It is said that the world is at the dawn of a new golden age of travel in the new millennium. Myanmar has much to offer as an exciting and exotic place to travel, where the exotica is still untouched, to provide the visitors with excitement ans wonder.

The Shwedagon

The magnificent golden Shwedagon is the first sacred monument which the visitor to Myanmar can see from air or by sea, one of the wonders of the world. To Buddhists the Golden Shwedagon most sacred place of worship because it enshrined the sacred relics of the three earlier Buddhas and Eight Hair Relics of Gautama Buddha the Supreme Self-Enlightened.

One who attained Buddhahood 2540 years ago. To non-Buddhists, it is marvellous work of architecture conical in structure, a massive edifice towering 99.4 meters (326 feet) with the perimeter measuring 432.8 meters(1420 ft), glittering in gold and studded on the pinnacle with priceless gems.

The Golden umbrella (Hti) was recently replaced by a new one on 4th April 1999, and enriched with gold bells and jewellery spontaneously donated on the spot by the devotees. The Shwedagon is located in Yangon the capital metroplis of Myanmar. Other well frequented pagodas in Yangon are Sule Pagoda, Kaba Aye Pagoda among the many.

Places To Visit In Yangon

Yangon is the capital city and gateway to Myanmar by sea and by air. There are many Places to visit among which the following places many draw their interes:

* Cultural Museum where the regalia of the last Myanmar King and the imperial throne are placed.

* Gems Museum where priceless gems of Myanmar such as ruby,jade and pearl are displaced among many interesting gems. There are many jewellery shops offering a wide range of Myanmar made jewellery to meet one's taste and budget.

* Defenence Services Museum where many interesting displays of Myanmar's military might during the Myanmar Kings was retraced up to the contemporary period.

* Zoological Gardens which display a large variety of species found in Myanmar and many from other habitat.

* The Inya Lake, the scenic stretch of water is located near the University of Yangon Campus, ideal for yatching and cross-the-lake swimming.

Bagan

Bagan was the capital of the first unified Empire of Anawrahta founded in 849 AD, and flourished from 1044 to the 13th century. Within an area of 42km thousands of pagodas were built. The inventory of Bagan Pagodas as documented by the Archeological Department listed the standing pagodas as 2217. In spite inclement weather of a thousand years which had destroyed the precious works of art, whatever survived to this day still thrill the beholders. Notable among the ancient glory are Shwezigone, Ananda, Thabyinnyu and Dhammayangyi.

Mandalay

Mandalay was the capital city of the last reigning dynasty of Konbaung Kings. It is now the second capital and the centre of Myanmar's art, cultures and Buddhistic leaarning. The exquisitetapestery works, stone sculpture, the traditional art of gold leaf home industry are worth a visit. Mandalay can boast of the largest standing stone book in the world.

It is situated in the compound of the "Kuthodaw Pagoda". During the reign of the benevolent King Mindon, he had commanded the experts to chisel the entire Buddhist scriptures of Tipitaka on729 stone slabs in 1857. The mammoth book still serves as reference to the learners in Buddhist teaching.

 Other places of interest are the Mahamuni Holy Image, the Mandalay Hill, the Sagaing Hill where Budhist Sangha and nuns lead a peaceful secluded life of meditation.

Mogok

Mogok is famous in the world for producing the best ruby and sapphire gems of the first grade. It also produced many semi-precious stones equally scintillating and coveted by gem lovers.

Myitkyina

Myitkyina is the capital of the Kachin State home to a colourful ethnic race and their festivals. Myanmar's highest snow-capped mountain Khakabo Razi (5881 m) lies in the Putao town, a half hour's flight from Myitkyina. The confluence to two small tributaries, N'mai Kha and Mali Kha which grows into Ayeyawady as it flows southwards is also a beautiful place to visit. The State is also home to the best jade mines in the world coveted mostly by the Chinese as they believe as they believe jade brings peace and good fortune.

Mrauk-U

Mrauk-U is another interesting historical site in Rakhine, fast becoming a tourist attraction. Mrauk-U was founded in 1430 AD and flourished till 1785 as recorded in its history, Known as the Golden City by foreign travellers of the era it was a focus of trade due to its strategic location on the coastal region of Bay of Bengal. Many historical sites such as the old palace grounds and ancient pagodas principally Shit thoung Pagoda (Eighty thousand pagodas), the old city of Vesali, the Mahamuni Image of Kyauktaw offer a glimpse into the Rakhine history.

Sea Beaches

Ngapali, Kanthayar, Maungmagan, Set-se, Chaung-thar, Ngwe Saung

Among the sea beaches in Myanmar , Ngapali and Kantharyar situated in the west coast of Rakhine on the Bay of Bengal is the most beautiful, within easy reach by air and land route. Ngapali is now a well developed sea resort with modest hotels and a golf course. Another beach down south along the Martaban Sea is called Maungmagan in Dawei region. It has a large sandy stretch. Set-se beach, Mawlamyaing, Chaung Thar,  near Pathein and Kann Thar Yar beach near Yangon are also nice place to frequent. Latest addition to new beaches is beautiful Ngwe saung 29 miles from Pathein.

Inlay Lake

Inlay Lake is nestled 900 meters above sea level between the Shan mountains. Nyaungshwe is gateway to the famous lake. It is famous for the floating market, beautiful Inlay Longyi and Shan bags. A sacred Phaungdaw Oo pagoda where five images of Lord Buddha reside is a holly place of worship for Buddhists. One of the unique features is that the local boats are rowed by Inle People, not with hands but with legs and thus gain the name of Inlay leg-rowers. The pagoda festival is held with pomp and grandeur every October.

Mount Popa

Mount Popa is seismically an extinct volcanic crater jutting high above the flat plains of Central Myanmar. It offers a steep climb to the top, with greenery and numerous monkeys. Many pagodas are built and it is believed to be the abode of powerful guardian spirits.

Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda

This Pagoda is situated on a rocky moutain 3615 ft above sea level. A massive bell-like stone around 80 ft in diameter is precariously perched at an impossible angle stop a rocky mountain tip. A pagoda was built on the top of the sacred rock, which is completely gilded presenting a majestic scenery.

The attraction of Kyaikhtiyo is that it offers about 7 1/2 miles of spirited mountain trekking, criss-crossing forests and bamboo groves with accompanying animals and birds of the forests. There are also rest camps and fast food stalls to cater to the pilgrims, recently a motor road is paved reaching right up to the foot of the pagoda pavements taking only two hours.

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