The still relatively undiscovered neighboring country of Thailand, Myanmar, is in a way becoming more and more popular. The name was changed from Burma to Myanmar by the junta. The country, located in Southeast Asia, has been through quite a bit of violence and has only been able to focus on tourism for a few years now. Until 2011, Myanmar has a new constitution that put an end to a military dictatorship. Now that calm has somewhat returned, the country is slowly but surely being rebuilt. A lot will certainly change in the future. Until then, you can enjoy authentic sights in Myanmar. Unfortunately, as a tourist you are not allowed to go everywhere yet. Some areas are off limits. This will be clearly indicated on site. Myanmar is a destination where you will be lovingly welcomed by the locals. The vast majority have Buddhist beliefs. In various places you will come across temples and pagodas where all kinds of sacrifices and rituals are performed. In addition, several Buddhist festivals are celebrated, such as the Pwe. The most visited places in Myanmar are: Mandalay, Bagan, Kalaw, Mawlamyine, Inle Lake, Kyaikhtiyo, Monywa, Yangon, Pyay and the archaeological city of Mrauk U. Myanmar is a special cultural destination in which beautiful landscapes, impressive religious buildings and Burmese society come together in a wonderful way. Check topmbadirectory for how to get to Myanmar.
Myanmar ‘s Top 10 Attractions
#1. Swedagon Pagoda
Myanmar’s largest temple and most sacred site is located in the city of Rangoon (Yangon) near the Shwedagon Pagoda. The Schwedagon Pagoda has its origins in the fifth century BC. After that it was rebuilt and refurbished several times and the appearance became more and more beautiful. For many centuries it has been seen as a Buddhist pilgrimage site and therefore it is almost always busy. The Schwedagon Pagoda is beautiful to see. The temple, decorated with gold leaf, contrasts beautifully with the landscape. And the small temples around it are also richly decorated with gold and precious stones. It is customary to be appropriately dressed during your visit.
#2. Golden Rock
The meter high golden rock of Myanmar is located in the place Kyaikto. After a decent climb you reach the top at the high mountain with the golden rock on it. The rock is located on the 1100 meter high Kyaiktyo mountain. A pagoda has been built on top of the rock, which is said to contain a hair of Buddha. The golden rock with the pagoda on it is seen as a place of pilgrimage in Myanmar. From this spot you immediately have a beautiful view over the city. Check simplyyellowpages for mass media and culture of Myanmar.
#3. Yangon
The former capital of Myanmar is the largest city in the country. Since 2005, Yangon is no longer the capital, but has been taken over by Naypyidaw. Yangon is a city with many attractions. You can visit a number of Buddhist temples, including the Shwedagon Pagoda, Botataung Pagoda and Ngahtatgyi Pagoda. And the national museum is also a must. It exhibits all kinds of treasures that come from the last king of Myanmar, King Thibaw Min. Through all kinds of tours you can visit the floating market of Yangon, you can take cooking classes or take a city walk along all kinds of highlights of the city of Yangon.
#4. Botataung Pagoda
In the heart of the city of Yangon is also a famous pagoda. The Botataung pagoda is worth a mention. The current Botataung Pagoda was built after World War II. The predecessor was completely destroyed during bombing. During the construction work, a secret room was discovered containing a stone box, jewels, ornaments and all kinds of gold and silver objects. Inside the box was a small golden pagoda containing a hair coiled in gold, presumably belonging to the sacred Buddha.
#5. Mandalay
The centrally located town of Madalay is located on the Irrawaddy River. As an important trade center, the city is slightly better off economically than other cities. Most visitors to the city come to climb the famous Mandalay Hill. By following a path with about seventeen hundred and thirty steps, you are treated to an amazingly beautiful view. The Mandalay Fort also attracts a lot of attention. This fortress was rebuilt after its predecessor was partly destroyed during World War II. Mandalay also has many Buddhist temples, monasteries and stupas to visit. The most beautiful temple is the Mahamuni pagoda.
#6. Mount Popa
The more than fifteen hundred meters high Mount Popa is a stratovolcano. The steep slopes are created by solidified lava from various eruptions that have taken place over the years. A Buddhist monastery ‘Taung Kalat’ is located on top of Mount Popa. The fairytale setting of this religious site contrasts beautifully with the Myanmar landscape.
#7. Anandampel
In the city of Bagan, which once housed more than ten thousand temples, there are now about two thousand Buddhist places of worship. The twelfth century Ananda Temple in the city of Bagan is one of the most beautiful of these. The architecture of the Ananda Temple clearly shows Indian influences. And the inside of the temple is also impressive. There are many golden statues of Buddha, in every corner is a pagoda and the many stone sculptures highlight different episodes of history. Especially during the festivities in the month of December, the Ananda Temple is richly decorated. The city of Baban can also be admired from the air. It is possible to float over the many temples by hot air balloon.
#8. Hpo Win Daung
On the west bank of the Chindwin River is a cave complex containing decorative images of Buddha. The caves carved out of the rock probably date from the fourteenth to the eighteenth century. The hundreds of statues as well as the wall and ceiling paintings often contain a typical color red. The Hpo Win Daung caves are accessible by boat. At the Nyaungbingyi landing stage you continue your journey by car.
#9. Inle Lake Myanmar
‘s more than one hundred square kilometer Inle Lake is located northeast of the capital Naypyidaw. The lake is mainly used by the local population for fishing, trading and living. There are entire villages on Inle Lake that have built their houses on stilts. They have even created floating gardens. Tourists often come to Inle Lake to visit the floating market. In the nearby village of Nyaung Shwe you can then visit nice markets and there are possibly good opportunities to spend the night.
#10. Pindaya caves
The most visited pilgrimage site of the Myelat region are undoubtedly the Pindaya caves in the town of the same name. The limestone caves are filled with thousands of Buddha statues of all shapes and sizes. The Shwe u Min pagoda is considered the most beautiful temple in the region. Visitors can choose to visit the caves via steps or by elevator. The Pindaya caves are about a 45-minute walk from the town of Pindaya.
