Hightlight of Myanmar

Yangon

Yangon, the old capital city is the main gateway to Myanmar. Evergreen and cool with lush tropical trees, shady parks and beautiful lakes, Yangon has earned the name of the Garden City of the East. Yangon was founded by King Alaungpaya on the site of a small village called Dagon when he conquered Lower Myanmar in 1755. The name Yangon means “End of Strife” which was Anglicized to Rangoon. The present day Yangon covers over 350 sq.km and has a population of over 5 millions.

How to get there

Yangon International Air-port is the main gateways and there are regular daily flights to Yangon from Bangkok and Singapore. The domestic airlines, Myanmar Airways, Air Bagan and Air Mandalay regularly connect Yangon to Mandalay, Bagan, Heho, Thandwe, Kawthaung, and to other tourist destinations. Cruise ships call Yangon port with Visa on Arrival being granted on prior arrangement.

Where to Stay

Visitors have a wide choice of accommodation in Yangon ranging from 4-Stars deluxe hotels to superior and economy class hotels and motels.

How to go about

A limousine service is available at Yangon International Airport. Major hotels provide free airport transfers. Taxis are easily available in town and there are several transport service companies which hire sedans, and mini-buses.

Yangon and Environs

Bago (pegu)

Located only 80 km from Yangon, Bago was an ancient capital of Mon Kingdom in the 15yh century. Shwe Thar Lyaing Reclining Buddha (55 meters long, Shwe maw- daw pagoda, Kyalyani Sima ordination Hill). 28 meter high huge Buddha Image of Kyaik Pun Pagoda and the Palace of King Bayintnaung are some of the places of interest.

Thanlyin (Syrium)

Once a trading port occupied by the Portuguese in early 17th century. Thanlyin and surroundings offer many attractions. The old buildings still stand in evidence of the days of Portuguese Occupation. The 1822 meters long bridge stanning the Bago River made possible the 45 minutes drive from Yangon. Kyaik Khauk Pagoda and Kyauktan Pagoda in the creek are worth visiting.

Twante

A small town on the Twante Carnal is two hours away by boat from Yangon. The boat trip itself is a joy and chance to see rural life along the canal while Twante is known for making potteries.

Allied War Memorial Cemetery

Located at Htaukkyant, 32 km from Yangon, on the way to Bago, the Allied War Memorial Cemetery has 27,000 tombstones of Allied soldiers who lost their lives in M yammer during the World War II. The cemetery is peaceful and beautifully tended.

Shopping

Myanmar arts and crafts, mostly handmade, are the best souvenirs at reasonable prices. Lacquer ware, wood and ivory carving, tapestries, silverware, brassware, silk and cotton fabric, traditional garment, and shoulder bags are some of the favorite items. World renowned Myanmar rubies, sapphires, jade, and pearls are also available at Myanma Gems Centre and at other licensed Shops. Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scott Market) is one of the best places for souvenir shopping.

Mandalay

In Mandalay and its surroundings, there are many famous places which you should not miss to visit, the Maha Muni Pagoda, the Atu-ma-shi Kyaung, the Mandalay Hill, U Bein Bridge, the Ku-tho-daw Pagoda, the Royal Palace, the Zegyo Market, Pyin Oo Lwin, Amarapura and so on.

Mandalay and Environs

Amarapura

Some 11 km south of Mandalay is the town of Amarapura. It was the capital of Konbaung Dynasty during the reign of King Bodawpaya when he moved its capital to Amarapura in 1783. Places of interest are Pahtodawgyi Pagoda. U Bein Bridge across the Taungthaman Lake, Kyauktawgyi Pagoda, Nagayon Pagoda, Mahagandayone Monastery and Cotton and Skill Weaving Cottage Industry.

In-wa (Ava)

In-wa is another ancient capital, known as the kingdom of In-wa during the Second Myanmar Empire. Today In-wa is a small town south of Amarapura. The sites to see in In-wa include Nanmyint Watch Tower, Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery, Bagaya Monastery, Lacquer ware Industry and In-wa Bridge spanning the Ayeyarwaddy River.

