18 Must-See Myanmar Attractions you Absolutely Cannot Miss

Visiting Myanmar? Trying to whittle your itinerary down to all the best the country has to offer? Myanmar is jam-packed with unique attractions and exciting hikes so I decided to compile a list of all the best Myanmar has to offer. To help you craft the perfect itinerary let’s go over the 18 must-see attractions in Myanmar.

Myanmar is in my personal “Top 3 Countries I’ve Ever Visited” list. It’s a true gem of natural beauty in Southeast Asia & a killer backpacker destination. There is just so much to do!! This list of things you absolutely cannot miss, really just scrapes the surface of all there is to do in the country.

If you’re just starting to plan your trip to Myanmar check out my guide on everything you need to know before you visit.

The easiest way to cover this is to divide attractions up by city. I’m going to go by my route through Myanmar but everything can be done just as easily in reverse.

Must-See Attractions in Hpa-An

Hpa-An just happens to be my favorite town in Myanmar. It was also our introduction to the country. For a deeper dive into all the attractions, Hpa-An has to offer, check out my full guide to Hpa-An blog post.

1. Hike Mount Zwegabin for Sunrise

3,500 rugged stairs climbing the tallest of the surrounding limestone peaks. Watching the sun peek out & illuminate the valley below. It’s a daunting task & even though it’s the top attraction in Hpa-An, I don’t recommend trying it day one.

2. Tuang Wine Mountain

If you only do one hike in Hpa-An make it this one. Actually, scratch that, if you only do one hike in all of Myanmar–make it this one.

The hike isn’t as difficult as Mount Zwegabin and can easily be completed in under an hour (one way) but the views are far more rewarding. Sitting at the summit of the limestone peak sipping warm milk and biscuits gifted to us by a saffron-robed monk, we enjoyed a peaceful view of the landscape far below.

3. Visit the Bat Cave for Sunset

Part temple-part bat viewing-part scenic sunset viewpoint, this makes for an evening to remember. Just a 20-minute motorbike ride from town you will join many other travelers in watching hundreds of thousands of bats wake up for the evening.

The bats come out of the cave in droves forming neat lines, drawn out by the steady beating of a loud gong. The river of bats curling across the pastel pink skies as the sun sets is a surreal picture & illustrates the true magic of Myanmar.

4. Float Through the Massive Saddan Cave

This massive cavern was the most impressive cave we visited in Myanmar. The cave extends seemingly forever into the dark as you pad along the bat guano covered floors barefoot—not the most glamourous attraction I’ll admit. The deeper you venture in the more impressive the natural cave formations become.

When you finally break through to the light at the end of the tunnel you’ll have the option to traverse back through the cave on foot or hire a canoe for a small fee. The scenic canoe ride takes you back under overhanging cliffs and around some local rice fields.

Bonus Attraction: The scenery along the drive to Saddan Cave is unreal. Rent a motorbike and drive to the caves. This drive was one of the most scenic we experienced in Myanmar.

Must-See Attractions in the Inle Lake Region

Inle lake is perhaps the most touristy destination in Myanmar. But it no way should that discourage you from visiting the glistening lakeside region.

5. Take a Tour of Inle Lake

Inle Lake is best seen from the hull of a canoe. Temples, stilted communities, and floating gardens are scattered across its surface. The glassy blue waters give life to an entire community & are also stunningly beautiful. It should cost about $30 for a full day on the water including a visit to Inthien Village. (For two people)

For a more in-depth guide to Inle Lake read my full blog post here.

6. Trek From Kalaw to Inle Lake

There are many opportunities for trekking in Myanmar but this is by far the most scenic. Rolling hills and the cool temperate climate of the region make for a relaxing stroll through small hillside villages & farming communities.

Unfortunately, this was something I missed in Myanmar. If I could go back and do it all again I would 100% opt for this trek. So, don’t miss it if you have the time.

Must-See Attractions in Mandalay

Mandalay is the cultural hotbed of Myanmar. The city is chaotic & hectic but unashamedly Burmese. It’s a look at the country’s history and offers plenty of authentic experiences while wandering its streets.

