About 11km trip up-river from Mandalay on the opposite bank of the AYEYARWADDY River is the pleasant and peaceful MINGUN Village. This 45 minute memorable journey gives visitors a fascinating experience of life along the river. It is home to the 90 tons weigh World's Biggest Ringing Bell as well as the World's Largest but Unfinished pagoda. History had succeeded in his great plan; this Pagoda mightr now have been the World's Largest Pagoda. Unfortunately, King Bodaw Phaya died around 1819 before the construction, and leaving it as a huge brick base that stands about a third of its intended hight.
 

Situated some 136km Northwest of Mandaly, Monywar is the center of the Chinswin Valley. Being the second largest river of Myanmar, Chindwin is now important for agricultural trading in the area, specially beans, pulses, cotton, flour and edible oils. History has it that Monywa was founded in the Pugan Era ( 1044-1287) and it was formerly called "THALARWADDY". It is noted for its unusually Temples. One of the most famous is THANBODDHA TEMPLE, which is vaguely reminiscent of INDONESIA'S BOGOBUDUR because of similarities in its architectural design. KYAUKKA BILLAGE, some 165km east of Monywa, is also famous for its lacquer ware cottage industry since the Konbaung era. Its lacquer wares are said to be linked to the Siamese styles that existed before the Pugan artisans. Another highlight of Monywa is the crater lake of TWIN HILL. According to geologists, it was the effect of an extinct volcano some five million years ago. But another version said that it was the effect of a meteorite, and rainfall subsequently filled the crater to from a lake, whatever the source, there is now an algae processing plants there which became the only site in Myanmar for spirulina produces. If you across the Chindwin River by short ferry, followed by a 25km drive will reach PHO WIN TAUNG, impressive sandstone caves contain Buddha Statues, wood carvings and murals dating back 14th to 16th centuries. Just beyond Pho Win Taung is SHWEBA TAUNG, which features unique pavilions cut out of the surrounding sandstone to house Buddha Images.
 

Until lately, it was not so easy to get information about the ancient city MRAUK U and the area was not so accessible. Although it is often recommended to the adventurous travelers, MRAUK U is a growing destination in Myanmar. It has been described as a "Lost City" and the boat trip from archeological site of Wethali, another ancient capital of Rakkhine kingdom dating back to the 4th century. Sittway- RAKHINE (formerly ARAKAN), unspoiled and unexplored, has until recently hidden some of the country's best-kept secrets. SITTWAY is the capital of Rakhine State and has several interesting Pagodas and a fascinating Monastery on the main street. The abbot and other monks have a wonderful collection of Buddha Images and it is well worth spending some time exploring their "MUSEUM". Some Images are copies but many are originals dating from the 15th century. Another highlight of SITTWAY is the beach where a promontory makes and ideal place to sit and absorb the sunset. The rock formations around the promontory are interesting and a stunning black sand beach stretches as far as the eye can see. SITTWAY is the gateway to MRAUK U. The 5-hour trip up-river from SITTWAY to MRAUK U affords an insight into life on the river and surrounding countryside.
 

KYAIKHTIYO PAGODA, known as "Golden Rock," perches on the edge of a cliff at the top of Kyaikhto mountains range, part of the Eastern Yoma. This magnificent "Golden Rock" is the most meditative and popular tourist attraction in Mon State. A small Stupa rests on top of a big boulder covered in gold leaf, which balances on the cliff thanks to a Sacred Hair of the Buddha enshrined or preserved inside the Stupa. KYAIKHTIYO is 160 km from YANGON and is an important place of pilgrimage for all Buddhists. It can be reached either by car or by train. Devotees usually climb uphill about 13 km on foot from the base-camp. There is a well-beaten path up to the top of the mountain from the base-camp called Kinpun. However, a motor road has been built recently up to the next camp called Yathetaung (about 45-minute drive), from where it takes another 45-minute to walk up. All the tiredness along the way disappears once one reaches the top since a spectacular view awaits there, especially at sunrise or sunset. It is said that on a clear day one can see the ANDAMAN SEA glistening in the distance.
 

Pyin Oo Lwin is its original name meaning a highland plain. It is surrounded by tree-clad low mountains ranges. The drive up thickly-forested hills is sure to be a very pleasant and unforgettable experience to all tourists. The climate of Pyin Oo Lwin is so fine that the town was designated as the summer seat of government during the British rule of Myanamr. It chief attractions besides the cool climate are the Royal Lake where flowers are blooming at all times and the Botanical Gardens adjoining it. There are other places of interest in the vicinity of the town such as the Pwaykauk Waterfalls and the Peikchinmyaung Cave. Other famous products of Pyin Oo Lwin include aster flowers, coffee powder, damson fruits and preserves and tomatoes. Mt.Popa- Mount Popa, located 67km southeast of Bagan, is the core of an extinct volcano. However the centerpiece of this is a solitary peak (known as Popa Taung Kalat in Myanmar) rising 737m abruptly from the surrounding flat plain. This is the sacred home of what is known as NATS (spirits) - a collection of 37 magical spirits both feared and honoured by some Myanmar people. They still believe that nats can make life difficult if they are not accorded sufficient respect. Thousands of Myanmar gathers here twice yearly to honour the spirits and attend the festivals (May/June). Mount Popa is so lush and green that it is called the Oasis of the Dry Zone. Mt. Popa is established as the National Park for medicinal herbs, sandalwood plantation and reforestation projects. It can be visited on a day trip from BAGAN or as a brief stop en route to MANDALAY.
 

Kalaw is located about 71 km west of Taunggyi, just about half-way along the Thazi-Taunggyi road. It is a peaceful and quiet summer resort nestled in pine-clad Shan Plateau. Being at an altitude of 1320m, Kalaw is pleasantly cool all-year-round and ideal place for trekking to interesting hill-tribes living in the surrounding mountains of Kalaw. These hill-tribes in their colourful costumes coming to Kalaw market add to the tranquil lure of Kalaw. Pindaya- Pindaya is a small picturesque town, situated about 45km north of Kalaw. The journey from junction road AUNG PAN to PINDAYA is breathtaking in many ways with panoramic mountain views; said to be resembled the southern parts of Italy. Pindaya is noted for its natural limestone Caves housing over 8,000 Buddha Images of various sizes, made from teak, lacquer, marble, alabaster and cement, and a picturesque Bouketaloke lake surrounded by shady giant Banyan trees. On market days, one can find different races residing in the region gathered at the market, buying and selling the products of the area. It is also possible to trek to surrounding Danu, Palaung, Pa-O and Taungyo villages.
 

The Inlay Lake is one of the chief tourist attractions of Northern Myanmar. It lies over 2900 ft. above sea level and is surrounded by mountains. The Inlay region teems with exotic sights and experiences. There must be few places indeed that can beat Inlay in providing rest and recreation to travel-weary tourists. Speedboating cross a vast, clear and calm expanse of water among blue, mountain ranges itself is a thrilling experience rarely encountered in humdrum city life. One sight that will rivet your attention is a leg-rower, the most famous and unique feature of Inlay. Another unique sight is that of floating islands made up of compost and silt. Another unusual attraction of Inlay is its floating markets.