Most travelers and tourism enthusiasts consider Myanmar to be one of the most mysterious destinations in the world. At the same time, it is one of the most distinctive destinations in Asia, due to its location and its unique geographical features. But this is just an addition to the historic sites, temples and magnificent landscapes here of a truly unique beauty which never cease to impess every single traveler.
Myanmar is located in Southeast Asia, on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. India and Bangladesh are beyond the northern borders of the country; in the northeast section, we find China; in the east is Thailand, and beyond the southern border stretches the Indian Ocean. Located in the vicinity of so many fascinating countries, it is no wonder that Myanmar has begun to be increasingly explored in recent decades.
Tourism is one of the most important sources of national income in Myanmar. This is thanks to the many tourist attractions, among which we can find a lot of temples, lush gardens and museums.
But what are the most important scenes in this mysterious country?
Yangon. It is one of the largest and most popular tourist destinations in Myanmar, hosting many Buddha statues of various types and sizes. Nicknamed the “City of Gardens”, Yangon is home to a large number of gardens, nature parks and tropical trees. At the same time, you will find plenty of beautiful museums, temples and colonial buildings in Myanmar’s capital. The brick-clad walls of the buildings add a special charm to the city. Among the most remarkable buildings in Yangon is the Ministers’ building, which is, by the way, one of the largest colonial structures in Southeast Asia.
Another important religious building and monument to visit in Yangon is Padoga Shwedagon, also known as the Golden Padoga. This is one of the most sacred Buddhist temples of the people of Myanmar. The importance of the temple is given, for the most part, by the fact that it houses a sacred hair relic of the Buddha.
Bagan. The amazing Bagan is definitely one of the best places to visit in Myanmar. Its temples extend as far as the eye can see, and at sunrise, when the mist rises above the field, a bunch of hot air balloons envelop the entire landscape as they rise into the sky.
But in Bagan, not only the view of the landscape captured by the hot air balloons is impressive. Visiting pagodas and temples here is a must! One of these is the magnificent Ananda temple, located southeast of the Tharabar Gate, which was built in 1105 by King Kyanzittha. You can also see the Dhammayangyi Temple, the largest temple in Bagan. Located east of Shinbinthalaung and Shwesandaw, this huge and majestic temple was built between 1167 and 1170 by King Naruthu. According to legend, King Naruthu created the temple to apologize to the gods for killing his father and brother to reach the throne.
Mount Popa. Nicknamed the “Sacred Mountain of Myanmar”, Mount Popa is probably the most famous sanctuary in the country. Here you will find a complex of monasteries built right on the top of Taung Kalat hill, where the altitude measures 737 meters. To get there, you have to climb 777 steep steps, but your effort will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the surrounding valley.
Mrauk U. The ancient city of Mrauk U, located in the north of the Rakhine State, is not as spectacular as the famous Bagan, but in the early morning, when the fog rises above the hundreds of peaks of ancient pagodas, the view is at least as impressive.
Inle Lake. Taking a boat ride on the picturesque Inle Lake you will discover narrow canals, villages that seem to have emerged from another world, massive floating gardens and many other local secrets. Spread over an area of about 116 square km, Inle Lake, the second largest lake in Myanmar, is the only transport route for locals. The houses here are raised on stilts, as are the schools, temples, shops and restaurants. But the most fascinating aspect of the city is the fact that locals grow vegetables in floating gardens.
In addition to those mentioned above, many other tourist attractions are worth visiting in Myanmar. The Mergui Archipelago, the beaches of the Bay of Bengal, the Gokteik Viaduct and Mandalay are other fascinating places in this Asian country. To visit them all, however, you will need at least 10 days and a carefully made travel itinerary.
Be the first to comment