Myanmar, also known as Burma, is a beautiful country located in Southeast Asia. With a rich history and culture, Myanmar offers many fascinating topics for riddles. In this article, we have collected 35 riddles about various aspects of Myanmar, along with their answers.
Geography Riddles
Riddle 1
I am a long river that flows through Myanmar from north to south. I provide irrigation for the country’s major agricultural areas before emptying into the Andaman Sea. What am I?
Answer: The Irrawaddy River
Riddle 2
I am Myanmar’s largest city and former capital, located on the eastern bank of the Yangon River near the Gulf of Martaban. Known for my glittering Shwedagon Pagoda, I am the country’s main port and commercial center. What city am I?
Answer: Yangon
Riddle 3
I am a 5,881 meter high mountain located in Kachin State, Myanmar. I am the highest point in Myanmar and Southeast Asia. Climbers flock to me to scale my snow-capped peak. What mountain am I?
Answer: Mount Hkakabo Razi
History Riddles
Riddle 4
I was the last royal capital of Burma, ruling from 1885 until my conquest by the British in 1885. I am located in Mandalay Region in northern Myanmar. What am I?
Answer: The Konbaung Dynasty
Riddle 5
I am the famous Burmese nationalist who led Burma to independence from Britain in 1948. I was assassinated in 1947, just before independence. Who am I?
Answer: Aung San
Riddle 6
I am the temple complex located near Bagan, containing over 2,000 temples dating from the 9th to 13th centuries. I served as the capital of the Pagan Kingdom, the first kingdom to unify the regions that would later constitute modern Myanmar. What am I?
Answer: Bagan
Culture Riddles
Riddle 7
I am a form of Burmese dance drama featuring vibrant costumes, stylized dialogue, and music. Folk tales and religious stories are often told through this dance form. What am I?
Answer: Anyeint
Riddle 8
I am a wrap-around skirt traditionally worn by women in Myanmar. I come in vivid, colorful patterns and designs. What garment am I?
Answer: Longyi
Riddle 9
I am a popular Burmese Buddhist festival celebrated in April. I involve joyous water fights and the cleansing washing of Buddha images. What festival am I?
Answer: Thingyan Festival
People Riddles
Riddle 10
I am a Burmese politician and diplomat who served as the 8th United Nations Secretary-General from 1961 to 1971. I was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1961 for my work in settling the Laos crisis. Who am I?
Answer: U Thant
Riddle 11
I am a Burmese politician who served as State Counsellor of Myanmar and Leader of the National League for Democracy from 2016 to 2021. I was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 for promoting democratic reforms. Who am I?
Answer: Aung San Suu Kyi
Riddle 12
I am a Burmese comedian, film actor, and director who directed over 200 films between 1920-1940. I am considered the father of Burmese cinema for pioneering the Burmese film industry. Who am I?
Answer: Nyi Pu
Landmarks Riddles
Riddle 13
I am a 325 foot tall Buddhist stupa located in Yangon, Myanmar. My golden spire is encrusted with thousands of diamonds and gems, and my temple complex attracts pilgrims and tourists alike. What landmark am I?
Answer: Shwedagon Pagoda
Riddle 14
I am a 1,008 meter long teak footbridge spanning Lake Inle in Shan State, Myanmar. Local Intha people live in stilted houses on the lake and are known for their unique leg-rowing technique. What am I?
Answer: U Bein Bridge
Riddle 15
I am an 11th century temple complex situated near Mrauk U in the northern Rakhine State of Myanmar. My ruins contain hundreds of stupas and temples representing the former grandeur of the Rakhine kingdom. What site am I?
Answer: Mrauk U
Flora and Fauna Riddles
Riddle 16
I am the national flower of Myanmar, a bright yellow flower with five petals. I represent simplicity and humility in Burmese culture. What flower am I?
Answer: Padauk blossom
Riddle 17
I am a rare primate species endemic to Myanmar. With my black fur and white beard, I am called the “Old man of the forest.” What primate am I?
Answer: Hoolock gibbon
Riddle 18
I am a venomous snake species found throughout Myanmar, especially in grasslands and forests. I am responsible for the most snakebite deaths in Myanmar. What snake am I?
