A total of 22,773 local and foreign travellers visited beaches during the 2026 New Year holidays, while the figure surged to over 60,000 during the February long holiday, with the majority of international tourists arriving from China, Russia, India, Korea and Thailand.

During the six-day-long holiday marking Union Day and the Chinese New Year, more than 60,000 local and foreign visitors visited beach resorts in Ayeyawady Region, including Ngwehsaung, Chaungtha, Shwethaungyan and Goyangyi beaches and other famous sites in Pathein, according to the Ayeyawady Region Directorate of Hotels and Tourism. During the long holiday from 12 to 17 February, Ngwehsaung beach welcomed 28,173 local travellers and 907 foreigners, whereas Chaungtha welcomed 30,555 locals and 115 foreign visitors, Shwethaungyan welcomed 919 locals and 82 foreigners, Goyangyi welcomed 5,947 local travellers, and the famous sites in Pathein hosted 5,947 local travellers and 68 tourists, totalling 66,996 travellers.
In 2025, the statistics reported that some 1,521,619 travellers at home and abroad visited Ayeyawady Region. At the beginning of 2026, visitor arrivals were already strong, and tourism service providers and hotel operators estimate that even more visitors may travel to the beaches during the upcoming Myanmar New Year Thingyan festival compared to last year.
“Tourism development in Ayeyawady Region has improved thanks to a better transport system. As the regional government continues to supervise and upgrade transport connectivity, travellers can now reach their destinations quickly and enjoy their holidays in comfort and peace. The strong condition of beach tourism has also boosted related businesses, generated good income and benefited the socioeconomic lives of locals. Since travelling contributes to both physical and mental well-being, we warmly invite visitors to come and relax during the upcoming holidays,” said U Aung Thu Oo, director of the regional directorate.
There are 38 hotels and 66 municipal guest houses at Ngwehsaung beach, 32 hotels and lodges and 60 municipal guest houses at Chaungtha beach, six hotels and lodges at Shwethaungyan beach and 23 hotels and lodges and 68 municipal guest houses in Pathein.
There were 22,773 local and foreign travellers to beaches during the 2026 New Year holidays, while there were over 60,000 during the February long holiday. Among the tourists, the largest numbers came from China, Russia, India, Korea, and Thailand. — Nyein Thu (MNA)/KTZH

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The Mann Shwesettaw Buddha Pujaniya Festival in Minbu (Sagu) Township, Magway Region, welcomed about 30,000 visitors to date during the festival period, and the guest houses were also fully reserved, according to the Pagoda Board of Trustees.
The pagoda festival is held from the 5th waxing of Tabodwe to the 1st day of Myanmar New Year (22 January to 17 April 2026) for 86 days. During the holidays, up to 16 February, about 30,000 pilgrims visited the pagoda. Arrangements have been made to ensure that visitors can stay comfortably in the guesthouses. Pilgrims have arrived not only by coaches from major cities such as Yangon and Mandalay but also by private vehicles from across the country. Daily vehicle entry ranges between 50 and 100 cars. Compared to last year’s festival period, this year has been noticeably more crowded. During weekends and the current long public holiday period, all lodging rooms were fully occupied. The number of pilgrims is expected to increase after the Grade 12 matriculation examinations conclude, said U Aye Ko, chairman of the Pagoda Board of Trustees.
Throughout the festival period, the busiest days each year are the opening day, the full moon day of Tabodwe, the full moon day of Taboung, and the Thingyan public holidays in Tagu. During this year’s festival, the Maha Pathana reciting event will be included. The locals from Minhlakyin village near the pagoda also arrange to visit the pagoda by carts. They visit before the full moon day of Taboung and return 1st waning of Taboung. Those who want to study the tradition of pilgrimage tour to Mann Shwesettaw Pagoda using bullock carts should visit before the full moon day of Taboung, he added.
“We make a day trip from Magway with our family. After arriving, we paid homage to the two sacred footprints, offered flowers, donated gold robes, and alms. We also made a food donation for Naga and gave food to the monkeys at the pagoda. Seeing our children relax and bathe in Mann Creek after walking around the pagoda made us feel joyful and content,” said Ko Zaw Htay Hlaing, a pilgrim from Magway.
“Mann Shwesettaw is a famous pagoda in Myanmar, and our family came together with friends by pilgrimage bus. As the festival takes place during the transition from the cold season to the hot season, we can truly feel the essence of summer. Along the journey, the sight of trees shedding old leaves and sprouting new ones is very beautiful. We will try to come again with our family next year,” said Daw Myint Kyi from Yangon.
“We have long wanted to visit Mann Shwesettaw. Since we had never visited the Shwesettaw Pagoda Festival before, we came with our children so they could experience it. The journey was peaceful and pleasant, and upon reaching the pagoda, we felt calm and happy in our hearts. During our pilgrimage, we performed acts of charity and merit, visited the festival market stalls, and enjoyed bathing in the Mann Creek. The Mann Shwesettaw Pagoda is a peaceful and joyful place to visit, so I would like to invite both those who have been here and those who have not yet visited to come and pay homage,” said Daw Htay Htay Hlaing from Kyimyindine. — Maung Maung (Minbu)/KTZH

