Yangon
Totally artificial, this ‘great cave’ is where the Sixth Buddhist Synod was held in 1954–56 to coincide with the 2500th anniversary of the Buddha’s enlightenment. Measuring 456ft by 371ft, the cave, which can accommodate up to 10,000 people, was built in 14 months by 63,000 volunteer labourers. Grand religious ceremonies are still held here.
It's part of the Kaba Aye Paya complex.
4.19 MILES
One of Buddhism's most sacred sites, the 326ft zedi (stupa) here is adorned with 27 metric tons of gold leaf, along with thousands of diamonds and other…
4.91 MILES
Even though the museum's collection is poorly labelled and often badly lit, the treasures that lie within this cavernous building deserve a viewing. The…
3.35 MILES
Housed in a large metal-roofed shed, this beautiful 215ft-long reclining buddha is larger than a similar and better-known image in Bago. The statue's…
5.82 MILES
After many years of being off limits, this spectacular red-brick complex, which takes up a 16-acre block and was once the British seat of government for…
3.45 MILES
One of Yangon's, if not Myanmar's, most gorgeous buddha images is this 46ft-tall one at the Ngahtatgyi Paya, sitting in calm gold-and-white repose and…
1.7 MILES
Situated next to the Nga Moe Yeik creek, this Disneyland-ish pagoda is a hoot. Larger-than-life 3D stucco depictions of the Buddha's life and practice…
4.49 MILES
Also known as Royal Lake, this artificial lake built by the British as a reservoir is most attractive at sunset, when the glittering Shwedagon Paya is…
5.84 MILES
Not many cities have a primary traffic circle occupied by a 2200-year-old golden temple. This 46m zedi (stupa), said to be older than Shwedagon Paya, is…
0.17 MILES
This overly glitzy ‘world peace’ zedi (stupa), about 5 miles north of the city centre, was built for the 1954–56 Sixth Buddhist Synod which coincided with…
2. Myanmar Gems Museum & Gems Market
0.33 MILES
This small and, given its subject matter, surprisingly lacklustre museum offers a handful of eye-catching pieces of bling and precious stones, including a…
1.7 MILES
Situated next to the Nga Moe Yeik creek, this Disneyland-ish pagoda is a hoot. Larger-than-life 3D stucco depictions of the Buddha's life and practice…
1.81 MILES
Inya Lake, created by the British as a reservoir in 1883, is Yangon's largest artificial body of water. The best spots from which to view the lake are the…
2.29 MILES
More of a one-room exhibition, this compact museum attached to the offices of the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) focuses on the…
2.35 MILES
When she's not in Nay Pyi Taw, Aung San Suu Kyi lives in this lakeside house, the former home of her mother and where she spent 15 years under house…
2.59 MILES
Built in the early 20th century as the grand home of shipping-and-rubber magnate Lim Chin Tsong, this is another decaying but highly evocative slice of…
2.68 MILES
Not far from the airport, this immense seated buddha was carved from a single piece of marble found outside Mandalay in 1999. The partially finished…