Myanmar is one of the most exotic countries in the world. Known as the ‘Golden Land’ for its ancient magnificent architectural heritage, it is also well known for its rich natural diversity of beautiful attractions. With the majority of the country still covered with thick dense forests, beautiful waterfalls, abundant rivers and streams and diverse wildlife, visiting this country is indeed a treat for all.
Besides visiting the picturesque capitol of Yangon, Myanmar also has plenty of other places to explore and things to do such as visit the ancient capitol of Bagan, considered to be one of the most prominent archaeological regions of the Southeast Asia. There are many things one can do while visiting Myanmar.
Things To Do:
Historical Attractions
Visit to the 2,500 year-old Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, the largest and oldest golden monument in the world. The biggest book in the world is located at the Kuthodaw Pagoda located at the foot of Mandalay Hill in Mandalay. This Buddhist bible was engraved on 729 white marble stones set up in a square, each protected by a small white temple. Each marble tablet is about 3 feet wide and 4 feet high. You can ring the largest bell in the world in Sagaing, Myanmar. The Mingun Bell is 26 feet high and weighs 90.55 metric tons. You can also visit the 2,400 year-old Kyaiktiyo Pagoda called the ‘Miracle Golden Rock’, as it has survived cyclones, earthquakes and rough winds, but it remains undisturbed. When visiting Bagan, be sure to visit the Ananda Temple, which is considered to be one of the finest, largest and most well preserved of all the temples in this ancient city.
Another great spot to check out is Inle Lake where you can see the floating islands. The highest and largest lake in Southeast Asia, Inle Lake is a short distance from Yangon. Another unusual attraction is the Inle area is the Nga Phe Kyaung Jumping Cat Monastery, which is a very popular tourist destination. Also make sure to get a glimpse of the Padaung Padong (‘the long neck women’). These women wear metal rings around their necks for years in a process to elongate their necks which they consider to be beautiful.
Buddhist/Meditation Retreats
For those interested in learning more about meditation and Buddhism there are several places to study and practice the religion. The most famous is the Mahasi Meditation Center in Yangon, founded in 1947 by Mahasi Sayadaw, one of Myanmar's greatest meditation teachers. Some other meditation centers include the International Meditation Centre in Bahan Township, the Chanmyay Yeiktha Meditation Centre in Mayangon Township, the Panditarama Meditation Center in Bahan Township and the Society for Propagation of Vipassana Mogok Sayadaw's Way in Bahan.
Burmese Martial Arts
Martial arts are very popular in Myanmar where kickboxing dates back to the Bagan era. Though it can appear extremely vicious, this national sport has a huge local following. Similar to Muay Thai or Thai kick boxing, Myanma let-hwei or Burmese kickboxing matches are held on a regular basis all over the country.
Chinglone
The national game of Myanmar is Chinglone. Similar to ‘football’ (soccer) or hacky sack, the object of this game is to keep a cane ball in the air for as long as possible using only a person’s feet and knees. Played in almost any open space within the city in the evenings, this game is exciting to watch and provides visitors with a glimpse into Myanmar’s local culture.
Eco-tourism
Eco-tourism is encouraged by the government and is fast becoming popular in Myanmar. There are a number of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries which offer eco-tourism along with trekking, hiking and safaris. The best parks include the Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park (near northwest Monywa), the Hlawga National Park (near Yangon), the Popa Mountain Park, Lampi Island (on the Myeik Archipelago) and Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary in Minbu. Out-of-town hiking is allowed in parts of Shan State, where visitors can make day-hikes to villages around Kalaw and Pindaya. You can also do some jungle hiking on the island of Lampi Kyun or at Mt. Kyaikto. Kachin State also has many interesting walking tours.
Shopping
There is plenty of cheap shopping in Myanmar. The best souvenirs include handicrafts and jewelry. In Yangon, Bogyoke Aung San Market is a great place to shop as it sells everything from luxury items to handicrafts, food stuffs, clothing, jewelry and consumer goods. It is open from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm except on Sundays and public holidays. In Mandalay, the best place to buy traditional handicrafts is at Zegyo Market. Phatahe Bazaar sells plenty of Buddhist items of worship.
