The Buddhist land of Myanmar, where divine wonders unfold along flower-lined paths
Last updated 2026-09-24 — Before visiting Myanmar, you might wonder what there is to see in such a closed-off and underdeveloped country. But once you set foot on its soil, you’ll be amazed by how everything here is truly eye-opening. Upon arriving in Myanmar, you may need a...
Written by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Jiang Yuren
Before visiting Myanmar, you might wonder what there is to see in such a closed-off and underdeveloped country. But once you set foot on its soil, you’ll be amazed by how everything here is truly eye-opening. Upon arriving in Myanmar, you may need a little time to calm down from the indescribable grandeur of the stupas, then gradually immerse yourself in the serene and picturesque landscapes. In the end, you’ll discover that the most captivating aspect of Myanmar is actually the simple, kind-hearted local culture deeply influenced by Buddhism.
The Bagan stupa complex scattered across the plains bears a distant resemblance to the Hoodoo rock formations in America’s Monument Valley. (Photo by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Jiang Yuren)
It is precisely Myanmar’s thatched roofs, wild grass, and dusty earth that create the country’s resplendent golden splendor. Though this may sound paradoxical, the Burmese are content with their humble homes and tattered clothes, while dedicating what they believe to be the most precious things in the world to the Buddha. As a result, Myanmar’s Buddhist architecture is undoubtedly one of the most magnificent, diverse, and unbelievable religious structures in the world.
The spiritual capital of Myanmar: Yangon
Over 80% of Myanmar’s population practices Theravada Buddhism. In towns and villages across the country, it’s common to see monks in vermilion robes carrying alms bowls. The devotion of the locals is further exemplified by the Burmese custom that “every man must become a monk three times in his life.”
Burmese people believe that praying and pouring water on the Buddha statue corresponding to their zodiac animal at the Shwedagon Pagoda can bring them good fortune. (Photo by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Jiang Yuren)
Before Myanmar’s capital was moved to Naypyidaw in 2005, Yangon had always been the country’s capital. However, what the military government relocated was merely the government institutions and the title of capital. For the Burmese people, Yangon—with the Shwedagon Pagoda—remains their spiritual home.
Legend has it that the Shwedagon Pagoda was built during the lifetime of the Buddha. At that time, the king of the Yangon region constructed the stupa on a hilltop to enshrine eight strands of the Buddha’s sacred hair. Over the centuries, successive rulers renovated and expanded it, eventually reaching its current height of 98 meters. Today, almost no high-rise buildings can be seen in Yangon, partly because no structure is allowed to exceed the height of the Shwedagon Pagoda—this speaks volumes about its significance in the hearts of the Burmese.
The Shwedagon Pagoda is not only breathtaking in size but also astonishingly opulent. The main stupa has a circumference of about 433 meters, and walking around it takes roughly ten minutes. Surrounding it are 68 smaller stupas, symbolizing the 68 disciples of the Buddha. The outer surface of the stupa is covered with pure gold blocks, its top inlaid with 5,448 diamonds and 2,317 rubies, and the spire crowned with a massive 76-carat diamond. This single stupa could rightly be called “wealthy enough to rival a nation.”
The glistening Shwezigon Pagoda was built by Myanmar’s most illustrious king, Anawrahta, starting in 1059 and completed in 1090. (Photo by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Jiang Yuren)
However, what makes the Shwedagon Pagoda so moving is not its dazzling exterior, but an indescribable sacred atmosphere. Here, thousands of pilgrims from all over Myanmar come to worship at any given time, as if this were the center of the universe, drawing countless stars to orbit around it. Devotees kneel in devout prayer, finding the Buddha statue corresponding to their zodiac animal (the Burmese zodiac follows a seven-day cycle, with two animals for Wednesdays) among the eight cardinal directions of the pagoda. They offer flowers, make wishes, pour water on the statues, and complete this lifelong ritual.
After walking around once, you’ll likely be deeply moved by the overwhelming presence of faith. While it may be too soon to speak of spiritual cleansing or enlightenment, the visual impact and solemn atmosphere are sure to leave a lasting impression for years to come.
The wonder of 4 million stupas: Bagan
If you’ve come to Myanmar specifically for its stupas, the dreamlike stupa clusters of Bagan will captivate you. Though the stupas of Bagan are smaller than those of Yangon’s Shwedagon Pagoda and not as numerous as those in Mandalay, their density is astounding—you’ll likely encounter a stupa every ten steps.
The Ananda Temple is considered the most exquisite structure on the Bagan Plain, built by Kyanzittha, the son of Anawrahta. (Photo by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Jiang Yuren)
Bagan was the capital of Myanmar’s most glorious Bagan Dynasty. Successive emperors, all devout followers of Theravada Buddhism, built stupas on this plain to accumulate merit. Influenced by the rulers’ example, everyone from high-ranking officials to commoners regarded stupa construction as the most important endeavor of their lives. Although the Bagan Dynasty fell to Kublai Khan’s Yuan Dynasty in 1287, the remaining ochre-colored stupas, resembling a forest of stone tablets, remain striking and have earned Bagan the nickname “City of 4 Million Stupas.”
In Theravada Buddhist doctrine, there are five Buddhas in the universe. Aside from the future Buddha yet to appear, four have already descended to the world. Thus, the bases of Bagan’s stupas are built on four sides, with fixed Buddha statues in the east, south, west, and north representing the four past Buddhas.
Burmese puppetry, originating as court entertainment in the 4th century, is today Myanmar’s most distinctive folk performance. It includes dramas, martial arts acts, and comedies—all featuring music but no dialogue, emphasizing the puppets’ movements. The performances are usually short, fast-paced, and highly entertaining. (Photo by TRAVELER Luxe Traveler Jiang Yuren)
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