The region has a local steppe climate with an average rainfall of 807mm. Sagaing is bordered by Kachin State, Shan State, Mandalay Region, Magway Region, Chin State, and India. The region’s  size is 93.527 km².

Sagaing is rich with religious sites and is known as one of the main places for meditation in Myanmar. The population of this area is 5.325 million (2014).

Famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Archaeological Sites, this ancient city once housed a large village that was the capital city of the Pyu city-state. Listed as one of the three Pyu cities under the UNESCO World Heritage Site, this timeworn city is the place where the wondrous glory of ancient Pyu city state. The city is also known for its hot springs.

Ahnyarthihataw pagoda is located in the middle of the Ayeyarwaddy river in Khinoo Township. Buddha relics were enshrined in it after it was constructed near the river. Ahnyarthihataw’s majestic design allows it to emit a spectrum of colours when lights touch the surface, presenting tourists with a breathtaking view. On his 32nd birthday, King Alaungsithu renovated the place and extended Ahnyarthihataw’s height to reach 16 metres.

The name ‘Boditahtaung’ means ‘1,000 Buddhas’. Sayadaw U Narada planted Bodi Trees, built pagodas and Buddha statues there before he passed away. The second tallest standing Buddha in the world towers over the surrounding landscape. Inside the torso, there are stairways with beautiful paintings that visitors will love. The lower stairways depict scenes from hell, which could be gruesome or disturbing for some tourists.

The massive Mingun Pahtodawgyi pagoda was intended to be the largest in the country. The pagoda was left incomplete due to a prophecy that mentioned the downfall of the country upon its completion. The remains of two 29m tall lions are still guarding the pagoda. The huge entrance facing the river is richly decorated and the huge cracks in the structure are from an earthquake of 1838.

At 4m high, the Mingun Bell is considered the largest ringing bell in the world. It is rung by striking its exterior with a wooden log. The number 55555 inscribed in Burmese script on the bell’s surface represents its weight in viss, which is about 90 tons. The bell was meant for Mingun Pahtodawgyi, but as the stupa was never finished, it is now housed nearby.

The old mural and paintings on the walls of the cave showcase the beauty of Myanmar’s amazing expertise in art and architecture. The art of painting in Myanmar began between the 11th and 13th century and blossomed during the Pin Ya, Sagaing, Ava, and Amarapura eras. The murals representing the history of Buddha may have faded, but the intricate details are still widely acknowledged and admired.

A Laung Taw Kathapha Elephant Camp is located in Kani Township and can be found in a forested area in the heart of Maharmying National Garden. Visitors can reach it from Kani or Monyawa and will pass several villages and log-housing camps. The long travelling duration is replaced with a relaxing bath in the water of “Thitsar well” located near the cave.

Kaungmudaw Pagoda, also called Yaza Mani Sula is located 10 kilometres from Innwa. It was built by King Thalun and his son in A.D 1636. Its egg-shaped design is something unusual for a Burmese pagoda. The enormous dome rises up to 46 metres. At the base of the pagoda, there are 812 stone pillars, each hollow space with an image of a Nat in it.

King Bagyidaw built the stunning Mya Thein Tan(Hsinbyume) pagoda to honour his late wife. The design differed from the usual pagoda designs in Myanmar as this pagoda and its seven terraces depict the Sulamani pagoda and mountains of the mythical Mount Meru from the Buddhist mythology. In 1874, King Mindon restored the pagoda after it was damaged in an earthquake in 1838.