Top Cities
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The government may have moved to the new capital Nay Pyi Taw in 2005, but Yangon (formerly known as Rangoon) remains the cultural and commercial heart of Myanmar, and most visitors begin and end their journey to the country here. Yangon is a huge city, by far the biggest in Myanmar, and its ramshackle charms deserve at least a few days exploration.
Yangon had itself only been the capital since 1885, when the British conquered northern Myanmar and moved the seat of government from Mandalay. However, as they had long held the city as a key trading post, Yangon's has a wonderful array of colonial-era buildings - many of which are now crumbling, hidden down side streets. But the biggest concentration is on the riverfront Strand Road, around the bottom of Pansodan Street and Sule Pagoda Road.
Yangon’s buildings are also awash with colour and reflect the city’s history of ethnic and religious diversity, but no structure stands out quite like the Shwedagon Pagoda, the monumental golden Buddhist shrine that is sacred to so many in Myanmar. The city also has an eclectic range of museums, art galleries and markets, in which you can take in Myanmar culture and haggle to your heart’s content.
The diversity which makes Yangon so architecturally intriguing is also reflected in its restaurants and food, which have plenty of native cuisine but are also heavily influenced by some of the countries that surround Myanmar – Thailand, China and India.
The city is one of the safest in Asia, and foreigners are seldom robbed. However, the lack of development that has allowed to retain its colonial charm also means that pavements and roads are in a terrible state of repair, you may have a close encounter with a rat or cockroach, and there is often no electricity. But whatever you do in Yangon, you will find a vibrant and overwhelmingly friendly city that is quite different to any other.
Things to do in Yangon:
• Admire the beauty of the Shwedagon Pagoda
• Walk around Sule Pagoda
• Be captivated by the Chauk Htet Kyi Pagoda
• Feel tranquillity at Swal Taw Pagoda
• Visit Kyauk Taw Gyi Temple
• Savor Laphat Thote (tea leaf salad)
• Enjoy a hot bowl of Kyay-Oh
• Enjoy sunset views at Botahtaung harbour
• Visit Kandawgyi Lake
• Gaze at beautiful paintings at the Yangon Gallery
Top places in Yangon:
1. Shwedagon Pagoda
The golden chedi of the pagoda, which reaches a height of 99 meters, is visible throughout the city, and it shimmers in the sun with its incredibly golden surface. The Shwedagon Pagoda is a very well preserved heritage monument, and a sacred religious pilgrimage site for many Buddhist followers in Myanmar.
When you’re there, you’ll see people performing a series of rituals according to the day they were born, and people will also walk circumferences around the base of the pagoda.
One of the interesting things, things to dream about, is that on the top of the pagoda, within that little golden umbrella looking thing that’s called a hti, is gold, jewels, and thousands of diamonds. Though there are some binoculars on one side of the pagoda, unfortunately it’s still hard to see the beauty of the top umbrella of the pagoda.
A visit to the Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the things you must do when you’re in Yangon.
2. Local fresh market
visiting a local fresh market in Yangon is one of the top things to do. You get to experience so much local life, and see what goes into the local food, which is a major part of life.
One of the interesting things about this market in Yangon is that, despite the busyness of the market and vendors selling in the middle of the road, small delivery vehicles will still pass through.
When an oncoming vehicle comes, the vendors will scurry to move their things aside, but the low laying baskets of food will remain, and the vehicle will drive right over them.
3. Sule Pagoda
The Sule Pagoda is not only a religious and historical pagoda landmark in Yangon, but it’s also a city navigational landmark as well. It seems that all roads in downtown Yangon eventually lead to the Sule Pagoda.
The area is also home to numerous government buildings and offices, and a center for bus and road transportation.
The Sule Pagoda is not only recognized and cherished for its long history, but in the more recent history of Myanmar, the pagoda has served as a strategic space for politics, rallies, and protests.
4. Bogyoke Aung San Market
Bogyoke Aung San market, also commonly known by its former name of Scott Market, was built in 1926 under a design from the British colonial period.
On the outside of the market are a number of European looking cobblestone streets with shops housed and either side, and there’s also a large indoor section that’s setup more like a bazaar.
There’s a large selection of things to purchase all in one area, and it’s a nice clean market in a good location.
5. Chinatown Yangon – Eating and Walking
Chinatown in Yangon usually refers to the area of 24th through 18th street, west of the Sule Pagoda in downtown Yangon.
