KACHIN STATE
MYITKYINA
Myitkyina is the largest town in Kachin State. Visitors can tour the confluence ( Myitsone) of Maykha and Malikha, the source of the Ayeyarwaddy River.
Mt- Hkakaborazi
It is the nearest town ( Putao ) to the base camp for climbing Mt-Hkakaborazi (5889 meters), which is the highest mountain in Myanmar and in Southeast Asia.
Indaw Gyi
Located in south-west of Kamaing. Indawgyi Lake is huge and serene.
The Source of Ayeyarwaddy River
Confluence of Maykha and Malikha rivers ,43 km north of Myitkyina, from the beginning of the great Ayeyarwaddy River.
Putao
The northern heights of Putao are considered as some of the most uncontaminated of Asia. From here challenging trekking paths depart and allow adventuring visitors to admire the natural beauties of the region, among which we can count the Hkakabo Razi Mountain ( 5889) meters high and covered with snow all year long.
KAYAH STATE
Loikaw
Located near the state's northern tip at an elevation of just over 1200m. Loikaw colourful Thirimingalar market and Taungkwe Zedi are very famous.
Taungkwe Zedi
A twin-peaked mountain on the edge of Town.
Lawpita Falls
A huge hydroelectric facility built by the Japanese as war reparation. A dam impounds the Bilu Chaung, which flows from Inle Lake 120km to the north. The facility supply most of the power in the national grid system and so is highly strategic.
KAYIN STATE
HPA-AN
Hpa-an is a capital of Kayin State. Recently removed from the restricted list of travel destinations. Possible to reach it by road from Yangon across a new Bridge ( Thanlwin ) over the Thanlwin River. Hpa-an is small town but busy commerce center you can see farmer coming to town in horsecarts or trishaws stacked with baskets or mas to sell in the market. Most of people are Kayin.
Mt.Zwegabin
The Zwekabin Hill has a very unusual shape, which, once seen, is not easily forgotten. The leading town in the northern section is Thandaung. It is a very beautiful hill station and an important tea, coffee and fruit producing region.
Thandaung Hill resort
Thandaung, a hill station in colonial times, is located in Kayin State, 43 km from Toungoo. Nestled in the cool mountains some 1,200 meters above sea-level, with an extensive view of lush green hills, it is an ideal destination for nature-lovers.
CHIN STATE
Haka
Haka is the state capital and Falam and Tiddim are cities on mountain terraces, with pine forests, apple and orange orchards, taungzalut flowers.
Mount Victoria
Mount Victoria of 3,109 meters is near Kanpetlet. Adventure tours can be developed up the Kaladan River from Sittway to Paletwa, the land of western Chins.
MON STATE
Mawlamyine
Mawlamyine is the capital of Mon state and also charming town. Situated at the mouth of the Thanlwin River. It is easily accessible by road and rail from Yangon.
Kyeikhtiyo
One of the most interesting golden rock pagoda. Formerly off limits, trips is to the incredible balancing boulder stupa (zedi, traditional religious Buddha monument) at Kyeikhtiyo.
Kyeikhto, the town at the foot of the hill, is about 160 km from Yangon. It is a 11 km uphill climb for the hikers from Kinpun base camp. There is also a steep winding road for 4-wheel drive cars from the base to the nearest point of the pagoda.
Kyaikkhami Yele Pagoda
Perched on the rocks by the sea and joined to the land by a covered causeway, is the main attraction.
Setse
Located 9km north-east of Thanbyuzayat, between Kyaikkami and Thanbyuzayat. Kyaikkami was a small coastal resort. It is a very wide, brown-sand beach that tends towards tidal flats when the shallow surf-line recedes at low tide. The beach is lined by weaving casuarinas trees.
Thanbyuzayat
34 km south from Mawlamyine is Thanbyuzayat , an Allied War Memorial Cemetery for the prisoners of war who lost their lives in building the famous Death Railroad across the River Kwai.
RAKHINE STATE
SITTWE
Known to the Bengalis as Akyab and to the Rakhaing as Saitway, this port city of the Rakhine State sits at the mouth of the Kaladan River where it empties into the Bay of Bengal.
