The main and famous central heritage attraction in Myanmar is Bagan, the ancient city of 9th century. It was the capital of first Myanmar Empire founded by King Anawratha (1044-1077 AD). Bagan is situated on the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwaddy River in the central plains of Myanmar. Bagan covers an area of 42 sq-km containing over 2000 religious edifices. The Majority of these well preserved temples and pagodas offer rich archaeological heritage from the 11th to 13th centuries era. Bagan's richness in cultural heritage is comparable with Angkor Wat of Combodia and Borobudur of Indonesia. Among the significant temples and pagodas are Ananda Temple, Thatbyinnyu Temple, Gubyaukgyi temple, Htilominlo Temple, Dhammayangyi Temple and Shwezigon Pagoda.

Ananda Temple - Ananda Temple is one of the finest, largest and best preserved of the Bagan temples. It was built by King Kyanzittha in 1105 AD and contains statues of Buddha and stone sculptures of exquisite workmanship representing various scenes in Buddha's life. It is one of few hollow pagodas and is perfectly proportioned temple that holds the stylistic end of the Early Bagan period and the beginning of the Middle period. The Ananda Temple was built after the Shwezigon in 1090, is the masterpiece of the early temple architecture.

Shwezigon pagoda - Shwezigon Pagoda is located in the town of Nyaung Oo, four miles to the northeast of the ancient city of Bagan. It is 160 feet high and 160 feet wide at the base. Built in the early Bagan period on an open plain, this pagoda inspires faith even today, bringing joy to the hearts of monks and laymen alike as they behold its brilliant golden colour.

Thatbyinnyu Temple - The highest temple in Bagan, the "omniscient" temple rises to 61 metres (200 feet) and was built by Alaungsithu around the mid-12th century. Repairs to earthquake damage were being completed in 1979. Slightly south-west of the Thatbyinnyu, in a monastery compound, there is stone supports which once held the temple's huge bronze bell. North-east of the temple stands a small "tally pagoda" which was built of one brick for every 10,000 bricks used in the main temple.

Dhammayazaka Pagoda - Dhammayazaka Pagoda was recognized in 1198 by King Narapati Sithu. On the stone tablets of the Pagoda, the name was fixed as Dhammayazaka. At first glance looking much like the famous Shwezigon, the Dhammayazaka is unusual because it has pentagonal veranda instead of the usual square ones. Above the three receding terraces, which are decorated with glazed Jataka plaques, raises a bell-shaped dome, which merges directly into a sharply tapering conical finial.

Dammayangyi Temple - Dammayangyi Temple is the biggest of the kind built by King Narathu. The huge structure of the temple contains interesting puzzles like a labyrinth or a maze. There are two corridors running parallel but only the outer corridor provides access. The inner corridor is a dead end and has no entry.

Lawkananda Pagoda - The Lawkananda Stupa is believed to have been built in 1059 by King Anawrahta. It is located on a promontory above a small bay in the east bank of the Ayeyarwaddy that probably served as a port for Bagan and marked the southern extent of the city. Today, the structure displays a columnar bell with vertical sides resting upon three octagonal terraces, two of which are connected by a short staircase. The exterior decoration or this stupa has been repeatedly refurnished and changed over time and has recently been encased in gilded metal plaques.

Nan Phaya Temple - This temple is one of the rare types of temples where stone was widely used. Though the main structure is brick, soft sandstone was also added for aesthetic purposes. With perforated windows and carved stone relief, Nanpaya Temple is an example of workmanship from the early Bagan period.

Archaeological museum - The museum run by Archaeological Department is situated near the Gawdawpalin Temple. It has a collection of more than 2,000 items including Buddha statues, stucco pieces, terra-cotta cups and pots. Open daily except Monday and public holidays.

Sulamani Temple - The Sulamani (occasionally Sulamuni) Guphaya, or Pahto, is one of Bagan's premier temple attractions. The name itself means Crowning Jewel or Small Ruby. It was the first and most important temple of the late period (1170-1300) of Bagan monument building. It was one of many temples and stupas built by Narapatisithu. This temple is similar to Htilominlo and the Gawdawpalin in architecture but with better interior lighting. It stands beyond the Dhammayangyi Temple. Important features of the Sulamani include its fine brickwork and use of stone in both load-bearing areas as well as on vulnerable external corner elements. The interior was once painted with fine frescoes but only dim traces can be seen today.

Around Bagan

Mount Popa - About 67km southeast of Bagan is Mount Popa, an extinct volcano over 1,500 metres high, rising out of the plains. It is famed as the abode of the Mahagiri Nats or Spirit gods to whom the Kings of Bagan paid annual homage and their shrines can be seen at a nearby rocky crag. Mount Popa area is also a National Park for eco-tourism.

Natmataung / .Mt. Victoria - Mount. Victoria is situated in the Chin Hills. With the height of about 3000 metres, Mount Victoria is the highest in lower Myanmar. Apart from trekking, its flora and fauna are the attractions. It is also the place for hiking to nearby villages observing the local life and bird watching. Mindat is a small town at the base of Mt. Victoria. Traditional Chin Culture is found in the Mindat region. Chin women with tattooed faces can be seen in nearby villages around Mt. Victoria.