ChaukHtatKyi Pagoda

Originally it was a huge sitting Buddha image, known as Phayargyi, built by Sir Po Tha in1908. That Buddha statue was totally destroyed during the second world war and was rebuilt in 1957 as a reclining Buddha image. The present statue measures 70 metres in length and 30 metres in height. There are over 50 monasteries surrounding it. Along the corridors of the pagoda are small shopping spots where one can see different items of interest.
 

Botataung Pagoda

It is also known as “ Sandawshin Kyaik-day-art” and was built by King Okkalapa. The pagoda was destroyed during the second world war and was rebuilt in a new structural form whereby the worshippers can enter the repository and pay homage to the enshrined relics which include the two strands of hair of the Buddha . It is situated near the bank of the Yangon River and is widely known as the one and only type of pagoda in Myanmar wherein the enshrined relics can be reached by the worshippers.
 

National Museum

There are many valuable and interesting exhibits in the museum one of which being the golden throne of King Thibow , the last king of Konbong Dynasty, dating back to the 19th century. And also displayed therein are rare stone inscriptions and artifacts of the ancient times, traditional musical instruments, paintings and so on . It is open from 10:00 to 16:00.
 

Bagyoke AungSan Market

People just call it Bogyoke Market in easy short form. It is the main shopping complex of the city where one can find almost everything , including jewellary, paintings and sculptures . The market opens from 9:00 to 17:00 daily except on Mondays and gazetted holidays.

Sule Pagoda

This pagoda is situated right in the heart of Yangon city near the town hall . One distinctive feature of the pagoda is its octagonal shape. The ancient Mon name is KyaikAthoke. The pagoda, which measures 48ms in height , is believed to be enshrined with 2 hair relics of the Buddha.
 

Thanlyin (Syriam)

Thanlyin is situated on the other side of the Yangon (Rangoon) River just about an hour drive from Yangon. Formerly it was accessible only by ferry across the river. Now there is a wonderful long bridge built with the Myanmar-Chinese cooperation spanning the wide river complete with motor-way and rail road. This town with fresh breeze and hillocks has its own history. In the 17th and early 18th century, it was the centre of foreign trade under the Portuguese. It still remains an important industrial town even today. About 20km south of Thanlyin on a tributary of Yangon River is the Kyauk-Tan Pagoda built on an island situated in the middle of the river. Ferry services are available to cross to the Pagoda. Many fish are abounding swimming around the Pagoda and pilgrims can feed the fish with scraps of bread or popcorn.
 

Twente (Twante)

About 24km from Yangon in the same division is Twente. The town is well-known for the Canal that serves as a gateway to the small towns and villages in the Ayeyawaddy Delta. It takes two hours to reach Twente by car after crossing the Bayint-naung and the Canal Bridge. Various sizes of boats from triple-deckers to small ferries from Yangon passed through the 22 miles long Twente Canal linking the Kyaik Htaw and Yangon River.
 

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Mandalay Hill

The Mandalay Hill is situated in the north-east corner of the Mandalay Royal Palace. Its altitude is 236.5m above sea level and its height goes up to 167.64m. Tourists can experience the most breathtaking and colourful sun set from Mandalay Hill. As an ancient Myanmar saying goes: “To live life a little longer in the pastoral shadows of old Mandalay Hill”.
 

ShweNanDaw Monastery

This Monastery is a very wonderful building beautifully carved in wood. Shwenandaw means – “Golden Palace”. It is not only the traditionally carved wooden monastery, but a piece and part of remains from King Mindon’s Palace. It was fully covered with gold-leaves. It is an authentic part of the ancient palace of the last King of Myanmar.
 

Mahamuni Pagoda

Mahamuni Buddha statute in Mandalay is also called Maha Myat Muni Pagoda, Payagyi and Rakhine Payagyi. It was conveyed from Rakhine to Mandalay by the Regent son of King Bowdaw of Amarapura. This image was blessed by Buddha seven times in his bosom. The faithful believed in this statute that hard Buddha still lives on.

