Myanmar (formerly Burma) is a land of golden pagodas, ancient cities, and breathtaking natural landscapes that has only recently opened its doors to international tourism. This Southeast Asian gem offers travelers an authentic glimpse into a culture steeped in Buddhist traditions, colonial history, and ethnic diversity. From the temple-studded plains of Bagan to the floating gardens of Inle Lake, Myanmar presents a tapestry of experiences that range from the spiritual to the adventurous. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 60 must-visit destinations across this enchanting country that will help you plan an unforgettable journey through one of Asia’s most captivating nations.
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Ancient Cities & Archaeological Wonders
1. Bagan
The archaeological zone of Bagan is Myanmar’s crown jewel and one of Southeast Asia’s most remarkable sights. Over 2,000 well-preserved temples and pagodas dot the vast plains, creating a mystical landscape that dates back to the 9th-13th centuries when Bagan was the capital of the Pagan Kingdom.
Key Attraction: Take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise to witness the breathtaking panorama of temples emerging from the morning mist.
2. Mrauk U
Often called the “forgotten city,” Mrauk U in Rakhine State is an archaeological wonder that rivals Bagan but receives far fewer visitors. This former capital of the powerful Arakan Kingdom features temple-fortresses built from stone rather than brick, giving them a distinctly different appearance from other Myanmar temples.
Key Attraction: Explore the Shitthaung Temple (“Temple of 80,000 Buddha Images”), known for its maze-like corridors lined with Buddha images and intricate stone reliefs.
3. Ancient Cities of Mandalay
Around Mandalay lie the ancient royal capitals of Amarapura, Sagaing, Inwa (Ava), and Mingun, each with its own historical significance. These former royal cities offer a glimpse into Myanmar’s royal history with their palaces, monasteries, and pagodas.
Key Attraction: Walk across U Bein Bridge in Amarapura, the world’s longest teak footbridge, especially magical at sunset.
4. Sri Ksetra
Part of the UNESCO-listed “Pyu Ancient Cities,” Sri Ksetra (near modern Pyay) was once the largest and most influential city of the Pyu civilization. Dating back to the 5th-9th centuries, this archaeological site features burial urns, palace citadels, and early Buddhist stupas.
Key Attraction: Visit the Payagyi and Payama stupas, which show the early development of Buddhist architecture in Southeast Asia.
5. Beikthano
Another of the Pyu Ancient Cities, Beikthano (“City of Vishnu”) contains the remains of a large walled settlement that flourished between the 1st and 5th centuries CE. The site reveals sophisticated urban planning with palace structures, religious buildings, and an irrigation system.
Key Attraction: Explore the archaeological museum to see artifacts recovered from excavations, including pottery, beads, and metal objects.
Spiritual Sites & Temples
6. Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon
The magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda is Myanmar’s most sacred Buddhist site and a must-visit destination in Yangon. This 99-meter golden stupa is said to contain relics of four Buddhas, including eight strands of hair from Gautama Buddha.
Key Attraction: Visit at sunset to witness the stupa transition from golden in daylight to brilliantly illuminated at night, while observing local devotees in prayer.
7. Kyaiktiyo Pagoda (Golden Rock)
Perched precariously on the edge of a cliff, the Golden Rock is a small pagoda built on top of a granite boulder covered in gold leaf. According to legend, it’s held in place by a single strand of Buddha’s hair and appears to defy gravity as it balances on the mountain’s edge.
Key Attraction: Join pilgrims in the challenging hike to the summit, or take a truck partway up, to witness this gravity-defying natural and spiritual wonder.
8. Mahamuni Buddha Temple, Mandalay
Home to one of Myanmar’s most revered Buddha images, the Mahamuni Temple houses a 4-meter-high seated Buddha statue. Male devotees apply gold leaf to the statue as an act of merit-making, resulting in a lumpy appearance as the gold has accumulated to several inches thick in some areas.
Key Attraction: Observe the daily face-washing ceremony at 4:30 am, when monks clean the Buddha’s face with special fragrant water and brush its teeth.
