Myanmar Famous For

Myanmar has plenty of interesting places that catch tourists’ attention. Here is a compilation of a few of them:

Sule Pagoda

One of the best on the list of Myanmar tourist places is the Sule Pagoda. This Burmese stupa is located in Yangon and was built around 2600 years ago during the time of Buddha. Sule Pagoda is one of the oldest historical structures and a must-visit place for history lovers. The place's serenity, architecture and holy vibes will leave you mesmerised.

Shwedagon Pagoda

Located in Yangon, the Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the most beautiful attractions in Myanmar. It represents the country’s rich history, culture and architecture. With several stupas, statues and temples, the Shwedagon Pagoda perfectly symbolises Buddhism and ancient architectural style.

You will be awestruck after seeing the diamond-coated top of the stupa and numerous gold plates. So do not miss out on this place if you want to witness the true historical beauty of Myanmar.

Chaukhtatgyi Paya

Another place worth your time in Myanmar is Chaukhtatgyi Paya. This place is home to the largest reclining Budhha statue, a marvel in itself. You would see numerous devotees and tourists from across the globe worshipping Lord Buddha here. The beauty of Buddha's gigantic statue will fill your heart with spirituality and take your breath away!

Ngapali Beach

In the heart of Rakhine state lies Ngapali Beach, a popular tourist attraction in Myanmar. Tourists flock to this beach to relax amidst the pristine blue waters of the Bay of Bengal and sparkling sand.

It also has several cafes, restaurants and resorts where you can enjoy delicious food. You can also try scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing, boating, etc. The Ngapali beach is a perfect getaway to enjoy with family or friends.

Bagan Golden Palace

Myanmar is full of architectural marvels and the Bagan Golden Palace is one on the list. The palace’s golden beauty is a sight to behold. It is a replica of the original palace and offers a glimpse into how the original one looked and worked in older times.

It is also home to artefacts and other things belonging to the royal families. You can take guided tours of the palace to understand the significance of different portions.

Inle Floating Gardens

Apart from ancient architectural gems, Myanmar is also blessed with natural wealth. Spanning over 45 square miles, Inle Lake is the country’s second-largest freshwater lake. It is popular for its stunning floating gardens, diverse flora and fauna and beautiful scenery.

You can hire a private boat or share a boat to explore this lovely place. Do not forget to click pictures to take back some wonderful memories.

**Mandalay Palace **

Another on the list of Burma tourist attractions is Mandalay Palace. Built by Burmese royals, the palace is one of the most beautiful attractions in Myanmar. The complex has numerous buildings including a court building, throne halls, audience halls, a monastery, a library, a watchtower and more. The Burmese army uses a part of the citadel complex while tourists can explore the palace and the gardens.

Kakku Pagodas

These ancient Kakku pagodas are known for their unique architecture. The complex is home to 2,500 small pagodas mostly made from bricks and covered with stucco. Most pagodas are of the same shape and size.

However, the central one is 40 m high. You can see carved sculptures on some pagodas and images of Buddha on others. Make sure you visit the Kakku pagodas for a unique and unforgettable experience.

Macleod Island

One of the most amazing things to do in Myanmar Burma is to visit Macleod Island. Located in Mergui, Macleod Island is the perfect getaway to enjoy your vacation away from the city’s hustle and bustle.

It is a serene and untouched destination where you can enjoy the calm and clear waters. You can also try fishing, diving, kayaking, snorkelling, biking or trekking. Macleod Island is an ideal destination for couples and nature lovers. The popular Myanmar Andaman Resort is also located here where you can get the best services.

Kalaw

Referred to as Myanmar’s trekking mecca, Kalaw is an old hill station with a refreshing climate and stunning views. It is one of the most exciting places to visit in Myanmar. The Augn Chang Stupa known for its gold and silver glass mosaics is also in Kalaw town. Besides enjoying the place’s picturesque scenery and calmness, you can have fun at the beer stations and restaurants.

With a focus on rich and salty or savoury flavours, Myanmar cuisines are influenced by South and Southeast Asia. Here are a few Burmese snacks and meals every tourist should try on their visit to Myanmar:

Shan Style Rice

Known as Nga Htamin (fish rice) in Burmese, the shan-style rice is a traditional dish of the Shan ethnic group. However, it is famous all around Myanmar. It is rice cooked with turmeric, tomatoes, potatoes and fish and shaped into round balls. It has toppings of crisp fried onions, raw garlic, tamarind sauce, deep-fried pork rinds and leek roots.

