UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Book Attractions in Advance

Skip the lines at Myanmar's top attractions by booking tickets in advance through Tiqets. Get instant confirmation and mobile tickets for temples, pagodas, and experiences across Myanmar.

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Bagan Archaeological Zone

Marvel at over 2,000 ancient temples and pagodas from the 11th-13th centuries, a UNESCO site since 2019.

Best explored by hot air balloon at sunrise for breathtaking panoramic views.

🏛️

Pyu Ancient Cities

Discover the ruins of Sriksetra and other Pyu sites, UNESCO-listed for early urban civilization from 2nd century BCE.

A peaceful archaeological area revealing ancient Buddhist heritage and brick stupas.

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Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon

Visit this iconic golden stupa, a tentative UNESCO site, towering 99 meters with relics of four Buddhas.

Evening visits illuminate its splendor, surrounded by shrines and pilgrims.

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Mandalay Palace

Explore the last royal palace of the Konbaung Dynasty, a cultural heritage site with moats and golden spires.

Historical insights into Myanmar's monarchy amid lush palace grounds.

⛩️

Sule Pagoda, Yangon

Admire this ancient stupa at the heart of Yangon, over 2,500 years old and a key spiritual landmark.

Central location for city views and astrological significance in Burmese culture.

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Maha Muni Pagoda, Mandalay

Worship the revered Golden Mahamuni Buddha, a major pilgrimage site with ancient rituals.

Experience daily gold leaf application ceremonies in a vibrant temple setting.

Natural Wonders & Outdoor Adventures

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Inle Lake

Boat through this serene highland lake with floating villages and leg-rowing fishermen.

Ideal for birdwatching and exploring stilted monasteries amid misty waters.

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Mergui Archipelago

Dive into pristine islands and coral reefs in the Andaman Sea, perfect for island hopping.

Remote beaches and Moken sea gypsy communities for untouched marine adventures.

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Mount Popa

Hike to this volcanic plug with a sacred monastery perched on its summit.

Nat spirit worship sites and panoramic views over central Myanmar plains.

🌿

Hsipaw Hills

Shan Hills Trekking

Trek through lush hills and Palaung villages near Hsipaw for ethnic cultural encounters.

Multi-day hikes with bamboo bridges and terraced rice fields.

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Irrawaddy River

Cruise this mighty river for scenic views of rural life and ancient sites along its banks.

Spot dolphins and visit riverside villages for authentic local experiences.

🏝️

Ngapali Beach

Relax on white-sand shores with turquoise waters, ideal for swimming and sunset walks.

Fresh seafood and nearby villages for a blend of beach and cultural relaxation.

Myanmar by Region

🌆 Yangon Region (South)

  • Best For: Urban colonial architecture, bustling markets, and pagoda worship in the economic hub.
  • Key Destinations: Yangon for Shwedagon, Bago for ancient sites, and Golden Rock for spiritual climbs.
  • Activities: Street food tours, colonial building walks, pagoda visits, and tea house experiences.
  • Best Time: Cool season (November-February) for mild 20-30°C weather and festivals like Thingyan.
  • Getting There: Yangon International Airport is the main entry - compare flights on Aviasales for best deals.

🏯 Bagan & Central Plains

  • Best For: Ancient temple exploration and archaeological wonders in the heartland.
  • Key Destinations: Bagan for pagodas, Mount Popa for hikes, and Salay for local crafts.
  • Activities: Hot air balloon rides, temple biking, lacquerware workshops, and river cruises.
  • Best Time: Dry season (October-April) for clear skies and comfortable 25-35°C temperatures.
  • Getting There: Well-connected by domestic flights or buses from Yangon, with private transfers available via GetTransfer.

🏔️ Mandalay & Northern Hills

  • Best For: Royal history, hill tribes, and scenic bridges in the cultural capital.
  • Key Destinations: Mandalay for palaces, Amarapura for U Bein Bridge, and Inle Lake for water life.
  • Activities: Monastery visits, longboat rides, trekking in Shan State, and marble carving workshops.
  • Best Time: Winter (December-February) for cooler 15-28°C and hill station escapes.
  • Getting There: Rent a car for flexibility in exploring remote hill areas and villages.

