Attractions
Central Myanmar
Pagan is the most historically significant area of the country. During the golden age of the eleven great kings (ca. 1044-1287) there were more than 13,000 pagodas. Today there are only around 3000 pagodas left.
In the village of Pagan there is a museum, a market, small restaurants and places to stay. Myinkaba village is within walking distance from Pagan. Worth seeing are the temple and workshops where lacquer ware is made. In the region around Pagan (about 40 sq km) there are dozens of open temples, most notably the Shwegugyi Temple built in 1311. The Gawdawpalin Temple was badly damaged by an earthquake in 1975, but it still stands as one of the most impressive temples in this area. Thatbyinnyu Temple is the highest in this region.
- Top-engineering-schools: Provides detailed population data for major cities of Myanmar. Also covers geography information including rivers, mountains, lakes, and national borders.
The Northwest
Because of poor transport links and the political situation , visitors hardly ever get to this area, which is inhabited by minority tribes. The best-known are the so-called »giraffe women«, who wear dozens of copper and brass rings around their necks, wrists and ankles.
The East
This part of the country is ideal for hikers and mountaineers. Several resorts such as Kalaw lie in the pine forests. At Pindaya Lake there are numerous famous caves with several thousand Buddha figures. Near the village of Yengan are the Padah-Lin Caves, which contain prehistoric paintings. Inle Lake on the Shan Plateau is known for its floating gardens and leg-rowing fishermen. Further north is Maymyo, an enchanting hill station with scenic waterfalls. Due to the high location there is a pleasant climate.
Mandalay, the old royal city, has an unusual wealth of palaces, stupas, temples and pagodas. The city is the center of Buddhism and Burmese art. In addition to arts and crafts markets, there are stonemasons’ workshops and small businesses that produce gold leaf. Mandalay Hill (240 m) northeast of the palace gave the city its name. Of particular note are the giant Shweyattaw Buddha near the hill; also the Eindawya Pagoda, built in 1847, the Shwekyimyint Pagoda, and the Mahumuni Pagoda (“Big Pagoda”) with the highly revered Mahumuni figure. From the imposing Mandalay Palace, which was once a vast walled city rather than a palace, all that remains today is the foundation, moat and mighty walls. The Shwenandaw Kyaung-i was once part of the palace and was occupied by King Mindon and his chief queen. It contains carved wall panels as well as a photograph of Atumashi Kyaung Monastery, which was destroyed by fire in 1890. The ruins of the monastery lie south of the Kuthodaw Pagoda, which has been called the “largest book in the world.” 729 marble slabs inscribed with the entire Buddhist canon surround the pagoda in the center of the monastery grounds.
There are several abandoned former capitals around Mandalay. sagaing is easy to reach; Interesting pagodas can be seen in Tupayon, Aungmyelawka and Kaunghmudaw . Sagaing was once the capital of the independent Shan Kingdom. From the 15th to the 19th century (until the fall of the kingdom) Ava was the capital; the old city walls can still be seen there. Mingun can be reached by boat from Mandalay. The Mingun Bell is said to be the oldest and largest bell in the world. Founded in 1783 by King Bodawpaya, Amarapura, south of Mandalay, is known for excellent cotton and silk fabrics.
The South
Characteristic of the former capital Yangon are the many Buddhist temples, street markets, food stalls and partially dilapidated colonial buildings. The golden Shwe Dagon Pagoda is one of the most extraordinary Buddhist shrines in Asia – the oldest pagoda on this site is said to have been built 2500 years ago , the current building dates from 1769. Also worth seeing are the Sule Pagoda and the Maha Pasan Guha or » Great Cave« – an artificial cave that is part of the Kaba Aye Pagoda. What is interesting about the Botataung Pagoda is that you can enter the hollow stupa. NearMyinkaba is the Naga Yone Temple with a famous Buddha image. Also worth seeing is Kyaik Tyo with the »Goldfels-Pagoda«. Pegu was founded in 1573. Particularly worth seeing are the golden Shwemawdaw – Pagoda and the market. Northeast of Pegu is the Shwethalyaung Buddha, revered as one of the most beautiful Buddhas.
Shopping
Overview
Jewelery and precious stones (rubies) should only be bought in officially authorized shops.
Nightlife
Introduction
Events are occasionally held in Yangon’s three theaters. Cinemas are popular, with seven of Yangon’s 50 cinemas regularly showing English language films.
Culinary
Overview
Specialties include Lethok Son (a spicy vegetarian rice salad), Mohinga (fish soup with noodles) and Oh-No Khauk Swe (rice noodles, chicken and coconut milk). The avocados from the Inle Lake area are excellent. Drinks: Tea is a popular drink. The local soft drinks are of inferior quality and expensive. Local beer, as well as local rum, whiskey and gin are readily available.
Accommodation
Hotels
There are about 1000 hotel rooms in Yangon. Reservations should be made in advance with the Hotel and Tourist Corporation (same address as Myanmar Travels and Tours, see Addresses). Hotels are also available in the resorts of Sandoway, Taunggyi and Pagan. Book early from November to March. Categories: luxury, first and tourist class.
Culture
Religion
Buddhism (89%); Islam (4%), Christianity (4%), followers of native religions (1%) and others.
Social Rules of Conduct
Polite behavior and respect for tradition and religion are expected. Shoes and stockings must be removed before entering religious buildings. When sitting, the soles of the feet should not be visible, this is taken as an insult. Shorts and miniskirts should not be worn. Tipping: Taxi drivers do not expect tips. In hotels and restaurants you give between 5% and 10%.
Climate
Best travel time
There are three seasons in Myanmar — the hottest season is between March and May with little rainfall. The monsoon season lasts from June to September. Dry, cooler weather prevails from October to February.
Country data
Phone prefix
+95
Area (sq km)
676578
Population
54,409,800 (Source: homosociety)
Population density (per square km)
81
Population statistics year
2020
Main emergency number
192
