arrow-left arrow-down arrow-right arrow-up bookmark bookmark-outline checkmark chevron-left chevron-down chevron-right chevron-up chevron-double-left chevron-double-down chevron-double-right chevron-double-up clock compass departure-return devices email forum globe globe-alt guest-services heart info loading lp-diamond marker-flag minus mobile open pin play plus pop-out price share shop sight star triangle-left triangle-down triangle-right triangle-up trip-type umbrella apple facebook facebook-block instagram pinterest pinterest-large twitter facebook-messenger whatsapp 0 rating 1/2 rating 1 rating 1-1/2 rating 2 rating 2-1/2 rating 3 rating 3-1/2 rating 4 rating 4-1/2 rating 5 rating airplane bear bed book-pencil car health lamp lgbt money safety suitcase umbrella vespa visa wheelchair map-default map-drink map-eat map-play map-see map-shop map-sleep map-transport hamburger loading magnify-grey magnify-white open pop-out loading-40px share-13px pop-out-16px twitter-21px facebook-21px facebook-9px email-18px email-21px
Skip to Content
Search Lonely Planet
Search
Video
Best in Travel 2019
Best in Travel 2019
Featured
Adventure travel
Art and culture
Beaches, coasts and islands
Explore every day
Food and drink
Journeys
Tokyo Modern | Classic
Browse Videos
Destinations
Best in Travel
Best in Travel
Featured
Africa
Antarctica
Asia
Australia & Pacific
Caribbean
Central America
Europe
Middle East
North America
South America
See All Countries
Bookings
Insurance
Hotels
Flights
Adventure tours
Sightseeing tours
Car rental
Shop
Sign in

,,

From temple plains to golden rocks: Myanmar's must-see Buddhist sites

Featured article
David Eimer
Lonely Planet Writer
share

Myanmar (Burma) is perhaps the most devoutly Buddhist nation on earth, with a dizzying array of golden pagodas and ancient temples, perched in splendid isolation on hillsides and sandwiched between busy city streets.

With so many impressive Buddhist sites to choose from, here are just a few that are well worth planning your Myanmar trip around.

Mt Kyaiktiyo (Golden Rock), southeast Myanmar Mt Kyaiktiyo (Golden Rock), southeast Myanmar © Harald Deischinger / CC BY 2.0

Shwedagon Paya

The very symbol of Myanmar, the gold-laden spire, or zedi, of Shwedagon Paya soars almost 100m above Yangon and is visible from most parts of the city. This is one of the holiest Buddhist sites anywhere in the world – the locals believe a pagoda has stood here for over 2500 years – built originally to house a handful of hairs given by the Buddha Gautama to two Burmese brothers.

There are other stupas within the complex, as well as myriad altars and shrines. Equally fascinating, though, is observing the worshippers who flock here at all times of the day and night.

Tip

Visit the Shwedagon in the cool of dawn for a more tranquil experience. Otherwise, join the crowds who gather here just before dusk, when the Shwedagon shimmers in the setting sun. The north gate and northwest corner of the complex are prime spots for photos.

Shwedagon Paya at night Shwedagon Paya at night © David Eimer / Lonely Planet

Mt Kyaiktiyo (Golden Rock)

Perched precariously atop a ridge, the golden rock of Mt Kyaiktiyo in southeast Myanmar is one of the country’s most revered pilgrimage spots. It’s also the most eye catching: a huge gilded boulder topped by a small stupa that looks like it could topple down the mountainside at any moment.

There are stunning views from Mt Kyaiktiyo when the weather is right, as well as other stupas to explore. But only men are allowed to cross the small bridge that separates Mt Kyaiktiyo’s summit from the rock to pray and attach gold-leaf squares to the boulder.

Tip

The views from Mt Kyaiktiyo are best from November to March, which is when pilgrims come here, staying up all night to chant and meditate in a heady atmosphere. During the rainy season (June to October) mist and cloud often shroud the summit.

Bagan

Over 3000 temples are scattered across the Bagan plain. They are the result of a frenzied wave of pagoda building that lasted from the middle of the 11th century to the end of the 13th century, as Bagan’s kings sought to demonstrate their devotion to Buddhism.

Some sites, such as the perfectly proportioned Ananda Pahto, are still working temples. Others are simply the remains of once grand stupas. Some of the temples offer fantastic sunset views. Try the pyramid-like Shwesandaw Paya, or the steep Buledi.

Note that following an earthquake in the region on 3 September 2016, many of Bagan's temples sustained damage and a number have been cordoned off for safety reasons while assessments are made and restoration work begins.