Mrauk -U
This 15th century ancient city of Rakhine Kingdom is known for its old temples with wall paintings of Indian cultural influence. A regular passenger boat takes hours from Sittwe (Akyab) to Mrauk-U. Special speed boat with 20 seats takes only 2 ˝ hours. It is also accessible by road from Sittwe via Ponnakyun and Kyauktaw. The Mahamuni Shrine, one of the famous Pagodas in Myanmar.
Ngapali Beach
Located on the Rakhine near Thandwe (Sandoway), Ngapali is one of the beautiful beaches in
Myanmar. This unspoilt beach is 35 minute flight from Yangon. By overland , 14 hour drive along the narrow winding road over the Rakhine Yoma (mountain range) after crossing the Ayeyarwaddy River at Pyay (Prome
). There is an 18-hole Golf Course, located 15 minute drive from the beach. A wide choice of hotels from first-class Bay View Hotel and
Sandoway Beach Resort to standard Ngapali Beach, and Silver Beach.
SHAN STATE
Taunggyi
Over 1430 meters above sea-level, is the capital of Shan State. It is a hill station, cold and pleasant all the year round. The market on every fifth day is crowded with ethnic minorities in their traditional dress.
You can visit Following sightseeing near by Taunggyi
Kakku Pagoda: In the south of the Shan state, in the heart of the
Pa-O territory, it is now possible to visit an area that shelters more than 2000 stupas. A day trip from Inlay lake is sufficient. It
is possible to reach Kak Ku Via a trekking path. Local authorization is needed so it is opportune to plan the trip in advance.
Kalaw
Kalaw, another hill station , is 1400 meters above sea-level. Many of the Tudor-style houses and English gardens of colonial days remain. It is located 70km west of Taunggyi.
Pindaya Cave
About 45km drive from Kalaw is Pindaya, well known for its extensive Limestone caves. The caves are set deep in the hillsides and there stands at the entrance, a 15 meter high Shwe U Min Pagoda. There are some 6000 Buddha images and interesting stalagmites.
Inle Lake
This vast picturesque lake, 900 metres above sea-level, is one of the main tourist attractions in Myanmar. The lake, 22 km long and 10 km across, has a population of some 150,000, many of whom live on floating islands of vegetation. Inlay Lake, natural and unpolluted, is famous for its scenic beauty and the unique leg-rowing of the Inthas, the native lake dwellers.
You can visit Following Inle Lake sightseeing :
Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda : One of the famous principal shrines in Myanmar , this pagoda houses five small Buddha images. Once a year , in end Sept early Oct., there is a pagoda festival during which the five Buddha images are rowed around the Lake in a colourful barge.
Inn-Dein : Close to a village of the Pa-O, on the west coast of Inlay lake , it is possible to a site where more than 1000 stupas have been built. The brief trip by boat offers the opportunity to admire the beautiful fluvial scenery.
MUSE
Muse, a small town on the banks of the Shweli River , is the main border gateway between Myanmar and Yunnan Province (China ).Located 190 km from Lashio, it is a bustling trading center. Muse Motel has modern facilities. Namkhan and Kyukoke are near by border towns.
TACHILEIK
Tachileik, located in the Golden Triangle Area, is the border gateway opposite Mae Sai in Thailand. It is accessible by air or by road; about 2 hours by air from Yangon to Tachileik. The Golden Triangle Paradise Resort is located on the banks of the river Laos and Thailand.
KYAIN TONG
Kyain Tong is the capital city of the Golden Triangle Region. There are many sites to see besides the ethnic tribes in colourful dresses. There are regular flights from Yangon to Kyaing Tong. Kyaing Tong Hotels (old and New) offer modern facilities at reasonable prices. Visitors are allowed to cross into this border town with Border Passes.
YANGON DIVISION
Yangon
Yangon, the capital city is the main gateway to Myanmar. Evergreen and cool with lush tropical trees, shady parks and beautiful lakes, Yangon has earned the name of the Garden City of the East. Yangon was founded by King Alaungpaya on the site of a small village called Dagon when he conquered Lower Myanmar in 1755. The name Yangon means "End of Strife" which was anglicized to Rangoon. The present day Yangon covers over 350 sq.km and has population of over 5 million.
