Shwedagon Pagoda history dates back over 2,500 years. This Buddhist Temple is said to be the oldest stupa in the world, and it is one of the most sacred Buddhist landmarks in all of Myanmar. This exceptionally intricate structure is gold-plated and encrusted with thousands of glittering diamonds at the top. The interior shelters relics from three Buddhas, as well as hairs from Gautama Buddha. Here, you can witness an oil lamp ceremony at sunset, which will prove to be one of the most sacred moments that you can experience at the pagoda. The Shwedagon Pagoda is one of Yangon's most brilliant highlights -- you must make time to see it as you explore the city.

Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple in Bahan township, Yangon is known for its Reclining Buddha image which is 213 feet (65 m) long. Originally created in 1907, this sculpture underwent revisions to lengthen it by 16 feet (5 m) in 1966. This artwork displays a rich palette of hues, including the Buddha's pearl-colored skin, resplendent golden robes, sky-blue eyes, and ornate crimson and gold decorations that adorn the soles of his feet. At the pagoda, you can find small monasteries where monks teach about Buddhism, as well as plaques in Burmese and English that describe the Buddha's message.

Built over 2,000 years ago, the Sule Pagoda is truly magnificent. This impressive Buddhist stupa is octagonal, glitters with gold leaf, and stands at a lofty 144 feet (44 m) high. Sule Pagoda is another Burmese temple that safeguards a sacred hair relic from the Buddha. The magnificent temple occupies a traffic circle; here, tradition and modernity collide as fast-paced vehicles travel around this centuries-old building!

The Bogyoke Aung San Market (also known as Scott Market) is in a lovely colonial building, located in Yangon's downtown. With over 1,600 shops, you can easily spend an entire day at the market looking for souvenirs! From everyday goods to luxury items, this fascinating market overflows with varieties of clothing, handicrafts, antiques, and art galleries, and Bogyoke Market jade is especially prized. If you have a hankering for delicious Burmese cuisine, there are plenty of food stalls that serve traditional dishes which are sure to be a feast for all of your senses.

The Myanmar International Post Office is located in Pansodan, one of Yangon's busiest districts. A century ago, this building was an office for a major trading company. Today, the ground floor still offers postal services, and here, you can also purchase stamps. The Central Post Office in Yangon is a stately structure made of rich red brick with pale mustard-colored trim and accented with rows upon rows of arched windows. Certainly, this charming building is one of the finest examples of Yangon's architectural heritage.

Located at the foot of Mandalay Hill, this beautiful Buddhist stupa -- known as the world's biggest book -- has over 700 stone slabs inscribed with Buddhist texts. The Kuthodaw Pagoda was built during King Mindon's reign, who wanted to preserve the Tripitaka -- the sacred canonical text of Theravada Buddhism. According to history, the king had 2,400 monks read this sacred book nonstop, and it took them nearly 6 months to finish! Today, the entire complex is an absolutely spectacular sight: rows upon rows of pure white shrines (which house the tablets) surround central stupas that glisten with bright gold. Without a doubt, Kuthodaw Pagoda remains an incredible legacy for present and future generations of Buddhist faithful.

Mahamuni Buddha Temple is one of Myanmar's most respected sites. The temple has a Buddha image that stretches approximately 13 feet (4 m) tall and weighs over 6 tons (12,000 pounds)! Each year, it receives many visitors who come to venerate the sacred Buddha. Over the centuries, the statue has become increasingly heavy due to the many layers of gold leaf placed on it by male pilgrims (this custom is only open to men). A museum is also located on the grounds, and here, you can learn about the history of Buddhism and see photos of archaeological sites associated with the Buddha.

Mandalay Hill is an especially important Buddhist pilgrimage site. To reach the top, you can either walk or take an elevator to see Mandalay Hill Pagoda, picturesque river views, the distant Shan Hills, and the incredible Royal Palace and Fortress. If you choose the stairs, you'll have the chance to see many sacred temples and pagodas along the way. Sunset is one of the best times to visit the hill, when the evening's golden light casts the entire landscape in luminous color. Venture to Su Taung Pyi (Wish Granting) Pagoda, located on the hill's summit. This architectural delight features multi-colored mosaics that shimmer brilliantly in the sunlight.

During a Golden Palace Monastery tour, you can see one of the most awe-inspiring wooden buildings found in Myanmar: the Shwenandaw Monastery. Built from beautiful teak, this structure's wood carvings are absolutely stunning. Years ago, Shwenandaw Monastery was part of the Mandalay Palace built by King Mindon in the mid-1800s. Tragically, the Palace was bombed during WWII, and today, the monastery is the only surviving building of the original royal complex. Unsurprisingly, Shwenandaw Kyaung Monastery is especially important to the Burmese, as it is a reminder of one of Myanmar's bygone eras.

