What to see in Myanmar: 9 must-sees
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Civil war after the 2021 coup: travel not advised
Discover what to see in Myanmar: 9 must-see destinations, from Bagan (temples) to Yangon. Predominantly religious and city; each entry includes the best time to visit and the link to its official source.
Religious(3)
Behold Asia's most beautiful temple, where 32 meters of pure gold, 5,448 diamonds and 27 tonnes of silver create a monument to faith. 32 m of gold, diamonds and silver. Visit the sacred temple where spirituality, architecture and history create a space of peace and reflection. Admire the architectural details and feel connected to the transcendent.
Look at the 729 stone stelae of Kuthodaw Pagoda, at the foot of Mandalay Hill, where each slab keeps the Buddhist teachings of the Tipitaka inscribed, forming what is called 'the largest book in the world'. Walk the ranks of small white pagodas sheltering them, read fragments in Pali and join the local faithful praying among the stelae. Built by King Mindon in the 19th century, this religious complex gathers architecture, history and devotion in downtown Mandalay.
Camp near Kyaiktiyo Mount to watch dawn before the Golden Rock — a huge boulder covered in gold leaf that seems to defy gravity at the edge of the cliff. According to Mon tradition, it is held in place by a hair of the Buddha deposited in the small stupa crowning it. Climb among pilgrims who paste gold sheets and light candles at dusk — a ritual reserved for men at the rim of the rock. The silence, the incense and the views over the hills of Mon State make the ascent a very particular spiritual experience.
City(2)
Stroll Yangon, Myanmar's former capital, where the gold-covered Shwedagon Pagoda has commanded the horizon for centuries. This city of some 2 million inhabitants mixes colonial buildings, Buddhist temples and street markets such as Bogyoke, famous for its jewellery and handicrafts. With nearly 2,000 years of history, Yangon keeps the circle trains running through its neighborhoods and sweet tea stalls on every corner. Explore its alleys early, when the monks walk the alms round.
Explore Mandalay, former royal capital on the Irrawaddy River, where the reconstructed palace with its moat and walls marks the city center. Climb barefoot the steps of Mandalay Hill, covered in pagodas, and watch the sunset from the glass walkway at the top. Visit the Shwenandaw Monastery, of carved teak, and the Kuthodaw Pagoda with its 729 marble slabs of the Tripitaka. Cross U Bein Bridge in Amarapura at dawn — the longest teak span in the world — and haggle over jade at its morning market.
Beach(2)
Sail among the 800 islands of the Mergui Archipelago, off the Tanintharyi coast, where most beaches still lack hotels or tourist infrastructure. Here live the Moken, the so-called 'sea gypsies', who travel these waters in their kabang boats and dive breathlessly to gather food. Coral stays intact on many reefs, with fish shoals visible with just mask and snorkel. You can overnight on dive boats tour the uninhabited islets, anchor in white-sand bays and watch the Moken communities keep their traditional fishing routines. Access requires permits and is usually organized from Kawthaung, so plan the visit with an authorised local operator.
Stop in Ngapali Bay, beside the Bay of Bengal, where Rakhine fishermen drag their boats ashore at dawn and sell the catch on the beach. Snorkel over the reefs near Pearl Island, cycle the palm villages of the interior or climb the cape of Tilokasundari for sunset. The white sand and warm water invite a swim almost all year round.
UNESCO Heritage(1)
Cross the plain of Bagan, in Mandalay Region, where more than 2,000 Buddhist temples rise among fields and palms. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019, the site keeps pagodas and monasteries testifying to a vanished civilisation. Cycle the dirt tracks, climb a terrace at dawn and watch the golden light wrap the brick spires as balloons drift across the sky.
Natural(1)
Immerse yourself in the quiet waters of Inle Lake, in the hills of Shan State, and watch the Intha fishermen row with one leg curled around the oar while balancing on their boats. Boat past timber houses on stilts, floating gardens where tomatoes grow, and the silver carvings of local artisans. Visit the Phaung Daw Oo pagoda and the teak monasteries dotting the shores — a blend of lake nature and everyday life that preserves centuries of tradition.
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