Destination

Yangon

Yangon is the capital city and the main gateway to Myanmar. Yangon was built by King Alaungpaya on the site of a small village called Dagon when he conquered lower Myanmar in 1755. Yangon means " End of Strife". The population is about 5 millions. It gives a very different impression from other Asian capitals of similar sizes. It gets full of trees and shade. It is also known as " Garden City of the East".

The great Shwedagon pagoda rises to a height of 326 feet. It is the landmark visible from miles around. Other highlights are Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda ( a Colossal Reclining Buddha Image), a Meditation Center, Sule Pagoda ( the centre of the downtown), Botataung Pagoda (the landmark of Yangon's river-front), Kaba Aye Pagoda, Maha Pasana Guha Cave, Buddhist Art Museum, Chinatown, National Museum, Glass Blowing Factory, the Bogyoke Aung San (Scott) market, Karaweik and Kandawgyi Nature Park.

Yangon & Environs

Bago

Bago, located about 80 km from Yangon, an ancient capital of Mon kingdom in 15th century. Places of interest in Bago are Shwethalyaung Reclining Buddha Image ( 55 metres long), Shwe-maw-daw Pagoda, Kalyani Sima ( Ordination Hall), the four giant Buddha Images of Kyaikpun Pagoda and Kamboza-thadi Palace of king Bayinnaung. Bago is about a two hour drive from Yangon.

Thanlyin (Syriam)

Thanlyin (Syriam) is about 45 minutes drive from Yangon by car across Yangon-Thanlyin Bridge. Thanlyin was a major port and trading centre in the 17th century under the Portuguese. Old Portuguese buildings, Kyaik Khauk Pagoda and Kyauktan Pagoda ( Yele Pagoda) on a small island at Kyauktan are some of the interesting places of Thanlyin.

Twante

Twante, a small town on the Twante canal, one hours drive from Yangon to Twante by coach. On the way driving along the road to see the paddy fields and the ways of life of people. Water Pottery is a major cottage industry in Twante. The places of interest are Shwesandaw Paya, Oh-Bo pottery industry, Baungdawgyoke Pagoda, Snake Temple and Twante market. The boat trip itself is a joy and a chance to see rural life along the canal.

Mandalay

Mandalay, the last capital of the Konbaung monarchs lies 688 km (430 miles) north of Yangon. The city was founded by King Mindon in 1857. Also known as Ratanbon nepyidaw (meaning Gem City). It is situated on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River in central Myanmar. Mandalay is the second largest city in Myanmar. Mandalay is the centre of Myanmar Art & Culture heritage. Most of the monuments there including the palace, the city walls, pagodas and monasteries were built in that year or soon after. Mandalay is the centre of communications and commerce in the upper part of the country.

The beautiful Mandalay Hill which rises to a height of 774 feet gives a good commanding view of the city. Places of interest in Mandalay are the many ancient monasteries, the 729 marble slabs of the Tripitaka at Kuthodaw Pagoda, the memorable Mahamuni Pagoda, the rebuilt Mandalay Palace which was destroyed by fire during the second World War, to name just a few.

Mandalay is surrounded by the ancient cities of Inwa(Ava), Amarapura, Sagaing, Mingun and Pyin Oo Lwin all easily visited on day trips.

Mandalay & Environs

Amarapura

Amarapura is 7 miles (11 km) South of Mandalay, an ancient capital of the Konbaung Dynasty. Places of interest are Pahtodawgyi Pagoda, U Bein Bridge (1209 metres long) across the Taungthaman Inn, Kyauktawgyi Pagoda (the Great Image of stone), Nagayon Pagoda, Mahagandayone Monastery and cotton and silk weaving cottage Industry.

Sagaing

Sagaing is located on the west bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River, about 21 km South West of Mandalay. The Sagaing Hill are also known as a religious centre. It is dotted with pagoda and there are over 500 monasteries, a retreat for monks and nums Soon U Ponya Shin Pagoda, Kaung Hmudaw Pagoda ( a copy of the Mahazedi Pagoda in Sri Lanka), Ywahtaung Village (home of the silversmiths' guilds) and U min Thonze ( 30 caves) are places worth visiting.
Inwa(Ava)

Inwa, located about 11 miles (18km) away from Mandalay. Inwa city was built by king Thadominpaya in 1364. Highlights are Nanmyint watch Tower, Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery, Bagaya Teak Wood monastery, Lacquerware Industry and the Inwa Bridge marching across the Ayeyarwaddy river.

Mingun

Mingun is 7 miles (11 km) up river from Mandalay on the western bank of the Ayeyarwaddy river, is a town well-known for its 90 tons Mingun Bell, the largest ringing bell in the world; a mammoth unfinished Mingun Pagoda; Myatheindan Pagoda. The 45 minutes boat trip to Mingun is a very pleasant way to see the life along the Ayeyarwaddy River.

