One of the most spectacular Buddhist shrines in Asia, this graceful structure dominates the city from its hilltop site. According to legend, the original stupa was built to enshrine eight of Buddha's hairs, and the towering dome soars 98 metres above its base, plated with over 30 tons of glittering gold.

Kipling aptly described the pagoda as 'a beautiful winking wonder'. The base is surrounded by a fascinating assortment of temples, shrines statues and pavilions. The site reputedly dates back over 2500 years. The temple was rebuilt in 1769.

An interesting octagonal pagoda 46 metres high in the centre of Yangon, said to date back over 2000 years and enshrine a hair of Buddha. The surrounding assortment of small shops, astrologists, palmists makes and interesting diversion.

Botahtaung Pagoda

Named after the thousand military leaders ('bo', leader and 'tahtaung', thousand) who escorted relics of the Buddha brought from India over two thousand years ago. The hollow inside of the 40 m high spire has been turned into a museum displaying a number of interesting pieces. The golden pagoda spire rises to 40 metres.

Kaba Aye Pagoda

Meaning 'world peace' in Myanmar, the structure was built in 1952 for the Sixth Buddhist Synod in 1954-1956. Located 11 km north of the city beyond the Inya Lake Hotel, the 34 metres high pagoda also measures 34 metres around its base.

Chauk Htat Gyi Pagoda

One of the largest reclining Buddhas in Myanmar, this pagoda dates back to 1907 but was restored in 1966. Located only short distance beyond the Shwedagon Pagoda, it is worth viewing this impressively huge image.

Mahavijaya Pagoda

The symbolic memorial of the First Successful Congregation of the Sangha of All Orders held in 1980, this elegant Mahavijaya Pagoda is a unique blend of traditional patterns and the modern styles. The sanctuary contains the finely wrought Buddha image and the reliquary donated by the King and Queen of Nepal.

National Museum

Numerous interesting exhibits here including the Lion Throne of King Thibaw, the last monarch, and the 19th century Royal Regalia. Other exhibits include artifacts from various periods, a collection of gem studded arms, swords, jewellery, paintings, and musical instruments.

Zoological Garden

Opened in 1906, it houses a variety of wild animals. For local flavour, it is best visited on weekends or public holidays when there are snake shows and elephant performances.

Chinatown

An evening stroll in Chinatown is a pleasant experience.

Mai-Lamu Pagoda

An interesting site in North Okkalapa about 20 minute from the city, with giant images depicting the previous lives of Buddha.

Hlawga Wildlife Park

About 45 minutes drive from the city and covering 1650 acres the Lake is home to over 70 kinds of herbivorous animals and 90 species of birds. Flocks of migratory birds frequently visit the park. A presant spot for picnickers, and of particular interest to naturalists, and bird-watchers. Elephant rides, and fishing are also available.

People's Square and People's Park

Set in over 130 acres of land between Shwedagon Pagoda and the parliament building of Pyithu Hluttaw (parliament).

The park also contains a museum with life-size models of different national races in national dress.

Bogyoke Aung San Park

With a lovely view of Kandawgyi Lake, city-dwellers enjoy their leisure time in the playgrounds and picnic areas.

Allied War Memorial Cemetery

27,000 graves of Commonwealth and Allied soldiers who died in the Myanmar Campaign during WW II are spread throughout the beautifully maintained grounds at Htaukkyant, about 32km from Yangon.

Martyrs' Mausoleum

On a hill overlooking the city, close to the Shwedagon, this memorial is dedicated to Bogyoke Aung San - who played a key role in securing independence from the British. He was assassinated along with fellow cabinet members in 1947.

Twante

Noted for its pottery and cotton-weaving industries, Twante is best reached by a two hour, 24km, boat ride along the Twante Canal. The trip also provides a delightful montage of life along the canal.

Thanlyin (Syriam) & Kyauktan

One hour from Yangon, across Myanmar's longest bridge, lies the town of Thanlyin and the ruins of an 18th century Portuguese church. On an island in the middle of the river is Ye Le Paya Pagoda (literally "the pagoda at the centre of the river") containing pictures of other famous pagodas in different parts of the country. Beyond the town is the pagoda at Kyauktan.

A short bus ride out of town, rising on a hillock to the right of the road, is the large, golden Kyaik-khauk Pagoda. The tombs of two famous Myanmar Poets Laureate - Natshinaung and Padethayaza - stand just before this pagoda.

