Myanmar Destinations

YANGON OVERVIEW

• Blend of cultures and traditions
• Religious sites
• Burmese heritage

Yangon (formerly called Rangoon) is the formal capital of Myanmar (Burma) and has been marked as the largest city, the center of commerce and logistics and also a popular destination in Myanmar tourism. Located in the lower Myanmar on the east bank of the Hlaing River (Yangon River), Yangon is glistering with temples and unique architecture blending with gorgeous landscapes, creating a unique blend of cultures and traditions and Burmese heritage that is perfect for relics-sightseeing tours. This charming city draws flocks of investors and international visitors in recent years with numerous attractions, so make sure you read some guides about Yangon before coming here.

WHAT TO DO AND TO SEE IN YANGON?

As Yangon offers so many featuring attractions ranging from religion, culture to cuisine, it can be confusing in choosing places to visit in Yangon or where to learn the most authentic lifestyle of the locals. Let us help you with some guidance on what to do and what to see in Yangon!

If you were to visit just one attraction in Yangon, that should definitely be Shwedagon, the symbol of Myanmar tourism and the most sacred Buddhist temple in the country.  Often called the Great Dragon Pagoda and the Golden Pagoda, This is an impressive 326-foot tall (99 meters) gilded structure that’s believed to contain relics of four previous Buddhas. The entire stupa is covered in gold plates and the temple complex is comprised of several shrines, monuments, and other secondary structures. As the pagoda is located to the west of Kandawgyi Lake, a visit before sunset is also highly recommended to capture the beautiful view. Many tourists mistakenly thought that Shwedagon was just like any other Buddhist pagodas, but then totally changed their mind when seeing it with their eyes, so don’t forget to put Shwedagon Pagoda on the list if you are intending a trip to Yangon!

Sule Pagoda is a Burmese stupa located at the heart of downtown Yangon and even said to be older than Shwedagon Pagoda. With its prime position and outstanding architecture, this city's landmark has served as the rallying point for key political demonstrations in the city more than once. Besides the center constructions, tourists can visit the circular structure housing small shops around Sule, where services such as astrology and palmistry are offered. It’s easy enough to visit on your own but if you’d like to go on a guided tour for more knowledge about the attraction, then you can check out our Yangon city tours and put Sule Pagoda on a tailor-made itinerary.

A giant Buddha statue is no stranger, but have you ever seen a reclining Buddha statue that is 66 meters (215 feet) in length? See the Giant Reclining Buddha at Chaukhtatgyi Paya on your Yangon explosion. Visiting here, you can see the impressive footprint of the Budhha statue with 108 marks, as well as many smaller Buddha statues sprinkled around the place. Though Chaukhtatgyi Paya isn’t as famous as some of Yangon’s other temples, you can easily find a Yangon package tour that stops at this attraction.

If you want to combine a religious experience with sightseeing the panoramic view of the Yangon River, include Botahtaung Pagoda in your Yangon trip. Built by the Mon around the same time as the Shwedagon Pagoda and is believed to be 2500 years old. The pagoda is hollow within and houses the sacred hair of Gautama Buddha. No matter whether you visit this place on foot or on Myanmar River Cruises, the full picture of this 40-meter attraction is remarkable and worth to be taken hundreds of pictures.

Located within the Kandawgyi Gardens - a popular 260-acre park, lake and recreation area, Kandawgyi Lake offers a fabulous view across the water towards the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda. More than that, the artificial lake is an orchid garden, a playground for children, a mini zoo containing souvenir shops and many local restaurants especially Karaweik Palace, an impressive replica of the royal barge. 

When it comes to the trading spot, Yangon certainly owns many markets worth visiting but the most popular one is Bogyoke - Aung San Market. With more than 2,000 shops and a big selection of handicrafts, souvenirs, textiles, jewelry, antiques and many more, you can wander around and search for a perfect gift for your family or eat at one of the many traditional Myanmar and Chinese food stalls in the market. You can take time to explore over numerous shops of the market, but if you prefer a guided journey, check out the Yangon walking tour or other Yangon day tours including this stop.

