If you’re planning a trip to Myanmar, you probably have some idea of what to expect. But if you’re a first-time visitor, it’s also possible that you know very little about the country and its attractions. That’s okay! We’ve put together this list to help guide your travels in Myanmar—from the most famous sights (like Inle Lake) to more off-the-beaten path places that might not be on everyone’s radar (like Mount Popa Cave).
The Golden Rock
The Golden Rock is a sacred Buddhist shrine in Burma. It is located at Mount Kyaiktiyo, a mountain range that stretches across the Tanintharyi Division and Mon State. The golden boulder is covered with gold leaf and believed to be the abode of many monks who meditate there.
The most important pilgrimage site in Burma, people come from all over this country to visit this miraculous place every year during October-November when they celebrate their religious festivals like Thingyan (the water festival), Magha Puja Day (a Buddhist festival honoring Lord Buddha) and Waso Ceremony (another Buddhist festival).
Ananda Temple
Ananda Temple is located in Bagan, Myanmar. It was built by King Kyanzittha in 1091 and dedicated to Buddha. The temple is the largest in Bagan but not the most impressive because it has lost its original terracotta tiles on its exterior walls due to years of erosion and weathering.
Ananda Temple was built as part of an attempt by King Kyanzittha’s son to restore Buddhism after it had been suppressed during an earlier period when control had passed from Mon kings (who were Buddhists) back into hands of Hindu kings who persecuted their subjects’ religious practices; this persecution lasted until 1050 when another son then took over as king–and immediately reversed those policies!
Bagan Archaeological Site
Bagan is the largest archaeological site in Southeast Asia, and it was once a capital of Myanmar. The city was first established by King Anawrahta in 1057 and remained so until 1287 when his grandson King Narathihapate founded Yangon (present-day Rangoon).
Bagan has over 3000 temples that were built between the 11th and 13th centuries by various kings who ruled over what was then known as Pagan or Bagan Kingdom. The temples are surrounded by rice paddies and fields, making them easy to visit on foot or bicycle if you want an authentic experience!
Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon
Shwedagon Pagoda is the most important Buddhist pilgrimage site in Myanmar and one of the most venerated pagodas in all of Asia. The stupa was built on top of an ancient hill, which had been used as a burial ground for kings since at least 849 CE. When construction began on Shwedagon Pagoda, it took more than 2,600 laborers over 43 years to complete it–and it remains standing today due to its solid foundation and careful engineering methods.
The structure itself consists of several layers: first there’s a base made from bricks; then comes another layer made from stones; followed by another layer made from bricks again; then finally topped off with gold leaf (though some sources say silver). Visitors can climb up inside this layered tower to see its inner walls covered in precious stones like jade and agate along with sculptures depicting Buddha’s life story carved into marble panels located throughout various levels within this sacred space!
Mount Popa Cave
Mount Popa is a volcanic mountain in Sagaing Division, Myanmar. It is considered sacred by the Burmese Buddhists and it’s covered with many Buddhist temples and shrines. The caves are said to be inhabited by spirits and this has led to some interesting stories over the years.
Pindaya Caves
Pindaya Caves are a series of limestone caves that are believed to be more than 2,000 years old. They’re located in the Pindaya Township of the Chin State, Myanmar. The area is home to many other Buddhist temples and monasteries as well.
The Pindaya Caves were first discovered by British surveyors during their exploration of the region in 1883. At first, it was believed that these caves were created by nature with no human involvement at all; however, further research revealed otherwise–the entranceway was carved out by monks using only their bare hands!
Inle Lake
Inle Lake is a popular tourist destination and is located in Shan State, Myanmar. It’s surrounded by mountains and hills, which gives it a picturesque view. The lake is shallow and the water is clear–perfect for swimming!
Inle Lake has been inhabited since ancient times by the Intha people, who live on stilt houses built over the water. They farm rice paddies around its shores, fish from canoes or small boats called “long-tail boats” (because they have long tails).
Mandalay
Mandalay is the second largest city in Myanmar and it is also the former capital of the country. It is famous for its pagodas and monasteries, which make it one of the most important religious centers in Southeast Asia. The city has many universities and colleges, including Mandalay University – one of only two universities that offer degrees at bachelor’s level in Myanmar (the other being Yangon University).
Mandalay also has several beautiful parks where you can enjoy strolling through nature or sitting down for a picnic with friends!
Hpa An Ancient Capital of Myanmar
The town of Hpa An is an ancient capital of Myanmar, located in the Shan State. It was one of the largest and most important centers for rice production as well as cotton weaving in all of Myanmar. The town is located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, making it easy for traders to bring goods there from other parts of Asia.
Yangon, former capital of Burma (Myanmar)
Yangon, former capital of Burma (Myanmar), is a city that has been through many changes. It was founded in 1364 and became the capital in 1823 when King Bagyidaw moved his court there from Amarapura. In 1886, King Thibaw moved to Mandalay and Yangon officially became known as Rangoon until 1989 when the name was changed back to Yangon by General Ne Win’s government.
Yangon (Rangoon) is today Myanmar’s largest city and main seaport as well as its chief gateway for foreign visitors arriving by air or sea. A major port since ancient times, it remains an important trade center even though most international trade has shifted elsewhere since 1988 after economic sanctions were imposed on Burma by Western nations in response to political repression by its military regime under General Ne Win’s rule which lasted from 1962-1988 when he resigned amid widespread rioting throughout Burma (Myanmar).
No matter which part of Myanmar you visit, it is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
No matter which part of Myanmar you visit, it is sure to be an unforgettable experience. The country has many beautiful places to visit and a great culture that can be experienced by those who choose to travel there.
I hope this article has given you some insight into the most popular attractions in Myanmar. It is a beautiful country with so much to offer, so if you want to experience something new and exciting then this is definitely the place to go!