9. Kuthodaw Pagoda, Mandalay
Known as the “world’s largest book,” Kuthodaw Pagoda features 729 marble slabs inscribed with Buddhist texts. Each slab is housed in its own small stupa, creating a forest of white monuments surrounding the central golden pagoda.
Key Attraction: Wander through the rows of white stupas and peek inside to see the intricately carved marble slabs containing the entire Tripitaka (Buddhist canon).
10. Ananda Temple, Bagan
Often called the “Westminster Abbey of Burma,” Ananda Temple is one of Bagan’s best-preserved and most revered temples. Built around 1105 CE, it features a perfect cruciform layout and houses four standing Buddha statues, each facing a different direction.
Key Attraction: Observe how the facial expression of the northern Buddha statue appears to change from sad to smiling depending on where you stand.
Natural Landscapes & National Parks
11. Inle Lake
Inle Lake is a magical freshwater lake nestled among the mountains of Shan State. Famous for its leg-rowing fishermen, floating gardens, and stilt-house villages, the lake offers a glimpse into a unique way of life that has adapted to the aquatic environment.
Key Attraction: Take a boat tour to witness the famous leg-rowing fishermen, who navigate their boats by wrapping one leg around the oar while standing on the other.
12. Hpa-An Limestone Caves
The area around Hpa-An in Kayin State is characterized by dramatic karst mountains and sacred caves filled with thousands of Buddha images. The landscape resembles the famous karst scenery of Guilin, China, but with fewer tourists.
Key Attraction: Explore Kawgun Cave, where thousands of tiny clay Buddha images and carvings dating back to the 7th century adorn the walls and ceiling.
13. Pyin Oo Lwin
This former British hill station (once called Maymyo) offers a cool retreat from the heat of the plains. With its colonial architecture, botanical gardens, and pleasant climate, Pyin Oo Lwin provides a glimpse into Myanmar’s colonial past.
Key Attraction: Visit the National Kandawgyi Botanical Gardens, established in 1915 and modeled after England’s Kew Gardens, featuring diverse plant collections and a beautiful lake.
14. Mount Popa
Rising dramatically from the plains, Mount Popa is an extinct volcano with a sacred monastery perched atop a sheer volcanic plug. It’s considered the abode of Myanmar’s most powerful nats (spirits) and offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
Key Attraction: Climb the 777 steps to reach Taung Kalat monastery at the summit, encountering the resident monkeys along the way.
15. Putao
Located in the far north of Myanmar in Kachin State, Putao is a remote frontier town surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks, pristine forests, and rushing rivers. It’s the gateway to some of Southeast Asia’s most untouched wilderness.
Key Attraction: Embark on a trekking expedition to explore the biodiversity-rich forests and visit remote ethnic minority villages.
Beaches & Coastal Getaways
16. Ngapali Beach
Widely considered Myanmar’s premier beach destination, Ngapali offers pristine white sands, crystal-clear waters, and swaying palm trees along the Bay of Bengal. Despite development, it maintains a laid-back fishing village atmosphere.
Key Attraction: Rent a bicycle to explore the coastline and nearby fishing villages, where you can observe the daily catch being brought in and dried in the sun.
17. Mergui Archipelago
This remote archipelago in Myanmar’s far south consists of more than 800 largely uninhabited islands with pristine beaches, coral reefs, and dense jungle. Long off-limits to foreigners, it’s now opening up for eco-tourism and diving expeditions.
Key Attraction: Join a live-aboard diving trip to explore some of Southeast Asia’s most untouched coral reefs and marine ecosystems.
18. Chaung Tha Beach
Popular with local tourists, Chaung Tha offers a more authentic Myanmar beach experience than some other coastal destinations. The beach features golden sands and is lined with seafood restaurants serving the day’s fresh catch.
Key Attraction: Join locals in beach games and festivities during holidays, offering a glimpse into Myanmar’s domestic tourism culture.
19. Kanthaya Beach
One of Myanmar’s most untouched beaches, Kanthaya offers 5 miles of pristine shoreline with hardly any development. The lack of facilities means fewer visitors, making it perfect for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.
