Myanmar Travel Planner

Where is Myanmar?

COVID: Review the latest FCDO Travel Advice before travelling to or from Myanmar

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Yangon is the capital of Myanmar

Yangon has an approximate population of around 4,088,000 people and you can typically expect to pay around £0.72p for an equivalent pint of lager or beer.

About Yangon in Myanmar: It's a beautiful coastal town on the Gulf of Thailand, in the far east of the country. Yangon is also the capital and the commercial hub of Nay Pyun, a province adjoining the rest of Southern Thailand from the coast. Though officially called Yangon, the town was earlier named Rangoon. Situated on the banks of the Gulf of Thailand, Yangon has a coastline of just 14 kilometers long.

A mix of Victorian and English colonial architecture define its skyline, along with a number of high-rise residential buildings. The towering Buddha statue at the main temple is the biggest attraction for tourists, who can also admire the town's many glamorous shopping malls, including a giant indoor theme park. The town's other major attractions include the Shwedagon Pagoda, a shimmering, multi-storey pagoda complex housing numerous Buddhist icons. Other tourists' attractions include the Shwedagon Bridge, which gives a picture-perfect view of the Gulf of Thailand from the opposite side of the bridge. Other notable religious sites include the Botata Folk Heritage Museum, the Mongan Muay Thai Boxing Stadium, and the Sule Pagoda, which is housing the remains of Buddha.

While on your way to Yangon, be sure to stop by the National Museum of Ancient Art, a World Heritage Site. This museum is home to scores of exquisite pieces of art, including a spectacular collection of terracotta sculptures depicting scenes from early Christianity, China and the Mausoleum, all dating from the 7th century. Tourists also shouldn't miss the $40 million floating amusement park, the Sea Life Park. It offers an exciting array of exhibits, including a replica of the Sea World in San Diego. The city has a large number of hotels and guesthouses, which are perfect for those who want to explore some of the best attractions, relax and enjoy the friendly hospitality of the locals. For those looking to stretch their budget, there are plenty of budget-friendly accommodations in Yangon that offer excellent services, like room service and room options that include a mini kitchen.

Myanmar Flights

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Festivals in Myanmar

A number of Buddhist festivals are held in Myanmar, including the annual Ananda Pahto festival in Bagan, which is one of the most popular. It celebrates the end of the Kathina period, and features carnival games, parades, feasts, and massive fireworks. The festival is a celebration of Buddhist fervor and the end of the rainy season. You can participate in any of these cultural celebrations.

The Thingyan Festival is one of the most colorful and boisterous events in Myanmar, especially in Mandalay and Yangon. In Mandalay, cars full of young people throw water on each other to facilitate courtships. These festivals are a great time for young Burmese to meet their future partners and celebrate. In small villages, however, the celebrations are often more modest, with pilgrims throwing tea leaves and offering alms.

The Golden Rock Festival takes place at a golden boulder on the edge of a cliff. It attracts pilgrims from all over the country. It commemorates the work of the British during their colonial rule, which included the development of eye surgery. While the event is very colorful, it is also rather expensive, and many tourists opt to skip it all together. In addition to festivals like the Golden Rock festival, there are many other events that are worth attending.

Buddhist festivals are the main attractions of the Myanmar calendar. During the Buddhist Lent, which lasts three months, monks remain confined to their temples. During this period, the monks of the temples must stay in the temples, preparing for the coming of the spring season. There are a few other major festivals, which are worth experiencing. These are just some of the most popular, so take time to explore them!

In addition to Buddhist festivals, you'll find many other celebrations to take part in. The famous Taunggyi balloon festival is one of the most popular, and is the first festival to celebrate the lunar calendar in Myanmar. During this festival, the sky is filled with fiery balloons, and during the day, the hot air balloons will resemble pagodas. In the evening, the colorful lanterns will reflect the city's nightlife.

The national festivals in Myanmar are based on astrological signs, and each pagoda has its own unique festival. The Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda festival is the largest Buddhist festival in Myanmar and has its own astrological significance. The four revered Buddha images parade around the lake in elaborate barges, pulled by traditional long boats, and pilgrims from far and wide gather to celebrate the sacred rite.

The Taungbyone Nat Festival is another colorful event in Myanmar that attracts more than 10,000 participants and is held for a week. Both locals and tourists are welcome to participate in the festivals. If you're looking to experience the country's culture, then the Myanmar festivals are certainly worth experiencing. And the most important festival is the Tazaungmon festival, which takes place in Yangon. If you're planning to travel to the country's southern region, you should also attend the Shwezigon Pagoda for the most authentic experience.

Myanmar Trips & Guided Tours

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Myanmar Tourist Attractions

Traveling to Myanmar is an excellent way to gain a deeper understanding of the country. The country is a Southeast Asian nation bordered by India, Bangladesh, China, Laos, and Thailand. The country's largest city, Yangon, is home to a bustling market, parks, and other historical sites. A must-see site in the city is the Shwedagon Pagoda, which contains Buddhist relics dating back to the 6th century.

One of the most important historical sites in Myanmar is the Bagan Palace. It was built during the 17th century, but its period of rule was short-lived due to internal strife. Nevertheless, the country recovered from this time and was united for the first time in the 16th century, during the first Elephant War with Thailand. During this period, the country grew into an empire, and the power of King Bayinnaung was concentrated in his hands. From 1550 to 1581, the country became a single entity.

Another historical site in Myanmar is the Pyu Ancient Cities, two hours from Mandalay. The Pyu ancient cities were built during the British era. After the British occupied Mandalay in 1825, they fought three wars with the country. In each war, the British took control of the land. They eventually annihilated the royal dynasty and swept away any remaining sovereignty. Those who visit the ruins of the city will be impressed by the colossal scale of the buildings.

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