About Myanmar
Myanmar, known as Suvanna Bhumi (the Golden Earth) in the olden days for its fertile land and rich natural resources is the largest country in the Southeast Asian Peninsula sharing borders with Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand. With the total land area of 676,577 sq.km, it is about the size of Taxes and the size of United Kingdom and France combined. The country stretches over 2090 km from north to south and over 952 km east to west; it has a 2832 km long coastline on the Indian Ocean. Over 50 percent of the total land area is covered with forests.
3 Myanmar Empires, 800 year old language, abundance of precious stones and 40 million years of history definitely have made Myanmar people to be over protective about their land. You will find the country remains unspoiled unlike any destination you might have been.
Myanmar lies at the meeting point of two of the world’s great civilizations, China and India, but it blends both of these influences with its own very special local characteristics. The people have preserved traditional values, and deeply devout in their religion, with a close-knit family system and respect for elders still powerfully observed. Myanmar people are fun-loving and festivals form the center of Myanmar social life, with each month having its own festive occasion. Myanmar people are also known for their sense of hospitality and friendliness to visitors.
NAY PYI TAW
Nay Pyi Taw, the administrative capital of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar is located 391 km from Yangon and 302 km from Mandalay. The environs of Nay Pyi Taw comprise (8) township viz Zeyar Thiri, Pohbba Thiri, Uttara Thiri, Zabu Thiri, Dekhina Thiri, Pyinmana, Lewe and Tatkone Township. Easily accessible daily by plane, train, and coach.
YANGON
Yangon is the main gateway to Myanmar. Evergreen and cool with lush tropical trees, shady parks and beautiful lakes. Yangon is the first place to visit in Myanmar because it is the commercial capital and the gateway to Myanmar. It is also home to one of the world's wonders, the Shwe Dagon Pagoda and many other famous pagodas. Yangon offers a whole range of sights and experiences including pagodas, majestic colonial architecture , Bogyoke Aung San Market with hundreds of stalls selling jades, rubies and Myanmar handicrafts.
KYAIKHTIYO PAGODA (GOLDEN ROCK)
Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda is 160km away from Yangon and 4 hour drive, also known as Golden Rock is a well known Buddhist pilgrimage site in Mon State in Myanmar. Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda has become a popular pilgrimage and also tourist attraction. Regarded as a miracle pagoda, it’s amazing natural religious monument because of a small 5.5m high stop was set on the top of rock boulder stand edge of the cliff. You can rock the boulder, under the untouched space between the boulder and cliff a hen can go in and rest comfortably. To test that the boulder and the cliff top are separate, you may put string under the boulder from one side and pull it out from the other side, or two persons, each holding one end of the string can swing it under the boulder.
It is rising above 1100 level of sea. The season of pilgrimage is during November and March.
It is rising above 1100 level of sea. The season of pilgrimage is during November and March.
BAGO
End route to Kyaikhtiyo is a former ancient capital, 80 km from Yangon. Sightseeing here includes impressive temples, open – air markets, cheroot making and woodcarving centers. Bago is renowned for the 55-meter long reclining Buddha image, the beautiful golden Shwemawdaw Pagoda and many more religious monuments such as the old ordination hall built by king hammazedi.
MANDALAY
Mandalay should not be missed as it was the last capital of Myanmar Kings. Therefore, tourists can study Myanmar culture and visit Mya Nan San Kyaw Nandaw or the golden palace. Other attractions of the city include Kuthodaw Pagoda with Buddhist scriptures curved on 729 marble tablets known as the biggest book in the world and Mandalay Hill towering the whole city and nearby areas.
PYIN OO LWIN (MAY MYO)
Pyin Oo Lwin is a pretty little hill resort, 67 km east of Mandalay, was established by the British as a cool retreat from the heat of the central Myanmar plains. Unique horse carriages and British colonial houses make Pyin Oo Lwin stand out from the rest of the towns in Myanmar. Sweater knitting, flower and vegetable gardens, strawberry and pineapple orchards, coffee plantations and cow rearing are the main local businesses. Pyeik Chin Myaung, Pwe Kauk Fall and the Maha Anhtookanthar Paya are tourist attractions in this area.
MONYWA
Monywa is located beside the Chindwin River, 140 km northwest of Mandalay by road. A major trading center for the region’s agricultural produce the town itself holds little of interest, but is gateway for the cross-river excursion to ancient carved cave temples of Po Win Daung and spectacular Thanboddhay Paya Stupa complex.
BAGAN
Bagan is regarded as one of the ancient archaeological treasure houses of Southeast Asia. About 2,000 years ago can still be seen there. Mural paintings and ancient Myanmar traditional architecture can be studied in Bagan. Most famous among the pagodas there are the Shwezigon Pagoda, the Ananda Temple. Bagan is also famous for its lacquerware industry.