It’s one of the busiest and most action packed areas of town, especially in the evening when the sides of the streets teem with food vendors selling everything from fresh produce to ready-made things to eat.
6. Kandawgyi Park – walk around, relax, have a drink
The downtown area of Yangon is chaotic, hectic, and there never seems to be a quiet or dull moment.
That’s quite the exact opposite from Kandawgyi Park, one of the lush green lake parks in Yangon.
Visiting Kandawgyi Park is one of the great things to do in Yangon because it’s such a change of pace and a haven of calm in the usually buzzing downtown of Yangon.
7. Chaukhtatgyi Paya (Chak Htat Gyi Buddha) – Reclining Buddha
Chaukhtatgyi Paya, which is also referred to as the Reclining Buddha, is an absolutely massive 65 meter long reclining Buddha. Originally there was a standing Buddha statue in the same place, but about fifty years ago it toppled over, and was eventually replaced with a reclining version.
The Buddha is housed in a giant metal shed. The crown of the statue is decorated with diamonds and other gems, and the feet are etched with inscriptions showing the characteristics and symbols of the Buddha.
8. National Museum of Myanmar
In the National Museum, there was a wealth of artifacts, religious relics, artwork, cultural explanations and ethnicities, and tons of golden objects from the royal courts of Myanmar.
9. Yangon Circular Railroad Ride
Trains are a fairly common form of public transportation throughout Myanmar, and there’s a circular loop route in Yangon, which was built by the British back in 1954.
The circular railroad runs for just under 50 kilometers, stops at 39 station, and takes about 3 hours to complete.
Taking a ride on the Yangon circular railroad is not really a traditional attraction at all, but it’s a great way to experience and observe the life and culture in around the outskirts of town.
10. Eat Myanmar Food and Drink Tea
Myanmar is slotted between India, China, and Thailand, and the flavors of their cuisine have been influenced by this spectrum of regional diversity.
One of the most popular dishes in Myanmar cuisine, available nearly everywhere you go, is a dish called mohinga. It’s a bowl of rice noodles submerged in a fish based soup broth that tastes like a mild curry, full of flavorful ingredients and spices.
Another Myanmar food you can’t miss when you’re in Yangon is laphet thoke, or pickled tea leaf salad. It’s a common dish that you’ll find at restaurants and at side of the street tea stalls.
Finally for food, a trip to Yangon would not be complete without a full on Myanmar curry feast.
Yangon Transportation:
How to get to Yangon:
• Airplane
Yangon is a hub of Myanmar aviation and has 34 routes leading to major cities across the country. Yangon International Airport, 21 km from north of the suburb, is a major domestic and international airport and one of the best civil airports in Asia. From Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Chiang Mai, Gaya, Kolkata, Kunming, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Taipei, there are direct flights to Yangon.
• Train
There are 2 kinds of trains in Yangon. One type is long-distance train, which can go to other tourist destinations in Myanmar, such as Mandalay, Bagan, etc. The advantages are cheap and you can enjoy the scenery along the way. But you need to book tickets in advance. Another is the Yangon train around city, which is a train line that surrounds Yangon and the nearby villages. You can see the most original living conditions of the people in Yangon, but there are many passengers in the morning and evening hours. It is recommended to avoid this time to ride the train. There are 3 types of trains to choose from, which are 50 kyats ordinary train ticket, 200 kyats train with fan ticket and 300 kyats air-conditioned train ticket. In addition to the hot month in March, April and May, it is recommended to take air-conditioned trains. It is more fun to take a regular train in the rest of the month of the year.
• Automobile
There are 2 major bus stations in Yangon: the Aung Mingalar Bus Terminal and the Hlaing Thar Yar Bus Terminal, which have long-distance buses to other cities in Myanmar. Most long-distance buses start at night and can sleep at night in the car. Most cars require passengers to travel to the station by themselves, such as to Bagan, Mandalay, etc. Some cars will pick you up near your home, such as to Ngwes Saung Beach and Chaung – Tha Beach, etc. It is worth reminding that the air conditioning temperature on the long-distance bus in Yangon is very low, so you must bring some clothes!