7. Enjoy a Cup of Tea & Fermented Tea Leaf Salad at Unison Cafe

Unison Cafe is an open-air crowded local cafe. Tables are full from open to close, mostly by locals discussing jade prices & making small-business deals pertaining to the Jade market next door. Opt for a pot of tea and a fermented tea leaf salad, their house specialties.

8. Hike Mandalay Hill for Sunset

From the ground, Mandalay doesn’t seem like a massive sprawling city. But hike the stone stairs up to Mandalay Hill and you’ll realize just how large this city actually is. The sunset from this particular Pagoda is perfectly positioned. The sky lights up fire-red through the haze and gives a warm glow to the city.

There is an escalator to assist those who cannot make the climb but if you’re able to you should take the stairs. It’s a great opportunity to meet the locals & chat with the monks. They use this as an opportunity to practice their English.

9. Take a Dip in the Blue Lagoon at Dedoke Falls

It’s the warm weather rival to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. These pastel turquoise fairy pools sit in the mountains just outside of Mandalay. And they are a perfect cure for a much too hot morning stroll through the city. The hike in is short, but the tuk-tuk ride to the falls is about an hour. There are plenty of pools to swim in, few other tourists, and likely several young locals drinking straight from the bottle.

Must-See Attraction in the Shan State

This lesser-visited region of Myanmar deserves your love. The food, the scenery, the people were all some of the best of Myanmar. Unfortunately, due to conflict in the area, there are only a few places you can visit in the Shan State. Here’s what I recommend.

10. Ride the Train Across the Gokteik Viaduct

100 meters high, standing between two rolling mountain ranges this portion of the track was built by the British in 1901. It’s painfully pretty. Hanging out the windows gazing down the crevasse to the small stream far below, it’s a dizzying experience.

This particular train route is deemed one of the most scenic rides in the world. And following yellow daisy landscapes, rolling hills, and stunning agricultural areas you’ll slowly make your way to Hsipaw (pronounced see-paw).

11. Visit Hsipaw in the North

I fell in love with this teensy little town. Tucked far into the northern region you likely won’t encounter many other tourists here. I could write a whole guide on this region but here are my quick picks.

Visit Mr. Shake for the best shakes and food in town, wander up the main road to “Little Bagan” and marvel at the temple with a tree grown through it, and then pay a visit to Mr. Book. Mr. Book owns a small bookshop in town & is also an English teacher for the local children.

He invited us to come read with them one evening (it was a book on medical procedures) and shared with us A LOT of insight into the conflict in Myanmar and it’s complicated history. Swing by and pick up one of his books for the train & perhaps read to his students too.

Must-See Attractions in Bagan

If you’ve done any research at all about Myanmar, you’ve likely seen some pink-hued sunrise photos of Bagan. It’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Myanmar. This UNESCO-Heritage city is packed with the remnants of 1,100-year-old stupas scattered across the green valley with some beautifully preserved temples thrown in. It’s one of the most sacred places in the country and if religion or architecture or just plain beautiful landscapes intrigue you, you have to pay the town a visit. 

12. Watch the Most Magical Sunrise in the Ancient City of Bagan

The sun rising over the flat green valley casting a glowing pink hue. The landscape only broken by the crumbling facades of ancient stupas & massive golden & stone temples. It truly is the best sunrise I’ve ever woken up for.

Finding the perfect sunrise and sunset spot can be difficult, so I wrote up a full blog post on Bagan including what to see, where to eat, and the best place to stay in the city. 

13. Hike Mount Popa for Sunset

Yet another opportunity for killer views. Myanmar just knows how to create a perfect viewpoint. About an hour’s drive from Old Bagan sits Mount Popa. An ornate golden temple sitting atop a mountain jutting out from the otherwise flat landscape. The walk up is a long twisting staircase lined with macaques just waiting to nab your snacks, but if you can fend off the pesky primates the views at the summit are surreal. Just a vast expanse of lush green jungle as far as the eye can see. A perfect viewpoint for sunset. 