Pyin Oo Lwin

Pyin Oo Lwin is located 67 km east from Mandalay, 1078 km (3539 Feet) above sea level. Also known as Maymyo, a formar British colonial summer retreat. It is a popular Hill station. It is well known for its colonial style houses with large compound and pine trees around the town. It's popular sites are Candacraig Hotel, National Kandawgyi Garden ( Botanical Garden ) and Puin Oo Lwin market. Excursion to PweKauk Water Fall, Peik Chin Myaung Cave and a ride on a horse-cart through the town.

Monywa

Monywa, on the east bank of the Chindwin river, is about 136 km to the west of Mandalay. It is about 3 hours drive from Mandalay. Sites to see in Monywa are Than-bok-de Pagoda with over 500,000 Buddha Images, Bodhi-ta-htaung (one thousand Bo trees), Reclining Buddha Image (300 feet long), Kyauka Shwe Guni Pagoda and Lacquerware village, Shwe Ba Hill and the famous cave of Po Win Daung.

Mogok

Mogok, Ruby Land is situated in roughly 115 km north-east of Mandalay. It is famed for its surrounding natural beauty, and for the brilliant rubies and sapphires pulled from its red earth.

Bagan

The major Tourist attraction of the Bagan is 193 km (120 miles) South of Mandalay and lies on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwaddy river. Bagan is one of the most wondrous archaeological sites in Asia. Bagan is a royal capital of the first Myanmar Empire, Bagan covers an area of 42 sq. km containing over 2000 well preserved pagodas and temples of the 11th – 13th century. Some of these monuments are temples like the Ananda and Dhammayangyi while others are pagodas such as the Shwezigon and Shwesandaw.

Bagan & Environs

Mount Popa

Mt. Popa is situated in Kyaukpadaung Township of central Myanmar, 50 km South east of Bagan. It is an extinct Volcano and 1580 m above sea level. It is the legendary home of the ' nats' or spirits. The Mount Popa area has also been designated as a National Park, a perfect place for eco-tourism.

Sale (Sa-Lay)

Sale is a colorful old religious center in central Myanmar, about 15 km South of Bagan, down the Ayeyarwaddy River. Places of interest are U Pone Nya Museum, formerly the Yoke Sone Manastery, exhibits antigue lacquerwares, Wooden reliefs and a large standing gilded Buddha Image. You can enjoy the beauty of this compact city of colonial buildings.

Inle Lake

Inle Lake the second largest natural lake in Myanmar. The lake is formed between parallel mountain of Shan State, 1328 metres above sea level. The lake measures 22 km long and about 10 km wide. Inle Lake is famed for its scenic beauty and the unique Leg-rowing of the Inthas, Floating Villages and garden, traditional handicrafts and silk weaving, Colourful market and Phaung-Daw-Oo Pagoda. The annual Phaung-Daw-Oo Pagoda festival is held in September (or) early October.

The most convenient way is to fly from Yangon to Heho, which is the nearest airport to the lake. There are daily flights to Heho which take about one hour. The flight from Mandalay to Heho takes only 20 minutes. Travelling by car along the uphill and winding road over the Shan Plateau, though taking some few hours, is interesting and well-worth taking. There is also a regular train service via Thazi junction to Heho and Shwenyaung, the nearest station to the Lake.

Inle & Environs

Taunggyi

Taunggyi is the capital of Shan State, over 4,000 feet above sea level. It is a hill station, cool and pleasant all the year round. Taunggyi can be reached by road, rail and air from Yangon. The market, on every fifth day, is crowed with ethnic minorities in their traditional dresses. The journey from Taunggyi down to Inle area takes about an hour by road.

Kalaw

Situated 70 km west of Taunggyi, 1400 metres above sea level. Kalaw is a former popular British hill stations on the western edge of the Shan Plateau, Surrounded by pine trees and forests. It is a peaceful and quiet place with an atmosphere reminiscent of the colonial era. There are several interesting hill tribe villages in the area inhabited the Palaung, Pa-O, Thaungthu, Taungyo and Danu tribes.

Pindaya Cave

About 45 km drive from Kalaw is Pindaya, noted for its extensive limestone caves in which thousands of centuries-old Buddha images are seated. Most of its houses are built on the hill side. The road from Aungban to Pindaya passes through Pa-O, Danu Villages and countryside of magnificent scenic beauty. Local handicrafts include Shan Paper and Monk Umbrella makers.

Kakku

Kakku is a 1 ½ hour drive from Taunggyi, a unique temple complex of more than 2000 stupa has lied hidden in the Pa-O heartland of Southern Shan State for centuries.