Gold is especially important in Myanmar culture. Buddhist devotees often visit Buddha images, such as at Mahamuni Pagoda, to place sheets of gold leaf on these sacred statues. Gold leaf is manufactured throughout the Myanmar, but the majority of the country’s gold leaf is found in Mandalay. At a gold leaf workshop, you can learn about the fascinating and labor-intensive process of how a gold nugget is transformed into a sheet of gold leaf. The delicate leaves are separated by paper made from bamboo, which is also made in the workshop.

The incredible Mingun Bell is the world's largest ringing bell; it stands approximately 13 feet (4 m) tall and weighs about 180,000 pounds (90 tons). You’re allowed to get up close to the bell, and it’s so gigantic that you can crawl under or even inside it! On the Irrawaddy riverside, located near this legendary bronze bell, you can find the unfinished Mingun Pagoda -- an important historic site in Myanmar. Originally, the pagoda was designed to be the largest in the country and to house important Buddha relics. Its construction halted for various reasons, leaving only the bottom third complete. Today, the pagoda is an imposing stone edifice with kelly- green foliage growing out of its deep cracks.

Irrawaddy River Cruises are the perfect way to experience Myanmar's incredible scenery! As you gently cruise along the Irrawaddy River, you'll encounter pagodas peeking out of the foliage and witness everyday life in riverside towns. Cruise routes often take you past dense jungles, deep gorges, and into rustic villages where you can see locals working the farmland. Join a sunset tour and simply relax while you watch the evening sky light up with vibrant colors. For professional and amateur photographers alike, sunset over the Irrawaddy is a perfect time to take photos of the stunning riverscape. Discover traditional life along the river as you set sail on a custom- built, luxury ship made by local craftspeople or an all- inclusive cruise ship -- complete with private butler.

One Inwa attraction that should be at the top of any Myanmar traveler's list is Bagaya Monastery. This living monastery functions as both a religious center and a school for local children. This lovely historic site also is an architectural masterwork crafted entirely from teak and decorated with intricate carvings. The monastery's design is especially unique; it has a 7-tiered spire with crimson roofs that jut upward in dramatic, triangular peaks.

Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery, also known as the Brick Monastery, is somewhere between beige and parmesan in color and boasts ornate surface decoration and stucco sculptures. Despite the intense heat of the midday sun, the brick blocks the sun's rays, keeping the monastery's interior cool and dark. Built in 1818, this sturdy structure survived an earthquake in the 1830s and was repaired around 40 years later.

Also known as the Leaning Tower of Inwa (Ava), this square-shaped watchtower is built of brick and cream-colored stucco. As its name suggests, this 90- foot-tall (27 m) tower slightly leans to the side. Built in the 1822, it was part of King Bagyidaw's royal palace until massive earthquakes in the 1830s destroyed many surrounding buildings, causing the tower to start slanting.

Sagaing, one of Myanmar's ancient capitals, was an especially important city during the 18th century. The town is home to a number of colonial buildings, which serve as contemporary reminders of past British colonization. Some of Sagaing's major attractions include its many Buddhist monasteries, especially the impressive Kaungmudaw Pagoda. This uniquely-shaped temple features a massive, golden dome surrounded by snow white posts. Venture to Soon Oo Pon Nya Shin Pagoda's terrace at the summit of Sagaing Hill, where you can enjoy lovely views that overlook nearby pagodas, the river, and the region's peaceful landscape.

Bagan is considered to be the spiritual center of Myanmar, and a major highlight of Bagan travel is a tour through the city's extraordinary religious sites. Bagan temples, which are estimated to be over 2,000 in number, are one of the most celebrated aspects of Asia's rich historical heritage. More impressively, Bagan's golden eras occurred during the 11th - 13th centuries, and it is said that the city was home to over a million temples during this time. Religion remains an important part of daily life in Myanmar, and today, many locals still visit these pagodas for prayer and veneration. As you make your way among these towering stupas, your eyes will be transfixed by the dazzling gold leaf, and you can begin to imagine what life must have been like in Myanmar centuries ago.

Ananda Temple is one of the largest and most respected religious sites in all of Bagan – an impressive feat in a city with over 2,000 temples! Ananda Temple's history dates back to the late 11th century, built by Kyanzittha -- one of Myanmar's greatest kings. Ananda Patho is an amazingly well-preserved Buddhist temple, with whitewashed tiers and a prominent gold stupa that shoot skyward from the surrounding landscape. These features of this architectural masterwork look especially beautiful as they shimmer in the sun's light. In addition to Ananda's impressive architecture, the temple holds four exquisite statues that represent the Buddhas who have attained Nirvana.

