Places to Visit
Bagan: One of the most remarkable archaeological sights in Asia, if not the world, the magic of Bagan has inspired visitors to Myanmar for nearly 1000 years. Once the centre of a glorious kingdom, ancient temples dot the landscape as far as the eye can see. Today, apart from spectacular sunset views and serene river cruises, Bagan is also the centre of the expanding Myanmar lacquerware industry.
Inle Lake: Just a short plane flight away from Yangon in the cool green highlands of Shan State, and yet seemingly worlds apart from the rest of Myanmar, lies Inle Lake in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The lake itself sits at a pleasant 2900 feet above sea level and is famous for its leg rowers, floating markets and prolific birdlife. In this unique wetland environment, whole villages sit on floating islands on the lake. Colourful hill tribes inhabit the surrounding fertile valleys and forested mountaintops, and their hand-woven silks are a specialty of the region.
Mandalay: The principal cultural and economic city of upper Myanmar, and former royal capital, Mandalay still evokes images of a romantic bygone era. The royal palace and its impressive surrounding moat sits at the foot of the imposing Mandalay Hill. Positioned on the banks of the mighty Ayeryarwaddy River, Mandalay lies within easy striking distance of former colonial hill stations, ancient cities and other cultural attractions.
Mrauk-U: Not far from Sittwe on the Arakan Coast, lie the 15th Century ruins of Mrauk-U once the capital of a flourishing Rhakine Kingdom. Often touted as an interesting alternative to Bagan, be one of the first to discover these ancient temples, accessible only by boat alongside the Kaladan River.
Ngapali: Miles of empty white sand beaches, brilliant turquoise seas, all backed by towering coconut palms, Ngapali is Myanmar’s premier beach destination. Intimate resorts offer visitors the chance to swim, sail, kayak, and feast on lobster and prawn by candle light as the sun sinks lazily into the Indian Ocean. Ngapali is the perfect place to unwind and savour those few precious weeks in Myanmar.
Yangon: Yangon, the cosmopolitan capital city of Myanmar, still maintains its colonial charm with wide tree lined avenues, tranquil lakes, and gracious turn of the century architecture. The magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda dominates the city skyline, while at street level Yangon is a paradise for hunting out a variety of exotic arts and crafts. Of particular interest in the many shops of Scott Market, and of world renown, are Myanmar’s precious stones – rubies, sapphires and jade. At night time Chinatown comes alive with its pungent aromas and delicious street food.
Southern Myanmar: Less than half a days drive from Yangon, Mon State is famous for the amazing “Golden Rock” of Kyaikto, The capital of Mon State Mawlamyine is a leafy and well preserved tropical port and has changed little from the days that saw it rise to a prosperous trading town under colonial rule. Not far away lies a stretch of the infamous “death railway” and the moving Thanphyuzayet cemetery, which contains the graves of nearly 4000 allied POWs who died during its construction.
Activities
Eco Tourism & Adventure: Wherever you go in Myanmar, whether it be cruising down the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River in style, drifting over the ancient city of Bagan by hot air balloon, or searching for that elusive tiger on the back of an elephant, there is always a feeling of adventure. With two modern internal airlines upgrading and expanding their networks, new and exciting destinations off the beaten track are gradually being opened.
Myanmar retains approximately 50% of its natural forest cover, and with strictly enforced protection, is on the way to becoming a haven for eco-tourism and true adventure travel. In the far south in the Mergui Archipelago, great care is being taken to preserve one of the last untouched tropical underwater paradises, which is already attracting attention as a world class diving destination. Meanwhile, right at the other end of this amazing land of contrast, cool temperate forests dramatically give way to pristine snow capped mountains, and a land of dwindling hill tribes and rare and exotic wildlife.
Sports, Recreation: Yangon is a city full of life with a lot of activities to cater to your needs.
For those who are lovers for golf, Yangon is proud to announce that it has 5 major 18th hole international golf courses with beautiful panoramic views. Playing golf is very affordable in Yangon; green fees, caddies and buggies are all available at reasonable prices.
There are health clubs in most of the major hotels for those who will like to exercise or just go for a swim. These are chargeable unless you are a guest in the hotel. Most health clubs are equipped with tennis court, sauna, Jacuzzi, swimming pool and a gym. (There are some health club that have massage services)
Yangon has three major recreation clubs, American Club; British Club; and Australian Club, that has major events happening all year round. These clubs are mostly for members only but there are a lot of people coming in to join the activities that are offered. Activities that are seasonal are the Rangoon International Softball League, Volleyball, and Football League and the Interclub Darts competition. There is also the Hash running which happens every Saturday where anyone can join and have a good jog with lots to drink after the run.
On the Inya Lake, there is a Sailing Club that have boat races on weekends. People of all ages can come and sail the boats. There are instructors provided to sail with you if you are a beginner. About 20 minutes outside Yangon, there is a Horse Riding club for those who love to ride horses. The horses are kept and well maintained by the Yangon Equestrian Club. There is of course trainers available to help you if you are a beginner.
Shopping: Yangon is definitely the destination for alternative shopping. The city boasts of unique, very reasonably-priced items that one may not find even in its close neighbors. Some of its attractions include:
another popular buy in Yangon. Collectibles include statues, brass animal shapes, wooden fixtures, old clocks, and the like.
shoppers may go in a buying frenzy with all these colourful traditional longyi. Prices are very reasonable and are available in almost every market and store in town.
perhaps the most popular buy is Myanmar lacquerware. This attractive work of art, mostly coming from upcountry Bagan, is easily a collectible.
visitors can go crazy buying stones in Yangon: from precious birthstones to finer jades, sapphire and rubies.
Shoppers may choose from a wide variety of colours, shapes and sizes, although one may also find pleasure in the antique lacquerware pieces found in any major shop in town.
unique tapestries that equal Myanmar lacquerware in terms of popularity. These woven fabrics are normally handmade using gold and silver thread, with silver and metal finish.
from small items such as figurines and wooden canes to as heavy as home furniture. One would surely find pleasure in going through a wide variety of good quality woodcraft
<back to top>
Home
Bagan Hotels
Inle Hotels
Mandalay Hotels
Ngapali Beach Hotels
Yangon Hotels