The sunrise view from hot air balloon of thousands of temples spread in the Bagan valley is one of the most impressive views one can enjoy. Bagan was the capital of the first Myanmar (Burma) kingdom from the 9th to 13th centuries. It has the largest concentration of Buddhist temples and ruins in the world. At its highest point, the area had more than 10 thousand temples, of which less than 3 thousand remain today.

The sacred Popa Taung Kalat monastery sits incredibly atop a huge rocky outcrop. 777 steps lead to the top, offering stunning views of the surrounding plains and Mount Popa. Taung Kalat is one of the most sacred places in Myanmar. In addition to the Buddhist monastery, there are several Nat shrines (dedicated to spirits, worshiped in the country).

The Golden Rock is one of the most important Buddhist sites in Myanmar. The huge bolder, covered with golden leaf, is balancing on the edge of a rock since antiquity. Small pagoda (Kyaiktiyo Pagoda - 7 metres/24 ft) is built on top of the boulder.

The Shwedagon Pagoda is the most impressive and sacred Buddhist site in Myanmar. The pagoda is claimed to be 2,600 years old, but according to the historians and archaeologists it was built between 6th and 10th centuries. It has been damaged by earthquakes on several occasions and later rebuilt and raised higher, to its current height of 99 meters/325 ft.

Mandalay was the last Royal Capital of Myanmar/Burma, founded in mid 19 century. Close to Mandalay are the remains of other royal capitals, spanning the history from early 14th century: Sagaing, Inwa (1364), Amarapura (1783). The most amazing site in the area is the great pagoda in Mingun, unfinished and later damaged by earthquake (1839).