YANGON

Myanmar's cosmopolitan capital is situated picturesquely on the banks of the Yangon river, a tributary of the mighty Ayeyearwaddy that flows down from upper Myanmar. Its ancient focal point is the revered Shwedagon Pagoda, believed to enshrine the sacred hair relics of the Buddha Gotama. From all over the Buddhist world, pilgrims come to make offerings at Myanmar's national shrine, which teems with activities from early morning till late at night. Yangon is also home to wonderful colonial style architecture, including the famous Scott Market where handicrafts from throughout Myanmar are available.

BAGAN

The ancient city of Bagan is considered by many to be the most amazing site in all South-east Asia. Bagan lies on the east bank of the Ayeyarwaddy in the dry zone of central Myanmar and is the country's most important historical site. Across 40 sq.km stretching back from the Ayeyarwaddy River stand literally over 4000 stupas, temples and shrines dating back to the 10th century. The pagodas recall Bagan's former greatness. Bagan has also been the fountain head of the people's religion and it was here that Burmese art and architecture flourished in a golden age.

MANDALAY

The city of Mandalay was the last capital before the British formally incorporated upper Burma into its empire. Mandalay presides over a region which for centuries was the site of numerous capital cities, like Sagaing and Amarapura, and it remains the fountain head of Myanmar's spiritual life and heart of its culture. Mandalay was founded by King Mindon in 1857, and fascinating monuments to its glorious past include the royal palace, city walls, and numerous famous pagodas and monasteries.
 

INLAY LAKE

Its people fish with special conical nets and practise a unique type of agriculture that incorporates floating gardens. The lake is a preferred destination for world travellers, who can visit the small villages bordering its shores, each with its, unique market days, that can be visited by boat.

KYAING TONG

Kyaing Tong is 456km north east of Taunggyi, the capital of Shan state, 166kmfromtheThaiborder.lt is the most scenic and picturesque town in the Eastern Shan state, still blessed by unspoiled nature. It is also well-known for its many ethnic groups with their unique cultures. The Akha are famous for their women's striking head-gear and embroidered blue and black leggings. The Ahn women by contrast wear black outfits and are proud of their totally black teeth. The Palaung ladies can be identified by their traditional cropped jackets, decorated with strings of beads over striped longyis, with lacquered cane and silver bands. Kyaing Tong is one of Myanmar's less frequented corners making it a unique sight seeing experience off the beaten track. Mongla is situated 80 km north east of Kyaing Tong, an interesting two hour car drive away that allows travelers to visit ethnic Myaung and Yao villages. Mongla serves as a border town between Myanmar and China. Tachilek is about 166 km south of Kyaing Tong, situated on the border of Thailand and Myanmar. The 3 and 1/2 hour car ride proceeds along winding roads, affording spectacular scenery en route. Though small, Tachilek is famous for its excellent shopping opportunities, where goods imported from China can be purchased at reasonable cost.

MRAUK OO

It lies in the western part of Myanmar. Only 40 miles upstream sailing from Sittwe: capital of Rakhine State, is a delightful journey among green river banks, dotted with white and golden pagodas, passing verdant rice fields, flourishing villages, and fascinating scenes of life along the banks of the Kaladan river. It's the once glorious city Mrauk Oo, that still retains its ancient dignity, it was the capital of the last dynasty of the Rakhine Kings, whose kingdom retained its independence until 1430. Much of its glory still survives in an astonishing number of magnificent monuments that dot the area. Numerous pagodas, palace walls, forts built of stones, other historical artifacts and sites are witness to the once flourishing Mrauk Oo era.

PUTAO

Situated in the north of Myitkyina, the capital city of Kachin state, can reach only by air route. The city surrounded with snow peaked mountains and weather is cold around the year. At an elevation of 402m above sea level, small and picturesque, pleasant little town is the northernmost in Myanmar, with a pretty stream near it. Beyond are ice-capped mountain ranges and rushing, white water rivers, and in summer, valleys carpeted with wild flowers. Flora and Fauna can be seen in the forest around Putao. There are also many different ethnic minority tribes in Kachin state. This is a stop-off for mountaineers who want to attempt the easternmost peaks of the Himalayas. Most of the population around 1000 are Kachin and Lisu, followed by Myanmar, Shan and various other smaller tribal groups. Putao is the starting point for Myanmar's most adventurous trekking adventures.

LOIKAW

The capital of Kayah State, is bisected by the Belu stream that flows from Inle Lake, and by that route it enjoys trade with the, Shan State. Loikaw is surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges, Lake and waterfalls where locals believe that the keinara half-human and half-bird creatures live. The town is pleasant and in the suburbs are large wooden houses set in lush, green compounds.

MYITKYINA

Far to the north is Kachin State, where the great Ayeyarwady River rises. The nearest and biggest community to the confluence is the' sprawling town of Myitkyina, the state capital. Furture afield are villages inhabited by sub-groups of the Kachin national races. In Myitkyina central market you will find a vast array of their thick cotton fabrics with designs woven in red wool, or shoulder bags decorated with silver Kachin motifs.

NGAPALI BEACH

Ngapali Beach has long been a favorite seaside destination for domestic and foreign tourists, with its long, white-sand beach and, crystal clear water. It is situated about 7 km away from Thandwe, one of an ancient Rakhine towns. It is said to be named after the Naple of Italy by an Italian. It is famous for its natural and unspotted beautiful up to this day. One of the best places for a relaxing holiday is Ngapali Beach near Thandwe (Sandoway) in Rakhine (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. Apart from swimming, sun bathing, and snorkeling, visitors can also rent bicycles to explore the surrounding area. There you will find serenity and peace of mind amidst beautiful scenery.