Best things to do in Naypyitaw
Find out more about those top places in Naypyitaw
Naypyitaw, Myanmar: The Capital That Sprang From Nowhere (Think Gleaming Pagodas, Gigantic Gardens, and Maybe a Gemstone Shopping Spree!) - Your Hilariously Honest Travel Guide to This Planned Paradise!
Mingalaba from Naypyitaw, the intriguing capital city of Myanmar! Now, this isn't your average capital that just sort of… happened. Naypyitaw is a meticulously planned city, strategically located outside of any state or region, stepping into the administrative big leagues in 2006 and taking the capital crown from Yangon. The reason for this grand relocation? Apparently, Naypyitaw was deemed more centrally located – think of it as Myanmar's geographic sweet spot!
Now, being a city that was basically drawn up on a blueprint, there's a common misconception floating around that it might not exactly be a tourist hotspot. But hold your longyis (traditional Burmese wraps!), because that perception has been proven hilariously wrong by the thousands of curious visitors who flock here yearly. Naypyitaw might be planned, but it's certainly not boring!
So, what are the top attractions and must-see places to visit in this carefully constructed capital? Well, prepare to be dazzled by the gleaming splendor of the Uppatasanti Pagoda, a magnificent golden temple that will have your camera working overtime. For a splash of fun and a whole lot of water, the Water Fountain Garden is a sprawling oasis of choreographed water displays that are surprisingly captivating. And for those with a penchant for sparkle and shine, the Gem Museum is a treasure trove of Myanmar's precious stones – you might just leave with a serious case of gem envy (or a new sparkly souvenir!).
But Naypyitaw offers more than just its headline attractions. As a planned city, it boasts wide, orderly boulevards (a welcome change from the usual Asian city chaos!), meticulously manicured parks, and a sense of spaciousness that's quite unique. You can rent a bicycle and explore its surprisingly green spaces, marvel at the grand scale of its government buildings, and experience a different side of Myanmar – one that's both modern and deeply rooted in tradition. While it might not have the same bustling street life as Yangon, Naypyitaw offers a fascinating glimpse into Myanmar's vision for the future.
Our hilarious (and incredibly helpful!) travel guide is here to navigate you through the best places to visit and the most exciting things to do in this planned paradise. Get ready for some truly unique sightseeing, from marveling at grand pagodas and enjoying dazzling water displays to exploring gem-filled museums and experiencing the city's unique urban design, all while uncovering the top attractions that make Naypyitaw a truly special and hilariously intriguing destination.
Top Attractions: Pagodas, Fountains, and Fabulous Gems!
Naypyitaw offers a unique blend of grand structures and planned beauty:
Uppatasanti Pagoda: Gleaming Golden Wonder
Marvel at the magnificent Uppatasanti Pagoda, a stunning golden temple and a must-see attraction for your Naypyitaw sightseeing.
Water Fountain Garden: Choreographed Aquatic Displays
Enjoy the impressive Water Fountain Garden, a sprawling park with captivating choreographed water shows. A top thing to do for a relaxing and visually appealing experience.
Gem Museum: A Treasure Trove of Sparkle
Explore the Gem Museum, showcasing Myanmar's precious stones and offering a chance to admire (or purchase!) dazzling gems. A key place to visit for those interested in jewelry and geology.
National Landmark Garden: Miniature Myanmar
Discover the National Landmark Garden, featuring miniature replicas of Myanmar's most famous landmarks. A noteworthy place to visit for a quick overview of the country's highlights.
Zoological Garden and Safari Park: Wildlife Encounters
Spend a day at the Zoological Garden and Safari Park, home to a variety of animals and offering a safari experience. A great thing to do for families and wildlife enthusiasts.
Things to Do Beyond the Iconic Landmarks (and within this planned paradise!):
Our travel guide wouldn't be complete without suggesting some other fantastic things to do to truly experience the Naypyitaw vibe:
- Cycle Around the City: Explore Naypyitaw's wide boulevards and green spaces by bicycle.
- Visit the National Museum: Delve into Myanmar's history and culture.
- Explore the Local Markets: Discover local crafts and produce.
- Admire the Government Buildings: Marvel at the grand scale of the city's administrative architecture.
- Enjoy the Peace and Quiet: Experience the unique tranquility of this planned capital.
So, if you're looking for places to visit that offer a different perspective on a capital city, with grand structures, unique attractions, and a sense of planned serenity, Naypyitaw, Myanmar, is calling your name! Our travel guide promises an unforgettable adventure filled with surprising sightseeing and exciting things to do. Just be prepared for wide open spaces – and maybe bring your sunglasses for all that golden pagoda gleam! Мингалаба! (Greetings!)
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Uppatasanti Pagoda
Undoubtedly Naypyitaw most remarkable attraction – the Uppatasanti Pagoda is a 325 feet (99.06 meters) golden Buddha temple standing at almost the same height as the Shwedagon Pagoda Yangon. Also, called the "Peace Pagoda", it was built in March 2009 - its interiors are decorated with carved stoned murals depicting crucial moments in Myanmar’s Buddhist history and that of Buddha as well. If you are interested, you can head over to the east side of the temple to see some white elephants.
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Water Fountain Garden
A must visit for anyone planning to see Naypyitaw, the 165-acre garden is one of the most visited destinations in the capital city. Situated near the Naypyitaw City Hall it was built by the government as a place for relaxation and leisure, the Water Fountain Garden contains a diverse range of things including several fountains, boasting ponds, a 30-foot-high clock tower, stone gardens, recreation centers and sculptures. Established in 2008, the park provides a family friendly place to relax and maybe have a picnic.
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National Museum
With the history of Myanmar being so complex and diverse, it is better to visit the National Museum to get direct information about the history of the city and country you are visiting. Located near the Kumdudura circle in Ottarathiri Township, the museum finally opened on the 15 July 2015, after taking over 5 years to be constructed. Dedicated to showcasing Myanmar’s fascinating history, the museum is divided into five wings (A, B, C, D and E) - Its major attractions are 40-million-year-old anthropoid jawbones, stone age tools and a collection of traditional Myanmar paintings.
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The Gem Museum
Situated in a four-story building in Zabuthri Township, the Gem Museum is the most beautiful place in the Naypyitaw- it is dedicated to precious Burmese gem stones. Decorated with large wall glasses, the museum features several jewels like sapphire, ruby and pearls, you can also visit its gem mart that consist of about 82 stores selling most of the precious stones. The Gem Museum is the location for the semi-annual Myanmar Gems Emporium that features jewelry and gem experts from around the world.
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Myoma Market
The city of Naypyitaw is generally very calm with relatively peaceful areas, so you hardly find the hustle and bustle familiar with other Asian capitals. If you want to experience something similar to that then Myoma Market is your best bet, filled with buyers trying to bargain their way to best prices, the market is the commercial center of Naypyitaw. You would find items ranging from traditional attires to food stuff at this market.