Saggaing

Once an ancient capital, Saggaing lies 21 km south west of Mandalay, beside the Ayeyarwaddy River. The Sagging Hills are dotted with pagodas and there are over 500 monasteries, a retreat for some 6000 monks and nuns. Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda, Kaung-Hmudaw Pagoda (a copy of the Mahaceti Pagoda in Sri Lanka), and Ywahtaung (home of the silversmiths’ guilds) are places worth visiting.

Mingun

The 11 km boat ride up the famous Ayeyarwaddy River from Mandalay to Mingun promises a pleasant adventure. You will come face to with the “World’s Biggest Ringing Bell”. The Mingun Bell. Another Principle sight is the colossal ruined base of the Mingun pagoda, unfinished work of King Bodawpaya, which it had been completed, would have supported the largest pagoda in the world, Settawya Pagoda and Hainbyume Pagoda.

Pyin – Oo – Lwin

Pwe Khauk waterfall
View point at Maymyo
National Kandawgyi Garden

Over 1000 meters above sea – level, Pyin Oo – Lwin is a popular hill – station above 69 km away from Mandalay. It is well - known for its colonial- style houses with large compound and pine tree, eucalyptus and silver- Oak abound in town. Delightfully cool and pleasant the whole year round, the 175 hectare National Kandawgyi Garden, Pwe Kauk and Ani - Sakan waterfalls, Goteik Viaduct and Peik Chin Myaung Caves are please of interest.

Monywa

About 136 km to the west of Mandalay is Monywa, the commercial centre of Chindwin Valley. Sites to see in Monywa are than – bok – de Pagoda with over 500,000 Buddha Images, Bodhi – ta – htaung (one thousand Bo trees), Ledi Kyaungteik monastery where
Buddhist scriptures are inscribed on 806 stone slabs and kyauka Village known for its own style of lacquer ware.

Bagan

Bagan, one of the richest Archaeological sites, is the main tourist attraction in Myanmar, is located on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River. Also being the capital of first Myanmar Empire. Bagan covers an area of 42.sq.km containing over 2000 well preserved pagodas and temples of the 11th-13th century.
How to get there
There are daily flights between Yangon and Bagan which take an hour and ten minutes. There are regular Express Coach Services to Bagan from Yangon and Mandalay. There are also regular flights from Mandalay and Heho to Bagan which take only 20 minutes. Express Trains from Yangon and Mandalay stop at Thazi Junction, from where it is accessible to Bagan by 3 hours drive. There is a double-decker steamer services between Mandalay and Bagan and a Luxury Cruise Road to Mandalay by E&O Express.

Where to stay

Bagan and Nyaung Oo have hotels and guest houses or motels with modern facilities at reasonable price.

Around Bagan

Mount Popa

Some 50 km southeast of Bagan, Mount Popa, 1,500 metres high, is an extinct volcano. It is the legendary home of the ‘nats’ or ‘spirits’. The Mount Popa area has also been designed as a National Park a perfect place for eco-tourism.

Sale (Sa-Lay)

It is a small town about 15 km south of Bagan, down the Ayeyarwaddy River. U Pone Nya Museum, formerly the Yoke Sone Monastery, exhibits antique lacquer wares, wooden reliefs and a large standing gilded Buddha Images, the figures carved outside the front of the building are worth seeing. Another place worth visiting is Tha-ta-na Kyaung (Keythar monastery) where Tipitaka texts are housed in a large red lacquered cabinet.

Inlay Lake

This vast picturesque lake, nestled among the hazy Shan Mountains, 900 meters above sea – level, is one of the main tourist attractions in Myanmar. The lake, 22 km long and 10km across, has a population of some 150,000, many of whom live on floating islands of vegetation. Inlay Lake, natural and unpolluted, is famous for its scenic beauty and the unique leg – rowing of the Inthas, the native lake dwellers. The main attraction of Inle Lake is the famous Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda situated in the middle of the lake.