Kyaikhtiyo ( The Golden Rock)

Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda is situated about 160 km from Yangon. This mystical pagoda stands on a gold gilded boulder, precariously perched on the edge of the hill over 1100 m above sea level. It is an 11 km up-hill climb for the hikers for Kinpun base camp. There are many legends about the pagoda and the ' nats' or 'spirits'. 1

Mawlamyine ( Moulmein )

Mawlamyine is the capital of Mon State, situated on the left bank of the Thanlwin River. Mawlamyine can be easily reached by road and rail from Yangon. Places of interest in Mawlamyine are Kyaikthalan Pagoda, the Mahamuni & Uzina Pagodas, the Mon Cultural Museum. Nearby places of interest are Setse Beach, Kyaikkhami Pagoda- perched on the rocks by the sea and joined to the land by a covered cause and Thanbyuzayat is about 34 km from Mawlamyine, an Allied War Memorial Cemetry for the prisoners of war who lost their lives in the building of the famous "Death Railway".

Pyay

Pyay is located about 285 km north of Yangon, on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwaddy. It can be reached by road (or) by rail which takes about 5 hours. A few kilometers north-east of the town is Thayekhittaya (Sri Kcetra), an archaeological site of the ancient Pyu capital (5th to 9th century). Places of interest are Shwesandaw Pagoda, Hsehtakyi Pagoda, Shwe Phone Pwint Museum, Hpayagyi Stupa, Baw Baw Gyi Stupa, Bebegyi Stupa and Payama Stupa.
 

Sittwe

Sittwe is the Capital city of the Rakhine State, and Sittwe is situated on an estuarial island at the confluence of the Kaladan River, Myu River, and Lemyo River. Thandwe has the main airport to the Rakhine State. Kyaukphyu is another commercial town. The Ann Pass is an important trade route and rises to a height of 4664 feet above sea level.

Mrauk U

The ancient city of Mrauk U is located on the Kaladan River, about 80 km north of Sittwe. It was built by the Rakhine King Minzawmun in 1433. The 15th century ancient city of Rakhine kingdom is known for its old temples with wall paintings of Indian cultural influence. The Mahamuni Shrine, one of the famous pagoda in Myanmar, is situated 30 km from Mrauk-U. Shitthaung Pagoda, Dukkanthein Pagoda, Andawthein Shrine are some of the sites to see in Mrauk-U. Regular flights from Yangon to Sittwe takes about one hour 30 minutes.

Myitkyina

Myitkyina is the Capital of Kachin State, which lies to the north of Myanmar with Snow-Capped mountain ranges and green and lush forests. It is linked by motor roads to the town of Bhamo and Puta-O. The state is also known for its precious natural resources of jade. Visitors can tour the confluence (Myitsone) of Maykha and Malikha rivers, 43 km north of Myitkyina, forms the beginning of the Ayeyarwaddy River. There are regular flights from Yangon and Mandalay to Myitkyina.

Puta-O

Puta-O is another town of Kachin State surrounded by Sonw peaked mountains. It is cool the whole year round. Puto-O is now home to Jinghpaws(Kachin), Lisus, Rawangs and Other Myanmar nationals. It is the nearest town to the base camp for climbing Mt. Khakaborazi 19,296 feet (5880 m), which is the highest mountain in Myanmar and in South East Asia.

Tachileik

Tachileik is located in the Golden Triangle Area, an important border trade outlet near Mae Sai in Thailand and Laos. It is accessible by air or by road; about 2 hours by air from Yangon to Tachileik.

Kyaing Tong (Kentung)

Kyaing Tong is the capital of the Golden Triangle Region in the Eastern Shan State near Chinese and Thai borders, 787 m above sea level. It is situated 450 km north-east of Taunggyi and 163 km north of the border town of Tachileik. It is surrounded by hill tribes villages such as Wa, Shan, Akha and Lahu villages.

There are many site to see besides the ethnic tribes in colorful dresses. It serves as one of the most suitable places for Eco-tourism activities like trekking, mountain biking and adventure tours. There are regular flights from Yangon to Kyaing Tong. Visitors are allowed to across into this border town with Border passes.

Ngwe Saung

Ngwe Saung Beach Resort, opened in the year 2,000, is one of the loveliest and most pleasant beach resorts in Myanmar. Located in the Ayeyarwady Division, some 48 kilometres from the town of Pathein, Ngwe Saung, with a beach frontage on the Bay of Bengal with its clear blue waters, its white crested waves, sandy beaches and unspoiled and pollution-free natural surroundings, is indeed one of the best places to select for a holiday interlude of rest and relaxation.

From Zee-Maw: Village in the north to Majee-Maw: Village in the south, Ngwe Saung’s silvery beach stretches in an unbroken line for some 15 kilometres.Included among Ngwe Saung’s natural attractions are its blue waters, its extensive beaches, its silvery sands, its scenic and occasionally rocky shoreline, all set against a backdrop of tropical rain forests and the towering Rakhine mountain range.

The shoreline is dotted with bungalow-type eco-friendly hotels staffed by well trained personnel who are trained to take care of your needs. These bungalows provide quality service to foreign tourists and domestic visitors and provide a quiet haven of peace and relaxation. For those wishing to engage in fun and games on the beach, or in the ocean, life-buoys and speedboats are provided, as well as facilities for speedboat trips, bicycling along the shore and horseback riding.

The need for occasional rest and recuperation from the cares and worries of the world of work is an absolute necessity of the human beings. The periodic recharging of one’s batteries and a replenishment of one’s reserves of energy and vitality are universal needs. What better setting is there for this than a seaside resort in the convivial company of family, friends and companions?

Ngwe Saung extends its warmest welcome to all visitors who wish to relax amidst the waving palms and balmy breezes of a truly memorable ocean resort.

Ngapali

Do you like peace and tranquility, and visit places "far from the madding crowds?" As many of us now live in crowded cities with the stress and strain of over-population, we need periods of relaxation away from urban areas, and go back closer to nature. Situated about 7 km away from Thandwe (Sandoway), one of the ancient Rakhine (formerly Arakan) towns. It is said to have been named after the Naple of Italy by a homesick Italian. It is famous for its natural and unspotted beauty up to this day. The beach stretches about 3 km with soft white sand fringed by coconut palms. It serves as the best ground for sunbathing and recreation such as beach strolling, cycling and so on. Unlike today's beaches of Asia, it is free of noisy beachside bars, crowded people and hawkers persuading you to buy their things. There are only natural scenic beauty of the blue sea, white sand and the lovely sun. The sea is cobalt blue, without any dangerous marine animals and clean.

The water here is transparent and the sea is tranquil. Bicylce tours are arranged to visit the nearby villages. The villagers usually sun dry their fish, shrimp and coconut. These products are transported to Yangon and and over the country. The best time to visit this beach during October and May of every year.

Undoubtedly one of the best places for a relaxing holiday is Ngapali Beach near Thandwe (Sandoway) in Rakkhine (Arakan) State,on the Bay of Bengal. Ngapali Beach is one of the loveliest places in Myanmar; it is also one of the most unspoilt beaches in the world, with miles of pure white sands skirting the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Actually, Ngapali is not one single beach. but a series of beaches interspersed with small fishing villages stretching from Mazin where the airport is located, to Lontha on Mayo Bay where coastal steamers dock in a sheltered anchorage.

A small winding tarmac road snakes its way along the coast for about twelve miles from Mazin to Lontha, passing through Ngapali village, Shwewa Gyaing, Myabyin, Lontha and several other small villages nestling between the beaches and the hills along the coast. A golf course next to the road near Ngapali village is being upgraded. The road is also being widened, from two lanes to four lanes, and the airport will be extended to take bigger planes. A new terminal building has already been constructed. The private Mandalay Air and the government Myanmar Airways fly to Ngapali on alternate days throughout the week. It takes only 45 minutes flying time from Yangon.

After resting on the beach under the clear blue skies, the more energetic tourist or traveller has the option of exploring the range of hills behind the Strand Beach Hotel.Once you are on the small hills you will find a peaceful lake, which is actually a reservoir with blue waters where you can fish but not swim. In the winter months this lake is the haunt of migrating water fowls, wild ducks, teals and others which come down from the far north, beyond the borders of Myanmar. Ponies are available for riding along the beaches. Fishing boats with motors can be hired for trips to some of the islands off the coast or just to fish near the reef. Some travelers like to go on what is known as" side cars ", trishaws, peddled by local village men with two back to back seats for passengers at the side. Local buses ply between the villages and also to Thandwe, the district centre about seven miles away from the hotel. The best and cheapest way is to hire a bicycle to go around.

Ngapali is accessible by flight which takes about 45 minutes from Yangon, by car about 14 hours drive along the Rakhine Yoma mountain range. Ngapali has an international 18-holes golf resort, where you can relax. Ngapali Strand Beach Hotel has about forty-four single-storey bungalows, with comfortable two bed-rooms with bathrooms attached in each building. There are also three modern double -storey buildings. The hotel which first opened about thirty-five years ago is now being upgraded with modern facilities. If you are looking for a peaceful holiday with time to read and reflect, Ngapali with its lovely beaches is the place to visit. There you will find serenity and peace of mind amidst beautiful scenery.