Yangon is an intriguing destination in itself, with stunning historical sights and other attractions awaiting tourists outside the various hotels in Yangon – which coincidentally include some of the finest historic hotels in Southeast Asia. Topping this list is the famous Shwedagon Pagoda, which was built some 2,500 years ago and can be seen on the city's skyline for miles around.
And while a stay in Yangon is surely a must on any trip to Myanmar, beyond this gateway city are many other exotic destinations. Just over 430 miles to the north is Bagan, where the enchanting landscape offers more than 2,000 temples and stupas. The pagodas here are mostly covered in reddish colour and religious monuments found in the area were built more than 1,500 years ago.
Different modes of transportation are available to explore this fascinating destination, be it by car, horse cart or bicycle. An idyllic sunset boat trip can also be enjoyed along the Ayeyarwaddy River, taking in the sunset while sipping on a cool drink.
The second largest city in Myanmar and the last royal capital of Burma, Mandalay is situated some 440 miles north of Yangon. With its population of one million, it is an economic hub and considered the centre of Burmese culture. Various elements of tradition and culture can be seen in Mandalay, which is also known as the ‘cycling city' due to the preference of many of the citizens here to travel by bike.
In the Shan Hills around 437 miles from Yangon, is picturesque Inle Lake, a freshwater lake with numerous villages set against fog-covered mountain ranges. The weather here is typically cooler and drier and a unique site to see is the local fishermen rowing their boats using their legs rather than oars. Other sights to take in are floating tomato fields around the lake, and gardens of flowers anchored to the lake bed with bamboo poles.
Kyaing Tong is a town in eastern Shan State, where the weather is also cooler compared to other more tropical areas of Myanmar. The natural scenery on view here combines with the local culture, in which traditionally-built huts dot the mountain slopes.
One of the most recognized images of Myanmar is Kyaikto, also known as Golden Rock. Just over 100 miles from Yangon, this Buddhist pilgrimage site in Mon state is built on the top of a granite boulder covered with gold leaves pasted on by devotees. The rock seems to defy gravity, perpetually appearing to be on the verge of rolling down the hill.
Mrauk U is an ancient city situated in Rakhine State and an important archaeological site. King Narameikhla (1404 to 1434 A.D.) founded Maruk Oo and it remained a capital for 400 years. Like Bagan, Mrauk U is another ancient city with pagodas, yet pagodas which are of a different architectural style.
Then there are the beaches. Ngapali in Rakhine State stretches along the Bay of Bengal for some 3 km, with its soft sand fringed by coconut palms. Along with simply sunbathing, there are various recreational activities on offer such as cycling and trips can be arranged to nearby fishing villages. Ask the locals and they say the best time to visit the beach here is in May and October.
A little way from Ngapali is Ngwe Saung beach, approximately nine miles long and one of the longest beaches in Southeast Asia. This beach is now gaining in popularity with more tourists becoming aware of its scenery and the seaside experience on offer.
And while a stay in Yangon is surely a must on any trip to Myanmar, beyond this gateway city are many other exotic destinations. Just over 430 miles to the north is Bagan, where the enchanting landscape offers more than 2,000 temples and stupas. The pagodas here are mostly covered in reddish colour and religious monuments found in the area were built more than 1,500 years ago.
Different modes of transportation are available to explore this fascinating destination, be it by car, horse cart or bicycle. An idyllic sunset boat trip can also be enjoyed along the Ayeyarwaddy River, taking in the sunset while sipping on a cool drink.
The second largest city in Myanmar and the last royal capital of Burma, Mandalay is situated some 440 miles north of Yangon. With its population of one million, it is an economic hub and considered the centre of Burmese culture. Various elements of tradition and culture can be seen in Mandalay, which is also known as the ‘cycling city' due to the preference of many of the citizens here to travel by bike.
In the Shan Hills around 437 miles from Yangon, is picturesque Inle Lake, a freshwater lake with numerous villages set against fog-covered mountain ranges. The weather here is typically cooler and drier and a unique site to see is the local fishermen rowing their boats using their legs rather than oars. Other sights to take in are floating tomato fields around the lake, and gardens of flowers anchored to the lake bed with bamboo poles.
Kyaing Tong is a town in eastern Shan State, where the weather is also cooler compared to other more tropical areas of Myanmar. The natural scenery on view here combines with the local culture, in which traditionally-built huts dot the mountain slopes.
One of the most recognized images of Myanmar is Kyaikto, also known as Golden Rock. Just over 100 miles from Yangon, this Buddhist pilgrimage site in Mon state is built on the top of a granite boulder covered with gold leaves pasted on by devotees. The rock seems to defy gravity, perpetually appearing to be on the verge of rolling down the hill.
Mrauk U is an ancient city situated in Rakhine State and an important archaeological site. King Narameikhla (1404 to 1434 A.D.) founded Maruk Oo and it remained a capital for 400 years. Like Bagan, Mrauk U is another ancient city with pagodas, yet pagodas which are of a different architectural style.
Then there are the beaches. Ngapali in Rakhine State stretches along the Bay of Bengal for some 3 km, with its soft sand fringed by coconut palms. Along with simply sunbathing, there are various recreational activities on offer such as cycling and trips can be arranged to nearby fishing villages. Ask the locals and they say the best time to visit the beach here is in May and October.
A little way from Ngapali is Ngwe Saung beach, approximately nine miles long and one of the longest beaches in Southeast Asia. This beach is now gaining in popularity with more tourists becoming aware of its scenery and the seaside experience on offer.
SHARE