Tea Leaf Salad

One of the most famous Burmese cuisines is tea leaf salad or La Phat Thoke. It is a salad made from pickled tea leaves.

The dish is made by mixing slightly bitter leaves with sliced tomatoes, shredded cabbage, deep-fried beans, peas and nuts. Garlic oil, slices of garlic and chilli are also added for extra flavour. You can try this unique dish at restaurants or street side stalls to know why Burmese people love it.

Shan Style Tofu Noodles

Hto Hpu Nwe meaning warm tofu is another popular Burmese dish you can try. The dish is not made from tofu. Rather it has a thick porridge derived from chickpea flour. The dish is served over rice noodles and pieces of chicken or pork. Pickled veggies, broth and chilli oil are added as toppings.

Mohinga

Often referred to as the national dish of Myanmar, Mohinga is rice noodles served with onions, boiled eggs, crispy fried bean fritters, and sliced banana steam. You can season it with lime juice, dry chilli flakes, fish sauce, coriander and beans. Popular as a breakfast dish, you can get Mohinga at mobile vendors and enjoy it any time of the day.

Burmese tempura

Also called Akyaw Sone, Burmese Tempura is a popular breakfast dish enjoyed with steamed rice. It is also eaten as a snack by Burmese people. It includes deep-fried onions, peas, potatoes, bananas, peas, shrimp, etc. and served with sauce. You can enjoy this delicious dish with a cup of tea at a street-side stall.

Myanmar is a unique Southeast Asian country. It is most famous for thousands of Buddhist temples showcasing its rich history and architecture. A few other things Myanmar is popular for are as follows:

Religion and Spirituality

Religion and spirituality play one of the most essential roles in the lives of people in Myanmar. Around 90% of the country’s population follows Buddhism and they are highly devoted to their religion. You can see the pagodas, Buddhist nuns and monks all over.

Gemstones

Myanmar has been bestowed with several gemstone mines like ruby, sapphire and jade. Gemstone products of Myanmar are in high demand in the international market and their price is less than in other countries. So, if you want to buy something from Myanmar, gemstone products can be a great pick. The best place to buy gemstones is Bogyoke Aung San Market in Yangon.

Hospitality

Myanmar is considered one of the world's friendliest countries. The people are welcoming and go out of their way to help tourists. You may see Burmese people sharing their food with travellers. They may even invite you to their house for tea and snacks.

Pristine Landscapes

Myanmar has a small population relative to its size. There are swathes of land not inhabited. High mountains, pristine beaches and beautiful waterways make Myanmar a popular tourist attraction among nature lovers.

Sand Paintings

Sand paintings have a special place in Myanmar's history. They represent Buddhist philosophy and the life of the Burmese people. Sand paintings are created by painting sand on silk.

The artists slowly add the sand grains to make these unique paintings. You can see beautiful displays of these paintings in Bagan or Yangon. You can also find and buy them on sale outside small temples.

Hot Air Balloons

Another thing Myanmar is famous for is hot air balloons. You can see them flying over the skies. Most flights occur in Bagan where you can fly over hundreds of temples. Ensure you arrive early to see the balloons being inflated before the rides.

Myanmar is massive with a relatively small population. Its soaring mountains, pristine beaches and historical places are worth your time and attention. Besides delving into its beautiful architecture and nature, you can enjoy cycling, hiking, trekking and several ecotourism activities if you love adventure. While Myanmar is increasingly modernising, its people are still traditional. Festivals are a good time to experience the festive and cultural vibes across the country.

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What is the best time to visit Myanmar

The best time to visit Myanmar is from November to February to explore the country in pleasant weather. Avoid months post-February since the heat makes it challenging to enjoy various things to do in Myanmar.

What are the famous things to do in Yangon?

A few things or places to visit in Yangon include:

• National Museum

• Yangon city hall

• Kandawgyi garden

• Yangon Zoo

• Shwedagon Pagoda

• Sule Pagoda

• Inya Lake

• Enjoying Yangon nightlife

• Yangon Chinatown. etc.

What is Myanmar most famous for?

Myanmar is famous for its beaches, thousands of Buddhist temples, freshwater dolphins, gemstones, rich history and culture. You can enjoy several water sports activities and explore the architectural marvels around this Southeast Asian nation.

What to buy in Myanmar?

Some of the best things to buy in Myanmar include jewellery, tapestries, sand paintings, carvings, lacquerware, tamarind flakes, home decor and cigars.

How many days are enough to explore Myanmar?

You need at least 7-10 days to explore Myanmar.