There are many other things to do and to see in Yangon. Explore the Burmese dishes here if you are gourmet as Yangon cuisine will surely give you a satisfying menu. In case tasting the most highlighted local food is important to you, there’s no better way to do that than by going on a food tour because, you know, no one knows local food better than a local. If you want to learn about the making process and the hidden stories of what you eat, join some cooking classes for a fun, hands-on way to familiarize yourself with Yangon's culinary culture.

WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK IN YANGON?

The charm of Yangon travel not only comes from the beautiful temples and pagodas, but it also arises from the variant and enticing specialties in this land. A Yangon tour will not be fulfilled until you try some special dishes in the “culinary symphony” of Yangon. 

One of the must-try food is Mohinga, an unofficially national dish as it is the most popular breakfast and comforting dish in Myanmar. Served with the crispy fried bean fritters, boiled eggs, onions and the sliced tender core of banana steam, this dish can be flavored up with some drops of lime juice, fish sauce or dry chili powder depending on your taste. As for the popularity of the food, you can easily find a good eatery by searching on the Internet or with help of your tour guide.

La Phat Thoke (Tea Leaf salad) is another unique food in Yangon and Myanmar in general. Burmese frequently enjoy this traditional dish for its combination of soft, bitter, sour and spicy tastes. You can try it in either restaurants or streetside stalls. Once you try it, you will understand why Burmese people love it. 

Taste Shan noodle soup to truly taste the local traditional cuisine. The term “shan” refers to Burmese people from Shan state in northeast Myanmar. Also made with rice vermicelli like Mohinga, the taste of Shan noodle features marinated chicken or pork, juicy tomatoes,  garnished with toasted sesame or garlic oil and can be served as soup or salad.

The culinary journey in Yangon contains many more specialties such as Nan Gyi Thote (a kind of noodle salad),  Akyaw Sone (Burmese Tempura), Si Htamin (Yellow Sticky Rice) and Bein Mont. Take your time exploring the famous dishes on your own or on a food tour to satisfy your stomach, also to learn more about an interesting aspect of Yangon. 

WHEN TO VISIT YANGON?

Like many cities in Southeast Asia, Yangon experiences two distinctive rainy and dry seasons. From May until October, the city suffers from regular bucketful rains and storms, while the dry season is from November until April. It is certainly best for you to go on Yangon tours during the dry season, but March and April are two of the hottest months (often hitting 40°C), so the ideal time to visit is from around mid-November until February - when the clear blue sky appears every day and the temperature is indeed ideal. 

THE TOURS FROM YANGON

The tourist attractions in Yangon are considerably close together, so it is popular for tourists to take on walking tours. For instance, after visiting Sule Pagoda, you can walk to the nearby Bogyoke Market (Scott Market), Yangon Center Railway Station and Saint Mary’s Cathedral. You can own a trip yourself or book a package tour to visit the most outstanding places in Yangon. A walking tour can be combined with a street food tour for a more complete journey to explore Yangon. Take a bite of the delicious food while unhurriedly following your tour guide to the gorgeous constructions in Yangon, and you will fall in love with this traditional yet bustling city.

If you have enough time in Yangon and want to travel beyond this city, you might want to arrange a day tour or multi-day tour to nearby areas. 

Golden Rock 2 day trip

The Golden Rock is one of the most unique attractions in Myanmar, and it is totally convenient to take a two day trip departing from Yangon to Kyaikhtiyo to visit this shimmering spot. The gold-leaf-covered rock can look precarious, but the boulder is said to maintain its balance thanks to a single hair of the Buddha being enshrined inside the pagoda. Visiting here, you will have a chance to see the interesting rock and observe the prayers worshipping or applying gold leaf to the boulder while seeing the spectacular view of the valley below. The route to the sacred boulder will be even more memorable as you will hop on an open truck, just like the locals do as this is the only way to go up there.