Answer: Russell’s viper
Food and Drink Riddles
Riddle 19
I am a popular Burmese cuisine made from rice noodles in a curry broth with egg, meat, and garnishes. I can be found at street stalls across Myanmar. What dish am I?
Answer: Mohinga
Riddle 20
I am a Burmese salad made from pickled tea leaves, cabbage, tomatoes, peanuts, sesame seeds, and garlic oil. Known for my unique sour and crunchy taste, I am commonly served alongside rice dishes. What salad am I?
Answer: Laphet thote
Riddle 21
I am a popular sweet Burmese dessert made from coconut milk, rice flour, and jaggery. My name comes from the Burmese word for “coconut milk.” What dessert am I?
Answer: Sanwin makin
Myths and Legends Riddles
Riddle 22
I am a female dragon wizard from Burmese mythology who used her powers to build ancient temples and pagodas. According to legend, many landmarks in Bagan were built with my magic. Who am I?
Answer: Popa Medaw
Riddle 23
We are ogres from Burmese folklore known for our great height and voracious appetites. We feature in tales of villagers outwitting us to avoid being eaten. What are we?
Answer: Bilu
Riddle 24
I am a legendary alchemist and prophet from Burmese history. It is said that King Anawrahta tried to execute me by burning at the stake, but I emerged unscathed. Who am I?
Answer: Shin Upagot
Religion Riddles
Riddle 25
I am the most popular religion in Myanmar, practiced by over 85% of the population. I believe that enlightenment will lead to nirvana and escape from samsara, the cycle of rebirth. What religion am I?
Answer: Theravada Buddhism
Riddle 26
I am a Buddhist missionary monk who spread Theravada Buddhism in Myanmar in the 11th and 12th centuries. My reforms strengthened Buddhism in Myanmar. Who am I?
Answer: Shin Arahan
Riddle 27
I am the week-long Buddhist festival celebrated in Myanmar in October or November. I end with Tazaungdaing Festival, marking the end of the rain retreat for Buddhist monks. What festival am I?
Answer: Thadingyut Festival
Literature and Poetry Riddles
Riddle 28
I am a famous Burmese writer and novelist, considered the father of modern Burmese literature. My novel, The Free Fail, is considered a masterpiece of Burmese fiction. Who am I?
Answer: Theippan Maung Wa
Riddle 29
I am a Burmese poet and writer who pioneered modern Burmese poetry in the early 20th century. I am known for fusing traditional Burmese verse with Western literary techniques. Who am I?
Answer: Zawgyi
Riddle 30
I am a Burmese literary work considered one of Myanmar’s great classical poems. Written in the late 18th century by U Aung Phyo, I tell the tragic love story of Prince Pyinsi and Princess Panchi. What epic poem am I?
Answer: Maha Razawin
Language Riddles
Riddle 31
I am the official language of Myanmar, spoken natively by around two-thirds of the population. I am written in a unique script adapted from Mon script. What language am I?
Answer: Burmese
Riddle 32
I am the most widely spoken ethnic minority language in Myanmar after Burmese, with over 4 million native speakers. I belong to the Sino-Tibetan language family. What language am I?
Answer: Shan
Riddle 33
I am a writing system used to write Burmese, Mon, Karen and other languages in Myanmar. Adapted from Mon script, I am written from left to right and contain circular shapes. What script am I?
Answer: Burmese script
Sports Riddles
Riddle 34
I am a martial art and full contact sport originating in Myanmar. I combine elements of boxing and kicking. Matches take place in a circular ring and fighters wear wraps but no gloves. What sport am I?
Answer: Lethwei
Riddle 35
I am a ball-based team sport originating from the Chin State of Myanmar. I involve two teams kicking a rattan ball back and forth with the aim of passing it through the opponent’s hoop-shaped goal. What sport am I?
Answer: Chinlone
Conclusion
Myanmar’s long and rich history has given rise to many intriguing riddles. Its diverse culture, cuisine, geography and more provide many fascinating topics to puzzle over. We hope you enjoyed this collection of 35 riddles about the beautiful country of Myanmar. Let us know if you have any other riddles from this amazing land to share!