Key Attraction: Walk the nearly deserted beach at sunset, when local fishermen head out to sea in their traditional wooden boats.
20. Setse Beach
Located near the city of Mawlamyine, Setse Beach offers a convenient coastal escape with its long stretch of golden sand. Popular with domestic tourists, it provides insights into local beach culture while remaining relatively unknown to international visitors.
Key Attraction: Sample fresh seafood at the beachside restaurants, where the day’s catch is prepared in traditional Mon State style.
Cities & Cultural Hubs
21. Yangon
Myanmar’s largest city and former capital blends colonial architecture, modern development, and sacred Buddhist sites. Despite no longer being the administrative capital, Yangon remains the country’s commercial and cultural heart.
Key Attraction: Explore the colonial-era buildings in downtown Yangon, many of which have been preserved despite rapid urban development.
22. Mandalay
Myanmar’s second-largest city and last royal capital is considered the country’s cultural center. Despite heavy bombing in WWII, Mandalay retains its historical significance with reconstructed palaces, ancient monasteries, and traditional crafts.
Key Attraction: Climb Mandalay Hill at sunset for panoramic views of the city and to visit Su Taung Pyi Pagoda at the summit.
23. Mawlamyine
The capital of Mon State and Myanmar’s fourth-largest city, Mawlamyine (formerly Moulmein) was once an important colonial port. With its ridge of pagodas, colonial buildings, and nearby islands, it offers a laid-back alternative to the country’s larger cities.
Key Attraction: Visit Kyaikthanlan Pagoda, which inspired Rudyard Kipling’s famous poem “Mandalay” with its spectacular views over the city and Thanlwin (Salween) River.
24. Naypyidaw
Myanmar’s purpose-built capital city, inaugurated in 2005, features wide boulevards, government complexes, and oddly empty 20-lane highways. This planned city offers a stark contrast to the country’s other urban centers and provides insight into Myanmar’s political transformation.
Key Attraction: Tour the Uppatasanti Pagoda, a replica of Yangon’s Shwedagon Pagoda built to the same dimensions but slightly shorter as a sign of respect.
25. Hsipaw
This charming town in northern Shan State serves as a popular base for trekking to nearby ethnic minority villages. With its morning market, royal palace, and relaxed atmosphere, Hsipaw offers an authentic glimpse into rural Myanmar life.
Key Attraction: Visit the vibrant morning market where Shan, Palaung, and other ethnic groups come to trade goods.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Gems
26. Loikaw
The capital of Kayah State, Loikaw is home to the Kayan people, known for their “long-neck” women who wear brass coils around their necks. Recently opened to foreign visitors, this region offers authentic cultural experiences away from mass tourism.
Key Attraction: Visit Pan Pet village to respectfully learn about Kayan culture and traditions directly from community members.
27. Kengtung
Located in the eastern Shan State near the borders with Thailand, Laos, and China, Kengtung is surrounded by hills inhabited by diverse ethnic groups. Its relative isolation has preserved both the colonial architecture in town and the traditional ways of life in surrounding villages.
Key Attraction: Trek to Akha, Lahu, Eng, and Ann villages to experience their distinct cultures, traditional dress, and lifestyles.
28. Mogok
Known as the “Ruby Land,” Mogok is the source of 90% of the world’s high-quality rubies. This mountain town offers visitors a glimpse into the mining industry, diverse ethnic communities, and beautiful scenery.
Key Attraction: Visit the gem market to see traders negotiating over rough stones and witness the mining process at various sites around town.
29. Sittwe
The capital of Rakhine State, Sittwe sits at the mouth of the Kaladan River on the Bay of Bengal. With its colonial architecture, busy fish market, and mixed Buddhist and Muslim heritage, it offers cultural insights and serves as the gateway to Mrauk U.
Key Attraction: Visit the bustling fish market at dawn to see the day’s catch being brought in and sold.
30. Kyaing Tong
Located in the Golden Triangle region, Kyaing Tong (also spelled Kengtung) is surrounded by hills inhabited by various ethnic minorities. The town itself features a beautiful lake, morning market, and several Buddhist sites.
