The Best Places To Watch The Sunset In Myanmar

There are several reasons why Myanmar is globally recognised as the ‘Golden Land’. It’s a country with a wealth of natural resources, shimmery pagodas, extraordinary beauty and some of the world’s richest sunsets. Here are the top spots to watch the sun go down in Myanmar.

Mount Popa is a dream at dusk

Mount Popa is a well-known pilgrimage site for nat (spirits associated with Buddhist belief in Myanmar) worshippers. Locals often refer to both the volcano and its neighbouring volcanic plug as Mount Popa.

Hiking up Mount Popa or ‘Mother Mountain’ to catch a sunset smoldering over the expanse of the Myingyan Plain is worth the effort. Taung Kalat Monastery located up 777 steps at the top of the nearly 2,500-foot volcanic plug is definitely the focal point from this perspective.

A private taxi for a half-day trip from Bagan to Mount Popa and back can be arranged for approximately US $40.

Taung Kalat Monastery on Mount Popa against a backdrop of sunset in Myanmar

Evenings on Inle Lake come in gentle, golden waves

Basking in a calm sunset on Inle Lake as fishermen prepare to head home and stilted villages get ready to settle down for the night is the perfect way to end a long day of sightseeing by motorboat. Grab a bottle of wine (or three) from nearby Red Mountain Estate Vineyards and Winery, pack a light picnic dinner and let the sunset lap against the boat as it pours over the surrounding hills of Shan State. An all-day boat rental from Nyaungshwe starts at approximately US $15.

Inle Lake fishermen basking in the sunset before finishing for the day

Sunset meets luxury on Ngapali Beach, Myanmar

Ngapali Beach promises sunset views dipped in luxury. Some of Myanmar’s most exclusive resorts can be found on this short strip of stunning white sand. If a more affordable but just as nice of a glimpse of the sunset is desired, there are some midrange accommodations available at Ngapali or venture to Ngwe Saung Beach instead.

Myanmar women walking along Ngapali Beach at sunset

1. The oohs and aahs of twilight at U Bein Bridge

Bridge

After walking along the world’s longest and oldest teakwood bridge that spans nearly 4,000 feet over Taungthaman Lake near Mandalay, grab a shoreline seat to watch an absolutely mesmerising show. The large columns of U Bein Bridge – and the hustle of people walking, biking and carrying goods across them – become the main characters of a performance spectacularly highlighted with the setting sun as its backdrop.

The Shwedagon Pagoda is even more dazzling at sunset

The golden hour is certainly the recommended time of day to fully appreciate the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon. Temperatures are cooler, there are many people dressed in gorgeous local attire to observe and the colours of sunset combined with the goldenness of the Shwedagon’s stupas make for a truly awesome sight.

Pour water over a statue of Buddha in the area that goes with the day of the week you were born, and then locate a step to sit on and watch night fall upon this ancient marvel. Foreigners pay approximately US $10 to enter.