.
How can you get to Myanmar?
Foreigners who want to enter Myanmar (Burma) must get a visa unless they are citizens of a visa-exempt country. Furthermore, all visitors to Myanmar must have valid passports for at least six months.
Most foreigners, like U.S. citizens, United Kingdom, Indians, need a visa to visit Myanmar. Most importantly, the Myanmar government has already introduced an online e-visa facility. Thus, you can apply for Myanmar eVisa by following 4-steps only and receive a visa approval letter within 3-days.
Myanmar Online eVisa Fee
There is an official portal to apply for an eVisa to Myanmar, and the processing fee is:
- Tourist Visa: US$ 50.00 valid for 28 days.
- Express Tourist Visa: The fee is US$ 56, valid for 28 days.
- Business Visa: Fee US$ 70.00 valid for 70 days.
Facts about Myanmar (Burma)
- Myanmar: Old name Burma
- Capital: Naypyitaw
- Currency: Myanmar kyat (MMK)
- Language: Burmese
- Region: South Asia
- Population: 54.41 million.
FAQs
In Myanmar, you can travel almost everywhere. It is still recommended that tourists use normal safety precautions when visiting Bagan, Inle Lake, and Mandalay.
If anyone is considering visiting Rakhine State, they ought to rethink their decision. There is a great deal of friendliness and, in most places – a refreshing lack of jadedness among tourists in Myanmar. Traveling does require you to be responsible. However, as long as the political situation in Myanmar has improved, visiting Myanmar is safe.
You don’t have to wonder what to see in Myanmar. For instance, you can travel to:
Destination off-the-beaten-path: Shan State.
The Dukkanthein Spiral Structure is famous.
Statue of the standing Buddha called Bodhi Tatung.
Train rides are famous at the Gokteik Viaduct.
Enjoy Macleod Island’s natural beauty.
Mandalay Palace has the most beautiful views.
A tower called Purcell.
Cemetery of the Taukkyan War.
Mahara Bandoola Garden
The Caves of Saddar.
Myanmar is a wonderful place to visit, with its legendary kingdoms, breath-taking landscapes, diverse people, and impressive architectural and archaeological marvels.
Myanmar’s beautiful golden stupas, fertile rice fields, mysterious ruined temples, and picturesque mountain paths await you. In most cases, foreigners appreciate Burmese culture and country.
Conclusion
There are countless iconic sights in Myanmar, a country full to the brim with natural beauty. Those who stepped off the plane and set foot in the amazing, wonderful country were instantly conquered.
As a result, I described some famous and lesser-known places to visit in Myanmar for those who love Asian beauty. Sightseeing, enjoying warm beaches, experiencing the tradition, there are countless things to do in Myanmar.
If you want to enjoy top-notch tourism, delicious food, and natural beauty on a low budget, then you must visit Myanmar once in a lifetime. The time spent in Myanmar as a tourist, forever in your memories and dreams.
 is one of the countries in South Asia where affordable but memorable tourism is possible. Numerous places to visit in Myanmar){kind=link}