Bago: full-day sightseeing tour

A day trip to Bago city can be a good idea to explore the surrounding area of busy Yangon, as Bago is only 91 km northeast of Yangon. The first stop of the day trip should be the impressive Taukkyan War Cemetery, as the place is on the way from Yangon towards Bago. Well taken care of by Myanmar people, the ancient headstones keep their original shapes and the surrounding green wards brighten up the landscape. Tourists usually take some photos here before arriving at Bago.

Bago, the 15th Century Mon Kingdom, also Second Myanmar Empire attract tourists with Buddhist monuments, Paddy fields, bamboo and timber logs and its famous cheroot industry. You can also visit the main market and Mon weaving community to learn about traditional handicrafts. During the guided tours, the local guide will tell you all the stories you want to know about the included places to make this day tour interesting yet knowledgeable.

We hope that the given information can help you with a useful guide for the best journeys in Yangon, Myanmar. Other than the attractions that we recommended, you can check out more tours to other regions in Myanmar like Mandalay, Inle Lake, Bagan,... Contact Myanmar Private Tour for booking or any further questions and we promise to give you the best advice!

BAGAN OVERVIEW

If you do a quick search about Myanmar tourism, you may have come across some images of a “forest of temples” and giant balloons - That’s exactly the symbol of Bagan, one of the foremost tourist destinations when you travel to Myanmar. But does Bagan have any other attraction to offer? Let's find out in this travel guide!

Lying on a bend of the Ayeyarwady River in the central flat of Myanmar, Bagan is an ancient city in the Mandalay Region of Myanmar that is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This destination features the authentic landscape of gorgeous nature mixed with long-standing architecture by humans. Buddhist art and construction should be a vital attraction on a trip to the capital of the lost Bagan Kingdom, expressed through the serial property of mesmerizing temples, stupas, monasteries and places of pilgrimage, as well as archaeological remains, frescoes and sculptures. The concentration presents stunning testimony to the pinnacle of Bagan civilization from the 11th to the 13th century (CE) when the place was the center of a regional empire. With around 2,200 remaining temples and pagodas, this colossal architectural ensemble portrays the religious fervor of an early Buddhist kingdom.

Apart from the Buddhist features, a visit to Bagan has many more features for you to enjoy: Taking a cruise to enjoy the riparian vegetation, indulging in the fascinating views of unique mountains, or exploring the culinary culture,... Wait no more and join Myanmar Private Tour to have a glance at this beautiful land.

WHAT TO DO AND TO SEE IN BAGAN?

Bagan is easy to get accessed via the Nyaung U airport and well-connected by road with the rest of the country. This advantage in transport enables domestic and international tourists to visit Bagan’s main areas of interest like Old Bagan, New Bagan, Nyaung U Town and the Mount Popa National Park. So what is there to do and to see? You will be surprised by the bulk of things that will make your Bagan trip a fulfilling one.

Explore the  Bagan Archaeological Zone

If you can only choose one thing to do in Bagan, this must be the one! Spend time visiting and learning about the Archaeological Zone in the Old Bagan - a quiet, relaxing area on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River. As"one of the World's Greatest Archaeological Sites", you will not be disappointed by the ancient monuments of different periods sprinkling across the area. These remarkable sites spread over a vast plain from the riverbank of the Ayeyarwady River to the Turintaung range. Ananda temple, Shwesandaw Pagoda, Dhammayangyi temple and Thatbinnyu Pagoda to name a few. 

You can also take time wandering around Old Bagan to visit less-known temples, or unhurriedly enjoy the laid-back atmosphere which is a pleasant contrast to the hustle and bustle of the nearby New Bagan - a more densely populated area. 

Wander around Nyang U town

Nyaung-U is a town located in the district of the same name in Central Myanmar. Located about 4km away from Bagan on the eastern banks of the Ayeyarwady River, Nyaung-U can also be considered a part of the Bagan Archaeological Zone, and hence, a popular tourist attraction for some of the most famous ancient Buddhist temples. The Shwezigon Pagoda is the most popular of all the temples in this town. Htilominlo, Gubyaukgyi and Alhoda Pyae are some of the other religious attractions. Moreover, tourists can join workshops to create poneyay (pea powder paste), refine plum jam, lacquer ware and traditional bullock carts making.