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The Buddha Pujaniya festival of the Santawshin Myat Mawtinsun Pagoda, located in Hainggyikyun Town, Ngaputaw Township, Pathein District, Ayeyawady Region, started on 16 February (1st waxing of Taboung), and the pagoda was crowded with pilgrims, whereas the guesthouses were fully booked during the holidays.
The pilgrims take rest near the vicinity of the pagoda, and pay homage to the pagoda in early and evening sessions, doing good deeds such as meditating, reciting Paritta, Maha Pathana, donating oil lamps, flowers, water, and alms at dawn. They also donate cash for the all-around renovation of the pagoda and the expansion of the pagoda platform.
Visitors enjoy the natural beauty of the sea, take photos on the huge stones, and also visit Kyaukkalat, historic sites and pagodas around Hainggyikyun, and the Ngwetaung beach. — Hlaing Myo Aung (Hainggyikyun IPRD)/KTZH

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During the extended public holiday period from 12 to 17 February 2026, the Bagan cultural heritage zone experienced a continuous influx of domestic and international visitors, according to the pagoda boards of trustees. Travellers from across the country visited prominent pagodas and temples, contributing to a notable increase in tourism activity.
Among 18 famous sites, Shwezigon Pagoda welcomed more than 90,000 visitors, while Htilominlo Temple recorded over 60,000 visitors during the holiday period. Officials reported that pilgrims and tourists showed strong interest in observing and paying homage to the ancient monuments of Bagan.
Chairperson U Thein Aung of the Shwezigon Pagoda Board of Trustees expressed appreciation for the growing number of visitors. He noted that the long holiday encouraged both local pilgrims and foreign travellers to visit Myanmar’s cultural heritage sites and highlighted the importance of preserving and valuing the nation’s historical legacy.
Pagoda boards of trustees stated that foreign visitors mainly came from China, Japan, Russia, the Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Switzerland, France, Spain, Germany, Poland, Italy, Slovenia and Brazil. The steady flow of visitors significantly boosted the local tourism sector.
Locals benefited from the increased arrivals, as higher tourist numbers generated more business opportunities for vendors, transport services and tour guides. Community members reported improved sales and stronger economic activity compared with the same period last year.
U Tin Hla Oo, Secretary of the Htilominlo Temple Board of Trustees, said the sustained visitor turnout had brought encouraging results for the region. He expressed optimism that tourism would continue to grow alongside national stability and extended an invitation to travellers to explore Bagan.
Although visitor numbers may decline slightly in March as the tourism season gradually approaches its conclusion ahead of the April Thingyan period, officials anticipate that Bagan will remain vibrant with domestic and international visitors during the Myanmar New Year festivities. — Thitsa (MNA)/KZL

