Nay Pyi Taw is the administrative and political capital of Myanmar. It was declared as the capital in 2006, although most commercial activity still takes place in the former capital Yangon. It is administered as the Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory. There is more to Nay Pyi Taw than only being the capital of the nation. It is close to three important states – Shan, Kayah and Kayin. The entire region has developed rapidly over the last decade. Tourists like the wide, manicured, multi-lane roads of the town which is free from traffic congestion. Nay Pyi Taw is the country’s centre for meetings, incentives, conferences and events. It houses over 50 hotels including top international brands fully equipped with luxury facilities to host VIP guests. The city has state-of-the-art systems for hosting banquets and conferences at the two large buildings of Myanmar International Convention Centres. Several prestigious events such as the World Economic Forum East Asia, ASEAN Summit and ASEAN Tourism Forum has been successfully held here. Nay Pyi Taw also has a number of tourist destinations such as museums, pagodas, gardens as well as magnificent natural views which attract tourists from all over the world.
Lineage – Myanmar, Kayin, Chin. Language spoken – Myanmar. Religion followed – Theravada Buddhism, Christianity
Climate -There are three seasons – summer, rainy and winter. Region borders – Magway Region, Sagaing Region & Shan State. Region size – 7,054.37 sq.km/ 2,723.71 sq miles
Capital of Myanmar. Houses administrative, legal and military headquarters. Population 924,608 (2014)
Since Nay Pyi Taw is the capital of the country, it houses the Parliament House. The impressive parliament building covers an 800-acre campus. It contains 31 structures including the President’s residence and is located in the Zebuthiri township approachable through a 20-lane highway. The building features Myanmarese architecture where the interiors reflect local culture and traditions.
Nay Pyi Taw City Hall is the headquarters of Nay Pyi Taw Development Committee and is a landmark building of the city. During important state occasions, the National Anthem of Myanmar is played by the State Orchestra in the City Hall. The City Hall has exhibits beautiful architecture with a Myanmar style decorated roof. There is a park with a playground and water fountain behind the hall.
A notable landmark of the city is the two buildings of Myanmar International Convention Centre (MICC). A number of large-scale international events have been hosted here including the World Economic Forum East Asia and the ASEAN Tourism Forum. MICC I has 2 main halls, 33 function rooms and 40 supporting rooms spread over 6000 square metres of space. It was inaugurated in 2014. MICC II, inaugurated in 2010.
Tourists looking forward to exploring the local culture can visit the 3-stories Gems Museum flanked by two white elephant sculptures. The museum features a 69 kg jade boulder and Myanmar’s largest ruby weighing 21, 450 carats.Myanmar is well-known for its precious stones which are depicted through displays at the Gems Museum.
The National Museum is located on a 14-hectare plot near the Kumudra circle in Ottarathiri township. It is spread over five buildings – A, B, C, D and E. Building A houses a mini theatre, VIP holding rooms, President’s Gift Exhibition Room and a Public Area. The rest of the buildings have display areas for different items.
Nay Pyi Taw houses an impressive defence services museum, a grand collonaded collection of buildings spread over a 604-acre site. The building enjoys a spectacular view of the countryside, located at the backdrop of Shan Hills. The museum has opened to enable people to learn about the independence struggles, historic battles and actions of armed forces since its birth in 1945.
The Water Fountain Garden is another tourist attraction of Nay Pwi Taw. It has an eye-catching steel structure arch-way entrance. The garden contains one main pond with three fountains and 11 small ponds with 13 different kinds of fountains. There are opportunities for other activities inside too.
The National Landmark Garden is a miniature model of the states and regions of Myanmar, situated on a 400-acre plot near Thaik chaung Village in Zeyathiri Township. The garden showcases scaled-down versions of the country’s most famous attractions, such as the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Ngapali Beach in Rakhine State and Inlay Lake in Shan State. It is a great place to visit to learn Myanmar national races’
The Zoological Garden in Nay Pyi Taw is the biggest of its kind in Myanmar. Located just off the old Yangon-Mandalay Highway, the zoo covers about 500 acres and is home to 430 animals, representing 81 species. Apart from the animal native to Myanmar, there are exotic foreign animals such as penguins and kangaroos. One of the most popular attractions is a white tiger.
Tourists interested in astronomy can visit the Planetarium. It provides a wealth of knowledge about the solar system and the wonders of the universe. Visitors can view the exhibits of planets, the moon, the earth and other wonders of the universe. There are a number of audiovisual displays. The planetarium is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, except Mondays.
Nay Pyi Taw is home to the Royal Myanmar Golf Course which is an 18-hole well-maintained golf course. It is shaped to accentuate the terrain and is characterised by designs in between which highlight the sites natural attributes. It also has a City Golf Pro Shop for full services including rentals sets for playing.
Uppatasanti Pagoda is a renowned landmark of Nay Pyi Taw city. The pagoda stands 100 m high, is an almost exact replica of Shwedagon Pagoda of Yangon and houses a Buddha tooth relic from China. At the pagoda, Buddha’s path to the achievement of Nirvana is depicted through majestic statues. Maha Hsutaungpyae Buddha image and four jade Buddha images in the hollow cave.
Tourists interested to view some exotic wild animals can head to the While Elephant House. At the foot of the Uppatasanti Pagoda, there is a park home to several white elephants in Nay Pyi Taw. The people of Myanmar believe bring with them Luck, peace and prosperity to their life. The elephant house has been built in the traditional Myanmar architectural style and features grassland and viewing areas.
This 162 feet high pagoda is a replica of Buddha Gaya of India, where Buddha attained enlightenment. It was built on the Udayayanthi Hill lock in Pohbbathiri Township. it is only about a 10 to 20 minutes drive from Nay Pyi Taw and is a great place to visit.
Wunna Theikdi Stadium is a multi-use international standard stadium including a modern gymnasium and swimming pool. The oval-shaped stadium can seat 30,000 spectators and covers a floor area of 44,000 square metres. The opening and the closing ceremonies of the 2013 Southeast Asian Games and 2014 ASEAN Para Games were held here.