You can visit following Sightseeing
Shwedagon Pagoda : Towering almost 100 meters above the green cityscape of Yangon, the Shwedagon Pagoda is the landmark visible from miles around. One of the wonders of the world it was believed to have built over 2500 years ago where the Buddha's relics were enshrined.
Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda : This huge 72 meter Reclining Buddha was sculpted more than ten years ago.The original imaged due to exposure to climate over the years.
National Museum : Located on Pyay Road , the newly constructed National Museum has five floors of exhibits. It displays the Lion Throne, the Elephant Throne, the Royal Regalia, manuscripts, etc.
Other attraction site : Botataung Pagoda, Sule Pagoda, Mahabandoola Park , Bogyoke Aung San Market and Nanthida Jetty.
THANLYIN
(Syriam): Once a trading port occupied by the Portuguese in early 17th Century, Thanlyin and its surroundings offers many attractions. The old buildings still stand in evidence of the days of Portuguese
occupation. The 270 meter long bridge spanning the Bago River made possible the 45 minutes' drive from Yangon. Kyaik-khauk Pagoda and Kyauktan Pagoda in the creek are worth visiting.
TWANTE :A small town on the Twante Canal is two hours away by boat from Yangon. The boat trip itself is a joy and a chance to see the life along the canal while Twan-te is a centre for pottery.
BAGO DIVISION
Bago
Located only 80 km from Yagon, Bago was an ancient capital of Mon Kingdom in 15th century. Shwe-tha-lyaung Reclining Buddha (55 metres long), Shwe-maw-daw Pagoda, Kalyani Sima (Ordination Hall), 28 metre high huge Buddha Image of Kyaikpun Pagoda and the Palace of King Bayinnaung are some of the places of interest.
Shwe Maw Daw Pagoda : Great Golden Pagoda: height of 144m dominates the town. The Shwe Mawdaw Pagoda is said to be over 100 years old and was originally built by the Mon to
a height of 23m to enshrine two hairs of Buddha. King Bodawpaya, in the reconstruction of Bago after the ravages of Alaungpaya, rebuilt the stupa to 91 m in 1796, but from that point it has had a rather chequerd career. A new hti was added in 1882, but a major earthquake in 1912 brought it down. The stupa was repaired, but in 1917 another major quake again brought the hit down and caused serious damage. Again it was repaired, but in 1930 the biggest quake of them all completely
leveled the stupa and for the next 20 years only the huge earth mound of the base remained.
Shwe Thalyaung Pagoda : Originally built of brick and stucco in 994 AD by the Mon King Migadepa II. The Shwe Thalayung is a huge reclining Buddha
image. Measuring 55m long and 16m high.
Kyaik Pon : Built in 1476 by King Dhammaedi, it consists of four 30m-high sitting Buddhas placed back-to-back around a huge, square
pillar. According to legend, four Mon sisters were connected with the construction of the Buddhas; it was said that if any of them should marry, one of the Buddhas would collapse. One of the four disintegrated
in the 1930 earthquake, leaving only a brick outline. It has since been fully restored.
Kya Khat Wain Kyaung : Watching the long line of the monks and novices file out the monastery in the early morning for their daily alms round is quite a sight.
Sein Ye Forest Camp :Working elephant camp in a mountainous area of Karen villages and teakwood plantations. Who reach the camp can proceed into the forest either on foot or by riding an elephant. There are two ways to do the trip, either by making your own arrangements or by arranging a one or two day tour out of Taungoo.
Pyay(Prome ) : Around five hours trip from Yangon it is possible to visit the Shwe
Sandaw Paya and the ancient ruins of Thayekhittaya and Hmawza. Positioned strategically along the river Ayeyarwady,
Pyay is an important center for the transit of goods from the north to the south of Myanmar.
AYEYARWADY DIVISION
Pathein
On the road to Ngwe Saung beach , after the capital Yangon, Pathein is the most important part of the country. Renowned for the quality of its rice and colonial past, the city offers a colourful night bazaar and the glistening Shwemakhtaw pagoda.
Chaung Tha Beach
Chaung-Tha Beach is located 40km to the west of Pathein (Bassein) in Ayeyarwaddy Division. It is very convenient drive from Yangon via Pathein taking about 5 hours. There are bungalow type hotels along the beach with modern facilities.