Bago

Once the glittering capital of lower Myanmar during the Mon dynasty, Bago was destroyed by the Myanmar in 1757, but partially restored in the early 19th century. It's life as an important seaport was also denied it when the Bago River changed its course, cutting the city off from the sea.

Shwemawdaw Pagoda

Reminiscent of the Shwedagon pagoda in Yangon, this temple date back 1,000 years, although parts were added in 1952 and in 1954.

Shwethalyaung Buddha

After the destruction of Bago in 1757, this historic reclining Buddha was swallowed up by the jungle, not to be rediscovered until the British era, during construction of the railway line from Yangon to Bago. The 55 metre long and 16 metre high Buddha image dates back to 994AD, and is one of the most revered statues in the country.

Mandalay Attractions

Fort Mandalay

Today the grounds of the ancient royal palace, surrounded by a wall and a ditch, serve the Burmese military as a garrison accommodating about 10,000 soldiers. Visits of the area are only possible with a special permit.

Shwe Nandaw Kyaung Temple Grounds

These temple grounds outside the northwestern corner of the ancient royal palaces are presently the most important attraction in the town of Mandalay. Their prominent structure is a building, which in 1880 has been moved from the ancient royal palace area, after King Mindon had died inside it, which was taken as a bad omen. In 1880 the building was turned into a monastery, which hasn't changed until today. It is the only structure remaining from the ancient royal palace, as it has not been a target of the bombardments of the allies in World War II. It consists mostly of teak wood, is richly ornamented with carvings and hints at the grandeur of the ancient royal palace.

Bagan Attractions

Shwezigon Pagoda

Started in the 11th century, the pagoda is one of the first buildings in a unique Burmese style, while older pagodas were built in Mon style. It is said that the pagoda was built to enshrine the tooth, collar-bone and headband relics of the Buddha, and so has become a revered place of pilgrimage. Two great kings, noted for their patronage of the religion, are associated with the Shwezigon: Anawrahta (1044-1077) and Kyansittha (1084-1113).

Ananda Temple

Built in 1091 by Kyanzittha, the temple is said to represent the endless wisdom of the Buddha. The central square has sides of 53 metres, and rises in terraces to a height of 51 metres. Having suffered considerable damage in the earthquake of 1975, the temple, one of the finest, largest and best preserved, was reconstructed in 1979.

Thatbyinnyut Temple

Built by Alaungsithu in the mid-12th century, this 61 metre tall temple is the highest in Bagan. The stone supports which once held the temple's huge bronze bell are now located in a monastery compound southwest of the Thatbyinnyut. To the north east stands a small "tally pagoda", built using one brick for every 10,000 used in the main temple.

Gawdawpalin Temple

Built during the reign of Narapatisithu (1174-1211), this is one of the largest and most imposing of the Bagan temples - cube shaped with Buddha images on the four sides of the ground floor. The top terrace affords excellent views of sunset over the Ayeyarwady. The Gawdawpalin was badly damaged by the earthquake in 1975, and reconstruction was started in 1979.

hwegugyi Temple

Built by Alaungsithu in 1311, this temple is an early example of a transition in architectural styles, which resulted in airy, lighter buildings. The temple is also notable for its fine stucco carvings and for the stone slabs in the inner walls.

Pitakat Taik

King Anawrahta built this library in 1058 to house the 30 elephant loads of Buddhist scriptures with which he returned from the sacking of Thaton. It was repaired in 1738. The architecture of the square building is notable for the perforated stone windows, and the plaster carvings on the roof.

Sulamani Temple

Built in 1181 by Narapatisithu, this is a fine example of a later, more sophisticated, temple style, with better interior illumination. The interior was once painted with fine frescoes, only traces of which now remain.
Nathlaung Kyaung – Built in 931 by king Taungthugyi, about a century before the southern school of Buddhism came to Bagan, this is the only remaining Hindu temple, dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. A central brick pillar supports the dome and crumbled sikhara, which originally had figures of Vishnu on each of the four sides.

Pahtothamaya Temple

The interior of this single storey structure is dimly lit with the small, perforated stone windows that typify this early type of Mon-influenced temple. It was probably built during the reign of Kyanzittha (1084-1113).

Bupaya Pagoda

Thought to be the oldest in Bagan, dating from the 3rd century, this riverbank pagoda was completely destroyed when it collapsed into the river in the 1975 earthquake, and has been totally rebuilt.