 

Kuthodaw Pagoda

The Kuthodaw Pagoda is very famous as “The World’s Largest Book” for its multitude of stone inscriptions which are the Buddha’s Teachings(Tri Pitakka). It was built by King Mindon in 1857. It is also the Buddhist Religion Centre which King Mindon established for the subjects.

 

Sagaing lays 21km south-west of Mandalay on the west bank of the Ayeyarwaddy (Irrawaddy) River. Sagaing became the capital of an independent Shan Kingdom around 1315 after the fall of Bagan. Its period of importance was short, for in 1364, the founder’s grandson Thado Minbya moved his capital across the river to Inwa. From 1760 to 1764, Sagaing was once again the capital. Today, Sagaing is popularly chosen as a meditation centre. Many Buddhists all over the country would visit Sagaing for the purpose of religious retreat. The population of Sagaing Division is 538,000, and the average population density is 139 persons per square mile.
 

Sagaing Hill

Once you cross the Sagaing Bridge, you can see the hilltops, each crested with pagodas, and banners proclaiming Buddha’s teaching. It is the famous refuge from all ills and tribulations where over 600 monasteries housing monks and nuns are located for Buddhist studies and meditation. The Padamyazedi pagoda dates back from 1300, whilst the Umin Thonze or thirty caves pagoda has many Buddha images in crescent shaped colonnade. Mural paintings can be seen in the Tilawkaguru cave temple which was built around 1672. At nearby village of Ywahtaung, one can see silversmiths in the process of making bowls and other items of silver by traditional methods. The most impressive Soon Oo Pon Nya Shin Pagoda nearby was constructed in 1312. The view of Sagaing from Soon Oo Pon Nya Shin and its approach is really marvelous.
 

Amarapura is famous for silk weaving industry. Most of the Myanmar people are very proud to wear silk Achiek Longyi on special occasion like the cultural ceremonies. These silk Achiek Longyi are mainly produced in Amarapura. Amarapura lies on the left bank of the Ayarwaddy River (Irrawaddy) and is 11km south of Mandalay It is accessible by car. A suburb of Mandalay, it is also known as Taung-myo (Southern Town) or Myohaung (Old City). It was founded by King Bodawpaya in 1783 as his new capital. Amarapura means “City of Immortality”. Amarapura was the capital city of Myanmar during the Konbaung Dynasty. It was founded by King Bodawpaya in 1982 A.D., as the king transferred the capital from Inwa (or Ava). King Bagyidaw, grandson of Bodawpaya shifted the capital back to Innwa in 1823, but King Tharawaddy his successor, again took the capital back to Amarapura in 1837 and it remained as the capital until King Mindon built Mandalay in 1857 and shifted the capital there in 1860. Amarapura is famous for the Silk Weaving Industry, the world’s longest wooden bridge (U Bein Bridge), and Mahagandayon Monastery (one of the Buddhist Universities).
 

Inwa was formerly known as Ava and it is located 21kms from Mandalay. Inwa was also known as Yadana Pura. It was first founded as a capital by King Thado Minbya in 1364 A.D. It is located the confluence of the Ayeyarwaddy and Myit Nge rivers. But the king had a canal dug to join the Myit Nge and Myit Tha rivers, thus cutting off the capital as an island, safe from enemy attacks. The ruins of the palace, the massive fort walls and moat can still be seen as the splendour of the past when it had been the capital for more than four and a half centuries. Inwa lies south of Mandalay and takes only 30 minutes by car to reach there.
 

