Myanmar - Highlight
Highlights | Know before you go | TripsThe country of Myanmar houses great landscapes, cities and attractions. Please have a look through some of the main highlights that we recommend visiting.
AMARAPURA
An ancient capital of the Kongbaung Dynasty lies 11 km south of Mandalay.
It is noted for its unique Yunnan style teak bridge (U Bein Bridge) which
is 1.2 km long. Amarapura is home to the Mahagandayon Monastery
where more than 700 
monks bestowed upon this city a unique and formidable religious atmosphere.
AVA
Ava was the capital between the 15th and the 16th centuries. After crossing the Dothtawady river, there are highlights in Ava - Bagayar Monastery, the oldest wooden monastery, 27 metre-high masonry watch tower and the Maha Aungmye Bonzan monastery.
BAGAN
"Bagan" is in many respects one of the most remarkable religious
cities in the world. It is one of the richest archeological sites in Asia.
Bagan's temples are infinitely fascinating each with it's own story and
legend. Bagan is the birthplace of Myanmar civilization. Known by many as the "City of four million pagodas", this enchanting ancient city offers the visitors over 2000 religious edifices of marvelous art. The majority of these well-preserved shrines reveal a rich architectural heritage from the 11th to 13th century era. In modern Bagan, bullock carts dictate the pace of the day as the master tradesmen produce with painstaking patience, Myanmar's finest lacquerware.
BAGO (PEGU)
Bago, ancient capital of the Mon Kings of the 14th to 16th centuries and of the second Myanmar Empire. It is located only 80 km from Yangon. Formally known as "Pegu" it once flourished as the greatest seaport and reached its zenith as the second Myanmar Empire. Sightseeing here includes impressive temples, open-air markets, cheroot making and woodcarving centers. Visits include the Shwemawdaw Pagoda (it's golden dome inlaid with diamonds dominates the countryside) and the gigantic Shwethalyaung Buddha (dating back to 994 and considered the most beautiful reclining Buddha statue in Myanmar). The Kalyani Sima Ordination Hall, the Mahazedi Pagoda and the local market.
CHAUNG THA BEACH
A seaside town with newly opened beach resorts, located South of Ngapali
Beach and about 20 miles from Pathein. There are palm trees, beautiful
sunset's and tranquility. The overnight steamer trip from Yangon,
along the Twante canal, up to Pathein and the one hour thirty minute overland
trip to Chaungtha Beach, is an interesting experience.DAWEI (TAVOY)
The area a round the mouth of the Dawei River has been inhabited for 5 centuries or more, mostly by Mon and Thai mariners. It is a sleepy, seaside town only recently connected to the rest of Myanmar by road and rail. In spite of its remote location, or perhaps because of it, Dawei has become a significant Myanmar Buddhist centre.
HPA-AN
Hpa-an is in the Kayin State , with monumental hills, wonderful caves and
lakes. It is centrally placed at the foot of Zwekabin Hill. The Zwekabin
Hill has a very unusual shape, which, once seen, is not easily forgotten.
Travellers can go hiking among the Great Dawna Range. River cruises can
be arranged along the streams. INLE LAKE
"Idyllic"-is a word used to describe the Inle Lake region and
the Intha people who live along it's shores and the lake itself. Located
in the Shan State and nestled amidst hazy blue mountains is the beautiful
Inle Lake. This 14 kilometer long waterway is home to the renowned legrowers.
Here, villages are built on stilts over the lake waters and boats are the
sole means of transport. Local products are grown in unique floating gardens
and then peddled by villagers at the spectacular floating market. The cooler
climate of Inle Lake makes it a highly popular summer resort. KALAW
Resting in the heart of the pine-studded Shan Hills, at 1300 meters above
sea level. Trekking in Kalaw to the Pa-O and Pa-Laung hill tribe villages
is a fascinating experience. Excellent landscapes, relaxation and
the way to see some of the main tribal groups. KYAIKHTIYO (GOLDEN ROCK)
Popularly known as the "Golden Rock Pagoda" and a very popular
pilgrimage destination. Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda stands on an enormous gold-leafed
boulder precariously perched on the edge of a hill over 1100 km above sea
level. It stands as one of the wonders of the world. Legend suggests
that the boulder maintains its balance due to a precisely placed Buddha
hair within the pagoda. The pagoda is a place of particular religious significance
for local Buddhists who undertake regular pilgrimages during the winter
months. The site is closed during the rainy season when access roads become
impassable under the heavy rain.Drive through paddy fields to arrive at the small city of Kyaikhtiyo, outside of which is the base camp of Kinpun from where one can reach the Golden Rock in approximately 4 ½ hours by foot. The path (10km) climbs about 1000 meters in altitude.
KYAING TONG
The Golden Triangle City-situated in the eastern part of the Shan state is picturesque with many ethnic groups living together harmoniously. There are the Shan, Aka, Palaung and many small hill tribes in colourful dresses. The trekking in Kyaing Tong will offer you the most wonderful experience!
LASHIO
The train journey from Mandalay to Lashio is very unique with the wondrous Goteik viaduct, the second highest viaduct in the world, constructed in about 1901 using 9,300 tons of steel and iron. The Chinese temple, the market and hot spring are worth a visit. It is the capital of the northern Shan State where various national races reside. One can observe traditional cultures, customs and the style of dresses of the various national group.
Passengers have to go from Yangon to Mandalay and then continue the journey to Lashio by train or car. Since the section between Mandalay and Lashio lies on the hill terrain the train has to climb up the hill by using zigzag reversing lines. En-route the train passes through the Pyin-Oo-Lwin (Maymyo), a famous hill station.
LOIKAW
The capital of Kayah State, standing on the Shan plateau, is a pleasant
place with traditional pagodas and monuments. It is also famous for Padaung
women, who wear traditional brass rings a round their necks. Waterfalls,
mountain ranges and stunning scenery abound.MANDALAY
Mandalay is the last Kingdom of the Myanmar Dynasty before the British took over. For this reason it still has great importance, as Myanmar's is cultural heart. It is the second largest city of Myanmar, lying in the heartland and is about 690 kms due north of Yangon. Today, Mandalay neighbours the mountain regions of the Shan and Kachin people acting as the gateway to the North, and ultimately to China. It is the main Market City for "Upper Myanmar" and a place for the hill tribe people to gather and trade. Mandalay is a spiritual center as well and boasts numerous old wooden monasteries and unique pagodas, which date back to life as it was under the reign of Myanmar's last king. A number of interesting excursions can be made.
MAWLAMYINE
The capital of the Mon state, Mawlamyine, is an attractive port with a ridge
of hills on one side and the sea on the other. It was the former capital
of British Burma and an important teak-port. The colonial atmosphere
can still be felt throughout this charming town. MERGUI
Comprising over 800 hundred islands and covering an area of 1,000 and square miles, these pristine islands had until January 1997, been closed to all foreigners for well over fifty years. This area is totally untouched by modern development, with a rich history of maritime trade and piracy. The modern-day Mergui Archipelago is as it was days gone by, bar the piracy! Due to the archipelago's virtual isolation, the islands and surrounding seas are alive with an amazing diversity of wildlife, flora and fauna.
MINGUN
A 45-minute boat trip up to the Ayeyarwaddy from Mandalay, Mingun rests
on the banks of the Ayeyarwaddy River and is home to the world's biggest
pile of bricks of the foundation of Pahtodawgyi (the Unfinished Pagoda)
as well as the world's largest ringing bell. MOGOKE
Famed for it's natural beauty and for brilliant rubies and sapphires pulled
from its red earth. Mogoke is a beautiful, tranquil lake town. The Mogoke
area used to be known as "Ruby Mines District". It abounds in
mountain ranges as high as 7500 feet, which are of gneiss and crystalline
limestone. MONYAWA
Also known as Thalawady, Monyawa has an array of sightseeing spots ranging
from historical and religious edifices to the famous lacquerware. A major
trading center for the regions agricultural products. It is the gateway
for the river crossing excursion to the ancient carved cave temples of Po
Win Taung and spectacular Thanbode Temple.MOUNT POPA
60 kilometers southeast of Bagan is the spectacular 1500-meter high extinct volcano, Mount Popa. At the foot of this mountain is the perpendicular rock formation with almost vertical sides that is home of the "nat" (spirits). Accessible by a series of stairways, the famous festival of the "nats" or spirits is held here during the month May/June.
MRAUK OO
Capital of the Rakhine Kingdom, which flourished from the 15th to 18th century,
Mrauk Oo reached by a 6-hour boat trip along the Kaladan River from Sittwe.
Mrauk Oo is noted for its fort-like temples and pagodas of stone and brick. NGAPALI BEACH
Located on the Rakhine coast, Ngapali Beach is an hour's flight from Yangon.