Ngwe Saung Beach
It is a newly opened beach about 48km from Pathein. This unspoilt beach stretches 15km of white sand and blue sea. There are newly constructed bungalows with local flavor but equipped with modern facilities. Fringed with palm trees, all hotels face the beach.
MANDALAY DIVISION
The Centre of Myanmar Culture
Mandalay, the last capital of the Myanmar Kings, is located in Central Myanmar, 668 km north of Yangon. Also known as Ratanabon-nepyi (meaning Gem City), it was built in 1857 by King Mindon. Today, it is the second largest city boasting its rich cultural heritage. It is also the commercial centre with rail, road, river and air links to all parts of country.
Mandalay's Surroundings you can visit following sightseeing :
Amarapura :Some 11 km south of Mandalay is the town of Amarapura. It was the capital of Lonbaung Dynasty during the
region of King Bowdawpaya. Places of interest are Pahtodawgyi Pagoda, U Bein Bridge across the Taungthaman lake, Kyauktawgyi Pagoda, Nagayon Pagoda, Mahagandayone Monastery and Cotton and Silk Weaving Cottage Industry.
Mahamuni Pagoda :
King Bodawpaya built this Pagoda in 1784 to house the Mahamuni Buddha Image
brought from Rakhine State. Being the most revered Pagoda in Mandalay, the early morning ritual of washing the face of the Buddha's image, draws a daily crowd of devotees.
Shwenandaw Monastery : This beautifully built monastery was originally inside the palace compound. King Thibaw had it moved to its present site east of the palace in 1879 after his father's death.
Mandalay Palace : The whole palace complex was destroyed by fire during the War. The palace walls, the four gates and the moat still stand today as evidence of the majestic Palace City. A number of palace buildings have been reconstructed within the premises.
Mandalay Hill : Mandalay Hill, 230 meters in elevation,
commands a magnificent view of the city and surrounding countryside. The legend has it that the Buddha, on his visit, had made a prophecy that a great city would be founded at the foot of this hill.
Kuthodaw Pagoda : King Mindon built this Pagoda in 1868, surrounding it with 729 marble slabs inscribed with the Tipitaka text (the Three Baskets of the Buddhist Pali canon). It is often called the "World's Biggest Book".
BAGAN
Bagan is the main tourist attraction in Myanmar, One of the richest archaeological sites in Asia, it is located on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River. Also being the capital of first Myanmar Empire, Bagan covers an area of 42 sq.km containing over 2000 well-preserved pagodas and temples of the 11th - 13th century.
You can visit following sightseeing :
Shwe Zigon Pagoda : This golden Pagoda was the first monument built in the Myanmar style, the prototype for later pagodas. It was first built by King Anawrahta and completed by King Kyansittha in 1087. "Nat" (spirit) images can be found within its precincts.
Ananda Temple : The Ananda Temple built after the Shwezigon in 1090 is the masterpiece of the eighty reliefs depicting the life of the Buddha from his
Birth to his Enlightenment.
Thatbyinnyu Temple : The Thatbyinnyu Temple is a white stucco building, King Alaungsithu built the Bagan's highest pagoda in mid-12th century. The view from its terraces is spectacular both at dawn and dusk.
Dhammayangyi Temple : Bagan's most massive temple, Dhammayangyi Temple was built by King Narathu in 1167. This temple was not finished but it displayed the finest brickwork.
Gubyauk Gyi Temple : This early 13th century temple displays a strong influence of Indian culture. Inside are the wall paintings and 28 Buddha images in sitting position.
Shwe Sandaw Pagoda : This pagoda built by King Anawrahta in early 11th century displays a strong Mon influence with a steep stairway directly to the terraces for a superb view from the upper level.
Mount Popa
Some 50 km southeast of Bagan, Mount Popa, 1,500 metres high, is an extinct volcano. It is the legendary home of the 'nats' or spirits. The Mount Popa area has also been designated as a National Park, a perfect place for eco-tourism.
Sale( Sa-lay )
It is a small town about 15 km south of Bagan, down the Ayeyarwaddy River. U pone Nya Museum , formerly the Yoke Sone Monastery , exhibits antique lacquerwares, wooden reliefs and a large standing gilded Buddha image. The figures carved outside the front of the building are worth seeing. Another place worth visiting is Tha-ta-na Kyaung (Keythar monastery) where Tipitaka texts are housed in a large red lacquered cabinet.