Mingun is located on the western bank of the Ayeyarwaddy (Irrawaddy) River, approximately seven miles north of Mandalay. It is accessible by either crossing the famous Ava Bridge (more than 100 years old) or by ferryboats across the river. It takes an hour when going up-river and 40 minutes for down-river. (If you are in luck, you may be able to see the Ayeyarwaddy dolphins swimming up and down the Ayeyarwaddy River.) Mingun is famous for its bronze bell which is the second largest bell in the world.And the venerable Buddhist monk, Mingun Sayadaw, who was noted in the Guiness World Record Book for was ability to memorize Tri-pitakas (Buddha’sTeachings by heart), was from this same Mingun village. A boat trip to Mingun is pleasant with plenty of life to see on the river. The Pahtodawgyi is a wonderful building in Mingun. It was built by King Bodaw Badon in 1791. From the top of the Mingun Pahtodawgyi, one can view the scene of Mingun and Ayeyawaddy River. You can use the stairs to climb to the top. There are altogether 174 steps.
 

Monywa is a city in central Myanmar, and situated on the eastern bank of the Chindwin River, in Mandalay Division. It lays 136 kms north-west of Mandalay. Monywa serves as a major trade centre for India and Myanmar (Burma) through Kalay Myo by road and by Chindwin River. Moenyinn Thanbuddhe Pagoda is one of the famous Pagodas in Monywa. Tourists can also take a drive across the Chindwin river and visit Phowin Taung where they can enjoy the beauty of statues carved out of rocky mountain sides and also some mural paiting.The highest standing Buddha Image in the world is under construction and is nearly completed in Monywa.

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Shwe Zi Gon Stupa

This is a solid pagoda, a cylindrical structure resting on three square terraces. It is a prototype of Myanmar stupa. This stupa was built by King Anawrahta in A.D. 1059, but completed by King Kyansittha n A.D. 1090. ShweZiGon stupa is the most sacred pagoda in Bagan because of the relics of the Buddha such as the frontal bone and the Sacred Tooth.
  

Dhamayazika

It was built in 1196 by King Narapate Sithu. It has five entrances. There are two pagodas in Bagan which have five entrances, and Dhammayazika is the bigger one.Such kind of pagodas are rare because of the most pagodas have only four entrances. Nanda Manya Temple It is a small temple like an art exhibition of Bagan. Inner wall of this temple has mural paintings of the Bagan period and arches were still visible. It is about 30 feet high and built on brick base.
  

Dhamayankyi Temple

This temple is the most massive temple in Bagan. It was built by King Alaung Sithu’s son Narathu in the mid-12th century. The name of this temple symbolizes “the Light of the Buddha’s Dhamma”. It is one of Bagan’s architectural marvels. It has withstood ravages of time, natural disasters and vandalism throughout its long life.
  
 

That-Binn-Nyu Temple

Thabinnyu is the tallest monument in Bagan measuring 64ms in height. Thatbinnyu means “Omniscience”, one of the attributes of the Buddha. It was built by King Alaungsithu in the mid 12th century. The structure has five storeys. The first and second were used as residences of monks. Images of Buddha were kept on the third, and the 4th was used as library. The 5th floor was used as a repository in which holy relics are enshrined.
  

Ananda Temple

The Ananda Temple is the most artistic and graceful temple in Bagan. It was built by King Kyansittha in 1091 A.D. The name symbolizes “the endless wisdom” (Ananta Panna) of the Buddha. The whole edifice is ornamented with plaster moldings, stone sculptures, wood carvings and glazed plaques. Because of it religious and historical significance, graceful architecture, and artistic accomplishment, Ananada Temple is the object of fame and admiration at home and abroad.
 

Kyay Gu Monastery

The Kyay Gu Monastery is a very unique monastery in Bagan. It has subterranean connecting tunnels for meditation, which is an ideal place to gain peace of mind. It is near the village of PhweSaw.
 

Mt. Popa is about 50km away from the Bagan. It takes about 45 minutes drive from Nyaung Oo Airport, in Bagan. It is an extinct volcano that is estimated to have erupted for the last time during 442BC. However, Mt.Popa’s attraction today lays not so much in its geological aspect, but more so in its religious and mystical interest which are still prevalent. Popa is popularly recognized as an abode of many “Nats” (Deities). Opposite to Mt. Popa is a wonderful Mountain Resort complete with amenities in cool surroundings including a swimming pool. One can also view Popa Mountain across Popa Resort. It is and ideal place for nature lovers who like to hear birds singing and watch lovely butterflies flying from tree to tree during the day. Nights in Mt. Popa Resort are very enchanting with dancing fireflies floating in the air. Horses are also available for riding around the mountain.
 

