Naypyidaw
Naypyidaw is the official capital city of Myanmar and has been so since 2005, when it inherited the title from colorful, crowded and historic Yangon. Constructed between 2002 and 2012, the sprawling space cost between four and five billion dollars to build and is approximately six times the size of New York City with only 10% of the population (although many are skeptical of official population numbers and estimate the real figures to be even lower). Parliamentary buildings, government housing and high-rise hotels are vast in scale, yet eerily quiet. The designated districts are set far apart by 20-lane highways, which see little to no traffic and are rumored to be quick-escape runways in disguise.
So, why visit? For the Orwellian obscurity, of course. Curious travelers who err on the side of the esoteric will find intrigue in the purpose-built ghost-metropolis and the mind-boggling egocentricity of those in power.
Experiences
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Uppatasanti Paya
This gilded pagoda is a replica of Yangon’s famous Schwedagon Paya, though stands precisely a foot shorter. Much like the comparison between the former and current capital cities, Naypyidaw’s version is a poor imitation – hastily constructed, featureless and lacking any kind of atmosphere. Still, it makes for a poignant visit if not just for the stark contrast and is still very impressive when viewed from afar (the paya is also illuminated at night).
National Museum
Large and sparsely filled, Naypyidaw’s National Museum actually contains some truly beautiful historic artifacts, such as jewelry dating back to the 11th century and the Bagan period, to significant 40-million-year-old fossil finds, to 20th-century paintings by Burmese artists.
Water Fountain Garden
In the heart of the capital, you’ll find the Water Fountain Garden, which covers 165 acres. The grassy park includes ponds, swinging bridges, sculptures, a playground and even a water slide. The garish fountains are illuminated in the evening, which is the best time to visit, as locals comes to picnic, drink and dance into the night.
Defense Services Museum
The size of this museum complex is so immense, it’s worth a trip just to be taken aback by the sheer scale and how disproportionate that is to the number of visitors. Five giant exhibition halls contain displays on the history of defense in Myanmar, old military equipment and the three divisions of the Burmese military forces: army, navy and air force. As almost all exhibits are exclusively in Burmese and focus on the independence movement, this may lead you to (rightly) believe that the museum is a prime example of propaganda.
Myanmar Regions
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With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Trekking the Shan Hills with the Palaung People of Northern Myanmar
- Author
- Elisha Donkin
A trek through the Shan Hills of Myanmar leads to incredible scenery, historical perspective, and a deep, abiding understanding of the Palaung of Northern Myanmar.
The Jews of Yangon: A Look at Myanmar’s Smallest Religion
- Author
- Ronan O'Connell
The Musmeah Yeshua Synagogue serves a small, tight-knit community of 20, but the story and heritage of this site draws travelers from around the globe.
Four Luxe Riverboat Cruises in Myanmar
- Author
- Jim Algie
Myanmar riverboats have been traveling the Irawaddy since Burma’s colonial days, and these four are the premier luxury options for discerning travelers.
What Others Say
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Solo Traveler from Hong Kong
My Remote Lands guide was excellent in every sense. She was truly sensitive and instructive on local customs and their meanings and applications.