Key Attraction: Trek to remote villages of the Akha, Lahu, Eng, and Ann people to learn about their unique cultures and traditions.
Lakes & River Destinations
31. Indein
Located on the western shore of Inle Lake, Indein is home to hundreds of ancient pagodas dating from the 14th to the 18th centuries. Many are in various states of restoration or romantic decay, creating a mystical atmosphere as you explore the site.
Key Attraction: Wander through the forest of ancient stupas, some restored and gleaming with gold, others crumbling and covered in vegetation.
32. Ayeyarwady River Cruise
The mighty Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River has been Myanmar’s main artery for centuries. A river cruise between Mandalay and Bagan offers a relaxed way to see rural life, temples, and villages that are otherwise difficult to access.
Key Attraction: Observe daily life along the riverbanks, from farmers tending their fields to children playing and women washing clothes in the river.
33. Twante Canal
This man-made waterway connects Yangon to the Ayeyarwady Delta. A boat trip along the canal offers a glimpse into rural life just outside the city, with pottery villages, lush farmland, and local river traffic.
Key Attraction: Visit Twante town, famous for its pottery production, where you can see artisans creating traditional pots using techniques passed down through generations.
34. Samkar Lake
Located south of Inle Lake, Samkar (or Sankar) is a smaller, less-visited lake that offers a more authentic experience. Surrounded by Pa-O villages and ancient stupas partially submerged during high water, it provides a glimpse of traditional lake life without the tourism infrastructure of Inle.
Key Attraction: Visit during high water season (August-October) to see the partially submerged stupas emerging from the lake.
35. Gokteik Viaduct
While not a lake or river destination itself, this colonial-era railway bridge spans a deep gorge with a river below. Built in 1901, it was once the second-highest railway bridge in the world and remains an impressive engineering feat.
Key Attraction: Take the slow train from Pyin Oo Lwin to Hsipaw, which crosses the viaduct, offering breathtaking views of the gorge below.
Cultural Experiences & Festivals
36. Thingyan Water Festival
Myanmar’s New Year celebration in April features water-throwing festivities throughout the country. For several days, people douse each other with water to wash away the previous year’s sins and start fresh.
Key Attraction: Join the water-throwing festivities in Yangon or Mandalay, where stages are set up with water cannons and music for maximum celebration.
37. Taunggyi Hot Air Balloon Festival
Held during the Tazaungdaing Festival of Lights in November, this spectacular event features enormous paper balloons decorated with candles and fireworks. As night falls, these handmade balloons are released into the sky, creating a magical display.
Key Attraction: Witness the nighttime release of balloons with attached fireworks, a thrilling (if somewhat dangerous) spectacle.
38. Kyauk Se Elephant Dance Festival
During the Tazaungdaing Festival in November, the town of Kyauk Se hosts a unique elephant dance where performers manipulate a large bamboo and paper elephant figure through the streets, accompanied by music and dancing.
Key Attraction: Watch the skillful manipulation of the elephant figure, which requires coordination among multiple dancers hidden inside.
39. Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival
This 18-day festival on Inle Lake features a procession of sacred Buddha images transported around the lake on an ornate royal barge. Villages compete in famous leg-rowing boat races, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the region.
Key Attraction: Witness the spectacular boat races where teams of leg-rowers compete in long, sleek boats.
40. Ananda Pagoda Festival
Held in January near Bagan, this festival celebrates the Ananda Temple with a lively market, traditional performances, and a procession of monks. Thousands of villagers from surrounding areas camp in the fields, creating a massive temporary community.
Key Attraction: Experience the alms-giving ceremony where thousands of monks receive offerings from devotees.
More Must-Visit Destinations
41. Shwenandaw Monastery, Mandalay
This exquisite wooden monastery is the only major original structure remaining from the Royal Palace. Known for its intricate teak carvings depicting Buddhist myths, it offers a glimpse into the splendor of Myanmar’s royal past.
Key Attraction: Examine the detailed wood carvings that cover nearly every surface of the building, representing some of the finest craftsmanship in Myanmar.
