Things to do in Myanmar

1. Yangon/ Rangoon 
The biggest city in Myanmar - Yangon is the No. 1 travel destination in the country. It is a coastal city dominated by tropical sceneries and surrounded by water on three sides. The city retains the characteristics of the colonial period as a glorious port city. The major architectures are in classical Burmese style, and there are also quite a few western-style architectures.

There are numerous gold-plated or white stone pagodas; the most famous one is the Shwedagon Pagoda. Due to the diversity of ethnic groups in Myanmar, Yangon presents all-inclusive characteristics in foods. Every year in April there will be a grand Water-Sprinkling Festival.

2. Bagan
Located in the center of the country, Bagan, known as a significant ancient historic city as well as a sacred Buddhist heritage site, is sure among the top destinations.

There are plenty of well preserved pagodas and Buddhist temples, which are perceived as an epitome of the art of ancient Burmese architecture.

Besides tourism, the handicraft industry is an important economic focus in Bagan. It is a prestigious lacquerware town in Southeast Asia; and it also achieved international fame by skilled embossments and ceramics.

Just as what is said by a former city official in Bagan, "It is pagodas that attract tourists to Bagan, but it is the unique handicrafts created by Bagan people that make them linger."

3. Mandalay
Mandalay, the second largest city in Myanmar, is one of the political, economic and cultural centers of the country. The UNESCO placed Mandalay on the UN list of World Cultural Heritage Sites for its various splendid historic sites.

4. Naypyidaw
Naypyidaw, also known as Nay Pyi Taw, is the capital and the third largest city in Myanmar. The city is divided into different districts according to different functions, such as hotel area, residential area and civic area. 1. Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon
Shwedagon Pagoda is the landmark building in Yangon, the national symbol of Myanmar, and one of the recognized treasures of oriental art.

The external surface of the pagoda is packaged with gold foil and the top of the pagoda is embedded with numerous jewels.

After the renovation in September, 1989, the pagoda now is more magnificent and gorgeous. We can see the glittering top of the pagoda from anywhere in the city and take everywhere of the city in view from the top.

Ticket Price: $8 or 8,000 kyats

2. U Bein Bridge, Mandalay
Built in 1851, it is the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world with the entire length of 3,967 ft (1,209 m).

Seeing impressive sunset is a must thing to do at the U Bein Bridge. As the sun low in the west, the distant trees and boats being casted on the water make the lake view a picture of wonderland, accompanied with singing of the local people.

There is no admission fee at U Bein Bridge, but it costs at least $10 for a sightseeing boat.

3. Ananda Temple, Bagan
The Ananda Temple was built by King Kyansittha in 1091. It is the most intact and most beautiful Buddhist temple in Bagan. The construction technique of the temple is far more beyond the previous ones, integrating with unique Burmese style.

Entering the Bagan scenic area costs $15, and an extra 30-100Kyats is needed for taking photos in Ananda Temple.

4. Inle Lake Inle Lake is the second largest lake and a famous summer resort in the country. There are a lot of foreign tourists, and the food here is a combination of different tastes in the world. The fish in Inle Lake is also worth a try.

The temperature difference is large here, so it is recommended that tourists should pay attention to keeping warm.

5. Karaweik Palace, Yangon
The Karaweik Palace is a representative Burmese-style architecture with great ingenuity. The appearance of the palace is like two Kalavinka birds, a kind of divine bird in Burmese legend, sailing on the lake with a pagoda on their back.

The palace is resplendent and magnificent in the day, and dazzling in the night with innumerable lights.

Daytime Ticket: 300 kyats
Night Ticket: 12,000 kyats after 6 pm, including a buffet and a performance.1. Balloons over Bagan
There is no doubt that the best way for travelers to have a panoramic view of the thousands of pagodas in Bagan is taking ballons. Generally, this project is only operated from October to the next March.

You need to reserve at least one month in advance due to its popularity among tourists. It costs respectively $320 or $380 per person for a standard experience or upgraded experience, each taking about 45 minutes.

2. Vipassana Meditation
Vipassana is one of the oldest meditation methods. It is said that after being lost for a long period, Sakyamuni rediscovered Vipassana; then Sona and Uttara, two venerable arhats bring it to Myanmar.

Many Buddhist mages in meditation centers speak fluent English.

3. Puppet Show
From Yangon, to Mandalay and Bagan, puppet show is ubiquitous and a must-see during your travel. Mandalay is especially famous for fostering masters of puppet show.

The performers can slickly manipulate the actions of a puppet by pulling those threads linked to the head, back or arms of the puppet.
1. Latphet
Latphet, the best snack and a must-try, is a kind of salad made by cabbage, tomato, beans, nuts and peas mixed with tea leaves.

2. Nga Htamin
Nga Htamin is rice with freshwater fish, and may also with garlic cloves and Chinese chives.

3. Burmese curry
Burmese curry contains pork, fish, shrimp, beef and mutton, served with a series of side dishes.

4. Mohinga
Mohinga is rice noodles in fish soup. It is widely considered to be Burma's national dish.

5. Sweet snacks
Unlike dessert in western countries, sweet snacks in Myanmar are usually made of natural sweet ingredients like coconuts, tapioca, and glutinous rice.