It is an unspoilt beach stretching over 3 km with blue sea, white sand and
swaying palm trees. There is an 18-hole golf course near the beach. Ngapali
offers hot days but cool and breezy evenings. PATHEIN (BASSEIN)
Pathein is the capital of the Delta Region. This small port town is reached
by road or by overnight ferryboat through the complex Ayeyarwaddy river
delta system. The landscapes are all leading rice producers with crops such
as sesames, groundnuts, jute, maize, pulses, tobacco and chillies. Parasol
production is synonymous with Pathein. A scenic waterfront, Chinese as well
as Myanmar temples and buildings provide sightseeing opportunities. It is
also the gateway to "Chaungtha Beach Resort". PINDAYA
Situated at 3880 feet above sea level. The main inhabitants are the Danu
and the Pa-O. It is famous for it's celebrated caves called "Shwe-Umin",
formed 200,000 million years ago. The caves are stocked full of Buddha images
of about 8000 or more, many covered in gold leaf and in a variety of styles
of the 17th century. Drive from Kalaw to Pindaya and on the way pay a visit
to a Danu and a Pa-O Village!PYAY (PROME)
A thriving trading center between upper and lower Myanmar is located on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River. Pyay is the starting point for visits to the ancient "Pyu" capital of "Thayekhittaya" (Sri Ksetra), one of Myanmar's most ancient capitals dating back to the 5th - 9th century.
PYIN OO LWIN
An old British colonial hill station, north-east of Mandalay (1-1/2 hour
drive), attracts visitors due to it's beautiful landscapes. It is situated
3481 feet above sea level, so is cool the whole year round and it serves
as the best summer resort. Sightseeing around the town in a "Gharry",
horse-drawn coach similar to a stagecoach will certainly give you a thrill.
Spectacular waterfalls and natural caves are also located in the vicinity.
SAGAING
Sagaing is a famous meditation centre for Buddhists all over the country and the Sagaing Hill's are well known as a religious retreat. Sagaing with its many monasteries and pagodas spread throughout the surrounding hills, overlooks the Ayeyarwaddy River to the West.
SEIN-YAY FOREST CAMP
The Sein-Yay forest camp is at the center of the area known as "Bago
Yoma", which means Bago mountain ranges. It is the home of the best
teak and the topography. You can explore the scenic beauty of Bago
Yoma by taking a walking tour in Sein Ye village.SHWEBO
A royal capital from 1760 to 1764 under King Alaung Paya, has a Myanmar majority. The local economy depends on the trading of nuts, pulses and rice cultivated on the surrounding plains.
SITTWE
Sittwe is situated on the coast at the mouth of the Kalandan river. This
Rakhine State comprises of many ancient historical sites because it
was established more than 2000 years ago.TAUNGGYI
Taunggyi literally means "Great Mountain" and is the capital of Shan State situated at 4,792 feet above sea level. As with other capitals, it is crowded with modern buildings, motorbikes and modern people with a mixture of traditional customs.
TAUNGOO
Taungoo is famous for it's products, bananas, tea, coffee, betel nuts and cardaman. It is also the ancient capital but unfortunately no historical evidence can be observed. Taungoo is generally used as an overnight stop from Yangon to Mandalay.
THACHILEIK
The Myanmar border town of Thachileik is accessible both by flight and motor-way. Foreigners are allowed to cross the Sai-River bridge. Since it is opposite to Mae-Sai in Thailand, the economies of the twin border towns are tightly bound. Many dealers from around Thailand come here to buy gems and crafts at wholesale prices.
THAMANYA HILL
It is 23 miles south-east of Hpa-an beside the Hpa-an - Kawkareik road.
The hill itself is 653 feet high and is accessible by trekking up hill.
This place is very famous for the most venerable monk "Thamanya Sayardaw".
Pilgrims all over the country come to pay homage so it is always full of
pilgrims and devotees. THANLYIN (SYRIAM)
Only 30 minutes drive from Yangon across the Bago river, Thanlyin, was an ancient trading center from the 14th to the 17th century. The ruins of a Catholic Church built by an Italian Barnabite missionary can still be seen. There exists a village where one can observe all the typical ways of life and customs of the national races of Myanmar. "Yele Paya" which literally means "the pagoda at the center of the river" is worth a visit. A short day trip to Thanlyin can be done from Yangon Jetty by a ferryboat, or by crossing the bridge over the Yangon River.
TWANTE
Twante, a small town on Twante Canal is 2 hrs away by boat from Yangon.
The boat trip provides a view of life along the canal, while Twante itself
provides interest as a center of pottery and hand-woven cotton cloth. YANGON
The capital and gateway to Myanmar is evergreen and cool with lush tropical trees, shady parks and beautiful lakes. Yangon has earned the name of "The Garden City of the East". Small outdoor markets are everywhere, providing Yangon's equivalent of fast food. Towering over the city is the glittering world famous "Shwedagon Pagoda" with its spire rising to a height of 99 meters. According to legend, this glistening, gold covered pagoda was built over two and a half thousand years ago as a place of Buddhist working.
Please contact us if you have any questions about a visit to Myanmar or if you would like a quotation for a personalised itinerary.
