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MYANMAR > PLACES TO VISIT
YANGON
Formerly known as Rangoon, Yangon is the cosmopolitan
city, and gateway to, Myanmar. Wide tree lined
avenues and elegant architecture compliment the
magnificent, 2500-year-old; gold encrusted Shwedagon
Pagoda that dominates the skyline. It is also
shoppers’ paradise for exotic arts and crafts,
rubies, sapphires and jade. Chinatown comes alive
at night with a bustling atmosphere and delicious
street food.
BAGAN
This ancient capital of the first Myanmar Empire
is the site of over 2000 pagodas and temples,
dotting the landscape as far as the eye can see.
Spectacular sunsets and relaxing river cruises
can be enjoyed in this magical city that also
produces the best laquerware in the world.
MANDALAY
Mandalay was the last royal capital of the third
Myanmar Empire and is the principal cultural and
economic city of upper Myanmar. The impressive
Royal Palace is surrounded by a beautiful moat
at the foot of Mandalay Hill. Positioned on the
banks of the mighty Ayeryarwaddy River, Mandalay
is a showcase for Myanmar arts and architecture.
It is renowned for stone carvings, woodcarvings,
tapestries, silk wear, silverware and bronze casting.
INLE LAKE
This picturesque lake in its beautiful surroundings
lies at 1328 metres above sea level in the cool
green highlands of Shan State. It is best known
for its floating markets, abundant birdlife, and
villages and gardens on floating islands. The
native lake dwellers move about about in their
boats with a unique way of one leg rowing. Hand
woven silks are a speciality of this region.
NGAPALI
Known as “Naples of the East”, Ngapali
with its deserted white sand beaches beside the
brilliant turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean,
is Myanmar’s premier beach destination.
Intimate resorts, delicious fresh seafood, swimming
and sailing, Ngapali is the perfect place to relax.
KYAIKHTIYO
The Golden Rock of Kyaikto, also known as the
Golden Rock Pagoda, is to be found in Mon State
in Southern Myanmar. It is a golden stupa. A whitewashed
base tapering to a classic gilded cone shape,
set on top of a huge, gold gilded boulder perched
1100 metres above sea level on the edge of a hill.
MRAUK-U
The 15th Century ruins of the ancient capital
of a flourishing Rhakine Kingdom, Mrauk-U is accessible
only by a 5 hour boat trip up the Kaladan River.
The fort-like temples and pagodas are built of
massive stone.
MAWLAMYINE
Formerly known as Moulmein, Mawlamyine is the
capital of Mon State. It lies on the Tennasserim
coast, a tropical port with wide streets and British
Colonial architecture. In the middle of the 19th
century, this was a prosperous trading town under
colonial rule, flourishing through its teak mills,
tin mines and shipyards.
MOUNT POPA
Located 67km southeast of Bagan, the lush green
Mount Popa is an extinct volcano rising 1520 meters
out of the plains. From the summit is a wonderful
panoramic view. It is believed to be the abode
of the spirit gods of the Mountain Lord.
SAGAING
Situated 21 kilometers southwest of Mandalay,
the Sagaing hills, dotted with pagodas, are noted
as a religious retreat, with over 400 monasteries
and nunneries. Nearby, is the enormous dome shaped
pagoda, Kaungmudaw, built in 1636 by King Thalun.
PYAY
An attractive ancient town, Pyay is home to The
Shwesandaw Pagoda, the gigantic Buddha image of
Hse-htat-gyi Pagoda, the old palace site and Hmawza
Archaeological Museum.
PYIN-OO-LWIN
Set 1050 meters above sea level, Pyin-Oo-Lwin,
known also as Maymyo and “The City of Flowers”,
was a hill station and summer retreat during the
British Colonial era. It has beautiful botanical
gardens and a colorful market.
MONYA
There are many interesting sights to visit around
Monya in the Chindwin Valley, including the Thanboddhay
Pagoda with over 1000 Buddha images, the Bodhi
Tahtuang Pagoda with 1000 Bo trees, the Colossal
Reclining Buddha, Kyaukka Shweguni Pagoda and
Phowin Taung 15th Century cave temples and shrines.
TAUNGGYI
Literally meaning ‘The Great Mountain”,
Taunggyi is the capital city of Shan State in
East Myanmar. It is situated over 1400 meters
above sea level and is a scenic city with a cool
climate that attracts many visitors who wish to
relax during the hot season. A famous hot air
balloon festival is held here every November.
AMARAPURA
The 'Immortal City' was once the capital of the
Konbaung Dynasty and is situated 11 kilometers
south of Mandalay. The 1208 meter U Pein Bridge
built with teak posts from the old palace, and
Lake Taungthaman are both local attractions.
MINGUN
Overlooking the Ayeyarwaddy River, Mingun boasts
the largest ringing bell in the world, the 90
ton Mingun Khaunglaung. It is also known for its
giant 50 meter unfinished pagoda, the Mingun Paya.
INNWA
The 12th Century royal capital for Shan and Myanmar
kings, Innwa is home to the Nanmyn watchtower,
Bagaya Monastery, Maha Aungmye Bonzan Okkyaung,
Htilaingshin Paya and Lawkataraphyu Pagoda.
KALAW
With a cool climate, nested in pine clad mountains;
Kalaw is a hillside resort and a popular destination
in the hot season. Visitors can watch the hill
tribes, from surrounding areas, visit Kalaw market
in their colorful costumes.
PINDAYA
A small picturesque town set in beautiful countryside
and famous for its caves with Buddha images that
are thousands of centuries old. It is also known
for its local handicraft, Shan umbrellas.
KYAING TONG
Close to the Chinese border, this old Colonial
and trading frontier town is surrounded by beautiful
forests and mountains. From here it is possible
to visit the nearby hill tribe villages.
SITTWAY
Near the Bangladesh border, Sittway is the capital
city of Rakkhine State. It is a seaport, producing
marine products. It is here that visitors can
see the Payagyi Pagoda and Mahakuthara, and buy
the best Rakkhine longyis (sarongs). |