• Steamship
Most cruises start at Mandalay and Bagan, and occasionally from Yangon. Cruise ships are mostly expensive and slow. There are ships in Yangon City that can take a ride to the village on the other side of the Yangon River. The journey takes about 15 minutes. It takes only 2,000 kyats to book a steamship for foreigners.
How to get around Yangon:
When you arrive in Yangon, how can you get around Yangon? There are 3 main kinds of transportation for getting around Yangon.
• Bus
The buses in Yangon are all privately operated. They are basically old cars that were eliminated in Japan during World War II. They have far exceeded the end of life and are very unsafe. Some cars are heavily tilted to one side after they are full of people. The steering wheel of the bus is on the right, the road is also on the right, and the door to get on and get off is close to the left side of the road, so it is very dangerous. In addition, there are no Arabic number on the Yangon bus, no English station and stop sign, only the Burmese figures. Overall, first-timers are not recommended to try this kind of transportation. Bus fares range from 100 kyats to 500 kyats.
• Taxi
Take a taxi to get around Yangon is about 1,500 kyats to 5,000 kyats. The taxis in Yangon are basically used cars imported from Japan or Thailand. Most of them are sedan Toyotas. The cars are different, some are very old and some are also almost new. You can bargain when taking a taxi in Yangon. There is no limit on the number of passengers, but the more people sitting, the higher the price. With the increase in foreigners coming to Yangon, taxi drivers have begun to raise the price, so you must to make a counteroffer when taking a taxi in Yangon. In addition, before taking a taxi, talk to the taxi driver about the price including air conditioning, otherwise the driver will ask for an air conditioning fee of 1,000 kyats to 2,000 kyats. From the airport to old city, the air-conditioning is generally 7,000 kyats, even if the price is high. In addition, you can find a general taxi to discuss the chartered service. It is a one-day package with the driver, generally that is, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
• Rickshaw
In Yangon, motorcycles and bicycles are prohibited from driving on the main road. Rickshaws which are legal can only be used to pull passengers in some alleys. Because of the poor condition of road in Yangon, rickshaws generally only go within a kilometer. The price is about 500 kyats to 1000 kyats.
Best time to travel
There are three seasons in Myanmar: the dry season (November - February), the hot season (March - May), and the wet season (June - October).
Yangon is best visited during the dry season, when day temperatures are pleasant (up to about 30c) and the nights cool down to anywhere between 15 - 20c.
It makes exploring a far more pleasant experience when compared with the average 40c+ temperatures of the hot season, and the heavy tropical rainfall and humidity of the wet season!
Unfortunately, this is also peak tourist season so do be aware prices may be slightly increased and attractions might be more crowded.
We’d recommend trying to time your visit to Yangon for either late October / early November, or late February to avoid this!
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The ancient city of Bagan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Mandalay Region of Myanmar, about 700 kilometres (430 miles) north of Yangon and 290 kilometres (180 miles) southwest of Mandalay.
Things to do in Bagan
The Bagan Archaeological Zone is defined by the 13 x 8 kilometres (8 x 5 miles) area centered around Old Bagan, comprising Nyaung U in the north and New Bagan in the south. It lies on the bend of the Irrawaddy River in the vast plains of Upper Burma.
From the 9th to the 13th centuries, Bagan served as the capital of the Pagan Kingdom, which was the first kingdom that unified the regions that would later make up modern-day Myanmar.
During the kingdom’s height between the 11th and 13th centuries, over 10,000 Buddhist temples, monasteries, and pagodas were constructed in the region alone, of which some 3,822 still survive to this day, albeit in varying states of preservation.