Most hostels offer some kind of shuttle or tour service to get you to & from the mountain. The E-Bikes will not make it to Mount Popa, so I wouldn’t try to get there on your own that way. 

Must-See Attractions in Yangon

Yangon was my favorite city in Myanmar. It feels super liveable, the food is top-notch, and the streets are crammed with interesting markets and street food. If I had to pick one big city in Myanmar to add to your itinerary it’s this one.

14. Spend Your Evening at Shwedagon the Largest Golden Pagoda

One thing you learn quickly about Asia is that every city has a few impressive temples that you weigh whether or not they are worth the price to visit. This is one of those temples that you must-see. The huge golden bell is said to house relics of the buddha & is the most important pilgrimage site in all of Myanmar.

The temple complex is on the pricier side for Myanmar at $8 per person but if you arrive at 4 PM the golden hour, the light glinting off the pagoda paired with the intoxicating chants of monks you won’t even mind the hoards of other tourists descending on the complex. 

Stay until after dark. The lights around the complex illuminate the temples & really add to the ambiance. It’s one of the more impressive temples I’ve visited in Southeast Asia. 

15. Slurp Up the Best Noodles & Fried Tofu at Shan 999

Myanmar has loads of amazing dishes to try but this was probably the single best meal I had in the country. Everything on their menu was dirt-cheap and absolutely phenomenal but you have to try the fried tofu & the traditional Shan Noodles. The fried tofu was probably the surprise of the evening. 

16. Take a Street Food Tour in Yangon!

Myanmar easily offers some of the best cuisines in the world. Fermented tea leaf salad and all the hot and spicy potato curry really stand out in my memory. But uncovering authentic local eats with long cultural importance is difficult as an outsider. A Chef’s Tour offers you an insider look at the foodie culture in Myanmar. This 5-hour tour will give you more than great food, it will give you a better understanding of the rich foodie history of the city and country as a whole.

17. Wander through an Eerie Abandoned Amusement Park

If you’re someone who likes bizarre off-the-beaten-path attractions you’ll love wandering around this abandoned amusement park. It has remained completely intact since it stopped operation and now the jungle has slowly swallowed it up. Carousels and rollercoasters sit in the midst of a dense forest scattered with wild dogs who call this area home. 

On Maps.Me the park is labeled “Playground” and it’s just south of the Yangon zoo. You’ll have to pay a local sitting outside to move the secret loose bars of the gate to let you inside, $4-ish will do. We just walked in circles looking lost until we met eyes with a local who showed us the way. 

Must-See Attractions in Myanmar’s Beach Regions

Everyone loves a good beach. But nobody thinks of beaches when they think of Myanmar. Not only is this beach region one of the must-see destinations in Myanmar, but it’s also one of the very best beaches we have ever visited.

18. Recharge in Ngwe Saung Beach

Forget about Ngapali beach, Ngwe Saung is the way to go. Laidback atmosphere, pristine white beaches, warm swimmable ocean and most importantly way fewer tourists than Ngapali. You’ll practically get the beach to yourself. 

My tips for visiting: Stay at Dreamhouse Guesthouse. It’s near the better side of the beach & they even went out of their way to pack us a free breakfast for the early bus ride to Yangon. If you’re looking for a great food spot near the beach, check out Home Restaurant. 

& that wraps up our bucketlist of must-see destinations in Myanmar. 

Myanmar is one of my favorite countries I’ve ever visited. Along with these must-see attractions in Myanmar, it was the people that really made the whole experience what it was. Travel within Myanmar isn’t easy & even some of the larger cities still can feel very isolated and rural. It’s not for the faint of heart. But if you are a backpacker looking for adventure & willing to forgo some of the modern comforts of travel, Myanmar should be the next destination on your bucketlist. 

Ready to Plan Your Trip To Myanmar? 

• Visiting Myanmar? Here’s Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
• Your Complete Guide to Visiting Inle Lake & Myanmar’s Floating Villages
• How to Find the Perfect Perch for Sunrise in the Ancient City of Bagan
• Hiking in Hpa-An: My Favorite Town in Myanmar

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