Nyaung-U

Nyaung-U lies on the eastern bank of the Irrawaddy in the Mandalay Region and, with around 48,000 inhabitants, is the gateway town to the temple field of Bagan. Bagan was the capital of the first great Burmese empire from 1044 to 1297 under King Anawrahta and his successors. During its golden age (9th-13th centuries), more than 10,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas and monasteries were built across an area of 104 square kilometres, of which about 3,822 survive - the largest concentration of Buddhist monuments in the world. Bagan was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. The Mongols under Kublai Khan destroyed the capital in 1287. During British Burma (1886-1948) Nyaung-U developed as a railway junction. In August 2016 a magnitude 6.8 earthquake damaged numerous temples, and another major quake struck the region in March 2025.

Nearby cities

Mandalay

The second-largest city in the country, known for its rich history and culture.

Meiktila

A strategically important city in central Myanmar, on the shores of Lake Meiktila.

Myingyan

An industrial city in the Irrawaddy River valley, known for its cotton cultivation.

Pyin Oo Lwin

A scenic hill station near Mandalay, known for its pleasant climate.

Kalaw

A former British hill station offering cool climate, pine forests, and the starting point for famous treks to Inle Lake.

Inle Lake

A freshwater lake in Shan State, world-renowned for its leg-rowing fishermen, floating gardens, and stilt villages.

Magway

The capital of the Magway Region, known for the production of edible oil and sesame.

Pakokku

A bustling city on the Irrawaddy River, known for its trade in tobacco and cotton.

Monywa

A major commercial city on the Chindwin River, known for its giant Buddha statues.

Pyay

An important commercial city on the Irrawaddy River with ancient historical ruins nearby.

Pathein

A port city in the Irrawaddy Delta, famous for making traditional parasols.

Thandwe

A coastal town in Rakhine State, serving as the gateway to the famous Ngapali Beach.

Chaungtha

A lively beach popular with locals, known for its vibrant atmosphere, seafood, and family-friendly vibe.

Ngwe Saung

Known as 'Silver Beach', this destination offers endless sandy shores and a relaxed vibe near the Delta.

Hinthada

A bustling city in the Ayeyarwady Region, famous for its rice farming.

History & landmarks

Popa Taungkalat

A Buddhist monastery spectacularly perched on top of a steep volcanic plug.

Nature

Irrawaddy River

Myanmar's most important and longest river, serving as a commercial waterway and lifeline of the country.

Chindwin River

The largest tributary of the Irrawaddy, flowing through picturesque valleys and dense jungles in the west.

Irrawaddy Delta

A massive, low-lying river delta formed by the Irrawaddy River dividing into multiple branches before reaching the Andaman Sea.

More places

Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary

A nature reserve in central Myanmar established to provide a habitat for the critically endangered Burmese star tortoises.

Mount Popa

An extinct volcano in central Myanmar, known as a sacred site for the veneration of Nat spirits.

Popa Mountain National Park

A protected area around Mount Popa, preserving rare plants and animals of the dry zone.

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Myingyan Steel Mill

A state-owned industrial hub for steel production in the Mandalay Region, built to meet domestic demand for construction materials.

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Tagaung Taung Nickel Mine

A major ferronickel mining and smelting project in the Mandalay Region, primarily destined for export.

Yeywa Hydropower Plant

One of Myanmar's main hydropower plants, located on the Myitnge River, feeding a large part of the national power grid.

Mogok Ruby Mines

A world-famous mining area in the Mandalay Region that has supplied the world's most sought-after pigeon's blood rubies for centuries.

Shwezigon Pagoda

A significant Buddhist shrine in Nyaung-U near Bagan, serving as the prototype for many later Burmese stupas.