It was this cluster of religious monuments spread across 104 square kilometres (40 square miles) that earned Bagan its UNESCO World Heritage Site status in July 2019.• Go Temple-Hopping
Top places in Bagan
• Visit the Archaeological Museum
• Enjoy the Sunrise / Sunset
• Go on a Hot-Air-Balloon Ride
• Learn to Make Your Own Lacquerware
• Check Out Local Produce at Mani Sithu Market
• Climb Mount Popa
• Take a Sunset Cruise along the Irrawaddy River
• Tour the Thanaka Gallery
• Shop at MBoutik-
Ananda Pahto
Ananda Pahto is believed to be built around 1090s during the reign of King Kyanzittha, and it needed to be restored during 1975 due to an earthquake. The temple is 170 feet-tall and it is considered to be the most well.preserved ancient temples in Bagan. What makes Ananda Temple so attractive not only because of its fame, but also its spiritual aspect. Inside Ananda Temple lies four 31 feet-tall statues of Buddhas who have ascended to the state of Nirvana, each faces at a different direction. -
Shwesandaw Paya
Shwesandaw Paya is a 328 feet.tall pagoda which is said to be built in 1057 by the King Anawrahta who founded the Bagan Kingdom. The story told that king Anawrahta invaded the Mon Kingdom of Thaton and he succeeded. He then brought the hair relics of Buddha and enshrined it in Shwesandaw Paya, hence the name “Shwesandaw” which means “golden holy hair”. The pagoda has a shape somewhat similar to pyramid with the bell shaped “stupa” on top. -
Thatbyinnyu Pahto
Thatbyinnyu Pahto is believed to be built around 1144 by King Alaungsithu. It is the tallest temple of all Bagan with 61 meters height. The special thing about this temple lies in its name itself: “Thatbyinnyu” which is Myanmar language for the word “omniscience”. -
Sulamani Pahto
Sulamani Temple, also known as “crowned jewel” or “small ruby”, is said to be built in 1181 by King Narapatisithu. Many people also thought of this temple to be somewhat more sophisticated than Htilominlo and Gawdawpalin temple. The story told that king Narapatisithu found a small ruby on the very ground that later on Sulamani Temple was built, hence the name “small ruby”. -
Dhammayangyi Pahto
According to people’s belief, Dhammayangyi Temple is considered to be one of the four great Bagan monuments, alongside with Shwezigon Pagoda, Ananda Temple and Thatbyinnyu Temple. Dhammayangyi Temple said to be built as the atonement for King Narathu’s sin, which is also a tragic story. It is said that King Narathu killed his father in order to succeed the throne, then he killed his brother and even order execution one of his wives for her Hindu ritual conduction. To this day, some locals still think that this temple is haunted due to the sins of King Narathu. -
Shwezigon Paya
Shwezigon Pagoda was first built by King Anawratha during the mid 11th century. However it was only finished until the reign of King Kyanzittha in late 11th century. Shwezigon Paya is told to be oldest “stupa” and its architecture has become the inspiration for later “stupas” (typically the “golden bell of Shwezigon” aspect which later on can be seen in most “stupas”). -
Bagan Archaeological Museum
Bagan Archaeological Museum was first built in 1902 and opened in 1904, later on after several changes and renovations, it was officially opened in 1998. For those who interested in the history of Old Bagan, this museum is an appropriate place to learn. -
Gawdawpalin Pahto
Gawdawpalin Pahto is one of the grandest temples in Bagan, first built by the King Narapatisithu, later on completed by his successor, Htilominlo. This is a two-storey temple with 55 meters height, though the temple’s scale are pretty impressive compared to the others, its architectural style is not truly inspiring. That being said, Gawdawpalin Temple has a really inspiring story. -
Htilominlo Pahto
Htilominlo Pahto is a 46 meters-height temple which has similar architectural style to Sulamani Pahto. It was built by the King Htilominlo, also known as Nadaungmyar or Zeya Theinkha. According to the old story, during the time King Narapatisithu needed a successor, his five sons stood in a circle surround a white umbrella in the center. Who was pointed by the umbrella will be chosen as the successor and at the time, Htilominlo was chosen and became the next king. -
Seinnyet Nyima Paya & Seinnyet Ama Pahto
Seinnyet Nyima Paya & Seinnyet Ama Pahto are quite interesting since they are two temples stand together, said to be built by Seinnyet Queen sisters: Seinnyet Ama (as the “Elder Sister”) is a temple, while Seinnyet Nyima (as the “Younger Sister”) is a pagoda, both are believed to be built in 11th century AD.
How to get to Bagan:
• By Bus
Taking a night bus is a great option for those on a budget. Not only is it cheap, it also saves you a night of accommodation.
For extra comfort, you can book the VIP buses with the 2+1 seating plan (two seats on one side, and only one on the other). With only an additional one or two euros, these buses are an excellent choice especially for solo travelers, as you can pick the single seat.
Bus fares range between MMK 8,000 (USD 5) and MMK 20,000 (USD 12), depending on distance and comfort level.• By Train
There are daily connections between Bagan and Mandalay (8 hours), as well as Yangon (17 hours). However, be warned that train rides in Myanmar — even in the upper class — are said to be very uncomfortable and frequently delayed for up to several hours.• By Plane
How to get around Bagan
Nyaung U has a small airport, with daily direct flights to and from Yangon, Heho (Inle Lake), and Mandalay.