Hot Air Ballooning/Gilding
While in Bagan, hot air ballooning provides a wonderful view of this ancient and wondrous city with all its temples and pagodas. “Balloons over Bagan” carries third party and passenger liability insurance through Lloyds of London, with a fully trained first aid team. Its head offices are in Yangon and at the The Bagan Hotel. Gliding is also rapidly gaining popularity in Myanmar with Taunggyi as the perfect place to go glide.
Nightlife
The nightlife in Myanmar is relatively quiet compared to some other Southeast Asian cities but it is fun none the less with plenty of karaoke bars, pubs and clubs. Mostly Burmese music is played in accordance with the government’s ruling. There are a few discos and dance clubs in Yangon and Mandalay, but movie-going is more popular.
Beach Activities
Most beach activities can be found on Ngapali beach because it has the only organized diving around the Myeik Archipelago. There are live-aboard cruises that run out of Phuket and Kawthaung which can be a great way to spend quality time with the family. The surfing off Myanmar’s coast is pretty good but there are very few surfing facilities. If you want to surf, you should bring your own board. Swimming and other types of water sports are possible at Kanthaya Beach on the Rakhine coast, Maung-ma-gan Beach on the Taninthayi coast, Ngapali Beach on the Rakhine coast and on Chaung-tha Beach west of Pathein. Boat trips are also organized and encouraged by Myanmar Travels & Tours. A trip to Lamip Island is a good boat trip that includes eco-tourism.
Marionette Theatre & Dance
Most locals enjoy the marionette theater known as ‘yok-thei pwe’. Widely practiced since the late 18th century, these regular shows are held all across the country and are very popular. This type of theatre is considered to be a form of national cultural expression and pays homage to the spirit world. In Mandalay, the Moustache Brothers Troupe on 39th Street between 80th and 81st Streets is a great show to visit. Small shows of classical music and dance can also be viewed at the Grand and Ambassador Restaurants.
Golf
Golf has become very popular in Myanmar and good golf courses abound. Some international standard courses include Yangon City Golf Resort, Myanmar Golf Association, National Golf Range, Okkalar Golf Resort, Tatmadaw Golf Club, Yangon Golf Club, Punhlaing Golf Resort, Bagan Golf Resort and in Taunggyi the Aye Tharyar Golf Resort. Mini golf is also available in the country but the courses are few and far between. There is a mini golf course at the Mingalar Garden Resort in Pyay which is an overnight boat trip from Bagan.
Cycling
Cycling is very popular in Myanmar with tourists and locals, and is a great way to explore the many different cities across the country. You can hire Indian and Chinese bikes in Mandalay. However outside the main cities, bicycling can be tough as the terrain is rough and rocky.
Bird Watching
There are lots of rare and endangered birds in Myanmar and bird watching is a great family activity. The area around Inle Lake is a bird sanctuary where you can see numerous waterfowl and egrets fly. Silver-eared Mesia, Pin-tailed Pigeon, Hill Prinia, Striated Grass-bird, Black Bulbul, Collared Myna are some of the many birds you can keep a close watch on.
Elephant Riding / Horse Riding
Visitors can go for elephant rides at the Hlawgar Zoological Park in Yangon. Horseback riding can also be done near the horse race track in Kyaikasan,Yangon as well as near Inle Lake and near Taunggyi.
Playgrounds and Amusement Parks
There are a few playgrounds and parks in Yangon. The more popular ones include the Mya Kyun Thar, Mahabandoola Garden and Playground, Happy World Play Ground, Bogyoke Aung San Park, View Point Amusement Park and Hlawgar Wildlife Park.
Special Events & Festivals
A great time to visit Myanmar is during its festival period when the cities are blazing with lights and fireworks. The Myanmar New Year, Independence Day (in January) Thadingyut (at the October full moon), Tazaungdaing (in early November) and Buddhist Lent (July – October) are some of the many special events and festivals celebrated across the country. Other events include the annual Gem Emporium in February, the Cultural Performances Festival in March and the Trade Fair in September and October.
