The top pick for first-time Nay Pyi Taw visitors is the Uppatasanti Pagoda, a replica of Yangon’s famed Shwedagon Pagoda—with two key differences. First, there are no crowds to contend with, and second, you can enter the stupa (dome-shaped structure) to gaze at carvings of the “Jakata Tales” along the walls. These ancient moral fables feature the many incarnations of the Buddha, who always manages to bring about a happy resolution.

Many visitors have also been astonished by the expanse of Nay Pyi Taw’s famed 20-lane highway. Rumour has it that the highway doubles up as a plane runway in case of national emergencies. As there is minimal oncoming traffic to worry about, this spot is a favourite for Nay Pyi Taw photos. However, note that you might be approached by a police officer and asked to leave!

The Nay Pyi Taw highway leads to another attraction that has been open to the public since 2015—Myanmar’s sprawling parliament complex known as The Hluttaw, pronounced as “lu taw”. It is made up of 31 buildings set on 800 acres of land,slightly smaller than New York’s Central Park, with the Presidential Palace nearby. To gain entry to the Hluttaw, you will need to ask a local contact (e.g. your hotel concierge or tour agent) to apply for a permit on your behalf, at least five days in advance.

To see more of the local way of life instead, take a 20-minute drive into Pyinmana, a busy town by Naypyitaw standards. Here, you can check out heritage buildings, people-watch, and slurp up a delicious bowl of mohinga (rice noodles and fish soup) at a local stall.

 Get directions to Uppatasanti Pagoda

Get directions to The Hluttaw (Parliament)

Get directions to Pyinmana

If you’re feeling indulgent and prefer to sample an international spread, head to PARKROYAL Nay Pyi Taw’s Taw Win Brasserie. Look out for their BBQ Thursdays, touted as the “ultimate international barbecue buffet,” featuring imported meats, fresh seafood, and other goodies straight from the grill.

For the culturally adventurous, be sure to soak in the colours and fanfare of Myoma Market, with hundreds of greengrocer stalls, street food stands, and much more—flowers, clothes, hardware, you name it, they’ve got it. The market is open daily but the operating hours may vary, so check with your hotel for the most current opening times.  

 For more shopping options, read our article on Best Shopping Options in Nay Pyi Taw.

Get directions to Maw Khan Nong

Get directions to Myoma Market