TOP TEN things to do in Myanmar

1Enjoy a Balloon Trip Over Bagan

The highlight of every Myanmar tour is a surreal hot air balloon ride over the royal city of Bagan, one of the most amazing things to do in Myanmar. Experience the majesty of the city with its numerous temples from a very special bird’s eye perspective. The majestic pagoda ruins extend over 36 km and are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Bagan is steeped in Buddhist spirituality and wisdom. There are over two thousand sacred monuments throughout the vast steppe region of Bagan and despite several earthquakes, these brick temples have been wonderfully preserved and renovated – making Bagan a true cultural delight.

2 Explore the Kaw Goon Cave in Hpa An

Discover the historic natural limestone Kaw Goon Caves in Hpa An. There are over 1,000 Buddha statues in these mystical caves, one of the top attractions in Myanmar.

It is easily one of the best-preserved caves in the region and the sight of the ancient clay Buddha statues, in different sizes and colors, dotting its walls, makes for a surreal sight. Pindaya is another town in Myanmar that is popular for its limestone caves. 

3Head to the Thanboddhay Paya Pagoda at Monywa

The Thanboddhay Paya Pagoda in Monywa houses an incredible 600,000 Buddhist temples. The complex is a place of true superlatives: hundreds of stupas and millions of statues and sacred images are waiting to be discovered by you, making it one of the top attractions in Myanmar. 

From here, you can also head to the nearby impressive sandstone caves of Hpo Win Daung.

4Marvel at the Gokteik Viaduct

The imposing Gokteik Viaduct near Pyin Oo Lwin was completed in 1900 and was once the largest railway viaduct in the world. Almost 800 meters long and more than 100 meters high, the building still traces the Gokteik Gorge.

Nearby Pyin Oo Lwin is full of charming colonial buildings, tree-lined streets and quiet roadside settlements. The best way to savor the lingering old-world charm of the town is to explore it on a traditional horse-drawn carriage.

5Visit the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon

The gold-shining Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon is one of the most famous stupas in the world and a landmark of Myanmar (formerly Burma). 

This legendary, imposing structure surpasses all the buildings of the city and is over 2,500 years old. The gilded structure is believed to be the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in the country and exploring it is one of the top things to do in Myanmar.

6Enjoy a Beach Vacation in Myanmar

Enjoy peace and relaxation at the fantastic Ngwe Saung Beach. Located on the western coast of Myanmar, this beach has only become a popular destination in recent years, which is why you will find unspoiled nature here. Unwind amid pure white sands and azure waters, fringed by lush palm trees, far away from the hustle and bustle of crowds.

Another popular beach to unwind after you soak in the Burmese culture is Ngapali beach, with its quaint fishing village ambiance. 

7Explore the Mystical Mount Popa

Meet the ghosts of Myanmar on Mount Popa. At almost 800 meters, the sacred beings are at home according to local traditions.

The extinct volcano is always teeming with pilgrims and offers not only spiritual encounters but also an overwhelming view of the surrounding flatland.

8 Discover the Monasteries of Mawlamyine

Home to numerous monasteries, the coastal town of Mawlamyine is one of the most important spiritual centers of Myanmar. The Yele Paya Buddhist Temple has a breathtaking view of the ocean. Built in 875 AD, Kyaikthanlan Pagoda is Myanmar’s most notable landmark and is the site from where Rudyard Kipling wrote his famous ‘The Road to Mandalay’ poem.

Another top attraction in Mawlamyine is the Thanlwin Bridge, Myanmar’s longest road and rail bridge, stretching 11,000 feet over the Thanlwin river.

9 Savor the Many Hues of Mandalay

The cultural center of Myanmar is Mandalay. The city lies on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River (or Irrawaddy River) and houses golden-shaded pagodas, temples and lively markets. The most beautiful view of Mandalay is from the Kaunghmudaw Pagoda.

The city is home to diverse arts ranging from wood carving to gold leaf making.

10 Discover the Sacred Rock of Kyaiktiyo

Walk up the forest-covered mountains and experience one of the landmarks of Myanmar! In the midst of a picturesque mountain range, the famous sacred rock of Kyaiktiyo glimmers in a thousand gold tones. This gold-covered pagoda sits perched on the edge of a huge cliff, appearing to tip over any moment.

So how does the pagoda stay so carefully balanced? According to legend, a strand of Buddha’s hair precisely placed in the seven-meter tall pagoda allows it to do so, making visiting the site one of the top things to do in Myanmar!

Expert tip: Don’t forget to visit the stunning Inle Lake, a shining example of Burmese culture with its numerous stilt houses, constructed over the waters!

Discover all the best things to do in Myanmar by booking your vacation with our experts at Enchanting Travels. Contact us for your tailor-made and obligation-free tour itinerary.