42. Kakku Pagodas
This stunning complex near Inle Lake features over 2,000 densely packed stupas dating back to the 16th century. Located in Pa-O territory, the site remained largely unknown to outsiders until relatively recently.
Key Attraction: Wander through the forest of stupas, listening to the sound of bells tinkling in the breeze from the tops of the pagodas.
43. Pindaya Caves
Set in a limestone ridge overlooking a picturesque lake, these caves contain over 8,000 Buddha images placed there by pilgrims over the centuries. The collection spans various styles and materials, creating a labyrinth of golden statues.
Key Attraction: Explore the maze-like caves filled with Buddha images in various postures and sizes, some dating back hundreds of years.
44. Sagar
Located in the far southern reaches of Inle Lake, Sagar is home to the “sunken” pagodas—108 stupas from the 16-17th centuries that are partially submerged during high water seasons. The remote location means few tourists make it this far.
Key Attraction: Photograph the surreal sight of ancient stupas emerging from the water, creating perfect reflections on the lake’s surface.
45. Mingun
Located across the Ayeyarwady River from Mandalay, Mingun is home to the massive unfinished Mingun Pahtodawgyi stupa, which would have been the world’s largest had it been completed. Nearby stands the world’s largest uncracked hanging bell.
Key Attraction: Climb to the top of the unfinished stupa for panoramic views of the river and surrounding countryside.
46. Kyaikkami
This small coastal town in Mon State features the Yele Pagoda, built on a rocky outcrop over the sea. Connected to the mainland by a covered walkway, the pagoda appears to float on water during high tide.
Key Attraction: Visit during high tide when the pagoda seems to float magically on the sea.
47. Pyay
This riverside town on the Ayeyarwady is the gateway to the ancient Pyu city of Sri Ksetra. Pyay itself offers several attractions, including the impressive Shwesandaw Pagoda and a giant seated Buddha overlooking the town.
Key Attraction: Visit the 10-story high Shwe Bon Tha seated Buddha, one of the largest in Myanmar, with spectacular views from its base.
48. Kyauk Ka Lat Pagoda
Near Hpa-An, this unique pagoda is perched atop a precarious limestone pinnacle rising from an artificial lake. Surrounded by karst mountains, it creates one of Myanmar’s most photogenic scenes.
Key Attraction: Photograph the pagoda at sunset when the golden light illuminates the limestone and creates perfect reflections in the surrounding water.
49. Saddar Cave
This enormous cave near Hpa-An contains Buddha images and pagodas, with a natural tunnel that leads through the mountain to a hidden lake on the other side. The journey through the cave by boat is a magical experience.
Key Attraction: Take a boat through the flooded portion of the cave, emerging on the other side to a scenic lake surrounded by rice fields.
50. Pathein
The largest city in the Ayeyarwady Delta region, Pathein is famous for its handcrafted umbrellas and bustling riverside activity. The colorful port city offers insights into life in the fertile delta region.
Key Attraction: Visit a traditional umbrella workshop to see the entire process of creating Pathein’s famous colorful paper umbrellas.
Final Must-See Destinations
51. Shwemawdaw Pagoda, Bago
Standing at 114 meters, this is the tallest pagoda in Myanmar, even higher than the famous Shwedagon. The “Golden God Pagoda” has been damaged and rebuilt several times following earthquakes, with each reconstruction making it taller.
Key Attraction: Climb to the upper terrace for panoramic views of Bago and the surrounding countryside.
52. Kyaukhpyugyi Buddha, Bago
This massive 55-meter reclining Buddha is one of the largest in Myanmar. Built in 994 CE, it was lost to the jungle for centuries before being rediscovered in 1881 during British colonial rule.
Key Attraction: Walk the length of the enormous Buddha to appreciate its scale and examine the 108 auspicious marks on the soles of its feet.
53. Thandwe
This ancient town serves as the gateway to Ngapali Beach but has its own charm with colorful markets, old pagodas, and a laid-back atmosphere. Formerly known as Sandoway during British colonial times, it retains some historical character.
Key Attraction: Explore the vibrant central market where hill tribe people come to trade goods with coastal residents.