The Shwezigon Pagoda -- an imposing edifice that has few equals in Myanmar -- is a true gem of historic Asian architecture. This sacred structure is an important pilgrimage site for the Myanmar people. The building itself is gold-plated, and it flashes brilliantly as sunlight bathes it metallic surface. Inside are four standing Buddha statues (including Bagan's largest surviving bronze Buddha) that have been installed there since 1102. Shwezigon's architecture is highly prized as well, and its design has been copied numerous times by other Burmese temple buildings.

Balloons over Bagan is becoming an increasingly popular activity with travelers to Myanmar, and a hot air balloon flight over Bagan is an excellent way to see this lovely city. The bird's-eye view allows you to fully appreciate the jaw-dropping scale of Bagan's temples. More than 2,000 pagodas are scattered through the plains, making for a truly impressive sight! Without question, Balloons over Bagan is a must-do while in Myanmar. More often than not, this hot air balloon tour proves to be an experience of a lifetime.

A marionette puppet show in Bagan is an excellent way to experience one of Myanmar's (and Indochina's) most ancient forms of entertainment! Puppet shows have a rich history in Myanmar and have been used to tell stories, as well as announce royal or political messages. Today, one of the most popular ways to see these puppets is during a dinner theater show at a local restaurant. Allow yourself to become spellbound by the puppets brightly-colored costumes, delicately-painted facial features, and tiered golden headdresses.

Shwegugyi Pagoda (Great Golden Cave), an elegant temple in Old Bagan, was built in 1131. The pagoda is relatively petite in size, but it looks impressive sitting atop its brick platform. Both the interior and exterior feature abundant surface decoration and intricate carvings. Shwegugyi is also home to a beautiful teak Buddha image. With all of these artistic details, it is amazing that the pagoda was constructed in only 7 months!

Visit a lacquerware workshop in Bagan to see how these brightly-colored and ornate artworks are produced. The process of making lacquerware is labor intensive, and you'll be impressed at the incredible skill of the local artisans! It is thought that lacquerware originated in China many centuries ago, but today, lacquerware from Bagan is considered to be some of the best in all of Asia. Multi-colored lacquerware objects sometimes take more than 6 months to complete! The vessels are polished with sap from the thit si tree, then painted with intricate designs that are both beautiful to look at and rich in symbolism. Burmese lacquerware is sure to become one of your most treasured keepsakes.

Take a Bagan city tour by horse cart and enjoy the leisurely pace -- a great alternative to taking a car through this temple-filled town. Your unhurried journey will allow you to fully experience your surroundings, discover the highlights of Bagan's many pagodas, and gain insight into the rustic villages' local lifestyle. As you rumble past ruined pagodas covered in deep foliage or farmers in the fields with their oxen, this charming form of transportation can provide you with glimpses into the Myanmar of years ago.

Located in central Myanmar's Shan State, Inle Lake is known for its natural beauty, as well as the flourishing culture and traditions of the Shan people and surrounding indigenous communities. To date, these regions of Myanmar have been relatively removed from outside influences, so the Inle Lake area is the perfect place to learn more about authentic life in Myanmar. Here, you'll witness Intha fishermen on their wooden vessels, floating gardens and villages, villagers on their boats, and daily life along the sublimely beautiful lake. Stay at one of the lovely Inle Lake hotels on the shore, or for a unique experience, try an Inle Lake homestay -- sure to be one of the brightest highlights of your Myanmar trip.

In terms of economic livelihood, fishing remains one of the most important activities for the inhabitants of Inle Lake villages. This region is famous for its Intha leg-rowers: highly skilled fishermen who propel their crafts forward using a swirling motion with the side of one leg. The Intha fishermen’s tricky balancing act becomes even more impressive as they employ their large, conical net to scoop up the day's catch. Then, they bring their catch to the Five-Day Market, a community meeting place where locals doing their shopping and/or sell their fresh produce and splendid handicrafts.

The art of Myanmar traditional weaving has been passed down from generation to generation. Inpawkhone Village, a floating community located on Inle Lake, is home to exceptionally- skilled artisans who continue to practice lotus weaving. It is even said that Inpawkhone is the only place in the world where you can still witness this century-old weaving tradition. At the village, observe the artisans in action as they weave new textiles made with ancient techniques. Some garments produced include intricately-patterned costumes that members of Myanmar's ethnic groups wear for special occasions. Before you go, make sure to purchase one-of-a-kind mementos to remind you of your trip to this enchanting village.

