Historical Sites in Myanmar

Myanmar, known as Asia’s last natural frontier, dates back more than 3,500 years. A trip to Myanmar is like traveling back in time to an almost mystical destination of untouched natural beauty, ancient cultural artifacts and long-surviving architecture.

The country has been dubbed the Golden Land due to thousands of gilded pagodas and temples that rise out of the Myanmar plains in every direction. Travel distances are long due to underdeveloped infrastructure, but the travel is worth it for the opportunity to experience Myanmar’s unique and exotic blend of British, Burmese, Chinese and Indian cultures, its rich history and extraordinary architectural preservation.

Shwedagon Pagoda © Tinnaporn | Dreamstime

Visit Yangon’s jeweled Shwedagon Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist stupa in the world. The Pagoda dominates the Yangon skyline, and though it was built between the 6^th and 10^th centuries and endured several damaging earthquakes, the pagoda remains one of the most breathtaking sights in Myanmar.

Other must-visit sights include the ancient city of Bagan, which features more than 2,000 Buddhist structures including Ananda and Dhammayangyi temples; Mandalay, known for its restored Mandalay Palace; Bago, home to ornate and lavish palaces, temples and monasteries; Mrauk U, an archaeological gem dating back to 1430; and the Shite-Thuang Temple, which translates to Temple of 80,000 Buddha Images.

Bagan © Noppakun | Dreamstime

For those seeking some adventure, visit Pindaya to explore caves and caverns and to go backpacking through the region’s ancient monasteries. Inwa, the ancient imperial capital of successive Burmese kingdoms from the 14^th to 19^th centuries, is also a great destination for history and architecture lovers. The city was abandoned after an earthquake in 1839, but makes a great daytrip from Mandalay.

For those feeling adventurous, Myanmar is best seen from above. Take a hot air balloon ride over the temples, or take to the water for a river cruise along the Irrawaddy River, which bisects the country starting in the Himalayan glaciers to the north and empties into the Indian Ocean. However you choose to get around, be sure to go beyond the main tourist areas and spend time in the traditional teak villages, teahouses and small towns, where you’ll find some of the warmest and most welcoming people anywhere in the world.