If you’re unable to book the flights yourself, most hotels and travel agents can do it for you. In any case, just let them check the price anyway, as they may sometimes be able to get better last-minute deals than if you were to book online.
Bagan is a big region and therefore not feasible to explore on foot. There are a few ways you can get around in Bagan
• Bicycle
You can rent a bicycle from your hotel or from the many rental shops in Bagan. Some hotels also provide them as a complimentary service for their guests.
However, bicycles are only good for exploring within the town you’re in. The distances between the towns may be a little too big to cover by bicycle comfortably, especially if you plan to fit in a lot of temples within one day.
Plus, you’ll be cycling under the hot sun on bumpy dirt roads, which will make the experience not so enjoyable — unless you’re really into cycling.
• E-Bike / Scooter
The majority of locals and independent visitors choose this option to get around in Bagan. E-bikes are basically scooters that are powered by electricity. They go a little slower and are slightly easier to handle than motorized bikes, making them perfect for those who are less experienced.
Even so, if you’ve never handled one before, it’s better to err on the side of caution and do a few practice rounds before you take it to the roads. Be especially careful if there’s sand on the road; I had a near miss due to this.
The e-bikes cost about $4-6 for a day. You have a choice between a regular-sized scooter or the smaller type, which is some sort of a cross between a bicycle and a scooter.
• Tuk-Tuk Driver
If you don’t feel like driving yourself to the temples and other attractions in Bagan, you can hire a tuk-tuk driver instead. Most tuk-tuk drivers can be hired for the whole day.
The biggest advantage to hiring a tuk-tuk driver is that you won’t have to worry about finding your way around, which can be a hassle especially in the dark if you go before sunrise. The driver should also know where the best temples are and may even be able to tell you a thing or two about them.
You can book a tuk-tuk through your hotel or find and negotiate for one yourself. This should be done the day before.
• Private Car Charter
Tuk-tuks are convenient, but can still be quite unpleasant for those who are not used to the hot weather. If you’re looking for a more comfortable way to travel, a private car charter is the way to go.
Similar to the tuk-tuk, you’ll also be driven around by your own private chauffeur, but in the comfort of an air-conditioned car. Bookings can be made through your accommodation or apps like Klook.
Best time to travel
Similar to Yangon, the best time to visit Bagan is from November to February, when the weather is not too hot (around 30°C / 86°F at daytime and as low as 14°C / 57°F at night).
As this is the dry season, it’s also the perfect time for a hot-air balloon ride as there’s a higher chance of clear sky.
Avoid going between March and May, which is the hottest period of the year with an average daily temperature of 40°C / 104°F. You wouldn’t want to be out and about in that kind of weather.
June till October sees the most rain. However, since Bagan is situated in Myanmar’s dry zone, it doesn’t get that much rain even in the rainy season -
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Mandalay, the second largest city in Myanmar, was established in 1857. Mandalay is located in central Myanmar, on the eastern bank of Ayeyarwady River. This city, named after Mandalay Hill has been a matter of fantasy for people over the ages and has been named in renowned literary works such as the poem ‘Mandalay’ written by Rudyard Kipling, the song ‘On the road to Mandalay’ written by Oley Speaks and George Orwell’s novel ‘Burmese Days’.
Things to do in Mandalay
King Mindon established a new royal capital surrounded by 4 rivers at the foot of Mandalay Hill in February 1857. The construction was intended to fulfil a prophecy in which a Buddhism metropolis was to be built at the exact location where the 2,400th jubilee of Buddhism took place. The city grew as a strong capital city for 26 years before being conquered by the British Empire, establishing the Mandalay we see today as the last royal capital city of the Konbaung Dynasty. Mandalay city was heavily affected by the Second World War but the royal mint and watch tower survived the damages.
The Mandalay as seen today is Myanmar’s blooming cultural centre and one of the country’s best religious sites that display astonishing masonry and architecture. The city is Myanmar’s major commercial, education and health centre and has been ranked as the fifth on the ASEAN Smart Cities Network list. Witness the unique blend between modern development and ancient history when you visit Mandalay.
