Myanmar

The legal age for drinking in Myanmar is 18 years.

Shwemawdaw Paya

Shwemawdaw Paya is also called the Great Golden God, as the shimmering gold which covers the structure can be seen from miles. You will be amazed to see the diamond-studded top which has been constructed in an artistic manner. With a height of about 114 meters (375 feet), it is tagged as the tallest pagoda in the whole of Myanmar. Shwemawdaw Paya is an important landmark which holds huge significance for the Buddhists. You can explore several relics which have been carefully preserved under the stupa. Tourists will also cherish the surrounding area of Bago, as they can check out smaller gold-covered pagodas in the 1,000-year-old complex. This destination is listed among the renowned tourist places of the country also rich in interesting statues and pavilions.

Shwenandaw Monastery

Shwenandaw Monastery is one of the most popular tourist resorts in Myanmar. It is an historic Buddhist monastery situated in Mandalay. The locals also refer this landmark as the Golden Palace, which possesses a fabulous architecture. In the past, this structure was part of the Mandalay Palace. But after the death of the king, his son moved it outside the complex believing the king’s spirit was haunting the area. There was a time, when the building was capped with gold but most of the gold is now protected inside the monastery. You will be amused to view the ornate teak carvings highlighting Buddhist myths present on the exterior. Moreover, there are several other ornate carvings made out of stone which are present in different parts of the structure.

Ngapali

Ngapali is a famous resort town of Southeast Asia which combines two separate worlds. Tourists visit this place so as to spot the white sand beaches surrounded by clear blue waters belonging to the Bay of Bengal. You can plan a wonderful stay at one of the luxury hotels present in this town. The best part is that, there exists a totally different side of Ngapali within the same area; you can experience the fishing village atmosphere, traditional local restaurants as well as ox-carts for travelling. The perfect time to visit Ngapali is during the months of November to March as the whole region is quite vibrant.

Mrauk U

Mrauk U is a perfect sightseeing destination in Myanmar. You will admire this appealing archaeological town which houses a gorgeous fortress protected by thick walls. These walls were built in the past to safeguard the temples from the brutal winds. Travellers can tour this region so as to visit the different Stone temples. This medieval town can be reached after covering a four- to seven-hour boat trip crossing one of the tributaries of Kaladan River. Visitors are advised to carry rain gear as Mrauk U receives 1.2 meters (4 feet) of rain on an annual basis.

Ayeyarwady River Cruise

If you are planning to spend your holidays in Myanmar, then do visit the areas close to Ayeyarwady River. It is rated as Myanmar’s longest river, which is also called as the Irawaddy. The river initiates from the high peaks in the Himalayas, dividing Myanmar into two halves as it merges into the Andaman Sea. Tourists can enjoy a lovely river cruise in order to analyse the hidden beauty of this water body. There are large ships and boats that can be accessed at feasible prices. Moreover, cruises are also available which are active between Mandalay and Bagan. Travellers shouldn’t miss a chance to visit both these cities as they contain numerous pagodas, temples and Buddha statues. The view of the river villages and hoping dolphins is truly mesmerizing.

Inle Lake

Inle Lake is a serene sightseeing spot that is visited by a large tourist crowd in Myanmar. Apart from its natural beauty, this lake is known for its attractive stilt houses made by the Intha people. You can access a day-trip in narrow boats for reaching out to different sections of the lake. Tourists can also visit small workshops present in the stilt villages, along with the view of various pagodas in the vicinity. You can spot several fishermen launching their boats throw a unique leg-rowing technique as well as a classic scenery of floating gardens near the water body.

TaungKalat

This Buddhist monastery is built upon an extinct volcano plug, which is tagged as a breath-taking site located in Burma. In order to reach the monastery, visitors need to climb a total of 777 steps. From the topmost point of Taung Kalat you will get to enjoy a panoramic scenery which is quite relaxing. You can spot the ancient city of Bagan as well as the huge solitary conical peak of Mount Popa. If you are touring Myanmar, then do mark this location in your places-to-see list.

Shwedagon Pagoda

The Shwedagon or Greater Dragon Pagoda is one of the most valued sacred sites for Buddhists in Myanmar. It possesses the strand of Buddha’s hair along with other religious relics that makes the landmark so precious. Popular as one of the crowning tourist places in the country, this 2,500-year-old pagoda is situated at Singuttara Hill in Yangon. With the passage of time, the pagoda has advanced from 8 meters to 99 meters (26 feet to 366 feet). Locals believe that the Pagoda was first built under the Mon during the Bagan period   between the 6th and 10th century AD. Tourists visit this landmark so as to examine the 4,531 diamonds which cover the stupa. You can spot numerous temples, stupas and statues that glorify this site. Visitors are expected to abide a dress code before entering the temple barefooted.

Burmese Festivals

Myanmar is one of the famous festive resorts in the whole of Asia. The calendar followed in this country consists of numerous Buddhist festivals. Tourists prefer visiting this vibrant nation so as to enjoy traditional music and dance along with colourful processions as well as native cuisines. Make sure you attend the Amanda Pagoda Festival held in January/February, Maha Thingyan (New Year) in March, the Pindaya Cave Festival in March and the Thihoshin Pagoda Festival, Pakkoku held in June/July.

Meditation Sessions with Monks

Buddhist monks are spread across different areas in Myanmar. These people hold great knowledge about special rituals and philosophy which is admired by the global tourist population. You can learn about the art of meditation at Yangon’s Mahasi Sasana Yeik Tha Meditation Centre. A large number of travellers visit this landmark to seek information related to Theravada Buddhism. It is known to be one of the best resorts in Myanmar where one can experience the daily routine of a monk by actually living it.

Watch Traditional Sports

Myanmar’s sporting activities are quite fascinating. If you are in the country, then do plan a scene to watch the national game, Chinlone. This sport is played using a woven cane ball. One can spot several impromptu matches in the streets, especially, in the urban areas. There is another sport you should check out, that is Burmese boxing. Tourists can avail entry into different boxing areas by paying a very small amount.

Food Markets in Yangon

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