Nyang U Market is also a significant symbol of the city. These open-air markets shock the senses with a kaleidoscope of colors, noises, and smells, giving the casual visitor a glimpse into everyday life in Burma as well as an insight into the ingredients of the delectable food offered in local eateries. Besides, this town has a lot of options for budget accommodations, and many affordable restaurants, all combined to be the top place for a budget trip to Bagan.

Hop on a hot-air ballooning

Bagan is very often listed as one of the most ideal places in the world to enjoy hot-air ballooning. Even though the archaeological site and the surrounding are perfect to visit on foot, a ride on a hot air balloon is a unique way to see the panoramic view of the dense temples. Currently, the balloon service only operates in the early morning and runs between October and March, but it is the icing on the cake and we highly recommend this activity. Watching the whole scenery of Bagan at sunrise might be a one-of-a-lifetime experience that you shouldn’t miss. 

Those who can’t make it to take a balloon ride, or simply aren’t keen on that are still able to enjoy the wide expanse from the top terrace of the Bagan viewing tower. You can climb onto this top and arrange to sightsee the archaeological sites during sunrise or sunset, the surreal beauty of Bagan temples will be worth hundreds of photos.

Bagan House Lacquerware Workshop

On your travels to Bagan, you may notice many colorful lacquerwares everywhere. You can learn how to make those wares using traditional methods at the Bagan House Lacquerware Workshop in New Bagan. There is a small exhibit in Bagan containing the details of lacquerware production and its history, and the displays walk visitors through this art’s history from its origins in the 14th century. Before leaving the site, you can pick up some souvenirs and handicrafts in the shops.

Sunset on the river

Nothing beats a breathtaking sunset to cap off a day of temples and local cultural exploration. Nature has blessed Bagan with mesmerizing scenery and the long-standing constructions have glowed up that beauty. Yet the sunset even enhances the majestic sense. Getting on a scenic boat ride along the Ayeyarwady river will be a perfect way to relax after a busy day. The view will be etched in your mind forever, it is an absolute!

WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK IN BAGAN?

Bagan cuisine has received plenty of compliments from tourists as the “true taste” of Asia. The culinary features combine the best of Indian, Chinese and Thai cuisine and undoubtedly tend to have more rice dishes and soups. There are several types of soups and broths that are part of the Burmese food culture. Rice is considered a staple of the locals and often served along with a side dish of pork, beef or chicken. However, a sizeable local population is vegetarian so there are several vegetarian dishes as well as options for vegan tourists. 

In Myanmar, there is a unique salad made with tea leaves, Burmese people call it Latphet. Tea leaf salad is perhaps the most famous food in Myanmar, it can be a snack, a plate of appetizers or a dish served with rice.

The Star Bistro and Weather Spoon’s are two big restaurants that have been around for quite some time. They serve authentic Burmese cuisine and even some western dishes on their menus. They serve authentic Burmese cuisine and even some western dishes on their menus, so international tourists will still have other options in case they miss the taste of their own cuisine from back home. If you want a more local way to explore the cuisine, there are many family-run eateries that serve traditional food.

WHEN TO VISIT BAGAN?

The weather in Bagan is split between the dry season and the wet season. The start of the dry season from November to January is cooler and the most pleasant time to visit, so this is the best time to be outdoors and explore the pagodas. Temperatures and humidity begin to rise in February, peaking in April and heralding the start of the wet season. The rains increase with August being the wettest month and continue over the next two months. As a result, it is not the best time to travel or engage in outdoor activities.

THE TOURS FROM BAGAN

If you’re interested in seeing everything in this ancient city, you might want to consider guided tours in and around Bagan. A tour with a local tour guide will utilize your time budget and even widen your knowledge about the local culture and history, taking your trip beyond an entertaining experience.

