The Atlas Obscura Guide To Myanmar

33 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Myanmar

Updated April 3, 2024

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Cities

Unusual Attractions in Myanmar

Bagan.

Nyaung-U, Myanmar

Bagan

Over 2,000 ancient temples dot the Myanmar landscape at the site of this famed archaeological site.

Kakku Pagodas.

Myanmar

Kakku Pagodas

This unique temple complex remains off the typical tourist trail.

Maha Aungmye Bonzan (Me Nu Oak Kyaung) Monastery

Inn Wa, Myanmar

Inwa

A grand imperial capital left to fall into magnificent ruin.

The stupa entrance (Flickr/druidabruxux)

Min Kun, Myanmar

The Mingun Pagoda and Bell

Gigantic unfinished stupa and the world's 2nd largest bell.

Kyaiktiyo pagoda, Golden Rock.

Thaton District, Myanmar

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda

A precariously perched golden rock defies gravity and brings pilgrims from across Myanmar.

Shwedagon Pagoda

Yangon, Myanmar

Shwedagon Pagoda

This gem-encrusted temple is said to contain some of the Buddha's hair which can make the deaf hear and the blind see.

Buddhist statues dominate the entrance

Hpa-An, Myanmar

Saddar Cave

Caves full of Buddhist statues, incredible rock formations and a deserted lagoon.

See All 33 Things To Do in Myanmar

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Myanmar

Yangon, Myanmar

Pegu Club

An eerie abandoned gentlemen's club built for British officials during the colonial era.

Floating gardens, Inle Lake.

Taunggyi, Myanmar

Floating Gardens of Inle Lake

A series of tiny artificial islands rich with produce bob atop the surface of the lake.

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Sacred Spaces 10

Pagodas 10

Buddhism 9

Temples 7

Architecture 6

Geology 4

Colonialism 3

Ecosystems 3

Ruins 3

Giant Buddhas 3

Statues 3

Islands 3

Architectural Oddities 3

Religion 3

Geological Oddities 2

Caves 2

Bridges 2

Palaces 2

Lakes 2

Rocks 2

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Stories About Myanmar

The amber finding is like Jurassic Park, but for tapeworms.

The Oldest Tapeworm Ever Was Just Found in Amber

Turns out the parasites used to plague dinosaurs, too.

by Charis McGowan, Atlas Obscura

A panoramic view inside Kawgoon Cave.

Myanmar's Cave of Ten Thousand Buddhas Lives Up to Its Name

Centuries of devotion line the walls.

by Winnie Lee, Atlas Obscura

January 28, 2021

The Chin Brothers Restaurant and Grocery serves as a community and culinary hub.

The Burmese Restaurant at the Heart of 'Chindianapolis'

In Indiana, a restaurant and grocery store offers refugees a taste of home.

by Mar Nwe Aye and Charlotte Chadwick, Atlas Obscura

December 13, 2018

In Search of the Elusive Pink-Headed Duck

After years of trying, one man thinks he will finally find a bird long thought to be extinct.

by Sarah Laskow, Atlas Obscura

Hundreds of Pa’oh people dressed in traditional clothing walk down the streets of Taunggyi holding a lantern to celebrate the Tazaungdaing Festival of Lights.

Myanmar’s 'Firemasters' Strap Fireworks to Hot-Air Balloons for an Annual Festival

The teams are dedicated to their displays, despite the risks.

by Dene-Hern Chen, Atlas Obscura

December 29, 2015