Must See

Bagan (Pagan)

Pagan, now renamed Bagan, is one of the greatest historical areas in Burma (Myanmar). Visitors can witness an awe-inspiring sunrise or sunset over this wondrous site, where thousands of ancient temples rise dramatically out of a vast, treeless plain. The remains of a once great city, Bagan's golden age spanned the 1040s to the 1280s, during which it was ruled over by eleven great kings before being abandoned. The fine stucco carvings of the Shwegugyi Temple (built in 1311) and the Gawdawpalin Temple, are among the most appealing buildings, but many more, such as the Thatbyinnyu Temple, which is the highest in Bagan, can be explored.

The village of Bagan has a museum, market and places to eat and stay, lacquerware workshops and an attractive temple.

Inle Lake

This pristine lake on the Shan Plateau is famous for its floating villages, water gardens and monasteries.

Mandalay

Mandalay was the last royal capital of Myanmar (Burma). Taking its name from Mandalay Hill (which rises about 240 m/787 ft), the city is rich in palaces, stupas, temples and pagodas, and is the main centre of Buddhism and Burmese arts. It was founded by King Mindon in 1857, when the old wooden palace buildings at Amarapura were moved and reconstructed in the new city.

The base, moat and huge walls are virtually all that remain of the once breathtaking Mandalay Palace, which was an immense walled city (mostly timber) rather than just a palace building. Unfortunately, the palace was burnt to the ground during World War II, after having been used as an ammunition storehouse. The government have recently renovated the palace, although much of the materials used, such as corrugated sheet metal for roofing, are rudimentary.

The Shwenandaw Monastery was at one time part of the palace complex and was used as an apartment by King Mindon and his chief queen. Like the palace, the wooden building was once beautifully gilded. It is known for its teak carvings of Buddhist myths, which adorn its walls and roofs. Just north of the monastery is the Kuthodaw Pagoda, known as 'the world's biggest book' due to the 729 marble slabs inscribed with the entire Buddhist canon that surround the central pagoda.

Other attractions include the Shwekyimyint Pagoda, containing the original Buddha image built in 1847 and covered in gold leaf; and the Mahumuni Pagoda or 'Great Pagoda' that houses the revered Mahumuni image, which was brought from Arakan in 1784 and has been covered in gold leaf over the years by devout Buddhists. Also not to be missed is the huge Shweyattaw Buddha, close to Mandalay Hill, whose outstretched finger points to the city.

Visitors may also wander among the charming craft markets and stone-carving workshops.

Mingun

Just a short river trip from Mandalay is the town of Mingun, whose main attraction is the ruined Mingun Pahtodawgyi, the remains of a massive unfinished Buddhist stupa begun by King Bodawpaya in 1790. The base of the pagoda alone is about 50m (165ft) high. Also located in Mingun is the famous Mingun Bell, supposedly the largest uncracked hung bell in the world. Just a few hundred yards from the great stupa and bell lies the beautiful white Hsinbyume or Myatheindan Pagoda, built in 1816 by Bodawpaya's grandson and dedicated to the memory of his first consort Princess Hsinbyume who died in childbirth.

Myinkaba

South of Bagan, near the village of Myinkaba is the Naga-Yone enclosure, which houses a Buddha figure entwined and protected by a huge cobra - a combination of Brahman and Buddhism astrology.

Bago (Pegu)

Pegu, now renamed Bago, was founded in 1573, and is situated 80 km (50 mi) from Yangon (Rangoon). Its most famous attraction is the Shwethalyaung Buddha, revered as one of the most beautiful and lifelike of reclining Buddhas. The Buddha, which is 55 m (180 ft) long and 16 m (52 ft) high, is the second largest in the world and is believed to have been built in 994. It was lost in 1757 when Pegu was pillaged and abandoned, and was found nearly 100 years later during the construction of the railway line, totally overgrown by jungle.

Sagaing

Sagaing is located on the Ayeyarwady River, 20 km to the southwest of Mandalay on the opposite bank of the river. It briefly held position as a royal capital of Burma from 1760-1764 and is home to a number of interesting pagodas at Tupayon, Aungmyelawka and Kaunghmudaw. The city can be reached from Mandalay via the British-built 16 span Ava Bridge.

Yangon (Rangoon)

Rangoon, now renamed Yangon, is the country's largest city and former capital (although many Western countries, including the UK and US still recognise it as the capital). It is home to open-air markets, Buddhist temples and some ill-repaired colonial buildings, many of which sustained severe damage in World War II. However, there are still some examples of ancient culture, such as the Botataung Pagoda, which is hollow inside with a mirrored maze; the golden Shwedragon Pagoda, reputedly 2,500 years old (although rebuilt in 1769) and one of the most spectacular Buddhist shrines in Asia; and the Sule Pagoda, also over 2,000 years old and located on a roundabout in the city's downtown.

Other attractions include the Bogyoke Aung San Market, a major bazaar and known for its colonial architecture and inner cobblestone streets, and Kandawgyi Lake (literally 'great royal lake', formerly known as Royal Lake). Along the eastern shorelines of the lake is the famous Karaweik, a concrete replica of a Burmese royal barge built in 1972, which now houses a restaurant. To the southwest of the lake is the Yangon Zoological Garden. The area surrounding the Karaweik forms the 110-acre (44.5 hectares) Kandawgyi Nature Park.

Other Attractions

Buddhism

Those interested in the study and practice of Theravada Buddhism may want to visit the Mahasi Meditation Centre in Yangon, which was founded in 1947 by Mahasi Sayadaw, one of Myanmar's greatest meditation teachers. To participate in a Buddhist retreat, visitors must obtain a special, long-stay entry visa (allowing stays of up to 12 weeks), which can take up to 10 weeks to process.

Sports

Try your hand at some of the country's traditional sports, such as the national game of Chinglone. Played in teams of six, the object is to keep the cane ball in the air for as long as possible using any part of the body - except the hands. Burmese boxing is another popular sport; however, it can appear extremely vicious to the uninitiated spectator.

Theatre

Attend a traditional theatre performance, or pwe. These shows are colourful occasions and a form of national cultural expressions, taking place at religious festivals, sporting events, weddings, or even funerals. They can last up to an entire night. The most characteristic forms include yok-thei pwe (marionette theatre) and nat pwe, which is a traditional dance form that pays homage to the spirit world.

Wildlife

There are a number of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks that also offer trekking and safaris. These include:

• Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park (located northwest of Monywa)
• Hlawga National Park (near Yangon, good for birdwatching)
• Lampi Island (Myeik Archipelago, reached by boat trips from Myeik and Kawthaung)
• Popa Mountain Park (an extinct volcano covered in forests in the desert area of central Myanmar)
• Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary (located in Minbu)