Balloon Over Bagan

The views of Bagan’s 8,000 temples and pagodas in Bagan can be seen with your own eyes on a Balloon Over Bagan trip. To experience this service, you need to wake up early in the morning and then take a few hours to prepare for an extra-special hot-air balloon flight. And a morning flight means you’ll watch the sunrise and see the area at its most magical, when morning mist shrouds the greenery and the light is still gentle. Plus, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.  

Old Bagan Sightseeing Tour

This tour is ideal for tourists who want to visit the remarkable temples and pagodas in the Old Bagan, and learn about the in-depth histories of the sites from local guides. From a glance, some might mistake that all the temples are the same, but the tour will lead them to many varieties of temples, payas, and Buddha statues through interesting stories and activities.

Mount Popa tour

Mount Popa is an ancient extinct volcano located in the Mandalay region in Myanmar. To the Burmese, it is a sacred pilgrimage site of 37 temples dedicated to Mahagiri Nat spirits. To tourists, Mount Popa is one of the excellent day trip options while exploring Bagan as it is located 50km from the ancient town.

Among all those pagodas lined up around the mountain is Taung Kalat, The most popular one and home to Goddess Popa, located at the neck of the hill. The hike to the top takes about 45 minutes. You will reach the entrance by climbing about 777 steps leading to the top. At the foot of Taung Kalat, there are Nat statues enshrined within cave-like structures. while the main pagoda at the summit was built in the 17th century when Kings spirit-worship.

An important note for you is that clothes should cover your knees and shoulders. Your shoes also need to be kept at the foot of the temple. Beware of large groups of aggressive monkeys on the way to the top as they can snatch things from tourists at any moment. If you wish for the best panoramic views, climb to the top of Mount Popa around sunrise or sunset.

E-bike Tour

Why not visit the dense concentration of Buddhist art in a really fun way, say, on an e-bike? This kind of tour is getting more popular as an alternative choice for tourists when they visit Bagan. All you need is a map or a knowledgeable local guide and you can visit many magnificent temples and ruins. From famous to lesser-known temples, you will be able to truly absorb the wonders of this ancient land.

Bagan Cycling Tour

Pedaling is an excellent opportunity to discover firsthand the lifestyle, culture and scenery of Bagan and its people. Let take your bicycle and explore the local villages around Bagan, stop to visit local market to see the local trading way, learn more about history of temples and pagodas, live the local life and explore the special sand paiting, etc. 

So that is our general guide for Bagan tourism, a sacred land of Buhhdist to visit and unique traditional handicrafts to see. If you are any interested in other tourist destinations in Myanmar, check out Yangon Tours, Mandalay Tours or Inle Lake Tours. Hope that Myanmar Private Tour somehow assisted you with useful information before you come to the beautiful country of Myanmar. Don’t hesitate to contact us for booking requests or any other questions!

MANDALAY OVERVIEW

Located 716 kilometers north of Yangon, Mandalay is the second-largest city in Myanmar and one of the ancient royal capitals. This city serves as the main communication and trading center in the northern and central parts of the country, thus being easily accessed by road, airway and railway. The charm of Mandalay comes from a pleasant blend of timeless, alluring traditions and a booming vibrant city located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River. The destination is definitely worth including on your itinerary for a Myanmar holiday with the exciting activities and convenient services, while the traditions of music, dance and drama are still alive. 

WHAT TO DO AND TO SEE IN MANDALAY?

Unlike Yangon, Mandalay gives off a laidback vibe - of course not the boring type. This cultural heart of Myanmar contains long-standing constructions from different royal periods, providing tourists with breathtaking beauty and a serene vibe that makes you feel like royalty!