SAGAING DIVISION
Sagaing
Once an ancient capital, Sagaing lies 21 km south west of Mandalay, beside the Ayeyarwaddy River. The Sagaing Hills are dotted with pagodas and there are over 500 monasteries, a retreat for some 6000 monks and nuns. Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda, Kaung Hmudaw Pagoda (a copy of the Mahaceti Pagoda in Sri Lanka), and Ywahtaung village (home of the silversmiths' guilds) are places worth visiting.
In-wa(Ava)
In-wa is another ancient capital, known as the Kingdom of In-wa during the Second Myanmar Empire.
Today In-wa is a small town south of Amarapura. The sites to see in In-wa include Nanmyint Watch Tower, Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery, Bagaya Monastery, Lacquerware Industry and In-wa Bridge spanning the Ayeyarwaddy River.
Ava Bridge is across the Ayeyarwaddy River. The Ava bridge also called Inwa Tada. It carries two lanes of traffic, plus a railway line. Tolls are collected for every moving vehicle that crosses, from bullock carts and trishaws to cargo trucks.
Mingun
Mingun, located about 11 km upriver from Mandalay on the western banks of the Ayeyarwaddy River, is a town well-known for its 90 ton Mingun Bell, the largest ringing bell in the world; a mammoth unfinished Mingun Pagoda; Settawya Pagoda, and Hsinbyume Pagoda.
Monywa
About 136 km to the west of Mandalay is Monywa, the commercial centre of Chindwin Valley. Sites to see in Monywa are Than-bok-de Pagoda with over 500,000 Buddha Images, Bodhi-ta-htaung (one thousand Bo trees), Ledi Kyaungteik monastery where Buddhist scriptures are inscribed on 806 stone slabs and Kyauka Village known for its own style of lacquerware.
Twin Daung
About 3km east of the river in Budalin township, Twin daung Stands only 200m above the surrounding plain, but features a 50m-deep round lake. Water level reportedly rises and falls with the Chindwin.
MAGWAY DIVISION
MAGWE
Capital of Magwe Division, this mid-size town on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwady River is 850km north of Yangon and 152km south-west of Nyaung U. The town has an estimated 99% Bamar majority and, like the rest of the area surrounding Bagan, it's very hot and dry from April to May.
Mya Tha Lun Paya
Mya Tha Lun Paya, a typical Burmese stupa north-west of town on the river. Magwe's main value to the traveller is as a lunch or dinner stopover on long road trips between Pyay and Bagan.
There is considerable boat traffic between Magwe and Minbu, just across the river.
Shwe Set Taw Pagoda
This sanctuary is located in Minbu forest division, on the western edge of the Myanmar dry zone, between Mann and Mone streams. Accessible by road and is about two hours' drive from Minbu. It covers a total area of about 553 km2.
TANINTHARYI DIVISION
MYEIK
Myeik - known to the colonials as Mergui and locally as Beik (Myeik is the written rather than the spoken form) - sits on a peninsula that justs out into the Andama Sea. Because of the safe harbour offered by the peninsula and facing islands, Myeik became an important port over 500 years ago.
Maungmagan
Maungmagan is around 18km west of Dawei via a narrow, winding patched blacktop road over a high ridge and through rubber plantations. A very wide sand beach stretches eight or 10km along a large, pretty bay. Maungmagan seems fairly tame, even during the south-west monsoon, and the water is very clean, so it's a good beach for swimming.
Andaman Club(Thahtay Kyun)
Near Kawthaung (Formerly called Victoria Point ), Kawthaung is the southern most town of Myanmar. Ranong is the border town in Thailand. Visitors can take 20 minute boat trips to Kawthaung for sightseeing and shopping. Andaman Club on the Thahtaykyun island is located west of Kawthaung. There are regular flights from Yangon to Kawthaung and Five Star Shipping Line operates Cruise vessel "MV-Thanlwin " to Kawthaung. Thahtay Kyun or Thahtay Island (Rich Man Island, known as Pulau Ru to the Moken), one of the closest isles, sports a large resort owned by Thailand's Dusit chain. Known variously as Andaman Club.