Eastern Myanmar
Virtually rocketing from the landscape is this explosion of craggy limestone and white-and-gold stupas. The mountaintop Buddhist temple compound is Kayah…
Must-see attractions in Eastern Myanmar
Shwe Oo Min Natural Cave Pagoda
Inle Lake Region
Set high on a limestone ridge above Pone Taloke Lake, this winding complex of natural caves and tunnels is filled to bursting with buddha images in an…
Eastern Myanmar
Kyaingtong's central market is one of the most fascinating in Myanmar, playing host to a diverse mix of hill peoples, especially early in the morning. It…
Inle Lake Region
A narrow, foliage-cloaked canal winds through the reeds to the lakeside village of Inthein (also known as Indein), dotted with stupas dating back a few…
Inle Lake Region
On the western side of Inle Lake, Nga Hpe Kyaung monastery was once renowned for its jumping cats, trained to leap through hoops during the slow hours…
Nyaungshwe
The oldest and most important Buddhist shrine in Nyaungshwe, this handsome gilded stupa is hidden away inside a square compound south of Mingala Market…
Nyaungshwe
This is probably the most photographed monastery in Nyaungshwe: the unique oval windows in the ancient teak thein (ordination hall) create a perfect frame…
Eastern Myanmar
This attractive lake sits in the centre of town and is surrounded by what is left of Kyaingtong's British-era architecture. In the evening the lake is the…
Museum in Commemoration of Opium-Free in Special Region 4
Eastern Myanmar
In 1997 Mong La's ethnic militia ruler declared the region 'drug-free', and this surreal, temple-like museum was opened with much fanfare in a not very…
Eastern Myanmar
Dating back to 1912, this attractive monastery formerly served as the palace of Kayah's saopha (sky princes) until 1959. After the last saopha passed away…
Inle Lake Region
A wide channel leads south from Ywama to the village of Tha Lay and Phaung Daw Oo Paya, the holiest religious site in southern Shan State. Enshrined…
Eastern Myanmar
This modest but pretty waterfall is really three separate falls that plunge into a pool that's a popular swimming spot. The falls are surrounded on three…
Eastern Myanmar
The largest Kayan village in Kayah State, Rangkhu appears relatively modern at first, but several women here still wear neck rings and the village remains…
Inle Lake Region
At the southern end of the lake, the village of Thaung Thut, about 1½ hours by boat from Nyaungshwe, holds an important market every five days. A long…
Eastern Myanmar
Kayah State has long been the stomping ground of Roman Catholic missionaries and is home to many churches. Christ the King was built in 1939 – making it…
Taunggyi
Located at Aythaya, 3 miles west of Taunggyi, this vineyard – the country's first – sits at an elevation of 4290ft on well-watered, limestone-rich soils,…
Eastern Myanmar
This little-seen cave sits amid farmland around 20 minutes' drive north of Loikaw. The cave is close to a 1km in length and houses a dozen or so buddha…
Inle Lake Region
Situated immediately behind Inthein village, this group of ruined stupas, known as Nyaung Ohak, is choked in greenery but you can still discern some…
Inle Lake Region
Shwe Inn Thein Paya is a complex of 1054 weather-beaten zedi (stupas), most constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries. Some of the zedi lean at crazy…
Yan Aung Nan Aung Hsu Taung Pye Paya
Nyaungshwe
In the village of Nanthe, this Buddhist temple complex features a 26ft-high sitting buddha surrounded by stucco deva (celestial beings) and chinthe (half…
Eastern Myanmar
The distinctive tiger-striped head scarves worn by Pa-O women can be spotted as you travel south from Shan State to Kayah State, but you'll see them all…
Inle Lake Region
This interesting temple's name supposedly means 'Lady Monk', a reference to a previous female resident. Many stairs lead up to the pagoda; the reward is…
Inle Lake Region
This gorgeous temple, with its carved teak panels dating back to the 19th century, is downhill from Shwe Oo Min on the dirt path to Pone Taloke Lake. The…
Eastern Myanmar
Dor Sor Bee, just east of Loikaw, is home to several Kayah animist shrines. The towering logs, whitewashed and topped with decorations meant to symbolise…
Eastern Myanmar
The gilded stupa of Wat Jong Kham rises majestically above the centre of town. Legend dates the wat to a visit by Gautama Buddha but a more likely date…
Eastern Myanmar
This attractive, golden hilltop temple is home to around 50 monks and offers fine views over Mong La and towards China. Inside, you'll find an immense…
Inle Lake Region
The main temple of Nampan village, Alodaw Pauk Pagoda is one of the oldest shrines on Inle Lake. Its whitewashed stupa enshrines a fabulous gem-encrusted,…
Taunggyi
This ridge-top temple to the south of town has dizzying views over Taunggyi and Inle Lake; a return trip by taxi here will cost about K10,000.
Eastern Myanmar
Just north of Airport Rd, Wat In contains a stunning collection of ancient gilded wooden buddha images in all shapes, sizes and positions.
Kalaw
Attractive, historic church that dates back to the colonial era and famously had the same priest for 69 years.
Kalaw
South of central Kalaw, this natural cave is home to dozens of gold buddha statues.
Inle Lake Region
The peaceful village of Nampan is built on stilts over the water. Its main temple, Alodaw Pauk Pagoda, is one of the oldest shrines on the lake, and the…
Eastern Myanmar
Visitors weren't allowed inside this handsome building from the colonial era at the time of research, but you can take photos from outside.
Inle Lake Region
Ywama was the first village to be developed for tourism and, as a result, it has the greatest number of souvenir shops and restaurants. It’s still a very…
Inle Lake Region
Half of the village of Maing Thauk is set on dry land, while the other half sits on stilts over the water, linked to the shore by a 450yd wooden bridge…
Nyaungshwe
This equal parts imposing and melancholy structure is the former haw (palace) of the last saopha (sky prince) of Nyaungshwe, Sao Shwe Thaike, who also…
Shan State Cultural Museum & Library
Taunggyi
In addition to the usual displays of local ethnic-group outfits, you’ll also find a handful of exhibits of weapons, musical instruments and jewellery…
Eastern Myanmar
Like many of Myanmar's regional museums, this oversized hall is home to a disproportionately scanty selection of dusty relics – musical instruments,…
Inle Lake Region
North of Nampan are these famous gardens, where Intha farmers grow flowers, tomatoes, squash and other fruit and vegetables on long wooden trellises…