Mandalay Palace

One of the most popular spots on a Mandalay tour is Mandalay Palace. The massive size of this royal palace is strong evidence of the heyday of Mandalay as a royal capital. Dominating on a grand scale in the bustling Mandalay city center, the historical site stands like a landmark from any angle. Each side of the palace is measured about 2 kilometers long, altogether forming an area of 413-hectare and up until now, visitors are only allowed to enter the Eastern entrance to visit Mandalay. You can see how rich the culture of Myanmar is when visiting the astounding buildings with the green squares in between. Behind the exquisite reddish timber edifice, the palace also unfolds royal stories. If you want to know more about this tourist attraction, check out some Mandalay city tours, as this is a common stop for guided tours.

Mandalay Hill

Any visitor to Mandalay should not miss a visit to Mandalay Hill, which gave the city its name. You can sense that it is not an ordinary mountain, and indeed, this hill is where the history of Mandalay began. There is a legend that Buhhda once visited Mandalay, and prophesied that a great city could be located at its foothills. You probably know that the prophecy actually came true. You can see a statue built with exactly the same posture of Buddha, pointing fingers toward the Royal Palace, as well as other Buddha images and pagodas worth paying homage to on the way to the top hill. After hiking up to the height of 240 meters above the city, sightseers will be rewarded with a panoramic picture of the hazy blue outline of Shan Hills at the east, the heart of the center Mandalay Palace at the south, and Ayeyarwady River in the west. Besides, a short ride from the hill to the south will take you to Kyauktawgyi Pagoda. This Buddhist site features the Great Marble Image and a huge Buddha statue, which was carved from a single block of marble.

U Bein Bridge

Does the image of this bridge give you any sense of tranquility? Many tourists said they feel that life seems slower as they stand in front of this iconic attraction. U Bein Bridge is recognized as the longest and oldest teak footbridge in the world, with a length of 1.2 kilometers across the shallow Taungthaman Lake. Taking 1,086 woods to finish the construction, U Bein has become a remarkable creation that not only serves as an infrastructure for transport but also a favorite spot for villagers and tourists to visit. Don't rush to think that this bridge is only worth a bit of time to stop by. You can spend time appreciating the beauty of this peaceful lagoon or take a stroll along the bridge to observe the local lifestyle. It is also a nice experience to bike across from one end to the other and watch the monks and fishermen with their nets. 

Kuthodaw Pagoda

You can find another word record in Kuthodaw Pagoda, isn’t that awesome? This place owns the largest book in the world. Besides, the architecture of the pagoda is spectacular with a center surrounded by uncountable small white pagodas. This pattern makes it extremely easy to notice among the places of interest in Myanmar. Apart from the scenery that gives your photos a royal vibe, the pagoda has many more heritages for you to discover. See for yourself!

Besides these popular attractions in Mandalay, you can experience more excursions to more locations in this region such as Hsinbyume Pagoda with some interesting behind stories,  Shwenandaw Monastery, Mahamuni Pagoda, craft workshops,...

WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK IN MANDALAY?

Cuisine can be a crucial part that makes up a culture, and that is absolutely true in the case of Mandalay. We have picked out some of the must-try dishes and beverages in this city, and promise that they are nothing like any other area.

Mont Di (Noodle salad)

Mandalay is known for its simple but unique culinary culture, and Mont Di is an example. With the thick rice noodles mixed with chicken, fish balls, onion and some additional ingredients, the dish is full of color and can be enjoyed by any gourmet. When you visit Mandalay, you should definitely choose Mont Di for a breakfast, as the flavors are easy to eat and ensure enough nutrition for a long day.

Fried Cricket

To people having no experience eating insects, this dish may seem to be strange, or even frightening. However, the taste is delicious and it is actually the favorite seasonal food in Mandalay. So if you want to give it a try, travel to Mandalay in October or November.

Wat Thar Dote Htoe

This street food is really popular in Burmese cuisine, especially in the city of Mandalay. The pork is skewered on the long sticks and grilled before you can enjoy it with the garlic and chilli sauce. By the end, the servers will count the number of sticks and charge money.