The fascinating Five-Day Market is so named because the market travels to five different locations over a five-day period in Inle Lake region. Inle Lake and its surrounding regions are home to a variety of hill tribe groups, and these local communities frequently visit this rotating market. Villagers wearing traditional garments come to the market to buy and sell their wares, including fresh produce and local goods. Five-Day Market is also a center for conversation where market-goers share the latest news for locals. Here, you'll be mesmerized by the festive colors, textures, scents, and sounds. Venture further into the market to find silk textiles, glossy lacquerware, and unique local products.

Over two centuries old, Nga Phe Monastery is a wooden building on stilts, situated among the lovely floating gardens of Inle Lake. This monastery, one of the largest and oldest in the region, is also known as Jumping Cat Monastery. Years ago, one of the monks trained cats to jump through hoops! Today, you are likely to see cats roaming around the monastery, but the monks no longer train these felines to perform aerial feats. Nga Phe is also home to striking Buddha images in Shan, Tibetan, Bagan, and Inwa (Ava) styles.

Located in Indein village on the west bank of Inle Lake, this 16th century Buddhist temple complex is definitely worth a visit! At Indein Pagoda, you can explore hundreds of old stupas and ruins, sitting on a hillside that is thick with foliage. Ultimately, this setting overflows with charm; it is refreshing to see the ruins and the surrounding landscape in their natural states. Gentle breezes blow through the area, ringing many of the stupas' bells. The musical sounds of the bells and the lovely scenery create a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere -- inhale deeply and allow your cares to melt away.

Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda's history began in the 18th century, and today, its central shrine houses five golden Buddhas that pilgrims continue to cover with gold leaf. One of the pagoda's highlights is its annual festival that takes place in autumn. During the Phaung Daw Oo pagoda festival, four of the five Buddha statues are taken along Inle Lake in a replica of a royal barge. Burmese royal barges are spectacle sights to behold! Covered in luminous layers of gold, they look like mythical creatures sailing to earth from an imaginary realm.

Inle Lake is dotted with numerous fishing villages, known for their floating gardens and traditional weaving and metalworking industries. The villages range from small to large in size and are home to many wooden buildings on stilts. These charming hamlets also have markets, pagodas, and schools. In addition, a number of villages are interconnected by walkways and bridges, reducing isolation. You can access many of these communities by boat. Walking tours are also wonderful experiences -- you can get a taste of centuries-old local life or try a hands-on activity like weaving with colorful fibers. No matter where you go on beautiful Inle Lake, you'll be welcomed with warm hospitality.

A boat trip is a perfect way to experience Inle Lake, and an early morning cruise provides an especially relaxing start to your day. Take a traditional longtail boat to explore some of the lake's most fascinating sites. Inle Lake is also known for its Intha rowers who skillfully maneuver their fishing boats by balancing on one leg while rowing with the other. Visit local weavers and blacksmiths at the nearby village of Inpawkhone. On the western shore, discover Indein Pagoda. Home to hundreds of stupas surrounded by lush foliage, this pagoda is awe-inspiring sight and a perfect photo opportunity! Embark on a boat cruise on Inle Lake - - one of the most rewarding experience of any Myanmar tour.

Above Lake Pone Taloke, explorers can discover caves located in a limestone ridge. Here, you can also find a temple in a cave: the inspiring Shwe Oo Min Natural Cave Pagoda. These natural caverns are home to a labyrinth of tunnels with more than 8,000 Buddha images left by pilgrims and devotees over the years. These stunning sculptures -- in every imaginable shape and size -- were brought from countries throughout the world. Each artwork is made from unique materials including teak, marble, lacquer, and stone. No matter the state of disrepair, none are ever thrown away because this is considered bad luck.

You can’t miss this sacred pagoda, as the glittering golden zedi measures 376 feet (115 meters) and dominates the Bago skyline. The Shwemawdaw Pagoda is believed to be more than 1000 years old, although the pagoda has been leveled and rebuilt many times in the past 600 years. After each collapse, the Burmese built the stupa to be taller and more magnificent, housing sacred treasures within the zedi. The mighty pagoda is surely a highlight of Bago’s countless heritage sites.

Few Southeast Asian sites are more spectacular than the Golden Rock Pagoda. This massive boulder is an important religious artifact and famous for its precarious position. Covered in gold leaf and crowned with an ornate stupa, it delicately balances on the side of a cliff and seems certain to fall. According to legend, it stays in place because it is tied with a lock of the Buddha's hair. Amazingly, the boulder has stood firm for many centuries, and today, Kyaiktiyo Pagoda remains an important Buddhist pilgrimage site in Myanmar. During the evening, make sure to visit this lofty summit when it is ablaze with the fiery light of sunset.