54. Myeik Archipelago
This vast archipelago in Myanmar’s far south consists of over 800 islands, most uninhabited and unexplored. Home to the seafaring Moken “sea gypsies,” the region offers pristine beaches, diverse marine life, and virgin forests.
Key Attraction: Join a responsible tour to learn about the unique lifestyle of the Moken people, who traditionally lived on boats and are expert free-divers.
55. Kalaw
This former British hill station serves as the starting point for popular treks to Inle Lake. With its cool climate, colonial architecture, and diverse population of Shan, Indian, and Nepali descendants, Kalaw offers a pleasant mountain retreat.
Key Attraction: Embark on a multi-day trek through Shan villages and mountain scenery to Inle Lake, staying with local families along the way.
56. Kyaikhto
This small town serves as the base for visiting the famous Golden Rock. The town itself has a busy market and serves as a gathering point for pilgrims heading to the sacred site.
Key Attraction: Visit the bustling market where vendors sell offerings for pilgrims to take to the Golden Rock.
57. Dawei
This sleepy coastal town in the Tanintharyi Region offers access to unspoiled beaches, colonial architecture, and a glimpse of life in southern Myanmar away from the tourist trail.
Key Attraction: Take day trips to nearby beaches like Maungmagan, where you can watch local fishermen and enjoy seafood at simple beachside restaurants.
58. Mudon
Located in Mon State, Mudon is home to the world’s largest reclining Buddha image at Win Sein Taw Ya. The massive 180-meter statue contains rooms inside depicting scenes from Buddha’s life and Buddhist hell realms.
Key Attraction: Explore the interior of the giant Buddha, which contains dioramas depicting Buddhist teachings and the consequences of immoral behavior.
59. Kyaikthanlan Pagoda, Mawlamyine
This hilltop pagoda offers spectacular views over Mawlamyine, the Thanlwin River, and nearby islands. It was the pagoda that inspired Rudyard Kipling’s famous poem “Mandalay” with the line “lookin’ lazy at the sea.”
Key Attraction: Visit at sunset when the golden stupa catches the last light and the city below begins to twinkle with lights.
60. Shwesandaw Pagoda, Pyay
One of the most important Buddhist sites in Myanmar, this pagoda is said to contain strands of Buddha’s hair like the Shwedagon in Yangon. The gleaming golden stupa dominates the skyline of Pyay and offers views over the Ayeyarwady River.
Key Attraction: Circumambulate the stupa alongside local pilgrims and enjoy the panoramic views of the river and surrounding countryside.
Planning Your Myanmar Journey
Myanmar offers incredible diversity across its landscapes, cultures, and historical sites. The best time to visit is during the dry season from November to February when temperatures are cooler and rainfall is minimal. If you’re planning to visit multiple regions, consider allowing at least two weeks to experience the country’s highlights without rushing.
Ready to Explore Myanmar?
Find the best deals for flights and hotels for your Myanmar journey here:
When traveling between destinations, domestic flights can save considerable time given Myanmar’s size and sometimes challenging road conditions. For shorter distances, private cars with drivers offer flexibility, while buses provide an economical option for budget travelers.
Remember that Myanmar is still developing its tourism infrastructure, so it’s advisable to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak season. Bring cash (preferably US dollars in pristine condition) as credit card acceptance and ATM availability can be limited outside major cities.
Conclusion
Myanmar offers travelers a rare glimpse into a country where ancient traditions still thrive alongside breathtaking natural beauty. From the golden pagodas that dot the landscape to the warm smiles of its people, Myanmar provides authentic experiences that are increasingly hard to find in our globalized world. Whether you’re watching the sunrise over the temples of Bagan, cruising the tranquil waters of Inle Lake, or exploring the vibrant streets of Yangon, Myanmar promises memories that will last a lifetime.
As the country continues to open up to international tourism, now is the perfect time to experience its wonders before they change. Use this guide to plan your journey through this golden land, where every destination offers new discoveries and unexpected delights. The 60 destinations highlighted here represent just the beginning of what Myanmar has to offer the adventurous traveler willing to step off the beaten path.