Salay is a colourful old religious centre in Central Myanmar, and is about one and a half hour drive south of Bagan. In between visiting the numerous ancient monasteries, adorned with beautiful woodcarvings, you can enjoy the beauty of this compact city of colonial buildings, monasteries and pagodas. It is worthwhile to visit the famous monastery “Yoke-Sone-Kyaung”, which is a cultural heritage site in Salay, and situated on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River. It is famous with its spectacular woodcarvings, and is also the native town of the famous writer Salay U Pone Nya during the time of the Myanmar Kings. Salay Yoke Sone Kyaung was built in A.D. 1882. There are very beautiful artistic works of woodcarvings around it and also ancient Buddha images, utensils of Yadanabon 19th century period. There is a museum of the Myanmar famous writer U Pone Nya in Salay Yoke Sone Kyaung.

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Mawlamyine (Moulmein)

Mawlamyine is the capital of Mon State. It is 270km from Yangon. It has a population of about 240,000. It is an ancient Mon town which can be reached by road, rail, plane or boat from Yangon. If one chooses to go by road, one has to cross two rivers; the Sittaung River and the Than Lwin River. Mawlamyine Bridge which crosses the Than Lwin River is longest bridge in Myanmar. There are many seasonal fruits in Mon State which one can enjoy such as; Mangostein, Durian, Pineapple and Pomelo, the sweet and juicy ones that only the Mon State can produce. Now the city is being transformed into a modern city with many new public and private buildings sprouting up. Only the old pagodas on the Mawlamyine Ridge remind us of her ancient origins.
 

Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda

Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda is a famous and sacred pagoda in Mon State. It is about 160km east of Yangon. Across the Gulf of Mottama – in the fertile area between Sittaung and Thanlwin rivers – lies the town of Thanton. And about halfway between Thanton and Bago, lies the town of Kyaikto which is approximately 10 miles from Kyaikhtiyo. The famous spectacular Kyaikhtiyo pagoda stands on a gilded boulder, precariously perched on the edge of a hill over 1100m above sea-level. Kyaikto is at the foot of the hill, and is about 160km from Yangon. Kyaikhtiyo is an 11km up-hill climb for hikers starting from Kinpun base camp.

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Chaungtha Beach

This beach is located 50km to the west of Pathein (Bassein) in the Ayeyawaddy (Irrawaddy) Division. It is accessible by road from Yangon. It is also the nearest beach to Yangon (5 hrs drive) where vacationers can enjoy the benefits of fresh air and salt water. Within walking distance are villages where visitors can observe rural customs and enjoy abundant seafood sumptuously prepared for the gourmet. Vacationers can also watch fishermen coming in with their loads of catch from the sea.
  

Ngwe Saung Beach

This Sea Resort is a newly discovered unspoilt beach with white sands and blue sea stretching 15km long. It was opened in grand style to holiday makers. It is about 48km from Pathein (Bassein). The surrounding areas have countless large and small tributaries of the Ayeyarwaddy (Irrawaddy) River in the Delta region, which is an ideal area for rice cultivation. As the latest emerging destination in Myanmar, Ngwe Saung beach is a jewel for independent travelers who seek nothing more than peace and relaxation. Moreover, with rows of palm trees, clean sandy shore, transparent blue water, and charming islands nearby, it is really an attractive and irresistible heaven for beach lovers.

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Taunggyi

Taunggyi is the capital of Shan State. It is situated in the Southern Shan State, and about 1480m above sea level. It is known for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate, and is famous for hot-air balloon festival held every year in the month of November, which is about 30 days after the End of Buddhist Lent. The hot-air balloon festival attracts not only tourists from abroad but holiday makers from all over Myanmar. It is the cleanest city in Myanmar.
  

