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.
Origin: Lineage – Myanmar, Kayin, Chin. Language spoken – Myanmar. Religion followed – Theravada Buddhism, Christianity
Geography: 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
Interesting facts: Capital of Myanmar. Houses administrative, legal and military headquarters. Population 924,608 (2014)
GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS
Being the country’s capital, Nay Pyi Taw houses spectacular Government buildings. The Parliament house features traditional Myanmarese architecture with the interiors showcasing local culture and traditions. The City Hall, the headquarter of Nay Pyi Taw Development Committee is another landmark building in the capital. The magnificent two buildings of Myanmar International Convention Centre is another tourist attraction in the city. Several high-level programmes including the World Economic Forum East Asia and the ASEAN Tourism forum has been held here. Apart from this, Nay Pyi Taw also houses the Supreme Court and the Presidential Palace and other Government headquarters.
BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPING
Located in a plain between the Bago Yoma and Shan Yoma mountain ranges, Nay Pyi Taw is considered one of the greenest capital in the world. With a limited population, Nay Pyi Taw presents a low-density urban environment with clean air and little noise pollution. The greenery is impressive. Nay Pyi Taw hosts several gardens which add to the greenery of the city. The National Landmark Garden which houses miniature models of states and regions of Myanmar is a popular tourist attraction. The Zoological Garden is the biggest of its kind in Myanmar covering around 500 acres and providing shelter to 430 animals representing 81 species. The Water Fountain Garden is another must-visit spot in the city with an attractive steel structure archway entrance and several ponds and fountains inside it. People interested in astronomy can visit the Planetarium can gather knowledge about the universe. Nay Pyi Taw also has an 18 hole beautifully maintained Golf Course which has special designs to highlight the site’s natural attributes.
CULTURAL MONUMENTS & MUSEUMS
Apart from being the administrative capital, Nay Pyi Taw has a cultural side to it. It has several pagodas which are very attractive. The Uppatasanti Pagoda is one of the most renowned landmarks of Nay Pyi Way with a height of 100-metres. A park with while elephants is located at the foot of this pagoda named as White Elephants House. The local people believe that the elephants bring them luck, peace and prosperity. The 54 meters high Thatta Thattaha Maha Bawdi Pagoda is another place which can be visited in Nay Pyi Taw. Nay Pyi Taw also has a number of museums. One of the most prominent is the National Museum which is spread into five buildings. Overall, the museum houses a mini theatre, VIP holding rooms, President’s gifts exhibition room, display area and much more. The Defence Services Museum is also a place to visit. It is a collection of magnificent building spread over a wide area set at the backdrop of the Shan hills. One can get an understanding of Myanmar’s military struggles and achievements by visiting this museum.
POPULAR PLACES
Parliament House 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.
City Hall 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.
MICC 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.
Gems Museum 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 21,450carats. Myanmar is well-known for its precious stones which are rightly depicted through the displays at the Gems Museum. The Museum also displays an enormous natural pearl. The venue of the national gems emporium.
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. The display area in building B is divided into different exhibition rooms.
Defence Services Museum 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 museum has 6 booths of Armed Forces.
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.
Planetarium 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.
Royal Myanmar Golf Course 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. It also features a Maha Hsutaungpyae Buddha image, four jade Buddha images in the hollow cave.
White Elephant House Tourists interested to view some exotic wild animals can head to the White 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.
Thatta Thattamaha Bawdi Pagoda 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.