🏖️ Coastal & Delta Regions (West & South)

  • Best For: Beaches, islands, and mangrove deltas with relaxed tropical vibes.
  • Key Destinations: Ngapali for beaches, Mergui for islands, and Ayeyarwady Delta for river life.
  • Activities: Snorkeling, fishing village tours, birdwatching, and sunset beach dinners.
  • Best Time: Dry months (November-April) for sunny 25-32°C and calm seas.
  • Getting There: Domestic flights to Thandwe or boat transfers from Yangon for delta access.

Sample Myanmar Itineraries

🚀 7-Day Myanmar Highlights

Days 1-2: Yangon

Arrive in Yangon, explore Shwedagon Pagoda, visit colonial markets, and take a sunset boat on nearby rivers.

Days 3-4: Bagan

Fly to Bagan for temple sunrise balloon rides, bike tours of pagodas, and Irrawaddy river cruises.

Days 5-6: Mandalay & Inle

Train to Mandalay for palace visits and U Bein Bridge, then boat to Inle Lake for floating markets.

Day 7: Return to Yangon

Final day with local craft shopping, tea houses, and departure, savoring street food experiences.

🏞️ 10-Day Adventure Explorer

Days 1-2: Yangon Immersion

Yangon city tour covering pagodas, Sule Pagoda, colonial architecture, and vibrant night markets.

Days 3-4: Bagan

Bagan for ancient temples, hot air balloon views, and visits to lesser-known archaeological sites.

Days 5-6: Mandalay

Mandalay for royal palace, hilltop pagodas, and day trip to Amarapura's silk weaving villages.

Days 7-8: Inle Lake Activities

Boat explorations of Inle Lake, leg-rowing demos, monastery visits, and nearby Paung Daw Oo Pagoda.

Days 9-10: Delta & Return

Ayeyarwady Delta boat trip for river life, then return to Yangon for relaxation and departure.

🏙️ 14-Day Complete Myanmar

Days 1-3: Yangon Deep Dive

Comprehensive Yangon exploration including Shwedagon rituals, Bago day trips, and cultural museums.

Days 4-6: Bagan Circuit

Bagan temples by e-bike, Mount Popa hike, and Salay monastery visits for full archaeological immersion.

Days 7-9: Mandalay Adventures

Mandalay palace tours, Shan hills trekking, and Mingun bell exploration with river crossings.

Days 10-12: Inle & Shan State

Inle Lake boating, Pindaya caves, and ethnic village treks in the highlands.

Days 13-14: Coast & Yangon Finale

Ngapali beach relaxation, then return to Yangon for markets, last pagoda visits, and departure.

Top Activities & Experiences

🎈

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Soar over Bagan's temples at dawn for aerial views of thousands of ancient structures.

Seasonal from October to March with champagne toasts upon safe landing.

🚤

Irrawaddy River Cruises

Multi-day journeys passing rural villages, temples, and wildlife along Myanmar's lifeline.

Spot Irrawaddy dolphins and enjoy onboard cultural performances.

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Craft Workshops

Learn lacquerware in Bagan or gold leaf application in Mandalay with local artisans.

Hands-on sessions revealing traditional Burmese techniques passed down generations.

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Temple Biking Tours

Cycle through Bagan's plains visiting hidden pagodas and scenic viewpoints on flat terrain.

Rentals available with guided routes for all levels of adventurers.

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Inle Lake Boat Trips

Navigate floating gardens, markets, and jumping cat monasteries by longtail boat.

Observe unique leg-rowing and visit blacksmith and weaving villages.

🥾

Shan Hills Trekking

Hike through hill tribe areas near Hsipaw or Kalaw for ethnic cultures and landscapes.

Overnight homestays with guided paths through tea plantations and waterfalls.

Explore More Myanmar Guides