Mrauk U

Deep in remote Rakhine (Rakhaing) State in western Myanmar, Mrauk U (pronouced ‘mraw-oo’) is the least visited of all the country’s major Buddhist sites. That means you’ll often have the brooding, almost fortress-like pagodas here to yourself.

Made of stone, rather than brick, and darkened by age and weather, most of the stupas, former monasteries and temples date from the 15th and 16th centuries. This was a time when Mrauk U was the capital of Rakhine and one of the richest cities in Asia thanks to its trade with the Middle East, Portugal and Spain.

Don’t miss the stupa-laden Shittaung Paya and its 80,000 Buddha images; the towering Ratanabon Paya, which is surrounded by several, smaller stupas; or the hulking Kothaung Paya, the largest temple in Mrauk U.

Note that some countries still advise their citizens against travel to Rakhine State, following sectarian violence in 2012 (though Mrauk U was not affected). Check the latest security information before you visit.

Tip

Both Bagan and Mrauk U are spread-out sites that you could spend days exploring. Consider hiring a horse cart, as the drivers are knowledgeable about the temples. Carts cost 20,000 kyat (US$15) per day. Or else, hire a bike (1500 to 2000 kyat per day) and peddle around. Dawn and sunset offer spectacular views. It gets very hot in the middle of the day – make sure to bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water.

Ratanabon Paya, Mrauk U Ratanabon Paya, Mrauk U © David Eimer / Lonely Planet

Bago

Bago doesn’t look like much. But this was once the capital of southern Myanmar and is still home to some of the finest temples in the country, as well as many important monasteries.
Rising above Bago is Shwemawdaw Paya, taller than the Shwedagon and stunning at night. Equally impressive is the giant, reclining Shwethalyaung Buddha, which dates back to the 10th century.
At Kya Kha Wain Kyaung, one of the largest monasteries in Myanmar, you can watch the 500-plus monks filing out in search of alms in the early morning. Or visit the resident python at the Snake Monastery, a reptile reputed to be 127 years old.

Tip

Bago is 80km north of Yangon and can easily be visited from there as a day trip. Once in town, hire a trishaw or motorcycle taxi to transport you around – expect to pay 7000 kyat (about US$5) per day. The annual Pagoda Festival, held in March or April, is a great time to visit.

Close up of the reclining Shwethalyaung Buddha, Bago Close up of the reclining Shwethalyaung Buddha, Bago © Bule Sky Studio / Shutterstock

Myanmar (Burma)

$38.99

It’s the dawn of a more democratic era in this extraordinary land, where the landscape is scattered with gilded pagodas and...

Visit Shop

Temple-visiting essentials

  • Almost all significant Buddhist sites charge for entry. Many places also add on a token camera fee.
  • Shoes and socks must be removed before entering Buddhist holy sites. Normally, they are left at the entrance. Hats should also be taken off.
  • Skimpy clothing is not considered appropriate dress in a temple, so make sure shoulders are covered. Ideally, skirts and shorts should cover the knees.
  • It’s OK to be photographed next to a Buddhist statue, but don’t touch or climb on them to pose.
  • Ask permission before taking photos of monks. Don’t take photos of people worshipping.
  • Don’t turn your back on images of the Buddha.
Published

More from Lonely Planet

facebook pinterest twitter flipboard

Subscribe

Get 20% off at our online shop.

I want emails from Lonely Planet with travel and product information, promotions, advertisements, third-party offers, and surveys. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Contact Lonely Planet here. Lonely Planet Privacy Policy.
Thank you for subscribing.

Destinations

  • Africa
  • Antarctica
  • Asia
  • Caribbean Islands
  • Central America
  • Europe
  • Middle East
  • North America
  • Pacific
  • South America

Shop

  • Destination guides
  • eBooks
  • Pictorial & gifts
  • Phrasebooks
  • Lonely Planet Kids
  • Special offers

Community

  • Country forums
  • Interest forums
  • Travel companions
  • Talk to Lonely Planet

Interests

  • Adventure travel
  • Art and culture
  • Backpacking
  • Beaches, coasts and islands
  • Family holidays
  • Festivals
  • Food and drink
  • Honeymoon and romance
  • Road trips
  • Travel gear and tech
  • Travel on a budget
  • Wildlife and nature

Travel booking

  • Hotels
  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • About us
  • Work for Us
  • Contact us
  • Press, trade and advertising
  • Blog
  • Terms & conditions
  • Privacy policy

© 2019 Lonely Planet. All rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission.