Things to do in  Myanmar

The mountainous border regions of Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand come together in the exotically named Golden Triangle—a haven of Buddhist architecture, lush forest, and colorful riverfront villages. Located in the Chiang Rai province at Thailand's northernmost tip, the Golden Triangle is thick with wonders, both natural and man-made.

Topped by a gilded spire that can be seen from across Yangon, Shwedagon Pagoda is considered Myanmar’s most significant Buddhist landmark. Visitors mingle with locals visiting shrines, lighting candles, and praying in meditation halls around the central stupa. There’s a lot to see here, from religious traditions to gorgeous artwork.

Stalls burst with colorful cloth, souvenirs, gems, wooden carvings, and other wares at Bogyoke Aung San Market. Built in the waning years of British rule, the market’s cobblestone alleys and historic façade draw a lively mix of visitors and locals. A food court offers a colorful feast, from spicy noodles to ultra-fresh salads.

The glittering blue waters of Inle Lake lie at the heart of the Shan Highlands, surrounded by verdant hills. Myanmar’s second-largest lake is a popular destination for intrepid travelers, who come to cruise the lake, soak up the scenery, and experience local life in the lakeside fishing villages.

Encrusted with diamonds and other precious stones, Chaukhtatgyi Paya’s (Chauk Htat Gyi Buddha massive reclining Buddha is an awe-inspiring sight. A viewing platform gives visitors a good look at elegant detailing on the Buddha statue’s feet, which contain 108 segments—a sacred number that’s deeply significant for Myanmar’s Buddhists.

Traffic whips past the gleaming spires at Sule Pagoda, a Yangon temple set in the center of a busy roundabout. Believed to be even older than the landmark Shwedagon Pagoda, Sule Pagoda is far less crowded and well worth the stop. Come to visit shrines, send a prayer card into the towering stupa, and see brightly painted Buddha statues.

Located in the heart of downtown Yangon, Yangon City Hall is the official seat of the city’s administrative body, the Yangon City Development Committee. A historic and architectural landmark, the building is widely considered one of the most beautiful examples of mixed British colonial and traditional Burmese architecture.

An oasis of green in central Yangon, Kandawgyi Nature Park offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Spanning 260 acres (105 hectares, including Kandawgyi Lake, the park is a popular recreation and relaxation spot and a great place to enjoy the scenery, people watch, and experience local culture.

A former capital of the Burmese kingdom, Amarapura very much shows its royal roots, with a beautiful old palace and pagodas that draw in a regular stream of visitors from nearby Mandalay. One of the city’s most recognizable sites is the U Bein Bridge, constructed entirely from teak wood in the middle of the 19th century.

Mahamuni Buddha Temple, nestled in the majestic Mandalay Hill in Myanmar, is a venerable sanctuary that reveres the Mahamuni (Great Sage) manifestation of the Buddha. This pagoda is significant to Mandalay locals and was constructed to house a timeworn 12.5-foot (3.8-meter) tall Buddha statue that predates the conquest of Arakan.

The Burmese-style roofs atop Yangon Central Railway Station are a landmark in downtown Yangon. For most travelers, though, they’re just a starting point in an onward journey on Myanmar’s rail network. From here, catch the Yangon Circular Train that loops around the city, or hop a ride towards the country’s most remote regions.

Located in southern Myanmar, Bago (formerly known as Hanthawaddy or Pegu) was an ancient capital of the Mon Kingdom. It’s known for its numerous Buddhist temples, pagodas, statues, and other ceremonial items, including one of the largest and oldest reclining Buddhas in the world, and the four back-to-back Buddhas guarding the city.

Thousands of Allied troops died in Myanmar—then called Burma—during two world wars, and Taukkyan War Cemetery is their serene memorial. With beautifully tended grounds and an imposing monument at the center, the Taukkyan War Cemetery is the largest of Myanmar’s Allied cemeteries and is easy to reach from Yangon.

Located in Mon State, Kyaiktiyo Pagoda (Golden Rock) is one of the three most important Buddhist sites in Myanmar—and therefore a popular pilgrimage site for devout Buddhists. A small pagoda on top of a head-shaped rock covered with gold leaf, Kyaiktiyo Pagoda seems to defy gravity from its cliff-edge perch.

Come to the bustling Yangon Chinatown to see vendors hawking fresh treats and to visit import shops and lively sidewalk cafes. Early evenings draw a festive crowd to 19th street, which runs through the heart of this colorful neighborhood. This is where to find some of the city’s finest street food, from barbecued kebabs to steaming bowls of soup.