MOUNT POPA
popaMount Popa is an extinct volcano and with 1,500 meters the highest point within the bago Yoma range. 730- meter high of Popa Taungkalat, with a shrine dedicated to animist spirits known as “Nats”. To reach the top of the volcanic plug with its many shrines and a monastery, one has to climb up 700 steep steps. You will enjoy the extraordinary panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
INLE LAKE
Inle Lake is famous for its leg-rowers and floating islands. It is a highland lake of many ethnic groups of Myanmar including Intha, Danu, Shan and PaO. A pleasant boat ride in the lake can refresh visitors. Its attractions include the Indein Pagoda and the Pliaungdaw Oo Pagoda. Handicrafts of the residents including silk, silverware and jewellery are also interesting.
TAUNGGYI
Capital of the Shan State, a cool hill town set at 1400 m and has a moderate climate. In November, to celebrate the Tazaungdaing festival, the city hosts a hot-air, fire balloon festival.
KALAW
Kalaw is situated on the western edge of the Shan Plateau and 70 km west of Taunggyi. This was popular hill station in the British days and still peaceful and quiet place. It is also pleasantly cool and a good place for hiking amid gnarled pines, bamboo groves and rugged mountain scenery. Visitor can see four ethnics groups, Pa-O, Palaung, Danu and Taung Yoo around Kalaw area.
PINDAYA
Pindaya is in the Southern Shan State and situated 3880 feet above- sea-level. Pindaya has cool and pleasant weather. Pindaya cave is a huge cavern where hundreds and thousands of Buddha images in various size and shape are installed since the 11th century. Shwe Oo Min Cave also lies on the mountain side and the depth of the cave is 490 feet. Inside the cave 8094 Buddha images lined the wall of the cave. Visitor should plan to stay for one or two nights in Pindaya to explore the natural beauties all around the tranquil lake, the limestone caves, the ancient pagodas and images and the lovely old trees.
MAWLAMYINE
The fourth largest city in Myanmar, 270 km south east of Yangon. The former capital of British Burma was an important teak-port and still today the colonial atmosphere can be felt throughout this charming town. Several fine monasteries and shrines cover the hills of Mawoamyine from where the visitor can enjoy magnificent views of the city and the harbor.
HPA- AN
Hpa-an is 60 km from Mawlamyine and it can be visited on the way from Yangon to Mawlamyine. There are an abundance of fascinating and interesting sites. With the backdrop of the dramatic mountain Mount Zwe Kabin covered in luscious greenery of tropical palms, while not far away from the centre of the city is picturesque Thanlwin River.
SITTWE AND MRAUK OO
Capital of Rakhine and Myanmar’s most western state. Sittwe is reach by flight approximately one hours from Yangon. The town itself is of limited interest, except for its huge local fish and general market. Major attraction is the excursion upriver through beautiful scenery, to the ancient former capital of Mraul Oo, which offer a number of important archaeological sites and several temples of unique design.
NGAPALI BEACH
Situated about 7 km away from Thandwe, one of the ancient Rakhine towns and on the Bay of Bengal. Ngapali is accessible by flight which takes about 45 minutes from Yangon. The Beach stretches about 3 km with soft white sand fringed by coconut palms. It lies on one of the finest seaside in the country. It serves as the best ground for sunbathing and recreation such as beach strolling, cycling and biking. The water here is transparent and the sea is tranquil. There are only natural scenic beauty of the blue sea, white sand and the lovely sun. The sea is cobalt blue, without any dangerous marine animals and clean. The best time to visit this beach is during October and May of every year.
NGWE SAUNG BEACH
Ngwe Saung Beach is situated about 48 km from Pathein. Ngwe Saung can be reached by car from Yangon in approximately five hours. The journey takes travelers across the wide alluvial Ayeyarwaddy Delta region. A stop can be included in Pathein, a busy trading town on the banks of the Pathein River. Ngwe Saung was a hidden treasure beach. Ngwe Saung Beach stretches 15 km of white sand and blue sea. There are corals and diving also available at many Hotels in Ngwe Saung Beach. Tours to nearby island and fishing can be arranged. Beautiful natural sea shells can be collected on the beach.
CHAUNG THAR BEACH
Chaung Thar Beach is located 40 km to the west of Pathein in Ayeyarwaddy Division. It is about 5 hours drive from Yangon to Chaung–Thar Beach. Chaung Thar is the nearest ocean resort available to foreign tourists, being easily reached from Yangon in half a day by road. Fresh coconut juice will make you relax here and the crab dishes of Chaung Thar Beach are delicious and well-know. Many nearby island like The' Phyu Island, Pho Kalar Island and Kyaut Maung Nhana can be visited too.