• Chat with the locals at Mandalay Hill
• Sample Mandalay’s tea shops
• Stroll across the U Bein Bridge
• Wander through the teak monasteries
• Read the world’s largest book
• Explore the strange pagodas of Mingun
• Climb Sagain Hill
• Kiss a python at the Snake Temple
Top places in Mandalay-
The Shwenandaw Monastery
The Shwenandaw known as Golden Palace Monastery has its unique and magnificent beauty, formed by teak carvings depicting tales from Buddhist mythology in all of its roof and walls. The monastery was formerly a royal apartment built by King Mindon. In the year 1883, it transformed into a monastery until now. -
The KuThoDaw Pagoda
The KuThoDaw Pagoda is surrounded with 729 stupas arranging straight in line. Each stupa contains a marble slab carved with the Tripitaka text (the Buddhist holy book). This pagoda is constructed in 1860 by order of King Mindon Min. Because of its 729 slabs, it is mostly known as “the world’s biggest book” and is located at the foot of Mandalay Hill. -
Mahamuni Buddha Temple
Mahamuni Buddha Temple is one of the major pilgrimages located in the southwest of Mandalay. Inside the temple, there is a big Buddha statue called Mahamuni Buddha Image. Some say that its origin is from Arakan brought as the but as the legendary stated that the image is one of the likenesses of Buddha, made at the time of Budda alive; two images were in paradise, and two were in India. -
Sanda Muni Pagoda
It is nearby from Kuthodaw Pagoda located at the foot of Mandalay Hill. Sanda Muni Pagoda is famous for the large iron Buddha image called Sanda Muni Buddha image and its hundreds of shrines containing inscribed marble slabs. It was built as a memorial to the death of Prince Kanaung who was murdered in 1866 along with three princes. The graves of the princes were buried on the Sanda Muni Pagoda terrace. Lately, the graves were moved to a Mandalay mausoleum. -
U Bein Bridge
U Bein Bridge is a should-not-miss place from Amarapura. It is almost 40 minutes drive from Mandalay, which spans over Taungthaman Lake. The bridge becomes the highlight of Mandalay tour to enjoy amazing sunset and sunrise for the travelers as well as to take awesome photographs. It was recognized as the longest teak bridge in the world using 1,086 pillars. But some small part of maintenance is made upon the needs so that you will see some of the parts are replaced with new wood. -
Mandalay Hill
After 45 minutes walking through covered stairs from the foot, one will reach the summit of Mandalay, which is 120 meters above sea level. The city took its name and has been a major pilgrimage site for Burmese Buddhists for nearly two centuries. Travelers can get there by taking a car ride or by foot. -
Maha Aung Mye Bon Zan Monastery
Places we mentioned above were mostly built with woods because of a bountiful supply of wood that time. Unlike other forms of the monastery, Maha Aung Mye Bon Zan Monastery was built of brick and stucco. The usual name of this monastery is Mal Nu Oak Monastery – in that, “Mal Nu” was the Queen who built this monastery and “Oak” means brick. It is remarked as the impressive architecture of Konbaung dynasty. -
Mingun Bell
Mingun Bell is located in Mingun Town, Sagaing Region about one and a half hours of driving from Mandalay. It was the largest functioning bell in the world until 2000 before casting Bell of Good Luck from China. Its weight is 55,555 viss (199,999 pounds or 90tons), and the weight of the bell is written on its surface as “Min Phyu Mhan Mhan Pyaw.” Those mnemonic words represent number 5 by means of the Burmese numerology. -
Mandalay Palace
It is the last royal palace of the last kingdom of Myanmar, Konbaung Dynasty. King Thibaw is the last king of Myanmar kingdom before captured by British Colony. Many places of the complex were destroyed during the World War II by the bomb attack, but only the royal mint and the watch tower survived. Then it was rebuilt at the start of the 1990s with some modern materials. -
Jade Market
Now, the last place is the paradise of souvenir. The jade market is famous among the visitors as it let them buy hand-made jade products and also study how jade is being crafted. The market is quite busy in the morning with the sellers and buyers (dealers) because the main trades take places at that time. However this is not a tourist attraction site, it is usually crowded with tourists and local visitors.
How to get to Mandalay
• By plane
Mandalay is well-connected with the rest of the country as well as the world. It has an international airport with connecting flights to major cities in the world. Domestic flights operate from Mandalay to almost all domestic airports in Myanmar.
• By bus
It takes up to 6 hours by bus to reach Mandalay from Bagan and 9 hours from Yangon. Bus services are also available from Inle Lake. The travel takes around 7 hours.
• By train
Mandalay is also well-connected with the rest of the country by train. It takes about 8 hours to travel to Mandalay from Bagan by train and 15 hours from Yangon. There are two daily trains from Lashio, Hsipaw and Pyin U Lwin. The train rides from these areas are slow, but you can enjoy the view along the way.
• By boat
There are boat rides available from Bagan to Mandalay. In fact, it is highly suggested if you want to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Myanmar countryside.
How to get around Mandalay
• By Bicycle
Riding around the city is the best way to explore the city of Mandalay. It is the fittest as well as the cheapest way.
• By Motorbike Taxis
Motorbike taxis are easily available throughout the city. However, they might cost you bit extra.
• By Trishaws
Trishaws are the USP of Asian cities. Perhaps the best and the most exotic way to explore Mandalay.
Best time to travel
The highest temperature is in April with an average temperature of 34*C and a highest temperature of 47*C. So the best time to travel to Mandalay is from November to February. During this time, the climate is comfortable and the rainfall is low, which is suitable for travelling. -
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Inle Lake, a freshwater lake located in the Nyaungshwe Township of Shan State, part of Shan Hills in Myanmar (Burma). It is the second largest lake in Myanmar, with an estimated surface area of 44.9 square miles (116 km2), and one of the highest at an elevation of 2,900 feet (880 m). During the dry season, the average water depth is 7 feet (2.1 m), with the deepest point being 12 feet (3.7 m). During the rainy season, this can increase by 5 feet (1.5 m).
Things to do in Inle Lake
The watershed area for the lake lies to a large extent to the north and west of the lake. The lake drains through the Nam Pilu or Balu Chaung on its southern end. There is also a hot spring on its northwestern shore.
Large sections of the lake are covered by floating plants. Its clear and slightly alkaline waters are home to a diverse fauna and many species found nowhere else in the world (endemics).There are more than 35 native species of fish, including 17 endemics. Some of these, notably the Sawbwa barb, red dwarf rasbora, emerald dwarf rasbora, Lake Inle danio, Inle loach and the Inle snakehead, are of minor commercial importance for the aquarium trade. Several fish that are not native have been introduced. Additionally, the lake is home to about 45 species of freshwater snails, 30 of them endemic, along with a small endemic freshwater crab, Inlethelphusa acanthica. It hosts approximately 20,000 migratory gulls in November to January.
In June 2015, it became Myanmar's first designated place of World Network of Biosphere Reserves. It was one of 20 places added at the Unesco's 27th Man and the Biosphere (MAB) International Coordinating Council (ICC) meeting. Since 2018 it has been designated as a protected Ramsar site. Today the lake's environment is under serious pressure due to pollution, siltation, eutrophication, overfishing and introduced species, including the highly invasive water hyacinth. The endemic predatory fish Systomus compressiformis might already be extinct.
• Cheerot Cigar Making
• Stay On an Overwater Bungalow
• Try the Bike, Boat and Kayak tour of Inle
• Take a Boat Trip
• Gawk at Intha Fishing Technique
• Talk to the Long-necked Women
• Buy Handmade Bamboo Items at Nan Pan
• Learn about Boat Making
• Check out Stunning Pagodas
• Visit the Jumping Cat Monastery
• Go Sunset Watching
• Buy Souvenirs and Trinklets
• Get a Traditional Burmese Tattoo
• Devour Stone fish
• Lotus Weaving
Top places in Inle Lake-
Inle Lake—Life on the Water
Inle Lake is one of Myanmar's most iconic destinations because of its serene waters and unique local culture. Looking out across the lake, visitors will see stilt-house villages and Buddhist temples rising above the water. Vast and beautiful, Inle Lake is 13.5 miles in length and is home to 70,000 people. -
Floating Garden—Walking on Water
Although there are floating gardens in other parts of Southeast Asia, no other place contains gardens as spectacular and picturesque as Inle Lake. The local people who live in the stilted villages surrounding the lake use charming floating gardens to grow vegetables and fruit for their traditional cuisine. -
5-Day Market—A Mobile Bazaar
