Naypyidaw Travel Guide: Discovering A Weird Capital Of Myanmar

Naypyidaw, known as the "Royal City of the Sun," is a fascinating place to visit on your Myanmar journey. This sprawling metropolis captivates visitors with its absurdly grandiose scale and meticulously planned infrastructure. As you navigate its wide eight-lane highways, you'll witness a city that embodies modernity and progress. Naypyitaw's 24-hour electricity ensures an uninterrupted experience as you explore its diverse zones, housing everything from shopping centers to government complexes, hotels, and ministries.

Among its sights, a colossal gilded pagoda provides a remarkable opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and engage with friendly people. This article will serve as your guide to exploring this peculiar city, and the top things to do in Naypyidaw, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of its location and tourism.  

Insider's Guide to Naypyidaw: Essential Information for Explorers

The history of Naypyidaw, Myanmar

Naypyidaw's story begins in 2005 when it unexpectedly became the capital of Myanmar, replacing Yangon. Built from scratch, Naypyidaw was designed to reflect the government's vision, with an emphasis on grandeur, order, and control. 

Naypyidaw's peculiarities are evident as you explore its wide streets and massive infrastructure. Tourists will be mesmerized by the architectural marvels, including the massive parliament building, presidential palace, and numerous ministries that showcase the country's aspirations. 

The history of Naypyidaw, Myanmar

Naypyitaw weather overview: The best time to visit Naypyitaw

Naypyidaw in Myanmar has a humid subtropical climate characterized by distinctive seasonal changes throughout the year. With an average year-round precipitation of 1,151mm (45.3 inches), the city experiences a contrast in weather patterns compared to the coastal regions of Myanmar owing to its inland location. 

Naypyidaw has three distinct seasons: a dry season, an intense and scorching hot season, and a rainy season. The optimal time to visit this city is from December to January when the weather strikes a pleasant balance. It is not as oppressively hot as the peak of the scorching season, yet not as heavily affected by rainfall as the wet season. This delightful period ensures visitors can fully explore and enjoy numerous attractions in Naypyidaw without enduring the extremes of the other seasons.

Read more: Best time to visit Myanmar

How to reach Naypyitaw?

Naypyidaw is well-connected through various transportation options facilitating easy access for visitors and locals. The Naypyidaw Station, located on the main Yangon-Mandalay rail line, serves as a crucial railway hub, offering a nine-hour train journey from Yangon to Naypyidaw.

For the airways option, the Naypyidaw Airport, situated 10 miles southeast of the city, caters to all domestic airlines, ensuring efficient air travel to and from Naypyidaw. Frequent flights with reputable carriers like Air Bagan, Air Mandalay, Myanma Airways, and Yangon Airways link Naypyidaw to Yangon and other major cities in the country. Additionally, for those who prefer the charm of a road trip, a new highway has recently opened, which helps to reduce the travel time to Naypyidaw from Yangon to a manageable four hours. 

The most convenient way to reach Naypyidaw is by air

Hotels and Accommodations in Naypyidaw

Naypyidaw offers a range of hotels and accommodations to cater to the needs of visitors, whether they are business travelers or tourists exploring the city's attractions. Here are some notable options you can choose to stay for your trip to Naypyidaw:

• Kempinski Hotel Nay Pyi Taw: This luxurious 5-star hotel provides elegant rooms and suites, along with excellent amenities such as spa facilities, multiple dining options, and a beautiful outdoor pool.
• Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort Nay Pyi Taw: This upscale resort boasts spacious villas and suites with traditional decor. Guests can indulge in the resort's spa, enjoy the swimming pool, and savor diverse cuisines at their on-site restaurants.
• Hilton Nay Pyi Taw: Part of the renowned Hilton chain, this hotel offers comfortable rooms, modern amenities, and various recreational facilities, including a fitness center and an outdoor pool.
• Myat Taw Win Hotel: A mid-range option, Myat Taw Win Hotel provides comfortable and well-equipped rooms. 
• Royal Nay Pyi Taw Hotel: Situated in a prime location, this hotel offers easy access to major attractions. 
• Junction Hotel Nay Pyi Taw: This budget-friendly hotel offers clean and simple rooms, making it an affordable choice for travelers seeking comfortable accommodation in Naypyidaw.

Check Out Some of the Famous Places in Naypyidaw: Uncovering What To Do in Nay Pyi Taw?

There is no shortage of famous places in Nay Pyi Taw for international travelers to discover. From the natural landscapes to the sacred sites, all these attractions should be included in your travel itinerary when traveling to this destination. Keep reading to find out where to go in Nay Pyi Taw:

Observe the Parliament House

A visit to the Parliament House is an absolute must in Naypyidaw. This grand 800-acre complex, comprising 31 buildings, serves not only as the Parliament but also functions as the Presidential Palace. The architectural brilliance of this place makes it an awe-inspiring sight that you simply cannot miss. To truly appreciate its splendor, we recommend heading to the Baily Bridge, where you can capture the best vantage point and take in the breathtaking view of this iconic landmark.

Explore the Pagodas

The Uppatasanti Pagoda and Thatta Thattaha Maha Bawdi Pagoda, which are modeled after two world-famous pagodas, Yangon's Shwedagon Pagoda and India’s Maha Bawdi Temple, are sacred sites where locals and tourists come to pay their respects. Ensure you spend your time exploring the serene beauty and cultural significance of these pagodas, as they offer a unique opportunity to experience the spiritual essence and architectural marvels. 

You can learn more about the culture of Nay Pyi Taw by visiting the pagodas

Visit the Museums 

Nay Pyi Taw has numerous museums; thus, visiting the museum is among the top things to do in Naypyidaw. You can learn more about the military history and capabilities by visiting the Defense Services Museum. The National Museum is a go-to place to discover the rich tapestry of Myanmar's past and culture. In case you are curious about rare and precious stones, don't miss the Gems Museum, where you can marvel at an exquisite collection of these natural treasures. 

Connect to nature by enjoying nature-related activities

Let's embrace the beauty of nature and immerse yourself in various captivating nature-related activities awaiting you in Nay Pyi Taw. You can experience the joy of bonding with gentle giants at the Elephant Camp, where you can interact with these adorable creatures and create cherished memories.

For a moment of pure relaxation, indulging in the rejuvenating hot springs is highly recommended, which offers a soothing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The Zoological Garden, where you can observe rare and fascinating animal species thriving in their natural habitats, is suitable for a family outing. 

Conclusion

Naypyidaw, Myanmar's weird capital, offers a one-of-a-kind travel experience. From its grandiose architecture and peculiarities to its green spaces and unique attractions, Naypyidaw has something intriguing for every visitor. Get Myanmar e-visa today and prepare for your upcoming trip to Myanmar. If you haven’t traveled to Myanmar yet, let’s read the Myanmar Travel Guide For Newcomers for the best preparation.