How to get there

The most convenient way is to fly from Yangon to Heho, which is the nearest airport to the lake. There are daily flights to Heho which take about one hour. The flight from Mandalay to Heho takes only 20 minutes. Travelling by car along the uphill and winding road aver the Shan Plateau, though taking some few hours, is interesting and well – worth taking. There is also a regular train sevice via Thazi Junction to Heho and Shwenyaung, the nearest station to the Lake.

Where to stay

There are newly built cottage – style hotels with modern facilities on the Lake and modern - style hotels at Nyaung – shwe which is the gateway to Inlay Lake.

What to See

Ywama

The largest village on the Inlay Lake; its streets are a web of canals. There are some beautiful teak houses built on large wooden poles driven into the Lake bed. The main activity and attraction is at the floating market.

Phaung – daw U Pagoda

One of the famous principal shrines in Myanmar, this pagoda houses five small Buddha images. Once a year, in end September or early October, there is a pagoda festival during which the four Buddha images are rowed around the Lake in a colorful barge.

Mine Thauk Market

A large and bustling market where one can find a real local atmosphere with a variety of produce from the lake. Other places of interest in the lake are Paya Pauk Pagoda, Zakah village and Nga Phe monastery.

Around Inlay Lake

Taunggyi

Taunggyi, over 1430 meters above sea – level, is the capital of Shan State. It is a hill station, cool and pleasant all the year round. The market, on every fifth day, is crowded with ethnic minorities in their colorfully traditional dresses. The journey from Taunggyi down to Inlay Lake area takes about an hour.

Kalaw

Kalaw is another hill station, located 1400 meters above sea – level. Many of the Tudor – style houses and English gardens of colonial days remain. Kalaw is situated 70 km west of Taunggyi.

Pindaya Caves

About 45km drive from Kalaw is Pindaya, well known for its extensive Limestone caves. The caves are set deep in the hillsides and there stands at the entrance, a 15 meter high Shwe U Min Pagoda. There are some 6000 Buddha images and interesting stalagmites.

Other pleases of interest

Pyay (Prome)

Pyay is located about 285 km north of Yangon, on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwaddy. It is easily accessible by road or by rail which takes about 5 hours. A few kilometers north – east of the town is Thayekhitta (Sri Ksetra), an archaeological site of the ancient Phyu capital (5th to 9th Century). Shwesandaw Pagoda, Hsetakyi Pagoda, Shwe Phone Pwint Museum, Bawbawgyi Pagoda, Bebegyi Pagoda, Phayagyi and Payama Stupas are other places of interest in and around Pyay. There are many hotels with modern facilities for foreigners.

Mrauk - U (The Ancient City of Ra-Khaing Kingdom)

The ancient city of Ra-Khaing Kingdom (15th Century) is known for its old temples with wall paintings of Indian Cultural influence. Special speed boat with 20 seats takes only 2 hours 30 minutes.

The ancient city of Mrauk U is located on the Shwe Nat Pyin stream which is a tributary of the Kalatan River and 80 km up river from Sittwe. Mrauk – U is reached by boat along the capital of Ra – Khaing State. Sittway, A boat trip takes about 5 hours. The Mahamyatmuni Shrine, one of the famous pagodas in Myanmar is situated 30km from Mrauk- U. The highlights of Mrauk – U are the massive Shitethaung – Phara, a curiously remarkable temple with countless Buddha images and reliefs, the Fortress – like temple Htukkan Thein noted for the interesting stone sculptures temple An – Daw Thain with its unique stone carvings and floral designs; Sa – Kya – Man – Aung, a tall attenuated stupa, and Archeological museum.

Sittwe

The port city at the mouth of Kaladan River where it empties into the Bay of Bengal, Sittwe has at least a two- thousand y ear history and has been a port city for nearly two hundred years. It is also the capital of Rakhine State. The ancient city of Mrauk Oo is 80 km up river from Sittwe.

Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda.

Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda, One of the wonder of the world, known as the Golden Rock, was believed to have been built in 574 B.C (over 2500 years old). Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda is over 1100 meter above the sea level and 160 from Yangon. small stupa sit on a huge boulder, covered with thick layer of gold leaf which is delicately balanced on the extreme of the cliff.

Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda which was enshrined a stand of hair of the Buddha. From a distance it looks as if the boulder, glinting from innumerable applications of gold foil by devotees. On taking a close look, it can be noticed that the boulder is just balanced on the edge of the precipice with a portion of it jutting out into space. Wands of bamboo placed between the boulder and the surface of the rock below, will be seen to flex and then straighten out again when the boulder is pushed by someone.
It is an 11 kilometer uphill climb for the hikers from Kinpum base camp. There is also a steep winding road for 4- wheel Trucks from base to the nearest point of the Pagoda.

From there proceed uphill by trek or by Chair Porter to the Mt.Kyaikhtiyo about 1 hour.

Mawlamyaine (MOULMEIN).

Mawlamyine, a charming town, is the capital of Mon State, situated at the mouth of the Thanlwin River (Salween River). It is easily accessible by road and rail from Yangon.

Sites to see in Mawlamyine are Kyaikthanlan Pagoda. Uzena pagoda, Caves of Kawgoon and Payon, famous for its countless Buddha Images, Stalagmites and Stalactites. Kyaikkhami Pagoda, perched on the rocks by the sea and joined to the land by a covered causeway, is the main attraction.

Thanbyuzayat

About 34 km from Mawlamyine is Thanbyuzayat, an Allied War Memorial Cemetery for the prisoners of war who lost their lives in the building of the famous Death Railway across the River Kwai.

MYEIK ARCHIPELAGO

The Myeik (Mergui) Archipelago, located in southernmost point of Myanmar, comprises of over 500 gorgeous islands. The Sea Gypsies live on boats during the dry season. Their ways of life and customs are so characteristic and unique that a Salone traditional festival will be launched with an aim to attract International tourists as well as to promote marine eco- tourism around the islands in the Myeik Archipelago. A visit to their village offers a glimpse into a unique culture Salone Traditional Festival was held at Ma Kyone Galet Village on the Bocho Island, near the Lampi Island.

Lashio

It is a trading town in Northern Shan State. Accessible by road from Mandalay from Lashio, the famous Burma Royal built by the British before the war, interests with Ledo Road leading into the Yunnan Province

Gems Cities in Myanmar

Mogok

Mogok, known as the Gems City, is some 115 Km north-east of Mandalay. Myanmar rubies, sapphires and emeralds and other precious stones are mined in Mogok area. Only packaged Tours with special permission are allowed to visit Mogok.

Pharkant

Pharkant is located in Myitkyina District, Kachin State. It is about 960 km from north of Yangon. Phar Kant is on the west side of Uru river, a tributary of the Chindwin river. A massive Jade stone (3940 Tons) was founded at Nanthamaw jade quarry in Phar Kant Township, Kachin State with special permission. Phar Kant is accessible by road from Myitkyina.

Maishuu

Maishuu is located north of Myanmar and it is now famous as “the Maishuu Gems Land”. It used to be a small town but the rubies found in Maishuuare now well known in the world’s gem market as “Red Diamonds”. With special permission Maishuu is accessible.

Northern Myanmar

Kachin State

The wild terrain of the Kachin State is located in the far northern part of Myanmar. Kachin State has ice capped mountains, clear water rivers and protected wild life Sanctuaries as well as precious minerals and Gems.

Myitkyina

Myitkyina is the largest town in Kachin State. From Myitkyina visitors can tour the confluence (Myit- Sone) of Maikha and Malikha, the source of the Ayeyarwaddy River. There are regular flights from Yangon and Mandalay to Myitkyina. Mt. Hkakaborazi (5,882 m), the highest peak in Southeast Asia is located 300 km north of Myitkyina. And Indawgyi Lake, the largest natural lake in Myanmar is located About 150 km to the southwest of Myitkyina.

