Myanmar Travel: 5 Hidden Gems Beyond the Usual Sights

Before you go: Since the 2021 military coup, parts of Myanmar have seen armed conflict, and the March 2025 earthquake centred near Mandalay and Sagaing damaged many historic sites. Conditions change quickly, so check your government’s latest travel advisory and confirm with a local guide that the places you plan to visit are open and safe to reach before you go.

When you think of Myanmar, what kinds of tourist attractions come to mind? Besides talking about Buddhism as usual, as a world traveler, we need to dig more into other Myanmar destinations for sure. Here let’s list out some simple examples to guide you there.

Have a Journey to Burmese Belief：Temple visit

As Burmese believe in Buddhism, temples, pagodas are really common that foreign visitors may easily seize the chance to take a glimpse of its exotic and mysterious beauty. And a great number of tourist attractions.

Mingun Temple：Traced back to the late 18 century, Mingun Temple(also known as Mingun Pahtodawgyi or Mingun Paya) was meant to be the largest brick stupa in the world, but it was never completed and was badly cracked by an earthquake in 1839. Nearby hangs the Mingun Bell, weighing about 90 tons and for a long time the largest ringing bell in the world. 

Hsinbyume Pagoda：Built in 1816 and also known as Myatheindan Pagoda, Hsinbyume Pagoda shines with the characteristics of white appearance, sharp dome, and wave-like structures. This all-white pagoda has survived earthquakes and a long history. Climb up its terraces to enjoy the view of the Ayeyarwady River nearby. Mingun lies near Mandalay, an area hit hard by the March 2025 earthquake, so check which sites are open before you go.

Read More: Five Must-See Places in Mandalay

Laid-back Time in the Nature： Ngapali Beach (not currently recommended)

Ngapali Beach in Rakhine State has long been Myanmar’s most famous beach, with blue sky, white sand and quiet fishing villages. However, since 2024 the Thandwe area around Ngapali has seen heavy fighting, hotels have been caught up in the conflict and the local airport was closed. Do not plan a trip there unless official travel advisories say it is safe again.

Exotic Place to Calm Mind Down：Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue

In such a Buddhism country, you might be surprised at the presence of other religious buildings, and Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue in downtown Yangon, the last remaining synagogue in the city, could be your next destination to observe exotic and holy atmosphere in Myanmar. Resembling other Jewish buildings, Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue does the same job－keep every visitor calm and peaceful; the solemn sanctuary, the ark housing, stairs, and balcony form a picture of prayer and hope that even new visitors could pursue.

Excitement with Diverse Colors：Taw Win Art Gallery

Yangon has a lively contemporary art scene, and galleries such as Taw Win Art Gallery have long showcased works by Myanmar artists; check that it is open before you visit. At this moment, you believe that Yangon provides you with culture, nature, and color of life. 

Vibrant Must-visit City：Mandalay

Well-noted for its abundant culture and heritages, Mandalay is Myanmar’s second biggest city and home to a large Chinese community. Thus, with a mingling of cultural and historical reasons, Mandalay has long been an enchanting destination with its royal palace, temples and Chinatown, though many buildings were damaged in the March 2025 earthquake; you may reserve some time for the food-trying itinerary when wandering around the local Chinatown.

Read More: A Guide to Myanmar’s Religion | 5 Must-Visit Pagodas in Yangon

Cover photo: Chris H Munro, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons