Myanmar is one of Southeast Asia’s least-visited countries due to decades of political strife and conflict, with the latest stemming from the 2021 coup. However, even in 2026, it’s still possible to visit this incredible country and explore many of the fantastic historical sites in Myanmar.
From the ancient, crumbling pagodas of Bagan to the gilded Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar has a rich history and fascinating culture linked to the many different ethnic tribes that make up this land.
Below we’ll dive into some of the most famous historical places in Myanmar, including temples, pagodas and palaces from Yangon to Mandalay and everywhere in between.
Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the most famous historical sites in Myanmar and the most important Buddhist monuments in the country.
The 112-meter (367-foot) pagoda is covered completely in gold leaf and topped with jewels (Myanmar has some of the richest deposits of jade, ruby, and sapphire in the world).
It is said that a pagoda has existed on this site for 2,500 years; however, due to war and natural disasters, it has been rebuilt many times, with the current incarnation dating back to 1768, when it was reconstructed after an earthquake.
Another of Yangon’s most famous sites is Sule Pagoda, which is located in the downtown area. Sule Pagoda dates to around the same time as Shwedagon, and has also been rebuilt many times over the centuries.
It sits on a roundabout across from some of Yangon’s most famous colonial buildings, such as City Hall and the High Court, with its impressive red brickwork.
The area around Sule Pagoda includes Maha Bandula Park, and this is a great place to set off on foot around the downtown district with its busy street markets.
Bagan is a must-visit when coming to Myanmar. This UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of thousands of Buddhist temples spread across a plain next to the Irrawaddy River.
The temples date from the 11th to 13th Centuries and include ornate brickwork, hidden frescoes and gilded statues.
The best way to explore Bagan is to hire an e-bike and set off on your own, exploring the crumbling pagodas and monasteries at your own leisure.
Another popular (but pricey) option is to take a sunrise hot-air balloon ride over the site, which costs between $300 – $500 depending on the operator and time in the air.
The imposing Thatbyinyu Temple towers above the Bagan skyline. At five storeys, it is the tallest temple in Bagan and one of the most important historical sites in Myanmar. The temple was completed in 1151 under the orders of King Sithu I and is easily recognized for its white stucco exterior (compared to the more traditional red brick of the other Bagan temples)..
Ananda is another of Bagan’s important temple buildings. It was completed in 1105 during the reign of King Kyansittha. Ananda is notable for its cruciform shape, which houses four large statues of the Buddha, each facing one of the four points of the compass.
There are several myths surrounding the fate of the original architects of Ananda, and it is said that the monks who designed and built the temple were killed by the king and buried at the site to prevent a copy ever being made.
The temple is still used today, and you can see monks in their red robes filing in and out of the entrance on their way to collect alms.
Dhammayangyi is the largest of the Bagan temples and cuts an impressive site, with its terracotta glazed tiles rising above the plain next to the Irrawaddy. The temple was constructed in the mid 12th Century by King Narathu to atone for killing his father and brother in order to ascend the throne.
Mandalay Palace
Mandalay Palace is the last royal palace of the Burmese monarchy. It was completed in 1859 under the orders of King Mindon, one of the most popular royals, who made Mandalay the capital of Burma.
The palace was the final residence of King Thibaw, the last reigning monarch of the Konbaung Dynasty. In 1885 the palace was seized by the British and remained under occupation until Burmese independence.
As with many other historical sites in Myanmar, Mandalay Palace has been devastated by war and natural disaster. It was bombed during WWII and rebuilt in the 1990s, however the recent 2025 earthquake has destroyed parts of the palace.
Source: Unsplash.
Kyaiktiyo Pagoda (Golden Rock)
One of the most holy historical sites in Myanmar is Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, also known as “Golden Rock”. This is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists in Myanmar and also one of the top destinations for tourists.
The site is home to a large gold-leafed rock towering precipitously on the edge of a mountain. The site can be reached by a bumpy ride in the back of a flatbed truck, by cable car, or by hiking from the foot of the mountain (which takes 6-8 hours, compared to the hour truck journey).
There are hotels at the top of the mountain, meaning you can see the shimmering pagoda as the sun rises or sets, which is a truly magical experience.
Kanbawzathadi Palace
Kanbawzathadi Palace is one of the lesser-known historical sites in Myanmar, located in Bago, making it an easy day trip from Yangon.
The original palace was built in the 16th Century and served as the royal residence of the Mon Kingdom, but it was burned to the ground in 1599 during a Burmese invasion, destroying almost everything inside.
What you see today is a modern replica, reconstructed in the 1990s using historical records and archaeological findings.
With most of the original artifacts lost to the fire, the palace can feel a little underwhelming compared to some of Myanmar's more impressive sites — and it's fair to say it may not live up to expectations for everyone.
That said, it's still worth a visit if you're in the area. Walking through the ornate halls and gilded chambers gives you a sense of just how grand and magnificent the original palace must have been in its heyday, and that alone makes the trip worthwhile.
Kanbawzathadi Palace in Bago, Myanmar.
Taukkyan War Cemetery
Also reachable on a day trip from the capital, Taukkyan War Cemetery is one of the most poignant historical sites in Myanmar and one of several war cemeteries across Southeast Asia managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission — alongside Kranji in Singapore and Kanchanaburi in Thailand.
The cemetery is the largest of its kind in Myanmar and is immaculately maintained, with row upon row of white headstones set against manicured lawns.
It serves as the final resting place for thousands of Allied soldiers who lost their lives during the WWII Burma Campaign, and the sheer scale of it is quietly overwhelming.
Both locals and foreign visitors come here to pay their respects, and the atmosphere is generally one of quiet reflection.
What surprised me during my visit, though, was spotting several local couples using the peaceful, well-kept grounds as a rather unlikely romantic retreat — a reminder that this place, though solemn, has woven itself into the fabric of everyday life in Yangon.
Taukkyan War Cemetery in Myanmar.
Practical Tips for Visiting Myanmar in 2026
Visa: Citizens from ASEAN states can enter Myanmar visa-free for up to 30 days. For other nationalities, an e-visa is available, which costs $50 and takes around 3 days to approve.
Currency: Myanmar uses the Kyat (MMK), and there are 3 exchange rates, which can be a little confusing. The official rate is 2,100 Kyats to $1, the bank rate is 3,600, and the black market rate is around 4,000 to the dollar.
Conflict: Certain states, such as Rakhine, Chin and Kachin, are strictly off-limits to travelers. Check your country’s travel advisory and keep up-to-date with current events. The best way to ensure a safe trip is to employ a local guide.
Weather: Myanmar has a tropical climate with a long monsoon season (May to October). The best time to visit is in the cooler winter months from November to February.
Source: Depositphotos.
Conclusion
Even though Myanmar still faces many issues, exploring this fascinating land, dotted with ancient temples and unique cultures, is an incredibly rewarding experience and perfectly safe if you follow local advice.
From gilded pagodas to tranquil monasteries, Myanmar is packed with historical sites that are free from tourist hordes, and it represents one of the last truly off-the-beaten-path destinations left to discover.
Guest Author
Stephen Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has travelled to over 70 countries and currently lives in Yangon, Myanmar. Stephen has been interviewed numerous times by the BBC, starred in the US documentary Scariest Places in the World, and writes for various websites and publications in the travel industry.
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