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The Bagan-NyaungU Ancient Cultural Heritage Zone in NyaungU District, Mandalay Region, has been crowded with domestic travellers and pilgrims during the six-day office and school holidays, according to officials from the Shwezigon Pagoda Board of Trustees.
Visitors from across Myanmar have been arriving in large numbers at prominent historic religious sites, including Shwezigon Pagoda, Ananda Temple, Dhammayangyi Temple, Culamani Temple, Manuha Temple, Mahabodhi Temple and other ancient pagodas and monasteries in the Bagan-NyaungU area. Heavy visitor flow has caused traffic congestion and parking difficulties at several major temple compounds.
Although it is not a festival period, the heritage zone continues to attract a steady stream of domestic and international visitors. Travellers cited the region’s densely clustered historic temples, ancient brick structures, archaeological remains and the proximity of landmarks as key attractions.
A visitor from Yangon, Ma Sanda Hlaing, said Bagan remains a destination she wishes to revisit repeatedly due to its unique cultural landscape and spiritual significance. Similarly, U Zeya Aung from Myingyan noted that the continuous presence of pilgrims reflects the enduring value of the Bagan heritage zone.
Starting from 12 February, more than 100,000 visitors per day have entered the ancient cultural zone. Hotels, motels and guesthouses have reported full occupancy. Restaurants, local transport services, horse-cart operators, mini-vehicle rentals, tour guides and regional souvenir shops have experienced brisk business, according to local sources. —Dipa Lin/KZL

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To ensure visitors enjoy safe and peaceful trips, authorities have arranged leisure services including bicycle rentals, motorboat rides and horse riding, alongside stalls selling local cuisine, consumer goods and souvenirs.

The Ngwetaung Beach in Hainggyikyun, Ngaputaw Township, Ayeyawady Region, attracted 29,755 domestic visitors in January, and traveller arrivals are on the rise, according to Daw Ni Ni Mar, an executive of the Myanmar Tourism Entrepreneurs Association (Ngwetaung Beach).
Located near the Myat Mawtinsun Pagoda, the Ngwetaung Beach is a popular year-round destination for local travellers. Most visitors reportedly come from Yangon Region and the Nay Pyi Taw Council Area.
“In December 2025, 22,745 domestic travellers visited the Ngwetaung Beach. In January 2026, the number rose to 29,755. Visitor arrivals are steadily increasing, and the beach continues to welcome travellers throughout the year. Last month, there were many travellers during the long holidays. The Mawtinsun Pagoda Festival will start soon, so pilgrims will also come here, leading to more visitors to the beach,” Daw Ni Ni Mar said.
To ensure visitors enjoy their trips in a safe and peaceful environment, arrangements have been made for leisure activities and services such as bicycle rentals, motorboat rides, and horse riding. In addition, stalls offer local food, consumer goods, and souvenirs. — ASH/MKKS

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A six-day trade fair featuring local products will be held at the foot of the Taungpula Mountain, an area that attracts approximately 3,000 pilgrims daily, according to its Sayadaw via his social media page.
It is scheduled to run from 12 to 17 February. The goals of the event are to allow pilgrims to purchase fresh local products at affordable prices, to create market connections for local farmers, and to ensure consumers have access to clean, fresh, local produce.
The fair is open to anyone wishing to sell local goods, including strawberries, avocados, garlic, onions, cauliflower, mustard greens, Khao Pote, dried soybeans, dried tofu, Sun-tan, oil tofu, dried venison, pickled mustard greens, and honey.
Sayadaw has invited actual growers and producers to come and sell their goods at their own preferred prices. Located in Watwun village-tract, Mandalay Region, the Taungpula Mountain has seen a surge in domestic tourists from Yangon and other regions since the start of the open season. To accommodate visitors, the site offers free overnight stay and charity meals (Satuditha) for pilgrims.
To ensure a smooth journey for visitors, a concrete road is currently being paved along the access route to Taungpula. — MT/ ZN

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In Phonkanrazi Wildlife Sanctuary, located in PutaO, Machanbaw, and Nagmon townships of PutaO District, Kachin State, and covering 1,044 square miles (668,160 acres), Takin and blue sheep, the primary prey of the snow leopard, are found, according to the sanctuary’s administration office.
The Khakaborazi National Park and the US Panthera jointly conducted research on snow leopards in the mountain ranges of Khakaborazi, at an altitude of 10,000-16,000 feet in the northernmost part of Myanmar in 2018 by installing the cameras. Although no images of snow leopards were captured, prey species such as blue sheep, takin, and red foxes were recorded and are still thriving today.
“ There are nine staff in Phonkanrazi Wildlife Sanctuary, stationed at four outposts, carrying out conservation activities. The sanctuary is not only a source of national pride but also an important watershed area and a habitat for rare species. As the snow leopard is endangered, research using camera traps recorded its prey species, such as takin, blue sheep, and red foxes. Loving wildlife and the sanctuary is not enough. We also need to attend training programmes to learn how to conserve and protect them effectively and to share knowledge about certain conservation methods. Especially, Phonkanrazi Wildlife Sanctuary is an important watershed area for the country,” said Daw Nilar Pwint, the sanctuary’s warden.

The sanctuary is home to 36 species of mammals, 370 bird species, 360 insect species, 42 coldwater fish species, 53 tree species, 13 bamboo species, 220 orchid species, six species of rhododendron, and 33 medicinal plant species. Although access is difficult due to the high mountain ranges and snow coverage, conservation efforts are carried out through four main guard posts. However, since funding from the RNH fund ended, patrol-based educational activities and bird surveys have been suspended.
Hponkanrazi Wildlife Sanctuary remains beautiful throughout the year with its montane moist forests, evergreen forests, pine forests, rhododendron forests, and grasslands. It is being protected with the objectives of conserving biodiversity and ecosystems in Myanmar’s eastern Himalayan snow-covered region, safeguarding the watershed area of the Ayeyarwady River and ensuring long-term environmental sustainability, and promoting nature-based tourism to improve the livelihoods of local communities. The sanctuary also plays a key role in supporting the watershed of the Malikha River.
On the steep mountain slopes of Phonkanrazi Sanctuary, fragrant davana flowers grow abundantly and are favoured by blue sheep and takin. Various endangered wildlife species, plant species, and fish species continue to survive and thrive within the sanctuary. — Thitsa/KTZH

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Band-e-Amir National Park, the first national park in the country, in central Afghanistan is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations, with its six deep blue lakes that shimmer high in the Hindu Kush mountains.

Visitors can picnic and even rent swan-shaped paddle boats to navigate one of six deep blue lakes that shimmer high in the mountains, amid picturesque red-hued cliffs and rocky natural dams. The peaceful Band-e-Amir Park tells an entirely different story of a country whose recent historical narrative has been defined by violence.

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The number of international travellers visiting the Bagan Archaeological Museum is increasing alongside a general rise in foreign arrivals to the Bagan region, according to locals and museum officials.

On average, five to six foreign visitors tour the museum daily, with numbers rising to about 10 visitors during public holidays.

“We are seeing an increase in foreign tourists entering the Bagan region. Many prioritize visiting the ancient pagodas. Hotel registries likely show even higher numbers. Museum attendance is definitely up. We used to see only one or two foreigners a day; now it’s consistently five, six, or even 10 people. It is busy particularly on weekends. We’ve observed this upward trend specifically during the current cold season,” said a museum official.

According to museum records, visitors have arrived from a diverse range of countries, including China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Germany, Spain, Russia, USA, and Canada.

The museum is open daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, except for Mondays and public holidays. The entry fee for foreign visitors is set at 10,000 kyats per person. Travel industry sources also indicate that with the steady growth of international arrivals, many travellers are currently making arrangements to visit Bagan during the upcoming holidays in February. – MT/ZN

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