Mandalay Htoe Moat and La Mote

MaHtoe moat is a glutinous rice cake topped with raisins, cashew nuts and cream butter. Its looks can resemble Vietnam’s Banh Trang for some people. The dish can be quite sweet, so if you don’t have a sweet tooth, you can reduce the sweetness by asking for the version without cream butter and some fruit topping. Meanwhile, La Mote originates from traditional Chinese moon cakes. Burmese has adapted its taste and style to fit their culture over 100 years. The soft outer dough covers sweet bean paste or sugar mixed with margarine, all the ingredients are combined into a famous food in Mandalay. 

WHEN TO VISIT MANDALAY?

As Myanmar has a tropical to sub-tropical monsoon climate with three seasons: hot, dry inter-monsoonal, rainy southwest monsoon and cool relatively dry northeast monsoon, the favorable time to visit is between October and May. For all the famous pagodas and temples in Mandalay, not to mention the mouthwatering dishes, the best time to visit this city should be when the sky is clear and dry, the temperature isn’t too high. All the sites are accessible, the temples shimmer, and the outdoor experiences can be made the best of them.

THE TOURS FROM MANDALAY

Biking around Mandalay

Want to enjoy the beautiful side and chill lifestyle in Mandalay? We recommend you join biking tours around the city. With the accompany of a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, you can set out along the back roads and get a glimpse of the unspoiled countryside and striking lanscape. Besides, traveling by bike will enable you to notice more interesting facts about the local daily life: visiting markets, terraced farms, watching craftsmen weave bamboo into intricate shapes or learning about farming.

Mandalay to PyinOo Lwin loop tour

Pyinoolwin is 76 kilometers away from Mandalay and features many unique cultural traditions, making it the common loop tour after tourists visited Mandalay. You can find many remnants of the colonial periods in PyinOo Lwin as the land used to be a hill spot. The tours then lead you to the brick and timber houses with English-style gables, turrets and chimneys which create an interesting back-in-time trip. There is also a beautiful garden named Botanical Gardens, around 432 acres of space and various different plant species from all around the world. 

Mandalay - Sagaing

Located on the other side of the Ayeyarwady River, Sagaing is also a spiritual hub for the huge number of pagodas and monasteries it has - 600 ivory-color constructions. Home to some 3,000 monks and nearly 100 meditation shrines, Sagaing is perfect for the religious experience or those who simply want to know more about this popular religion. If you want to visit a more lively and bustle place, come to Sagaing market where the locals trade eye-catching goods and groceries. If you cross a small river by ferry, you can travel in a traditional house and the extraordinarily elaborate woodcarvings from the wooden Bagaya Monastery.

Mandalay - Bagan Cruise

If you want to travel to Myanmar in a more exciting way, check out some Mandalay - Bagan cruises to enjoy the sightseeing of these two cities from a panoramic viewpoint. While cruising between Mandalay and Bagan on a beautiful river trip that trades overland travel for the Ayeyarwady River, you will treat yourself to a peaceful day with sun decks and climate-controlled cabins. After a day of hopping on and off to the popular temples and riverside villages, an Ayeyarwady River sunset can be a spectacular ending to a memorable day.

Did our travel guide to Mandalay Tourism convince you to include this city in your Asia holiday destinations? Feel free to contact Myanmar Private Tour for bookings and any other questions about this well-renown city or other Myanmar tourist attractions. We are pleased to assist with your private holidays! 

Inle Lake is an ideal place in Myanmar for those who want to find peace of mind and to feel the slow rhythm of life. As being the second biggest and the most beautiful lake in Myanmar, Inle is a prosperous home for many creatures, plants as well as ethnic communities. Flowing on a wooden sampan, you can immerse in the pleasant atmosphere and observe the farmer working on floating gardens, the rustic stilt houses, the iconic image of one - leg-rowing fishermen and the distinctive traditional handicrafts. These words can not draw a lively picture; only when you come and see with your own eyes.

Ngapali beach is one of the most famous tourist attractions and also the most beautiful beach in Myanmar. Located in Rakhine state, Ngapali beach features a smooth sandy beach stretching on the graceful Bay of Bengal. The best time to go to Ngapali beach is from October to the end of March. This time, the water is beautifully crystal blue, as well as the white sandy beach, enchants any tourists.

