Start your trip to Myanmar in the golden city of Yangon where the ‘floating’ Kyaik Hmaw Won Yele Pagoda can be seen glittering night or day. Take a tour around the former capital of Myanmar and gaze at the clash of historical and modern buildings like British colonial mansions, modern business buildings, and many of the world’s most famous pagodas. You’ll visit the Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda, the Sule Pagoda, and the Shwedagon Pagoda, or better known as the Great Dagon Pagoda. While marveling at the great city, make your way to the Scott Market and pick up some Burmese handicraft souvenirs for yourself and others back home.
The Ancient Wonders of Myanmar
Later, break away from Yangon and venture down the Irrawaddy River to discover the Sagaing Hills, which is called ‘home’ by 3,000 monks and is a place for 100 meditation centers. Tour the deserted ancient city of Bagan, where you can see over 2,000 temples and pagodas. Weave in and out of these historic temples and see iconic spots like the Shwezigon Pagoda or the Ananda Temple, which was built in 1091. While exploring this city by foot is an incredible feature, take a hot air balloon ride over it too to give you a new perspective of the ancient splendor.
Throughout this trip, you’ll drift on a boat down different Myanmar rivers and in lakes like the Dotthawaddy River or the Inle Lake where gardens and villages have been built on stilts to float above the water. You’ll travel by car to the abandoned Buddhist Phowintaung where there are 947 caves decorated with Buddha statues and intricate murals on the walls. These caves have been dated to as early as the 14th century. Also, visit the colorfully ornamented Pindaya caves, which are just as – if not more – impressive than Phowintaung. There you will see pagodas standing tall on a hillside and more than 8,000 Buddha statues crammed into the caves. Hundreds of other iconic ancient sites are waiting to be seen by visitors as well like the Mrauk U, which is home to the Koe-Thaung, Shite-Thaung, and Andaw Thein temples.
Natural Sites of Myanmar
However, some of the most remarkable sites to see in Myanmar are found when traveling by foot. Customize your trip to Myanmar to trek through the hills and villages of the picturesque country. Learn about the traditions and lifestyles of the people in remote areas on a three-day trek to the beautiful Inle Lake. Photograph the magnificent misty Shan Mountains as the golden sunsets, and sleep in a Pa Du Pauk village.
Later, take a full day wading in island waters and trailing through rain forests at the Kawthaung and Macleod islands. Open your eyes for a snorkeling tour to see the aquatic creatures swimming next to you. Count the number of exotic birds in the jungles and greet the local villagers.
Find yourself at peace in the serenely beautiful nation of Myanmar. Spend time with monks and see the history of the nation through pagodas, temples, and monasteries. Your trip to Myanmar will be filled with adventures and sites of beauty, history, and peace.
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