Myanmar’s tourism industry experienced a significant revival in 2023, welcoming over 1.28 million international tourists, marking a five-fold increase compared to 2022. This surge can be attributed to the easing of visa restrictions, making it easier for visitors to explore the country’s rich cultural heritage. By January 11, 2024, 288,902 foreign tourists had already visited Myanmar under the relaxed visa policy.
Despite the positive tourism figures, Myanmar’s economy is facing challenges. Elevated conflicts and political instability are expected to slow down real GDP growth to 0.9% in 2023/24. These conflicts have led to a decline in domestic demand and disruptions in supply chains.
Myanmar boasts three international airports, serving as gateways for visitors exploring its diverse attractions. The country is also home to several domestic airlines, including Mingalar, the rebranded Air Kanbawza, which started domestic scheduled services in 2011 and launched its first international route to Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2016.
Other domestic airlines include Mann Yadanarpon, operating since 2014, and Air Bagan, based in Yangon and offering scheduled international services mainly to Southeast Asian destinations. Myanmar Airways International, the flag carrier of Myanmar, also provides scheduled services to domestic and regional destinations in Asia.
Myanmar offers a plethora of captivating attractions for tourists. The Shwedagon Paya, one of Buddhism’s most sacred sites, is a must-visit. This magnificent stupa, adorned with 27 metric tons of gold leaf and thousands of diamonds and gems, is believed to house strands of Gautama Buddha’s hair and relics of three former Buddhas. Visitors can ascend the main terrace via four entrance stairways, experiencing the serene atmosphere, particularly at dawn or sunset when the golden stupa glows in vibrant hues.
For panoramic views of Mandalay’s sprawling landscape, climb the 760ft Mandalay Hill. The ascent via covered stairways takes about 30 minutes, offering a unique experience. Two main southern stairways lead to a shrine with a large standing Buddha, pointing towards the royal palace. Steeper stairways from the north and west provide alternative routes, offering quieter climbs.
In Inwa, the 1834-built teak monastery, supported by 267 teak posts, creates a cool and dark prayer hall adorned with peacock and lotus-flower motifs. Despite the constant flow of visitors, it remains a living monastery with a school section for novice monks.
The Ananda Pahto temple in Bagan, built between 1090 and 1105, is a masterpiece of architecture and artistry. This temple features a perfect Greek cross layout and is decorated with 554 glazed tiles depicting scenes from the Jataka tales. Inside, four 31ft-tall standing Buddhas face outward, with the original Bagan-style images on the north and south sides.
Another notable temple in Bagan is the massive 12th-century Thatbyinnyu temple, known for its bricked-up inner passageways and a history shrouded in mystery. The temple features intricate mortar work and some intact stucco reliefs and paintings.
For adventurous travelers, Mt Victoria in Chin State offers a challenging yet rewarding climb. This mountain, the highest peak in Chin State, is covered in rhododendron trees that bloom in vibrant colors between October and February. The two- to three-hour climb to the twin summits can be accessed from the town of Kanpetlet, and guided tours are recommended due to the lack of public transport.
The Mahamuni Paya is home to a nationally celebrated 13ft-tall seated Buddha, believed to be 2000 years old. Centuries of votary gold leaf have left the figure covered in a 6in layer of pure gold. The statue, seized by King Bodawpaya in 1784, is surrounded by fascinating historical artifacts.
Finally, the Shwethalyaung Buddha, a massive reclining Buddha rediscovered in 1881, is a sight to behold. Measuring 180ft long and 53ft high, this statue, built by the Mon king Mgadeikpa in the 10th century, was overgrown by jungle after Bago’s destruction in 1757. The pavilion and mosaics added in the 1900s enhance the statue’s grandeur.