One of Inle Lake's most popular and picturesque sights, this famous market includes everything from textiles to Buddha statues. The market rotates each day between 5 different villages in various locations bordering the lake, with all trade conducted from small traditional wooden boats. The best time to go is in the early morning, to avoid boat jams. -
Phaung Daw U Pagoda—the Gilded Buddhas
This red-and-gold terraced pagoda is the most famous in the Inle Lake region. Absolutely breathtaking inside and out, the walls of the temple are decorated with the murals of Buddhist stories. At the center of the structure sits an ornate shrine with five small Buddha statues of great religious importance. The statues at Phaung Daw U Pagoda are renowned Buddhist artifacts covered in gold-leaf applied daily by devotees as they come to worship. -
Nga Hpe Kyuang—Jumping Cats Monastery
The Nga Hpe Kyuang Monastery is known for its jumping cats, which in earlier years were trained by novice monks to leap through hoops between scripture recitals. Today, although the cats still live at the monastery, they have been retired from jumping. Currently, the best reason to visit the area is for the temple's picturesque beauty. -
Indein Stupa Complex—Garden of Stupas
The Indein Stupa Complex is a sea of ornate spires rising out of the ground like a forest of stupas. Built into the hillside, the complex contains over 1,600 stupas, some of which are intricately carved and gilded. Several of the pagodas have been restored, but others have cracks in their bases, creating the suspicion that the stupas are being reclaimed by the vibrant jungle. -
Red Mountain Estate Vineyard—Relaxing Views
One of only two wineries in Myanmar, the Red Mountain Estate Vineyard produces nine different varieties of wine made from locally grown grapes. You can visit the Vineyard for inexpensive wine tastings and vineyard tours. Perched on the lower slopes of the mountain, the winery is a perfect place for relaxing at sunset with a cheese platter, a glass of wine, and some good company. -
Shwe Yaunghwe Kyuang—Window onto Buddhism
The most photographed monastery in the area, Shwe Yaunghwe Kyuang is built of intricately carved wood and is famous for its oval-shaped windows which create the perfect frame for pictures of young novice monks studying. -
Kakku—Rows of Pagodas
Dating back to the 12th century, Kakku is a site containing 2,500 ancient pagodas overlooking Inle Lake. Most of the pagodas on the site are the same size and are arranged in orderly rows. However, at the center of the complex sits the impressive main pagoda standing 130 feet tall.
How to get to Inle Lake
• By train
We travelled to Nyaung Shwe by train from Kalaw, which is a hill town found 70 km northwest of the lake. In fact, we first took the train to Shwe Nyaung, which is the nearest railhead for Inle Lake and from Shwe Nyaung, we were able to hire a motorcycle taxi to take us the remaining 13 km to Nyaung Shwe. It's also possible to reach Shwe Nyaung by train from Yangon or Thazi.
• By bus
Train journeys in Burma are a worthwhile experience in themselves and parts of this journey are very picturesque, but if you can't tolerate the slowness of the train (the journey by train from Yangon could take 30 hours vs only 12 hours by bus), Nyaung Shwe can be reached directly by bus from Yangon, Mandalay, Kalaw and even from Hsipaw.
• By air
The nearest airport is in Heho, about 32 km northwest of the lake, but from there you'll have to take an expensive 1-hour taxi ride to Nyaung Shwe. It's possible to split the costs if you can find other travellers to share with.
How to get around Inle Lake
During your visit, motorbikes aren’t available to tourists for rental in Nyaung Shwe, unless you’re part of an organized tour group
Anyhow, you can still rent ordinary bicycles in the town, which will still allow you to visit most of the outlying attractions, albeit more slowly. There are a few bicycle rental shops in Nyaung Shwe so there’s at least some competition to keep the prices reasonable at 1,000 - 1,500 kyat.
Best time to travel
The peak time to visit Inle lake is from October to February for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it’s the dry season so there’s a lower chance of having your trip spoiled by rainy weather. Secondly, it’s cooler during this period and especially so at night or in the early hours of the morning.
The famous Phaung Daw Oo pagoda festival also occurs around the beginning of September or the start of October, which makes a boat trip on the lake a lot more eventful, exciting and worthwhile. We caught the start of the festival on the 12th of October and we’ve written all about it below. This is also the best time for birdwatching, especially from November onwards, because of the influx of thousands of migrants. Arrive too late however and you’ll only be left with seagulls. -