Myitsone

About 25 miles north of Myitkyina is beautiful Myitsone Confluence where the Mai Kha and M’likha Rivers meet to from the Ayeyarwaddy River, which flow down about a thousand miles into the Bay of Bengal at the south.

Putao

Putao is another town in Kachin State surrounded by snow Peak Mountains. It is cool the whole year round and there are many varieties of citrus fruits grown in the orchids. It is the nearest town to the base camp for climbing Mt. Khakhaborazi (5889 meters), which is the highest mountain in Myanmar and in Southeast Asia.

Border Areas

Muse

Muse, a small town on the banks of the Shweli River, is the main border gateway between Myanmar and Yunan Province (China). Located 190km from Lashio, it is a bustling trading centre. Muse Motel has modern facilities. Namkham and Kyukoke are nearby border towns.

Tachileik

Tachileik, located in the Golden Triangle Area, is the border gateway opposite Mae Sai in Thailand. It is accessible by air about 2 hours from Yangon. The Golden Triangle Paradise Resort is located on the banks of the Mekong River facing Laos and Thailand.

Kyaing Tong

Kyaing Tong is the capital city of the Golden Triangle Region. It is only 170 km away from Tachileik and it takes 3 hours by 4WD or Sedans. There are regular flights from Yangon to Kyaing Tong. Kyaing Tong Hotels (old and new) offer modern facilities at reasonable prices. Visitors with Border Passes are allowed to cross into this border town.

Myitkyina

Myitkyina is the largest town in Kachin State. From Myitkyina, visitors can tour the confluence (Myitsone) of Maikha and Malikha, the source of the Ayeyarwaddy River. There are regular flights from Yangon and Mandalay to Myitkyina.

Puta – O

Puta – O is another town in Kachin States surrounded by Snow peaked Mountains. It is cool the whole year round and there are many varieties of citrus fruits grown in the orchards. It is the nearest town to the base camp for climbing Mt. Khakhaborazi (5889 meters), which is the highest mountain in Myanmar and in Southeast Asia.

Kawthaung

Formerly called Victoria point, Kawthaung is the southernmost town of Myanmar. From Ranong a border town in Thailand, visitors can take 20 minute boat trips to Kawthaung for sightseeing and shopping. Andaman Club on the Thahtaykyun island is located west of Kawthaung. There are regular flights from Yangon to Kawthaung and Five Star Shipping Line operates Cruise vessel ‘M.V. Thanlwin’ to Kawthaung.

Eco – Tourism Sites

Some of the most well known ecotourism sites are Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park, Popa Mountain Park, Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary, Inlay Birds’ Sanctuary, Moyingyi Wetlands and sein Ye Forest Camp.

Flora and Fauna

Due to diverse topography, the flora ranges from sub alpine forests in the north through thorn forests in the south and mangroves in the delta area.
It has recorded a variety of 300 mammal species, 300 reptiles, 1000 bird species, butterflies, insects, plants and trees.

CHIN STATE

The Chin State famous a substantial part of the Union’s western land border and in its west has borders with Bangladesh and India. The Chin State is mountainous region watered by numerous rivers, streams and lakes. Victoria Peak in the West is the highest point in the State reaching a height of 10,200 feet.

A land of misty skies, towering pines and the beautiful Alpen rose or Tree Rhododendrons, much of the state offers vistas of unspoilt charm. The abundance of wildlife has resulted in Chin Nationals being superb hunters and there are many veterans who have served in the Armed Forces and are now living on well-earned pensions. As in many parts of the union, agriculture is the mainstay of the state’s economy. There are Chin, the Lushi, Mro and Khami and others in Chin State.

Because of its difficult terrain, roads are still being developed but the Mindat- Matupi- Hakkha- Hpalam- Tedim- Tonzang road lies along the spine of the country it’s connected to the Mgwe Division in the South from Fort Hertz, to Kalay of Sagaing Division in the North.