This article highlights top tourist destinations in Myanmar, known for its pagodas, temples, and stunning sunsets. Myanmar offers numerous Instagram-worthy locations that visitors flock to. The capital is Naypyitaw, but there are also many beautiful places to visit throughout the country. Don’t miss the incredible orange sunrises and sunsets during your visit to Myanmar.

Where to travel in Myanmar?

Myanmar has numerous popular cities and tourist destinations worth visiting. Mingun is home to a stunning white temple, while Mandalay boasts the world’s largest book and Old Bagan is known for its golden temple. A typical tour of Myanmar takes about a week, although some destinations require more time. 

When visiting Myanmar, it’s important to be aware of the time difference with your home country, as Myanmar is one hour ahead of Azerbaijan. In this article, we will highlight popular tourist destinations in Myanmar, including famous Instagram-worthy spots, organized by city.

Yangon

Yangon is a top tourist destination in Myanmar, with numerous attractions worth visiting. While it may be possible to see most of the city’s highlights in just one day, it’s recommended to allocate more time for exploring other parts of the country.

 In this article, we’ll share the best places to visit in Myanmar, including those in Yangon, to help you plan your trip.

1. Shwe Dagon Pagoda

The Shwe Dagon Pagoda, also known as the Great Dagon Pagoda, is a popular and well-known tourist destination in Yangon, Myanmar. It’s also considered one of the best Instagram-worthy places in the city. 

The pagoda’s stunning beauty attracts visitors from around the world, and it’s recommended to explore every corner of the temple complex. Many visitors gather at sunrise to appreciate the natural beauty of the pagoda, making it an ideal time to visit.

2. Kandawgyi Lake

Kandawgyi Lake in Myanmar is home to a well-known site that can be viewed from various parts of the lake. Visitors must book in advance to enter the site, which was developed during the British Colonial Administration to provide clean water to the city.

3. Maha Bandula Park

Maha Bandula Park, also known as Maha Bandula Garden, is a public park located in downtown Yangon, Myanmar. The park is famous for the Independence Monument, and it is surrounded by significant buildings such as the courthouse. It was named after the Late General Maha Bandula, who fought against the British in the First Anglo-Burmese War.

4. Inya Lake

Inya Lake is a popular destination in Yangon, Myanmar, known for its romantic atmosphere, making it ideal for couples and lovers. This lake is one of two major lakes in Yangon and features a beautiful view with palm trees and manicured lawns. The lake has concrete on the base and is filled with water.

5. Golden Rock (Kyaiktiyo Pagoda)

Golden Rock in Yangon is a popular but often overlooked destination due to its long travel time of 3.5 hours one way. The Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is a well-known Buddhist site and is recognized internationally. In addition to the Golden Rock Pagoda, visitors can find restaurants, guesthouses, and various temples in the area.

Bagan

Bagan is a must-visit destination in Myanmar, famous for its numerous pagodas and Instagram-worthy spots. Spend at least 2-3 days to explore the impressive pagodas, but avoid climbing on them as it is considered disrespectful. 

Hot air balloons can be seen in cold and hot weather, but not during the rainy season. Check out the best places to visit in Bagan for tourism purposes.

6. Bagan Viewing Tower

An Instagrammable tower in Yangon with a great view of Bagan’s natural pagodas. It is possible to climb the tower, but there are fees involved, so it may not be budget-friendly.

7. Sunset Hill (Nyaung Lat Phet)

Sunset Hill in Yangon is a popular and crowded place to visit for its beautiful sunset views. It is considered the best place to visit during sunset time, and people from all over the world come here to enjoy its beauty.

8. Popa Taung Kalat on Mount Popa

To climb Mount Popa, visitors have to climb over 700 stairs through a staircase. The mountain is home to monkeys, making it a fun destination for families with kids. Mount Popa has five distinct forest ecosystems, with the Dry and Thorn Forest being the largest. As you climb up the stairs to the Popa Mountain Monastery, you’ll be greeted with the fragrant smell of flowers. The mountain is also home to various butterfly and bird species.

Mandalay

Here are some beautiful and Instagrammable places to visit in Mandalay, Myanmar. Mandalay is the second-largest city in Myanmar after Yangon, and it offers a lot of attractions for visitors. Mandalay Hill provides a panoramic view of the city. 

The Mandalay Palace is a significant historical site that was the primary royal residence of the last Burmese monarchy. U Bein Bridge is the longest teakwood bridge in the world, and it’s a popular spot for watching sunsets. Lastly, the Mahamuni Pagoda is a famous pilgrimage site that houses one of the most revered Buddha images in Myanmar.

9. Sunflower Fields

Mandalay has beautiful sunflower fields, which can be accessed through a private route from Mount Popa. These fields are a popular spot for taking pictures due to their beauty. Additionally, visitors can also visit the U Bein Bridge and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings year-round.

10. Mya Nan San Kyaw Palace

You will be fascinated by the history of the last palace of the Burmese throne in Mandalay. Built in the 19th century, it was once the residence of the king. Although it is a little far from Atumashi, there are many other beautiful places to see in Mandalay. This palace is the only remaining structure from King Mindon’s Palace, which was destroyed and rebuilt after his death by his son.

11. Mingun

Mingun is a popular tourist destination in Myanmar known for its beautiful attractions such as the Mingun Bell, Irrawaddy River, Lions of Stone, Hsinbyume Pagoda, and Pahtodawgyi Pagoda. Visitors from all around the world come to see the beauty of this city.

12. Mingun Pahtodawgyi

Mingun Pahtodawgyi is an incomplete but beautiful pile of bricks due to an earthquake in 1839. It is considered the largest Stupa in the world and offers great views from the top. Visitors must remove their shoes before entering pagodas. The Sagaing Division in Mingun is also famous for its statues. Additionally, we are sharing the most liked Instagram photos of Mingun.

Conclusion

Myanmar is a stunning country that attracts travelers from all around the world. We have provided you with information on the top tourist destinations in Myanmar that are worth visiting with your family. By now, you should have a good idea of where to travel in Myanmar, so plan your trip accordingly and have a great time exploring this beautiful country!