If you want to go to peaceful places, stay away from crowded and bustling spaces of touristy cities, and stay away from the stresses of work and life to get closer to the peace and quietness of nature, Ngapali is the best choice.

The beach is famous for its natural and unspoiled beauty with sparkling white sand under brilliant sunshine, bending along green coconut trees. The coastline is 7km long with beautiful and clear turquoise waves. The sea water is platinum, and clean and there are no dangerous marine animals.

Ngapali Beach is quiet, away from the bustling urban area. It is an ideal place for you to relax for a few days, and take in the cool blue seawater. Room-renting services here are very diverse. You can choose from a small hut on the beach to luxury villas. There are many restaurants serving fresh seafood at a reasonable price.

This place is rich in marine resources including prawns, lobsters, corals, marine mammals, snapper, grouper, sea bass, Hilsa, horse mackerel, and Spain mackerel.

Ngapali is one of the loveliest beaches in Myanmar and also one of the most unspoiled ones in the world.

In addition to common activities such as swimming, strolling, and exploring natural landscapes, you could immerse in excursions including visiting small fishing villages and local markets, discovering the countryside by a lovely and convenient bicycle, or even cruising to splendid islands offshore if your budget permits. Moreover, visitors can learn many interesting things from the fancy game of golf on the beach.

Ngapali is the best place in Myanmar not only for relaxation and tourism but also for research on local culture. Coming to fishing villages, you will feel rustic sounds from trawling in early mornings to cow carriages carrying seafood to the local market which amaze you. Fishing villagers are very friendly. In addition, the simple space of life here makes the soul of anyone peaceful and gentle.

You can reach the beach by plane for about 45 minutes from Yangon. 

By visiting the places listed below in Bago, you can have various experiences and discover more about the historic Mon culture. Shwetharlyaung Pagoda is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world and welcomes millions of arrival with the fame of the Buddha figure, which is 55 meters long and 16 meters high, moments before he dies and enters Nirvana. 

Shwemawdaw Pagoda is the tallest pagoda in Myanmar, often referred to as the Golden God Temple. Many noteworthy ancient collections line the two sides of the temple entryway. There are many stone antiquities with no distinct features among them, as proof of the long chronology as well as the horrible destruction caused by the 1930 earthquake in Shwemawdaw. There are numerous Nat sculptures on the temple grounds (the god of protection in Myanmar beliefs).

Kyaik Pun Pagoda has four seated Buddha shrines, each of which sits in a different position to be seen from all sides, Mahzedi offers the chance to climb to the top so that we can see the entire city and the surrounding countryside. 

Take a look at Myanmar Private Tour.

A spectacular and unique site that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world - the Golden Rock or Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is located in Mon State, Myanmar. The huge rock stands magically on the edge of a cliff, defying gravity and appears to be on the verge of falling into the valley below at any time. This is an important pilgrimage site of the Burmese, where people come to pray and show their respect to the Buddha by applying gold leaves to the structure. 

With the candles glowing, the chanting of worshippers, the aroma of incense sticks, and the offering being made to the shrine, there is a spiritual feeling around the pagoda. According to legend, this location has been a Buddhist temple for 2,600 years.

As a Culture and History destination, the golden rock has a legend behind that is the time when the Buddha visited the area; he gave a hermit a hair relic. The hermit went to the King and asked him to erect a boulder in the shape of the hermit's head to keep the treasure. An appropriate stone was located on the ocean floor by the King, who had magical abilities, and it was carried to Kyaikto and deposited there. According to legend, the Buddha's hair, which is kept in the pagoda perched atop the rock, keeps the Golden Rock from collapsing.

The tradition claims that the boat used to move the boulder turned to stone. The Kyaukthanban Pagoda, a big boulder that resembles a boat in some ways and is next to the Golden Rock, is another stupa.

During Myanmar exploration, Bagan and Yangoon are two attractions containing a sacred atmosphere that you must try.

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