Inle Lake

Inle Lake is famous for its scenic beauty and the unique leg rowing of the Inthas (native lake dwellers), and the annual colorful ceremonial Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival. There are many traditional arts and craft items produced by gold and silver smiths, as well as colourful silk cloths weaven by young damsels in traditional style. Inle is a natural lake – 22km long and 11 km wide, and is about 900m above sea level nestling at the foot of hazy Blue Mountains.
  

Kalaw

Kalaw is a peaceful hill resort 70 km from Taunggyi. It is nesting in the heart of pine-studded western rim of Shan Plateau, at about 4319 feet above sea level. It is the best place, cool, quiet and pleasant for a rest. On market day, that is, the Fifth-day Market (one day a week market), you can see the Palaung and Pa-O hill tripe in colorful and attractive costumes coming from distant villages to sell their wares. For adventurous travelers, it is an ideal place for trekking.
  

Pindaya

Pindaya is about 45 km from Kalaw, and situated at the foot of Mene-Range. It is famous for its natural formation of stalactite and stalagmite cave with over eight thousands Buddha images in different sizes and postures carved in a variety of styles in the 17th century. It is also famous for its celebrated caves called Shwe-Umin (Gold Caves), formed 200,000 million years ago.
  

Kyaing Tone

Kyaing Tone is the capital of Eastern Shan State, and known for its scenic beauty, mostly inhabited by colorful hill tribes.It’s also one of the major places for trekking.

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Rakhine, one of the national races of the Union of Myanmar, has a long history of glory. Chronicles speak of many ancient royal cities that were seats of the Rakine dynasties. The Ann valley is an important trade route between Rakhine state and central of the country. Arakan, Rakine people, played a pivotal role in the exchange of cultures and religions between India and Southeast Asia.
The earliest of the ancient Rakhine cities are Dwarawaddy and Dhanyawaddy (3000BC). The last king, Minsawmun founded the ancient royal city of Mrauk-U in the year 1430.
 

Sittwe

Sittwe is the Capital city of the Rakhine State. Sittwe is situated on an estuarial island at the confluence of the Kaladan River, Myu River and Lemyo River.



 

Mrauk-U

Mrauk-u, situated 72Km to the north of the Sittwe, contain the ancient edifices including innumerable pagodas, Buddha images, temples and ordination halls, everywhere within the ancient city walls of Maurk-U. A Dutchman named Schouten who visited the area in 16th century A.D remarked that the city was comparable in size and wealth to such western cities as Amsterdam and London. He also mentioned that it was the richest city among the ports of Asia. The city was called by the Europeans as “Golden City”.
 

Shitthaung Temple

Shitthaung temple, lying on the hill-lock, is more a fortress than a pagoda. The temple was built by Minbin, also known as Minbagyi (1532-1553). The temple is virtually a storehouse of sculptures. There are two passages around the main prayer hall. The first passage occupied by innumerable Buddha images and the second one is decorated with sculptures in high relief. The figures represent birds and animals in the lowers rows and seated men holding flowers in the top row.
 

Htukkhan Thein (Ordination Hall)

Htukkhan Thein was built by King Minphalaung (1571-1593). It is also lying on the hill and reached by stone stairways on the east and south. It is built by massive stone wall. The entrance leads to a long vaulted passage which spirals round in two tiers till it reaches the central chamber.

 

Andaw Temple

Andaw Temple was built by King Tazagyi (1593-1642). The main hall is octagonal faces in east. There are two corridors round the central block which supports the octagonal stupa above. There are eight seated stone Buddha Images within niches cut into the interior walls which are decorated with arch-pediments.

 

Koetaung Pagodas

Koetaung Pagodas was built by King Minba. It has a cave containing 90,000 Buddha images consecrated inside. It is like an ordination hall, with a single Buddha image rising at the centre.

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