Located 11 km upriver from Mandalay, this enchanting former capital on the opposite side of the Irrawaddy River is something you absolutely must visit when staying in Myanmar (formerly Burma). It is possible to combine a visit to Mingun with a visit to Sagaing.
Mingun can be reached by boat from Mandalay and is famous for it's impressive unfinished pagoda, as well as for the Hsinbyume Pagoda.
My suggestion
Mingun can be toured in half a day. It's time enough to see the Mingun Paya - the unfinished pagoda - as well as the Hsinbyume Pagoda and Mingun clock tower, the biggest intact clock tower in the world.
Lorette Vinet
Travel writer
5
Located 11 km upriver from Mandalay, this enchanting former capital on the opposite side of the Irrawaddy River is something you absolutely must visit when staying in Myanmar (formerly Burma). It is possible to combine a visit to Mingun with a visit to Sagaing.
My suggestion
Take the boat to get there. It's not in the best condition, and it's very slow, but you have time to slowly – then, very quickly, almost impatiently – see the place you're heading for approaching.
After years of being ruled by the iron hand of a military junta, Burma has now opened up to democracy and become a fashionable Asian travel destination. But to practice responsible tourism, you still need to be careful not to feed the military junta's economy but instead ensure that the money you spend in the country goes directly into the pockets of local people.
Yangon is a town of contrasts reflected in its districts and its places of worship: pagodas, mosques, Anglican, apostolic, catholic churches, Hindu temples and a synagogue, coexisting in the same urban landscape, sometimes on the same pavement. Therefore, Yangon is a good start to perceive Myanmar's cultural mix, you only have to open the door.
Losing yourself in the splendid natural environment of Hpa-An has become a must-see during a visit to Burma. There are also numerous places of worship to discover in the four corners of this region. In my opinion, the best way to explore these two aspects is to hire a motorbike and go on an adventure!
The trek fills your trip with adventure but also enables you to come into contact with the country's nature and culture. This is the perfect opportunity to see a Myanmar far from urban rhythm and to reflect upon the impact of tourist activity and opening up the country on Burmese people, and upon the interest in travelling responsibly.