Myanmar attractions

Step into Yangon’s last synagogue to see beautifully restored 19th-century architecture. Subtle detailing highlights the white interior, and the synagogue has a noteworthy collection of Torah scrolls on display. With a convenient location near Sule Pagoda, it’s a fascinating glimpse into the heritage of Yangon’s tiny Jewish community.

Located upstream and across the Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River from Mandalay, Mingun was once an ancient capital of Myanmar. The area is most famous for the Mingun Pahtodawgyi Pagoda, a massive unfinished stupa, in addition to one of the world’s largest ringing bells, and the architecturally unique Hsinbyume Pagoda.

Immerse yourself in the food and culture of Myanmar with a dinner and traditional dance performance at Karaweik Palace. Located on the eastern shore of Kandawgyi Lake facing Shwedagon Pagoda, this glittering restaurant was designed in the shape of a royal barge, and is a landmark in Yangon and popular tourist attraction.

Peppered with golden pagodas, Mandalay Hill looms over what’s otherwise a very flat city. This 790-foot (240-meter) hill is significant for the locals of Mandalay; according to legend, the Buddha visited and prophesied that a thriving city would be built below. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset and admire the city's glimmering stupas.

Nestled at the foot of Mandalay Hill, this grand wooden monastery is decorated with intricate carvings depicting Buddhist parables, animals, and flowers. Made entirely of teak, the building has been painstakingly reconstructed since it was engulfed in flames during World War II, and remains the only wooden structure in the Mandalay Royal Palace complex.

A landmark since 1901, the Strand Yangon has been called one of the finest hotels East of the Suez. Housed in a restored historic Victorian mansion, the elegant hotel has been updated for modern times but has kept its authentic period furnishings.

Looping through residential areas, vivid markets, and dozens of stations, the Yangon Circular Train is daily transit for many locals, but it’s also a fascinating way to see the city. With plenty of chances to stop and explore, you can step off the train to shop for souvenirs, taste Yangon cuisine, or photograph bustling neighborhoods.

With a history that stretches back to the colonial era, Little India is a buzzing neighborhood in Yangon that’s known for great street food, open-air fruit sellers, and the magnificent Sri Kaali Amman Hindu Temple. Set out on foot to find Indian-style teahouses, restaurants, and shops—they’re a glimpse of Yangon’s impressive cultural diversity.

Just across the border from the Thai city of Mae Sai, Tachileik is a small border town in Myanmar that draws in day-trippers from Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai who want to cross into the country to see what it’s about and do a little shopping.

While Myanmar is one of the few places in Southeast Asia that still feels untouched by mass tourism, the Indein Village on the west banks of Inle Lake takes this seclusion to the next level. This tiny settlement is famous for hundreds of ancient pagodas, some of which have been painstakingly renovated and now glimmer gold, while others have been reclaimed by nature, which only adds to their appeal.

Housed in the colonial-era house where General Aung San lived for just two years before his assassination on July 19, 1947, the Bogyoke Aung San Museum is dedicated to the life of the founder of modern Myanmar. Part of the Yangon City Heritage List, the museum displays furnishings, memorabilia, personal items, photos, videos, and speeches.