Mahabodhi Pagoda

Built during the reign of Nantaungmya (1211-1234), it is modelled after Indian style temples, and is unique in Myanmar. The pyramid shaped spire is covered in niches, each enclosing a seated Buddha figure.

Shwesandaw Pagoda

King Anawrahta built this graceful circular pagoda in 1057 following his conquest of Thaton. The five terraces once held terra-cotta plaques showing scenes from the Jataka.

Lawkahteikpan Temple

This small temple has frescoes and inscriptions in both Myanmar and Mon scripts.

Shinbinthalyaung

This long brick structure houses an impressive 11th century, 18 metre reclining Buddha and is situated beside the Shwesandaw.

Dhammayangyi Temple

Built by King Narathu (1160- 65) and similar to the Ananda, this later temple is generally considered to possess the finest brickwork of Bagan.

Mingalazedi Pagoda

Built three years before the invasion of Kublai Khan's horsemen, in 1284, this pagoda is considered the most beautifully proportioned of all Bagan's monuments.

Inle Lake

A relaxing lake resort with villages, and floating gardens located at an altitude of 1328 metres in southern Shan State. It is best known for high quality Shan silk, and for its fishermen, who row their boats standing upright, using one leg to power the oar. The surrounding region includes the picturesque hill stations of Kalaw, Pindaya and Taunggyi and offers opportunities for walking and rock-climbing.

Kyaikhtiyo - The Golden Rock

The Kyaikhtiyo Cedi or the Golden Rock as it is popularly known, is situated in Kyaikhto Township of the Mon State, on a line of hills that run parallel to the Sittaung Moketama rail and motor road. The peak on which the Cedi is located is over 3600 feet in height and the original trek route from the base camp (Kinmun Sakan) is a little over seven miles.

Ngapali Beach

Stretching for over 3 km. This resort offers clam blue water, swaying palm trees and an expensive stretch of silvery white sand. With a wide range of accommodation from simple guest houses to luxury accommodation, the resort is easily accessible by air from Yangon, Bagan and Heho.

Attractions in and around Bago

Attractions in Bago

Shwemawdaw Pagoda

The Shwemawdaw pagoda is similar to the Shwedagon pagoda in Yangon and dates back 1,000 years. The parts, which can be visited today have for the most part been built in 1952 and in 1954

Shwethalyaung

Like in Yangon, so you will also find in Bago a famous, lying Buddha statue, Shwethalyaung. But while the statue in Yangon is of modern origin, the 55 meters long and 16 meters high Buddha image of Bago dates back to the year 994. Despite of its size the statue was lost from 1757 when Bago was destroyed until 1881. The British colonial masters found it, while they were building the railway track from Yangon to Bago

Attractions around Bago

KyaikTiyo Pagoda

This pagoda is about 65 kilometers east of Bago. It is interesting, not so much because of its architecture, but due to its prominent location atop an enormous rock at the edge of a cliff. "

Attractions around Taunggyi

Lake Inle

The unmistakably most important attraction in the area surrounding Taunggyi is Lake Inle. It begins about 30 kilometers south of the town and reaches about 100 kilometers from North to South, in some stretches becoming as wide as 2 kilometers. The extent of the lake in the third dimension is a lot less impressive. Although one usually expects mountain lakes to be rather deep, the floor of Lake Inle is on the average only about 4 meters below its surface. The lake is rich with fish, but what makes it unique is the way it is used for gardening. Inside the lake myriads of gardens have been created by building a surrounding wall and filling the inside area with loam from the floor of the lake. For the surrounding walls mostly water hyacinth were used. The resulting ground is extremely fertile and is mainly used for the cultivation of tomatoes and beans. In some parts of the lake these vegetable gardens are so extensive that the lake appears like a system of channels between plots of land.

Pindaya

Pindaya is a small town about 100 kilometers from Taunggyi. It features only one, but all the more impressive attraction: the Pindaya Caves, or Shweumin pagoda, as they are called due to their religious relevance. This is a system of caves inside a limestone mountain, which according to the latest count from 1990 accommodate altogether 6226 Buddha statues. In the meantime there should be several more, because the faithful constantly bring in new statues, which they donate to the monastery administrating the caves. But it seems that the count stopped at 6226. In March of each year at the caves a temple celebration takes place attracting thousands of pilgrims.